Four Tracks. More Options.
With four tracks, 32-bit float recording, advanced X/Y mics and 2 XLR/TRS inputs, creators have more ways to record their music, podcasts, and audio-for-video.
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.
The First Recorders With Accessibility
The Essential Series was designed with Accessibility for the blind and 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.
Sound Pressure Level
The 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs feature Zoom’s ultra-clean preamps that supports phantom power and +4dBu professional line level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a thunderous 130 dB SPL, equivalent to a rock concert.
Record And Stream
Stream in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a PC, 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. 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.
Big Stage Sound For Musicians
The H4essential is perfect for recording music. With 2 XLR/TRS inputs and the stereo X/Y microphones it's easy to record live shows, rehearsals, and songs.
Location Sound
The XLR inputs can be used to capture on-set dialogue and audio for sound design. The onboard X/Y microphones are perfect for recording ambience.
For Interviews And Podcasts
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.
Pair With Your Ios Device
Use the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter to pair with your iOS device to remotely hit record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.
Bluetooth Timecode Sync
With the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.
*Please note: BTA-1 Adapter not included
Soft Touch Controls
Recording and rotary controls have been designed to allow for quiet operation.
Built-In Speaker
You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference.
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 Color Display
The new, vivid full-color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H4essential’s menu and functions.
High-Capacity Storage
The H4essential supports SDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.
AI Noise Reduction*
Activate AI noise reduction to achieve clear, studio-quality sound anywhere. This eliminates consistent background noise and reduces the base noise level.
*Free firmware V2 required
Technical Specifications
Input and output channels
Inputs
Built-in mic (stereo): 1
XLR/TRS: 2
MIC/LINE IN: 1
Outputs
Headphones: 1
Built-in speaker (mono): 1
Inputs
Built-in mic: 90º XY stereo format
Directionality: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: –43 dB/1 Pa at 1 kHz
Maximum sound pressure input: 130 dB SPL
XLR/TRS Connector
XLR/TRS combo jacks × 2 (XLR:2 HOT TRS:TIP HOT)
Input gain: Adjustment unnecessary
Manual control possible with free firmware V2
Input impedance
XLR: 3 kO or more
TRS: 3 kO or more
Maximum input level
XLR: +4 dBu
TRS : +24 dBu
Phantom power: +48 V, Channel total 10 mA or less
Equivalent input noise -120 dBu or less(IHF-A) @150 O input
MIC/LINE IN Connector
Stereo mini jack ×1 (supports plug-in power)
Input gain: Adjustment unnecessary
Input impedance: 2 kO or more
Outputs
Headphones Connector: Stereo mini jack ×1
Maximum output level: 20 mW + 20 mW(into 32 O load)
Output impedance: 15 O or less
Built-in speaker: 250 mW 8 O mono speaker
Recorder
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 4
Maximum simultaneous playback tracks: 4
Recording formats: WAV
44.1/48/96 kHz,
32-bit float mono/stereo
BWF and iXML formats supported
SUPPORTED MP3 FORMATS (recording and export)*: MP3 128kbps, MP3 256kbps, MP3 320kbps
*Free firmware V2 required
Recording media
4-32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification
64GB–1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification
Display: 2.0-inch full-color LCD(360 x 240)
USB Connector: USB Type-C
Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
USB bus power is supported.
USB Mic: USB2.0 High Speed
44.1/48 kHz
24-bit /32-bit float
4-in/2-out
File transfer: USB2.0 High Speed
Remote : Dedicated wireless adapter(ZOOM BTA-1)
Power
4 AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH or lithium)
AC adapter ZOOM AD-17):DC 5V/1A
USB bus power is supported.
Estimated continuous operation times using 2-track recording (built-in XY mic), 48 kHz/32-bit float phantom power off, no headphones, no remote, display power saving on:
Alkaline batteries: about 9 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): about 14 hours
Lithium batteries: about 20 hours
These values are approximate. Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
Power consumption: 3 W maximum
Dimensions: 66.9 mm (W) × 156.1 mm (D) × 38.0 mm (H)
Weight (including batteries): 226g