Zoom H4

[Greywolf]

As far as the recording rates are concerned. Yes you can hook up the H4 to the PC as a sound card but I havn't actually done it.

The A/C adapter just allows you to plug it into the mains. Any such adapter will work, so long as it has the appropriate voltage. I should say that I don't have an RO9 but my neighbour does. It is appreciable more compact.

 

[thedude]

Greywolf wrote:
As far as the recording rates are concerned. Yes you can hook up the H4 to the PC as a sound card but I havn't actually done it.

The A/C adapter just allows you to plug it into the mains. Any such adapter will work, so long as it has the appropriate voltage. I should say that I don't have an RO9 but my neighbour does. It is appreciable more compact.

OK thanks.
Hmmm.
I wish I could see them, to gauge the different sizes. The stated dimensions aren't helpful very much.

Do you maybe know if you can connect the Ed and use it in place of a sound card also? Zoom state this fact like its notable and even unique, but that could just be marketing....

 

[Greywolf]

As far as using the Edirol goes, I think that's right But DON't quote me on it. Check out the specs at the Edirol site:

http://www.rolandus.com/products/productlist.aspx?ParentId=114

 

[david_tannahill]

Hi, just caught the extra posts. The Edirol doesn't seem to connect direct to a PC. When you connect the USB cable, it appears as a hard disk, so you just copy files over in the normal way. As to size it is quite chunky maybe like a fat old-type ipod but it does fir in the hands comfortably. I couldn't say about the quality of the mics, I find it hard to believe that any device of this size and spacing cane have ace mics, but they are more than adequate for what we use it for at home. As to recorcding format you don't really need more than 24 bit 44.1 Hz- this is the CD and wav file standard- so itunes, audacity etc reads it fine. If you go higher you will need other playback software. I use recharable batteries which seem to last a very long time. I'll check back in a few days to see if you have any other questions

 

[Greywolf]

Just checked. when you select USB on the Zoom, you get 2 options,

1 connect to P/C this is for transferreing files
2 Audio I/O which I've never used.

The intro in the manual says the USB port will connect the zoom to the computer for use as an audio interface with built in effects.

If you go to the zoom site you can download the manual. I'm afraid i just haven't had time to explore all the possibilities, but that certainly suggests it has more capability than the Edirol.

 

[thedude]

Thanks guys.
It would appear then, the Zoom is unique in that respect - well, the Ed doesn't have the same facility, anyway.

Re: record quality: there is a difference in Khz, whatever that means (?), but if they both equal or exceed CD quality, beyond which different software is needed, maybe thats nothing to worry about.

Hmmm, ponder ponder.....

You say the Ed fits in your pocket easily David - would you say that for the Zoom Wolf?

- if not, it seems the important comparison is compact size VS. the soundcard connect ability. The former sounds nice, if I'm travelling, its in a rucksack etc - for example, I plan to do some hiking and get some "mountain sound" footage. The latter sounds, actually, a great function; at the moment I foresee no use for it, but I'm trying to 'future proof' on the purchase I make. It would be difficult to record close to my PC, because of the fan noise. Wouldn't want to do it with a mic, so maybe that would also apply to the Zoom. However, connecting to my laptop on-site would be another matter.....could be useful, although really, is it just a question of record on the Zoom and transfer it to the PC, or record direct - not really much difference, except if you were doing a big piece of work and needed a big hard drive to store it. So effectively, hooking up direct to a PC would be great for hours of on-site recording.

Hmmm.

Other than that, theres the question of price and where to get it. Which supplier did you use David, and what was the cost?

Thanks guys - been very useful to find exactly the discussion I needed.

 

[david_tannahill]

[No message]

 

[thedude]

Have you got a link to the seller David? Tried a search for psvbell, but nothing came up....

 

[david_tannahill]

Try this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EDIROL-R-09-Pro-24-Bit-Field-Recorder-New-Ex-Demo_W0QQitemZ320079553987QQihZ011QQcategoryZ15199QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

failing that search ebay for edirol then look for a r09- you should find him that way

 

[thedude]

OK thanks.

I think my final uncertainty concerns two spec. details where i don't know what they mean.

The first is 'phantom power'......what gives? I assume it means a unit which powers external mics., but I could be totally wrong/is this an issue?

The second is this refrence to XLR inputs/mics, and what exactly this means. And does it mean either the Zoom or the Ed is better than the other?

