Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Just wondering what's available in the same category as the Zoom H4n? When I got mine they were pretty much the only game. Are there other players in this area now?
-2x XLR inputs
-SD card media
-battery powered
-$200-$500 range?

Thanks!

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Roland R-26 has just come out... 2 sets of mics and phantom powered XLR's on the heal.
Previously would have been badged Edirol - if you have seen any of their products R-4, R-44 and R09 were all excellent. More associated with broadcast than the Zoom brand (though I think the H4n has had the market to itself for years, right place, right time for the DSLR revolution).

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

The Tascam DR-100 has been a straight up competitor. And now there's the DR-40.

The Fostex FR-2LE is a solid step up in performance and operation, IMO.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Thanks guys, will do some reading up on those.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Good post. It's a question I had been wanting to ask. I have an h4n and hate it.
the set up is sometimes difficult, it seems to have a mind of its own and to my surprise the sound recording using my favorite AT boom mic sounds like it's muffled.

I find it difficult to use, but consider I hate equipment that requires deep thinking, way to many options when all I really want is high quality sound recording in a fast setup.

Monty

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

I happen to have here in my hand, the only Roland R-26 outside of the company. So far, so good. It's a bit bigger than a Zoom H4n, the touchscreen is intuitive and zippy. There's big, easy to spin, and fine tune knobs for Input 1 and Input 2 - plus a nice button in between - SENS for Sensitivity - yes, a clean gain stage that is sure to impress. There is also something new called IARC (Isolated Adaptive Recording Circuit), which as I understand it, helps to keep the separate channels discrete with little, to no crosstalk/bleed. I'm amazed at how little noise the recordings have.

Listen for yourself R-26 Portable Recorder: Recording Applications - YouTube

Now who would record six channels at once? Wait until you hear some examples, if you haven't already. Being able to mix a combo of XY mics, plus omni mics plus two XLR inputs, is something I never thought I'd do, but now that I can with ease - and with excellent onboard mics - I am finding myself actually wanting to record the additional channels and use them to layer and add depth. I'm figuring out ways to record differently and place the recorder strategically. Of course I may not use all tracks, but it's certainly nice to have them - especially if you can use them to give the viewer/audience the feeling of "being there".

I'd put this unit on par with the Sony PCM-D50. That was a great, no make that really great recorder which only lacked XLR inputs. Now the R-26 is out to take that title - at the exact same $499 price point. I know a few folks on here have that recorder and love it, I think they're going to love this one too. Jim? Chad?

The only thing lacking in my opinion is a remote - not a huge issue, but if I'm going to be using the built-in mics, I really don't want to risk any handling noise touching the knobs. The holy grail would be an iPad app.The unit also acts as a USB interface so you can feed right into your Mac/PC. Overall, I think folks that are willing to spend the $499 over the Zoom h4n's $299 are going to be happy where the extra $200 went.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Guy nice vid thanks. Now we know why the Tascam R-40 is $199.

Cheers.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

The tests I performed with the Tascam DR-40 came out "good". It comes down to budget. I like knowing that we now have options :

$199 Tascam DR-40
$299 Zoom h4n
$499 Roland R-26

Maybe stick a Sound Devices MM1 or MixPre-D in front of the DR-40 for a nice portable package. Using the Line level input definitely cleans things up on that unit as you hear at the end of this video.


Maybe the next video I should make should just have all 3 of these recorders with the same mic? Maybe show an inexpensive field mixer like the the PSC DV Promix 3? Opinions?

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Guy can the Tascam R40 record 4 channel at the same time? built in mic with external mic at the same time, if so do you have any idea how long the battery will last?
Thanks.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Hi Khoi, Thanks for asking. Yes, the Tascam DR-40 has a "4CH" mode which allows you to record the Built-in mics + 2 External Inputs through the XLR/1/4" ports.
The battery life depends on if you are using Phantom Power. There are 3 AA's which will provide up to 18 hours of power. You can also use a USB power source. I'm not sure how long the batteries will last with 48v phantom on - over 2 hours in my testing so far.

On the Roland R-26, you have 4 AA batteries, still testing the life on this one. I did just buy the recommend "Pedal power" which is an external Sanyo lithium ion battery designed for guitar pedals, but recommended on the Roland site- should get 50 hours outta that!

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Thank you very much Guy.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

The R-26 specs say +4dbu nominal or +24dbu maximum. What do they mean by nominal?

