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

32-Bit Float Recording for All
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.

Features and Specs
4-track 32-bit float recorder with Dual A/D Converters
Clip-free recording with no need to set gain
Records up to 96kHZ sample rate
Color LCD Screen
130 dB SPL XY Mic
2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with locking connector
3.5mm mic/line input for lavalier mics and line level sources
Built-in mixer to adjust each track’s audio level
Built-in speaker for quick reference playback
3.5mm line output for headphones or to connect to a camera
Voice Guidance accessibility for the visually impaired
32-Bit Float audio interface for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices via USB-C port
Use as an interface and record to SD card simultaneously
Using the BTA-1x Bluetooth Adapter, sync with wireless timecode devices via bluetooth
Use the BTA-1x Bluetooth Adapter to pair with the H4essential Control App for iOS
Record to SD cads up to 1TB
10 hours of battery life on AA battery (2x) or USB-C Bus Power
xPlease note: BTA-1 Adapter not included

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 Handy 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.x

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.

ESSENTIAL FOR CREATORS

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.

H4essential being controlled by an iPhone using the iOS app
Pair With Your iOS DeviceUse the BTA-1x Bluetooth Adapter to pair with your iOS device to remotely hit record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.

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

The H4essential with the BTA-1 bluetooth adapter connected to the Ultra Sync Blue time code generator
xBTA-1 Adapter not included

Premium Features

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.

Now In Color
The new full-color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H4essential’s menu and functions.

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.

Advanced XY Mics
The onboard X/Y microphones capture crystal clear audio up to 130 dB SPL.

High Capacity Storage
The H4essential supports SDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.

Specs
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 90 XY stereo format
Directionality Unidirectional
Sensitivity -43 dB/1 Pa at 1 kHz
Maximum sound pressure input 130 dB SPL
INPUT1-2 Connector XLR/TRS combo jacks ×
(XLR:2 HOT TRS:TIP HOT
Input gain Adjustment unnecessary
Input impedance MIC: 3.8 k or more
LINE: 39 k or more
Maximum input level MIC: +4 dBu
LINE: +24 dBu
Phantom power +48 V
Channel total 10 mA or less
Equivalent input noise MIC: -120 dBu or less IHF-A) @150 input
LINE: -95 dBu or less IHF-A) @600 input
MIC/LINE IN Connector Stereo mini jack
supports plug-in power Input gain Adjustment unnecessary
Input impedance 2 k or more
OUTPUTS
Headphones Connector Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level 20 W + 20 W into 32 load
Output impedance 15 or less
Built-in speaker Type 20 x 30mm elliptical dynamic speaker
Effective maximum output 250mW
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
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.
Audio Interface USB 2.0 High Speed
Input and output channels 4 in / 2 out (Multi)
2 in / 2 out (Stereo)
Sampling frequency 44.1/48/96 kHz (AIF only)
44.1/48 kHz (AIF + onboard recording)
Bit depth 24-bit, 32-bit float
File transfer USB 2.0 High Speed
REMOTE
DEDICATED WIRELESS ADAPTER ZOOM BTA-1
POWER
2 AA batteries Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries
AC Adapter ZOOM AD-17:DC 5V / 1 A
USB bus power is supported.
Power consumption 3 W maximum

What’s in the box
1 x Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder