Zoom H4essential

Portable 32-Track Audio Recorder

No levelling required thanks to 32-bit float converter technology
Recording and playback of up to 4 tracks in WAV, BWF or iXML format
Maximum recording quality: 32 bit / 96 kHz
Built-in X/Y stereo microphone
Maximum sound pressure level: 130dB max. SPL
2 x XLR/TRS combo socket for line and microphone signals
+48V phantom power switchable
Microphone/line inputs can be used in parallel with the built-in stereo microphone
Barrier-free operation for people with visual impairments thanks to acoustic instructions via the built-in speaker or headphone output
2" Colour display
Built-in speaker
Timecode synchronisation via Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter (Art. 423971, not included)
Recording media: microSDHC cards up to 32GB
microSDXC cards up to 1TB (not included)
Recording and streaming via USB to Mac, PC, iOS and Android (2 inputs and outputs)
Power supply: 2x AA batteries (not included)
Zoom AD-17 power adapter (item 325751, not included) or USB-C port
Stereo mic/line input: 3.5 mm jack
Stereo line/headphone output: 3.5 mm jack
Dimensions: (L x W x H) 156.1 x 66.9 x 38 mm
Weight: 226 g

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since February 2024

Item number 585324

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Integrated Stereo Microhone Yes

Recording Tracks 4

Microphone Inputs 2

48 V Phantom power Yes

Line Inputs 2

Storage Medium microSD/SDHC/SDXC

Headphone connection Yes

Integrated Speaker Yes

Resolution max. 32 bit

Max. Sample Rate 96 kHz

Limiter No

Max. Memory 1

Power Feed 2x AA Batteries, Power Supply, USB

Dimensions 156 x 67 x 38 mm

Weight 226 g

Included In Delivery -

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Free of charge with this product

1x Thomann LR6 AA 4pc

£159

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Delivery free of charge expected between Monday, 27.01. and Tuesday, 28.01.

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£136

Four-track recording, anytime

The Zoom H4essential is a portable four-track audio recorder that combines advanced recording technology, versatility, and intuitive operation in a compact, lightweight design. Whether capturing music, podcasts, or audio-for-video, its 32-bit float recording ensures flawless sound quality without the need for manual gain adjustments. Dual onboard X/Y microphones handle up to 130dB SPL (equivalent to the volume of a live Rock concert) while two XLR/jack combo inputs with locking sockets and phantom power accommodate condenser mics and line-level signals. A 3.5mm mic/line input adds flexibility for lavalier microphones or other sources. Recordings can be saved in WAV, BWF, or iXML formats at resolutions up to 96kHz, and stored on microSDXC cards up to 1TB. Weighing just 226g, it offers flexible power options: Up to 19 hours on two AA batteries in two-track mode (eight hours in four-track mode), USB-C bus power, or the optional Zoom AD-17 adapter. For enhanced accessibility, selected menu functions can be read aloud - an invaluable feature for visually impaired users. Optional accessories also enable timecode synchronisation via Bluetooth. The Zoom H4essential's colour LCD and tactile controls further simplify operation, allowing users to focus on their task with ease.

High performance, zero clipping

At the heart of the Zoom H4essential is its 32-bit float recording technology, which allows pristine audio to be captured and eliminates the need to set gain levels, ensuring distortion-free recordings with an exceptional dynamic range. The X/Y microphones capture everything from delicate whispers to thunderous performances, while the XLR/jack combo inputs - complete with phantom power - support professional condenser microphones. Dual A/D converters read billions of amplitude values, allowing adjustments in post-production without compromising audio quality. Peaks can be tamed, quieter sections amplified, and all nuances preserved. Whether recording in the field or streaming live, the USB-C connection turns the H4essential into a high-speed USB 2.0 audio interface, supporting both live and studio applications.

Rear view of the Zoom H4essential audio recorder

For musicians, podcasters, and streamers

The H4essential caters to the diverse needs of musicians, podcasters, and streamers. Musicians can record - in stereo and on the fly - live performances and rehearsals in the loudest environments and even split a couple of extra tracks off the mixer, if required. The two XLR/jack combo inputs support any combination of microphones, including lavaliers and canon mics, while the line output can connect directly to a camera to synchronise audio with video. Podcasters can create interviews with a stereo ambiance track to use at the editing stage, and streamers can take advantage of the H4essential's 4-in/2-out USB audio interface, streaming 32-bit float audio and simultaneously recording it to an SD card. Quick reference playback is possible thanks to the built-in speaker, and a dedicated headphone output ensures accurate monitoring. With these powerful features, the H4essential appeals to a wide range of content creators across many disciplines.

