Considering a mobile field recorder for capturing music or voice. The H4 mobile recorder by Zoom is everything need to record audio anywhere. Unlike many cheap models, the H4 delivers high quality audio and integration with other recording equipment for Mac. Not only is it solidly constructed, the H4 offers true stereo audio capture. This is excellent music gear for the Mac musician; if you desire a mobile recording device to actually capture high definition audio of music and conversations, go no further than the handy Zoom H4 recorder.

It is rare to find a device that features built in X/Y pattern condenser mics; not only that, the H4 features two combination XLR-1/4 inch input jacks. Like most professional mobile recorders, it offers optional phantom power for actively powered mics. The recorder even functions as a USB audio interface for Mac or PC (with compatible music software), permitting direct recording of mics and instruments to music recording software.

Plug mics, basses, guitars, and other instruments into the device for direct input. It is even capable of multi-track recording (providing up to 4 simultaneous tracks). Like other portable digital recorders, the H4 features different audio formats (high quality 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio, as well as mp3 formats up to 320 kbps). A major difference of the H4 from more economical modes are onboard studio effects such as limiting, modeling, or compression.

Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder - High Quality Mobile Field Recording

Being a portable digital recorder, the Zoom H4 is designed for recording audio in any place you would like it to. Take the H4 to live gigs, interviews, classes, business meetings, or us it in a home music studio for mac. With built-in stereo electret condenser microphones, the H4 is everything need to record an entire meeting or podcasts without any external music peripherals. Else plug studio condenser microphones into the H4 for high quality recording of an entire room.

The H4 stores media onto a SD (secure digital) card. It comes stock with a 512 MB card, but may be upgrade to 16 GD. At maximum storage capacity the Zoom H4 delivers up to 24 hours of stereo 44.1kHz/16-bit WAV recording or 280 hours of high quality MP3. This data may be played on the H4 recording unit (through the 1/8 inch headphone jack), or transferred to a Mac or PC via USB 2.0. Running on 2 AA batteries the H4 delivers 4 hours of operation; it features a AC adapter for wall use as well.

Mobile field recorders offer high quality portable mac recording. Bring the qualities of a music studio and an audio interface in a handheld sound device. Recording instruments or vocals has never been more simplistic than using digital recorders specifically intended for ease of use. Even though the H4 offers studio quality audio, it offers musician friendly LCD guided ease of use.

Tags: music equipment for Mac, mobile recording, home sound studios

This blog is in relation to capturing audio with a portable recording unit; one of the most mobile and versatile Mac recording accessories. Although there are multiple methods to do so (a small audio interface connected to a laptop works), few are as portable and convenient as a 2 -channel mobile digital recorder. Today’s mobile digital recorders provide professional recording options like never before. Thanks to increasing input gain range these may now handle high-SPL sources without clipping. Most feature USB 2.0 connection for high-speed transfer; compatible with most PC and Mac computers. Easy to use mobile recorders feature drag and drop transfer to PC or Mac; requiring only minutes to download recorded audio from the device. Many of these devices feature 2-channel WAV (BWF) and MP3 recording (as well as playback). Pro versions of these devices features input gain control, analog input limiter, and even phantom power.

Some permit markers for easier location when editing; higher quality models even features user editable folders and subfolders for saving and partitioning projects in the field. A few years ago, these devices would top out around 2 GB. This meant seamless recording was not available beyond this capacity. Most producers have solved this FAT32 protocol limitation, and allow continuous recording.

M-Audio Microtrack II - High Quality Mobile Recording Device
Compact 24-bit/98kHz audio with optional phantom power

Portable audio recorders may have practicality for anyone looking to record. These can have implications for music producers, journalists, podcasters, or home musicians. A majority feature integrated stereo microphones for direct recording. While the quality of these micas differ between model, sometime they may provide high quality mobile audio. The devices are not limited to internal micas. Since the devices (sometime) may support 48v phantom power of active microphones a mobile recorder may beer used to power a studio condenser microphone in the field. This means whether you recording a new interview, a speech in public, or some home demos in stereo; a mobile recorder can be an extremely easy and convenient piece of recording equipment for Mac or PC.

Hifi recording on the go. Mobile recorders are commonly around the size of a guitar pedal. However, pro-quality preamps and high audio fidelity are still found on many of the best mobile digital audio recorders. Some feature audio quality up to 24-bit/96kHz, matching USB audio interfaces in performance. Bring this high quality audio recording wherever you go; the devices run on battery power (sometimes rechargeable) to provide hours of stereo recording. Depend on the exact device, mobile recorders commonly feature battery, USB, and power supply powered operation. This means you may either run it on battery, or plug it into the computer or wall to recharge.

Zoom H4n Portable Recorder - Handy Pro Quality Unit with built-In Mics
Record up to 4 tracks simultaneously with built-in and external Mics

Unfortunately, there is no way to conserve and win when it comes to audio quality with mobile recorders. Economy class units may capture live audio and some music, but commonly feature poor audio quality. The biggest difference commonly comes in features. Pretty much every mobile recorder features a 1/8" stereo mini headphone jack (and commonly a 1/8" input). This allows for practical use (conversations, journals, etc.) but commonly lacks in recording live performances. Not only do pro recorders feature higher quality audio (24-bit/96kHz), they feature compatibility with studio microphones and balance ¼” inputs (for recording directly forms mixers and amps). This means you may use it to record gigs, practice, or any other stereo audio. Some even feature S/PDIF for integration with digital mixers and other digital recording devices.

Mobile Recorders allow for the direct recording of 2 channel BWF, WAV, MP3 or other digital audio formats (depending on the model). Those that feature compact flash storage can provide around 100 minutes of uncompress 16-bit stereo WAV files for a GB card. These Apple sound recordings can be transferred instantaneously via USB 2.0 to your computer. You may either use the recordings instantaneously or mix them into music software for OSX. These files can be emailed, posted to the web, or burned to CD. Whether its a business meeting, record demo, or or interview, a mobile recorder can provide Studio quality recordings for Mac. Digital mobile recorders are excellent for mobile podcasts, live bands, or any other on the go recording.

Tags: mobile recording, portable digital recorder, live audio capturing