7 best pro audio recorders

Product description

THE ZOOM H4N PRO - Record cleaner, clearer, and closer than ever before. Brilliant Four-Track Audio Recording for Music, Film, Podcasting, and Beyond At Zoom they're always developing new ideas to improve the performance and function of the Handy Recorders. With the new H4n Pro, Zoom has taken everything creators love about the H4n and brought it to the next level. The H4n Pro isn't just improved, it's superior in every way. With advanced X/Y microphones, incredibly natural-sounding preamps, and a super-low noise floor, you can record everything from the Indy 500 to the fluttering of a hummingbird with extraordinary realism. Welcome to the new gold standard in field recording. Four-track simultaneous recording High-fidelity mic preamps Built-in X/Y stereo microphones, adjustable between 90deg and 120deg Record up to 140 dB SPL with X/Y microphones Two mic/line level inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors Stereo 1/8" Mic In mini phone jack +24 or +48V phantom power for main inputs and Plug-in power (2. 5V) Applications The Filmmaker's Favorite The H4n Pro is packed with features that make it perfect for capturing audio for film. The onboard X/Y microphones deliver spectacular stereo imaging, and two combo input jacks allow you to use your favorite microphones as well. It also includes a head-phone/line out. Onboard Mid-Side decoding

• Four-channel recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. Built-in stereo X/Y microphones, up to 140 dB SPL
• 2 XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors. Records directly to SD/SDHC cards up to 32 GB
• 4-in/2-out USB audio interface. Monaural speaker: 400 mW 8 Ω
• Line/phone-LINE Output load impedance- 10 kΩ or more. LINE rated output level: -10 dBu. PHONE- 20 mW + 20 mW (into 32Ω load)
• All Black Finish

User questions & answers

Question:	Are there any significant differences between the 2020 model (black) and the previous ones in terms of quality of recording, self noise, etc
Answer:	The audio specs are identical; the only difference is cosmetic.
Question:	Incredible device. getting a lot of wind artifacts and damanged section of audio (stereo/wav/built in mics). tips to eliminate
Answer:	Have you tried a windscreen?
Question:	If this is the 2020 model, why are most of the questions/reviews from years ago
Answer:	This is a old version but is a great one. It does the job.
Question:	What is the lowest Frequency this recorder can capture with the onboard mics
Answer:	This is off the manual: Built-in mics Directionality Unidirectional Sensitivity −45dB/1Pa at 1kHz Input gain −16 dB – +51 dB Maximum sound pressure input 140 dBspl EXT MIC Input gain −16 dB – +51 dB Input impedance 2 kΩ or more Supports plug-in power INPUT 1 and 2 balanced input Connector XLR (pin 2 hot) Input gain −16 dB – +43 dB Input impedance 3.0 kΩ or more Maximum permissible input level −6 dBu EIN –120 dBu or less INPUT 1 and 2 unbalanced input Connector Standard phone Input gain −30 dB – +32 dB Input impedance 470 kΩ or more Maximum permissible input level +2 dBu Outputs LINE/PHONE stereo mini jack LINE output load impedance 10 kΩ or more LINE rated output level −10 dBu PHONE 20 mW + 20 mW (into 32Ω load) Built-in speaker 400mW 8Ω mono speaker Phantom power 48 V, 24 V, OFF USB USB 2.0 High Speed

Product features

H4N PRO BLACK

Advanced X/Y microphones, incredibly natural-sounding preamps, and built-in cutting-edge effects make the H4n Pro the ultimate portable 4 track recorder for musicians.

Chick's Ultimate Handheld Recording Studio

With onboard X/Y microphones, two combo input jacks, overdubbing, effects, and more, the H4n Pro is packed with features that allows musicians to create songs from start to finish.

Chick Corea | 23-Time Grammy Award Winner

Take Your Live Show Home

The H4n Pro is capable of recording the loudest and heaviest performances, up to 140 dB SPL without distortion. Take a line-level* stereo feed from the mixing console and capture room ambience with the X/Y microphones.

* +4dBu line-level is not supported.

Marcus Gilmore | Drummer, Chick Corea Trio | Blue Note NYC

Professional Grade Preamps

The H4n Pro features high performance, low-noise mic preamps with recording resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The improved noise floor (-120 dBu EIN) captures audio at lower volumes with less noise and fewer artifacts.

USB Audio Interface

Functioning as a 2-input/2-output USB audio interface for PC or Mac, the H4n Pro enables you to record directly to your computer.

