When comparing Zoom H4n [$269 USD+] vs Zoom H6 [$399 USD+], the Slant community recommends Zoom H4n [$269 USD+] for most people. In the question“What are the best portable field recorders?” Zoom H4n [$269 USD+] is ranked 1st while Zoom H6 [$399 USD+] is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Zoom H4n [$269 USD+] is:
You can adjust position of each microphone independently between 90° and 120°. Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder without phase shifting.
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Pros
Pro Stereo X/Y microphone pattern with adjustable angles
You can adjust position of each microphone independently between 90° and 120°. Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder without phase shifting.
Pro Reduced handling noise
A rubberized grip reduces the handling noise.
Pro Versatile and affordable
For it's price it is incredibly versatile.
Pro Combined XLR/jack
The H4n features built-in combination XLR/Phone connectors with phantom voltage source capability.
Pro Phantom power available for inputs
At the bottom you can add two inputs, including condenser mics that need phantom power.
Pro Can use AC or USB bus power instead of batteries
With the AC adapter, you can record for prolonged periods of time without worrying about the battery level.
Pro Screen illuminates
So you can use it in the dark.
Pro Built-in editing features
Can set loop points, can split the file, etc.
Pro Records wav and mp3
Choose up to 24-bit/96-kHz linear PCM WAV or select a variety of MP3 formats.
Pro 4-track recorder
You can use either stereo microphone recording, input recording, or both at the same time. Additionally, using an external source for microphone with inputs you can get 4 different external mono sources.
Pro Can use as an external mic for a camera
You can buy a DSLR mount and the input minijack can be found on the side of recorder.
Pro Works with up to 32GB SD card
Pro Monitor via headphones
Pro 4-track MTR mode
MTR mode allows simultaneous 2-track recording and 4-track playback. Level and panning can be adjusted individually for each track on the built-in mixer, and you can even do a mixdown right on the H4n.
Pro Useful bundle
A 2 GB SD card, windscreen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, protective case and Cubase LE recording software are included.
Pro Tripod mount on the back
Pro Increased battery performance with stamina mode
Can get up to 11h of performance out of a set of batteries.
Pro Mark audio
You can set marks in recordings for use later in editing.
Pro Works as a USB audio interface
The H4n also functions as a USB audio interface, letting you record directly to either a Mac or PC.
Pro Comes bundled with Cubase LE
So you can start to produce and edit music right away.
Pro Onboard effects include studio effects and guitar amp models
The H4n offers a choice of 50 studio-quality DSP effects including compressor, chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb. In addition, models of the most famous guitar amps are included.
Pro Adjustable playback speed
Good for singers, musicians that might want to practice with backing tracks slowed down at first.
Pro Dedicated gain control for each input
As well as a pad switch and phantom power in 3 different voltages.
Pro Interchangeable capsules
You can change to X/Y, MS, Shotgun, and Dual XLR/TRS Combo.
Pro 6-track recorder
Pro 4 XLR/jack inputs
Plus additional two XLR/jack inputs with dual XLR/jack capsule.
Pro Up to 99 marks per recording
Pro Built-in effects
Including lo-cut filtering, compression and limiting.
Pro Overdubbing, up to 99 takes
Pro X/Y pattern capsule has adjustable angles
You can adjust position of each microphone independently between 90° and 120°. Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder without phase shifting.
Pro Records wav and mp3
Choose up to 24-bit/96-kHz linear PCM WAV or select a variety of MP3 formats.
Pro Supportd SD cards up to 128GB
Pro Auto/Pre/Backup record support
Pro Screen illuminates
Can be used in low-light environments