Operating Guide for

edia oan Zoom h4n Recorder

Media Loan Operating Guides are also available online at www.evergreen.edu/media/ml/.

The H4n has a very compact 280 g lightweight design, equipped with high quality stereo condenser
microphones arranged in an XY pickup pattern, a built-in speaker, SD card recording, mixer and
internal effects. Any type of microphone (including condensers), electric instrument (guitar, bass,
keyboard) or line level source can be connected to the H4n.

Safety Pre-cautions 90/120° Variable

11 Do not use in or subject unit to extreme XY mics
temperatures, near heat sources, high
humidity or moisture, excessive dust or Stereo/4CH/MTR
sand, excessive vibration or shock. mode indicator
11 Do not insert foreign objects into or allow
liquid to enter unit. Display
11 Do not exert undue pressure on the keys • Shortcut buttons on
or other controls. STEREO/4CH mode
11 Do not put H4n speaker next to other [1] <FOLDER>
[2] <FILE>
precision instruments, such as a computer,
[3] <SPEED>
or next to magnetic cards. (STEREO mode)
11 always turn the power to the H4n and [4] <WAV/MP3>
all other equipment OFF before connecting • On MTR mode
or disconnecting any cables. Make sure to TRACK [1], [2], [3], [4]
disconnect all cables and the power cord INPUT: Buttons
for [MIC] [1], [2]
before moving the H4n.
11 Never open the case of the H4n or Transport Control Buttons [REC] Button
attempt to modify the unit in any way since
this can result in damage to the H4n. Return
it to Media Loan to be serviced if recorder is
not operating properly.
Input jacks for external
11 Do not use the H4n at a loud volume for stereo microphones
a long time since this can cause hearing
impairment.
11 Do not use abrasives or solvents in an Built-in mono speaker
attempt to clean the unit. Return it to Media
Loan to be serviced. Threaded tripod
mount
11 You are 100% financially responsible for the
equipment you check out from Media Loan. Battery cover
It is highly recommended that you consult the STAMINA
complete H4n Manual DC5V AC mode switch
for detailed information Adapter jack
regarding recording,
modes and all things H4n.
There is simply too much
information to be included
in a simple guide such as Input [1] Input [2]
this. Manual is available for
XLR/STANDARD PHONE
checkout and online.

Media Loan The Evergreen State College

360.867.6253 Olympia, WA 98505
 Please Recycle! zoomh4n | 01.21.10 | AG
Media Loan Zoom H4n

Supplying Power to the H4n

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we recommend the
use of an AC adapter whenever possible. In case you use batteries, use
either alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries.
11 Use only the AC adaptor provided by Media Loan. Use of
another adapter could damage the recorder.
11 During lightning or when not using for an extended period,
disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet.
11 Use two conventional size AA-1.5 volt batteries of the same type.
11 When not using for an extended period, remove the batteries
from the unit.
11 When using the unit, the battery compartment cover should be
closed.

Battery Installation
Note! Make sure the power is off!
Whenever you open the battery compartment or
plug-in/unplug the AC adapter, make sure the
power is off. Otherwise, recording data could be
destroyed.
1. Open the batter compartment cover.
2. Insert two, new AA batteries, matching the
polarity markings ( + and –) as shown above.
3. Set the Stamina mode switch to ON. This
puts the unit in Eco-power mode when using
batteries.
4. Close the battery compartment cover.
When “Low Battery!” indicator appears, immediately switch off the
recorder and replace batteries or switch to AC power. Approximate
life for a pair of alkaline batteries is 6 hours in general use and
11 hours in STAMINA mode use. (Actual battery life may vary
according to how you use the recorder.)
You can supply power to the recorder by USB only when using as an
audio interface or copying files.

SD CArd
The Zoom H4n comes with a 1 GB SD card. Please do not remove this card. If you need to use a larger
card (up to 32 GB), please use care removing and inserting memory cards. Don’t forget to replace
original memory card when returning to Media Loan.
Make sure power is off before installing or removing SD card. 1) Insert the SD card as shown, label
up, to install. 2) To remove, push card gently and it will pop out. Remove and place in protective case.
2) With
power off,
remove SD
1) With card by
power off, pushing
install SD gently. Pull
card with card out
label up and and place
“cut” corner in protective
to right. case.

