User manual ZOOM H4N

  067 Recording function   068 Recording function   069 Recording function   070 Recording function   071 Recording function   072 Recording function  073

3-03-5 Effect , editing EFX modules  086 3-03-6 Effect   087 3-03-7 Effect   088 3-03-8 Effect , taking in a patch from another PROJECT  089 3-04-1 A sing-along machine  preparation  091 3-04-2 A sing-along machine  recording  093 4-01 4-02 4-03 4-04 4-05 4-06 4-07 4-08 5-01 5-02 5-03 5-04 5-05 5-06 5-07 5-08 Playback : Playback files (stereo, 4ch and stamina modes)  094 Playback :   095 Playback : Setting marks  096 Playback :   097 Playback :   099 Playback :   100 Playback : Playback files (MTR mode)  101 Playback : Appointing time with a counter  102 Edit / Output :   103 Edit / Output :   104 Edit / Output :   105 Edit / Output :   106 Edit / Output :   107 Edit / Output :   108 Edit / Output :   109 Edit / Output :   111

3-01-1 Tuner   075 3-01-2 Tuner, all other   076 3-01-3 Tuner   077 3-01-4 Tuner   078 3-02 Metronome   079 3-03-1 All about EFFECT  081 3-03-2 Effect   083 3-03-3 Effect , patch edit  084 3-03-4 Effect , editing PRE AMP modules  085

004

A table of contents

5-09 5-10 5-11 5-12 5-13 5-14 5-15 5-16 5-17 5-18 5-19 5-20 6-01 6-02 6-03 6-04 6-05 6-06 6-07 6-08 6-09

Edit / Output :   112 Edit / Output :   113 Edit / Output :   115 Edit / Output :   116 Edit / Output :   117 Edit / Output :   118 Edit / Output :   119 Edit / Output :   120 Edit / Output :   121 Edit / Output :   122 Edit / Output :   123 Edit / Output :   125 Utility :   126 Utility :   127 Utility :   128 Utility :   129 Utility :  130 Utility :   131 Utility :   132 Utility :   133 Utility: How to use H2 and H4 SD cards  134

Reference
Main spec list by mode  137 Available setting menu list by each mode  138 Effect types on MTR mode and the parameter  139 H4n patch list  145 H4n products spec  147 When you think something may be wrong with your machine 148 Index  149

005

Safety precautions for users
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
In this manual, the warning and caution symbols are used to highlight dangerous accidents and troubles for users to read so that accidents can be prevented. The meanings of these symbols are as follows: If the users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, serious injury or death could result. If the users ignore this symbol and handle the device the wrong way, bodily injury and damage to the equipment could result. Please read through the following safety tips and precautions to ensure hazard-free use of the H4n. · When not using for an extended period, remove the batteries from the unit. · If battery leakage has occurred, wipe the battery compartment and battery terminals carefully to remove all remnant of battery fluid. · When using the unit, the battery compartment cover should be closed.

Safety precautions for users

Alterations

Never open the case of the H4n or attempt to modify the product in any way since this can result in damage to the unit.

Volume

Environment

Do not use the H4n at a loud volume for a long time since this can cause hearing impairment.

To prevent unexpected troubles and malfunctions, avoid using H4n in environment where it will be exposed to: · Extreme temperatures · Heat sources such as radiators or stoves · High humidity or moisture · Excessive dust or sand · Excessive vibration or shock · Never place any objects filled with liquids, such as a vase, on the H4n since this can cause electric shock. · Never place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the H4n since this can cause fire. · The H4n is a precision instrument. Do not exert undue pressure on the keys and other controls. Take care not to drop, bump, and do not subject it to shock or excessive pressure, which can cause serious troubles. · Take care that no foreign objects (coins or pins etc.) or liquids (water, alcoholic drinks and juice)can enter the unit. · Do not place the H4n speaker closer to other precision instruments (watch and computer), electronic medical instruments, or magnetic cards.

