TubeNet

I know this topic has been around the block many times. However... as technology changes, so does the equipment and opinions.

I'm currently using a Marrantz Field Recorder that records two tracks in real time directly to a CD. It works very well but I'm tired of lugging around the recorder, two mics, mic stands, an extension cord, and two 100' mic cords.

I would like to upgrade to a handheld digital recorder that provides the same .wav (lossless) format and has the memory capacity for a two-hour concert.

What's out there and what might my investment be?

I have been very happy with my Tascam DR-40. I'm not sure if it fully matches your needs, but at home and for concerts, it's been just fine. It's recorded to an SD card, so the only limit is how big of a card you buy.

https://www.google.com/#q=zoom+h4n

I love mine. It has onboard mics that are adjustable angles. Great quality and easy to use.

greatk82 wrote:https://www.google.com/#q=zoom+h4n

I love mine. It has onboard mics that are adjustable angles. Great quality and easy to use.

+1

AND, now that Zoom has introduced the H6, the H4n can be purchased for half the cost of a few months ago.

Zoom. Even the video recorder (Q2??) has the same audio components as the basic H2 audio recorder. The H6 doesn't seem to have things that make a whole hill of beans difference for my limited uses. If it's down near or under the $200 mark now, all the better for you.

I owned the Zoom H4n and upgraded recently to the H6. For me the differences are worth it.

With the H4 you are only have TWO XLR inputs and the final recording is saved as an interleaved stereo WAV file. That means if you have a mic or cable issue your whole recording will be ruined. This is actually just fine for most recital recording situations.. two mics in an XY pattern.. done.

The H6 allows for up to SIX XLR inputs with four of them phantom powered by the unit. Each track is saved as it's own seperate file. ALSO, the LCD display is much more intuitive, easy to use, and allows you to control a lot more variables directly on the unit. You also have convenient knobs directly on the unit for setting recording levels. It does more, and it does it more easily. People with better ears than mine also report that the electronics and preamps are quieter in the H6. In addition, the modular system for the attached mics is very very slick. If you don't need or care about multiple XLR inputs you might still really appreciate the shotgun or mid-side mic attachments for certain applications.

I'm pleased with the H6 purchase.

I just got a Zoom H4N. It is a great little devise. The on board mics are acceptable for rehearsals and the like but the unit really shines with a couple of good mics. I used AKG 414s and the recordings were very good. They can be had for $219 on amazon and throuh other sources. The H6 is better but almost twice the price. It just depends on your needs, Good luck, Phil

I generally like the Zoom H4n. For the combination of cost, quality and convenience, I think it is hard to beat. It easily fits in my gig bag or camera bag and sure is nice to just pop it on a mic stand and let it go. With a 4GB SD card it will record for about 6 hours at CD quality. The built-in mics are good, but not great. They create a very nice stereo image. They do roll off at the low end. They have a slight bump in the lower high end (3k-4k), which can sometimes make a recording too bright sounding. Both problems are usually easy to correct with some EQ.

My main grumble with the Zoom H4n is the noisy mic preamp when using external mics. It is probably worse with condensers, which is what I am using. It sounds like analogue tape hiss. It is not horrible, but just enough to be annoying. If the H6 is much better in this regard, it might be worth the upgrade.

mike

joh_tuba:
I have a question for you concerning the additional capsules the H6 has. Is it possible to utilize both the mid-side mic and the X-Y mic at the same time, or is this not possible due to input types? I am not terribly familiar with the mid-side style mic, and wonder what uses you have used it for, and how it might compare to the X-Y.

I have a H4n, and when used with additional mics, the recordings have been very nice. It is a great device. I am considering this upgrade, primarily because the input tracks on the H6 are dedicated files. The other improved features sound great. Thanks for sharing your experience.

There are currently FOUR different possible attachments available for the H6. You can only use one attachment at a time.

I 'santa-claused' myself and purchased all the attachments but haven't experimented with them that much.

The attachments:
1)X-Y attachment is identical to what you are used to getting from the H4n.
2)M-S records a 'figure 8' image. In M-S stereo recordings you use the M-S mic parallel to the source to capture the room sound and a second mic pointed directly at the source. In post processing you create two copies of the M-S image and invert one of them. Pan left and right. You then adjust the balance of the other mic in order to control how close you sound in the final image. M-S recordings allow you more control of the sense of space and also nearness to the sound source. Looking forward to experimenting with it.
3)Shotgun mic. intended to record only what it is pointed directly at.
4)two additional XLR inputs. These two lack phantom power

ALL the attachments have gain adjustment knobs.

Sidenote: The remote control is a WONDERFUL tool for recording sessions. It's really nice to be able to stop, start, and play back all from your chair with the unit across the room. I think the H4n has this option too.

I've got the Sony, I also have an external mic and have had no issues whatsoever with it. Don't know it it will suit yours needs but I'm very pleased with it for the price...

JJ