Q:	How long can I record with the H4?

A:	The maximum recording time depends on the capacity of the SD card and the recording format. For details, click here.

Q:	Can I use the virtual take capability in 4-track mode?

A:

Yes. Change the recording mode from the default setting (OVERWRITE) to ALWAYS NEW. As in stereo mode, a new file will be created for each recording. The recorded files are saved by project, and you can specify a file for playback in each track. This lets you record for example multiple takes for vocals or guitar solos and then compare them later to select the best take. For details, see the section "Selecting the recording mode" on pages 40 - 42 of the Operation Manual.

Q:	I imported a file recorded in stereo mode into a 4-track mode project, but I cannot select it as a playback file.

A:	To play a file recorded in stereo mode, a pair of tracks for which stereo link is enabled are necessary. Enable stereo link for tracks 1/2 or 3/4, and then select the playback file. For information on the stereo link function, see page 53 of the Operation Manual. For information on playback file selection, see pages 42 - 43 of the Operation Manual.

Q:	Can I import a WAV file created on a computer into the H4 and then use it for guitar, bass, or vocals overdubbing?

A:	Yes, this is possible. If it is a 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV file, it can be imported into a 4-track mode project and used in the same way as a file recorded by the H4. Use the H4 as an SD card reader and copy the WAV file from the computer to the desired project folder. If it is a stereo file, be sure to assign it to a track pair for which stereo link is enabled (tracks 1/2 or 3/4).

Q:	Can I record on 4 tracks simultaneously in 4-track mode?

A:	No, this is not possible. The maximum number of simultaneous recording tracks is 2.

Q:	Can the recording level that was set automatically with the auto gain function be saved in memory?

A:	No, this is not possible. To memorize the recording level, you should set the level manually without using the auto gain function. For information on how to set the recording level, see the section "Adjusting the recording level" on pages 31 - 33 of the Operation Manual.

Q:	Can I record in MP3 format and 4-track mode?

A:	No, this is not possible. The recording format in 4-track mode is fixed to WAV (16 bit/44.1 kHz).

Q:	Can I record in MP3 format and in mono?

A:	No, this is not possible. The recording result in stereo mode will always be recorded as a stereo file. In 4-track mode, mono recording is possible, but the file format is fixed to WAV (16 bit/44.1 kHz).

Q:	If the SD card runs out of space during a recording, will I lose the audio data recorded up to that point?

A:	No. When the SD card runs out of space, the H4 automatically stops recording, but the audio data recorded up to that point will be written to the card.

Q:	Recording in stereo mode is possible, but I cannot record in 4-track mode.

A:

In the 4-track mode default condition, the steps for recording are different from stereo mode. After pressing the REC key to activate the recording standby condition, press the top of the [MENU] key to start recording. To have the unit start recording from the beginnig as in stereo mode, you must change the recording mode setting from the default "OVERWRITE" to "ALWAYS NEW". For details, see the section "Selecting the recording mode" on pages 40 - 42 of the operation manual.

Q:	The A-B repeat function does not work during recording.

A:	In principle, this function is not designed for use during recording. Only when overwrite is selected in 4-track mode can A-B repeat be used during recording.

Q:	Is it possible to perform long-term recording that exceeds the maximum WAV file size (2 GB)?

A:

Yes. When the 2 GB (*1) file size is reached during recording, the H4 stores the file and then opens a new file for further recording. However, recording will be interrupted for several tens of seconds during this process (*2). *1 Normally, the maximum size for a WAV file is set to 2 GB. Files larger than 2 GB may not be recognized correctly by media player software or other audio software on a computer. *2 With the H4n model, uninterrupted recording on multiple files is possible. By joining the resulting files using waveform editing software on a computer, a seamless long-term recording can be created.

Q:	I used the built-in mics to record a band performance, but the recording is distorted, although I adjusted the recording level properly.

A:	The built-in mics may pick up physical vibrations such as very low frequencies as distortion. When setting up the H4, avoid locations that will be subject to strong vibrations such as near speakers or a drum set. It may also be advisable to place the unit on a soft cloth or similar, to reduce the influence of vibrations.

Q:	What is the maximum sound pressure level for the built-in microphone?

A:	The built-in microphone is rated for a maximum input sound pressure level of 120 dB.

Q:	Does the unit have a REC Pause function to temporarily pause recording?

A:	No, the unit does not have a REC Pause function. * The H4n model offers a REC Pause function.

Q:	Does the USB interface of the H4 support data transfer in USB 2.0 High Speed mode (max. 480 Mbps)?