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

"Nominal" == "standard" or "normal" operating level, the optimum signal level for which the circuits were designed. +4dBu is the nominal studio line level; -10dBv is the nominal consumer line level.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

A wee bit more cash but I went from the H4N to the Marantz 661 and love it, so much easier to use, more professional in every way and batteries last much longer if you need them.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Now I have been fairly happy with my H4n, but after hearing the examples of the Roland R-26, all I can say is WOW!
Now this was recorded in a sound stage, but still the fullness of the X/Y + Omni mics are rather impressive. I might have to pickup one of these and sell off my H4n after hearing these examples. I can especially see the Roland R-26 coming in handy for my band recordings.

BTW Guy, can the Roland R-26 record using the XLR inputs and the built in mics as well?

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Wow! That R-26 looks really interesting. I've got the Sony D50 and have to say that I haven't found a handheld recorder that rivals it in sound quality yet (except for it's big brother the D1). If this sounds as good but adds the features it may be time for another upgrade.

Guy, have you had a chance to do a direct comparison between the Sony D50 and Roland R-26 yet? I'd be very interested to hear the results.

Thanks,
Garrett

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Yes, absolutely. There are 12 ways to record with a combination of XY, Omni, XLR, and Plug-in (1/8")
See it in action R-26 Portable Recorder: Introduction part 2 - YouTube

Currently I no longer have the Sony PCM-D50. If you would like to put up some samples, I'll send you a loaner unit.

By the way...DVeStore just got the first 10 units in the US today.
Anyone that wants one, fee free to order away and use your "dvinfo" coupon code
Roland R-26 Portable Recorder

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Hi Guy,

I would love to do some direct AB comparisons and throw up some samples. Unfortunately I'm in the middle of production on an ultra low budget indie film and won't be able to get to it until after end of the month. I'll contact you once I get a few minutes of clear time in my schedule an if you haven't already gotten some D50 vs. R-26 comparison I'll do it.

BTW, received the DR-680 last night and just started to dig into it. Very nice recorder so far. I'll see if I can sneak it into our audio chain on this weekend's shoot to give it some field testing. I'll be providing a complete review after I collect some samples and have some time getting use to it.

Thanks,
Garrett

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Awesome - this offer is open to anyone here on DVinfo.net. If you have a Sony PCM-D50 and would like to put up some comparisons, DVeStore will loan you a Roland R-26.

Garrett- glad to here that you received the DR-680. That seems to be a pretty popular recorder in the over $500 category. Not sure where else you can find an 8 channel recorder for well under $1,000. I look forward to hearing some samples from your project. BTW, have seen the Buman mod? BUSMAN AUDIO - modifications Chad has video up. The specs make it look like a worthwhile endeavor.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

If anyone knows, from the 6 separate channels that you can record, would that be including two from the 1/8' in?

or would it be the 4 on board mics and the two XLR..

thanks,
GLB

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Hi Gary Lee,

Here is the actual screen of the Roland R-26. You can indeed have 2 channels in the Plug-in powered mic 1/8" mini plug input as well as the XLR/1/4" plus the XY mics in 6 channel mode.

The 2nd image is 4 channel mode.

Hope this helps.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Thanks, now help me with the drooling.....

GLB

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Hi Guy,

I own a D-50 and would be interested in doing a comparison but live in the UK which could be a problem?

Geoff

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Hi Geoffrey,

DVeStore would be happy to ship you a demo Roland R-26 provided that you report back with some nice samples for the audio forum here. I'll even pay the shipping to the UK.

Send me a PM with your address and we'll get one on the way. It won't be my fault if you fall in love with it and want to keep it though!

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Guy,

Nice review on the DR-40,
I'm currently a H4N user and I'm not satisfied with its power consumption. Its a battery power hog.

How does the DR-40 compare, does it go a long way on batteries?

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Most anything is a battery hog while delivering phantom power. Have you tried the H4n with and without phantom, Ted? I've tested H4n audio, but I didn't have it long enough to do battery consumption tests.

Re: Zoom H4n alternatives (with XLR in)
 

Yes I have Jon and its improved. When I first got my H4N, i just plopped in common energizerswhich seem to drain in say, 15-20 minutes with phantom.

It improved when I used high mAh batteries for flashes AND switching to stamina mode.

Stamina mode however removes certain features from the h4n.

My friend, returned his H4n and replaced it with a DR-100 and says its much better power wise.

So I'm interested how the DR-40 stacks up in that area since its cheaper.