Crystal clear ! I'planning to shoot a short film in a few months. So, if I use two wireless mics (for two actors) with their transmitters on xlr 1 and 2, I'll have 2 mono tracks, right ? Is the sound quality going to suffer a lot from this downgrade? Other question: can I disable the non XLR input? That is pretty crucial 😅 Thanks for you video 🙂
This shouldn't be a downgrade, so I don't see how the quality would suffer. If you record to a stereo track from a mic the left and right channels will have the same mono audio (it's called joint stereo) so on your speakers it will sound the same as a truly mono track (once you've done your mix). Straight out of the recorder you'll hear the actors on separate sides. In answer to your question, use Stereo Mode on the recorder and just activate Inputs 1 & 2. You'll end up with a stereo file with actor 1 on the left and actor 2 on the right. In your audio editing software you can split the stereo file into two mono files (one for each actor), or just work with the stereo file but make it mono.
Thanks for the comprehensive overview. I have an additional question. Do you know if it's possible to see the decibels on the screen when recording in 4-ch mode? I can see it in stereo mode, but in 4-ch mode it seems like there's not enough space on the screen. How can I do a proper sound check? Any thoughts?
As you say, on the Zoom H4n the decibel values are displayed in Stereo mode but not in 4CH mode. However, the scale is the same as in the stereo mode. So each main division is a difference of 6dB, with the scale division on the right being 0dB. If you look at the display at 1:18 in this video the divisions from left to right would be -48, -42, -36, -30, -24, -18, -12, -6, 0. You just need to remember that the difference between each main division is 6dB. If you need to see decibel values in both modes you'll need to upgrade to the Zoom H5, however, the meters on the H5 are a bit different. Between 0 and -18dB two main divisions represent a difference of 6dB. Below -18dB the next divison is -14dB lower and the final main division is -16dB lower than the previous one. So from left to right the decibel values on the main divisions are -48, -32, -18, --15, -12, -9, -6, -3, 0 (although the -3, -9, and -15 are not shown). The fact that the scale is nonlinear at the lower end is actually good, because the meters can show more resolution in the area where you need it (between -18dB and 0dB).
You can use one or botyh XLR inputs, that's up to you. Put the recorder into multifile mode and you'll get a stereo file from the X/Y mics and a mono file from your one XLR input (you may also get a blank second mono file for the unused input, but that depends). Good luck.
This was exceptionally clear, thank you (subscribed!). One question: in the manual (H5n) it says to use stereo mode for highest quality recording. This seems counterintuitive. I wanted to record (home studio) music with the zoom xy mics AND two Neumann U87s. Is that pointless? Should I just use the Neumanns ($$$ and classic) on stereo mode and be done with it? THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN🙏 Katharine Rawdon - flutist and composer
I’m wanting to do a video podcast with 4 people (4 XLR mics). Will the Zoom H5 have places to plug in 4 XLR cables? Or just the 2 mics? Is there an adapter to be able to use 4 mics? Thanks!
@themcbridetribe The H5 has two XLR inputs, but you can increase this to four XLR inputs by replacing the stereo XY mic capsule with the EXH-6 XLR/TRS Combo capsule.
Hi, I am recording a drum set with the 4CH mode directly into an SD card. How do you suggest is the best way to monitor myself while listening to the reference track? Thanks for all your videos!!!
No. The XY mics and the external 3.5mm mic input both record to the same stereo file, and when you connect an external mic to the 3.5mm socket on the back of the mic capsule, that input overrides the XY pair. You would need to get a 3.5mm to XLR adapter and plug your external mic into Input 1 or 2. That way you’ll have your XY mic recording and a mono Input 1 record ing. If you need that external microphone to be a stereo recording you’ll need to get an adapter that will split a stereo TRS jack to left and right XLR signals and plug into Onputs 1 and 2.