A:	No. The USB 2.0 standard includes three transfer speed modes (High Speed, Full Speed, Low Speed). The H4 supports only Full Speed mode (max. 12 Mbps).

Q:	I am trying to use the H4 as an SD card reader via a USB connection, but the computer does not recognize the H4.

A:

When you connect the H4 to a computer with a USB cable, the indication "USB MODE SELECT" appears on the display, but the USB online condition is not yet established. You must use the jog dial to move the cursor to "CONNECT TO PC" and then press the jog dial. When the indication "NOW CONNECTING TO PC" has appeared, the computer and the H4 are in the online condition. For details on USB functionality, see the section "Using the USB function" on pages 80 - 83 of the operation manual.

Q:	On a computer using Mac OS X v10.5 (Leopard), the USB card reader function does not work.

A:	This problem can be corrected by updating the system software to version 2.10 or later. Go to the DOWNLOAD page, download the latest version of the system software, and perform the update procedure. * To write the system update to an SD card, a commercially available SD card reader/writer is required.

Q:	I want to use the H4 as an audio interface with a computer, but the computer does not recognize the H4 when I connect it with a USB cable.

A:

When you connect the H4 to a computer with a USB cable, the indication "USB MODE SELECT" appears on the display, but the USB online condition is not yet established. You must use the jog dial to move the cursor to "AUDIO I/O MODE" and then press the jog dial. When the indication "NOW AUDIO I/O" has appeared, the computer and the H4 are in the online condition. For details on USB functionality, see the section "Using the USB function" on pages 80 - 83 of the operation manual.

Q:	I have connected a computer running Windows XP and the H4 via USB, but the H4 is not recognized correctly as an audio interface.

A:

The driver software may not have been installed correctly. Perform the steps below to update the driver software. 1. Click the [Start] button, right-click on the [My Computer] icon, and select [Properties]. 2. On the [System Properties] screen, click the [Hardware] tab and select [Device Manager]. 3. Open the [Universal Serial Bus Controllers] branch of the tree display and look for a [USB Composite Device] with a [!] symbol. If there is a [USB Composite Device] with a [!] symbol, right-click on it and select [Update Driver...]. If there is no [USB Composite Device] with a [!] symbol, restart the computer and try again.

Q:	Can the USB interface also be used with software other than Cubase LE?

A:	Since the unit is recognized as a standard audio interface, other DAW software besides Cubase can be used. You may also perform audio playback through the unit using Windows Media Player or Apple iTunes and play along with your favorite tunes. For information on settings for DAW software besides Cubase, consult the respective manufacturer.

Q:	I can use the USB audio interface functions for recording, but there is no sound from my computer speakers.

A:	When using the H4 as a USB audio interface, audio signals of the computer are output via the H4. Therefore you should connect the speakers to the H4 output, not to the computer.

Q:	When I connect the H4 via USB to a computer running Windows 2000, the computer restarts.

A:

This problem can be corrected by updating the system software to version 1.30 or later. Go to the DOWNLOAD page, download the latest version of the system software, and perform the update procedure. However, please note that correct operation of the USB function with computers running Windows 2000 is not assured. * To write the system update to an SD card, a commercially available SD card reader/writer is required.

Q:	I used the USB audio interface function of the H4 to record multiple tracks in Cubase LE, but when I play them back, the tracks are not in sync.

A:	Under Windows, when using the "ASIO Multimedia Driver" as recommended in the "USB/Cubase LE Startup Guide", tracks recorded using the H4 may not be synchronized. To solve this problem, go to the DOWNLOAD page of our web site and download the dedicated "H4 ASIO Driver".

Q:	Does the unit support the 64-bit version of Windows Vista and Windows 7?

A:	Yes. The latest Audio Driver supports the 64-bit version of Windows Vista and Windows 7. This driver software is freely available from DOWNLOAD page.

Q:	Does the unit support SDHC memory cards?

A:	Over 4GB SDHC cards can be used with the system version 2.0 or later. For information on SD cards whose operation has been verified, please see here.

Q:	Is there information available about SD cards which have been verified for operation with the H4?

A:	For information on verified SD cards, click here.

Q:	Can I use nickel-hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries in the H4?

A:	Yes. However, please note that the H4 does not have a function for charging the batteries. You should therefore use a commercially available charger designed for the batteries you are using. Also, to ensure that remaining battery capacity is indicated correctly by the H4, set the "BATTERY TYPE" option in the menu to "Ni-NH". For details, see page 2 of the H4 Ver 2.0 Supplemental Manual.

