Mono only playback of Zoom H4 .wav files

[J.D.B.]

Hi all, I've been learning the ways of my new H4. I have recorded a few tracks in "stereo" mode, and they sound good and in stereo when played back on the unit, however, when I transferred the .wav files to my PC, they only can be heard in mono, through one speaker only. This occurs on either the speakers or the headphones. I tried both my installed players and the result is the same. When I transferred a file back to the H4, it played in stereo, so I'm sure the .wav is actually in stereo. I have been through the manual and it supplement to no avail. Any experienced users know why this is? Thanks,
Josh

[Thangfish]

Let me say: I don't have one of these...

Are you sure it doesn't record the stereo track as 2 separate wav files?

In which case you would be only listening to one track. What do you use to listen to them?

Edit:
Make sure you are in stereo mode and not just recording in stereo, while in 4-track mode... just a thought.

[Sheldon681]

Are you recording the by plugging in to one of the inputs and not using the mics? In that case you'd have the inputs set to "In1 and In2". So the H4 is expecting 2 inputs to be used at the same time presumably by 2 mics.

In stereo mode, when I plug into Input 1, I only get sound in one ear through the headphones, no matter if it's on the H4 during recording, playback and on my PC. In order to get sound in both ears, I switch over to the 4-track mode and record that way.

[J.D.B.]

I used the on-board mic set. It records one .wav file that sounds great when played back on the unit(both ears, in stereo). On the pc it plays the the track(all the sound) through only the left speaker or headphone. Like I panned it all over to the left. Lotta manual here, but NO mention of this obvious problem. I'm thinking I must be missing something obvious. I spent some time on the Zoom site digging around also to no avail. Thanks, guys, anyone else?
Josh

[stingray69]

What program are you using to play back the wav file on your computer? I've heard that some music programs may have issues when trying to play files of great size (as can be the case with the Zoom recordings after recording an entire night's worth of music (in .wav format, that is) ). Also, do you have any recording software on your computer that will allow you to have a look at the waveform itself? In order to visually verify that it is still indeed a true stereo wavefile after it gets imported onto your hard drive? Just thinking out loud...I don't have an H4, but I do own the H2. I know that with the H2, there are firmware updates to address bugs and whatnot - maybe upgrade to the latest firmware for the H4 (if applicable). Best of luck...

[Sheldon681]

That's odd. It sounds like more of a PC issue than an H4 issue. Does the same thing happen when you record something in 4-track mode?

[J.D.B.]

Well, I'm looking/playing the tracks in Audacity, and the waves are indeed, stereo. It shows both channels running, but when you pan to the right the sound is gone. I can see it, just can't hear it. Very strange. I haven't tried to record in 4-track, yet. I just started playing with this thing tonight. The PC is a P4 Dell/XP S.P.3 with a gig of ram. Runs everything else fine.
Josh

[locolobo85]

Check your playback device in the Preferences of Audacity and make sure Stereo Mix is selected in the drop down tab on the volume - record level toolbar.

Just a thought.

[J.D.B.]

Yup, system problem! Loco you were durn close, I went through the players and made sure they were all looking for the SB live! card and it started working! I wonder why everything else has been fine? All is cool. Thank you very much guys! WooHoo!
Josh

[Sheldon681]

Cool. Glad you got it working. The H4 is a wonderful toy once you get past the learning curve.