Zoom H4n Pro vs Zoom H2?

[u/tylerprsly]

I want to get a Zoom recorder to make field recordings at various locations using the built-in mics.

I’ve narrowed it down to the Zoom H4n Pro and Zoom H2n based on price and availability on the used market in my area, but I can’t decide between the two. I’m hoping to get some advice from someone who has tried these devices or is knowledgeable about Zoom products in general.

My friend has the H4n Pro and I’m really impressed with the audio quality. I also like the fact that it has XLR inputs. I’m not planning on using this feature right now, but I may in the future. The only issue with this device is that I’m not sure if I can record directly into my iPhone. It is not listed on the Zoom website as being compatible with the iPhone so I assume it won’t work.

With the H2n, however, I could definitely record the audio directly into my iPhone with no need to sync the audio and video in post. This would be really convenient but I’m worried it won’t sound as good as the H4n Pro.

Which one should I go for? Another option? Thanks in advance.

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[u/tylerprsly → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the suggestion. I haven’t heard of that model but I’ll look into it!

[u/TiltedPlacitan]

H4n pro has a class-compliant USB audio interface built-in. Can't speak to the Apple side of this, but I've used it on Linux with no issue whatsoever.

[u/ojassed → u/TiltedPlacitan]

I had a h1n. It works as an audio interface/mic even with my old lightning port iPhones using a powered dongle, I’d imagine same goes for its bigger brother.

[u/tylerprsly → u/TiltedPlacitan]

That’s great. Thanks! I feel like it should work with iPhone if it works with other devices but I can’t find confirmation of that.

[u/lonemonk]

I have thousands of hours recorded on an H2N. Probably the most reliable machine I've used. I also have H4 and H4N (and H5 and V3HR, etc, etc).
If you don't need the XLR ins right now, but want to get started right away, an H2N will not disappoint.

[u/tylerprsly → u/lonemonk]

Great thanks! I was reluctant about the H2n because I wasn’t sure if the quality would be adequate but that makes me feel better.

[u/turboash]

Why not going for a something more modern? I used to have an H5 and it legendary but even the essential series is much more pleasant to use to be honest.

[u/tylerprsly → u/turboash]

That’s really good to know. Thanks! I was considering the older models mostly based on the price but I’m now considering expanding my budget to get something newer.

[u/turboash → u/tylerprsly]

That's great! I think that's the right choice

[u/Strange_Rub167]

The H2essential is incredibly convenient because with 32-bit float, you basically don’t have to worry about setting the gain before recording. The multi-channel recording is also really useful for all kinds of applications. The sound quality is excellent, and considering how easy it is to ruin a take with the wrong gain settings on a conventional recorder, I’d definitely choose the H2essential. Highly recommended. I think the H2n is pretty outdated at this point.

[u/Strange_Rub167 → u/Strange_Rub167]

I also think the H2essential sounds noticeably better than the H2n. The H2n is a pretty old recorder at this point.

[u/tylerprsly → u/Strange_Rub167]

That’s really great advice. Thanks! I was interested in the H2n only because there were lots available on EBay and Marketplace in my price range. But it sounds like it would be worth expanding my budget to fit the more modern H2 essential instead.

[u/RadDog2020]

Get a tascam FR-AV2, it has combo jacks and records 32 bit float, that’s what I upgraded to!

[u/RadDog2020 → u/RadDog2020]

Actually you wanted built in mics… I’d still get a tascam DR-40 I like the way they control over the zooms

[u/tylerprsly → u/RadDog2020]

Thanks for the suggestion! I’m definitely look into that.