Q:	Can I use a stereo condenser mic with plug-in type power supply?

A:	No. The H4 does not support plug-in power.

Q:	Can the H4 be mounted to a microphone stand?

A:

Yes, but a screw thread converter is required. The tripod stand adapter supplied with the H4 is a 1/4 inch type. In order to use this on a microphone stand with standard thread (*), you must purchase a suitable adapter available at audio dealers carrying microphone accessories, in music stores, or at web-based dealers. * Various kinds of screw threads, such as 3/8 inch (AKG) and 5/8 inches (SHURE) are used for microphone stands. Purchase an adapter that fits your microphone stand.

Q:	Can I send data recorded in 4-track mode as an e-mail attachment?

A:	In 4-track mode, only the 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV file format is supported. The resulting data size is about 5 MB per minute when converted into a single track, so that a 4-minute song will require about 20 MB. Sending such a large file as an e-mail attachment may be difficult.

Q:	A WAV file recorded with 24-bit/96 kHz sampling cannot be played on my computer.

A:	Depending on the media player or DAW software version, WAV files with high resolution and high sampling rates such as 24-bit/96 kHz may not play properly. Check which formats are supported by the software that you are using.

Q:	Does the H4 incorporate an audio editing function?

A:	No, the unit does not support audio editing. Files can be copied or deleted, but partial editing of audio data is not possible. Use DAW software such as "Cubase LE" or similar for audio data editing.

Q:	Pressing the REC button does not give tactile feedback with a click. Is this a defect?

A:	No. The H4 incorporates highly sensitive microphones that would pick up even a slight key click as a loud sound. Therefore the REC button of the H4 is designed not to produce a click.

Q:	Does the H4 have a time stamp function that logs the date and time of recording?

A:	No. Because the H4 does not have built-in calendar management capability, it does not offer a time stamp function.

Q:	Can I apply effects to a track that is already recorded?

A:	No, this is not possible. The built-in effects of the H4 can only be used for the built-in stereo mic or an input signal supplied via the [INPUT 1]/[INPUT 2] jacks. For effect processing of recorded tracks, use the supplied DAW software application Cubase LE.

Q:	How do I use the XLR/phone combo jack?

A:	This is a single connector that will accept either an XLR plug or a phone plug. The XLR input supports phantom power. It therefore can handle not only regular dynamic microphones but also professional type condenser microphones. The high-impedance phone input allows direct connection of a guitar or bass or similar instrument.

Q:	Does the unit have a function for locking the keys during recording, to prevent pushing the wrong key by mistake?

A:	Yes. For information on how to activate this function, see the section "Controlling the key-hold function" on page 79 of the operation manual.

Q:	Does the unit have a built-in speaker?

A:	No. To monitor the sound, you should use headphones or external speakers.

Q:	I want to use the normalize function, but I cannot select an MP3 file as editing target.

A:	The H4 does not support normalizing of MP3 files. The normalize function is only available for WAV files.

Q:	I cannot perform fast-forward or fast-reverse with sound on MP3 files.

A:	Because the compressed data of MP3 files have to be decoded for playback, smooth fast-forward or fast-reverse while reproducing the sound such as on a tape recorder is usually not possible. We recommend to stop playback and then perform the fast-forward or fast-reverse action.

Q:	What are the operating environment requirements for the bundled Cubase LE application?

A:

The operating environment requirements for Cubase LE are listed below. For further details, click here. Windows ●Pentium III 500MHz or AMD K7 (Pentium III/Athlon 1GHz or faster recommended) ●256 MB RAM (512MB recommended) ●1GB of free hard disk space for complete content ●Windows XP, Windows 2000 * (*) ZOOM H4 doesn't support USB connection to Windows 2000 based computers. Macintosh ●Power Mac G4 450MHz ●256 MB RAM (512MB recommended) ●1GB of free hard disk space for complete content ●OS X Version 10.2 or higher

Q:	What are the steps for using Cubase LE?

A:	Cubase LE operation is not covered by ZOOM Corporation support. Steinberg also do not provide support for this version. However, operation is similar to the higher ranked Cubase SL/SX versions. Refer to commercially available reference books or other sources for these versions.

Q:	When trying to install Cubase LE, a serial number input screen comes up, but entering the serial number of my unit does not work, and the installation does not proceed.

A:	The serial number on the unit starting with six numerals is the ZOOM serial number which is different from the Cubase LE serial number. The Cubase LE serial number can be found on the sleeve of Cubase LE CD-ROM. It is the 10-digit number called "Authorization Number".