If you like our content and want to support our small channel check out our All In One Bundle 2.0, which includes all of our recordings dating back to the beginning of our sound recording journey.! Get $5 off and receive over 1.8 TB of sounds from all across the world recorded by us! Updates are all free :) ►ftus.gumroad.com/l/allinonebundle/FTUS5
This M series from zoom is the most bizarre thing after the F series. It's like a whole new team decided to design a recorder? F series are so amazing esp F6 and F3... this is just plain weird and seems a big step backwards for Zoom
I have to agree with you and as much as I love the F6 and the F3, the M4 is another recorder that disappoints. Tomorrow we show you and all others another major fault.
@@FreeToUseSounds I'll be honest, did not think my joke would go over well. Then I remembered, my fellow audio peoples are the most hilarious, awesome people in the world!
Hi Marcel (and Libby) ^^ Thanks again I wonder how after all these years of experiments, Zoom can produce such a series. As you mentioned the H series is quite satisfactory. Just look at the kind of plastic used for the entire body of the M recorder to expect an annoying noise at the slightest vibration. They could at least copy the general aspect of the Zoom H5/6. In addition, it's very surprising that Zoom dares to mention the contrary and without noticing such a great defect, which is so obvious. Otherwise, for the Sony PCM D100 try to follow Thomann if you want (sometimes there are good opportunities [bargains] and of course there the prices are "normal"). Maybe you can contact them so they will reserve the first coming PCM D100 for you. Good luck :)
Zoom is releasing everything but a 32bit H6, H5 or even H4n Pro. When that's all they really need to do. Starting to look like they're done with the H-line of recorders.
Exactly. It seemed a very easy task on the face of it. Update all the old recorders that sold very well to 32bit with a few simple design changes. Done.
@@FreeToUseSounds Yep, could have killed the game! I don't get it. Just got the F3, but really think they've missed the mark with these new recorders. Anyway love the channel.
I've been waiting to see what Zoom does next. I could buy an h1n but I kinda don't want to buy gear without USB-C if I can avoid it, and it seems overdue for an update or some other mobile replacement that will also let me plug in stereo synths.
Okay, we get it about the not-so-low handling noise. Please, is it possible to compare the internal microphone/preamplifier quality with Zoom H6, H1n, Tascam, etc... on a stand ;-) or with the usual care by hand? Thanks for all the sharing and opinions. I always appreciate your insightful comments.
What I find really strange is the fact that the recorders (m2 and m4) look like they were designed specifically for handheld use, but due to the high level of handling noise, they are absolutely not suitable for this area.. how could it not be noticed? and then claiming it's the quietest recorder is almost cheeky 😅 really disappointing, especially because I've really liked zoom products so far!! as always, thanks for the video and I'm excited for the real world test!
Handling noise- for my use if there's any handling noise I'd need to edit it out (unless I wanted a 'handling noise' sample of course). Just download your library bundle, amazing- especially forest sounds and the sounds of Japan and Korea.
Hi Gareth!! Thank you so much for your comment and support. Yeah we have a lot more sounds from Korea on our SSD and more sounds from Japan are coming soon. We just landed in Okinawa so keep an eye out on the newsletter for the next update.
High handling noise for sure. But to be honest, I would never change my grip throughout a real recording. I would hold it still until my hands started to cramp up. But of course, in a testing situation I would try it out like this. But the form factor is very deceiving. It invites you to hold it like a dynamic microphone, like if it was designed for handheld interviews. Clearly it doesn't stack up for that kind of handling.
Yeah that's for sure. If I record ambience and I don't use any of the other sets (ORTF, DMS etc) I try not to walk around. But even on a moving train or walking across a market, the slightest hand movement is in the recording. Now, tomorrows video is about another issue. RF and something else. We just ordered the Sony PCM D-100. Luckily a few units are still available here in Japan.
Please don't haze me too bad. I just ordered the M4, hoping they have resolved the RF interference with the recall of the 1st units shipped. I should be receiving it this coming week. I noticed Marcel did the noise handling test outside in a windy environment using the cheap noise screen included with the M4. I will test it inside with no wind and outside with a proper wind sock.
