New Zoom H4 Recorder vs H2

Remember when Jim Lovell tells his son in Apollo 13 that Nasa fixed the door problem on the Apollo right after three astronauts were killed in a test run? maybe it is not rocket science but the new "Handy Recorder" H4 by Zoom Corporation still has not fixed its door problem. All else is systems go- but flexibility is traded out for more control and for the radio host on the move the H2 is easier to move with.

H2 vs. H4 in living stereo

Both models live up to their "handy" name and both record in "brilliant stereo" (including surround sound) the media pro who is covering a story, or conducting an interview will miss some accesories that the H2 came standard with but is not in the box of the H4. I am preparing my Envoy Town team to cover a convention of author and publishers. We are about to test the recorders against themselves and a portable Marantz- so the radio review will be even better!

The missing link

aside from the flimsy door that houses the sound card both Zoom Units perform well. The H4 lacks flexibility in mic positions because Zoom designed the newer unit with a caged X/Y pattern.  Also a tri-pod or a hand held stand are not in the box of the H4 (bummer!) What does come with the H4 that is not included with the H2 is  the Cubase LE software which may be helpful for some but not for those who use Pro-Tools.  Our Envoy's gather elements and bring them back to our mastering studio where our chief engineer creates magic.

SFX and music

The metronome tracs and the guitar jack works well for me as a composer. The flexability of the recorder also helps us gather great tracks for our custom sound-effects as well as Foley. The jury is stiill out on the durability of the Zoom units. Envoytown Station will get some road testing chances in the coming weeks so we will report back to you. One thing is for sure- we hope the H5 fixes the door problem!