ZOOM H4N TUTORIAL - How to set up the Zoom H4N to record - Recording audio for film

In this video, I show you how to set up your Zoom H4N.
Recording audio for film is super-easy on the small, versatile Zoom recorders! I have been a fan of them for a long time.
So... If you have been wondering how to use the H4N for filmmaking, I've got you covered. There are several steps you need to take before you record audio for film, including selecting your file format, audio format, microphones, and so on. In this video, I go through each step.
Check it out!
Also, as promised, once you record to your Zoom, here is how you transfer the files to your Mac:
• HOW TO TRANSFER FILES ...
And, here's that Auray Windscreen made for the Zoom H4N:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
00:00 Intro
01:27 How to select mics on the Zoom H4N
01:57 How to set your pickup pattern on the Zoom H4N
02:31 How to set record levels on the Zoom H4N
02:52 How to specify file format on the Zoom H4N
03:24 How to select stereo on the Zoom H4N
03:53 How to delete files on the Zoom H4N
05:17 Bonus Tip: Do this one thing to get cleaner audio every time
My equipment & stuff I recommend:
www.freakfilms.com/diyfwmb/equ...
Also check out my podcast on Spotify, where I talk everything film with some of my favorite people in the business!
podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/diyfwmb

Пікірлер: 79

  • @corpusfusion1574
    @corpusfusion1574 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Merle. Very straight forward and informal. Not like all the others rambling about what they do.

  • @youtubetechtipsmalayalam
    @youtubetechtipsmalayalam Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video, explained well... Thank you

  • @geminicenturion5961
    @geminicenturion59612 ай бұрын

    Outstanding tutorial video, thank you.

  • @RameshKumar-ng3nf
    @RameshKumar-ng3nf11 ай бұрын

    Extremely helpful. Its so simple explanation and easy to learn. With help of this video i was able to record my guitar today with Zoom H4 N 😊. Subscribed your channel. Appreciate your help 🙏

  • @mrchuka
    @mrchuka7 ай бұрын

    Thank-you! Just what the doctor ordered!

  • @fieldofgeeks
    @fieldofgeeks18 күн бұрын

    Super helpful. Thank you!

  • @SeanKennardRN
    @SeanKennardRN Жыл бұрын

    Another excellent tutorial! Thank you!!

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @PriyanshuBharadwa
    @PriyanshuBharadwa Жыл бұрын

    Thank you 😊❤

  • @poppytewix
    @poppytewix7 ай бұрын

    I'm a first year radio student and this was very helpful for my interviews. Thank you!

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    7 ай бұрын

    Nice, glad it helped!

  • @nadiaduman3208
    @nadiaduman32084 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the tutorial. I recorded voice in a quiet room at rec level 40, decent!

  • @phjr1954
    @phjr1954 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video!

  • @dbdeewanavlogs5224
    @dbdeewanavlogs5224 Жыл бұрын

    Love from India 🇮🇳 ♥ very helpful tutorial video mam🙏🙏

  • @unfranciscovargas
    @unfranciscovargas5 ай бұрын

    Awesome. Thanks

  • @RhapsodeMEDIA
    @RhapsodeMEDIA3 ай бұрын

    best one ..loved

  • @joesarino168
    @joesarino1687 ай бұрын

    Great intro to this recorder

  • @SandbarFilmsStudios
    @SandbarFilmsStudiosАй бұрын

    I love U! Thnx!

  • @KTHKUHNKK
    @KTHKUHNKK Жыл бұрын

    Very very nice I love my H4n Zoom Pro

  • @winsonsunny
    @winsonsunny Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the vid merle

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    Sure thing!

  • @Discover-Ireland
    @Discover-IrelandАй бұрын

    Nice one thanks 👍

  • @KTHKUHNKK
    @KTHKUHNKK Жыл бұрын

    Excellent excellent excellent

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice! Thank you :)

  • @AndrewGrey22
    @AndrewGrey22 Жыл бұрын

    What you left out was how to listen back to what you just recorded over the top of some background music. I am trying to record vocals over a wav file, being able to hear the background music as I am singing and recording vocals on a seperate track. I will then move the recorded vocal track back to my PC for adding it to the recording.

  • @clevelandaeromotive
    @clevelandaeromotive Жыл бұрын

    Good set-up video. Have you noticed, however, when using XLR jacks to plug in external microphones how, in Stereo Mode, the stereo field is bias to the side you plug your microphone into? Said another way, I plug my mic into the left XLR jack and it sounds like 80% of the replay sound is coming from the left. Do you have any idea how I can set this to the center for both XLR jacks? (No, I don't want to use 4CH Mode, since this activates the onboard Mic Array, and I don't want to use it.

  • @caulingrant

    @caulingrant

    9 ай бұрын

    Hi! I was having this same issue - the fix is to go into the settings (menu button on the side) > Input > Mono Mix > Toggle ON. Then, you should have even dispersion of audio across both the Left and Right channels. Hope this helps!