2:44 My MixPre-10 II recently had to be serviced by Sound Devices' repair centre in the UK (the internal battery that powers the timecode clock had died). It came back with updated XLR releases on all 8 XLR ports. They are still not the easiest to actuate, but they are better than the original versions.
Hi Michael! You're right. Not much difference and the interference is even worse. I will show it in tomorrows video comparing it with the H1n and the Tascam X8 which don't record it. Crazy!!
hello, regarding the glossy finish, Zoom says it serves to reduce handling noises to a minimum .... I have the H2n, it is also glossy; I honestly don't think that the glossy finish reduces handling noises that much, at least with bare hands, this is because the fingertips (clean hands) adhere better to the surface and a sort of "stick effect" is created. it is different, at least in theory, if we used very thin cotton gloves, which I have not tried yet but would like to experiment with.... greetings from Italy
Thanks for the FIRST LOOK video! I can't help singing the YODOBASHI song when I see the package...haha. I really wish the handling noise of these new Zoom devices could be lower...My current recorder that I bring everywhere with me is the SONY A10 and the LOM mikroUsi, the size is really small, the handling noise of the recorder itself is slightly better than the SONY D100. Ah... I really wish the SONY would update their recorders with 32-bit float format in the near future. Looking forward to the new videos! :)
Hello Hyphen! So nice to see you here! Maybe we come to Taiwan after Japan. We're right now in Okinawa and not far away. :)) Yeah these Sony recorders are amazing and the D100 is one of the best ever made. I try to get one here in Japan.
My first handheld recorder was the Zoom H4n and with this new M2/M4 I can't take Zoom seriously anymore. Also as a long time Sony PCM-D100 user I don't understand why there isn't any premium handheld recorder on the market... About 32 bit float the Tascam Portacapture X8 looks nice, but is it in the same league as the Sony PCM-D100? I hope that Sony will make a next generation handheld recorder someday. Just a wishful thinking would be a handheld recorder by Sound Devices.
I have Tascam X8, Tascam DR100Mk3 and Sony PCM-D100. X8's biggest advantage for me above the rest are 32-Bit and bluetooth remote control for monitoring and recording. The plastic build of the X8 is disappointing compared to their older models. Line-in is garbage, and sometimes I get low frequency hum from XLR inputs. The built in capsules in X8 are not the best either. I'd like an alloy body, better onboard capsules and cleaner inputs!
Man this recorder looks so cheap and silly. The only thing I like about this is the 3.5mm line-in. The screen seems nice too. Other than that, I'll stick with my compact and robust F3. Thanks for the review Marcel!
Hi Geoff, thank you so much for watching and yes, as long as you don't need a 32 bit recorder with inbuilt microphones, stick with the F3. Its a great small device.
Such a shame. I love my Zoom H5, which has a similar spec. The only thing missing from that are timecode (which I don't use) and 32 bit floating point (which I would love to have). The H5 also allows you to plug in different mic capsules. It doesn't help that they've made it look like a shiny child's karaoke toy. I won't be 'upgrading' anytime soon - unless they bring out an H5 with 32 bit.
I think I'm going to order H5 now after witnessing how M series ended up... F3 is good too but I prefer a much more compact setup with H5 small capsule mics.
yeah zoom have really hit the bottom of the swimming pool from the diving board with these hand held 2 in one devices. new kids will no doubt think its normal and just use noise removal tool.
What a disappointment. Even just lightly moving it around in your hand, you could still hear tons of noise. That was why I sold the X8 (plus no non-Bluetooth TC). The F6 is such an amazing device - I’m shocked at how bad Zoom missed the mark on this new “M” series.
Thanks for another great review!!! Btw, are you planning on getting M3 too? M3 seems promising unlike M2 and M4 so I'd love to hear your opinion about it!
Wow what a big disappointment.What is Zoom thinking!.I am a big Zoom product user and I love my F3 recorder but this series of recorders they seemed to have missed the mark. So many design flaws and the overall designs are not well thought out. Thank you for your honest and on-point reviews. Keep up your excellent work.
What device would you recommend for long nature recordings? Something with 10h + battery life. And be able to attach to a camera This does look a bit tacky with the glossy finish
What is the primary intended purpose for this recorder ? It seems so oddly specific in ways that I don’t think really apply to field recording or production sound..? So what is it for exactly ? Why is it shaped like a wedding speech microphone ? So strange to go from the F series to this.. bit of a let down in my opinion.. but I’m more than fine with my F8n Pro, F6, F3 and H6
H6, F3, F6 are all amazing devices and I love them but the M series is disappointing. The H8 was already very odd but with better preamps and good sounding inbuilt microphones.
