Samson delivering Zoom H4n handheld recording device at CES
By Darren Murph 
posted Jan 6th 2009 1:37AM
posted Jan 6th 2009 1:37AM
Samson isn't bothering to wait until NAMM kicks off on January 15th; instead, it's bringing its newest handheld recording device to Las Vegas. The Zoom H4n takes off where the H2 and H4 left off, offering up an improved user interface, built-in X/Y stereo condenser mics, a digitally controlled mic preamp and the ability to use internal and external mics simultaneously for 4-channel recording. You'll also find a spacious LCD, a Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp, track marker functions and audio recording at up to 24bit/96kHz on SD/SDHC media. Unfortunately, there's no word on a price, but we are told that its rugged exterior can handle even the rowdiest of shows. Full release is after the break. Samson to Debut Zoom H4n Handheld Recording Device at 2009 CES
A state-of-the-art recording device complete with an onboard reference speaker, 4-channel high resolution audio recording and variable recording pattern capability
On display at CES, January 8th-11th in Las Vegas at South 4 Booth #35528 and at NAMM, January 15th -18th in Anaheim Booth #5940
Hauppauge, NY – January 5th, 2009 – As the leading manufacturer of portable handheld recorders, Zoom is pleased to introduce the next generation in its line, the H4n. With a focus on new features and improving the user experience at every level, the H4n is also Zoom's most sophisticated handheld recorder to date.
Zoom's H4n offers superior, built-in X/Y stereo condenser mics that allow variable recording patterns at either 90° or 120°. Audio quality is improved through its new digitally controlled, high-quality mic preamp and the ability to use internal and external mics simultaneously for 4-channel recording. A large LCD screen, a more intuitive interface and onboard reference speaker will take the user's recording experience to the next level.
"We have learned a great deal from the success of the H2 and H4, and have continually sought to bring the most important improvements to our designs," says Masa Iijima, CEO of Zoom Corporation. "Our new H4n confirms our commitment to this category while bringing users substantial improvements to their experience," added Iijima.
Additionally, Zoom has incorporated several of the most popular features from its H2 to the H4n such as Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compatible time stamp and track marker functions and its auto-record and pre-record features so you never miss a moment. Of course, the H4n records high-resolution audio at 24bit/96kHz on SD/SDHC media of up to 32GB and is USB 2.0.
The H4n is also the most robust recorder from Zoom, with a rubberized, shock resistant body for improved chassis protection, all-metal microphone design and a built-in mounting joint for tripod and microphone stand use.
For musicians and songwriters, the H4n has a more user-friendly multi-track recording capability along with Hi-Z Inputs for recording guitar and bass, variable speed playback capability for "phrase training", onboard studio effects, and over 50 guitar and bass amp modeling settings. In addition, a new stamina mode enables the H4n to operate for 10 hours continuously on a single set of AA batteries.
Most importantly, Zoom continues to place an emphasis on value, including everything you need to get started with the H4n. The package includes a 1 GB SD card, wind screen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software. An optional remote control is also available.
The H4n truly represents a leap to the next level of handheld recording ability. See, hear and feel the new Zoom H4n at CES or NAMM.
There is NO WAY you are getting that past airport security.
i think its made that way cos of the mic's polar patterns.
Yeah... if I had to carry it through the airport, I'd also carry the instruction manual or brochure.
Yeah it really looks homemade.. oh wait it totally does not.
cool looking mini-taser.,.,
"spacious LCD"? Where?
Are you kidding me! Just because the device is not an iPhone with the entire device as an LCD does not mean that the LCD is not spacious!
How much though?? Any ideas??
fuck... I just buyed a H4 last month...
bought*
Oh thanks... I learned my english from my japanese wife! No wonder nobody understand me!! ^_^
I'll try remember that one!
+1 to you both.
That was a surprisingly civil lesson and acceptance of corrected grammar.
''Tis a rare thing on the internet these days,,,
Good stuff... I had the H4 and use the excellent smaller H2 now... Good to see these type of improvements being made! I love the size of the H2... Just wish it had a hold button to keep it from accidentally turning off, and had less handling noise - something I suspect the more rugged H4n improves on
i've had an H2 for about a year now, and i absolutely love it. it's hard to it's bang-for-the-buck ratio.
On the H2, you can enable the hold mode by holding done the Menu button for about 5 seconds. Disable the same way.
Meh, non swiveling heads, that makes a bad shave.
I had been looking into buying the H4,
think I'll wait and see how this plays out.
YOUR MOVE, ZOOM!
I wonder if they will finally decide to use one of the many LEDs to indicate the single most important thing you really need in the field: A peak indicator.
Did the h4 not have a peak on its LCD?
Or were you hoping to see it have a separate LED somewhere on the body to make it more apparent when it clips?
a remote would be very nice for the singer/songwriter set. and yes, that screen is way bigger than the H2 or H4. I'm guessing street price would be about $300
I saw 349$ on google... should be 300$ when its out!
got my H4 240$ last month on amazon... snif... bah, its a great little device. just a bit sad cause that one look way more nice!
Boards Of Canada-
I was planning on using the H4 for recording live performances of rock music.
I was worried that the microphone might clip because it is too loud.
Have you had that problem?
But will we ever see this go on sale? Anyone remember last years best of CES the Belkin Podcast Studio http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/hands-on-with-belkins-podcast-studio/
Still waiting people !
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BLKGOSTUDIO
It's been out for a while.
$119.95
It's good to see other manufacturers outside the usual pro audio sector tackling these devices, but it's not really bringing anything to the party that's not been about a good while.
I'm still rocking my old Marantz. It's no different to this really and I've had it c.3 years.
What I like most about this device is that in addition to the X/Y setup built in mics it has two fully phantom powered XLR inputs- way cool.
For a price much below equally equipped, and often bulkier, hardware.
Aha! I'd recognize the Ghostbusters handheld PKE meter anywhere! You can't fool ME, Samson.
This might be worthwhile if it records in Mono and with SMPTE timecode. I'd like to tether it to my NAGRA 4.2 and record on SD cards with a similiar audio quality as tape.
I just got an H2 and its the most useful thing Ive ever owned...... Ther versatility alone is worth it and I cant wait for this thing......
From what I've read of the previous Zoom recorders, their time-chip is sooo cheap that if you're recording for video, you're screwed:
( the wandering clock-frequency means if you get the beginning & the end to match the video, the middle *won't* )
Unless that's been fixed this time 'round, then the Roland/Edirol 4-track unit or the Zaxcom unit are still the ones to beat ( both have timecode, and both apparently got decent crystals/PLL chips )
Better to know BEFORE paying, yes?
If you're a proper video editor snipping a frame out here and there occasionally isn't an issue. I use the H2 for video. Also can't understand all the moaning about the supposedly small LCD screen -- it's fine. The only downside with the H2 is handling noise.