USAGE PRECAUTIONS
Electrical interference
For safety considerations, the H4n has been designed to provide maximum protection against the emission of electromagnetic radiation from inside the device, and protection from external interference. However, the equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic waves should not be placed near the H4n, as the possibility of interference cannot be ruled out entirely. With any type of digital control device, the H4n included, electromagnetic interference can cause malfunctioning and can corrupt or destroy data. Care should be taken to minimize the risk of damage. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the H4n. If necessary, slightly moisten the cloth. Do not use abrasive cleanser, wax, or solvents (such as paint thinner or cleaning alcohol), since these may dull the finish or damage the surface.

Power requirements

Since power consumption of this unit is fairly high, we recommend the use of an AC adapter whenever possible. In case you use batteries, use either alkaline or nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Handling

[AC adapter operation]

· Make sure to use only an AC adapter, DC5 center plus 1A (ZOOM AD 14).The use of other than the specified type may damage the unit and pose a safety hazard. · Connect the AC adapter only to an AC outlet that supplies the rated voltage required by the adapter. · When disconnecting the AC adapter from the AC outlet, make sure grasp the adapter itself and never pull at the cable. · During lightning or when not using for an extended period, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet.

Cleaning

Please keep this manual in a convenient place for future reference.

[Battery operation]

· Use two conventional size AA-1.5 volt batteries. · H4n cannot be used for recharging. Pay close attention to the labeling of the batteries to make sure you choose the correct ones.

Connecting cables and input and output jacks

You should always turn off the power to the H4n and all other equipment before connecting or disconnecting any cables. Make sure to disconnect all a connection cables and the power code before moving the H4n.

006

Copyright warnings

Copyright warnings

Many artists and most live venues do not allow recording and photography and will check for cameras and recorders at the entrance. Even if recording is allowed, it is prohibited to sell, distribute, or upload to the Internet without the organizer's authorization. Copyright violation is a crime.

Recording of live performances

Saving music to CD, MP3, or other media, reproducing files for personal use can be considered a copyright violation.

Capturing music and sound files

Trademarks: · The SD symbol and SDHC symbol are trademarks. · The use of MPEG Layer-3 audio compression technology is licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Sisvel SpA. · Windows is a registered trademark of US Microsoft Corporation. · Mac OS and Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Inc. · Steinberg and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH Inc. · Names of manufacturers and products are each respective owner's trademarks or registered.

007

Getting started

Getting started

008

1-1 Recording flow using the H4n
The following is the basic flow of recording operation for the H4n. Depending on the application of the recording, you can select which recording mode and audio quality setting is right for the situation.

Recording flow using the H4n

Set-up Connecting to other audio devices Switch on
P.019

Select the Mode

Set-up the recording method

1) The H4n has built-in microphones as well as 2 input jacks with phantom power for use with any external microphone. A USB cable is included to connect H4n to the computer. The H4n is powered by AA batteries or a Plug-in Power Source.

2) You can select among 4 Modes; STEREO, 4CH, MTR & STAMINA suitable for different input sources and output file formats.
STEREO Mode 4CH Mode MTR Mode

3) You can select your favorite settings; · AUTO REC · REC LEVEL AUTO · LO CUT · COMP/LIMIT · MONO MIX · TUNER · METRONOME · EFFECT/PATCH · KARAOKE and so on.  P.065

STAMINA Mode

 P.029 

 P.037 

009

Recording flow using the H4n

RECORD

Playback and confirm

RE-RECORDING
(Recording again from scratch)

Edit·Output

Recording on STEREO mode/ STAMINA mode.........P.049 Recording on 4CH mode ...............P.053 Recording on MTR mode ...............P.055

5) The H4n has very convenient ways to swiftly review/playback a recording as well as marking /finding specific sections and repeating sections of the recording:

6) In MTR mode the punch-in/ punch-out function enables you to re-record only the section you want to correct. · PUNCH-IN/OUT and so on.

7) The recordings are saved as FILES and PROJECTS, and you can edit them in various ways. · · · · · ·

· PLAY MODE · AB REPEAT · SPEED · MARK LIST and so on.  P.094  P.061

FILE INFORMATION FILE MP3 ENCODE FILE STEREO ENCODE DIVIDE MOVE BOUNCE and so on.
 P.105

010

1-2 Easy recording guide [STEREO MODE]
The following is basic recording instructions using the built-in stereo microphones and built-in speaker in STEREO MODE.

