Zoom H4n Digital Recorder

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Zoom H4n digital recorder

Introduction to Basic OperationBy Fred Ginsburg CAS

March 2013 California State University Northridge Cinema-TV Arts Dept

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Zoom H4n features

• Can record 2 tracks of audio from either the built-in mic or from external XLR (or ¼-inch) mic inputs.

• Can record two pair of stereo inputs simultaneously from the built-in mic AND the XLR mic inputs.

• Could function as a 4 track multitrack capable of sync playback of tracks while recording or overdubbing new tracks; mixdown; effects.


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Stereo Mode (recommended)• Conventional recording of

two tracks.• Select either “Mic” or “1+2”

from the front panel.• Mic refers to the built-in

stereo mic, or plugging a stereo mini (external) mic into the hole on the back.

• 1+2 refers to the combo XLR or ¼-inch inputs.

March 2013California State University Northridge

Cinema-TV Arts Dept

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STAMINA mode

• Accessed via switch inside battery compartment

• Allows extended recording time from batteries• Limits you to MP3 or 44.1k settings, which are

lower quality• NOT RECOMMENDED!

March 2013

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4CH mode

• Records four tracks simultaneously as two pair of stereo tracks.

• Could record live ambiance or surround from built-in stereo mic along with XLR inputs from external mics.

• More practical for recording live events, such as concerts or performances.

• Not all that useful for general film production.


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MTR (multitrack) mode

• Functions as a simple multitrack music recorder, recording up to 4 tracks one or two at a time.

• Allows overdubbing, or combining live tracks with pre-recorded tracks.

• Not recommended. Better to do this kind of recording with computer software that is properly suited to the task.


Cinema-TV Arts Dept

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Front Controls


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Rear Controls


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Getting Started

• Install two AA alkaline batteries

• Make sure that STAMINA switch is OFF

• Insert SD card.


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Power ON by sliding the HOLD switch on the side of the unit.


Cinema-TV Arts Dept

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Format your SD card

• Press MENU• Rotate scroll wheel to SD

CARD and press to “enter”

• Select FORMAT and press.• Press in the scroll wheel

to Confirm when prompted by pressing again.


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Select recording MODE

• Press MENU• Rotate scroll wheel to

MODE• Press in the scroll

wheel to “enter”• Scroll to STEREO (or

other mode)• Press in the scroll

wheel to “enter”March 2013 California State University Northridge

Cinema-TV Arts Dept

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Select recording qualityWAV48k/16bit


• MP3 = compressed• 44.1 = audio CD• 16bit/48k =

professional choice• 24bit/48k = highest

quality, but make sure your edit system supports it

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Recording

• Select MIC (built-in) or 1+2 (XLR inputs)

• Press REC button once to enter standby (meters are now active)

• Note that circular light blinks in standby


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Set levels

• Set recording levels around -20dB, up to -12dB, but never exceed 0dB ever!

• Press (blinking) REC button again to begin recording.

• Press STOP button to end recording.

California State University Northridge Cinema-TV Arts Dept

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Recording with only one mic

• MONO MIX record mode puts single mic input onto both recording channels.

• Convenient for headphone monitoring.


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Pre Record function

• Records the two seconds of audio that occurred PRIOR to going from standby into RECORD, and then adds that audio to the beginning of your file.

• Prevents you from missing the “start” of a session.

• You have to wait; cannot begin recording again immediately after stop.


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Low Cut function


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Compressor Limiter


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Automatic Recording Level

• Automatic Level Control of recording level

• NOT RECOMMENDED!• System searches for any

audio, and does not know good dialog or SFX from background noises

• Does not know whispers from shouts, or dramatic pauses

March 2013

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Zoom H4n is complex

• This presentation only covers basic recording for film, video, and multi-media applications.

• The unit has many more features & functions, mainly intended for amateur music recording and editing.

• For more detailed instructions, go online and

search H4n-manual.pdf


Zoom H4n Digital Recorder

Education

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