H4essential Handy Recorder – 4-Track Recorder with 32-Bit Float, X/Y Microphones, XLR/TRS Inputs – For Music, Podcasts, Film Sound – Black

As the name suggests this is indeed a handy recorder. It's very portable, the quality is good and it benefits from being able to plug external mics into it if required. It can also by used as an audio interface as well. For me it's best feature is the fact that it is unnecessary to set the recording levels - this is done by the device. And it works very well. I haven't experienced any clipping, but in the unlikely even of this happening if you record in 32 bit float it is possible to reduce the waveform to below peak level. The device itself is light and the record function is operated simply by pressing the red record button. It's that simple. I don't use batteries I prefer to use mains. It can be powered through either a laptop of PC usb or usb mains plug. For those who prefer batteries I've read that the device will go through them quite quickly particularly if phantom power is required for external mics. Another alternative is to use a power bank, such as you might buy to charge a mobile phone while camping. Best check that the power bank is of the correct specifications (shown in the Zoom instructions). I usually mount the device on a camera tripod as if it is hand held, unless you take particular care handling noise will be experienced. It works best with the microphones directed towards and 1-2 metres away from the sound source. Recordings can be played back using the onboard speaker, although the sound quality is not great. There is a headphone socket which allows for much better audio. The only thing which bothers me is the file system. It is not possible to name the tracks. They are named for you using the date. Having said this if you transfer the files to a laptop or PC then it is possible to rename them, so it's not a problem which can't be overcome. I find this device very handy for recording rehearsals or in any situation where you want to capture high quality stereo sound quickly. Once you are familiar with the way the device works it's very easy to use and delivers very acceptable results at a modest price.

Five stars is a bit generous, so 4.5 would be how I rate it, but since it doesn't have the option. I have the Zoom h4 Pro, which is approx the same size, but the h4 Pro has better build quality than the Essential, but for what I paid for this £169, it's well worth it. It's 32 bit performance is good and all round performance is very good. It's better than the H4 pro, for using it as an audio device on a computer. I do YT videos and even on low end machines, it performs really well. I also use audio equipment for recording nature sounds and I've found it really good for that, light, cake to use and gets the job done. One thing, that is a warning, is that, unlike it's sibling, it only has sound as output. So what you record, can sound very low. It's a bit like a RAW file in photography, but the sound will still be excellent once it's been edited. A good looking, nice graphical interface and great sound, a bit of a cheap feel, but apart from that it's a quality device.

Very high quality recordings and good responsive UI. Only downside is that all samples are put into individual folders which can make it a long tedious process. Also stereo recordings render two separate files and there is no option to combine them.

This is a great recorder. I deliberated over the buying decision for ages, but now I don't even think about the features compared to other models. It just works, and it works well. I use for recording interviews for our radio show, it just sits there and captures everything, no need to worry about guests positioning or mic technique, or having the right number of mic etc. You do need to edit in post, but It's all there even the quiet speech. It also captures great live music sound with the stereo mics giving a sense of space and ambience. In the real world, the battery life is great. Mut have recorded a dozen interviews with it, and a similar number of live songs. The battery is still showing full. Very happy with it.

Fantastic quality for the price. The audio recording is unbelievably good, the 32bit is solid. I've used this quiet a bit now and the microphones are very good, and the line in xlr input floor level is only bettered by my zoom f3 which has a different function. battery life is very good, i managed 3 separate 1-2hour recordings on one full set of batteries, very easy to use, literally no setup apart from the time and date. the mixer function is a big bonus too mixing the mics with the line in on a extra recording. the size of the recorder is no different to other similar products, maybe smaller even. for its intended use and functionality, its perfect for my requirements.

First impressions are very good. Sturdier than the Zoom H1 I was using previously; great sound quality via the built-in microphones too. I like the way that it has a metal screw hole for mounting to a tripod or mic stand rather than the plastic one that the H1 had (which I was extremely careful with to avoid stripping the plastic thread). The display and the menu system are great, and I found them pretty intuitive to use.

Fantastic device , perfect

H4essential est tout petit. Qualité 32bits extra. Réglages ultra simples. Autonomie sympa. Les prises xlr jack au top. Les micros XY canons. Un prise mini jack pour un micro sans fil : pratique. Le Bluetooth super pratique. C'est une option. Et la cerise sur le gâteau, il fait carte son. Franchement pour le prix, foncez !

Muy buena grabadora! No indica muy bien la carga de las pilas y suele ser un poco “mentiroso” en ese sentido. Puede usarse conectado por cable a la corriente y es excelente. La calidad muy buena

Muy buena calidad y muy fácil de usar, un poco incómodo el tener que navegar por el menú sólo con un scroll pero se puede acostumbrar La devolví porque venía maltratada y finalmente pedí una tascam x6 por las opciones extras que brinda aunque cuesta una tercera parte más Sin duda la volvería a comprar por su practicidad y relación calidad precio

32-bit float recording with dual level converters makes setting the correct recording levels a thing of the past. This is extremely useful for live recordings without the worry of clipping during unexpected loud passages if the levels were set too high on a traditional recorder like the H4n. With 32-bit float recording technology in the H4essential, this becomes a thing of the past. However, be mindful that overdub does not seem to be possible with this device compared to the H4n, ie, it does not seem to be possible to record a track while playing back another.

E muito bom para audio nao usei microfones ainda, so ele ja limpa os ruidos