Easy recording guide [STEREO MODE]

1
Power switch ON

Confirm STEREO MODE
Input from the built-in microphones

2

RECORD READY OR STANDBY CONDITION

3

[POWER] switch on.

STEREO mode indicator light on

Press.
blinks Recording standby mark blinks

[STEREO TOP SCREEN]

Made new file

[LEFT PANEL]

[FRONT PANEL]

MIC button light on *switch on from built-in microphones.

MIC lamp lights

Monitor the input sound rec level Press here when you want to stop.

In case of a wrong MODE indicator or a wrong screen

 P.038 

011

Easy recording guide [STEREO MODE]

ADJUST INPUT LEVEL

4

START RECORDING

5

STOP RECORDING

6

7
PLAYBACK

DECREASE INCREASE - +
or

[PLAYBACK]

[STOP]

Press.
light on Counter turns Now recording mark

Press.
light off

Press.

Press.

Counter returns 0:00:00:00:000

[BACK PANEL]

Adjust the input sound rec level

Remaining time on SD CARD
[RIGHT PANEL]

Pause Recording
Counter doesn't return 0

Output: Built-in speaker In detail

Mark Recording
Places Mark at specific time in WAV file format

 P.049 

In detail

 P.094 

012

2-1 Name and function of each part

Name and function of each part

[FRONT PANEL]
90 / 120° Variable XY Stereo microphones (Built-in)

[BACK PANEL]

STEREO/4CH/MTR mode indicator

Input jacks for external stereo microphone

Backlight Equipped Display · Short cut buttons on STEREO/4CH mode [1]  [2]  [3] *STEREO mode [4] 
*STEREO/4CH mode

A built-in mono speaker

Threaded Tripod mount Battery cover

· On MTR mode Buttons for TRACK [1], [2], [3], [4] INPUT: Buttons for [MIC] [1], [2] Transport Control Buttons [REC] Button

STAMINA mode switch

013

Name and function of each part

[RIGHT PANEL]

[LEFT PANEL]

[BOTTOM PANEL]
DC5V AC ADAPTER jack

[DIAL]

Optional remote-control jack

[MENU] button

[LINE/PHONE] output jack

Installed hole for a strap

REC LEVEL [ + / - ]

VOLUME [ + / - ] XLR/STANDARD PHONE INPUT [1] jack XLR/STANDARD PHONE INPUT [2] jack

USB port SD card slot POWER switch HOLD switch

014

2-2 Included Accessories
The following accessories are included in the H4n package. Inspect the package contents to be sure all accessories are included. SD CARD WINDSHIELD MICROPHONE STAND ADAPTER

Included Accessories

AC ADAPTER
(ZOOM AD-14)

USB CABLE

MAIN BODY CASE

Instruction manual DAW start-up guide Cubase LE4

015

Installation of the attachments and options

·How to use the windshield
When recording outside in the field, covering the builtin microphones with this windshield, you can reduce wind noise.

Remote control (Option, sold separately)

·How to mount to a microphone stand

Microphone stand adapter(Accessory)

Microphone stand

Use a microphone adapter (optional attachment) to install the H4n unit and the stand can grip the adapter firmly.

[FRONT PANEL]

[SIDE PANEL]

Operation of remote control

 P.045 

016

3 Battery/Power setting
Power for H4n recorder is supplied by the included AC adapter or batteries.

Battery/Power setting

· AC power operation
An AC adapter is included.

· Battery installation
Install two size AA batteries (IEC R6)

1

Open the battery compartment cover.

NOTE:
Make sure the power is off!
Whenever you open the battery compartment cover or plug in/unplug the AC adapter, make sure the power is off, otherwise the recording data can be destroyed.

2 3
An attached AC adapter Zoom AD-14

Insert two size AA batteries ensuring you match the polarity markings ( + and - ).
* Illustration : open the battery compartment cover and insert batteries.

