I just picked this unit up yesterday, so my review is based on my initial findings just playing around. Please note that this review is only of the H4n ext, and not for/of the seller.The product itself is very well designed. It's got a little weight to it (feels solid to me), and I could see it getting a bit tiring holding this out at arms length for extended periods. luckily it's got a standard tripod screw mount (like you'd find on the bottom of a camera/video camera). The unit I bought also contained a small mic stand adapter... a plastic dowel with a tripod screw on the bottom.
The surprising thing was that this unit runs on two standard Double-A batteries. At first, I was expecting some kind of rechargable ni-cad pack. Honestly, I like this better anyway. In the end, I'd ALWAYS prefer to have a power source that I can pick up in any convenience store just about anywhere, as opposed to having to rely on finding somewhere to recharge.
I only did a little bit of test recording using the built-in mics. I must say though that I felt the mics performed very well. The included wind-screen was most helpful in keeping the sound clear despite a bit of a breeze.
I did quite a bit more recording using the mic/line inputs. Using two standard mono RCA to 1/4" phono cables, I was able to hook the line level out of several different standard home audio sources (CD Player, DVD player, Cassette player, VCR, DVR) and with the tiniest bit of tweeking of the recording level, I got very good results from all of them.
NOTE: This unit records directly to WAV (or Mp3 I believe, but did not play with that) with VERY good quality, but there are NO DIGITAL INPUTS. If you're looking to record SPDIF or other digital formats, this is not the unit for you. If you're looking for very good analog-to-digital recording (very decent ADACs) either with built in stereo mics or using external (1/4" phono, XLR, and stereo mini jacks available) on up to 4 channels at once, you could do a lot worse than this product.
I really loved that the unit records direct to SD card. It was VERY easy to record, dump the contents of the card to a PC, and be back up and recording again within a couple minutes.
I also liked how easy it was to insert MARKs while recording. In one test, I was recording a rather long segment that I knew I'd need to be breaking up into many separate files. I was able to put (Sound Forge compatible) marks at various key points during the recording just by tapping the (rec) button whenever I wanted to lay down a mark.
I DID notice that when I formatted the SD card, the sequential naming of files reset itself. This could be bad if you record a bunch and do the record, transfer, format thing. I quickly found the option to save file names with date-time stamps for names instead, and I think this will work out quite nicely.
The unit has the ability to do some multi-track type recording, punch in/out, and even apply a few effects (compression, etc...) I haven't really played with these, and honestly, I probably won't... I just plan on using mine to record either via the mics or over the inputs, then transfer the files to PC where I do most of my editing/mixing.
The owner's manual is obviously a fairly direct Japanese to English translation, but at least it (mostly) makes sense. There are a few odd phrases here and there, but nothing you can't work out.
All-in-all, I've had my H4n ext for too short a time to give a comprehensive evaluation, but for first impressions, I'd say this is a real winner, and certainly worth the money.
Haven't used the remote control yet, but this deal is worth the buy in my opinion (your going to spend 300 just on the h4n) might as well get a buncha little extras like the memory card. I've used this recorder several times now...the first time the record volume was set too high (My BAD), but fortunately I had turned on the compression, and did manage to save the recording. From then on, lowering the record volume and checking all the levels, even while we were playing ended up with incredible tracks.
I don't like leaving things up front of the band (classic rock) because we do get unusual clients and they like to bump into things, so...I set the unit close to center of the band (upfront a tad), then run a mic to the PA, leaving me with still another channel for whatever we would need.
This is in 4ch mode, and when in this mode, the recorder records two identical files (both stereo) except one is marked with and "I" (internal I guess) and the other with an "M" (mic, I guess), making it easy to identify files for export to the software, which I may add is ample and full featured
The Cubase Le that came with it seems pretty good, (Like I need another piece of audio software), but like most good software you have total control of your audio, balance, volume, etc
You can record in stereo with the built in mics, (which are VERY sensitive) or you can use externals in place of the built ins, or 4 ch, or MTR mode which will allow you to use the unit as a multi-track recorder, and over dub, plus merge the files to free up tracks. Pretty cool.
MP3 and wave files are the choices for this unit unfortunately HOWEVER, there are several choices for bit-rate.
Pop in a 32 gig card, and enjoy 25 hours of recording time with the highest settings!
Battery life is what's to be expected from a mini computer...you can use alks or rechargeable NIMH, making sure you properly set the unit up for the particular battery. When using the NIMH and USB, the batteries get charged which I found was pretty cool.
I picked up a bunch of NIMH's from here with chargers. a couple around the house, and one I take to the gigs. I use the power supply though most of the time when doing the gigs. I also use the AA's for my wireless stuff.
Plus there is a battery saver feature too which changes the way the unit performs, so you actually have LOTS of control with this ZOOM H4n!
I have read the manual a couple times (it bailed me out too) and haven't really found a translation problem..probably because it was from the download, which is in PDF format and all the tails on lowercase letters were truncated, so I guess I never noticed the bad translation, as I was trying to figure out what letter was where...lol
I didn't get a tripod with mine...hummmm....oh well, really don't need one...have a few types laying around already. But I did purchase the waterproof case for it...I would highly recommend that. Keeps all the little "stuff" together as well as protecting the unit.
Over all, price/quality/performance...
I was impressed, as well as audio geeks who heard the final results were VERY IMPRESSED that this little unit kicked some royal butt!
Lets see if it has a long life!
I'll give it a 10 outta 5 This unit sounds amazing,and it does everything; Great stereo recordings, use the built-in mics and/or your own and/or plug in a combination of mics. You can even run mics and two line inputs from the board or straight from instruments.It's a multi-track recorder with digital effects and dynamics proccessing. Use it as a card reader.
The big thing is; REALLY EA
SY TO USE. VERY INTUITIVE.
Buy the remote too, it's well worth it. The remote even has a green l.e.d. that flashes yellow and then red as you approach clipping levels. That's incredibly handy when you're trying to play an instrument and run the recorder too. You can also change recording levels from the remote along with transport controls etc.. etc...
Last but not least it was a killer package deal from Amazon and Unique Squared. The headphones even sound great!The device is very easy to operate and records pretty good audio. The preamp hum is very low, but noticeable when recording pure voice. However, using Audacity it was very easy to remove since its consistent.
It has a slow start up, takes a good 30 seconds or so before the device can start to record audio. The batteries will last a good few hours, I recommend you avoid using stamina mode. Sure, you can get an extra few hours out of the batteries but audio sync to video will become a serious problem very fast.
I don't recommend the package deal. The case and headphones are cheap and poor quality. I seriously doubt I am going to end up using them. The SD card is a generic cheap 16GB card. You are better off buying an SD card separate and spending a few bucks more for better headphones.
The included stand is very stiff and hard to use. If you really need a stand like that, I recommend the low end gorilla pod. I am using this to attach to my tripod with a Canon 7D for video. The device is heavy so don't use a hotshoe mount.
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