Zoom H4n Quick Start Guide

In this video, I show you how to get started with a Zoom H4n, from changing the batteries and memory card all the way to your first recording with the built-in microphones.

In the next video, I will show you how to connect a 3.5mm microphone such as the Neewer lapel microphone I reviewed on this channel. After that I will do a video on how to connect an XLR or 1/4" microphone such as the Shure SM 58, and how to record up to 4 tracks at once.

Finally, I will also add a video to show how you can synchronize your audio and video files in Adobe Premiere Pro, and will probably add another one on how to clean up some of the noise from your files in Adobe Audition.

Thank you for watching. If you liked this video, please click the Like and Subscribe buttons.

This was filmed with my Canon T2i and 50mm f/1.8 lens. The audio was recorded with my Neewer lapel microphone plugged into the camera directly since I needed to use my Zoom H4n for this demonstration.

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Have a great day!

[ritanorell]

I am in the IMD program at Confederation College, we watch MANY videos to help us with the suite of programs and piles of equipment we are learning to use This has been the Best Learning Video I have experienced. You did not banter away from the topic at hand. Looking forward to watching more of what you have to say. Thank you!

[miamihistory]

Good quick start video for the H4n. Much easier than trying to read the manual with the small print.

[iansimmons]

Thanks, Jean-Pierre! This was a fantastic little tutorial on getting the Zoom going. I'm sure I'll wade through the recorder's massive instruction manual someday, but this got me up and running in minutes. My one suggestion is that you may want to include a note about formatting the SD card; otherwise, great stuff!

[allnet]

Hey jean-pierre, thanks for the response. I finally did line up the xlr connectors with the 3 "minislots" on the h4n and it fits fine. I just never seen an xlr connection like that. Thanks again and and thanks for the videos!

[palefire]

Thanks! I just bought the H4n second hand and the manual looks very good but not for someone just wanting to get the first steps already ;-) Your clip delivered that right away!

[Anniese]

Crystal clear and hyper useful. Keep up the good job!

[JoeyJig]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Great job!

[dancewata]

Loved your video.  Very clear without rushing and extremely helpful.  Thank you.  I will now try to locate your video with adding microphones.

[sabjudaproductions]

GREAT GREAT VIDEO! Your pace and explanation were concise and clear! Thanks a million!

[PhilDanielsStorr]

Thank you very much, Jean-Pierre.
I picked up some very useful tips from your video.
(Feeling a little less nervous now! )
Cheers!

[rams]

Excellent job, clear and to the point.
Thanks

[jonathangustin]

Thank you for making this video. Very helpful

[heatherwellard]

Many thanks Jean-Pierre - excellent advice on first steps!

[JeanPierreLaForest]

Hi Steve, if you press the menu button, and scroll down, the last option should be Mode. Play Mode is in the list near the middle, but if you keep scrolling down, you should get to the Mode menu. I just gave it a try, and I can reach it with or without any microphones plugged in. If you don't see it, you could try installing the latest firmware in case that helps, but it should be available regardless of version.

[PatrickO]

Thank you this is a great quick start.

[JeanPierreLaForest]

Hi sallyzwartz, I personally use an SD card reader in my computer, but you can transfer it through USB from the Zoom H4n directly. When you connect the H4n, it gives you two options, Storage, and Audio I/F (interface). If you select Storage, you should be able to access the files from Windows Explorer and copy/move them anywhere you want. Using the Audio I/F mode instead, you can use your Zoom H4n (or any microphone attached to your H4n) as a computer microphone.

[PrimeTimePromotionsLLC]

Thank you for the instructional video on the Zoom H4N. I just purchased one to record my group and needed to hear the basic on how to get it started and you touched on some question I had previously which was great. Do you do any more detail video of capabilities of the Zoom H4N?  Thank you again you Rock!

[JeanPierreLaForest]

Hi allnet4, I'm not sure what you mean by a "cover", but for mine, I just plug in the 1/4" and the XLR connectors in the same hole, with no modifications in-between. If you look closely, you will notice that the middle hole is much larger (for 1/4") labeled with a tripple electric icon, while there are 3 little holes around it (for XLR) have labels 1 2 3. Hope that helps!

[FrancoisNice]

Hope you do the second and third one, Thank YOU!

[oheinfisenfien]

Thanks for the video. This recorder's sophistication is way out of my league and the instructions that came with the recorder were not telling me the most basic things, for example that you need a memory card. (It's in there, but not very clear) Could you say more about exactly what kind of memory card I should get? Is it just called a "memory card"? What type and brand would you recommend? How large of a card would I need for say 24hrs of recording? Thank you