Set the Stamina Mode Switch.
* Illustration of a Stamina Switch on. : Use in general (Using AC adapter, batteries) ON : Stamina Mode On (Eco-power mode when using batteries)

Use of an AC adapter other than the one included may cause trouble.
Ref.

4

Close the battery compartment cover.
* Illustration of closing the battery compartment cover.

 Explanation about the Stamina Mode.

P.037

017

Battery/Power outlet setting

· Battery's approximate lifetime
in general use Alkaline battery in stamina mode use about 6 hours about 11 hours

NOTE:
Usable batteries
You can use conventional alkaline and nickel metal hydride batteries.

Power supply from USB
Connect the USB cable to the H4n while it's already connected to the computer with the power switch off, and power is automatically turned on via USB bus power supply. This function is only available when the H4n is used as an SD card reader or an audio interface.

* Approximate lifetime when it is used for continuous recording on WAV 44.1 kHz/16bit format.

· Remaining lifetime of the battery
When "Low Battery!" indication appears, immediately switch off unit and exchange batteries, or shift power source to AC adapter.

HINT:
To measure the lifetime of the battery
The remaining lifetime of the battery is measured more precisely by using the battery type setting on the H4n.

Saving period for the setting 
FULL

Whenever power supply is off by dead battery, the H4n can save the date/time setting for three minutes. When the saving time is over, the setting will be returned to the default value.

Screen indicator for power
EMPTY

When remaining battery life is getting short, "Low Battery" indication will be shown every two seconds and the power will switch off shortly after.

Using batteries

Using AC adapter Ref. Ref.

   

P.033 P.128

018

4-1 Power On and Off, How to use power and hold switch
POWER ON / BOOTING UP

Power On and Off, How to use power and hold switch

[LEFT PANEL]

1 2 3
POWER switch HOLD switch

[Preparation] Make sure all equipment is turned off.

NOTE
· Before switching the power on, lower the volume of instruments and monitors connected to the H4n. · If the display reads "No Card" when booting up, make sure that the SD card is inserted correctly. · If the display says "Reset DATE/TIME" when booting up, the date and time are set to the primary value. Ref.
P.028

Insert SD card.

[Power On _ Boot up] Slide the power switch.



4
019

HINT: Procedure for power on. Switch on connected instruments and monitors. When using additional audio devices, power
them on in the following order: Instruments ON H4n ON Mixer ON AMP ON

Power On and Off, How to use power and hold switch

POWER OFF / SHUT DOWN

HOLD Function
The H4n features a HOLD function to make any button operation inactive, preventing errors during recording.

1 2

[Preparation] Turn off monitors first then instruments

[Power Off _ Shut down] Slide the power switch.

To engage the hold function, slide switch to hold position.

* shut down screen

* `Key Hold' display

HINT
AMP OFF

Procedure for power off
Mixer OFF H4n OFF Instruments OFF

If you press any button while the HOLD function is engaged, the screen will display "Key Hold" for two seconds. To disengage the HOLD mode, slide power switch out of hold position.

020

4-2 How to use the [REC] and transport control buttons
Buttons like [REC], [STOP], [PLAY/PAUSE], [FF], [REW] each have different functions depending on the H4n's operation MODE. [FRONT PANEL]

How to use the [REC] and transport control buttons

STEREO/4CH/STAMINA MODE
[REC] button
Stop Enter recording standby mode and reset the counter to 0

MTR MODE
[REC] button
Set to overwrite recording Stop
Engages recording standby mode recording Record, Recording Standby Stop can continue playback while recording) (You

Recording Standby Start recording and counter Record Playback Place a mark (WAV FILE only)

Playback

Stops recording and resets the counter

TRANSPORT CONTROL BUTTONS [STOP] button
Recording, recording standby, Recording-pause Playback-pause

Recording in ALWAYS NEW mode Stop
Stops recording and counter

Recording Standby Starts recording and counter Stop recording and reset counter Stop playback and counter

TRANSPORT CONTROL BUTTONS [STOP] button
Recording Playback
Recording-pause Stop recording and the counter stops Stop playback and the counter stops Playback-pause Stop each movement

[PLAY/PAUSE] button
Stop
Recording, Recording-pause Start playback and counter Pause or restart recording Start recording and counter Pause or restart playback

recording standby
Playback-pause

[PLAY/PAUSE] button
Stop Recording
Starts playback In OVERWRITE mode: No function In ALWAYS NEW mode: pause recording

[FF], [REW] buttons
Stop Press for less than one second
[FF] move to next file [REW] returns to the begining of the file * However if there is a marker in a WAV file, the button moves to the marking place.

