Samson H4 Portable Recorder …
Available in October, the new Samson H4 portable will be an interesting addition to the sub $500 group of recorders that may be of interest to Broadcasters and Podcasters. The recorder has two combo pro-inputs [XLR - 1/4"] with phantom power, and dual internal condenser microphones. Recording specs: 24bit/96kHz uncompressed digital audio, or record direct to MP3 with bitrates up to 320kbps. The player uses SD memory cards for storage, offers USB connectivity, and runs on two AA batteries. A final note: The H4 can be used as a 4 track audio interface to record 16bit/44.1 kHz digital audio when linked to a computer via USB. Check out the high-res image. $300 US.
-ptfigg.
This is actually the Zoom H4 (Zoom is a division of Samson) and it definitely looks like it’s going to be an interesting product!
Also, according to a company rep: “The multi-track capabilities of the Zoom H4 are limited to 16 bit/44.1kHz and you can record 2 tracks simultaneously and overdub another 2 tracks.” In addition it will take 2GB SD cards for a total of 360 minutes of uncompressed recording (with possibly firmware support of larger cards in the future) and the 2 AAs will last up to 4 hours. Phantom power is true 48V and it acts as a mass USB storage device when connected to a computer.
Hi Craig,
What’s your opinion of the Fostex referenced above?
-ptfigg.
The fostex looks like a winner but with Nimh batteries and a US$499 price tag. I would go for the Zoom/Samson H4. It’s on my shopping list.
I think we are dealing with two entirely different concepts. The price of the Fostex is not something that I am too concerned with. It’s right in line with the Marantz PMD-660. As far as the Samson – considering all its features, it appears hard to beat. However I think the quality of the pre’s will set the trend for this unit. Also, I’m not a fan of the form-factor of the Samson. The Fostex can be worn on a shoulder strap for example, and I feel it is intended for a slightly different user-base compared to the Samson.
Interestingly enough, I was just about to pull the trigger and purchase a Sony MZ-RH1 MD recorder. It would not go to waste due to a large scale project in the near future that will require a MD player to access a huge amount of media from recorded sessions. My current MD player has the worst OSD that I have ever seen on an electronic device. The OSD on the MZ-RH1 has been improved substantially.
I’ll keep a close eye on the progress of the Fostex – and, I have a feeling something new from Marantz may surface sometime in the near future.
-ptfigg.
I think you’re right Paul, in that the intended user base is somewhat different for the two devices. The Fostex is going to compete with the Edirol R-1 and Marantz PMD-660 while the Zoom is going to compete with the Edirol R-09 and the M-Audio Microtrack 24/96. Unless, of course, Zoom manages to squeeze exceptional quality out of the H4′s preamps and ADC that surpasses that of the Samson, in which case all bets are off!
In case anyone is searching for the actual size of the H4 like I was: 1.317 x 2.824 x 6.075 inches — the rep said the measurements were for “the prototype”.
I tried the M-Audio MicroTrack 2496 and sent it back when the R09 was announced. I’ve been listening to folks podcasting with the R09, not bad but it seems that the Sony MiniDisc preamps are still the quietest, portable recording solution, but now that the H4 is announced, and at $100 less, and with compressor/limiter, and with true P24/48 phantom power, XLR in, and, and, and… guess I’ll have to wait a little longer.
Any updates as to the release date of this fine looking unit? Early October? Late October? I can’t wait to get my hands on it. I think SamAsh.com is taking pre-orders for $299.00.
The H4 is now shipping and I’ll have one in my hands in a few days (hopefully by the Expo.) I’ve been told that the preamps on it are extremely clean…if that’s the case and everything else looks good then I won’t hesitate to start recommending these hands down as the next step up from an iRiver for podcasters.
I forgot to mention that Samson/Zoom will have a booth at the Expo and will have the H4 there as well.
Craig,
have you had a chance to play with the Zoom H4 yet? I do live recording (Mostly Govt Mule these days) and I have a SWEET matched pair of MBHO 603As and was attracted to the H4 cause of it’s phantom powering options. I was wondering if you’d actually gotten yours yet and what you thought of it.
