Tag: Storage

Transfering recordings from your Zoom H4n to your computer

July 15, 2014 / / 0 Comments

Transfering files from the Zoom H4n

The Zoom H4n makes it easy to record the sounds of people and places – wherever you are in the world.  But there is no point keeping those recordings them on the device – you are recording that audio to share with the world.

For example, unhealthy last week I was recording some interviews for my University Research.  There were two interviews that I recorded that day and I wanted to transfer them to my computer so I could then transcribe the audio.

Removing SD Card from Zoom H4n Handy RecorderWhilst you could use the USB cable that comes with the Zoom H4n to transfer recordings from the device to your PC or Mac, cialis I found it easier to use a SD Card reader.  The process is pretty simple:

  1. Power down your Zoom H4n (hold the power switch down for a few seconds before the device turns off)
  2. Open the cover with the SD HC logo on it – be careful as if you open it to violently it could break off
  3. Push your SD card in slightly with your finger, it will pop out making it easier to remove from the device
  4. Remove the SD card from your voice recorder
  5. SD Card in USB Card ReaderInsert the SD card into your USB SD Card Reader… and assuming it is plugged into your PC …
  6. Your audio files will appear.  Navigate down through the file hierarchy to find your recent recordings, and then simply drag and drop them to a folder that you want to store them in.

Once on your PC you can simply store them (boring), or you could use a tool like Audacity or Adobe Audition
to produce your raw recordings into masterpieces!

Storing your Zoom H4n

July 15, 2014 / / 0 Comments

Zoom H4n Voice Recorder

I must admit I am a bit clumsy when it comes to handling electronic equipment.  Usually if I get a new phone my screen will have a crack in it within about 3 months!  Which is why when I was purchasing the Zoom H4n I was interested in what case it came with.  Unfortunately there were not many good reviews of the case that came with it – my favourite comments were found in this forum!

Zoom H4n in case - built in microphoneWhilst there are a number of Zoom H4n cases available on Amazon.com, I wanted to see what the plastic case was like that shipped with the product.  Well, I’ll be honest, I had to chose between a 2nd microphone and a new case – and my new Audio-Technica Dynamic Microphone
won out in the end!

The standard case has not been too bad so far.  It is good enough to protect the Zoom H4n recorder from small knocks and bumps.  It certainly isn’t water proof, and it wont survive a drop from a great height – but for some minor protection from the elements the voice recorder may face in a back pack or satchel, it does the job.

Zoom H4n case clipUnlike other reviews which suggested the tab on the case breaks easily, I haven’t seen that happen yet.  But I can imagine due to the amount of use my Zoom is getting at the moment that the clip will break sometime soon.

So – should you invest in a 3rd party case or storage solution for your Zoom H4n?  To be honest, if you are nice to your equipment and are not traveling around much with it, you don’t need to make the additional investment.  But who am I kidding!!!  If you are buying the Zoom H4n voice recorder you are out on the street doing vox pops, you are podcasting from your friends garage (or a bar, or a sports field), you are in weird and wonderful places recording interviews for your research, in the office doing a new voice over, or you are recording sounds in the middle of a wildlife reserve.  A sturdier case that can hold your Zoom, as well as your other accessories like your microphones, wind shields and XLR cables is important.

I’ll be buying one soon, and I am sure you will see a review about it as soon as I can post one.