Re: [Harp-L] Zoom H4 Recorder

[Garry Hodgson <garry@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rick In Davis <rickindavis@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> After recording an hour and a half set at 44.1, 16 bit wav, the file size was a 
> little over a gig.  

next time you're at a jam or rehearsal, you should try recording in 16 bit wav,
the highest quality mp3 setting, and perhaps lower quality settings.  then listen
carefully using headphones and see what, if anything, you're giving up in quality.
just so you know you're options.  when you're recording a multi hour show, it's 
nice to not have to worry about running out of space.  and for rehearsals and
practice sessions you don't need wav.

> It took nearly 20 minutes to download the file to the PC via USB. 
> It may have been because I used a Lexar standard SD card instead of the 60x 
> version that costs twice as much.  

you *might* get faster transfer rates using one of those usb card readers.  this is
typically true for cameras.  not sure about things like zoom.

> I had the miss-impression that the Zoom's Auto-Gain and Limiter features made 
> it a "set it and forget it" device. Wrong.  The Auto Gain works independently

you generally don't want to use automatic gain controls for live recording.  it ruins
the dynamics of the recording, introducing error.  if you really want to boost the 
quiet parts, it's better to do it as a post processing step, where you can exercise
editorial control.  once you get familiar with the device, you'll get a sense of what
the "usual" level settings need to be.  err on the side of low; you can boost it later.  
but once it clips, you're toast.  i almost never record with my MD on any recording 
level but 9 (out of 23.  go figure).

incidentally, if you're not familiar with audacity, go download a (free) copy now:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
fabulous tool, a must for anyone doing recording.

> As with any device there is a learning curve, and it pays dividends to read the 
> manual completely even if you are an "expert" like me.  ;-)

i've been complaining about a certain display feature on my minidisc for almost a year.
i recently read the manual, and discovered a simple setting that makes it behave the
way i want.  duh.

> It's a keeper.  It solves several problems for me:  I keep it in my gig bag and I'll
> use it for recording rehearsals, song ideas, lessons, practice sessions, gigs, etc.

congratulations, glad it's working out for you.  once you have something like this,
you will find so many uses for it, you'll wonder how you ever managed without.

----
Garry Hodgson, Senior Software Geek, AT&T CSO

But I'm not giving in an inch to fear
'Cause I promised myself this year
I feel like I owe it...to someone.