Zoom H4 vs. Boss Micro-BR

[BuffaloBob4343]

Anyone had any experience with these little units yet? They are very new, but I want to try one and I can't figure out which one to go with.

http://www.sweetwater.com/publicatio...y&day=2&sid=28

On the one hand, the Boss has the Time-Stretch and Center Cancel features (including MP3 files), and I really like the idea of being able to use it for figuring out bass lines for cover tunes.

On the other hand, for another $60, the Zoom H4 provides a direct to disc record option, has XLR inputs, phantom power and Cubase LE.

So my question is (if anyone knows), can I do the time stretch and center cancel functions using Cubase, or do I need to go with the Boss for those functions?

[Bassic83]

The Zoom H4 appears to be the cooler looking of the two at first blush. It looks like a cross between a Star Trek medical tricorder and a Phaser..."Back off, Mr. Security Dude, or I'll set it to 'Kill'..."

On the other hand, the Micro-BR looks pretty happening too. Boss certainly has the better reputation of the two, but the built-in electret condenser mics on the H4 would be so handy to have to record your band live...

[kaybass1952]

Update ?? -Anyone received or tried the Zoom H4 yet?
I think they might be in stores in the US of A any day now (they won't be available here in The Great White North for at least a month or two)

[derrenleepoole]

I'd be interested in reviews on the H4 too. Need a new field recording unit. Just sold my Microtrack 24/96 because it was pants. Slow to boot, picked up noise from the hand if using the supplied mic, no replacement battery etc etc etc.... The list goes on. The H4 looks very interesting indeed....

[tappingtrance]

Hey for $299 is is a better deal than the edirol R-9. I am very curious about its quality as mentioned above.

[Danimal00]

So my question is (if anyone knows), can I do the time stretch and center cancel functions using Cubase, or do I need to go with the Boss for those functions?

The Boss is the only thing that I am aware of that can do time stretch with the MP3 files that it uses. Cubase can do time stretch, but as I understand it, you would have to convert from the MP3 file to another format to work with it in CubaseLE.

If you want to work with MP3 Files and stretch them, the MicroBR is the only thing I am aware of that can do it stand alone and without any conversions to another format.

The H4 can operate as an audio interface, which is nice. You can use it for remote recording, and dump the audio to the computer for editing, or you can use it as an audio interface for recording at home, direct to your computer.

Dan

[Vic]

I just ordered an H4. I need something EXACTLY like this for live/rehearsal recording, and the other $400-600 stuff is just way too high for my needs. I've been using my Zoom PS-04 for this, and it has tons of cool features, but for what I need, it's way too complicated to use.

I take the fact that these are unbelievably hard to find, with initial shipments not even filling existing pre-orders to be a good sign. I'm not sure about the dubious "retail price" of $500 tho... seems high for Zoom's target market, but since they're not selling for near that anyway, it's currently a moot point.

I should have mine Thursday, and I have a fill-in impromptu pickup gig on Saturday. I'll set it out and see what it can do. If it can take that kind of abuse, it'll be able to do anything I'll ever want and more.

[Seelesauger]

It says 4 tracks on it but I don't see enough inputs. Is it possible to record a guitar and bass at once?

[bebass]

Originally Posted by Vic

I just ordered an H4. I need something EXACTLY like this for live/rehearsal recording, and the other $400-600 stuff is just way too high for my needs. I've been using my Zoom PS-04 for this, and it has tons of cool features, but for what I need, it's way too complicated to use.

I take the fact that these are unbelievably hard to find, with initial shipments not even filling existing pre-orders to be a good sign. I'm not sure about the dubious "retail price" of $500 tho... seems high for Zoom's target market, but since they're not selling for near that anyway, it's currently a moot point.

I should have mine Thursday, and I have a fill-in impromptu pickup gig on Saturday. I'll set it out and see what it can do. If it can take that kind of abuse, it'll be able to do anything I'll ever want and more.

Can you comment on this unit? Likes & dislikes?

It seems that the higher mp3 record rate (320) of the H4 would mean a lot.

[Groundloop]

So far I'm quite impressed with it. I've barely cracked the manual open and so far I've recorded electric bass by plugging into one of the combi jacks, ABG using the onboard mics, and have used it as an audio interface with my iMac. I bought it primarily to record jam sessions in the various groups I play in, and I can see myself using it to do found sound field recordings in the near future. The ability to use it as a USB audio interface is a real bonus, especially for me because my M-Audio Firewire 410 recently blew up .

A few quibbles:

Navigating through the various menus is a little fiddly because you have to use 2 different buttons, the Menu button on the face of the unit, and a Jog dial on the right side. In trying out the various functions I'd invariably hit the wrong button and have to start over again. That being said, the H4 remembers the settings in use when you shut it down, so for a lot of folks it'll be a set and forget affair.

Even though the mics are protected by roll bars, I'd like to see some type of cover to slip over the mic end of the unit for added protection.

The included tripod mount is very solid and easy to mount, but I can't figure why Zoom decided to use the photo standard 1/4" thread, rather than a 5/8" mic stand thread. I know that adapters are available, but maybe Zoom could have thrown one in the box?

Anyway, I've had it for all of 6 hours and so far I'm very satisfied (despite the above), with the purchase. It's proving to be a capable audio swiss army knife.

[Johnny Crab]

Got one last Monday. Put a 1GB SD in it when I got home, read the manual for 15 minute while playing with the controls, pressed record after setting input to L, saw "VU" meters reading and recording length changing. Tossed it in th gigbag.

