






Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
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Ground Floor
New York NY 10002
United States
The H4essential Portable Recorder from Zoom is optimally designed for emerging musicians, independent filmmakers, and content creators. It provides four tracks of high-quality, distortion-free audio without requiring manual level adjustments. Featuring 32-bit float recording and X/Y microphones capable of managing up to 130 dB effortlessly, the H4essential presents a flexible and user-friendly audio solution.
The dual XLR-1/4" combo inputs are equipped with high-quality, low-noise Zoom microphone preamps and provide +48V phantom power, suitable for professional condenser microphones. The integrated mixer is user-friendly, featuring a vibrant 2" color display that facilitates the adjustment of individual tracks and enables real-time waveform visualization. The H4essential's USB-C port serves a dual purpose, providing power while also allowing the streaming of up to two audio channels to computers and smart devices, functioning as a 4-in / 2-out interface. Additionally, the recorder can be mounted on a tripod, making it ideal for stationary use or for attachment to a camera via an adapter for field recording applications.
- The Essential Series was designed with accessibility for the visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.
- With 32-bit float recording, you never have to adjust levels. The H4essential captures every nuance of your sound ensuring high quality, clip-free audio in every take.
- The two XLR-1/4" TRS combo inputs feature Zoom's ultraclean preamps that support +48V phantom power and +4 dBu professional line-level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a thunderous 130 dB SPL, equivalent to a rock concert.
- Send audio via USB-C in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C Port, the H4essential can be used as a 4-in / 2-out audio interface.
- Use the built-in mixer to easily adjust each track's audio level. It also has a waveform display, so you can see your audio as it records.
- The H4essential is perfect for recording music. With two XLR-1/4" TRS inputs and the stereo X/Y microphones, it's easy to record live shows, rehearsals, and songs.
- The XLR inputs can be used to capture location sound including on-set dialogue and audio for sound design. The onboard X/Y microphones are perfect for recording ambience.
- Podcasters can use the H4essential's XLR inputs with external mics for one-on-one conversations and the X/Y mics for interviews on the go.
Optional Connections
- Use the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately) to pair with your iOS device and remotely record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.
- With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.
Small Package, Big Features
- Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation.
- You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. The speaker supports up to a 250mW output.
- Use the 3.5mm line output for headphones or to connect to a camera. The H4essential also features a 3.5mm mic/line input.
- The vivid full-color 2" LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H4essential's menu and functions.
- The H4essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.
- Supporting up to 10 hours of battery life on just two AA batteries, the H4Essential will last through long recording sessions. Utilize USB-C bus power with outlets and power banks when batteries are not available.
Portable Recorder |
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Form Factor | Handheld Recorder |
Primary Use Applications | Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting |
Number of Tracks | 4 |
Number of Input Channels | 5 (3 x Mono, 1 x Stereo) |
Maximum Sampling Rate | 96 kHz / 32-Bit Float |
Microphone | Built-In Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, X/Y Configuration |
Number of Microphone Inputs | 3 |
Built-In Speaker | Yes, 1 W Mono |
Display | 2" / 5.1 cm Monochrome OLED |
Memory Card Support | microSDXC (Up to 1 TB) |
Internal Storage | No |
Special Features | Overdubbing |
Recording |
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Audio File Formats | BWF, iXML, WAV |
Sample Rates | 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz |
Bit Depth | Up to 32-Bit (Floating Point) |
Timecode Support | No |
Included Software | No |
Connectivity |
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Analog I/O | 2x Combo XLR-1/4" 3-Pin Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable) 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone/Line Output |
Digital I/O | No |
Phantom Power | +48 V |
Phantom Power Current | 10 mA (Max) |
System Connection | 1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0) |
Audio Interface Capability | Stereo Only |
Wireless | Bluetooth *Via Optional Adapter |
Mobile App Compatible | Yes: iOS Only App Name: H4essntial Control App |
Performance |
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Max Input Level | Mic Inputs: +4 dBu Line Inputs: +24 dBu |
Headphone Output Power | 20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms |
Impedance | Outputs: ≤15 Kilohms |
Microphone Sensitivity | -43 dB (X/Y) |
Microphone Max SPL | 130 dB SPL (X/Y) |
Power |
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Power Options | Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter |
Battery Type | 2x AA |
Approximate Battery Life | 9 Hours (AA Alkaline, Recording, Built-In Mic) 14 Hours (AA NiMH, Recording, Built-In Mic) 20 Hours (AA Lithium, Recording, Built-In Mic) |
AC/DC Power Adapter | 5 VDC at 1 A (Included) |
Physical |
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Included Accessories | No |
Dimensions | 2.6 x 1.5 x 6.1" / 6.7 x 3.8 x 15.6 cm |
Weight | 8 oz / 226 g (with Batteries) |