I would say the handling noise is as terrible as with other handheld recorders. But more than this I'm very disappointed after I heard the recordings on Masa Jeffreys channel. It seems that there are many frequencies missing. Maybe it's much better with external microphones. But in this case I can use the F3 which is smaller and sturdier. Thank you for your tests. Viele Grüße - Til 😀
Handling noise isn't so bad like the M2, but is that what they mean or do they mean the quality of the recordings is very low noise ?? Anyway, I just saw your pinned comment and it looks like we have more bad news about this. Wow. Zoom got these recorders so wrong it's hard to believe. I don^t get how they can make such great stuff like the F3 and F6 and also produce this. Anyway, thanks as always Marcel. I'll be looking out for the real test even though it looks like more disappointing news. Dear me, what an enormous let down after all these years waiting for updated handhelds. Oh well, my money isn't going to Zoom for these, that is for sure.
Hi Simon. It's about the handling noise. The ambience recording itself or one I did on the train to the airport sounded really nice but yes we got some bad news :(. This time you will hear it too. If Tascam's got rid of the frequency issue on the X8 this is a much better choice. The more I use it, the more I like it.
@@FreeToUseSounds Oh dear. What a shame. Zoom clearly went cheap as possible with these, and saved even more money by firing all their testers ! It looks like the M4 has exactly the same faults as the M2. As for their claim ... that's a very odd claim to make when it's clearly not true. If I was head of Zoom I'd give everyone their money back and start again from scratch.
Handling noise & wind are the main bane's for me with handheld recorders. I got spoiled by the Sony M10 which is still the king of this hands-down IMO. It must be the M10's omni mics, which does hurt the stereo image a bit but I'll take that over the handling and wind noise of pretty much any other recorder. It's such a shame they're out of production. That handling noise on the M4 is still not good IMO. Thanks for the honest video!
I could understand this cheap design if the units were perhaps 100 euros or similar but they aren’t! These are almost disposable electronics with no real build quality and handling noise that requires big foam handles on an already oversized unit. Bring back the legendary Sony PCM M10!
@Chris Dooks Yup the small Sony M10 recorders were great still use mine to this day nice clean pre-amps ... But I have to say the A10 is quite clean if you use it with a set of LOMs its ultra tiny and fantastic for Stealth recordings, and the BT control via Phone App makes it even better as you can just look like your looking at your phone with the recorder neatly tucked away in your pocket with the LOMS on a hat or a back pack. But yes Sony made some bad choices dropping these older recorders like the PCM-D100 and PCM-M10 loved by field recordists the world over, with no real replacement. why who knows but I hope they do an update to the M10 at the least. In my opin if Sony Pro division was smart they would come out with something to compete with the Compact F3, but so far I see nothing.
@@vidworxsfx Interesting. I have several recorders these days, a PCM M10 is hanging on! I never heard many positive things about the A10 - I have all the Lom products so will perhaps check out. Thanks. Right now the Zoom F3 is giving my sound devices a run for it's money!
These new line of ZOOM Recorders all look like cheap toys to me, really not a fan of any of these new ice cream cone shaped recorders at all. I think this shape should be reserved to hand held singing mics not recorders ... really bad design choice in my opin. Cant wait to see what the other issues that plague this new design are.
Thank you for your honest feedback and I can tell you what it is already too. Tried to record sound effects and got high interference. Tested it with the H1n and X8 and got no interference.
Looks DO matter and this line including the M2 and M4 are just UGLY, so I wouldn't even consider buying these. It's not to important now how good they are when they are just not my style.
Zoom products have always missed the mark, especially for professionals. Their preamps are super noisy, and the build quality is horrendous and have obscenely loud handling noise. I've had my original Zoom H2 stop working completely, the Zoom H2n's mics producing only static etc.
I don't agree with that Gary. The F6, F8n, F4, the H6, the F3 are wonderful devices that even professional sound engineers using day in and out. Of course Nagra, Sound Devices or Zaxcom are the industry standard and trusted but still, not all Zoom products are bad.