Tuesday night: set it off on my side of the stage where we are sort of set into the "V" of an outdoor deck. 4 full PAS systems(drums, lead vocal, guitar) + guitar player uses a Line 6 amp for some stage sound + I use ACME B2's(BOSE didn't do bass for me, 10" beats 6-1/2" speaker). Pressed record. Got a full job's worth.

Friday night: maybe I'll get to load software on my PC, unload the 1GB, and see what this H4 thing did. Update tomorrow unless I get to it tonight.

[Johnny Crab]

H4 rocks!!
Put it on "L" sensitivity, Limiter On, 1 GB chip, and used a medium mp3 setting to make sure 4 hours would fit.

I set it on a sweatshirt on my side of the stage(off-axis of my ACME's), pressed record, and away we went.

My goals? Three
One
Live recording where I can hear bass + all other instruments/vocals + what the audience hears.
Two
Since we're a cover/originals band we play almost anything EVEN if we've NEVER done it before. This catches those "New" songs. Keep the good ones to add to the list....
Three
I've "only" been with the band since August at 1 ~ 4 gigs/month. We do not rehearse as a group. We learn the stuff + perform. The H4 allows me to confirm my abilities, hear how the rhythm section is jelling(me + the drummer), and spot any areas needing work....mine and/or the band's.

Results? AMAZING!!!
No soundbites pulled yet as set 1 was 2 hours and set 2 was 1 hour....so I've 3+hours on two mp3 files. Did EXACTLY what I wanted compared to pulling a recording off of an FOH feed or other method. The drummers snare and ride cymbal bell did show up a lot in songs where he intentionally plays 'em hard.

Best $299 I've spent in a LONG time.

[Bassic83]

Great update, thanks!

[geoffkhan]

When I was looking for a portable recorder for recording sound effects, live gigs, and to use as a practice tool, I researched all the best products out there that were under $800 or so. I was soon so convinced that the Zoom H4 was the one, I preordered it.

I've got a lot of use of it already, and it's definitely exactly what I needed. I've heard so many horror stories from other professional recordists about the MicroTrack, so I'm really glad I waited for the H4.

I've used it to record commercial sound effects, live gigs, etc. I've even put a .WAV file of a song on it, taken it somewhere else, mic'd up a piano, and recorded a piano track for the tune. I've also used the 4-track recording mode on it, too: laying down some guitar tracks using the internal FX, then once I run out of tracks, mix the tracks down and record more tracks on top of that.

It's a dream everything that you can do all inside the Zoom H4.

Anyway, my biggest gripe is that it's made out of plastic. I get the feeling that if I dropped it, it would be gone.

EDIT: By the way, after seeing it, three of my friends have purchased it.

[Groundloop]

I've had the H4 a few days now, and I've gotten used to the menu system, so that's one gripe out of the way. I used it last night to record rain on my back patio, and I'm impressed with the stereo separation and clarity of even low level sounds. As yet, I haven't used it in the field, largely because it's not getting along with any of my rechargeable Nimh batteries. The batteries in question have lived in a digital camera that I don't use much anymore, so maybe they've got a memory problem. I hope if I buy new nimhs that they'll work OK with the H4. I hate using (and then disposing of) alkaline batteries. I tried a test recording today using rechargables and only got about 20 minutes use out of freshly charged batteries. As a side note, I'd recommend against using the built in compressor when doing environmental recording. It pumps like crazy. I'll be using it to record a jam session tomorrow night, so I'll post a report on Thursday.

[Groundloop]

Buying a set of new 2500mAh nimhs solved my field recording issue. Did a 3+ hour test recording using the built in mics, which is far longer than I'd ever expect to run it off of batteries, so I'm happy about that.

The jam session recording also went well. Set the mic Gain to 'M' and turned on the limiter just in case. Listening with headphones I was able to hear where in the room we were all set up.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the H4.

[Johnny Crab]

Finally got a round tuit!
Here's a piece of a rookie recording of a live gig with the Zoom H4. Had it for a few days, read the book, set it down on my side of the stage. What you hear is totally unprocessed other than converting the WAV to 160kps mp3 with Goldwave. Guitar player is on the other side of the stage(!). Again, I got this to catch LIVE stuff(we do callouts) and things one plays but "forgets".

Bass is an Epi Blue Bird for songs like Blue Christmas....this was a late December gig. It's played thru a Line 6 PODXTLive set to my "Beatles" sound via QSC2402 > ACME B2's. I'm to the drummers right by the ride/crash cymbal(of course). Guitar player is on the other side of the stage. Mix is well balanced partly due to the ZOOM's X-Y mics AND BOSE PAS systems(dispersion in mids/highs)...plus what we hear on stage is what the audience hears(no FOH!).

WARNING! File is recorded VERY HOT. You may want to turn your speakers down a bit BEFORE clicking the link!

Click here to listen Zoom-H4-Live-Demo-Unprocessed

[gfab333]

This unit looks real nice. Has anyone compared it to the similar device by Edirol/Roland which costs about $100 more?

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by gfab333

This unit looks real nice. Has anyone compared it to the similar device by Edirol/Roland which costs about $100 more?

I have heard recordings from both. They each have a few different features but the recordings sound pretty good from each. The Edirol is much smaller than the Zoom. I think it comes down to what you want (smaller=Edirol, less expensive=Zoom).

[Fire-Starter]

Do these units..H4...have the built in drum programs as well?