About Zoom

Founded in 1983, the Japanese company Zoom manufactures a variety of audio equipment, including a range of portable "handy" recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines, and samplers. Over the past thirty years, the company has built a reputation for producing innovative yet affordable products based on original microchip designs. Since the Zoom-9002 (an ultra-compact multi-effects processor that can be attached to a guitar strap) was introduced in 1990, Zoom has become one of the leaders in digital audio processing.

Perfect for field recording and creative setups

Compact, durable, and designed for portability, the Zoom H4essential thrives in both studio and outdoor environments. Its onboard X/Y microphones capture detailed soundscapes, ideal for interviews, nature recording, or live events. The 3.5mm mic/line input provides additional flexibility for lavalier microphones, while the optional BTA-1 adapter enables Bluetooth timecode synchronisation, streamlining audio-video integration for filmmakers. A threaded mount fits easily onto any camera rig or stand, and optional accessories such as the Zoom HRM-7 holder and the WSU-1 windscreen further expand functionality. The H4essential's flexible power options include USB-C bus power, the Zoom AD-17 adapter, or two AA batteries for up to 19 hours of operation in two-track mode, ideal for extended recording sessions.

In the spotlight

32-bit float recording technology

Who hasn’t experienced a perfect take being ruined by digital clipping? This is where 32-bit float technology redefines recording, offering two key advantages: Its extended dynamic range, which reads up to four trillion amplitude values (i.e. 33% more than traditional 24-bit technology), captures both the softest and loudest signals without clipping, ensuring that recordings remain clean, even under extreme conditions. Peaks can be reduced, quieter sections amplified, and audio quality is preserved entirely for post-production. There is no need to adjust gain levels either - the user simply presses record, and the H4essential ensures that every take is captured with precision and clarity.

This is what customers who viewed this product bought

18 Customer ratings

5 11 Customers 4 3 Customers 3 2 Customers 2 2 Customers 1 0 Customers

4.3 / 5

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11 Reviews

Crashes after recording

imranino 29.04.2024

I was excited about using this recorder - having previously owned an H4n a decade ago, I knew it would be reliable and easy to use.

My main use case is recording music remotely and recording my live performances. In both cases I'm focussing on performing, so I just want to set up, record and no longer have to worry about it. In the first instance, I've had several instances of the resultant wav file having about 10 seconds of audio followed by silence for the rest of the file.

Yesterday I had a performance and was recording sound from the mixing desk and the inbuilt microphones for a room sound. After pressing 'stop', the loading wheel remained spinning. I left it for as long as possible while I packed down the stage. Unfortunately it was completely crashed and the only way to get anywhere was a hard reset (removing a battery). Therefore I lost 49 minutes of recording.

I've tried several SD cards, formatted them on the device and had similar results.

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Mehr erwartet

tonteam 24.05.2024

Der neue H4Ess hat Features die interessant sind. Es werden immer drei Dateien aufgenommen (R, L und R+L). Die 32 bit Geschichte macht ihren Job. Gut, Line In und Line Out 2 getrennte Buchsen.

Schlechter gegenüber dem H4pro (habe beide parallel getestet) ist:
Die Mikros lassen sich nicht auf 120 Grad verstellen. Verarbeitung deutlich plastiker als beim H4pro, keinerlei Case oder Zubehör dabei. Weniger Low Cut Stufen als der H4Pro.
Fazit: Nur wegen der 32 bit Aussteuerung lohnt sich m.E. nicht der Umstieg vom H4Pro zum H4 Ess. Auch wegen der billigeren Verarbeitung des Neulings. Die 32 bit Technik macht viel sinn bei Reportagen. Da habe ich den Zoom M2Mictrac geholt, der dafür ideal ist.

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Eigentlich gut aber Einsparungen

CameoFilm 04.03.2024

Sound und Bedienung sind super beim neuen H4. Man merkt nur leider, dass doch am ein oder anderen Punkt gespart wurde.
-Bluetooth- und Appverbindung immer noch über einen extra kaufbaren dongle
-Starke Griffgeräusche am eingebauten Mikrofon wenn man das Gerät in der Hand hält
-Keine Transportverpackung für die Nutzung außer den Verpackungskarton
-Kein Windschutz mitgeliefert

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No hay mejor grabadora en el mercado

Pablo Barred Reyes 08.03.2024

Haciendo un extenso estudio de mercado y mirando las opciones de Tascam y Zoom, me quedo con la nueva grabadora de 32 bits flotantes, literalmente no tienes que hacer nada mas que apretar y grabar, no hay que fijarse en ganancias, todo el audio grabado es recuperable, incluso con los ruidos saturados he recuperado TODA la grabación. Simplemente increíble

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Zoom H4essential

Portable 32-Track Audio Recorder