I cannot believe how none of these are suitable for hand held recording. The mics should be isolated from their own housing at least. I have a zoom h2n and its worthless unless its on a tripod that is not touched. Even on a table top tripod its totally worthless if anyone touches the table.
Hi! They had a recall. You can check out there News Section on the website but there is no update on the design. There just released the H-Essential series. Maybe have a look at that.
@@FreeToUseSounds great, thanks, will check out their page! Regarding Essential series, I hope its just a start and they will also release PRO series of H recorders, that would seem logical since many folks have described Essential series as being worse than H4n Pro and H6.
@@rrreger Well, I can't say for certain because we no longer have any affiliation with Zoom, but I think that might not happen because they have the F-series for more professional recorders. I could see a newer F6 being something cool, though. I'm super happy with the PCM D100 and am actually trying to get my hands on the TASCAM DR-100 Mark III. If you can find one, I'd say go for it now because the prices for such recorders are beginning to climb. The ability to switch between omni and cardioid microphones is incredible. Do these folks have RUclips channels? I'd love to see what they have to say about it.
@@FreeToUseSounds Hi, I think you should make another review with new unit. Zoom deserves that. I think your review made large impact on potential buyers.
If you like our content and want to support our small channel check out our All In One Bundle 2.0, which includes all of our recordings dating back to the beginning of our sound recording journey.!
Get $5 off and receive over 1.8 TB of sounds from all across the world recorded by us! Updates are all free :) ►ftus.gumroad.com/l/allinonebundle/FTUS5
This M series from zoom is the most bizarre thing after the F series. It's like a whole new team decided to design a recorder? F series are so amazing esp F6 and F3... this is just plain weird and seems a big step backwards for Zoom
I have to agree with you and as much as I love the F6 and the F3, the M4 is another recorder that disappoints. Tomorrow we show you and all others another major fault.
Right!? I just want the f3 with combo jacks and a line in.
The F3 is great 🤘
@@bangsmash Yes that’s for sure!! F series is the best line so far.
The Zoom M4" SounDildo™ works great for me!
*Worlds lowest handling noise, yet makes all the noise that you can handle!
That made us smile :)
🤣🤣🤣
@@FreeToUseSounds I'll be honest, did not think my joke would go over well. Then I remembered, my fellow audio peoples are the most hilarious, awesome people in the world!
I definitely prefer standard size SD cards.
Yeah! Me too!
I prefer regular size sd for sure!
Hi Marcel (and Libby) ^^ Thanks again
I wonder how after all these years of experiments, Zoom can produce such a series. As you mentioned the H series is quite satisfactory. Just look at the kind of plastic used for the entire body of the M recorder to expect an annoying noise at the slightest vibration. They could at least copy the general aspect of the Zoom H5/6. In addition, it's very surprising that Zoom dares to mention the contrary and without noticing such a great defect, which is so obvious.
Otherwise, for the Sony PCM D100 try to follow Thomann if you want (sometimes there are good opportunities [bargains] and of course there the prices are "normal"). Maybe you can contact them so they will reserve the first coming PCM D100 for you.
Good luck :)
Hi Ahmed! We order one here on Amazon Japan. Lets hope its a real one :))
These M series recorders from zoom seem rather interesting with the ergonomics.
Looking forward to the in depth review
See you tomorrow!
Thanks, really, for your reviews. Help avoid expensive mistakes.
It was a great pleasure to meet you. Enjoy Okinawa!
Thank you and we see you soon :))
I'm really not expecting this to go well but it would be great to be surprised.
Thank you for watching!! :)
There's a few things that i don't like of this recorder but i'm going to wait for the next video. Thanks a Lot Marcel and Libby behind camera! 🙏🏻
Thank you so much!! Libby says Hi :))
@@FreeToUseSounds thank you guys! Hi Libby! 🤗
Zoom is releasing everything but a 32bit H6, H5 or even H4n Pro. When that's all they really need to do. Starting to look like they're done with the H-line of recorders.
Exactly. It seemed a very easy task on the face of it. Update all the old recorders that sold very well to 32bit with a few simple design changes. Done.
The H6 could have become the G Wagon from Mercedes.