Recording standby Starts recording and counter Playback
Pause Playback

[REC] button transport control buttons

Playback
Playback-pause

[FF] [REW] buttons
Stop Playback
Playback-pause

Press for more than one second
Scans through file in forward or reverse direction. The longer the button is pressed, the faster the scanning speed. Fast Forward or Rewind will stop at the beginning or end of the file.

Press for less than one second
[FF] : Moves forward through file in one second increments [REW]: Returns to the begining of the file Scans through file in forward or reverse direction.

Press for more than one second

021

4-3 How to use the track [1], [2], [3] and [4] buttons
The buttons of TRACK [1] ­ [4] have different functions depending on the MODE. [Front Panel]

How to use the track [1], [2], [3] and [4] buttons

MTR MODE
Switch from `RECORDING' to `PLAYBACK' of the tracks, or the other way around

STEREO/4CH/STAMINA MODE
Move to the  menu Move to the  menu

When you start recording, press the track number you want to record and the track becomes `Recording Standby' status. That track button will then become illuminated.

Move to the  menu (only STEREO MODE) Move to the  menu (STEREO MODE, 4CH MODE)
These operations are not available during recording and playback.

Make settings of the track and the input source
After selecting the track, use the input source buttons to select the input for that track.Using the INPUT button you can record in mono, stereo or a combination of those.

Select only one track

For stereo input you select from [MIC] and [1] [2]

* track #2-#4 are the same, press the number you select

Select two tracks
TRACK [1]­[4]
* track #3 and #4 are the same

For a mono input you can select either from [1] or [2]
* Input selections are those four different combinations. * Those operations are not valid during recording and playback.

022

4-4 How to use the input [MIC], [1] and [2] buttons
These buttons have different functions depending on the various modes.

How to use the input [MIC], [1] and [2] buttons

[FRONT PANEL]

STEREO/STAMINA MODE
Select INPUT [MIC] or INPUT [1] [2] and the corresponding button lights up. Whether you select the INPUT [1] or INPUT [2] button, they will both respond the same Both buttons light up after the selection. (Once lighted the buttons do not respond) Any other settings about input sources like [REC LEVEL, should be made to the lighted target.
* When the presently selected input clips its button will blink.

4CH MODE
Use all input sources like [MIC], [1] and [2] = All [MIC], [1] and [2] light on. When you switch to 4CH, H4n will receive 2- system stereo inputs from [MIC] and [1] [2] altogether. When you press the lighted button, each shows its input level and you can make adjustment to recording level operating [REC LEVEL].
* When the input clips the corresponding button blinks.

MTR MODE
Select [MIC], [1] and [2] individually and the corresponding button lights up. You can select individually INPUT [MIC], [1] and [2] · When you use built-in and the external stereo microphones, select INPUT [MIC]. · When you make stereo input using the external input jack, select both INPUT [1] and [2]. You press either INPUT [1] or [2] button and then press another button.
* When the selected input clips its button blinks.

INPUT [1] & [2] buttons

HINT:
What is clipping?
The input level reaches up to the maximum which the H4n can record, that is 0 dB. In this case the recording sound can be distorted and need adjustment of recording level.

023

4-5 How to use REC LEVEL and VOLUME
These keys allow you to adjust the levels of recording input and output volume. (All the modes are the same) [LEFT PANEL] [RIGHT PANEL]

How to use REC LEVEL and VOLUME

`REC LEVEL' IN ANY MODE
REC LEVEL

The recording levels coming from the INPUT [1] & [2] can be adjusted from 1 to 100 with the (+/-) key.

Press the `REC LEVEL' = Adjusting
Target setting: Press INPUT [MIC], [1] and [2] buttons and select the input source which you want to adjust the recording level.

