Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

Features

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.

Versatile Audio Inputs and Outputs

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.

• Special Features

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.

• Small Package, Big Features

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

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.

Long Battery Life

Supporting up to 10 hours of battery life on just two AA batteries, the H4Essential will last through long recording sessions. Utilize USB-C bus power with outlets and power banks when batteries are not available.

Specifications

Form Factor

Handheld Recorder

Primary Use Applications

Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting

Recording

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)

Internal Storage

No

Special Features

Overdubbing

Audio File Formats

BWF, iXML, WAV

Sample Rates

44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz

Bit Depth

Up to 32-Bit (Floating Point)

Timecode Support

No

Included Software

No

Connectivity

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

Digital I/O

No

Phantom Power

+48 V

Phantom Power Current

10 mA (Max)

System Connection

1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0)

Audio Interface Capability

Stereo Only

Wireless

Bluetooth
*Via Optional Adapter

Mobile App Compatible

Yes: iOS Only
App Name: H4essntial Control App
Functionality: Remote Control

Performance

Max Input Level

Mic Inputs:
+4 dBu

Line Inputs:
+24 dBu

Headphone Output Power

20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms

Impedance

Outputs:
¡Ü15 Kilohms

Microphone Sensitivity

-43 dB (X/Y)

Microphone Max SPL

130 dB SPL (X/Y)

Power

Power Options

Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter

Battery Type

2x 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)

Physical

Included Accessories

No

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)