“A well spec’d device that bridges the gap between a basic stereo field recorder and a more advanced multitrack device”: Zoom H4 Essential review

What is it?

If you’re after a compact field recorder, Zoom’s Handy series offers plenty of choice and great value. Options include not only mono/stereo recorders but also multitrack devices such as the H4 Essential that we have up for review. Much like other Handy recorders the H4 Essential provides a choice of inputs and here these include stereo onboard mics in a fixed XY orientation, two XLR/TRS mic/line/instrument inputs with phantom power and a 3.5mm mic/line input with plugin power.

However, what the H4 Essential also offers is simultaneous recording to up to six tracks and playback from four tracks. The audio recording format is 32-bit float and coupled with Zoom’s adjustment free gain stage provides clip-free recording. There’s also support for a range of micro SD cards up to 1TB, meaning plenty of recording capacity.

In terms of layout, the onboard mics and main inputs top and tail the device, and you’ll find further connections such as 3.5mm line/headphone output, 3.5mm mic/line input, volume dial, USB-C connector, menu control dial and micro SD slot on the sides.

Meanwhile on the back is the onboard speaker. This handles playback and record monitoring, as well as the spoken accessibility option if selected. The menu driven colour screen handles most settings options, but you’ve also got dedicated track selection buttons, and a bunch of transport controls just below. There’s also a Mixer button to open the mixer page.

The H4 Essential can be battery (2xAA) or USB powered, and the USB connector also handles USB audio interfacing and file transfer to your device (computer, smartphone and tablet).

Pricing

• Full price: £205 / €239
• APH-4e accessories: £55
• BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter: £39

Performance

The H4 Essential is slightly bigger than its stereo siblings but at 243 grams including batteries is still reasonably light and easy to operate one-handed. Should you want to stand mount it, there’s a standard camera thread on the bottom.

For recording the XLR/TRS inputs get two dedicated tracks, the next two tracks are for either the onboard mics or 3.5mm mic/line input – plugging into the latter cuts the onboard mics. Finally, tracks 5&6 record the mixer blend. To clarify, there’s no way to record all six physical inputs simultaneously, and no way to overdub onto an existing recording. Screen quadrants display real-time waveforms for the active inputs, and display icons access settings – inputs, outputs, USB and so on.

Features of note include mono mixing of the onboard mics and individual low-cut filters for all inputs (80, 160, 240Hz). The two external inputs can be stereo linked or set to MS mode, which converts your MS input to a stereo recording with user selectable sides level. H4 Essential’s Mixer page primarily serves to balance the active inputs for monitoring. However, the Rec Source option also allows recordings to capture post mixer levels, which is a handy inclusion.

H4 Essential can be used as a 4 in / 2 out USB audio interface at 44.1, 48 and 96kHz with 24 or 32-bit. If you also want to simultaneously record to micro SD, interfacing still works, but is limited to 48kHz, which is a shame.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning there are two pay for add-on options. The BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter fits in a dedicated side slot to provide app based remote control. And the APH-4e accessory pack adds windshield, case and USB power supply.

Verdict

All told, the H4 Essential is a well spec’d device that bridges the gap between a basic stereo field recorder and a more advanced multitrack device. It does have some limitations, but nevertheless its screen-based simplicity and integrated simultaneous USB audio interfacing make it a desirable choice.

Hands-on demos

ZoomSoundLab

ZOOM H4essential Quick Tour - YouTube

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Alternatives

Tascam DR-40X: £175 at tascam.eu

Simultaneous 4 track recording and adjustable onboard mics make this recorder a flexible choice.

Read more about Tascam DR-40X

Sony PCM-A10: £219 at sony.co.uk

This stereo recorder has some great options including adjustable mics, smart phone remote control and Bluetooth playback.

Read more about Sony PCM-A10

Specifications