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Power / Hold Switch Left side

When turning the Power ON:
1. Make sure all equipment is turned off.
2. The SD card should be installed. If the display reads “No Card” Optional remote
when booting up, turn the power off and make sure that an SD card control jack
is installed properly.
line / phone
3. If using instruments connected to the H4n, make sure their volume output jack
is turned low. Power on the instruments. Volume
4. Turn the power to the H4n on by sliding the Power [ +/– ]
Switch. If the display reads, “Reset DATE/TIME”, the
USB port
date and time are set to the primary value. You will
have to reset the date and time if you wish to time
stamp your files. Power switch
Hold switch
5. Switch on connected monitors, mixers, amps, etc. Make sure volume
of connected equipment is low.
To Shut Down:
1. Making sure volume is low on connected equipment. Turn off
Right side
monitors, amps and/or mixers first.
2. Slide the power switch on the H4n.
3. Turn off the power to any instruments connected.
Hint: Power On in following order… Dial
[Instruments][H4n][Mixer][AMP]
Power OFF in following order… menu
[AMP][Mixer][H4n][Instruments] button
Rec Level
The H4n has a HOLD function that [ +/– ]
makes button operation inactive,
preventing errors during recording.
SD Card slot
To engage the HOLD function, slide
the POWER/HOLD switch to HOLD
position.
“Key Hold” will display on the screen if you touch any buttons while
HOLD function is engaged. To disengage, simply slide switch out of
HOLD position.

Set Date/Time 1. 2.
You will probably have to reset the date and time on the
H4n each time it is checked out from Media Loan. To set:
1. Press the MENU button. (On right side of recorder.)
2. Rotating the DIAL, select <SYSTEM>
by pressing the DIAL in. 3. 4.

3. Select <DATE/TIME> and press.

4. Select the item on <Date/Time>
rotating the dial to hi-light and
pressing the DIAL in to select
5.
Change the numbers by rotating the DIAL and then pressing the DIAL.
5. Select <OK> and press the DIAL.
6. Press the MENU button to go back to previous menu options.

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Media Loan Zoom H4n

Windshield
When recording out in the field, covering the built-
in microphones with the provided windshield can
reduce wind noise.
Mic stand
How to Mount to a mic stand adapter
Using the provided mic stand adapter, you can
mount the H4n on a mic stand with a mic clamp.
To attach, screw the provided adaptor into the
threaded tripod mount. (Do not overtighten.) Make
sure the H4n is secure and the microphone stand
stable.

Recording Flow
The following is the basic recording flow using the H4n. You can select which recording mode and
audio quality setting is right depending on the application of the recording.
Connect Setup
to other Switch Select Playback Re- Edit /
audio  ON  MODE  recording  Record  & confirm  record  Output
devices method

1. Connect to Other Audio Devices - As well as built-in microphones, the H4n has two
input jacks (XLR/Standard Phone) with phantom power for use with any external microphone.
2. Switch on
3. Select Mode - There are four different modes to select from: Stereo, 4CH, Mtr, Stamina.
Choose modes depending on input sources and output file formats.
4. Setup recording method - So many to choose from! Auto Rec, Rec Level Auto, Lo
Cut, Comp/Limit, Mono MIx, Tuner, Metronome, Effect/Patch, and so on and so
forth...
5. record - this depends on your MODE.
6. Playback & Confirm - There are convenient ways to swiftly review/playback a recording as
well as marking/finding specific sections and repeating sections of te recording: PLAY MODE, AB
REPEAT, SPEED, MARK LIST, and so on and so forth...
7. Re-Record (or record from scratch) - In MTR MODE, the punch-in/punch-out function
enables you to re-record only the section you want to correct.
8. Edit/output - The recordings are saved as files and projects. There are various ways
to edit them: File INformation, File MP3 Encode, File Stereo Encode, Divide,
Move, Bounce.

Dial and Menu Buttons

Basic operation for [Dial] - Rotate the [Dial] to select an item. The cursor on the display will move
with the [dial]. Press the [dial] like a button to confirm your selection. For additional selections,
move to the next screen. When you complete selections, the screen will move back to the previous one.
Basic operation for [Menu] button - Call the [menu] screen by pressing the MENU button on the
right side. If you press the [MENU] button during any setting operation, its operation will becanceled
and the screen returns back to the previous one. To cancel setting operation and to return back to the
top screen of the each mode, press [MENU] button for more than 2 seconds.

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Selecting a Mode
1. Press the MENU button on the right side.
2. Using the DIAL, scroll down until MODE is selected and press the dial
like a button.
3. Use the DIAL to select STEREO, 4CH or MTR.
4. To engage STAMINA mode, use the switch located in the battery
compartment.

About Modes
In STEREO mode, you can select 2 different inputs either INPUT [MIC] or
INPUT[1] and INPUT[2], and operate them as one stereo file. The resulting
FILE is saved in one of the ten sub-folders of the STEREO folder.
In STAMINA mode, the functions are limited to maximize the battery life time.
In 4CH MODE the H4n records two stereo WAV files: one stereo WAV file for the built-in microphones
and one stereo WAV file for the inputs. These files are saved in one of the ten fixed folders.
In MTR mode, you can record tracks in MONO or STEREO from INPUT [1], INPUT [2] or the internal
microphones. You can combine them with tracks recorded in other modes or <OVERDUB> additional
tracks. Project data and settings are saved as a PROJECT in the MTR folder.

