Zoom H4n PRO 4-Channel Handy Recorder Kit with Deadcat Windscreen, Shockmount, Camera Mount and Mic Grip

I've had this for less than a day and I'm more than impressed already. My previous DVR was the Tascam DR-40, which wasn't bad and lasted 8 years before a leaking battery finished it off inside. I was about to buy the latest Tascam DR-40X when I saw a youtube review showing an unacceptably high noise floor.The Zoom H4n Pro has an almost imperceptible noise floor, which is easy to remove in post.I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of sound of the internal mics. My applications are mostly voiceover, so it produced a very good voice tone with minimal signal noise (but was of course sensitive to any background noises, so you do need to have a well-constructed "dead" room). You can configure the mics to 90 degrees directionality or 120 degrees. I haven't tested them outdoors yet, but I suspect that they would pick up a lot of ambient noise unless you placed the mics directly in front of the talent's mouth. They're also very sensitive to popping, so you must use a pop filter too.The build quality was surprisingly good, very solid. One reviewer niggled about the SD card flap, but I think it's a good solid rubber hinge. The Tascam, by comparison, feels light and plasticky.One thing I did like about the Tascam was that you could change the internal mics to X/Y and A/B configuration (to get a more stereo effect for music recordings). For voiceover or for recording a single instrument (piano, guitar, sax, etc.) I don't think this matters. WIth the Tascam, I also liked that an LED lit up when the signal was clipping. This might be useful in a loud music recording, but I think one can control for this quite well for voiceover. There's also a noise-limiting function in settings that you can switch on to prevent clipping. So not really an issue.What I also appreciated about the Zoom is that it comes with an external power input socket. When using a mic that requires phantom power, it can really eat up batteries. However, what I didn't realize is that the standard unit DOES NOT COME WITH AN AC ADAPTER. You have to purchase it separately, adding extra delay or shipping costs.When I opened the box, I got a yellow flyer warning me not to use a fake adapter or risk death by electrocution! So I was surprised to find no genuine power supply in the box. They cost about $3 to produce so I don't see why Zoom is trying to shave this small amount off the price.Other reviewers elsewhere have said it's no big deal because you can use the mini-USB input to power the device externally. I haven't tested any of the external power sources yet - they might create a mains line hum and I'll update this review when I know for sure. Or someone else who has done it can comment below...The other features are fit for purpose and the controls are nicely laid out. When you can get good quality audio from a relatively inexpensive device like this, these other details are almost superfluous. I wouldn't bother with any of the built-in (digital) filters as I prefer the extra control of filtering and editing the audio in post instead.As for the bundle provided by Move Photo, the windsock is a nice-to-have accessory for outdoors use and the handle to screw into the base of the recorder could be useful for handheld interview work. It's heavy and solid. I didn't get a chance to try out the camera hotshoe attachment. It seems a little delicate, so handle with care.

Overview:I bought this with one purpose in mind. Record higher quality audio for my DSLR and avoid the hiss I get. I wanted to be able to use it as a mic (mono) for interviews and stereo for nice ambience. I haven't begun to use the XLR inputs but it's nice to know they are there.Construction:It's a solid construction. It's so dense and even a bit heavy that it doubles as a paperweight or even a weapon if a bear came at me in the middle of a shoot. It's not waterproof, though. It comes with a nice plastic case for storage in the field, I'd recommend a dry sack or a heavy duty ziplock which will keep it safe if you think it's going to get wet.Results:Sound quality is amazing compared to my internal mic. It's not a replacement for a shotgun Mic, but even attached to my camera and turned to mono, it sounds good in a semi-quiet interview setting if you're not too far away.

Used for Voice recording and is portable and easy to use.

Arrived exactly as described & on time. I've been using a Zoom H1 for a long time, but finally needed an upgrade to keep up with the changing standards -- this is it. From the shock absorber to the hot shoe mount to the hand grip, everything is excellently made & has held up in several shoots in questionable conditions so far. Trust all of the accessories to hold the mic tight & secure even when they're moving around.The Zoom H4N is a game changer for my audio -- records everything beautifully & is much more powerful than I expected for the price. Use a lav mic via XLR cable with it, as well as the onboard mics & both are great. Highly recommend.

Excellent audio recording, easy to operate, I don't believe that the new one that has knobs instead of button will be much faster to use. The suspension and the wind shield are of great build quality.