You can also use the H4 as an audio interface with your computer. If you have a laptop and simple audio recording software, you can connect the H4 via USB 2.0 to convert your analog signal to any of the four selectable sample rates directly to your computer's hard drive. If your production requires a high sample rate and the cuts or takes are long, this is a great way to work around the 2GB SD card limit.

We really liked the design of the H4. It's small and very lightweight. A few of the quirks include possible difficulty removing the SD card (which lives underneath the included tripod adapter, if you use it); the menu text may be hard to read for some people; the manual gain stages provide little real level control, but auto gain works well; and the headphone volume may not be loud enough in noisier environments. Overall, the balanced inputs, very useful compressor/limiter, overall audio quality and low price make the H4 a very attractive option for acquiring high quality uncompressed audio.

Recording Time: approx 190 minutes using 2GB card and recording in 44.1kHz/16bit mode
A/D/D/A Conversion: 24-bit; x128 oversampling
Recording Media: SD card (16MB " 2GB)
Data Type: WAV record/playback: stereo and 4-track modes; 16- or 24-bit quantization, 44.1, 48 or 96kHz sampling. MP3 recording: 48-320kbps or VBR
Display: 128 x 64 dots. Backlight
Inputs: XLR (balanced input)/standard phone (unbalanced input) combo jack
Gain Levels: balanced inputs: L = -20dBm; M=-30dBm; H= -40dBm; unbalanced inputs: L = -10dBm; M=-30dBm; H= -40dBm
Built-in Stereo Mic: unidirectional condenser microphone
Gain Levels for Mic: L = +6dBm; M= +20dBm; H= +30dBm
Phantom Power: 48v, 24V, off
Master Output: mini stereo phone jack
USB 2.0: USB function can operate by USB bus power
Power Requirements: 9v DC
Batteries: AA x 2
Continuous Recording Time : about four hours (on fresh batteries)
Dimensions: 70 (W) x 153 (D) x 35 (H) mm
Weight: 190 grams

• Small
• Balanced XLR inputs
• Sound quality
• Limiter/compressor

• Menu text too small
• SD card hard to remove without small fingers
• Limited three-step gain stage
• Headphone volume too low

Even though it's not very big, the Zoom H4 records professional-quality audio. But you'll want to get a large-capacity SD card.

Contributing editor Brian Peterson is a video production consultant, trainer, and lecturer.

$499
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Ave.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.samsontech.com