H4n Names of Parts

90 / 120 Variable XY Stereo Microphones External Mic Input (Plug-in Power) STEREO / 4CH / MTR Mode Indicator Reference Speaker Jog Dial Menu Key Remote Control Jack Phones / Line Output Jack Volume (+/- Keys)
Built-in Mic, Polar Pattern

1.9-inch LCD Screen

REC Level (+/- Keys) Short Cut / Track Select Keys

SD Card Slot

Stamina Mode Switch

Input Select Keys

Tripod Mount USB Port Battery Cover REC Key DC5V Jack Power / Hold Switch

Transport Keys

XLR / Hi-Z Input Jacks

Specifications

Built-in Mic, Frequency Response

Recorder

-10 -20 -30 -40

Effects

1k Frequency(Hz)

Maximum Recordable Time

Metronome A/D conversion D/A conversion Recording media

Data type

Display

Inputs

Included Accessories
Outputs Phantom power supply USB Power requirements Battery life Dimensions Weight

SD Memory Card (1GB)

Wind Screen

Mic Clip Adaptor

AC Adaptor (AD-14)
World -Class Recording for Everyone.
USB Cable Protective Case
Turn your world into a world-class recording studio with the H4n, the next level of portable recording from Zoom.

ZOOM CORPORATION

World- Class Recording for Everyone.
Unmatched versatility from selectable recording patterns
Unique X / Y mic arrangement captures perfect stereo images

H4n X/Y Stereo Mic

Time lag
Conventional Stereo Mic H4n X/Y Stereo Mic

Conventional Stereo Mic

High resolution, 24-bit / 96-kHz linear PCM recording
Combined XLR/Phone connectors for direct mic or guitar input
Broadcast ready with time stamping and track markers
Integrated reference speaker
Secure your digital memories on SD and SDHC cards Why four channels are better than two.
Monaural mix function great for interviews
Large display and rubberized chassis
Four-track MTR mode Were all about the preamp Capture everything with automatic recording
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed support for faster file transfer
Phrase trainer with speed control playback
Recording starts when signal exceeds start level

START LVL STOP LVL

When signal drops below stop level, recording stops after a preset delay interval
Its still a USB audio interface!

Slow Playback

Fast Playback
Pre-record feature means no surprises

ON 2 seconds pre-record

Power from battery, AC adaptor, or USB bus power
For Guitar: FD Clean, VX Clean, HW Clean, US Blues, BG Crunch, MS #1959, PV Drive, Rect Vnt, DZ Drive, TS+FD_Combo, SD+MS_Stack, FZ+MS_Stack For Bass: SVT, Bassman, Hartke, SuperBass, Sansamp, Tube Pre
Low-cut filter and limiter for better recordings

80 237Hz

Everything you need to get started
Musician friendly tools for better practice Edit audio, even without a computer
Stamina mode extends battery life to 11 hours
Versatile playback options

Mid-Side stereo decoder

Operating Guide for

Zoom h4n Recorder

Media Loan Operating Guides are also available online at www.evergreen.edu/media/ml/.
The H4n has a very compact 280 g lightweight design, equipped with high quality stereo condenser microphones arranged in an XY pickup pattern, a built-in speaker, SD card recording, mixer and internal effects. Any type of microphone (including condensers), electric instrument (guitar, bass, keyboard) or line level source can be connected to the H4n.