I'm using the H4N pro to record DJ sets from the mixer into the XLR's, and the XY mics to capture to crowd noise/reactions. However, when testing the levels blew out, and the mix came out distorted. What levels would you recommend me setting it to?
Use the meters when setting the levels. You want the audio to peak at about -12dB, that will give you plenty of headroom for unexpected loud sections. I appreciate setting your levels before a DJ set will be difficult, so you can start off with the dial at about number 4 but keep an eye on the level as the set progresses and make any necessary adjustments. You could also activate the limiter so that it stops the audio level hitting 0dB. If you have an H5 you can also enable Back Up record. That's automatically record a second track that is 12dB lower than the main recording. I hope that helps.
Hello, is it possible to use Zoom H4n Pro as an audio interface an use 4 Mic's connected to a windows 11 notebook via usb? built-in mics = saxophone; XLR Input = ipad with playback; How to configure?
I don't think so because it has a 2-in 2-out interface, whereas you need the interface to handle 4 inputs. I've recently been doing stuff with my Zoom H5 and it can work as a 4-in 2-out interface. But if you've already got a H4n Pro you probably don't want to upgrade to the Zoom H5.
I tried to get it to record multi tracks with the built in mics and it didnt work. Recorded only 1 track and recorded over the previous track when i picked trk 2.. im an analog guy and tried doing the digital thing again and no luck. This is complicated and a piece of crap.
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It's important to make sure you aren't in "Stamina" mode (small switch in battery compartment) when trying to switch to 4CH mode!
You're a life saver! Subscribed!
Glad to help. Thanks for the sub!
Thanks for this video. It really helped me setup a wireless mic system on my H4nPro
Glad to help.
Brilliant! Thank you so much for helping us! Cheers from Spain 😊
Happy to help!
Thank you for your clear and concise video that got to the point!!! SUBBED!
I'm glad you liked it. Thank you.
It works with my Tascam DR40 as well. At last. Thanks from Greece!
Good to know! Thanks
Crystal clear ! I'planning to shoot a short film in a few months. So, if I use two wireless mics (for two actors) with their transmitters on xlr 1 and 2, I'll have 2 mono tracks, right ? Is the sound quality going to suffer a lot from this downgrade?
Other question: can I disable the non XLR input? That is pretty crucial 😅
Thanks for you video 🙂
This shouldn't be a downgrade, so I don't see how the quality would suffer. If you record to a stereo track from a mic the left and right channels will have the same mono audio (it's called joint stereo) so on your speakers it will sound the same as a truly mono track (once you've done your mix). Straight out of the recorder you'll hear the actors on separate sides. In answer to your question, use Stereo Mode on the recorder and just activate Inputs 1 & 2. You'll end up with a stereo file with actor 1 on the left and actor 2 on the right. In your audio editing software you can split the stereo file into two mono files (one for each actor), or just work with the stereo file but make it mono.
Thanks for the comprehensive overview. I have an additional question. Do you know if it's possible to see the decibels on the screen when recording in 4-ch mode? I can see it in stereo mode, but in 4-ch mode it seems like there's not enough space on the screen. How can I do a proper sound check? Any thoughts?
As you say, on the Zoom H4n the decibel values are displayed in Stereo mode but not in 4CH mode. However, the scale is the same as in the stereo mode. So each main division is a difference of 6dB, with the scale division on the right being 0dB. If you look at the display at 1:18 in this video the divisions from left to right would be -48, -42, -36, -30, -24, -18, -12, -6, 0. You just need to remember that the difference between each main division is 6dB.
If you need to see decibel values in both modes you'll need to upgrade to the Zoom H5, however, the meters on the H5 are a bit different. Between 0 and -18dB two main divisions represent a difference of 6dB. Below -18dB the next divison is -14dB lower and the final main division is -16dB lower than the previous one. So from left to right the decibel values on the main divisions are -48, -32, -18, --15, -12, -9, -6, -3, 0 (although the -3, -9, and -15 are not shown). The fact that the scale is nonlinear at the lower end is actually good, because the meters can show more resolution in the area where you need it (between -18dB and 0dB).
