KVR Audio

adenozin · Post by **adenozin** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:32 pm

Hi guys,

so I'm looking to get a portable recorder to do some field recording (various noises from every day life, maybe some voices once in a while). I don't need something particularly high end since most of what I will be recording is going to be resynthesized and crushed beyond recognition but I was wondering if you could give me any pointers as to what is going to be important to look at when chosing the model, since I'm a real noob when it comes to recording.

I don't really need any other input than a mic. My price range is between 150 and 250e

I've found these two models that would please my wallet :

http://www.thomann.de/gb/zoom_h2n.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/zoom_h4_n.htm

Do you think those might be what I'm looking for ? Is there any real advantages to the most expensive one appart from the additionnal inputs ? Do you know of any other model/brand I could be looking at ?

Thanks in advance.

michael2 · Post by **michael2** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:59 pm

i have heard great things about those devices, a guy I play with uses a Zoom all the time. for my needs (which get manipulated similar to what you describe) I just use my iphone. works a lot better than I had imagined.

tehlord · Post by **tehlord** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:15 pm

I've got an H4N and it's outstanding.

I'd say it's worth the extra features as you never know what you might use it for a year down the line.

Meffy · Post by **Meffy** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 10:55 pm

I was given an H4n as payment for a little Web work and I love it. Those inputs are its big selling point but it's also got software to use them. You can record two stereo wav files at once using the built-in mics plus whatever you plug into the input jacks. It's also got a multi-track recorder function so you can overdub and so forth.

The only drawbacks are its bulk and heft. I consider it a worthwhile tradeoff for all the power it provides.

The H2n I don't know much about so I can't say how they differ.

goldenanalog · Post by **goldenanalog** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:26 pm

I watch 'Ghosthunters'-the H4N is what the TAPS group uses.

Meffy · Post by **Meffy** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:32 pm

It's a good device regardless.

maschinelf · Post by **maschinelf** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:46 pm

I have a H4N and its excellent.

Based on your needa, the H2N may be more suitable. It also has 5 mics as opposed to the 2 on the H4N, so its more versatile if only used as a portable recorder with no other mics connected. With the H4N, you'd mostly be paying more for the 2 preamps.

Meffy · Post by **Meffy** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:50 pm

BTW, plan to buy at least two pairs of NiMH AA cells. The H4n consumes batteries pretty fast unless you use "Stamina" mode, which provides fewer features. I like that both H4n and H2n use standard batteries so you can get spares anywhere. Alkalines will work too but of course they're not reusable.

lofty · Post by **lofty** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 12:23 am

adenozin · Post by **adenozin** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 4:28 am

Thanks a bunch for the inputs guys !

I'm still not sure if I'm willing to fork out the extra 100e for the H-4N since for the moment I'm only looking for something to "revitalize" my creativity, I don't know if it's going to become a "thing" for me yet and I really don't need the extra inputs (i've got this area covered with my SC).

Do the pre-amps on the H-4N work with the mic as well or is it only for the jacks ? I Can't seem to find the info and that actually could tip the balance in its favour.

Anyway that's nice to know that I won't end up with some crappy stuff even if I opt for the cheaper route

Also @Meffy what do you mean by NiMH AA cells ? I've tried to google them but that wasn't particularly helpful. Are those specific rechargeable batteries or just regular ones ?

Cheers !

ClaRago · Post by **ClaRago** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 4:33 am

Adenozin, I have a spare H4N for sale.It was only (hardly) used for a month or so.I would be quite happy to let it go for € 150.00 to someone that needs it.I can throw in a remote control and batteries for instant use for that price,The only thing I think I am missing is the original packaging. I guess you live in Europe, shipping cost should be around € 20/25. I confirm it is a fabulous tool and feel guilty for not using it, but I am more interested in recording with computer gear.If any one else reading this post is interested, it is obviously up for grabs. Cheers.

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 9:45 am

lofty wrote:p.s. - everyone should go buy hydrophones ...

or make their own. contact mics, hydrophones, binaural mics, all quite simple to make if you can solder.

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 12:16 pm

Nice little article/video on the Zoom H4N in use for ambiences for one of the Ghost Recon games..

http://designingsound.org/2012/11/using ... more-13651

adenozin · Post by **adenozin** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 1:00 pm

ClaRago wrote:Adenozin, I have a spare H4N for sale.It was only (hardly) used for a month or so.I would be quite happy to let it go for € 150.00 to someone that needs it.I can throw in a remote control and batteries for instant use for that price,The only thing I think I am missing is the original packaging. I guess you live in Europe, shipping cost should be around € 20/25. I confirm it is a fabulous tool and feel guilty for not using it, but I am more interested in recording with computer gear.If any one else reading this post is interested, it is obviously up for grabs. Cheers.

I just sent you a pm

tehlord · Post by **tehlord** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 4:26 pm

Get a good wind muffler too!

Looking for an affordable portable recorder