ZOOM H4essential Handy Recorder – 4-Track Recorder with 32-Bit Float, X/Y Microphones, XLR/TRS Inputs – For Music, Podcasts, Film Sound – Black

Five stars is a bit generous, so 4.5 would be how I rate it, but since it doesn't have the option. I have the Zoom h4 Pro, which is approx the same size, but the h4 Pro has better build quality than the Essential, but for what I paid for this £169, it's well worth it.It's 32 bit performance is good and all round performance is very good. It's better than the H4 pro, for using it as an audio device on a computer. I do YT videos and even on low end machines, it performs really well. I also use audio equipment for recording nature sounds and I've found it really good for that, light, cake to use and gets the job done.One thing, that is a warning, is that, unlike it's sibling, it only has sound as output. So what you record, can sound very low. It's a bit like a RAW file in photography, but the sound will still be excellent once it's been edited.A good looking, nice graphical interface and great sound, a bit of a cheap feel, but apart from that it's a quality device.

This is a great recorder. I deliberated over the buying decision for ages, but now I don't even think about the features compared to other models. It just works, and it works well.I use for recording interviews for our radio show, it just sits there and captures everything, no need to worry about guests positioning or mic technique, or having the right number of mic etc. You do need to edit in post, but It's all there even the quiet speech.It also captures great live music sound with the stereo mics giving a sense of space and ambience.In the real world, the battery life is great. Mut have recorded a dozen interviews with it, and a similar number of live songs. The battery is still showing full.Very happy with it.

Really great budget recorder! I use this for motovlogging and recording exhaust noise. The 32bit float is fantastic for this and the recorder is very easy to use. Lots of features packed in and the 2 xlr ports are great for when I plug a lav in for dialogue and still want to capture exhaust noise while talking. My only issue with the recorder is that it feels a little cheaply made and when using 48v phantom power it will just turn itself off, meaning I have to power it from the usb c port if I want to use phantom power. Other than that it’s a great, compact recorder that I use all the time.

Good quality, clear sound

Ok for 170 pounds or their abouts its not utterly noiseless.However,its very convenient and excellent value for money

I already use a Zoom H6n and F1 and this for the price seemed to a good grab n run recorder and with the 32bit no need to worry about levels. Quality feels a bit on the thin side compared to the H6 but I've never managed to break any Zoom recorder and I have had a few. Remote control cover is sure to get lost and I'd advise users to buy a case

Best quality and value for portable recording! Very light also!

I have never had any issues with any Zoom products in the past, they have all functioned perfectly at a reasonable price. The H4 Essential is the first Zoom product I am seriously regretting purchasing. The sound quality of the recordings and the operation of the unit isn't the issue - that is great. The problem is it eats batteries so fast it just isn't a practical field recorder for recording anything longer than half an hour. Firstly it will eat a pair of brand new (meter tested) alkaline batteries in about an hour - but worse is to come. Because if you use them for half an hour and then turn the unit off and back on - nothing. It will not power up if it doesn't think there is enough power available - so those batteries which should have been good for another half an hour at least won't do. Even plugging it into the USB output of my PC isn't enough to power it up. So you either have to carry a battery power pack with you or plug it into a dedicated USB C mains power outlet if you want to be able to record for any length of time. The whole point of the purchase was so I could record live performances with a small portable battery powered recorder. I think I am going to return it...