@@FreeToUseSounds Yep, could have killed the game! I don't get it. Just got the F3, but really think they've missed the mark with these new recorders. Anyway love the channel.
I've been waiting to see what Zoom does next. I could buy an h1n but I kinda don't want to buy gear without USB-C if I can avoid it, and it seems overdue for an update or some other mobile replacement that will also let me plug in stereo synths.
The m3 is the most revolutionary audio product I’ve seen in a while. Any plans to review the m3?
We won't purchase it and I highly doubt it's the revolutionary audio product after using the M2 and M4.
Okay, we get it about the not-so-low handling noise. Please, is it possible to compare the internal microphone/preamplifier quality with Zoom H6, H1n, Tascam, etc... on a stand ;-) or with the usual care by hand? Thanks for all the sharing and opinions. I always appreciate your insightful comments.
Hi Prenom! Wait for tonights video. This will be the last one for several reasons.
What I find really strange is the fact that the recorders (m2 and m4) look like they were designed specifically for handheld use, but due to the high level of handling noise, they are absolutely not suitable for this area.. how could it not be noticed? and then claiming it's the quietest recorder is almost cheeky 😅 really disappointing, especially because I've really liked zoom products so far!! as always, thanks for the video and I'm excited for the real world test!
Coming out tonight Linus but oh boy...:(( See you later :)
Handling noise- for my use if there's any handling noise I'd need to edit it out (unless I wanted a 'handling noise' sample of course). Just download your library bundle, amazing- especially forest sounds and the sounds of Japan and Korea.
Hi Gareth!! Thank you so much for your comment and support. Yeah we have a lot more sounds from Korea on our SSD and more sounds from Japan are coming soon. We just landed in Okinawa so keep an eye out on the newsletter for the next update.
@@FreeToUseSounds I had no idea you guys had a newsletter :o
I'll have to sign up 😌
High handling noise for sure. But to be honest, I would never change my grip throughout a real recording. I would hold it still until my hands started to cramp up. But of course, in a testing situation I would try it out like this. But the form factor is very deceiving. It invites you to hold it like a dynamic microphone, like if it was designed for handheld interviews. Clearly it doesn't stack up for that kind of handling.
Yeah that's for sure. If I record ambience and I don't use any of the other sets (ORTF, DMS etc) I try not to walk around. But even on a moving train or walking across a market, the slightest hand movement is in the recording. Now, tomorrows video is about another issue. RF and something else. We just ordered the Sony PCM D-100. Luckily a few units are still available here in Japan.
Please don't haze me too bad. I just ordered the M4, hoping they have resolved the RF interference with the recall of the 1st units shipped. I should be receiving it this coming week. I noticed Marcel did the noise handling test outside in a windy environment using the cheap noise screen included with the M4. I will test it inside with no wind and outside with a proper wind sock.
2:44 My MixPre-10 II recently had to be serviced by Sound Devices' repair centre in the UK (the internal battery that powers the timecode clock had died). It came back with updated XLR releases on all 8 XLR ports. They are still not the easiest to actuate, but they are better than the original versions.
Hello David! Oh wow, thats great news and a wonderful service that they did that. Great team and proofen to be wonderful recorders.
Can’t wait for the next video!!
Working in it right now. :)
Oh my, it's the same as the M2-- wow--- Quietest handling noise? LOL, um no-- you have so much patience, can't wait for the "drop" test of both!
Hi Michael! You're right. Not much difference and the interference is even worse. I will show it in tomorrows video comparing it with the H1n and the Tascam X8 which don't record it. Crazy!!
I can't wait for your next vidéo :)
Today :))
hello, regarding the glossy finish, Zoom says it serves to reduce handling noises to a minimum .... I have the H2n, it is also glossy; I honestly don't think that the glossy finish reduces handling noises that much, at least with bare hands, this is because the fingertips (clean hands) adhere better to the surface and a sort of "stick effect" is created. it is different, at least in theory, if we used very thin cotton gloves, which I have not tried yet but would like to experiment with....
greetings from Italy
Thanks for the FIRST LOOK video!
I can't help singing the YODOBASHI song when I see the package...haha.
I really wish the handling noise of these new Zoom devices could be lower...My current recorder that I bring everywhere with me is the SONY A10 and the LOM mikroUsi, the size is really small, the handling noise of the recorder itself is slightly better than the SONY D100.