Stereo Mode

Stereo Mode can be used with the built-in X/Y microphones or external mics, and is convenient for recording live performances, acoustic instruments, and more.

4-Channel Mode

4-Channel Mode records with the built-in X/Y mics and two external inputs to capture live room sound and a stereo board feed at the same time.

MTR Mode

Multi-Track Mode turns your device into a four-track studio, with built-in effects, overdub functions, and the ability to work with previously recorded sound files.

Product description

Zoom H1n Handy Recorder (2018 Model)

• Streamlined Body with matte finish and newly designed protective mic enclosure
• Built-in stereo condenser microphones in 90-Degree x/Y format
• One-touch button controls.Battery life (alkaline batteries): Approximately 10 hours (continuous recording time using built-in mic, 44.1 kHz/16-bit)
• Localized and intuitive menus for easy operation.Input impedance: 2 kΩ
• Playback Speed Control, Voice Emphasize Filter, and Stereo overdubbing functions

User questions & answers

Question:	When you connect a mic into the input line. Can you mix it with the built-in mics
Answer:	No, but ZOOM makes (and Amazon sells) another model that will record FOUR channels --- the "same" two built-in mics PLUS two LINE/XLR jacks: the H5 (which I also own). (See here: http://amzn.to/2l8U4nC) (that's a lowercase L and N)
Question:	How can I use the zoom h1 as a dslr mic.? If it is possible do I have to press record on the zoom h1 and and press the record button on the dslr whe
Answer:	Just a note about recording into a dslr: the bitrate and sample rate you set on the zoom doesn't affect the bitrate and sample rate recorded onto the dslr file. Your dslr always determines the bitrate and sample rate. (IE: for most Canon's that's 44khz/16 bit). The audio quality from the zoom will be better than your on-camera mic simply because the microphone itself is higher quality, but don't expect to be recording 96khz/24 bit audio straight into your dslr's .mov files!
Question:	can I record a piece to video with the Zoom recording my voice and then synch it to video
Answer:	Sure thing. I use mine as a primary aiduo recorder for my Nikon D5300. I use the sound from the camera as areference track and then stnc the wave file from the Zoom to the video using Final Cut X. Works perfect with much better sound quality.
Question:	What does this device actually record onto - some sort of a memory card or flash drive? I'm looking for something that will record at least 6 hours
Answer:	You get roughly 12 hours on the 2GB micro SD card included, in MP3 320kbps. Quality is excellent. If you want WAV format your looking at about 2.5 hours with the stock card. Larger cards are cheap though so it's upgradable.

Product features

Zoom H1n

The evolution in portable recording continues with the Zoom H1n. Designed for creators of all kinds, the H1n boasts built-in 90-degree X/Y stereo mics, advanced one-touch button controls, and distortion-free recording. It’s powerful enough for professional projects yet small enough to fit into your pocket. It’s the ultimate.

take-anywhere recorder for every creators gig bag.

Built-in 90˚ X/Y Microphones

The H1n features built-in X/Y stereo microphones for capturing high-quality stereo sound. The mic itself covers a wide area while emphasizing the center of the sound field, allowing creators to record crystal clear audio in almost any setting.

Record Anytime, Anywhere

Thanks to the H1n’s compact and rugged design, it can record high-quality sound just about anywhere. It features a newly designed mic enclosure to protect the X/Y mics from wear and tear, so you can put it your pocket, toss it in your backpack, or take it out in the field.

Distortion-Free Recording

An advanced onboard limiter enables the H1n to record distortion-free signal up to 120 dB SPL. Capture concerts, band practice, or other loud environments without compromising audio quality.

Enhanced Playback and Control

Playback Speed Control lets you easily transcribe interviews. For musicians, the A-B repeat comes in handy when you are learning and rehearsing. The overdub feature lets you add new sounds over existing recordings. You can also set the H1n to auto-record, pre-record, and self-time.

Easy-to-Use Menus and Controls

Graphic LCD display, one-touch button controls, and localized menus make the H1n perfect for both entry-level and professional creators. Quickly record song ideas, audio for film projects, lectures or meetings, podcast interviews, and more—all with exceptional audio quality.