  • @clevelandaeromotive

    @clevelandaeromotive

    9 ай бұрын

    Yup. I found a video on setting this so the very counter-intuitive H4N knows to record the way everyone expects it should, out of the box. Thanks! @@caulingrant

  • @schbeidettim5690
    @schbeidettim5690Ай бұрын

    I would recommend to record in 24 bits

  • @georgewilliamson4697
    @georgewilliamson4697 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Merle thanks for your excellent tutorial. I'm having a problem with my H4NPro,the right channel is much lower than my right on stereo. Is there a way to alter the gain on each channel independently so that they are pretty much balanced . Any help appreciated. All best George

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    I don't have mine in front of me, but I do believe this is possible (copied): "To set the Zoom H4n recording levels, press the REC button to put the H4n into record standby. The button will blink red. Now use the REC LEVEL buttons to adjust the level for the built-in or lapel mics. For XLR mics, select the input to adjust by pressing either INPUT 1 or 2, then use the REC LEVEL buttons."

  • @georgewilliamson4697

    @georgewilliamson4697

    10 ай бұрын

    @@diyfwmb Thanks for your response much appreciated .

  • @johnkernochan2792
    @johnkernochan2792 Жыл бұрын

    I was recording of a dj's audio board. he pulled the plug out to turn it off. is there a way to recover these files?

  • @Webtvstudios
    @Webtvstudios Жыл бұрын

    hi I should record the sound of my bike during all my trips (as in the videos uploaded on my #webtvstudios channel) with zoom h4n pro, I should take it during the week, if you could give me a hand on the configuration, I only speak Italian, I'm giving a hand with a google translator thanks

  • @screenstory
    @screenstory2 ай бұрын

    Came here looking to learn how to record voice to two channels, with one of them at a lower sensitivity level in case of bursts of volume, to avoid overmodulation. I'm not sure if the Zoom can do that; I'm used to Tascam. I will continue my search (it's not in the manual that I have).

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    2 ай бұрын

    Hi, I don't believe you can set independent input levels for channels on the Zoom. Your input level will apply to both channels.

  • @BestofSFStandup
    @BestofSFStandup10 ай бұрын

    Hi, great video! Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together!! Do you know if there is a remote mic adapter for the H4? Something I could plug into the "2" input that would connect to a remote mic placed elsewhere in the same room? Thanks, keep up the great vids!

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    10 ай бұрын

    I'm not in front of my computer, but if you call the folks at BNH photo, and describe what you're looking for, they will tell you what your options are. They ship anywhere. (212) 444-6615

  • @claudiomolina4994
    @claudiomolina4994 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, and thanks for very useful tips. I have a question, I want to record an acoustic guitar at home this set up are ok? 😍

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    If you are using the built in mics on th Zoom, point them towards the hole in the guitar about 2 feet away / 90 degree PU pattern, and make sure the record levels are high, but not peaking (maxed), and you should get a relatively clean recording.

  • @claudiomolina4994

    @claudiomolina4994

    Жыл бұрын

    @@diyfwmb ok thank you very much. Cheers from Barcelona 🤓👍

  • @michaelkuzmin
    @michaelkuzmin6 ай бұрын

    Great video, best I've seen. However I didn't get the answer to the question I was hoping to hear the answer to. While in STEREO mode (as in not 4CH), the file name still stays as mono-001.wav. And I can see that the levels of the L and R channels are identical. Shouldn't the two integrated mics be writing into two separate tracks, L and R?

  • @michaelkuzmin

    @michaelkuzmin

    6 ай бұрын

    Ah I figured it out, this is just a default setting that needs to be changed Input -> Mono Mix -> Off

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    6 ай бұрын

    Beat me to it!@@michaelkuzmin

  • @flyingstratobanez713
    @flyingstratobanez713 Жыл бұрын

    I have now a buzzing sound in my H4n. It seems that it INSERTS time in the recording, because if I just delete the glitch, the song almost recovers the natural tempo. Almost… I have to make some calculations to delete the exact time, and then correct the sound. It happens more and more often. Has anyone experienced something like that?

  • @ByteMonk
    @ByteMonk4 ай бұрын

    I am using my Zoom H4N with an external mic but my audio quality is not so good yet, its probably how I am processing/over processing it in Premiere Pro. Did you record this video using H4N? I would love to collaborate or catch up on audio processing if you are interested. Thank you!

  • @jamiepaolinetti5087
    @jamiepaolinetti5087 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I have a new model and under the record setting there is no option to choose the format. I can't find it anywhere. I need a wav file, but don't where to select that. The menu only shows Auto Rec and File Name??? Have you heard of this change? Thank you!

  • @thiagocursinomusic

    @thiagocursinomusic

    Жыл бұрын

    You have probably figure it out by now, but Zoom H4n pro has a stamina mode. It's a little switch under the cover. It saves power, but disables many features in the settings.

