Hewesy
Joined: 19/10/04
Posts: 1668
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Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
#428206 - 01/03/07 12:54 PM
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Hi all,
I have read the other posts on here regarding the Zoom H4, and it's
uses and issues but have one specific question which doesn't appear to have been answered
fully.
I am interested in using one almost exclusively for capturing
wildlife/wild bird song.
Has anyone got experiance of using the H4 in this
manner? How does it work (I'm expecting some low noise), how long do the batteries last
etc. And would you recommend one?
The recordings are not for commercial use,
but I'm looking for something halfway decent to create snippets of song for identifying
species later etc. At the moment I have an MD recorder, with FEL preamp and mic, for
comparison.
Thanks all,
Hewesy
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John Willett
Sound-Link ProAudio
Joined: 07/03/00
Posts: 11961
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: Hewesy]
#428214 - 01/03/07 01:05 PM
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For the best advice for a recorder for this use - talk to the WSRS (Wildlife Sound Recording
Association) who will be able to let you know the best things to do.
-------------------- John - Sound-Link ProAudio
President - Federation Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons
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mcguirk
Joined: 08/09/04
Posts: 619
Loc: Wendover, Bucks
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: Hewesy]
#428221 - 01/03/07 01:21 PM
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What kind of mic are you using currently?
If you hadn't specified that you are
already using an external pre and mic, I wouldn't have hesitated to recommend the H4
(although I don't record birdsong, I've recorded general outdoor ambience and the results
have been great). Can't tell you how the batteries last though, as most of my use has
been on the mains.
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John Willett
Sound-Link ProAudio
Joined: 07/03/00
Posts: 11961
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: mcguirk]
#428226 - 01/03/07 01:30 PM
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For wildlife recording you need exceptionally good kit - you need the quietest mics and a
recorder with the quietest mic. pres. You are normally recording at a distance
with everything whacked up to almost maximum and you don't want mic. or pre-amp. noise to
make things worse.
-------------------- John - Sound-Link ProAudio
President - Federation Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons
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Hewesy
Joined: 19/10/04
Posts: 1668
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: Hewesy]
#428237 - 01/03/07 01:44 PM
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Thanks for the replies all.
John, I have tried to contact the wildlife chaps
before (on your recommendation) and found it was probably easier to try and talk to Opus
Dei...! I will try and contact them again though.
I agree with top kit -
however budget restraints and being completely non-pro use it is hard to justify it. I
then need your skills as well...
Mcguirk, the mic is def the weak link in my
current system, however given the price of a "decent" mic or stereo pair, versus the cost
of the H4 makes it a very tempting option.
I see your also in Bucks, do you
mind if I asked where you bought your H4 from?
Hewesy
Edited by Hewesy (01/03/07 01:48 PM)
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ibliss
member
Joined: 02/10/00
Posts: 325
Loc: UK
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: John Willett]
#428238 - 01/03/07 01:46 PM
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Have not used the H4, but have read one report that says the handling noise is quite bad
(when using the internal mics, obviously). I can't imagine you would be holding the thing
while recording anyway, unless this is to be used as an on-the-fly point and grab
recorder.
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Hewesy
Joined: 19/10/04
Posts: 1668
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: Hewesy]
#428242 - 01/03/07 01:49 PM
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I get bad handling noise at the moment, so this would be a sit and record device for me.
Either hides or other quiet(ish) locations.
Thanks for the post,
Hewesy
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John Willett
Sound-Link ProAudio
Joined: 07/03/00
Posts: 11961
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: Hewesy]
#428275 - 01/03/07 02:36 PM
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Quote Hewesy:
John, I have tried
to contact the wildlife chaps before (on your recommendation) and found it was probably
easier to try and talk to Opus Dei...!
You have mail.
I have just sent you a PM with the
direct contact numbers of some useful members.
--------------------
John - Sound-Link ProAudio
President - Federation Internationale des Chasseurs de Sons
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mcguirk
Joined: 08/09/04
Posts: 619
Loc: Wendover, Bucks
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: Hewesy]
#428284 - 01/03/07 02:58 PM
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Quote Hewesy:
I see your
also in Bucks, do you mind if I asked where you bought your H4 from?
Unhelpfully, I got it from Sound Control in
Newcastle. I was in the NE visiting family, and they happened to have one in stock.
Not sure which end of Bucks you're in, but I guess Sound Control in Milton Keynes
would have one. I don't really know of any other shops around the area (unless you start
heading into London) that would stock it.
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Hewesy
Joined: 19/10/04
Posts: 1668
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Re: Zoom H4 for wildlife/ambient recording
[Re: Hewesy]
#428323 - 01/03/07 04:02 PM
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Many thanks John. They seem to have a very good beginner's guide on their website now,
which is pretty useful.
Mcguirk, I think Sound Control is the way to go,
perhaps I can wangle a visit before Ikea...!
Cheers all,
Hewesy
Edited by Hewesy (01/03/07 04:02 PM)
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