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Whether you're recording a live performance, a podcast, a class or workshop, a rehearsal, a songwriting session or even a sizzling performance of your band, the H4 has more recording tools available than any device ever made. Weighing a mere 6.7 ounces (190g), the H4 puts a remarkable amount of recording power in the palm of your hand.
Underneath its sleek exterior are built-in studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. Use the combination XLR-1/4-inch inputs for external mics, guitars, bass or keyboards. Also onboard are Zoom's most incredible microphone, guitar and bass modeling, accurately reproducing the tone of the most famous microphones and amps ever made. Audio can be recorded as WAV or MP3 files and moved to a computer via USB for easy editing, mixing and mastering. True stereo imaging
Stereo recording is often accomplished by using two microphones in a V-shaped set up that faces the performer. While this method will result in good stereo separation, responsiveness for the area directly in front of the mics will be low, causing problems with depth perception and imaging. The Zoom H4 uses an X/Y configuration where the two microphones point inward at a crossing angle. This allows the recorder to cover a wide area, and at the same time capture sound sources in the center with perfect clarity and definition. Phase differences between left and right channels are also eliminated because sound is picked up simultaneously by both microphones. 
24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM format and MP3 recording
The H4 allows 24-bit/96 kHz linear PCM recording in WAV format, resulting in excellent transparency and definition that exceeds the sound quality of CDs. This is great for capturing the nuances of an acoustic instrument while preserving the ambience of the recording location. Or record directly as MP3 files for longer recordings that still provide excellent sound quality.  Secure Digital (SD) Media
The H4 records on Secure Digital (SD) Media cards. These widely available cards boast an amazing amount of recording time in a small package. And unlike tape or disc media, mechanical vibrations do not affect recording quality. With a 16GB SDHC memory card(*), the H4 can provide up to 24 hours of stereo WAV file recording in 44.1 kHz/16-bit mode or as many as 280 hours when recording at 128 kbps in MP3 stereo mode.
*The maximum file size is limited to 2GB. Combination XLR-1/4" Inputs
The H4, with its two phantom powered XLR-1/4" input jacks that support direct connection of external microphones, is the solution to an infinite number of recording situations. You can also use the H4's Hi-Z rated phone inputs for direct connection of guitars, bass, or any other line-input device. Input level optimization for detailed sound
The H4's excellent dynamic range allows you to consistently match the input level to the source. Whether you're recording a band's live performance, a solo vocalist, acoustic instruments, a classroom lecture or even a subtle soundscape, the H4's automatic gain control lets you limit peaks to -6 dB during Rec Stand-by position. And its built-in level meter and separate Low / Mid / High gain settings for the built-in stereo mics mean you can monitor operation and make adjustments on the fly. Portable multi-track recording
Capture vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, drum machines and other instruments on separate tracks with the H4's 4-track mode. The H4 allows simultaneous recording on two tracks and simultaneous playback on four tracks. Level and panning can be adjusted for each track individually. Punch-in recording and track bouncing make editing a breeze. Other features include a versatile tuner for guitar and bass, a metronome for use as a rhythm guide and A-B repeat capability. *While in 4-track mode, the H4 records as 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files. Portable multi-track recording Onboard effects with microphone and amp modeling
The integrated DSP effects processor with 32-bit architecture employs the latest modeling technology to replicate the most famous guitar, bass and microphone sounds. The array consists of 4 microphones (SM57 / MD421 / U87 / C414), 12 guitar amps and stomp boxes such as Fender, Marshall, Vox, and Mesa Boogie and 6 bass amps and preamps including Ampeg, Bassman, and Hartke. We've also included a compressor / limiter to prevent input signal overload, Zoom Noise Reduction (ZNR) and other studio quality effects such as chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, and reverb. The effect memory of the H4 accommodates 60 patches. 50 presets are already programmed for applications such as direct recording of guitar and bass as well as mic recording of vocals and acoustic guitar. *In stereo mode, only mic modeling and the compressor / limiter effects can be used.
*Mic modeling effects are only for use with the built-in microphones. It's a USB audio interface
The H4 also will function as a direct audio interface for your computer. Connect the supplied USB cable and record directly to your computer. And the H4 comes bundled with Cubase LE 4 from Steinberg so you can start to produce and edit music straight away. Thanks to the direct hardware monitoring function, there is no latency problem, you can hear what you're recording as you're playing it. *Effects can only be used when the sampling rate is 44.1kHz. Drag and drop file transfer
When the H4 is connected to a computer via USB, it also functions as an SD card reader. This allows you to drag and drop audio files to your computer like you would pictures from a digital camera. Create a media player sound library, tailor a recording with a waveform editor, then mix and master with a DAW. Then create your own CDs, send files by e-mail, or use them for podcasting. The possibilities are endless. The H4 will even function as a portable MP3 player. Intuitive user interface
The H4's easy-to-use control interface uses cursor keys and a jog dial that lets you operate most functions with one hand. Its backlight LCD makes for easy navigation, even in dark settings, thanks to a clear graphic layout and well-designed icons. A key-hold function prevents inadvertent operation during recording. Power supplies
Thanks to its circuit design optimized for low voltage operation, the H4 can record continuously for about four hours on a pair of AA batteries. The supplied AC adaptor (AD-0006) can be plugged in for extended use. When using the H4 as an SD card reader or USB audio interface, it can be powered via USB. Record anywhere
Included with the H4 is a windscreen to alleviate unwanted noise from turbulence and a tripod adaptor that allows easy mounting to a standard camera tripod. Together, all these features and accessories make the Zoom H4 Handy Mobile recorder the most powerful, most versatile mobile recording device ever made. 
 About.com Review of the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder (rated 4/5 stars): "The Zoom H4 is remarkable at it's pricetag. Sure, there's options I'd change (namely, an external gain knob), but I doubt you'll find a better bang-for-the-buck anywhere else. It's construction quality is good, sound quality excellent, and included accessories and expanded capabilities top-notch. While a nice touch, the microphone modeling and guitar amp models aren't very powerful. That being said, you can't find a better value anywhere for such a good recording interface." Click here for the full review.
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