Product description

The dr-05x is the new standard in stereo hand held recorders with its high value, powerful features, simple interface and excellent sound quality, It is first choice for recording meetings, music, audio-for-video, dictation, and more.Nominal Input Level : -20dBV

• Ensure you buy genuine Tascam products! Products from sellers which say ‘fulfilled by ’ under the price might not be an Authorized Tascam reseller, and might not be selling genuine Tascam products which would forfeit any manufacturer warranties
• The dual internal condenser microphones can handle anything from subtle to loud, with sensitivity to capture every detail
• A revamped layout means operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding Markers are quick and easy
• Uses only two AA batteries, but can record for an outstanding 17. 5 hours; It can also be powered by a USB mobile battery
• Connect to a PC using USB Audio Interface Mode for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio

User questions & answers

Question:	Anyone use this for recording bird songs
Answer:	I have recorded tree frogs and crickets. Works very well recording outdoors. Confident it would work exceedingly well with birds.
Question:	What are the differences between dr-05x, dr-05x model 2019 and dr-05 version 2? i enjoy playing my sax and recording myself over playalong cd's
Answer:	There's no difference between the DR-05X and 2019 model as the 05X was only introduced in 2019. Version 2 was an older version. The display on the newer one is brighter and easier to read. This model will accept more SD card styles and a larger sd card size.
Question:	Is this at all water or weather resistant? I'd like to make some recordings outside
Answer:	No, need protection against the elements.
Question:	Do you notice any RF interference when an electrical device is near, like a cellphonne or streaming device? The previous versions have that problem
Answer:	I haven't noticed that

Product features

Tascam DR-05X

The DR-05X is the standard in stereo hand held recorders with its high value, powerful features, simple interface and excellent sound quality, It is the first choice for recording meetings, music, audio-for-video, dictation, and more.

Recording Media: microSD card (64MB to 3GB), microSDHC card (4GB to 32GB), microSDXC card (up to 128GB)

Record clean and clear audio anywhere

DR-05X allows high-quality recording utilizing an easy-to-use interface, and is portable and powerful but with a size and cost that anyone can handle. Dual internal condenser microphones can handle anything from subtle to loud to 125dB SPL, with sensitivity to capture every detail.

Simple to operate.

The layout of the DR-05X has been revamped to be quick and easy to work with one thumb. Operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding markers are just a button press away.

Turning your room into a studio – in a minute.

Connect to a PC using USB Audio interface mode, and DR-X becomes a tool for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio. Built-in microphones work as USB microphones without complicated driver installs.

Upgrade your movie

Auto tone function provides easy-adjustments for on-site movie editing, ideal for DSLR filmmaking. The internal slate tone generator produces various tones for easy track making and recognition. Please use the dedicated accessory kit (AK-DR11C) for connecting.

Back up your transcription work: record and play with one unit

Writing down what you hear – easier said than done, but it is actually easy with DR-X. In addition to its capability to capture crisp voice recording, DR-X can help you with its Jump back function, variable Speed function and equalizer preset for human voice.

Choose your language

Menu display of DR-05X supports 10 languages: English/ Spanish/ French/ Italian/ German/ Russian/ Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese/ Portuguese.

Extended Battery Life

DR-05X uses only two AA batteries and has ultra-long battery capability. When using built-in microphones, recording lasts 17.5 hours when recording with standard 2ch WAV, 44.1kHz/ 16bit format using alkaline batteries.

Also DR-05X can be powered by a USB mobile battery as well for super long extended use.

Never Miss the Timing

Auto recording function can detect the sound input signal level and automatically start recording. Also, Pre-recording function with up to 2 seconds pre-record provides fail-safe protection even when you are a bit late to hit the record button.

Nondestructive Overdubbing

The overdubbing function allows for Overdub Recording while playing a previously recorded file. This allows you to record other parts such as a guitar solo over a recording previously made such as at a rehearsal studio. Overdubbing creates a separate file, leaving the original file unaffected, making it easy to re-record.

192 Hours

192 Hours. This is how long you can record CD-quality sound with one single microSDXC card. DR-05X supports a microSDXC card, which can record longer with larger data capacity. If you record a stereo file at 44.1kHz/ 16bit CD quality, a128GB card holds 192 hours maximum. In MP3/ 320kbps mode, it can record up to 896 hours.

Product description

Now Zoom raises the bar again with the H4n Pro. The H4n Pro's state-of-the-art XY mics, natural-sounding preamps, and ultra-low noise floor let you record everything with stunning realism, from the roar of a rocket to the drop of a pin. With its locking XLR/TRS connectors, the H4n Pro is ideal for recording film location sound, podcasts, and concerts. Flip from stereo to 4-channel mode, and you can sweeten a board feed with live room ambience in real time. And its punch-in and overdubbing capabilities and studio-grade effects turn the Zoom H4n Pro into a veritable handheld multitrack studio.



