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Home: Video University Forums: Audio For Video:
Those using Zoom H4n

 
 


cowboy13
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May 9, 2009, 1:45 PM

Post #1 of 5 (1273 views)
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Those using Zoom H4n Can't Post
First....My batteries seem to die faster than I can even blink, what are you using for battery power? Put in two new batteries and could not even get through a full wedding without switching to a/c power, wonder if rechargables would get longer life.

Second....I seem to have a problem with my button to set the mic level lower, it does not work at all. Did anyone else have this problem with this before I send it back in for replacement? I figured I would check to make sure it wasn't a design flaw before sending it back in. Right now I have to switch to auto and send it a real high signal to go low, then I switch back to manual to make the setting.


Brackish
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May 9, 2009, 9:32 PM

Post #2 of 5 (1255 views)
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Re: [cowboy13] Those using Zoom H4n [In reply to] Can't Post
What kinda draw you got going on the batteries? XLR mics plugged
in with phantom power on?



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cowboy13
Veteran


May 10, 2009, 12:29 AM

Post #3 of 5 (1245 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Those using Zoom H4n [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
What kinda draw you got going on the batteries? XLR mics plugged
in with phantom power on?
I have XLR coming in but the phantom is not on, or at least I thought I turned it off....I'll have to double check. I am not running mics into the unit but running from my wireless reciever or sometimes from the mixer so phantom is not needed....at least I don't think I am using it.

I am recording 4 channel but that should not matter.


MLiebergot
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May 10, 2009, 10:19 AM

Post #4 of 5 (1235 views)
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Re: [cowboy13] Those using Zoom H4n [In reply to] Can't Post
I am recording 4 channel but that should not matter.

Actually, 4-channel does matter, as it uses more power than running in 2-channel.

The more things running on any unit will cause the unit to need more power. So if you are running 4-channels of audio, then the H4n needs more power than running only 2 channels of audio. The same goes for running the onboard mics as opposed to both XLR inputs. Of course running Phantom will drain the batteries even more. Also, when you are running things in the memory, like compressors or limiters and such, the unit will run down a bit quicker.

I like to run Energizer e-Lithium batteries in all of my recorders as they will run much longer than standard batteries, and as for rechargeables, they are hit or miss and I would recommend avoiding them for long recording needs.

BTW, everything runs fine on my H4n, as all buttons and menu items work as advertised. I'm actually pleasantly surprised with it. It's not the ultimate recorder by any means, but it's by far the bet unit that Zoom has put out, and improves on a lot of shortcomings of their previous units. Not perfect, but good for a lot of uses.

Michael

Cameras: (3) Sony FX1, Canon HV20
Audio: Marantz PMD620, Edirol R44, ZoomH4N, ZoomH2, Sennhesier G2
Mics: Rode NT5, Rode NT3, Rode M3, Rode NTG2, Shure SM57, AT822
Software: Sony Vegas, Final Cut Studio
Computer: MAC BABY! MacPro, MacBook Pro

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on May 10, 2009, 10:22 AM)


Brackish
Veteran


May 10, 2009, 10:49 AM

Post #5 of 5 (1233 views)
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Re: [cowboy13] Those using Zoom H4n [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
In Reply To
What kinda draw you got going on the batteries? XLR mics plugged
in with phantom power on?
I have XLR coming in but the phantom is not on, or at least I thought I turned it off....I'll have to double check.
Yeah, you best check if the phantom is "on" of "off". Generally on these
types of devices, the phantom powering is the biggest drain on the
batteries.

I, also, have used the Energizer Lithiums in an audio device that couldn't
make it through the day. If you put those babies in there it will most
likely take care of the problem.

I once did a test with my audio device to check run time with different
types of batteries. It's been a while so I don't recall the exact run times
but regular "heavy duty" carbon AA batteries (i.e. non-alkaline) gave me
about 10 minutes. Alkalines gave me about 2 hours. Lithiums gave
me about 5 hours.



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