Ah... I really wish the SONY would update their recorders with 32-bit float format in the near future.
Looking forward to the new videos!
:)
Hello Hyphen! So nice to see you here!
Maybe we come to Taiwan after Japan. We're right now in Okinawa and not far away. :)) Yeah these Sony recorders are amazing and the D100 is one of the best ever made. I try to get one here in Japan.
My first handheld recorder was the Zoom H4n and with this new M2/M4 I can't take Zoom seriously anymore. Also as a long time Sony PCM-D100 user I don't understand why there isn't any premium handheld recorder on the market... About 32 bit float the Tascam Portacapture X8 looks nice, but is it in the same league as the Sony PCM-D100? I hope that Sony will make a next generation handheld recorder someday. Just a wishful thinking would be a handheld recorder by Sound Devices.
I have Tascam X8, Tascam DR100Mk3 and Sony PCM-D100. X8's biggest advantage for me above the rest are 32-Bit and bluetooth remote control for monitoring and recording. The plastic build of the X8 is disappointing compared to their older models. Line-in is garbage, and sometimes I get low frequency hum from XLR inputs. The built in capsules in X8 are not the best either. I'd like an alloy body, better onboard capsules and cleaner inputs!
Lets all write a letter to Sound Devices asking for a premium handheld recorder!!! :))
@@FreeToUseSounds Great idea! :)
THANKS
You're welcome!
Hahaha, waiting anxiously to hear nothing, but instead we hear click thud thud click thud 🤣..... Priceless!
Cheers 🍻
I hope you saved the packaging to do a video of you returning it!
That would be great but we left the packages :(( We do a give away of both recorders.
Man this recorder looks so cheap and silly. The only thing I like about this is the 3.5mm line-in. The screen seems nice too. Other than that, I'll stick with my compact and robust F3. Thanks for the review Marcel!
Hi Geoff, thank you so much for watching and yes, as long as you don't need a 32 bit recorder with inbuilt microphones, stick with the F3. Its a great small device.
I would have preferred they upgrade the H series to 32bit and added a digital screen, proven robust devices.
Exactly!! This is all we needed plus preamps from the F6 or F3.
Such a shame. I love my Zoom H5, which has a similar spec. The only thing missing from that are timecode (which I don't use) and 32 bit floating point (which I would love to have). The H5 also allows you to plug in different mic capsules.
It doesn't help that they've made it look like a shiny child's karaoke toy.
I won't be 'upgrading' anytime soon - unless they bring out an H5 with 32 bit.
Hi Paul! Keep the H5 as long as they don't come up with something more reliable. The M2 and M4 are so disappointing.
I think I'm going to order H5 now after witnessing how M series ended up... F3 is good too but I prefer a much more compact setup with H5 small capsule mics.
Damn... they straight up lied about the handling noise.
:(((
Thank you for this. I’m thinking I will just get the Portacapture after all. 😕
Hi Bekah! Yes if you want to decide between the X8 and the M4 go with the X8. I do hope they solved the frequency issue.
yeah zoom have really hit the bottom of the swimming pool from the diving board with these hand held 2 in one devices. new kids will no doubt think its normal and just use noise removal tool.
Definitely not spending any more money on the M series.
What a disappointment. Even just lightly moving it around in your hand, you could still hear tons of noise. That was why I sold the X8 (plus no non-Bluetooth TC). The F6 is such an amazing device - I’m shocked at how bad Zoom missed the mark on this new “M” series.
In a quiet room its even worse. See you in the next video! :((
Can’t have handling noise if it’s masked by EMF interference 🧐
Thanks for another great review!!!
Btw, are you planning on getting M3 too?
M3 seems promising unlike M2 and M4 so I'd love to hear your opinion about it!
Hi and thank you for watching. Oh no we won't purchase any M series devices in the future. Tonights video will show you why :(
@@FreeToUseSounds thanks for the reply! I’ll be waiting for tonight then!!
@@user-nu8bf3bf9m Editing now :)
Wow what a big disappointment.What is Zoom thinking!.I am a big Zoom product user and I love my F3 recorder but this series of recorders they seemed to have missed the mark. So many design flaws and the overall designs are not well thought out. Thank you for your honest and on-point reviews. Keep up your excellent work.
