Zoom H4essential 32-Bit Float Portable Field Recorder
With four tracks, 32-bit float recording, advanced X/Y mics and 2 XLR/TRS inputs, creators have more ways to record their music, podcasts, and audio-for-video with the Zoom H4essential.
More Dynamic Range
With 32-bit float recording, you never have to adjust levels. The H4essential captures every nuance of your sound ensuring high-quality, clip-free audio in every take.
The First Handy Recorders with Accessibility
The Essential Series was designed with Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.
Sound Pressure Level
The 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs feature Zoom’s ultra-clean preamps that supports phantom power and +4dBu professional line level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a thunderous 130 dB SPL, equivalent to a rock concert.
Record and Stream
Stream in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C port, the H4essential can be used as a 4-in/2-out audio interface.
Mix. Monitor. Record.
Use the built-in mixer to easily adjust each track’s audio level. It also has a waveform display so you can see your audio as it records.
Big Stage Sound For Musicians
The H4essential is perfect for recording music. With 2 XLR/TRS inputs and the stereo X/Y microphones it’s easy to record live shows, rehearsals and songs.
Location Sound
The XLR inputs can be used to capture on-set dialogue and audio for sound design. The onboard X/Y microphones are perfect for recording ambience.
For Interviews and Podcasts
Podcasters can use the H4essential’s XLR inputs with external mics for one-on-one conversations and the X/Y mics for interviews on-the-go.
 |
 |
 |
| Soft Touch Control
Recording and rotary controls have been designed to allow for quiet operation. |
Built-In Speaker
You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. |
Now In Color
The new full-color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H4essential’s menu and functions. |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
In and Out
Use the 3.5mm line input/output for headphones or to connect to a camera. |
Advanced XY Mics
The onboard X/Y microphones capture crystal clear audio up to 130 dB SPL. |
High Capacity Storage
The H4essential supports SDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio. |
|
Key Highlights:
- 4-track 32-bit float recorder with Dual A/D Converters
- Clip-free recording with no need to set gain
- Records up to 96kHZ sample rate
INPUT AND OUTPUT CHANNELS
Inputs:
Built-in mic (stereo): 1
XLR/TRS: 2
MIC/LINE IN: 1
Outputs:
Headphones: 1
Built-in speaker (mono): 1
INPUTS
Built-in mic:
Format: 90º XY stereo
Directionality: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: –43 dB/1 Pa at 1 kHz
Maximum sound pressure input: 130 dB SPL
INPUT1-2:
Connector: XLR/TRS combo jacks ×2 (XLR：2 HOT TRS：TIP HOT）
Input gain: Adjustment unnecessary
Input impedance: MIC: 3.8 kΩ or more, LINE: 39 kΩ or more
Maximum input level: MIC: +4 dBu, LINE: +24 dBu
Phantom power: +48 V, Channel total 10 mA or less
Equivalent input noise: MIC: -120 dBu or less（IHF-A) @150 Ω input, LINE: -95 dBu or less（IHF-A) @600 Ω input
MIC/LINE IN:
Connector: Stereo mini jack (supports plug-in power)
Input gain: Adjustment unnecessary
Input impedance: 2 kΩ or more
OUTPUTS
Headphones:
Connector: Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: 20 ｍW + 20 ｍW（into 32 Ω load）
Output impedance: 15 Ω or less
Built-in speaker:
Type: 20 x 30mm elliptical dynamic speaker
Effective maximum output: 250mW
RECORDER
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 4
Maximum simultaneous playback tracks: 4
Recording formats: WAV, 44.1/48/96 kHz, 32-bit float mono/stereo, BWF and iXML formats supported
Recording media: 4-32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification, 64GB–1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification
DISPLAY
2.0-inch full-color LCD: 360 x 240
USB
Connector: USB Type-C
Note: Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
Audio Interface: USB 2.0 High Speed
Input and output channels: 4 in / 2 out (Multi), 2 in / 2 out (Stereo)
Sampling frequency: 44.1/48/96 kHz (AIF only), 44.1/48 kHz (AIF + onboard recording)
Bit depth: 24-bit, 32-bit float
File transfer: USB 2.0 High Speed
REMOTE
Dedicated wireless adapter: ZOOM BTA-1
POWER
2 AA batteries: Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries
AC Adapter: ZOOM AD-17：DC 5V / 1 A
- Note: USB bus power is supported.
ESTIMATED CONTINUOUS OPERATION TIMES USING BATTERIES
2-track recording (built-in XY mic):
Alkaline batteries: About 9 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): About 9 hours
Lithium batteries: About 19 hours
Conditions: 48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, no headphones, no remote, display power saving on, display brightness at Medium
Note: These values are approximate and will vary greatly according to use conditions.
4-track recording (built-in XY mic with INPUT 1-2):
Alkaline batteries: About 2 hours 30 minutes
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): About 4 hours
Lithium batteries: About 8 hours
Conditions: 48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, headphones used (33Ω load), no remote, display power saving on, display brightness at Medium
Note: These values are approximate and will vary greatly according to use conditions.
4-track recording (plug-in power mic with INPUT 1-2):
Alkaline batteries: About 40 minutes
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): About 1 hour 30 minutes
Lithium batteries: About 3 hours 30 minutes
Conditions: 48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, headphones used (33Ω load), no remote, display power saving on, display brightness at Medium
Note: These values are approximate and will vary greatly according to use conditions.
Power consumption: 3 W maximum
Dimensions: 66.9 mm (W) × 156.1 mm (D) × 38.0 mm (H)
Weight (including batteries): 243 g
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
