Zoom H4n weakness...

Dan Brockett · August 30th, 2011, 08:27 AM

My H4N was mounted on the hot shoe of my 5D MKII and the camera tipped over while on the ground as I was getting something out of the gear case. So from falling about 6", the glass/plastic window over the display cracked? Didn't break off a mic, but I agree with the others and would warn newbies that the H4N is as consumer as they come when it comes to build quality. Definitely disposable. You get what you pay for. The sound is decent though, but the battery life is horrible.

Time to step up to a Sound Devices real recorder I think! The H4N is a toy.

Dan

Andrew Smith · August 30th, 2011, 05:40 PM

Also, use fabric softener when it comes to washing your towels.

(boom boom!)

Andrew

Mark Mathews · February 2nd, 2013, 02:09 PM

I recently dropped my H4n; I didn't damage the built-in mics but now the xlr inputs don't seem to work. The top mics work fine and I was able to limp through the following session plugging my lav mic directly into the 1/8 inch input on the back. Anyone else have a similar issue?
I've left the unit off at a local electronics repair place and am getting the runaround saying they can't find parts (?)

Steve House · February 2nd, 2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Mathews

...
I've left the unit off at a local electronics repair place and am getting the runaround saying they can't find parts (?)

Take a look at the Samson web site and under 'Support' you can look up the authorized factory service center for your area.

August 30th, 2011, 08:27 AM	#46
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	Re: Zoom H4n weakness... My H4N was mounted on the hot shoe of my 5D MKII and the camera tipped over while on the ground as I was getting something out of the gear case. So from falling about 6", the glass/plastic window over the display cracked? Didn't break off a mic, but I agree with the others and would warn newbies that the H4N is as consumer as they come when it comes to build quality. Definitely disposable. You get what you pay for. The sound is decent though, but the battery life is horrible. Time to step up to a Sound Devices real recorder I think! The H4N is a toy. Dan

August 30th, 2011, 05:40 PM	#47
Andrew Smith Equal Opportunity Offender Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 3,016	Re: Zoom H4n weakness... Also, use fabric softener when it comes to washing your towels. (boom boom!) Andrew

February 2nd, 2013, 02:09 PM	#48
Mark Mathews Tourist Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: United States Posts: 1	Re: Zoom H4n weakness... I recently dropped my H4n; I didn't damage the built-in mics but now the xlr inputs don't seem to work. The top mics work fine and I was able to limp through the following session plugging my lav mic directly into the 1/8 inch input on the back. Anyone else have a similar issue? I've left the unit off at a local electronics repair place and am getting the runaround saying they can't find parts (?)