Click pictures for larger images:

ZOOM H4 shown with optional accessories - padded case, memory card, rechargeable batteries , interfaces (shown below) and tripod stand

SP-ZOOM-INTERFACE shown with the SP-SPSB-10 battery module (not included). This interface is used to connect powered microphones (self-powered mics), line level devices or mic and battery module combinations with 1/8" (3.5mm) plugs into the ZOOM H4 recorder's 1/4" inputs. More info

SP-ZOOM-PHANTOM shown with SP-BMC-2 binaural microphones (not included). This interface is used to convert the 24 volt phantom power provided by the ZOOM recorder to normal "plug in power" for mini microphones. When you use this interface, you don't need a battery module for your mini mics. More info 

For professional quality interview applications, select the SP-ZOOM-PHANTOM with the SP-CMC-2 lapel microphone option. This option combines the Phantom power adapter and a set of high quality Audio Technica AT831 Cardioid lapel microphones (our part number SP-CMC-2).

SP-ZOOM-OMNI-MIC - This microphone interface comes with a built-in set of stereo high sensitivity, high fidelity omnidirectional microphones (the built-in mics on the top of the H4 are cardioids). In addition, the interface will also accept a set of external mini microphones (the internal mics are defeated when external mics are plugged in). When plugged into the ZOOM H4 recorder, the 24 volt phantom power is converted to the proper power for the built-in and external microphones. When you use this interface, you don't need a battery module for your mini mics. More info

Download instruction manual here

Read a review from Home Recording

A review from O'Reilly Digital Media

H4 - Handy Recorder

Digital audio recording for everyone, everywhere.

Introducing the H4 Handy Digital Recorder. The next big thing from Zoom.

It's a Mobile Field Stereo Recorder

The Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder fits in your palm and is ideal for recording live musical performances, interviews, podcasts, meetings, classes and seminars. The H4 allows you to record 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as in MP3 format with bitrates up to 320kbps.

The H4 features two studio-quality electret condenser microphones configured in an X/Y pattern for true stereo recording. It also includes 2 combination XLR-1/4-inch input jacks with phantom power for use with any external microphones of your choice. And the H4 is loaded with onboard studio effects such as compression, limiting and mic modeling. An 1/8-inch headphone jack is also provided for monitoring.

The H4 records on to Secure Digital (SD) media, a 128MB SD card is included with the unit. With a 2GB SD memory card, the H4 provides up to 380 minutes of recording in 16-bit mode (CD Quality), and 34 hours in MP3 stereo mode. And to move your recordings to a PC or Mac, the H4 includes a USB mass-storage interface.

The H4 provides four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries. A back-lit, 128¡¿64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface. An AC adapter, USB cable, windshield cover and tripod adapter are also included.

It's also a 4-Track Recorder!

Unlike other field recorders, the H4 also has a 4-track recording mode for easy-to-use mobile multi-track recording. The H4 will also render 4-track audio with CD quality, 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution.

Songwriters and musicians can use the combination XLR-1/4-inch high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards. Also onboard are Zoom¡¯s most incredible guitar and bass amplifier modeling effects. These effects accurately reproduce the sounds of the most famous guitar amps ever made.

And by-the-way, it's also an Audio Interface

Recording directly to your computer has never been easier than with the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder. The H4 is the only portable digital recorder that also serves as your USB audio interface, allowing direct recording of instruments and vocals to your computer. And, if you don¡¯t already have a DAW, that¡¯s okay because every H4 comes bundled with Cubase LE, the perfect 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation for easy editing, mixing and mastering of your recordings on either Windows or Mac.

Together, these features make the Zoom H4 Handy Digital Recorder the most versatile portable recording device ever offered.

Mobile Field Recording
Fits in the palm of your hand
Ideal for infinite variety of mobile recording applications
Records 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio as well as MP3 format with bitrates up to 320kbps
Two studio quality X/Y pattern condenser microphones for true stereo recording
Two combination XLR-1/4-inch input jacks with phantom power
Onboard studio effects compression, limiting and mic modeling
1/8-inch headphone jack provided for monitoring
512MB Secure Digital (SD) card included.
Using a 2GB SD memory card provides 380 minutes of recording with CD Quality sound
Up to 34 hours recording in MP3 stereo mode
USB mass-storage interface
Four hours of continuous recording operation from 2 AA batteries
Back-lit, 128¡¿64 pixel LCD provides the visual interface
AC adapter, windshield cover, USB Cable and tripod adapter included

4-Track Recording
4-track audio in CD quality 16-bit PCM, 44.1 kHz sampling
Combination high-impedance phone inputs for vocals, guitars, bass or keyboards.
Built in guitar amp modeling equivalent to the Zoom G2

Audio Interface
Records directly to your computer as a USB audio interface
Bundled with Cubase LE, 48-Track Digital Audio Workstation software