Input Buttons - [Mic], [1] & [2]

These buttons have different functions depending on the various modes.
Stereo/Stamina Mode – Select* INPUT [MIC] or INPUT [1] [2] and the corresponding button lights
up. Whether you select the INPUT [1] or INPUT [2] button, they will both respond the same Both
buttons light up after the selection. (Once lighted the buttons do not respond.) Any other settings
about input sources, like [REC LEVEL], should be made to the lighted target.
4CH Mode – Use all input sources* like [MIC], [1] and [2] = All [MIC], [1] and [2] light on. When you
switch to 4CH, H4n will receive 2- system stereo inputs from [MIC] and [1] [2] altogether. When you
press the lighted button, each shows its input level and you can make adjustment to recording level
operating [REC LEVEL].
MTR Mode – Select* [MIC], [1] and [2] individually and the corresponding button lights up. You can
select individually INPUT [MIC], [1] and [2]
• When you use built-in and the external stereo microphones, select INPUT [MIC].
• When you make stereo input using the external input jack, select both INPUT [1] and [2].
You press either INPUT [1] or [2] button and then press another button.
* When the selected input clips its button blinks.
 Clipping! Clipping occurs when the input levels reaches the maximum which the H4n can record,
that is 0 dB. In this case the recording sound can be distorted and need adjustment of recording level.

Record Level and Volume

The recording levels coming from the INPUT [1] & [2] can be adjusted from 1 to 100 with the (+/–) key.
Rec Level in any Mode:
Target setting: Press INPUT [MIC], [1] and [2] buttons and select the input source which you want to
adjust the recording level. The + button will amplify reception level; the – button will reduce reception
level.
[Volume] in any mode:
Output volume from the built-in speaker and output jacks can be adjusted from 0 to 100 with the (+/–)
key. The + button will increase volume; the – button will decrease volume.

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Media Loan Zoom H4n

Built-In MicropHones
High quality microphones in an XY pattern
ensure a natural stereo image when
recording sounds. Stereo recording is often
done by placing two microphones in a V
shape. Pointing microphones outward will
result in stereo separation, however the
recording will lack defintion around the
center position, resulting in a poor stereo
image.
The H4n utilizes an X Y stereo mic
configuration. By placing two microphones
in a crossed pattern (opposing angles), the
H4n can cover a wide area and capture
sound sources in the center with clarity
and definition. Sounds reach both mics
simultaneously, and therefore no phase
cancellation occurs between right and left
channels.

Set input source and recording Level

Stereo mode – Use the stereo input source of either [MIC] or INPUT [1] [2]. Connecting an external
microphone sets input automatically. You can select at any time during Stop, Recording Standby or
Recording. The selected buttons light on. Press REC LEVEL button and adjust the levels.
4CH mode – Use both [MIC] and INPUT [1] [2] stereo input. Select the input you want to adjust by
pressing the button. The recording level selected is displayed. Press REC LEVEL button and adjust
the levels.
MTR mode – Any of tracks 1-4 can be set for mono or stereo input. SELECT the input per track
one by one and adjust or the input to 2 tracks and adjust. You can record multiple tracks in multiple
passes. You can also send any input to any track.

Recording Format
Press the MENU button and then select REC. Select REC FORMAT and then choose the format you
wish to use.
The WAV FILES with no compression are used for high quality sound recording. Because data is not
compressed, the volume of the file will increase compare to MP3 format. 44.1/48/96 kHz indicates the
sampling rate of the analog-to-digital conversion. 16/24-bit indicates the bit depth of the analog-to-
digital conversion. The larger the number, the higher the sound quality, but the files that are created
are larger as well. The WAV files recorded on STEREO/4CH/STAMINA mode correspond to BWF
(Broadcast Wave Format) and include marks and production date.
MP3 FILES decrease the sound quality because of data compression, but are useful to save SD card
capacity and to record much more sounds. Select the bit rate which indicates information volume per
minute. The bigger the number, the lower the rate of compression and the higher the sound quality.
The higher compression MP3 will occupy less space on an SD card VBR (Variable Bit Rate) means the
bit rate (recording quality) is automatically adjusted based on input information.

File Transfer
You can output individual files and folders containing files. Select folders or files from the MENU.
With the file/folder selected, press the DIAL to view options such as DELETE and MOVE. To put
files on a computer, with the unit powered OFF, attach USB cable to recorder and computer. Select
STORAGE. The H4n will show up as an external hard drive on your computer. From there you can
drag files over to copy. Be sure to eject H4n before disconnecting USB cable.