Zoom H4Essential Handheld Audio Recorder

Recording

The H4essential records four simultaneous tracks, as 4-track 32-bit float, with INPUT 1-2 and the XY mic. Because the recording is 32-bit float, no level adjustment is needed.

Storage is a microSDHC card from 4GB to 32GB, or a microSDXC card from 64GB to 1TB.

Inputs and microphones

Two XLR-1/4 combo inputs provide +48 V phantom power. The built-in XY stereo mic is rated to a maximum of 130 dB SPL.

Power and battery life

The H4essential runs on two AA batteries or USB-C bus power. Two-track XY recording lasts about 9 hours on alkaline or NiMH batteries, and about 19 hours on lithium (48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off).

Four-track recording with INPUT 1-2 and the XY mic lasts about 2.5 hours on alkaline, 4 hours on NiMH and 8 hours on lithium (48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, headphones used). The optional AD-17 adapter is rated DC 5V/1A. The BTA-1 adapter is not included.

Connection, display and size

The USB Type-C port works as a USB 2.0 audio interface, with 4-in/2-out (multitrack) and 2-in/2-out (stereo) modes at 24-bit or 32-bit float. The 2.0-inch full-color LCD has a resolution of 360 x 240.

The recorder measures 66.9 mm (W) x 156.1 mm (D) x 38.0 mm (H) and weighs about 243 g including batteries.

Why choose it

• Runs on two AA batteries or USB-C bus power.
• Built-in XY stereo mic rated to a maximum of 130 dB SPL.
• Two XLR-1/4 combo inputs with +48 V phantom power.