32-bit 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.
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.*
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.
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.
Pair With Your iOS Device
Use the BTA-1* 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-1* Bluetooth Adapter you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.
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 |
90º 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 ×２ |
| |
|
(XLR：2 HOT TRS：TIP HOT） |
| |
Input gain |
Adjustment unnecessary |
| |
Input impedance |
MIC: 3.8 kΩ or more |
| |
|
LINE: 39 kΩ 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 Ω input |
| |
|
LINE: -95 dBu or less（IHF-A) @600 Ω input |
| MIC/LINE IN |
Connector |
Stereo mini jack |
| （supports plug-in power） |
Input gain |
Adjustment unnecessary |
| |
Input impedance |
2 kΩ or more |
| |
|
|
OUTPUTS
| Headphones |
Connector |
Stereo mini jack |
| |
Maximum output level |
20 ｍW + 20 ｍW（into 32 Ω load） |
| |
Output impedance |
15 Ω 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. |
| USB Mic |
USB 2.0 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
| 2 AA batteries |
Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries |
| AC Adapter |
ZOOM AD-17：DC 5V / 1 A |
| |
• USB bus power is supported. |
| |
|
ESTIMATED CONTINUOUS OPERATION TIMES USING BATTERIES : 2-track recording (built-in XY mic)
| Alkaline batteries |
About 9 hours |
| NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) |
About 9 hours |
| Lithium batteries |
About 19 hours |
| |
|
48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, no headphones, no remote, display power saving on, display brightness at Medium
• These values are approximate.
• Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
ESTIMATED CONTINUOUS OPERATION TIMES USING BATTERIES : 4-track recording (built-in XY mic with INPUT 1-2)
| Alkaline batteries |
About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) |
About 4 hours |
| Lithium batteries |
About 8 hours |
| |
|
48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, headphones used (33Ω load), no remote, display power saving on, display brightness at Medium
• These values are approximate.
• Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
ESTIMATED CONTINUOUS OPERATION TIMES USING BATTERIES : 4-track recording (plug-in power mic with INPUT 1-2)
| Alkaline batteries |
About 40 minutes |
| NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) |
About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Lithium batteries |
About 3 hours 30 minutes |
| |
|
48 kHz/32-bit float, phantom power off, headphones used (33Ω load), no remote, display power saving on, display brightness at Medium
• These values are approximate.
• Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
| Power consumption |
3 W maximum |
| Dimensions |
66.9 mm (W) × 156.1 mm (D) × 38.0 mm (H) |
| Weight (including batteries) |
243 g |
| |
|