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I am trying to find a 'one unit does all' recorder for both spot recording (sound effects capture) and also with shotgun mics for video. Multiple tracks would be very useful, no editing required on the unit as it'll all be done on a computer.

The sturdy Zoom H4n seems to do it all, has balanced inputs and great mics though I feel kinda guilty buying a unit like this to use an external mic as if the device isn't being used efficiently.

Just wondered what other uses experiences and advice might be before I sink a few hundred on a unit. Any tips or recommendations welcome!

Now on to search balanced cables..

Hi there!

Good choice! Zoom H4n truly is a great piece of gear. I have been using it for a long time. It is really worth every buck spent. However, it has its pros and cons, but in that price range, nothing beats it! Check out freesound.org for 'h4n' tags and I think you will be satisfied with its sonic characteristics. Talk to you soon!

Cheers,
Matt

I didn't think to search for tags!! - great idea, will do so now.

As a balanced input is not required use the Zoom H1. Cheap and good. search by Zoom h1.

This recorder is suitable for people with little money. Cost € 99, -
I am very pleased with this recorder. :lol:

@ klankbeeld I'm askin my momma and papa for the h1 for christmas, i would like the h4n but its a bit more pricey.

@Tomlija they give you the option to use external microphones simply because you may need to get close but physically can't
The H1 comes with a 1/4" input but in my experience those microphones aren't great. (piezos are the exception)
it all depends on how you plan to use the sounds, and how you manipulate them. (reason why there are sound editor jobs)

i say if you are going to go for it, do it.

Great points all, thanks. I would rather get the right thing once.. That however has me frustrated over the H4n and the Tascam DR-680, even more expensive but, little need to ever upgrade. Sound is so alluring.. Think I'll definitely get one of these two high end portable units, next I have to look for a good shotgun mic and boom pole, RODE perhaps.

First off I love my H4N.

I've had it over a year now and used it in a lot of different and demanding locations; loud, freezing and very hot and humid! I've never had a problem.
I love the stamina mode which lets you record in 44khz16 for a very long time, and I use this for any work I have that will go straight to internet. The stereo range is amazing and with the opportunity to twist your mics between 90 degrees and 120 degrees gives you some extra dynamics to play with. Multi-tracking is incredibly fun as well, you could use it in a sort of surround sound recording set up with the mics set up for front and back or record several musicians or as I have, place mics in several positions to make sure you get a decent recording on set.

It may be an idea to search here for H4N and find some recordings and compare all of them, this is what I did before I bought mine.

I have some recordings you could check out, it was one of my degree projects: http://edmatthews.co.uk/soundart/newyork/soundmap/NYC.html
(recordings of new york, these are in .mp3 format though for the sake of the internet) I plan to stick some of these up on here but I'd like to process the raw files first... when I get some time.

The H1 is alright, the handling isn't as good and the mic inputs produce a subtle amount of noise which could annoy anyone who's a bit pedantic with their recordings.

Goodluck!

The bottom line is that there are lots of good choices for recorders. The Zoom H4n is good for what it is. I personally like the Edirol R-09HR, but I also think the Sony PCM-M10 is nice.

Here's a really great site that has a lot of test recordings of different recorders. I'll post the link in another in another reply so the board doesn't think I'm a spambot (this is my first post here)...

Here's a really great site that has a lot of test recordings of different recorders:

http://www.wingfieldaudio.com/portable-recorder-noise.html#samples

I've had a h2 for a couple of years and I'm still happy with it

quick question: can you rename files on the h4n? i think most manufacturers overlook this feature. thanks!

I have the older H4 and it has been very useful -- using the built-in mics, as well as external mics (was great for some on-street interviews), and grabbing sound off a sound board for a client's event. Definitely versatile. I'm hoping to upgrade to the H4n, although that's more "want" than "need" at this point.

sagmaw
can you rename files on the h4n?

sagmaw
can you rename files on the h4n?

thanks sir!
can any h4n owners confirm if this is indeed the case? if so, this is a good welcome for me.
i use my sony d50 for small budget shoots and renaming of files is truly a drag...