You May Also Like

The Essentials:

Bags, Cases & Straps:

Batteries & Chargers:

Flashes & Lighting:

Cleaning & Maintenance:

Protection & Waterproof:

Viewfinder & LCD:

Audio Equipment:

Cables & Connectivity:

Storage:

Other:

Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

Ideally equipped for the burgeoning musician, indie filmmaker, and content creator, the Zoom H4essential Portable Recorder 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 provides a versatile, hassle-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" colour display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real time. The H4essential can utilise 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.

Equipped with Accessibility Options

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.

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.

Ultraclean Preamps

The two XLR-1/4" TRS combo inputs feature Zoom's ultraclean preamps that support +48V phantom power and +4 dBu professional line-level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a thunderous 130 dB SPL, equivalent to a rock concert.

Audio Interface Capability

Send audio via USB-C in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a Windows, 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, and 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.

For Content Creators

Musicians

The H4essential is perfect for recording music. With two XLR-1/4" TRS inputs and the stereo X/Y microphones, it's easy to record live shows, rehearsals, and songs.

Filmmakers

The XLR inputs can be used to capture location sound including on-set dialogue and audio for sound design. The onboard X/Y microphones are perfect for recording ambience.

Podcasters

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.

Optional Connections

Pair with Your iOS Device

Use the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately) to pair with your iOS device and remotely record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.

Bluetooth Timecode Sync

With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.

Soft-Touch Controls

Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation.

Built-In Speaker

You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. The speaker supports up to a 250mW output.

In and Out

Use the 3.5mm line output for headphones or to connect to a camera. The H4essential also features a 3.5mm mic/line input.

Brilliant Colour Display

The vivid full-colour 2" LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H4essential's menu and functions.

High-Capacity Storage

The H4essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.

Long Battery Life

Supporting up to 10 hours of battery life on just two AA batteries, the H4Essential will last through long recording sessions. Utilise USB-C bus power with outlets and power banks when batteries are not available.

PORTABLE RECORDER  
   
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Primary Use Applications
Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting
Number of Tracks
4
Number of Input Channels
5 (3 x Mono, 1 x Stereo)
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 32-Bit Float
Microphone
Built-In Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, X/Y Configuration
Number of Microphone Inputs
3
Built-In Speaker
Yes, 1 W Mono
Display
2" / 5.1 cm Monochrome OLED
Memory Card Support
microSDXC (Up to 1 TB)
Special Features
Overdubbing
   
RECORDING  
   
Audio File Formats
BWF, iXML, WAV
Sample Rates
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
Bit Depth
Up to 32-Bit (Floating Point)
   
CONNECTIVITY  
   
Analog I/O
2x Combo XLR-1/4" 3-Pin Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
  1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input
  1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone/Line Output
Phantom Power
+48 V
Phantom Power Current
10 mA (Max)
System Connection
1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0)
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only
Wireless
Bluetooth
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: iOS Only
  App Name: H4essntial Control App
  Functionality: Remote Control
   
PERFORMANCE  
   
Max Input Level
Mic Inputs:
  +4 dBu
  Line Inputs:
  +24 dBu
Headphone Output Power
20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
Impedance
Outputs:
  ≤15 Kilohms
Microphone Sensitivity
-43 dB (X/Y)
Microphone Max SPL
130 dB SPL (X/Y)
   
POWER  
   
Power Options
Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
2x AA
Approximate Battery Life
9 Hours (AA Alkaline, Recording, Built-In Mic)
  14 Hours (AA NiMH, Recording, Built-In Mic)
  20 Hours (AA Lithium, Recording, Built-In Mic)
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1 A (Included)
   
PHYSICAL  
   
Dimensions
6.7 x 3.8 x 15.6 cm
Weight
0.226 kg


* Specifications subject to change by the manufacturer without notice.

  • Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

Reviews

* Dispatch timeframes are indications only and may vary for multiple quantities. Timeframes are updated regularly during normal business hours.