Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Portable Recorder

Zoom H4esesential 4-Track 32-Bit Portable Recorder

Overview

• The Zoom H4esesential 4-Track 32-Bit Portable Recorder is a professional audio recording device for recording music, podcasts, and audio-for-video.
• 4-Track Recording: The H4essential includes 32-bit float recording, advanced X/Y mics, and 2 XLR/TRS inputs, giving creators multiple ways to record their projects.
• 32-Bit Float Recording: The device captures high-quality, clip-free audio without the need to adjust gain levels.
• Accessibility: The Essential Series was designed for blind and visually impaired users, with audible menu descriptions available through the built-in speaker or headphones in seven languages.

Key Features

• Recording: 4-track recorder with Dual A/D Converters and 32-bit float recording
• Sample Rate: Supports up to 96kHz sample rate
• Built-In Microphones: Advanced 90º X/Y stereo microphones with up to 130 dB SPL capture
• Inputs: 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with locking connectors and a 3.5mm mic/line input for lavalier mics and line level sources
• Audio Interface: Functions as a 4-in/2-out 32-bit float audio interface for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices via USB-C
• Simultaneous Recording: Can be used as an interface while recording to an SD card at the same time
• Mixer: Built-in mixer allows each track's audio level to be adjusted
• Display: Full-color LCD screen with waveform display
• Monitoring: Built-in speaker for quick reference playback and 3.5mm line output for headphones or camera connection
• Bluetooth Control: Supports wireless timecode devices and the H4essential Control App for iOS using the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter
• Storage: Supports SD cards up to 1TB
• Power: Runs on 4 AA batteries, USB-C bus power, or ZOOM AD-17 AC adapter
• Controls: Recording and rotary controls are designed for quiet operation
• Note: BTA-1 Adapter not included

Technical Specifications

• Inputs
  • Built-In Mic: 1 stereo built-in mic
  • XLR/TRS: 2
  • MIC/LINE IN: 1
• Outputs
  • Headphones: 1
  • Built-In Speaker: 1 mono built-in speaker
• Built-In Mic
  • Type: 90º XY stereo format
  • Directionality: Unidirectional
  • Sensitivity: –43 dB/1 Pa at 1 kHz
  • Maximum Sound Pressure Input: 130 dB SPL
• XLR/TRS In
  • Connector: 2 x XLR/TRS combo jacks
  • Wiring: XLR: 2 HOT; TRS: TIP HOT
  • Input Gain: Adjustment unnecessary
  • Input Impedance: XLR: 3 kΩ or more; TRS: 3 kΩ or more
  • Maximum Input Level: XLR: +4 dBu; TRS: +24 dBu
  • Phantom Power: +48 V, channel total 10 mA or less
  • Equivalent Input Noise: -120 dBu or less (IHF-A) @150 Ω input
• MIC/LINE In
  • Connector: Stereo mini jack x1
  • Plug-In Power: Supported
  • Input Gain: Adjustment unnecessary
  • Input Impedance: 2 kΩ or more
• Headphones Output
  • Connector: Stereo mini jack x1
  • Maximum Output Level: 20 mW + 20 mW into 32 Ω load
  • Output Impedance: 15 Ω or less
• Recorder
  • Maximum Simultaneous Recording Tracks: 4
  • Maximum Simultaneous Playback Tracks: 4
  • Recording Format: WAV
  • Sample Rates: 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
  • Bit Depth: 32-bit float mono/stereo
  • Metadata Support: BWF and iXML formats supported
  • Recording Media: 4–32GB microSDHC cards and 64GB–1TB microSDXC cards
• Display
  • LCD: 2.0-inch full-color LCD, 360 x 240
• USB
  • Connector: USB Type-C
  • USB Cable Requirement: Use a USB cable that supports data transfer
  • USB Bus Power: Supported
  • USB Mic: USB 2.0 High Speed, 44.1 / 48 kHz, 24-bit / 32-bit float, 4-in/2-out
  • File Transfer: USB 2.0 High Speed
• Remote
  • Dedicated Wireless Adapter: ZOOM BTA-1
• Power
  • Batteries: 4 AA batteries, alkaline, NiMH, or lithium
  • AC Adapter: ZOOM AD-17, DC 5V/1A
  • USB Bus Power: Supported
  • Alkaline Battery Operation: About 9 hours
  • NiMH Battery Operation: About 14 hours using 1900 mAh batteries
  • Lithium Battery Operation: About 20 hours
  • Battery Test Conditions: 2-track recording with built-in XY mic, 48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, no headphones, no remote, display power saving on
  • Operation Time Note: These values are approximate and will vary greatly according to use conditions.
  • Power Consumption: 3 W maximum
• Physical
  • Dimensions: 66.9 mm (W) x 156.1 mm (D) x 38.0 mm (H)
  • Weight Including Batteries: 226g

Installation / Use Cases

• Use as a 4-track portable recorder for music, podcasts, interviews, location sound, audio-for-video, rehearsals, and live performance recording.
• Use 32-bit float recording to capture audio without setting gain manually.
• Use the built-in 90-degree X/Y stereo microphones for mobile stereo recording and ambience capture.
• Use the two XLR/TRS combo inputs with compatible microphones, instruments, and professional line-level sources.
• Use +48V phantom power with supported condenser microphones.
• Use the 3.5 mm mic/line input for compatible lavalier microphones or line-level sources.
• Use the 3.5 mm line output for headphones or camera connection.
• Use USB-C to operate as a 4-in/2-out audio interface with compatible PC, Mac, iOS, or Android devices.
• Use compatible microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 1TB for recording storage.
• Use the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter for supported remote control or Bluetooth timecode workflows.

Package Contents

• Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Portable Recorder