ZOOM H4essential Manual

Inserting microSD cards

Supported recording media:
microSDHC: 4 GB – 32 GB
microSDXC: 64 GB – 1 TB
We recommend using microSD cards that have been confirmed to operate with this product. See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com) for information about microSD cards that have been confirmed to work with this unit.

• Always turn the power off before inserting or removing a microSD card.
• To remove a microSD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.

Turning the power on

Power can also be supplied through the USB (Type-C) port by connecting a commercially-available portable battery or a dedicated AC adapter (AD-17).

Making settings when first turned on

Use (select) and (confirm/execute) according to the screen.

Accessibility setting

A function that can enable audio guidance and beep sounds is included to assist use by people with vision impairments.

Language setting

Press to return to the previous screen.

Date format setting

The year, month and day will be used in recording file names in the order set here.

Date and time settings

1. Select a setting item and confirm.
   
2. Change the value and confirm.
   
3. After setting all the items, select "OK" to complete setting the date and time.
   

Battery type setting

We recommend running SD card tests on microSD cards after purchasing them new or using them with a different device.

After settings are complete, the Home Screen will open.

Preparing to record with the XY mic

• Enabling tracks
  The indicator will light red, showing it is ready to record.
  
• Connecting headphones and adjusting the volume
  
• Reducing noise from wind and vocal pops
  can be pressed to return quickly to the Home Screen (from most screens).
  
• Tip to improve recording sound quality
  If the H4essential is placed directly on a table, reflected sound can interfere with recording and reduce clarity. We recommend using a tripod, for example, to distance it from the table. Placing a handkerchief, for example, can also be effective in reducing sound reflected from a table.
  
• Using external mics
  An external mic or line-level device can also be connected to the MIC/LINE IN jack and recorded. This can also provide plug-in power to mics that use it.
  

Preparing to record with inputs 1–2

Connecting dynamic/condenser mics

Turn on phantom power for inputs that have condenser mics connected.

When disconnecting an XLR plug, pull it while pushing on the connector.

Connecting wireless mics

If the receiver output jack is stereo mini, use an adapter for XLR conversion.

Connecting mixers and other line-level equipment

Use a cable or adapter so that a TRS plug is used to connect to the H4essential.

When stereo-linked, tracks are recorded as a stereo file with track 1 on L and track 2 on R.

Adjusting the monitoring mix

2. Select a track and confirm.
   
3. Adjust the monitoring balance and confirm.
   Press to return to the Home Screen.
   

Recording

1. The indicator will light red and recording will start.
2. This ends recording.

Slide toward HOLD when recording to prevent misoperation

• Using the Recording Screen
  

MARK	This adds a marker for cueing during playback.
OUTPUT	Use this to set the line output level.
TRASH	This stops recording and moves the file to the trash.

Playing recordings

• Using the Playback Screen
  

FILE LIST	This opens the FILE LIST Screen.
AB REPEAT	Use this for repeat playback of a specified range (A–B).
OUTPUT	Use this to set the line output level. Use this also to normalize the audio and set the playback speed.
EXPORT	Use this to convert and export files.
TRASH	This moves the file to the Trash.

Accessing online help

Select Help from the SYSTEM menu to show a 2D code.

Scan it with a smartphone to access detailed documents about the product.
zoomcorp.com/help/h4essential

Functions of parts

Top

1. Built-in XY mic
   This stereo mic has two crossing directional mics. This mic can record three-dimensional sound with natural depth and width.
2. Display
   This shows various types of information.
3. MIXER button
   This opens the Mixer Screen.
4. Transport buttons
   STOP button: This stops recording or playback.
   PLAY/PAUSE button: This starts/pauses playback of recorded files.
   REC button/Indicator: This starts recording. The indicator lights during recording.
   REW button: This skips to the previous file. Press and hold this to search backward.
   FF button: This skips to the next file. Press and hold to search forward.
5. Track buttons/Status indicator
   Press a track button, lighting its status indicator red, to enable that track for recording.

Left side

1. MIC/LINE IN jack
   If an external mic is connected here, it can be used to record instead of the XY mic. This can also provide plug-in power to mics that require it.
2. PHONE/LINE OUT jack
   This outputs sound to headphones or a connected device.
3. VOLUME dial
   Use this to adjust the volume output from the headphones or external device.
4. microSD card slot
   Insert a microSD card here.

Right side

1. Select dial
   Use this to select menu items.
2. ENTER button
   Press this to confirm menu items.
3. USB port (Type-C)
   Connect this to a computer, smartphone or tablet to use file transfer and audio interface functions.
   This supports operation on USB bus power.
   Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
4. REMOTE connector
   Connect a ZOOM BTA-1 or other dedicated adapter here.
   This enables use of the H4essential Control smartphone/tablet app to operate the H4essential wirelessly.
5. POWER/HOLD switch
   Use this to turn the power on/off and to disable button operation.

Front end

1. INPUT 1, INPUT 2 jacks
   Connect mics and instruments to these. These support XLR and 1/4-inch phone (TRS) plugs.

Bottom

1. Speaker
   Sound is output here during file playback.
2. Tripod mounting threads
   Use these when connecting a tripod.
3. Battery cover
   Open this when installing and removing AA batteries.

Troubleshooting

Sound is not output or the volume is very low

• Check the headphone and LINE OUT connections.
• Confirm that the headphone volume and line output level are not too low.
• Check the orientation of the mic or the volume settings of the connected equipment.
• Check the mixer settings.

Monitored sound is distorted

• Use to adjust the volume.

MIC INPUT OVERLOAD or INPUT 1/2 OVERLOAD appears

• The input sound is too loud. Increase the distance between the mic and the sound source.
• Wind can also cause loud noises to be input. We recommend using the Lo Cut setting to reduce noise if air is blown directly at a mic, for example, when recording outdoors or when a mic is near the mouth of a speaker.

Recording is not possible

• Confirm that the microSD card has open space.
• Confirm that a microSD card is loaded properly in the card slot.

The recorded sound breaks up

• Test the microSD card. See the Operation Manual for details.
• Use the H4essential to format the microSD card.
• We recommend using microSD cards that have been confirmed to operate with this product. See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com) for information about microSD cards that have been confirmed to work with this unit.

Not recognized by computer when connected

• Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.

Date and time are reset frequently

• If power is not supplied by an AC adapter or batteries for a long time, date and time settings will be reset.
  If the Set Date/Time Screen appears during startup, set them again.

Operation is not possible

• Confirm that is not set to HOLD.

ZOOM CORPORATION
4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
zoomcorp.com

Documents / Resources

References

• | ZOOM
• | ZOOM

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Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

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