Thank you Robert! Next video coming out tonight
What device would you recommend for long nature recordings? Something with 10h + battery life. And be able to attach to a camera
This does look a bit tacky with the glossy finish
Hmm as long as you use a good power bank you can power any recorder that supports that over 24 hours. What's your budget?
@@FreeToUseSounds 300usd :)
What is the primary intended purpose for this recorder ? It seems so oddly specific in ways that I don’t think really apply to field recording or production sound..? So what is it for exactly ? Why is it shaped like a wedding speech microphone ? So strange to go from the F series to this.. bit of a let down in my opinion.. but I’m more than fine with my F8n Pro, F6, F3 and H6
H6, F3, F6 are all amazing devices and I love them but the M series is disappointing. The H8 was already very odd but with better preamps and good sounding inbuilt microphones.
To be frank I dont like the Design of the M series recorders.
It's very odd indeed.
Question, does it have oderdub functions???
I know the X8 has that but I haven’t seen anything in the settings on the M4. There is no in-depth user manual online right now. But I will check
I would say the handling noise is as terrible as with other handheld recorders. But more than this I'm very disappointed after I heard the recordings on Masa Jeffreys channel. It seems that there are many frequencies missing. Maybe it's much better with external microphones. But in this case I can use the F3 which is smaller and sturdier. Thank you for your tests.
Viele Grüße - Til 😀
Hi Til! Yeah keep the F3 and no need to go for the M4. The interference ( video tonight) is insane.
Handling noise isn't so bad like the M2, but is that what they mean or do they mean the quality of the recordings is very low noise ?? Anyway, I just saw your pinned comment and it looks like we have more bad news about this. Wow. Zoom got these recorders so wrong it's hard to believe. I don^t get how they can make such great stuff like the F3 and F6 and also produce this. Anyway, thanks as always Marcel. I'll be looking out for the real test even though it looks like more disappointing news. Dear me, what an enormous let down after all these years waiting for updated handhelds. Oh well, my money isn't going to Zoom for these, that is for sure.
Hi Simon. It's about the handling noise. The ambience recording itself or one I did on the train to the airport sounded really nice but yes we got some bad news :(. This time you will hear it too.
If Tascam's got rid of the frequency issue on the X8 this is a much better choice. The more I use it, the more I like it.
@@FreeToUseSounds Oh dear. What a shame. Zoom clearly went cheap as possible with these, and saved even more money by firing all their testers ! It looks like the M4 has exactly the same faults as the M2. As for their claim ... that's a very odd claim to make when it's clearly not true. If I was head of Zoom I'd give everyone their money back and start again from scratch.
I like the dual xlr / 1/4” inputs and well…that’s about it I’m afraid. The handling noise claim is a joke 😂 Full size SD cards please 👍
I just don't understand who they are trying to fool with such marketing claims . We just spend $400 to make this honest review.
Handling noise & wind are the main bane's for me with handheld recorders. I got spoiled by the Sony M10 which is still the king of this hands-down IMO. It must be the M10's omni mics, which does hurt the stereo image a bit but I'll take that over the handling and wind noise of pretty much any other recorder. It's such a shame they're out of production. That handling noise on the M4 is still not good IMO. Thanks for the honest video!
Hi David! I'm trying to get the Sony PCM D100 right now.
What are the difference between F and. H - Series ?
Its is very disappointing indeed.
That's not quiet at all 😅
I could understand this cheap design if the units were perhaps 100 euros or similar but they aren’t! These are almost disposable electronics with no real build quality and handling noise that requires big foam handles on an already oversized unit. Bring back the legendary Sony PCM M10!
Or even the Sony PCM D100 as a mark 2 :)
@Chris Dooks Yup the small Sony M10 recorders were great still use mine to this day nice clean pre-amps ... But I have to say the A10 is quite clean if you use it with a set of LOMs its ultra tiny and fantastic for Stealth recordings, and the BT control via Phone App makes it even better as you can just look like your looking at your phone with the recorder neatly tucked away in your pocket with the LOMS on a hat or a back pack. But yes Sony made some bad choices dropping these older recorders like the PCM-D100 and PCM-M10 loved by field recordists the world over, with no real replacement. why who knows but I hope they do an update to the M10 at the least. In my opin if Sony Pro division was smart they would come out with something to compete with the Compact F3, but so far I see nothing.