Very helpful, thanks for your quick reply!
@@DIYVideoStudio
Do you know a way to check each audio channel with the headphones 🎧, I mean check the output level thanks 😊
what if i want to use 1 xlr input and the stereo mics, can i just select 4 channel without putting in a second xlr input?
You can use one or botyh XLR inputs, that's up to you. Put the recorder into multifile mode and you'll get a stereo file from the X/Y mics and a mono file from your one XLR input (you may also get a blank second mono file for the unused input, but that depends). Good luck.
This was exceptionally clear, thank you (subscribed!). One question: in the manual (H5n) it says to use stereo mode for highest quality recording. This seems counterintuitive. I wanted to record (home studio) music with the zoom xy mics AND two Neumann U87s. Is that pointless? Should I just use the Neumanns ($$$ and classic) on stereo mode and be done with it? THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN🙏 Katharine Rawdon - flutist and composer
Can I record using the internal belt in mikes and only on XLR in mono mode?
I’m wanting to do a video podcast with 4 people (4 XLR mics). Will the Zoom H5 have places to plug in 4 XLR cables? Or just the 2 mics? Is there an adapter to be able to use 4 mics? Thanks!
@themcbridetribe The H5 has two XLR inputs, but you can increase this to four XLR inputs by replacing the stereo XY mic capsule with the EXH-6 XLR/TRS Combo capsule.
Hi, I am recording a drum set with the 4CH mode directly into an SD card. How do you suggest is the best way to monitor myself while listening to the reference track? Thanks for all your videos!!!
I have a question, can i connect one external mic (used as stereo) + the built in 2 mics simultanesly?
Thank you!
No. The XY mics and the external 3.5mm mic input both record to the same stereo file, and when you connect an external mic to the 3.5mm socket on the back of the mic capsule, that input overrides the XY pair. You would need to get a 3.5mm to XLR adapter and plug your external mic into Input 1 or 2. That way you’ll have your XY mic recording and a mono Input 1 record ing. If you need that external microphone to be a stereo recording you’ll need to get an adapter that will split a stereo TRS jack to left and right XLR signals and plug into Onputs 1 and 2.
I'm using the H4N pro to record DJ sets from the mixer into the XLR's, and the XY mics to capture to crowd noise/reactions. However, when testing the levels blew out, and the mix came out distorted. What levels would you recommend me setting it to?
Use the meters when setting the levels. You want the audio to peak at about -12dB, that will give you plenty of headroom for unexpected loud sections. I appreciate setting your levels before a DJ set will be difficult, so you can start off with the dial at about number 4 but keep an eye on the level as the set progresses and make any necessary adjustments. You could also activate the limiter so that it stops the audio level hitting 0dB. If you have an H5 you can also enable Back Up record. That's automatically record a second track that is 12dB lower than the main recording. I hope that helps.
Hello, is it possible to use Zoom H4n Pro as an audio interface an use 4 Mic's connected to a windows 11 notebook via usb? built-in mics = saxophone; XLR Input = ipad with playback; How to configure?
I don't think so because it has a 2-in 2-out interface, whereas you need the interface to handle 4 inputs. I've recently been doing stuff with my Zoom H5 and it can work as a 4-in 2-out interface. But if you've already got a H4n Pro you probably don't want to upgrade to the Zoom H5.
@@DIYVideoStudio Many thanks! So I still have to use my Scarlett 2x2.
I tried to get it to record multi tracks with the built in mics and it didnt work. Recorded only 1 track and recorded over the previous track when i picked trk 2.. im an analog guy and tried doing the digital thing again and no luck. This is complicated and a piece of crap.
Sorry to hear you're having trouble with your recorder.
As mentioned above, make sure you aren't in Stamina mode (small switch inside battery compartment), or else 4CH will not be available in the menu.