Safety Pre-cautions

11 Do not use in or subject unit to extreme temperatures, near heat sources, high humidity or moisture, excessive dust or sand, excessive vibration or shock. 11 Do not insert foreign objects into or allow liquid to enter unit. 11 Do not exert undue pressure on the keys or other controls. 11 Do not put H4n speaker next to other precision instruments, such as a computer, or next to magnetic cards. 11 always turn the power to the H4n and all other equipment OFF before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Make sure to disconnect all cables and the power cord before moving the H4n. 11 Never open the case of the H4n or attempt to modify the unit in any way since this can result in damage to the H4n. Return it to Media Loan to be serviced if recorder is not operating properly. 11 Do not use the H4n at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment. 11 Do not use abrasives or solvents in an attempt to clean the unit. Return it to Media Loan to be serviced. 11 You are 100% financially responsible for the equipment you check out from Media Loan.
90/120 Variable XY mics Stereo/4CH/MTR mode indicator Display Shortcut buttons on STEREO/4CH mode [1] <FOLDER> [2] <FILE> [3] <SPEED> (STEREO mode) [4] <WAV/MP3> On MTR mode TRACK [1], [2], [3], [4] INPUT: Buttons for [MIC] [1], [2] Transport Control Buttons [REC] Button
Input jacks for external stereo microphones
Built-in mono speaker Threaded tripod mount Battery cover STAMINA mode switch
It is highly recommended that you consult the DC5V AC complete H4n Manual Adapter jack for detailed information regarding recording, modes and all things H4n. There is simply too much information to be included in a simple guide such as Input [1] Input [2] this. Manual is available for XLR/STANDARD PHONE checkout and online. Media Loan 360.867.6253

Please Recycle!

The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA 98505

zoomh4n | 01.21.10 | AG

Media Loan

Zoom H4n

Supplying Power to the H4n
Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we recommend the use of an AC adapter whenever possible. In case you use batteries, use either alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries. 11 Use only the AC adaptor provided by Media Loan. Use of another adapter could damage the recorder. 11 During lightning or when not using for an extended period, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet. 11 Use two conventional size AA-1.5 volt batteries of the same type. 11 When not using for an extended period, remove the batteries from the unit. 11 When using the unit, the battery compartment cover should be closed.

Battery Installation

Note! Make sure the power is off! Whenever you open the battery compartment or plug-in/unplug the AC adapter, make sure the power is off. Otherwise, recording data could be destroyed. 1. Open the batter compartment cover. 2. Insert two, new AA batteries, matching the polarity markings ( + and ) as shown above. 3. Set the Stamina mode switch to ON. This puts the unit in Eco-power mode when using batteries. 4. Close the battery compartment cover. When Low Battery! indicator appears, immediately switch off the recorder and replace batteries or switch to AC power. Approximate life for a pair of alkaline batteries is 6 hours in general use and 11 hours in STAMINA mode use. (Actual battery life may vary according to how you use the recorder.) You can supply power to the recorder by USB only when using as an audio interface or copying files.

SD CArd

The Zoom H4n comes with a 1 GB SD card. Please do not remove this card. If you need to use a larger card (up to 32 GB), please use care removing and inserting memory cards. Dont forget to replace original memory card when returning to Media Loan. Make sure power is off before installing or removing SD card. 1) Insert the SD card as shown, label up, to install. 2) To remove, push card gently and it will pop out. Remove and place in protective case.
2) With power off, remove SD card by pushing gently. Pull card out and place in protective case. 2
1) With power off, install SD card with label up and cut corner to right.

Media Loan Left side

Power / Hold Switch
When turning the Power ON: 1. Make sure all equipment is turned off. 2. The SD card should be installed. If the display reads No Card when booting up, turn the power off and make sure that an SD card is installed properly. 3. If using instruments connected to the H4n, make sure their volume is turned low. Power on the instruments. 4. Turn the power to the H4n on by sliding the Power Switch. If the display reads, Reset DATE/TIME, the date and time are set to the primary value. You will have to reset the date and time if you wish to time stamp your files. 5. Switch on connected monitors, mixers, amps, etc. Make sure volume of connected equipment is low. To Shut Down: 1. Making sure volume is low on connected equipment. Turn off monitors, amps and/or mixers first. 2. Slide the power switch on the H4n. 3. Turn off the power to any instruments connected. Hint: Power On in following order [Instruments][H4n][Mixer][AMP] Power OFF in following order [AMP][Mixer][H4n][Instruments] The H4n has a HOLD function that makes button operation inactive, preventing errors during recording. To engage the HOLD function, slide the POWER/HOLD switch to HOLD position. Key Hold will display on the screen if you touch any buttons while HOLD function is engaged. To disengage, simply slide switch out of HOLD position.
Dial menu button Rec Level [ +/ ] SD Card slot Right side Optional remote control jack line / phone output jack Volume [ +/ ] USB port Power switch Hold switch