1 _ 100 + : Increase reception level (amplify) - : Decrease reception level (reduce)

[VOLUME] IN ANY MODE Press the `VOL' = Adjusting
Output volume from the built-in speaker and output jacks can be adjusted from 0 to 100 with the (+/-) key.
VOLUME

0 _ 100 + : Increase Volume - : Decrease Volume

024

4-6 How to use [DIAL] and [MENU] buttons
[DIAL] and [MENU] buttons are used for various settings while recording and during playback. Here are some basic explanations about each operation. [RIGHT PANEL]
[DIAL]

How to use [DIAL] and [MENU] buttons

The basic operation for [DIAL]

Rotate the [DIAL] = select an item
Rotate the [DIAL], and the cursor on the display will move along the [DIAL]

Select Press in the [DIAL] = confirm the selection
Press down [DIAL], your selection is confirmed.  for additional selections, move on to the next screen.  When you complete selections, the screen returns back to the previous one.

Press

The basic operation for [MENU] button
[MENU]button

Calling [MENU] screen
When setting recording or playback method, Press [MENU] button at the top screen of each mode.

Select

Canceling the setting

If you press the [MENU] button during any setting operation, its operation will be canceled and the screen returns back to the previous one. To cancel setting operation and to return back to the top screen of the each mode, Long Press press [MENU] button for more than 2 seconds.

025

How to use [DIAL] and [MENU] buttons

The operation when [ ] cursor is on display (Date·Time Setting, Changing File Name Directory, etc) When you rotate the [DIAL], [ ] moves accordingly.
[ ] move accordingly. The item letters or numbers are reversed Rotate [DIAL] to change the numbers and lettersPress [DIAL] down to confirm your selection.

Pressing [DIAL] in, change the numbers and letters.

[DIAL] operation on the top screen Moving [DIAL] on the top screen, 'cursor' moves. Pressing (highlight) [ ] selects 'COUNTER' to enable adjustment or calls up the setting menu.
* Available only on MTR mode.

The operation when the selections are listed on screen By rotating the [DIAL], the selection lists will move accordingly.
[ ] move accordingly.

Push [DIAL] in, to confirm your selection.
the screen returns back to the previous one.

About the `/' on the selection lists When you see t h i s d i s p l a y, there are more selections on the next screen. Highlight arrow and press [DIAL] in to move on to the next screen.

026

5-1 Insert a SD card
The SD card is required to record. Make sure to turn off power before inserting or removing the SD card.

Insert a SD card

[How to install the SD card]

[How to remove the SD card]

1 2

Make sure power is off. Insert the SD card into the slot.

1 2

NOTE:
POWER OFF !
Never insert or remove the SD card while the power is on. This may destroy the data.

Make sure power is off. Push the SD card in to remove it from the slot.

CAUTIONS WHEN INSERTING SD CARD
· You can use 16MB to 32GB SD cards. For a list of operation certified SD cards please refer to ZOOM's website: h ttp: / / www. zo o m . co . jp/ "War ning" no SD card in · When you use the SD card for your when booting - up. computer, digital camera or other machine, formatting in the H4n is required. · When "No Card" is seen on the display at boot-up, check if the SD card is correctly inserted. · When "Format Card" is seen on the display at booting-up, this means the SD card has This "War ning" will show not been formatted in the H4n. To format, when an SD card is not in a recognized format. Select press [DIAL] down and select OK button.  to format card and all · When the booting-up screen says "Card of the data will be deleted. Protect", the card is covered with OVERWRITE PROTECT. To release this protect slide the lock switch of the SD card. Ref.

SD card capacity time to record (approx.) 4GB SDHC card WAV 44.1 kHz/16 bits (measured in terms of stereo track) MP3 44.1 kHz/128 kbps (measured in terms of stereo track) Recording time approx. 380 minutes approx. 68 hours

 To use SD card for H2/H4

P.134

027

5-2 Set date and time 
Each file will automatically record the date/time. To facilitate searching for files by date, be sure to set the date/time after every battery change.

Set date and time 

1 2 3 5

Press.

4