Also, does anyone know about the availability of the Fostex FR-2 LE? That would be another I’d be into checking out.
Also, I don’t know if anyone’s checked out the Edirol R-09, but my CIO has one and it’s actually quite nice. Roughly the size of a pack of Cigarettes (typical US packaging, that is) and the A/D conversion is sweet. No XLR ins, just mini stereo ins. And it’s VERY light weight. It seems to weigh less than the 2 AA batteries that power it.
Peace,
Tom
i bought the Zoom H4 the day it came out. So far im really likng it. you can hear some songs/audio files that Ive made with it here http://www.icompositions.com/artists/DrMrStupid
Dudes! I just bought the M-Audio 24/96. I’m loving it but this is my first toy like this….. I’m totally new at the tech stuff and I wonder this gadget won’t let me to overdubs, correct? Will this H4 yer talking about do em?
Signed,
the gal…..
you mean like punch-in? the H4 will do that.
I am looking to use the ZOOM H4 for live recording of my group. The goal of the recordings is a more as a rehearsl tool I am not looking for “market” waulity. Justa reasonable balance and sound. My question is, IF I record an entire set of music, 60 minutes, 14 songs. How do I or can I break the file into its individual songs? IS there software with the ZOOM or do I need to stop and save after each song.?
Thanks
just stop and start recording again (no extra saving needed, just 3 times pressing the same knob).
so you get a new file everytime you start recording again.
with a 2GB card there should be plenty of recording time (about 200 minutes wav quality).
I recorded my last rehearsals with it and was very satisfied.
one just with the built-in mics and I was surprised how fine the results sounded (lot of deep frequencies, no problem for the mics)
one with the inputs (superb results).
Just have to find out how the h4 deals with very subtle field-recordings,
how silent the mic-amps are. we will see.
till now I´m very happy with this thing.
Hallo!! (Sorry for my bad English)
well, i recived my h4 two days ago, and i am very happy with it. but, did anyone out there recorded sound using 48khz-24bit wave resolution with external mic´s? I am wandering if the build in pre amps are to noisie… because when i record using the buid in X/Y mics using also the “H” pre amp. mode, there is a very iritable noise that probably comes out from the h4 it self, this is very bad. one begative point is the real-time level controler, there should be an analogg fader, for realtime dB control. but i must tell you… it is prbably the best field recorder for it´s price… And if the system update includes the 4 GB extension , it´s just perfect for semi-professiional sound recording
(sorry for my bad inglish).
Nils
I have made the experience that if recording at 96kHz the irritable noise mostly is away. I hear a faint high frequency tone when I record at lower kHz. where can I download the system update?
sascha
Few words and photos about my H4
http://www.monterdiy.vel.pl/?p=108
Hey I’m looking for a relatively pro audio field recorder. I don’t really know about audio I’m more of a hd video guy. I’m looking more for the best quality audio and smallest size rather than just the cheapest solution (but nothings wrong with cheap!). Are any of these things viable for real legitimate hi def audio that can be multichanneled and digital (or whatever, I mean probably i’m wrong but mp3 sounds pretty lowend doesn’t it?)… flash sounds pretty sweet. and if anyone feels they have the time, whats up with xlr and all that, does it really make a difference at the compression they use)
-a newblet
Dear Sir,
Please send me a quotation for ZOOM H-4 portable recorder , 2GB SD Card and relevant accessories to the recorder with courrier charges to Sri Lanka. Kindly address the quotation to the following address.
Best Regards.
D.M.L. Colonne
Director Engineering
MBC Networks (Pvt) Ltd
No 7, Braybrooke Place,
Colombo 2
Sri Lanka
Hi,
We don’t sell gear on the site. Sorry about that.
-ptfigg.
I’m considering the H4 for field podcasting use. It seems like it would work quite well. Right now all I have is an Olympus DS-30 and recording in a car or with any ambient noise produces unacceptable results.
I have a friend who uses the Marantz PMD660 and the H4 seems to be a pretty decent alternative.
My main uses will be:
2 person recording in a car
Field interviews
Home studio recording
Can someone confirm that the H4 would be a reasonable fit?