Set Date/Time

You will probably have to reset the date and time on the H4n each time it is checked out from Media Loan. To set: 1. Press the MENU button. (On right side of recorder.) 2. Rotating the DIAL, select <SYSTEM> 3. by pressing the DIAL in. 3. Select <DATE/TIME> and press. 4. Select the item on <Date/Time> rotating the dial to hi-light and pressing the DIAL in to select Change the numbers by rotating the DIAL and then pressing the DIAL. 5. Select <OK> and press the DIAL. 6. Press the MENU button to go back to previous menu options.

Windshield

When recording out in the field, covering the builtin microphones with the provided windshield can reduce wind noise.
How to Mount to a mic stand

Mic stand adapter

Using the provided mic stand adapter, you can mount the H4n on a mic stand with a mic clamp. To attach, screw the provided adaptor into the threaded tripod mount. (Do not overtighten.) Make sure the H4n is secure and the microphone stand stable.

Recording Flow

The following is the basic recording flow using the H4n. You can select which recording mode and audio quality setting is right depending on the application of the recording.
Connect to other audio devices

Switch ON

Select MODE

Setup recording method

Record

Playback & confirm

Rerecord

Edit / Output

1. Connect to Other Audio Devices - As well as built-in microphones, the H4n has two input jacks (XLR/Standard Phone) with phantom power for use with any external microphone. 2. Switch on 3. Select Mode - There are four different modes to select from: Stereo, 4CH, Mtr, Stamina. Choose modes depending on input sources and output file formats. 4. Setup recording method - So many to choose from! Auto Rec, Rec Level Auto, Lo Cut, Comp/Limit, Mono MIx, Tuner, Metronome, Effect/Patch, and so on and so forth. 5. record - this depends on your MODE. 6. Playback & Confirm - There are convenient ways to swiftly review/playback a recording as well as marking/finding specific sections and repeating sections of te recording: PLAY MODE, AB REPEAT, SPEED, MARK LIST, and so on and so forth. 7. Re-Record (or record from scratch) - In MTR MODE, the punch-in/punch-out function enables you to re-record only the section you want to correct. 8. Edit/output - The recordings are saved as files and projects. There are various ways to edit them: File INformation, File MP3 Encode, File Stereo Encode, Divide, Move, Bounce. Basic operation for [Dial] - Rotate the [Dial] to select an item. The cursor on the display will move with the [dial]. Press the [dial] like a button to confirm your selection. For additional selections, move to the next screen. When you complete selections, the screen will move back to the previous one. Basic operation for [Menu] button - Call the [menu] screen by pressing the MENU button on the right side. If you press the [MENU] button during any setting operation, its operation will becanceled and the screen returns back to the previous one. To cancel setting operation and to return back to the top screen of the each mode, press [MENU] button for more than 2 seconds.

Dial and Menu Buttons

Selecting a Mode
1. Press the MENU button on the right side. 2. Using the DIAL, scroll down until MODE is selected and press the dial like a button. 3. Use the DIAL to select STEREO, 4CH or MTR. 4. To engage STAMINA mode, use the switch located in the battery compartment.