@@FreeToUseSounds indeed! I had them bith
@@vidworxsfx Interesting. I have several recorders these days, a PCM M10 is hanging on! I never heard many positive things about the A10 - I have all the Lom products so will perhaps check out. Thanks. Right now the Zoom F3 is giving my sound devices a run for it's money!
Ok conclusion is it cant be used hand held =(
Yeah, you have to try really hard not to move around. No touching included.
These new line of ZOOM Recorders all look like cheap toys to me, really not a fan of any of these new ice cream cone shaped recorders at all. I think this shape should be reserved to hand held singing mics not recorders ... really bad design choice in my opin. Cant wait to see what the other issues that plague this new design are.
Thank you for your honest feedback and I can tell you what it is already too. Tried to record sound effects and got high interference. Tested it with the H1n and X8 and got no interference.
@@FreeToUseSounds OK, same issue as the M2 then. Wow. Seems odd that there's also an issue with odd frequencies on the X8 too.
Really odd design choices in these recorders so far.. glossy finish ? weird long round, plastic head ? Handling noise is baaad..
Wait for the next video. The interference is worse.
Still prefer the regular SD card. 😁
Me too!
Looks DO matter and this line including the M2 and M4 are just UGLY, so I wouldn't even consider buying these. It's not to important now how good they are when they are just not my style.
Ugly, much too big, and bad quality on top. Not a great combo.
Yeah and now we have another interference issue on that recorder. See you in tonights video which is the last one of these recorders.
the new shape ugly . also i hear the scratch noise . not a good design i reckon
Zoom products have always missed the mark, especially for professionals. Their preamps are super noisy, and the build quality is horrendous and have obscenely loud handling noise. I've had my original Zoom H2 stop working completely, the Zoom H2n's mics producing only static etc.
I don't agree with that Gary. The F6, F8n, F4, the H6, the F3 are wonderful devices that even professional sound engineers using day in and out. Of course Nagra, Sound Devices or Zaxcom are the industry standard and trusted but still, not all Zoom products are bad.
🙋🏻♂️🇲🇽
:))
I cannot believe how none of these are suitable for hand held recording. The mics should be isolated from their own housing at least. I have a zoom h2n and its worthless unless its on a tripod that is not touched. Even on a table top tripod its totally worthless if anyone touches the table.
M series. Zoom's Epic Fail.
Sad to say it but it's true.
Ahahah 😅
..and if once and for all you buy professional equipment instead of these shitty recorders which end up being very expensive anyway
Exactly! High quality gear last forever.
Well Marcel, looks like you have just bought junk mk2' still a good video mate, thank you Libby.😀
Ha Ha Ha! Please watch the next video and the next, and next so we can make the money back somehow. :)
@@FreeToUseSounds I will mate don,t worry, never missed an episode yet👍
Any news regarding RF interference and whether Zoom have recalled and updated M4 desing?
Hi! They had a recall. You can check out there News Section on the website but there is no update on the design. There just released the H-Essential series. Maybe have a look at that.
@@FreeToUseSounds great, thanks, will check out their page! Regarding Essential series, I hope its just a start and they will also release PRO series of H recorders, that would seem logical since many folks have described Essential series as being worse than H4n Pro and H6.
@@rrreger Well, I can't say for certain because we no longer have any affiliation with Zoom, but I think that might not happen because they have the F-series for more professional recorders. I could see a newer F6 being something cool, though. I'm super happy with the PCM D100 and am actually trying to get my hands on the TASCAM DR-100 Mark III. If you can find one, I'd say go for it now because the prices for such recorders are beginning to climb. The ability to switch between omni and cardioid microphones is incredible. Do these folks have RUclips channels? I'd love to see what they have to say about it.
I bought M4 few months ago an love it. I put it to microwave and here is no interference. Timecode is really reliable, and does not drift.
@@FreeToUseSounds Hi, I think you should make another review with new unit. Zoom deserves that. I think your review made large impact on potential buyers.
I still notice some handing noise 😮 I really like micro SD cards, it makes me feel like a spy 🥸
Oh yes Christian! Its even worse in quiet room. But wait for tonights video. Its getting even worse.