Zoom H4n Pro vs Tascam DR-40X
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- Learn more about these recorders here ➜ bit.ly/3fRUqeC
This video carefully highlights the differences between the Zoom H4n Pro and the Tascam DR-40X audio recorders. You will hear how the recorders sound throughout the video. If you're trying to decide which one to buy, this video should be helpful.
Buy the Zoom H4n Pro here ➜ amzn.to/319jlGm
Buy the Tascam DR-40X here ➜ amzn.to/3fNHVjZ
Make me feel special by following me on Twitter ➜ / sammallery
Thanks, everybody! I'm going to try to make more of these videos. 👋
Only thing better than these recorders was this review, 11/10 for effort m8.
I know this is an older video but I'm trying to decide between the two, I know you said zoom was better for podcasters, but I do all my podcast recordings "in the field," which usually involves being outside. I also want device that is good for recording ambient noise, nature sounds, etc for use in said podcast. I guess I should think of myself more of a "video" audio recorder because I just use lav mics and record outdoors/on scene (think interviews with people experiencing homelessness) so I THINK I'm gonna have to go with the Tascam. Definitely don't need it for music and I don't think I'll be using a dynamic mic very often. thank you so much for the comparison it really helped!
As a guitarist, the entire bit where you play guitar & ukulele is HILARIOUS and exactly how I feel about most guitarists. I logged in just to comment on this!
Probably the most helpful comparison for the two recorders I've seen. Thank you
I went back and forth trying to decide between these two devices for over a week. Landed on the Tascam because of the line level setting. I’ve used it now for a few weeks. Very happy with it. If I had seen this video, I could have saved myself hours of internal debate. Thanks for putting out some good information!
Hi, have you by any chance used the Tascam to record audio from a mixer? How did you find it?
@@Valerick I currently use it in my jam room from the board with the onboard mics at the same time. Then afterwards I will mix both sets of stereo tracks together. Off of the board sounds very good! The room mics sounds great, but position in the room matters, as you might imagine. In short, yes. And it sounds great!
@@tompass82 so do you recommend it for recording a lecture with one microphone directly from the mixer?
Yeah i simply love the Dr 40X for me it has BBC Radio4 quality. H4n a bit to complicated
Thank you for letting your personality come through as you do what you do. I found you after the purchase of my DX40. I am also grateful for the time and energy that you placed into the history of the evolution of recording devises. Well done.
straight up godlike review. I decided to go with Tascam as a music producer because I want it for field recordings. The rotatable range of stereo field is what sold me from your review
Hi Sam, Im from Poland and I want to thank you for your video, which really help me to make my choice. I saw many opinions and revies but yours was the best. Eventually I bought Zoom h4n. Good job, best regards!
I bought the H4n (and 2 lesser models) around 2010 or so and it completely changed my life. As someone is talking and walking across the room it happens in the recording. It's amazing. Plus...the 50 really great effects!
I went looking for more reviews and was sad there aren’t many more. I’d rather watch your review than anyone elses.
Keep making them! You’re doing great.
if every product comparison/review was this in depth AND easy to understand my life as a broke beginner filmmaker would be so much easier
Thank you for a great video! I picked up the H4n Pro to replace my Zoom H2 - I need a handheld recorder for a new podcast idea I am working on and one thing, and I am hoping I am not wrong. The H4N can pause the recording and resume which the H2 cannot
Yes, H4n Pro can pause and resume recording. You press the round “arm recording” button and then the Play/Pause button to begin recording. Pressing Play/Pause again pauses the recording, which you can resume when you press it again.
Based on my needs (mainly used for recording a few musicians), I decided to buy the Zoom H4N. This was a great review because it provided a defined path to buy either one instead of just bashing on in favor of the other.
Nice Job, Sam, I really appreciate this comparison. You've helped me make my decision. With both recording devices being the exact same price, I was stumped. The Tascam DR-40X is better for my purposes. I wish you all the best. Another reason I like the D40x is that the controls are the same as with their other smaller models. No learning curve there :)
Does noise bother you? I read reviews that the noise is too much.
