Zoom h1 vs. h4n: What is the difference between these two Zoom portable recording devices?
The Zoom h1 and h4n are two of the great portable recording devices that Zoom has manufactured. Since they are manufactured by the same company they have very similar features. How do you choose whether the Zoom h1 or the h4n is the recording device for your needs?
We’ve looked at four categories to provide you with information on both the Zoom h1 and h4n. We’ve also given our overall product recommendation on the two. The four categories we took a look at include: overall product dimensions, similar features, accessories and model-specific features.
Overall Product Dimensions
The Zoom h1 is considerably smaller than the h4n. The overall product dimensions are 44mm W x 136mm D x 31mm H. The overall weight is set at 60g.
The h4n is larger and weighs almost double that of the Zoom h1. The overall product dimensions are 73mm W x 156.3mm D x 35mm H. The overall weight is set at 280g.
Similar Features
The Zoom h1 and the h4n share a number of features. These features include a low-cut filter, and Cubse LE editing software. Both these models are also capable of being mounted to a tripod, can record directly to microSD and microSDHC cards, and supports WAV and MP3 files.
Accessories
The Zoom h1 has three included accessories when purchased new. They include one AA battery, a 2GB microSD card and Steinburg’s Cubase LE and WaveLab editing software.
The h4n has seven included accessories when purchased new. The included accessories are: AC adapter, USB cable, protective case, 2GB SD card, windscreen, mic chip adapter and the Cubase LE editing software.
The h4n also has two optional accessories for purchase, the RC4 remote control and the APH-4M DSLR accessory package. The accessory package includes the RC4 remote control, a windscreen, an alternator cable, a splinter cable and the Hot Shoe adapter.
Model-Specific Features
We’ve looked at the accessories and similar features for the Zoom h1 and the h4n. Now let’s take a look at the model-specific features that makes these two models different and unique from each other.
The Zoom h1 model-specific features include the following:
- Built-in X/Y, unidirectional microphones
- Mic / line input mini phone jack
- Headphone line out stereo phone jack
- USB port
- Auto-level function
- Backlit LCD display
- SD card reader function
The h4n model-specific features include the following:
- Full-dot backlight LCD display
- Four channels
- XLR balanced input / unbalanced standard phone combo jack
- Record directly to SD and SDHC cards
- Multiple tuners, including:
- Chromatic
- Guitar
- Bass
- Open A/D/E/G
- DADGAD
- Five metronome sound sources
- Unidirectional condenser microphones
- Pre-record and auto-record functions
- Multiple enhancement features:
- Compression
- Delay / reverb
- Playback
- Modulation
Overall Product Recommendation
While the h4n is heavier and larger, it still receives the overall product recommendation. The included and optional accessories are desirable traits of this model. Additionally, the multiple tuners and the numerous enhancement features of the h4n are must-haves for anyone doing music or interview recordings.
The size and weight of the Zoom h1, as well as the similar features to the h4n, make it a great runner-up model.
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