Zoom loaded the H4n Pro with features that make it ideal for recording film production sound and sound effects. The onboard XY microphones capture a stunning stereo image, and two combo input jacks let you use your favorite mics as well. The H4n Pro also has a headphone/line-out jack you can use to send a high-definition stereo audio signal directly to your camera.



Ideal for musicians, guitarists, bassists, and vocalists looking to produce studio-quality tracks on a single travel-friendly device, the Zoom H4n Pro 4-Input / 4-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Onboard X/Y Mic Capsule (Black) with Onboard Stereo Microphone Capsule and versatile mic/line/instrument inputs lets you record up to four tracks of high-resolution audio in the palm of your hand. Plug in your favorite guitar and microphone, and enjoy unlimited overdubbing, amp simulation, and a slew of effects to develop your tracks into a polished mix.



In The Box:

1x Zoom H4n Pro 4-Input / 4-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Onboard X/Y Mic Capsule (Black)

1x Protective Case

1x Pair 2 x AA Batteries

Download License for Steinberg Cubase LE & WaveLab LE Software

1x Hairy windscreen

1x Splitter cable

1x Attenuator cable

1x USB Cable

1x AD-14 AC adapter

1x 32GB SD Card

2x XLR M/F Cables

Professional Recording Headphones

Product description

Ideal for guitarists, bassists, and vocalists looking to produce studio-quality tracks on a single travel-friendly device, the black Zoom H4n Portable Handheld Recorder Bundle with Onboard Stereo Microphone Capsule and versatile mic/line/instrument inputs lets you record up to four tracks of high-resolution audio in the palm of your hand. Plug in your favorite guitar and microphone, and enjoy unlimited overdubbing, amp simulation, and a slew of effects to develop your tracks into a polished mix. Like other H-Series Handy recorders such as the H5 and H6, you can hold it in your hand, attach it to a mic stand or tripod, or mount it to a camera (shoe mount available separately). The H4n Pro packs a surprising array of features into a rugged rubberized body that's more than ready to meet the varied demands of songwriters, musicians, filmmakers, sound designers, content creators, and more. From plentiful battery life to powerful audio processing functions, the H4n Pro is well equipped to handle anything from tracking live performances.



This bundle includes a WRW Series Custom Windbuster provides dual-layered wind protection and is designed to substantially reduce unwanted broadband wind noise and vocal pops with minimal high-frequency loss. Plus a Kopul ACH4-25MON Line-to-Mic Attenuator Cable is designed to connect your digital recorder. Also with a 16GB SDHC Memory Card Premium Class 10 UHS-I and a RCH4N is a wired remote control for Zoom H4n.



Box Contains

Zoom H4n Pro All Black 4-Track Portable Recorder (2020 Model)


• WRW-H4N Custom Windbuster
• Kopul ACH4-25MON Line-to-Mic Attenuator Cable
• 16GB SDHC Memory Card
• RCH4N Remote Control for Zoom H4n
• Protective Case
• 2 x AA Batteries
• Download License for Steinberg Cubase LE & WaveLab LE Software
• 1-Year Warranty

• Four-channel recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. Built-in stereo X/Y microphones, up to 140 dB SPL
• 2 XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors. Records directly to SD/SDHC cards up to 32 GB
• 4-in/2-out USB audio interface. Monaural speaker: 400 mW 8 Ω
• 3.5mm Line Input with 2.5V Plug-In Power
• All Black Finish

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you plug an external mic into it so that the recorder is by me but the mic is several feet away
Answer:	yes, definitely possible. you can actually record 2 different mics at the same time
Question:	Hi, Does it comes with the charger
Answer:	Hello, No it doesn't come with a charger as it's sold separately. The device can also be used with 2 AA batteries.
Question:	can this be hardwired into a sound system to record from the sound system
Answer:	Really depends on the sound system. It has XLR, 1/4 in., and 1/8 in. inputs. You can patch it into a mixing board or home stereo easy enough with one of those plugs. I typically go with an RCA to 1/8in. adapter from the source, and it sounds pretty good. If you're running an XLR out from a speaker, you may need to test your settings. Hope this helps.
Question:	Does that cable that comes in the bundle connect to camera? I don't want to have to record sound separately from video. Appreciate any input. Thanks
Answer:	That's what it is for, but it requires a male to male cable, as it is only 4-6 inches long. The attenuation cable is touchy, so I bought another elsewhere.