I loved this comparasion! Enjoyable and illustrative.
I will go for the Tascam DR-40X!
Man this is a great video between the two! My H4n Pro headphone jack got broken, and I didn't like the Line/XLR jacks for recording from mixers, and the X/Y mics did not sound natural to me. So I'm going to give the Tascam a run for it. Thanks for this detail video! Sub'd !
Awesome! I watched several videos and was leaning toward Tascam. Now watching this video I'm thinkin about Zoom. Thanks for carefully showing pros and cons of each.
I find myself coming back to your review after so many years. Respect.
high quality, informative review
lowkey Rickroll at 1:02 , nice m8
I am keep coming back to this review time and time again.......it is so good.....
Just bought H4n pro, the most valuable information that you gave for me is the difference between XLR and 6.3 JACK, because I plan to record from a Mixer, also to hook up some lavalier so I know now what cables I need, thank you!
Thanks for your help, i decided to bought the dr40x as i need it in my ambient nature sound videos. appreciate very much ur review!
I will also be using the DR-40X to record nature sounds, namely, Bigfoot! 😮
What a such comparison! Dude please keep doing your excelleent job. The video production may improve over time, however your aproach is outstanding. Thank you Very much.
Thanks. I've got another one in the works. Been working on the script for weeks. 🤦♂️
Excellent review. I’ve been wrestling over which of these recorders to buy, and after watching so many different videos on the comparison between the two, I think I was starting to suffer from analysis paralysis. However, your video has brought healing to my mind, and I think I’m settled on purchasing the DR-40X. Some may see the fact that the DR-40X is made of plastic as a negative, but I think it’s a positive compared to the rubberized outer coating on the H4N Pro, because that rubber gets sticky over time to the point where it almost unusable. Also, the DR-40X may only have reverb for an effect, but if I want more than that I can just load the file into my computer DAW (Garage Band, Audacity, etc.) and add effects from there. I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the DR-40X. Thanks, mate!
I have a h4n pro and now it's unusable because of this %!$!! layer of sticky rubber layer! I tried many products, nothing is really able to remove it, and the zoom support simply answered me that they can't recommend a product for cleaning it.
Thus it's my last zoom product, knowing that the current generation with criticism about the mich higher noise floor (vs their marketing for 32 float bits...) is even more in favor of other brands...
Fantastic review. Great in depth breakdown, cleared up a lot of confusion I got from other reviews!! Thanks a lot for the great effort
I came here for information to make a decision for one of the recorders. I am now so well informed, that I can not really make a decision, as the review made me decide for both.
Sorry! 🤪
Your content I find is very refreshing! It’s not to over the top but it’s fun! QUALITY!
Great video. I ordered a 40x the other day. Really looking forward to using it in a variety of situations; live music, nature sounds, dialogue, etc.
Does noise bother you? I read reviews that there is too much noise
One of the wellest made comparison on those two recorders. Bravo Sam, tremendously helped on choosing one.
I believe one can use a FETHEAD or CLOUDLIFTER on a Dynamic mic with the DR-40X set to Phantom power and that will give as much as 25dB clean gain! I didn't know about all the effects on the Zoom H4n Pro and would like to hear those.
There's also a great budget-friendly option called the Klark Teknic Mic Boost CT-1 sold at B&H. Out of stock at the moment, though.
Super helpful, thank you for all of the details in this video and for the laughs 😄
Tascam Reverb Memories! I once taped a concert with a DR-07 and forgot to turn off the reverb 😂
super thanks for such detail about these two audio recorders!
I will goes to DX-40X now from h4N
this was a really great video! Thank you for taking the time to make this!
oh man. What a comparison!! Thanks. I really really really appreciate the ''Here's what's the same about them''. It very super duper quickly helps people make choices. Like if you said once feature and someone's like ''oh yeah baby that's what I want'' but the other didn't have it then that's the decision made there and then. Instant subscribe.