About Modes

In STEREO mode, you can select 2 different inputs either INPUT [MIC] or INPUT[1] and INPUT[2], and operate them as one stereo file. The resulting FILE is saved in one of the ten sub-folders of the STEREO folder. In STAMINA mode, the functions are limited to maximize the battery life time. In 4CH MODE the H4n records two stereo WAV files: one stereo WAV file for the built-in microphones and one stereo WAV file for the inputs. These files are saved in one of the ten fixed folders. In MTR mode, you can record tracks in MONO or STEREO from INPUT [1], INPUT [2] or the internal microphones. You can combine them with tracks recorded in other modes or <OVERDUB> additional tracks. Project data and settings are saved as a PROJECT in the MTR folder.
Input Buttons - [Mic], [1] & [2]
These buttons have different functions depending on the various modes. Stereo/Stamina Mode Select* INPUT [MIC] or INPUT [1] [2] and the corresponding button lights up. Whether you select the INPUT [1] or INPUT [2] button, they will both respond the same Both buttons light up after the selection. (Once lighted the buttons do not respond.) Any other settings about input sources, like [REC LEVEL], should be made to the lighted target. 4CH Mode Use all input sources* like [MIC], [1] and [2] = All [MIC], [1] and [2] light on. When you switch to 4CH, H4n will receive 2- system stereo inputs from [MIC] and [1] [2] altogether. When you press the lighted button, each shows its input level and you can make adjustment to recording level operating [REC LEVEL]. MTR Mode Select* [MIC], [1] and [2] individually and the corresponding button lights up. You can select individually INPUT [MIC], [1] and [2] When you use built-in and the external stereo microphones, select INPUT [MIC]. When you make stereo input using the external input jack, select both INPUT [1] and [2]. You press either INPUT [1] or [2] button and then press another button. * When the selected input clips its button blinks. Clipping! Clipping occurs when the input levels reaches the maximum which the H4n can record, that is 0 dB. In this case the recording sound can be distorted and need adjustment of recording level.

Record Level and Volume

The recording levels coming from the INPUT [1] & [2] can be adjusted from 1 to 100 with the (+/) key. Rec Level in any Mode: Target setting: Press INPUT [MIC], [1] and [2] buttons and select the input source which you want to adjust the recording level. The + button will amplify reception level; the button will reduce reception level. [Volume] in any mode: Output volume from the built-in speaker and output jacks can be adjusted from 0 to 100 with the (+/) key. The + button will increase volume; the button will decrease volume.

Built-In MicropHones

High quality microphones in an XY pattern ensure a natural stereo image when recording sounds. Stereo recording is often done by placing two microphones in a V shape. Pointing microphones outward will result in stereo separation, however the recording will lack defintion around the center position, resulting in a poor stereo image. The H4n utilizes an X Y stereo mic configuration. By placing two microphones in a crossed pattern (opposing angles), the H4n can cover a wide area and capture sound sources in the center with clarity and definition. Sounds reach both mics simultaneously, and therefore no phase cancellation occurs between right and left channels.
Set input source and recording Level
Stereo mode Use the stereo input source of either [MIC] or INPUT [1] [2]. Connecting an external microphone sets input automatically. You can select at any time during Stop, Recording Standby or Recording. The selected buttons light on. Press REC LEVEL button and adjust the levels. 4CH mode Use both [MIC] and INPUT [1] [2] stereo input. Select the input you want to adjust by pressing the button. The recording level selected is displayed. Press REC LEVEL button and adjust the levels. MTR mode Any of tracks 1-4 can be set for mono or stereo input. SELECT the input per track one by one and adjust or the input to 2 tracks and adjust. You can record multiple tracks in multiple passes. You can also send any input to any track.

Recording Format

Press the MENU button and then select REC. Select REC FORMAT and then choose the format you wish to use. The WAV FILES with no compression are used for high quality sound recording. Because data is not compressed, the volume of the file will increase compare to MP3 format. 44.1/48/96 kHz indicates the sampling rate of the analog-to-digital conversion. 16/24-bit indicates the bit depth of the analog-todigital conversion. The larger the number, the higher the sound quality, but the files that are created are larger as well. The WAV files recorded on STEREO/4CH/STAMINA mode correspond to BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) and include marks and production date. MP3 FILES decrease the sound quality because of data compression, but are useful to save SD card capacity and to record much more sounds. Select the bit rate which indicates information volume per minute. The bigger the number, the lower the rate of compression and the higher the sound quality. The higher compression MP3 will occupy less space on an SD card VBR (Variable Bit Rate) means the bit rate (recording quality) is automatically adjusted based on input information.

File Transfer

You can output individual files and folders containing files. Select folders or files from the MENU. With the file/folder selected, press the DIAL to view options such as DELETE and MOVE. To put files on a computer, with the unit powered OFF, attach USB cable to recorder and computer. Select STORAGE. The H4n will show up as an external hard drive on your computer. From there you can drag files over to copy. Be sure to eject H4n before disconnecting USB cable.