 

[david_tannahill]

I believe that XLR inputs are a type of mic input that is found on some pro-mics (ones costing much more than the ed or zoom1), so I guess it gives you an extra option cf the ed. Phantom power is where the unit supplies some power to certain types of mics, I believe that the ed and zoom both do this but the zoom has more juice so can power more types. Many types of mics have their own power and it is important not power them to with phantom power ect. I am a novice in this area but I hope that helps

 

[Greywolf]

OK

The Zoom has two inputs at the bottom (they look a bit like the motors on a Sturn 5 rocket. They are combined XLR jack inputs. This means that you can switch from the internal mics to external mics using either an XLR or a Jack. This means you then have two external mics to record in Stereo.

XLR are the standard microphone connector and the Zoom will provide phantom power to a mic that needs it (usually condesor mics)

The jacks connect in through the centre of the XLR socket (it's very handy)

What the Zoom doesn't have is a mini-jack mic input. This is a bit of a bummer because I have a most excellent sony condenser mic.

to connect this I had to source a twin XLR to mini jack connector.

This works fine BUT makes the nuit more bulky.

As I said in an earlier post. The Edirol is pocket sized from what I can see.

The Zoom is big pocket size. It slips into my jacket pocket easily but wouldn't go in a trouser pocket.

The only other thing I would say about the zoom is that the mics appear to be a little exposed, with a cage around them, but so far I've had no trouble with them. Here's a pic against a CD to give an idea of the size.

 

[Greywolf]

Oh Yes. I'm pretty sure it was psvbell I bought the Zoom from. They gave excellent service although the unit was shipped direct from Japan. I bought it on Ebay. payed paypal on the Sunday and it arrived on my doorstep on Thursday. Pretty good going.

Mind you I don't know what sort of carbon footprint that gave it!!

 

[thedude]

Done!

Decided on the Ed.
It seems that the Zoom does indeed have a few nifty features the Ed lacks - 4 track not 2, 2 mic connects not one, and audio interface function. Although I doubt if I'd use 2 mics - expensive, apart from anything else - so the one connect should be fine. Any recommendations on an external mic?

I see no benefit in those features for me and the Ed is not only more compact, it also has a smoother and more pocketable outline. That *will* be a benefit for me. Plus, the psvbell deal was a good one, with an ex demo model. Same price as a Zoom, which you don't see very often.

Say, one more thing: how do you flash the device to accept 2GB cards David?

Should be fun, this.....got some things I want to do, but I also want to have some fun!

 

[david_tannahill]

Hi Dude,

I got two manuals as PDFs from the edirol and roland websites. Also, on the edirol website they had instructions on how to update the machine. If it isn't clear let me know

 

[thedude]

David Tannahill wrote:
Hi Dude,

I got two manuals as PDFs from the edirol and roland websites. Also, on the edirol website they had instructions on how to update the machine. If it isn't clear let me know

OK thanks. So basically, its just a question of updating the firmware (which I guess is straightforward - get the code, load it onto an SD card perhaps ?, and then find the function in the menu that installs it?).

If not, or if I still don't understand it, I'll ask your advice as you suggest.....

 

[david_tannahill]

Dude, Here is a link to the 1.20 download
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=757&ParentId=114

 

[thedude]

David Tannahill wrote:
Dude, Here is a link to the 1.20 download
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=757&ParentId=114

Thanks, got it, done it: simple. So, does it accept 2Gb cards now? Memory is so cheap, I certainly want to get maybe a 1 or 2 Gb card.

So my Ed arrived this morning, 6 days turn-around which is quite good. I was really suprised to see how compact it is, which made me realise even the Zoom is very compact, although actually quite a big bigger. When I opened the box, I thought they'd forgotten to pack it!

The size is nice though - it will easily fit into a shirt pocket, which is something I will probably do.

Anyone recommend a good but inexpensive mic? - something thats a big improvement on the inbuilts, but fits an amateur budget.

 

[david_tannahill]

Good to hear you got it safely. Once you've done the update it should do 2 and 4GB cards. I use a mini SD card with an adapter and it is fine. I would use NiMH rechargeable batteries- they last ages (but you need to charge them separately). BTW the new update does file repair things and stops the red light flashing if you want. Cheers- D

 

[thedude]

I'd like to stop the red light flash David - how do you do that? I've scrolled through the entire menu, which is not very big, and can't see it anywhere.

Are you saying then, it accepts 4GB cards despite the fact it says 2GB? and is it secure?


Did my first recording last night, some pub jazz, and even with Mp3 I'm pleased with the quality.

Incidentally, what is 'sample rate'? - presumably, one setting is better quality but I dont understadnw aht it is, and which one is best.....