By: annon (29-Aug-07)      Experience with product: 4 Days

Strengths:	Does everythingConvert records and tapes to CDRecord 4-trackHighest quality micsAmazing portability The list goes on...USB Interface for recording into pc and mac programs like acid and cubase
Weaknesses:	No hard case included. Must be purchased seperate.

Full User Summary
Don't listen to the other reviewers. This machine is one hell of a machine for the price. Best portable recorder I've ever owned, and I've owned *alot* of recorders.

By: efarjes (26-Jun-07)      Experience with product: 60 Days

Strengths:	easy to carry and good recording
Weaknesses:	the body made in plastic looks easy to break

Full User Summary
I like to record classes and conferences, previous I was using MiniDisk, I could not get any other alternative in quality and price, I saw a similar version of this portable recorder made by Sony but is too expensive, around 1500 US. So, since I bought it I like the simple easy to use and also the good recording quality, I am happy with this product and I am still using it to record live concerts, conferences, classes and talking, is good enough, of course, I think if you want a better quality you can get something more expensive, but the rate price quality I think is fair. (I bought 3 and I am happy)

By: annon (19-Mar-07)      Experience with product: 1 Day

Strengths:	Responsive tech support
Weaknesses:	Maybe not as bad as first reported

Full User Summary
I spoke with representatives from Zoom Japan. They confirmed that the flashing LED does cause a noise problem. Here is what they wrote.We have figured out that the noise problem is caused by the analog circuit board layout. So, it's not possible to solve by updating the system software. Also, we do not have a plan to change the circuit design at this time. Please be advised further explanations below.- Noise was available because battery does not apply enough power to load change. So noise is gone when you use a supplied AC adapter.- Also noise level depends on a SD memory card, because power consumption is different with different cards.Regarding the problem with the built-in mics still on when using external mics or line-in. Zoom says that should not be happening and perhaps the unit is defective so please return the unit for exchange.Steve PierceYpsilanti, Michigan

By: twotower (12-Mar-07)      Experience with product: 1

Strengths:	Light weight, easy to learn interface if you read the manual, audio compression
Weaknesses:	The unit has several major weaknesses and is not suitable for professional recording purposes. Please read comments.

Full User Summary
If you are not picky about audio quality and simply wish to record interviews/lectures and the like for your own personal use, then this is a good machine. I do not recommend the H4 for any kind of professional recording purposes if high audio quality is desired e.g., your music or recorded sessions that you wish to sell to the public. 1.) Electretet microphones still are sound sensitive (can pick up sound) when the input is switched to "Line In".2.) Mic pre-amps generate too much noise for professional recording purposes.3.) The blinking LED in "Record Mode" causes radio interference that is picked up in the recording as an audible beeping sound. This is most noticeable when recording using the "Mic" setting but is also present when using microphones connected to "Line In" jack. The beeping sound is recorded and very noticeable during portions of a recording where there is no sound.4.) Display is too small and text is too hard to read! I almost need a magnifying glass to read the display.5.) The unit does not allow for memory cards beyond 2 GB. Unfortunately I can't tell you what I settled on in this review, but I can tell you that if you want quality mic pre-amps you are going to need to spend at least $499 and you will need to search for online dealers that SPECIALZE in pro audio equipment.