Ideally equipped for the burgeoning musician, indie filmmaker, and content creator, the H4essential Portable Recorder from Zoom offers four tracks of pristine, distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. With 32-bit float recording and X/Y mics that can handle 130 dB with ease, the H4essential offers a versatile pain-free audio solution.

The dual XLR-1/4" combo inputs feature low-noise and high-quality Zoom mic preamps and sport +48V phantom power for driving professional condenser mics. An onboard mixer is easy to use with the bright 2" color display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real time. The H4essential can utilize its USB-C port not only for power but also to stream up to two channels of audio to computers and smart devices, acting as a 4-in / 2-out interface. Furthermore, the recorder is tripod mountable, allowing it be conveniently used in a fixed location or atop a camera via an adapter for field recording duties.

Portable, Intuitive Audio Recorder    Musicians, Content Creators & Podcasters    32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed    Onboard X/Y Mics Handle up to 130 dB    2 XLR-1/4" TRS Combo Inputs with Preamps    Onboard Mixer and Waveform Display    Function as a 4x2 USB-C Audio Interface    Tripod Mountable    Compatible with BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter    10-Hour Operation on 2 AA Batteries

The Essential Series was designed with accessibility for the 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.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. SMPTE in and/or out? Will this work with The Tentacle Devices?

A: The Zoom H4E does not have SMPTE in or out. It will work with Tentacle Sync devices.

Q: 2. What's the Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) ? Is it still the same -120 dBu, like on the old Zoom H5/H6 recorders? Thx

A: The EIN for the mic input of the Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is -120 dBu or less, while the line input has an EIN of -95 dBu or less.

Q: 3. Can this unit be configured to record 4 inputs to a SINGLE 4-channel .wav file?

A: Yes, the Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder can record 4 inputs simultaneously to a single 4-track WAV file.

Q: 4. How much record time do you get with a 256 GB microSDSX card?

A: 32-bit float audio files do take up about 33% more storage than 24-bit files; using a 256GB microSDXC card with the Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder will provide you with approximately 85 hours of recording time.

Q: 5. Can the 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mic/line input be used simultaneously with the two xlr inputs? (IE: with a Rode Wireless Go II kit)

A: Yes, the Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder can be set to 4-track mode, which enables the use of both its 3.5mm stereo mic input and both combo jack inputs at the same time.

Q: 6. Can the H4essential provide phantom power to an XLR connected boom?

A: Yes, the Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder can provide phantom power to an XLR connected boom.

Q: 7. Can the H1essential provide phantom power to an XLR connected boom?

A: The Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder doesn't have an XLR connection, so it wouldn't be able to provide phantom power to a connected mic.

Q: 8. Is the built-in mic recording in 32-bit Float? (Because it does NOT on the 4 track version.)

A: Yes, the Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder records in 32-bit from all inputs.

Q: 9. Can you use your own microphone?

A: Yes, the Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder has a 3.5mm input that can be used to connect an external microphone.

Q: 10. Does H4 Essential start faster compare to H4n Pro? Because H4n Pro is very slow especially with larger memory card and many file

A: Startup time for the Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder will depend on the type and size of memory card used, and the number of files which are currently being stored.