The best product comparing video I have seen since long time. You made my day.!....great work! Thx & greets from Berlin
Totally agree on losing the rubber dobbly bit from Tascams, I don't know where two of them are.
My mêt made me a merkin from an offcut of fake fur, works well in windy west Wales.
You can plug XLR line level -20db adapters to bypass the clipping from line input on the Zoon.
Brilliant review...exactly what I was looking for!
got the all black h4n pro.. yep, if i had to make some critiques it would be the startup speed and it runs kinda sluggish with that scroll-push wheel on the side
Good job, dude, congrats on creating this entertaining content!
This is a perfect product review, thank you so much!
Just came from your older video. Same charisma different video👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
dude, clicked on a bunch of videos. liked yours best. keep at it :)
Nice video Sam, very informative and has helped me make a decision on which unit to get. Cheers
Best review I've ever seen. Concise, informative, clear and entertaining. Really useful. Thanks.
Found you through your blogs, great video, really good reviews with insightful details.
audio quality: 8/10
video quality: 4/10
demonstration quality: OVER 9000!!!!
Going to work on tightening up my white balancing game for the next one, especially on b-roll. Ouch! Glad you liked the sound and demo!
I am missing your homepage! Thanks for detailed comparison!
Great review, Simple and Precise. I go with TASCAM DR 40X
Nicely done.
I own the H4n Zoom Pro and I'm quite happy with it
Really good video! more than just a talking head review. Gets straight to the point and into comparisons without a bunch of blah blah blah and still managed to be entertaining while factual. Thanks!!
so fun to learn about audiorecording, handyrecorder, Preamps, balanced/unbalanced XLR Inputs, GUITAREFFECTS ;-P while laughing a lot around every minute! :-D thank you nice Pro-Guy!!!!
Loved this review style. And really helpful information!
Underrated channel, keep at it!
Great review. This made it clear to me that the Tascam is a better choice for me to record the audio of my dj sets.
Thanks! That's some high quality H4N to DR40 comparison
Incredibly helpful video. I now realize I don't want either one of these 😆 on to more research. Thank you so much!
you make me feel good about my handwriting. Awesome video!
Great presentation. I have an H4nPro. Amazing device! I recently bought the H6, but haven’t figured it out yet. Have you got a video on that? Btw, I also have a Tascam DP-008 8-track Pocketstudio collecting dust. Never figured out how to use it…
Very helpful review. Thanks Sam.
Perfect video with deep info. Thank you.
I really appreciate this! I have been trying to decide between the two.
I wonder what the comparison is in 2023? Is dr 40x still better to plug into soundboard ...and does zoom still not have 90 degree mic shift?
Great review! The fact the Tascam has reverb makes it ideal for recording an acoustic act straight to videocamera
Don’t.
You can always add rev in post.
You can’t undo it.
@@WEHAVETHISDREAM A touch of reverb is no harm. Post production is not worth the time in my case, cheers
@@toneranger True that :)
All the best.
Are you able to talk on rumble durability, heavy dust resistance, humidity resistance, and how easy they are to wipe condensation and trace amounts of liquid and dust off of?
That may be what it comes down to. They both meet the recording ability needed.
Hola, cual me recomiendas de las dos.
Loved this review. I've seen 2 of your revies and you made me chuckle a few times. I like that :) I've made my decision, thank you!
Excellent review that's the way a review should be, testing the equipment
When I got to the guitar part, I sent a like. 😂👍
How would H5 compare with these two? in a nutshell? I need something capable of recording my instruments while also recording intricate nature sounds in the background.
Incredibly useful. Thanks, mate.
Sold me on the DR-40X. Thanks for the video! Super helpful.
