A little more testing of my H4N revealed some quirks.
First, if you try to record using a single mic connected to XLR with phanto=
m power on, the other channel records a relatively high level of noise. Th=
is seems to be caused by the unterminated XLR input. Plugging in a second =
mic, but leaving it turned off, reduces this noise.
Second, with phantom power on, the noise level is higher than with it off a=
nd the mics receiving power from an external power source (ART Phantom II i=
n this case).
Third, the 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) minijack on the rear of the recorder has less =
self-noise than either XLR input. Recordings made with a Rode NT1A mic pow=
ered by an ART Phantom II power supply and connected via the minijack had v=
ery low levels of self-noise.
Fourth, the right XLR of my H4N has a higher self noise level than the left=
XLR input. The difference is quite noticeable.
These listening tests were performed in a very quiet setting, and with the =
goal of finding the recorder's self-noise level. If you record in a settin=
g with a higher level of ambient sound, the H4N recorder's input noise is l=
ikely to be masked.
--oryoki
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