ZOOM H4ESSENTIAL | Handy Recorder | 4-track, 32-bit, Built-in Xy Mic System

H4essential

4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

Ideally equipped for the burgeoning musician, indie filmmaker, and content creator, the H4essential Portable Recorder from Zoom offers four tracks of pristine, distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. With 32-bit float recording and X/Y mics that can handle 130 dB with ease, the H4essential offers a versatile pain-free audio solution.

The dual XLR-1/4" combo inputs feature low-noise and high-quality Zoom mic preamps and sport +48V phantom power for driving professional condenser mics. An onboard mixer is easy to use with the bright 2" color display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real time. The H4essential can utilize its USB-C port not only for power but also to stream up to two channels of audio to computers and smart devices, acting as a 4-in / 2-out interface. Furthermore, the recorder is tripod mountable, allowing it be conveniently used in a fixed location or atop a camera via an adapter for field recording duties.

Equipped with Accessibility Options

The Essential Series was designed with accessibility for the visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.

More Dynamic Range

With 32-bit float recording, you never have to adjust levels. The H4essential captures every nuance of your sound ensuring high quality, clip-free audio in every take.

Ultraclean Preamps

The two XLR-1/4" TRS combo inputs feature Zoom's ultraclean preamps that support +48V phantom power and +4 dBu professional line-level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a thunderous 130 dB SPL, equivalent to a rock concert.

Audio Interface Capability

Send audio via USB-C in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C Port, the H4essential can be used as a 4-in / 2-out audio interface.

Mix, Monitor, and Record

Use the built-in mixer to easily adjust each track's audio level. It also has a waveform display, so you can see your audio as it records.

For Content Creators

• Musicians
  • The H4essential is perfect for recording music. With two XLR-1/4" TRS inputs and the stereo X/Y microphones, it's easy to record live shows, rehearsals, and songs.
• Filmmakers
  • The XLR inputs can be used to capture location sound including on-set dialogue and audio for sound design. The onboard X/Y microphones are perfect for recording ambience.
• Podcasters
  • Podcasters can use the H4essential's XLR inputs with external mics for one-on-one conversations and the X/Y mics for interviews on the go.

Optional Connections

• Pair with Your iOS Device
  • Use the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately) to pair with your iOS device and remotely record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.
• Bluetooth Timecode Sync
  • With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.

Soft-Touch Controls

Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation.

Built-In Speaker

You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. The speaker supports up to a 250mW output.

In and Out

Use the 3.5mm line output for headphones or to connect to a camera. The H4essential also features a 3.5mm mic/line input.

Brilliant Color Display

The vivid full-color 2" LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H4essential's menu and functions.

High-Capacity Storage

The H4essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.

Specifications

• Form Factor
  • Handheld Recorder
• Primary Use Applications
  • Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting
• Number of Tracks
  • 4
• Number of Input Channels
  • 5 (3 x Mono, 1 x Stereo)
• Maximum Sampling Rate
  • 96 kHz / 32-Bit Float
• Microphone
  • Built-In Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, X/Y Configuration
• Number of Microphone Inputs
  • 3
• Built-In Speaker
  • Yes, 1 W Mono
• Display
  • 2" / 5.1 cm Monochrome OLED
• Memory Card Support
  • microSDXC (Up to 1 TB)
• Special Features
  • Overdubbing
• Audio File Formats
  • BWF, iXML, WAV
• Sample Rates
  • 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
• Bit Depth
  • Up to 32-Bit (Floating Point) 
• Analog I/O
  • 2x Combo XLR-1/4" 3-Pin Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input
  • 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone/Line Output
• Phantom Power
  • +48 V
• Phantom Power Current
  • 10 mA (Max)
• System Connection
  • 1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0)
• Audio Interface Capability
  • Stereo Only
• Max Input Level
  • Mic Inputs: +4 dBu
  • Line Inputs: +24 dBu
• Headphone Output Power
  • 20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
• Impedance
  • Outputs: ≤15 Kilohms
• Microphone Sensitivity
  • -43 dB (X/Y)
• Microphone Max SPL
  • 130 dB SPL (X/Y)
• Power Options
  • Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
• Battery Type
  • 4x AA
• Approximate Battery Life
  • 9 Hours (AA Alkaline, Recording, Built-In Mic)
  • 14 Hours (AA NiMH, Recording, Built-In Mic)
  • 20 Hours (AA Lithium, Recording, Built-In Mic)
• AC/DC Power Adapter
  • 5 VDC at 1 A (Included)
• Dimensions
  • 2.6 x 1.5 x 6.1" / 6.7 x 3.8 x 15.6 cm
• Weight
  • 8 oz / 226 g (with Batteries)