2:08 hahahaha love it
I love your review!!! thank you so much
Excellent video, thanks. I really like the effects and preamps on the Zoom but also want the balanced line inputs of the Tascam. I'm wondering if it would be possible to use a simple attenuating convertor to route line-level TRS signals into the XLR inputs on the H4N Pro, therby achieving balanced line inputs?
If you found the proper XLR female to TRS male in-line adapter, it should work fine. The obvious drawbacks are the expense for the pair of adapters you’ll need, then always needing to have them with you, and if they are barrel-style adapters you need to be careful not to stress the inputs on the H4n because they have so much leverage. It’s just vastly superior to hit the simple Mic/Line switch on the 4OX.
@HiddenDriveways That all makes sense, thanks for the response!
Best review on these audio recorders thank you
TASCAM DR 40X:
So: Pluging dynamic microphones to the imputs create a non-professional noise. If i plug in a synthesizer..... i would get the same noisy results ????????
Out of the two, I think I will pick the Tascam.
But how about the more portable choices, what is the difference between Tascam DR-07X vs Zoom H2N?
I want to use a recorder for recording me playing guitar and singing, with built in mics and by plugging in my guitar and Shure SM80 mike into the unit. As well for capturing live concerts. Unsure re the line level issues which unit is better?!
You are better off with the H4n Pro. You want to plug a guitar into it, that's all I needed to hear. The H4n Pro is designed for that, the DR-40X is not. For line-level stuff, you just need to remember to only connect line-level signals to the 1/4" inputs on the H4n Pro. Keep that in mind and you'll be fine.
Like the way you demonstrate haha great review, I think I might be getting a H4n Pro, like the design more and the effects part is a big selling point for a guitarist like me!
Damn good video! Best about handy recorders I've seen.
Great review! So informative!
Is the tone generator only internal , in your video it looks like you don’t have leads to the camera for sync or did you sync with the tone plus your motion of pressing the button. Awesome video, very informative and helpful!
The tone is printed on the audio track, but it’s also sent to the headphone output, so you can patch it to other devices like the camera. I didn’t do that. I used the “sync clips” feature in Final Cut Pro, which I explain how to do in this video - ruclips.net/video/OFk9o5sZUww/видео.html
I heard more hiss on the xoom than on the tascam (where your voice was even louder) but I think you said the preamps are actually supposedly quieter on the zoom... the zoom sounded more clear and less muddy, so maybe it's picking up on fans in the room or something
Super helpful video - thanks!
very helpful review, thanks man. subbed
thanks !!!
Excellent Comparison. I have the DR40. but the build quality is very cheap. the USB socket is flimsy and the Headphone jack is equally flimsy. They're just connected to the circuit board directly. There's nothing around them to reinforce them. Like a metal or even plastic housing to strengthen the ports. Over time the headphone jack gets loose and don't even get me on the USB power cable port because it can't support the weight of the cable without getting loose. It is after all just dangling off the circuit board directly. All the these things seemed to be reinforced on the more rugged H4n.
Thanks, hugely helpful! I wanted to get my brother a portable recorder that he can also use for a 2-3 person podcast in the meantime. The Tascam looks ideal (not to say perfect) with its adjustable mic positions :)
The Tascam DR-40X isn't a great choice for podcasting. Dynamic mics work well for podcasting, and the DR-40X struggles with dynamic mics. If your brother is doing a podcast with 3 people, he needs a recorder with 3 XLR mic inputs that handles dynamic mics well. Check out the new Zoom PodTrak P4.
Yeah I know where you're coming from, if it were my choice I'd get him a some dynamics and an interface and be done with it. The issue there is not only the budget but that he is studying journalism and needs something that will be able to do a variety of tasks. The Podtrak P4 is unfortunately well out of said budget, let alone with mics on top.
Aah yeah just reading about the dynamic mic issue now. It has optional phantom power for condensers so I just assumed dynamic mics would be fine. Was thinking in future he'd be able to hook up another mic for better quality interviews on the go and a 2nd mic if he wanted to record guests. Well, I ordered it hours ago so will just see how it goes. Still far less than anything else I could find so if he only uses it for other stuff that's fine.
