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Re: Zoom H4n just arrived

Subject: Re: Zoom H4n just arrived
From: "Rob Danielson" danielson_audio
Date: Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:33 am ((PDT))
At 2:20 PM +0000 3/11/09, oryoki2000 wrote:
>A little more testing of my H4N revealed some quirks.
>
>First, if you try to record using a single mic connected to XLR with
>phantom power on, the other channel records a relatively high level
>of noise. This 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 and the mics receiving power from an external power source
>(ART Phantom II in 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 powered by an ART Phantom II power supply and
>connected via the minijack had very 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.

Wow. Folks need to be aware of these issues; maybe Samson should be
contacted?  Sounds like you've making the connections/settings needed
to generate A/B comparison files for reference.

>
>These listening tests were performed in a very quiet setting, and
>with the goal of

...detecting the audible "input noise level" produced compared to,..
(Do you have another [better?] recorder/pre you can bring in for
additional reference)?  Let me know if I can help. Rob D.

>finding the recorder's self-noise level. If you record in a setting
>with a higher level of ambient sound, the H4N recorder's input noise
>is likely to be masked.
>
>--oryoki
>
>


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