How to: Line Input to Mic Input on Zoom H4n Recorder

[Pickywisdom]

Thanks, this is the only useful video on YouTube explaining how to use mic levels

[TimWardAV]

There is no balanced line level input, as people are assuming. The XLR input is mic level, but the unbalanced TS (not balanced TRS) is instrument level, not line level. It is for sources like electric guitars and synthesizers. Instrument level is between mic and line level. The specs in the manual make it difficult to follow because they're not written in a standard way. Depending on your gain-staging, you may need a pad to send line level into the TS instrument level inputs. I use a pad when properly gain-staging my audio to feed the H4n.

Another issue with levels that should be addressed is that you should not go below 1 on the inputs (as in the video). This is digital gain reduction, and does nothing to reduce the actual gain.

[WoodyPianoShack]

i use a h4n to record the line outputs of my Roland synth all the time. works perfectly without any adapters. I have the volume of the synth at 50% and gain of the Zoom inputs at 20%. I get clean recordings with no distortion.
Roland Line Out (x2) => Zoom Mic In (x2), using plain old jack to jack instrument cable.

[LaurentiuStefan]

You don't have to use atenuators. Only you have to use 6.36mm jack plug mono in to the zoom recordcer.
The Zoom use xlr for mic in signal and 6.36mm jack plug mono for line in signal.

[haihoisua]

Why don't you use the cable to connect directly to The Line Input of H4n? For example, RCA to TS cable. Why do you have to connect to Mic Input?

[sosmarci]

Good video, just not correct (or at least too complicated and expensive solution).
The combo input of the zoom h4n is not parallel wired. The jack input is actually line level, and the xlr is mic. If you take a simple xlr-to-trs adapter, it'll work as a charm.

[kennethochoa]

seems as though the solution to this guys problem was he needed to use a xlr to trs cable which plugs into the line in of the zoom (which is the big hole) i hope got that right i just appreciate every ones feed back, it's so great when we can communicate like this with out tearing each outer down ✌️

[AbdullahBinWadan]

I have two devices of this type. Thank you for an interesting and useful explanation

[AmberRachelleVocals]

should i use balanced or unbalanced rca cables?

[chrissessionsfilms]

I'm noticing some line noise with my inputs plugged into the Zoom BEFORE it's plugged into the source. Not sure what this noise could be coming from since it's not plugged into anything. It's set to the 1 and 2 input and the noise level gets louder as I turn up the recording level. When I plug the cable into the source it seems to record as expected but likely with the noise floor. Any ideas what might be going on? Thanks!

[SugarloafMountainFilms]

Thanks ZPZ. You showed me what I needed to know. (It also helped to put a battery in my Rode Mic lol).

[TAPPChannel]

I'm plugin in my new NTG4+ and only one speaker is working... If I'll plug in to 1slot left side is working and under slot 2 right one is working... Do I need a cable with 2 XLR connection on that Zoom recorder side??

[wasbeen]

If you did exactly the same video, but used a mid-price camcorder with a 3.5mm min input. Perfect. Lots of people are doing camcorder mic in and I can't find a YouTube video about it.

But as others said, you could have used a XLR to Jack for this particular use.

[ledsdanceentertainment]

Would -30db also do the trick or is -50dba really necesarry with the H4n Pro?

[addthisto]

can you use xlr 1 and 2, and stereo built in all together?

[edisonanderson]

Great Video! How many Db should the attenuator be?

[ericjamesphotography]

Thank you so much! I’ve been looking for a solution to split the levels on the one in to channel and the link was the issue!

[MOG]

Please, what is the device the Zoom H4n is linked to ? [Zoom H4n] Can it be a video recorder ?

[plinden]

? I have used the H4n via xlr for years without problem without using your adaptors

[Lirree]

Do you know if I can plug a TRS into the zoom?