I try a new way of recording my podcast (mic to Fethead to H4n, no mixer) and have a totally off-the-cuff episode filled with other thoughts about recording audio. In other words… I go off “script.”
I also talk about SD vs HD video hosting and production. In my opinion, there is no reason to produce video in anything other than HD. You can always fall back to SD if you need it but you can never go from SD to HD. Future proof your productions by shooting in HD and then compress that file into whatever size you need.
Links* mentioned on this episode:
- Podcasters’ Roundtable – Round 15 – Podcast Media Hosting
- Heil PR40
- ATR2100
- Rode Podcaster microphone
- Fethead in-line mic preamp
- DBX compressor
- MDX 4600 compressor/limiter/gate
- Zoom H4n audio recorder
Do you need a reliable host for your audio or video podcast? Consider moving your show to Libsyn.com (my chosen host) and get your first month free when you use promo code: podcasthelper at checkout.
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This episode sounded great! The Zoom H4n will record four channels simultaneously, either to stereo or four individual tracks. Like you said, it will take 2 XLR or 1/4" inputs, but the two external mics can be turned off and you can use the stereo 1/8" input on the back in their place.
Thanks Gary! Can you use the 1/8" input AND the on-board mics on their own channel along with the two XLR channels? This would be true 4 channel otherwise you're just using three channels IMO because you can't separate out 4 different tracks with their own input.
So in other words you have four channels of audio with four different mics.
Loved the episode! Just thought I’d let you know that the EV RE-20 is a dynamic microphone just like the PR40 but it sounds really warm like a condenser mic. Radio stations love the RE-20 because it’s a dynamic mic with a great sound.
Thanks Michael! I always thought it was condenser but I\’ve never had one. So I got that wrong but thanks for letting me know. That\’s great news and makes me want to try one;)
You get 4 channels of recording. The 1/8" jack is stereo, and if it is in use it mutes the on board stereo mics.
Like I said on Twitter, I have seen someone use two Rode Procasters through the XLR inputs, and an iPad through the stereo input for sound clips. I am considering the same exact setup for mobile recording. This would eliminate any need for a mixer, unless a skype conversation is involved.
I don't see why, with a stereo to dual mono splitter, you couldn't run two more mics into it.
Top episode Ray!
Just wondering: Is phantom power unique to the Zoom H4N? I have a Roland R-05 and a CL-1 Cloud Lifter and would love to skip the mixer altogether if possible 🙂
Do you happen to know if the R-05 produces phantom power? I haven't been able to find anything online :/
cheers mate
Josh
Australia
Thanks Josh. Unfortunately phantom power is not a feature on the Roland. I have it too. It has \”plug-in\” power for small lav mics etc but it doesn\’t have phantom to power a Cloudlifter or typical condenser mic. As far as I know you can\’t hack it to use the plugin power for the CL.
Interesting thought. I haven\’t tried it but at that point you\’re not getting each track on their own channel for true multichannel recordings. But if you had to it might be a fun experiment.
About two weeks ago, I decided to buy Zoom H4n Recorder. This super machine is more than worth the little extra effort/expenditure that an owner might have to exert, in order to effectuate a happy relationship with the H4n. I just sprung for a $60 case, for the protection of my machine. THAT’S how much I think of it.
Hi Debby, glad you are enjoying your new gear! Protecting your investment is always a good idea. Have fun recording!