This week I picked up my first digital hand held recorder.
I’ve been looking at them longingly ever since they came out a few years back and have always wondered what it would be like to have one. I traded some equipment for a Zoom Handy Recorder H4 and can’t wait to test it out.
Here are the top five reasons I’m very excited to get one…
1. Mobility
One of the things I’m most excited about is being able to make quality recordings on the go no matter where I am. It is small enough that I can carry it almost anywhere without it being obtrusive.
I can put it in my guitar case and capture song ideas without having to lug a computer around. I can throw it in my computer bag and record interviews, voiceovers, or even random ideas that pop into my head. I don’t have to spend tons of time setting up audio equipment in order to record someone.
And my recording space is not limited to the location of my equipment. I can easily meet someone at a coffee shop and record sound bytes for an upcoming project.
2. Drag and Drop File Transfer
One of the most important things is the ability to get to my audio files quickly and begin editing. Since they are recorded straight to an SD card, it couldn’t be much simpler. Plug the H4 into the usb port, drag the audio file from its folder on the recorder, and drop it anywhere onto my hard drive.
I don’t have to do any file conversions, since the files are already in either wav or mp3 format. I can even import files straight into an editing program like Pro Tools or Garageband.
3. Two XLR/line inputs
It comes with two onboard microphone set up in a stereo X/Y pattern. But if those aren’t good enough, the unit also comes with two inputs for connecting either a microphone or a line instrument. I can connect my favorite condenser mic to the H4, turn on the unit’s phantom power, and record. I could also record an electric guitar or keyboard instrument directly into the unit through the line inputs. It even comes with effects that can be applied to the incoming tracks.
4. Audio Interface
Not only is it a hand held recorder, but it also doubles as an audio interface. Connect it via usb to the computer, select it in the DAW as the audio interface, and now I can use it to record directly into my audio software using either the onboard mics or the XLR/line inputs.
Now I have a small, portable interface that I can use when I don’t feel like hauling my bulky Digidesign 003.
5. Built in Tuner/Metronome
The interface comes with both a built in tuner and a built in metronome. I always carry both of these around in my guitar case, but now I could carry around just the H4 and have not only a recorder, but also a tuner and a metronome.
These are just five short things I’m excited about, but I’m sure the list will grow. I’m going to start taking the recorder out this week and see how it goes. Like I said before, I’ve been eyeing one for a while.
One of my friends who owns a production company uses a portable recorder to do all of his field recordings. He has a Canon 5D for video and records all of his audio onto the recorder. Back in his studio he syncs them together and so far has been very pleased with the results.
The H4 could also be used to record foley for video. If I need the sound of a car door slamming, all I would have to do is bring my little hand recorder to the parking lot, point it toward my car door, and slam it. I often spend lots of time looking for the perfect sound effect for a video project, but now I can quickly and easily record my own sound effects exactly the way that I want them.
I’m interested to know your thoughts on using a hand held recorder. What are some things that you use it for? What are the pros and cons? Have you ever hidden it and secretly recorded a conversation? For some reason, I’ve always wanted to do that.
Marcus Williamson says
Just checked it out. Nice!
Brian Alexander says
I have used a TASCAM DR07 for various projects at school. It’s a nice little recorder and gives great quality audio, the only con is that it’s hard to adjust levels with.
Stephen Bateman says
Well I want one, but that junk is expensive! Any alternatives that would work, for us mortals :P?
Brian Alexander says
That is true. I use the one at school for free for as long as I can. I don’t know of any that are a whole lot cheaper that would be good long term.
greenhornet79 says
Sometimes you can get a deal on a used one on sites like ebay or amazon.
Paul Sanduleac says
Didn’t know you played guitar… 😉
Great post, good reasoning. Thanks!
greenhornet79 says
Thanks. I’ve been playing guitar for about 11 years now. Best instrument out there. 🙂
PhillipGibb says
might be good for on the fly podcast stuff.
not sure I would use it – I’ld feel like and idiot if I was using it in public – I could pretend it was a phone.
very interesting that your friend uses it to record audio with his 5D. I wonder if it could function as a lav mic (if u don’t have a radio one)