Archive notice: This article was originally published on March 25, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Zoom introduced the H4n portable digital audio recorder for journalists, musicians, podcasters, and mobile recording. SDHC support provided more than 15 hours of high-quality recording.
The H4n supported 24-bit/96 kHz audio and used two integrated stereo microphones for interviews, instruments, and concerts. An adjustable pickup pattern supported recordings up to 120 degrees.
Two phantom-powered XLR microphone inputs could be used alongside the internal microphones, enabling stereo or four-channel recording. Their high-impedance mode also accepted electric guitars and basses.
MP3 recording supported 32 to 320 kbps and variable bit rates. Uncompressed WAV and Broadcast WAV recording reached 24-bit/96 kHz. Two AA batteries provided up to ten hours of operation.
The recorder included dedicated controls, a backlit 1.9-inch LCD, SD and SDHC support up to 32 GB, headphone output, an internal reference speaker, and USB 2.0 transfer to Mac and PC.
Musician tools included a tuner, metronome, effects, amplifier modeling, and variable-speed playback.
The package contained a 1 GB SD card, case, microphone-stand adapter, windscreen, USB cable, power adapter, and Steinberg Cubase LE for Mac and PC. The optional RC04 remote supported inaccessible recording positions.