  • @jamiepaolinetti5087

    @jamiepaolinetti5087

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thiagocursinomusic Thank you!!!! Yes, that suckers hidden in the battery compartment and no one mentions it. Seems obvious, but not if the device is new to you. Thanks again!

  • @thiagocursinomusic

    @thiagocursinomusic

    Жыл бұрын

    @@jamiepaolinetti5087 I see that you don't like reading manuals 🤣

  • @jamiepaolinetti5087

    @jamiepaolinetti5087

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thiagocursinomusic 100%!!!!

  • @thiagocursinomusic

    @thiagocursinomusic

    Жыл бұрын

    @@jamiepaolinetti5087 The four track recording mode is very cool, you should give it a try

  • @VibeVideoProduction
    @VibeVideoProduction Жыл бұрын

    I've put a new card in and it's saying format? yes or no? I've tried both and it's saying no card on both. What do I do? I need to record. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    How big is the card? I believe the max is 32(?) gigs.

  • @misskukkii8399
    @misskukkii83998 ай бұрын

    Hi Merle, the batteries on my H4N are not lasting long. They get drained very fast. Can I do something about it?

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    8 ай бұрын

    Make sure you're powering down completely when you're done recording, if you aren't already (you have to hold that power button for a few seconds until it says "Goodbye See You" on the screen...) If it's not that, can you provide more details?

  • @ApproximatelyCee
    @ApproximatelyCee28 күн бұрын

    What is the quality for recording live music?

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    23 күн бұрын

    I would use the highest quality possible.

  • @KTHKUHNKK
    @KTHKUHNKK9 ай бұрын

    Here is a question I hope you can answer for me. Let's say my recorder is on and I'm waiting for particular sound or perhaps a helicopter to go over. Will the battery usage be less if I keep it in standby And wait for my particular sound in this case a helicopter to go over Will that say battery power thank you

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    9 ай бұрын

    I don't think the battery usage will be any less, however you won't have to go through so much footage in the edit, if you try and record just the sound you're looking for.

  • @andrean8700
    @andrean8700 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, can you please tell me why my recorder isn't being recognized on my laptop?? It just doesnt come up! Thanks!

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    Is it on and in"storage" mode? More here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hnaGyK5mmszHYM4.html

  • @joannesatre7381
    @joannesatre7381 Жыл бұрын

    Can someone tell me how to change the date of the recording, please? I looked at the Menu feature, couldn't find it.

  • @flyingstratobanez713

    @flyingstratobanez713

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi I think you have to change the date in the device.

  • @Moranjaccov
    @Moranjaccov9 ай бұрын

    Im about to use it for the first time since 7 years that I bought it 😂… any way i gave a standup comedy performance that i need to shot, how should i set it up?

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    9 ай бұрын

    See if the audio guy or gal can run a feed from the board for you (he or she will know what this means). If they can't, put the device on a chair in the front row, and make sure the mic level is above 80 or 90. Test your levels with the stage mic before you record. If the seating is really far from the monitors, move the device closer to the speakers, but not too close so the audio is not blown out. Maybe I'll do a video explaining all of this someday, but for now there you go! Good luck with the show (if it hasn't happened already).

  • @Moranjaccov

    @Moranjaccov

    9 ай бұрын

    its tomorrow... thanks :) @@diyfwmb

  • @froglab5779
    @froglab5779 Жыл бұрын

    My middle name is Merl, so you get bonus points!

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    😆

  • @jayarmstrong7621
    @jayarmstrong76217 ай бұрын

    I watched a few of these but no one ever explains how you are supposed to hear the recorder via headphones or speakers no one ever shows that .

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    7 ай бұрын

    I'm not in front of mine at the moment, but the headphone jack is typically located on the side of the device, and you can plug in standard 3.5mm headphones for monitoring.

  • @fivestarfitness8267
    @fivestarfitness82679 ай бұрын

    But the video Is minutes

  • @misskukkii8399
    @misskukkii83998 ай бұрын

    It's not that. I have used it many years and the capacity of the recorder to take its charge is deteriorating.

  • @seanwebb605
    @seanwebb60511 ай бұрын

    Don't record in 16k if you have 32k available. That's just silly.

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    11 ай бұрын

    This is true...

  • @carnmarth334
    @carnmarth3349 ай бұрын

    My Zoom H4n has worked perfectly for years. That stopped yesterday. Now when I try to record using the built-in mics, nothing but a thin distortion is recorded. Changing file type, 90/120° mic angles, etc. makes no difference. Any idea what has caused this or how to fix it? Thank you.

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    9 ай бұрын

    Yikes, sorry to hear it. I don't know what this is specifically, but I bet if you call the folks at Zoom, they might have some info. Or in the very least, have some options to send it in for repair. Good luck! zoomcorp.com/en/us/

  • @phjr1954
    @phjr1954 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video!

  • @diyfwmb

    @diyfwmb

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!