@@jackhb7552 The preamps in the DR-40X struggle with dynamic mics. Dynamic mics require more gain to get a good signal, and the DR-40X ends up introducing too much noise when you set levels with dynamic mics. As far as Tascam recorders go, this is only a problem with the DR-40 and the DR-40X. Other recorders like the Tascam DR-70D don't have this problem. For a journalism student on a tight budget, the DR-40X is still a good choice, though. I recommend spending an extra $29 USD on a Tascam WS-11 windscreen, though. The built-in mics are very sensitive to moving air, so the windscreen will help them a lot.
@@HiddenDriveways Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your comment about the WS-11 and that you didn't just tell me other portable recorders I should have bought :)
I wasn't sure what it came with accessory-wise but a wind shield was on the to-buy list incase it didn't (actually an aftermarket one, so the WS-11 is a better shout thank you). Ashamed to say I studied audio production when I can spend days trying to find the perfect solution for the budget and a big detail like that escapes me. It's been 6 years since uni so I'll blame that 🙈
@@HiddenDrivewaysI believe one can use a FETHEAD or CLOUDLIFTER on a Dynamic mic with the DR-40X set to Phantom power and that will give as much as 25dB clean gain! I didn't know about all the effects on the Zoom H4n Pro and would like to hear those.
very nicely done
Hello Sam.
Thanks for the great review.
I was thinking to use one of these to record vinyls. So I will connect the output of the phono preamp to the combo TRS using RCA cable and RCA to jack adapter. According to your article on your web-site, you recommend the DR-40x for line-level recording. Does it include vinyl recording as well ?
Thanks for our help
Hi Sam, thank you kindly for this video.
I am looking for a portable recorder for using when I film live theatre performances for my local Musical Society.
I have two questions, if you don’t mind.
1. Is the H4N Pro a non runner for this if I want to take a line from the Sound desk for the direct sound.
2. Is it possible to record directly from the sound desk AND record the ambient sound using the built in mics at the same time.
Thank you once again,
Rob
Hi Rob. You can record line-level audio from the board with the H4n Pro, but you need to plug into the H4n with unbalanced 1/4” cables to do so, which is a compromise. Both recorders let you make recordings using the built-in mics and inputs at the same time.
@@HiddenDriveways Thank you for the reply Sam. Much appreciated. 👍👍👍
@@robkennedyphotography1766 yes possible to record both from the Direct linein And the Zoom mics at the Same time but only on the 4Ch Mode in the Zoom. But todo that So, keep in mind that the Wav Quality on the Zoom Mic will decrease One step Down
@@alepwalling Thank you for taking the time to reply 👍
In the end I actually bought the Zoom H8. It’s overkill for what I do, but it wasn’t much more expensive than the H4N. I prefer the bigger colour touchscreen, the superior inputs and the fact that it can be controlled from my phone or iPad.
Great video! Thanks a lot :D
I feel happy with my DR-40X
Hey, Brilliant review. Quick Question is either powered via USB when used with a MAC/PC ?
Yes, both the DR-40X and H4n Pro are powered by USB when connected to a computer.
@@HiddenDriveways Great, thanks for your speedy reply.
Love the video. Please review ALL THE THINGS.
Recording a wedding ceremony, if I connect the h4n directly into the speaker via XLR cable from one of the 1/2 inputs would the audio distort the same way as it would if I connected to the sound board? thanks!
There isn’t enough detail in your question to answer. “…connect the H4n directly into the speaker…” What kind of speaker? What kind of output?
That was a really solid review. Thanks!
excellent review, exactly what I needed! thank you!
Thank you for your extraordinary video was very informative. I am new on the sound world and this type pf video are helping me a lot. Question, Do you know how well the Tascam recorders are while recording in the city street, I heard that you can get a lot of interference during a section.