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Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder

The Zoom H4essential Stereo Handheld Digital Field Recorder. Features four tracks, 32-bit float recording, advanced X/Y mics and 2 XLR/TRS inputs.

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    Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder

    The Zoom H4essential isn’t just a recorder — it’s a versatile, all-in-one tool for audio recording. Whether you’re capturing a garage band demo or recording a podcast about the history of cheese, this compact device delivers. With 32-bit float recording, you can forget the stress of setting levels — no more obsessively watching gain meters.

    Zoom H4essential Four Tracks, Infinite Possibilities

    Four Tracks, Infinite Possibilities

    Why settle for two tracks when you can have four? The H4essential lets you layer your sound effortlessly, no audio engineering expertise required. Designed for creators who want more control than just pressing "record."

    • 32-Bit Float Recording: Capture everything from a whisper to a jet engine without clipping. You never have to set gain levels again, which means fewer ruined takes and more "nailed it" moments.
    • XLR/TRS Combo Inputs: Two ultra-clean preamps support phantom power and professional line-level input, so you can plug in your fancy mics or instruments without fuss.
    • Advanced X/Y Mics: The built-in microphones can handle up to a thunderous 130 dB SPL — loud enough to record a rock concert from the front row without turning your audio into a distorted mess.

    Accessibility and Control

    Zoom believes great audio should be accessible to everyone. The H4essential is the first of its kind to offer extensive accessibility features for the visually impaired, proving that inclusivity can sound amazing. With quiet, seamless controls, you can adjust settings without disrupting your recordings.

    • Audio Menu Navigation: Easily navigate menus with audio guidance in seven languages, including English, Spanish, and French, through the built-in speaker or headphones.  
    • Quiet Operation: The soft-touch recording and rotary controls minimize handling noise, ensuring your audience hears only the content, not background interference.
    • Vivid Color Display: The new full-color LCD screen makes checking your waveform and settings a breeze, even if you're squinting in bright sunlight.
    Zoom H4essential Accessibility and Control
    Zoom H4essential Connect, Stream and Create

    Connect, Stream, and Create

    The H4essential isn't just a field recorder; it's a studio interface in your pocket. Connect it to your laptop, tablet, or phone to stream live or sync with video — it's designed to work seamlessly with all your gadgets.

    • USB Microphone Mode: Connect to your PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device via USB-C to stream in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card — multitasking at its finest.
    • Bluetooth Timecode Sync: Pair with the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter to sync audio and video timecode, ensuring your lips match the words in post-production.
    • High-Capacity Storage: With support for SDXC cards up to 1TB, you can record for hours (or days) without frantically deleting old files to make space.

    Your Essential Audio Companion

    The Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder is the upgrade your creative toolkit has been waiting for. It removes the technical headaches of traditional recording so you can focus on what actually matters: making cool stuff. Whether you're a musician, filmmaker, or podcaster, this little device ensures you capture every nuance with crystal-clear precision.

    Zoom H4essential Your Essential Audio Companion

    Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder Features:

    • 4-track 32-bit float recording for clip-free audio without setting gain
    • 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with ultra-clean Zoom preamps
    • Built-in X/Y stereo microphones capable of handling 130 dB SPL
    • Accessibility features with audible menu descriptions in 7 languages
    • USB-C audio interface functionality for streaming and recording simultaneously
    • Soft-touch controls for quiet operation during recording
    • Full-color LCD screen for easy navigation and waveform monitoring
    • Supports SDXC cards up to 1TB for massive storage capacity
    • Optional Bluetooth control and timecode sync via BTA-1 adapter
    • Built-in speaker for quick playback reference
    • 3.5mm mic/line input and 3.5mm headphone/line output

    CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

    WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

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    Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder Specifications

    Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder Specifications
    Product Specifications

    Zoom H4essential Handy Recorder Specifications

    • 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:
        • Format: 90º XY stereo format
        • Directionality: Unidirectional
        • Sensitivity: –43 dB/1 Pa at 1 kHz
        • Maximum Sound Pressure Input: 130 dB SPL
      • XLR/TRS:
        • Connector: XLR/TRS combo jacks x2, (XLR/2 HOT TRS/TIP HOT)
        • Input Gain: Adjustment unnecessary
        • Input Impedance: XLR; 3 kΩ or more TRS : 3 kΩ or more
        • Maximum Input Level: XLR; +4 dBu TRS : +24 dBu
        • Phantom Power: +48 V, Channel total 10 mA or less
        • Equivalent Input Noise: -120 dBu or less (IHF-A) @150 Ω input
      • Mic/Line In (Supports plug-in Power):
        • Connector: Stereo mini jack ×1
        • Input Gain: Adjustment unnecessary
        • Input Impedance: 2 kΩ or more
    • Outputs:
      • Headphones:
        • Connector: Stereo mini jack ×1
        • Maximum Output Level: 20 mW + 20 mW into 32 Ω load
        • Output Impedance: 15 Ω or less
      • Built-in Speaker: 250 mW 8 Ω mono speaker
    • 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" full-color LCD (360 x 240)
    • USB:
      • Connector: USB Type-C; Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. USB bus power is supported.
      • USB Mic: USB2.0 High Speed, 44.1/48 kHz, 24-bit /32-bit float, 4-in/2-out
      • File Transfer: USB2.0 High Speed
    • Remote: Dedicated wireless adapter (ZOOM BTA-1)
    • Power: 4 AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17 DC 5V/1A)
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