The Zoom M4 & M2 Audio Recorder: My Worst Experience Ever?!

In this video, we compare the Zoom M2 and Zoom M4 with the Zoom H1n and discover some very surprising results. Additionally, Zoom has acknowledged some of the issues with these recorders and had a call back.
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Thanks,
Libby and Marcel

[@ZoomSoundLab]

Thank you for bringing the issue of RF interference to our attention. We've investigated and creators can find information on how to obtain a replacement unit on the NEWS section of our website. We value the creators who use our products and we never want to let you down!

[@erwickdsouza]

This is the way!

[@Hoteari]

When will this problem be resolved? When are you going to sell your products in China?

[@uncle-english]

I have H5 and P4. They're pretty handy tools. I love them so much. However, Zoom seems so addictive to plastic cases. Of course, such designs do make products lightweight and easy to be carried around. However, the issue of RF interference is really a nightmare. Both M3 and M4 look very inviting, as far as sound quality and functionality are concerned. Yet the RF issue really make me hesitate.

[@paultweten1472]

Has it been resolved? I was hoping to get an m4, but maybe the F3 is the way

[@thecimmerian7679]

Please just make an elevated 32bit version of H4, H5, H6 with F series preamps, and watch the sales sky rocket.

[@chriscutress1702]

Working in SFX many years ago we were given Portable DAT recorders and one of the assignments was to go to the International airport and record jets landing and taking off from the tarmac. Permissions and passes had been obtained and we went about recording the sounds with both an HHB DAT portable recorder, a SONY portable DAT recorder and a portable NAGRA analog recorder. On both the DAT recorders we noticed on playback that there were weird static hits which occurred at regular intervals but the analog tape didn't have these static hits. The static hits were not audible during recording but were easily heard during playback. All the mics were XLR balanced microphones. From there we left the area of the airport and recorded distant ambience of the airport from across a river. The same thing happened to the recordings. We used the analog recordings for the production we were working on but researched the DAT interference since this was a new technology at the time. We found that the static bursts were in sync on both the DAT recordings and that it coincided with the rotational pattern of the radar tower. The radiation from the radar was leaking into the DAT heads and being recorded onto the tapes but were not audible during recording since it was after the microphone circuitry. We later worked around the problem by using the DAT equipment in lead lined cases where needed after reporting this situation to both HHB and Sony. A few years later these machines were replaced with DAT's with confirmation heads and the problem never happened again. I can only assume these machine's heads were more heavily shielded against this type of radiation sources.

[@1tsn0t0ver]

Wow! I saw an ad for this on facebook and thought it was cool. Thanks for the review! You saved me $400.

[@SkyCoreLLC]

We've been trying to get good interference and static sound effects for a long time, these are perfect and exactly what we need.

[@MrSolcys]

I have an idea 💡 Before you sell it or throw it away you should make a sample library of interference and noise sounds! 🤣 I'm serious

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Krzysztof! We have these libraries but recorded with the Priezor, the SOMA Ether and the Electroslush. Making one only recorded with the M2 is adding more salt into the wound. :)

[@dB_Sound]

Zoom H4n Pro have same problem.

[@dreamwritego]

@@dB_Sound Ive been getting a lot of odd sounds like this from my H2n I dont even use it for recording anymore, sadly its only useful as small audio interface on an old desktop now and maybe a card reader

[@PawFromTheBroons]

Zoom released the perfect devices to promote their previous lineup.

[@oferwebman]

Hey guys. I just received mine today and surprisingly I didn’t have any of these issues. In fact I had a quite decent experience recording guitar with two extra mics (also no issue in disconnecting the cables) and quite good experience transferring these files directly to my iPhone (for editing and post) using the USB connection. On the other hand, the M3 that I ordered proved to be a bit noisy in terns of hiss and got quite a bit of interference (I got VOICES (radio?) and bazz coming through when I came very close to my TV!😢). So to sum it up, quite good experience with the M4, but really not good experience with the M3. This one will be shipped back ASAP

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Ofer, that’s great to read that you have a better experience with the M4 but its unfortunate about the M3. :((

[@koenignero]

Guys seriously, I just got my M4 today and made the microwave test, NO Interference at all. Reply

[@prifreds]

I can confirm that the CEO and the CTO of Zoom watched this video!

[@hansmustermann9255]

- Up to now I had no RF interferences in my recordings with my brand-new Zoom M4 although I tried to get them. BTW: I use cables where ground/shield is not connected to the metal shell of the XLR plugs. - Neutrik XLR plugs are snapping in as needed. - 2 20 year old Cannon XLRs where not snapping in. So I enlarged the recess inside the plugs a little with a Dremel -> snap in is ok now. - I am really satisfied with the performance of the M4 now! - @ Free To Use ...: Nice sound lib which I bought from you few day ago!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for the update!! Thats good advice for anyone who doesn’t use Neutrik. Also, glad you don’t have the RF issues and thank you for your support!!

[@ViciousXUSMC]

Appreciate the coverage, I was adding the M4 to my "to get list" for an all in one portable recorder with 32bit. Now I'll be taking it off... I would always go for a field recorder when I am going to use external microphones, I just wanted something I could pocket for an all in one setup for non professional work.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I think we have to wait a little bit longer for this amazing portable 32 bit recorder. We just ordered the Sony PCM D100. We're lucky they have a few here in Japan. Enough is enough.

[@mixschrecks3839]

Thanks for the honest review. I’ll stick with my H5. Super reliable results and built like a tank.

[@jonesthestone]

Me too, good bit of kit for the money,

[@cryptotrader2779]

Same. Sticking to my H1n and H6. May add an F3 at some point, but certainly not an M series. No way.

[@davidquinn2505]

Wow, speechless at how ridiculous these are. You're doing such a great service with these videos and now when i want to buy some equipment i always come here to see if you guys have a video on it as you do such a great unbiased job at reviewing. Thanks for helping many of us dodge these train-wreck recorders!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching and we will always make unbiased videos and share how the gear really performs. We just don’t have a home base and always traveling. So we won’t have the space to get the newest gear. But we try our best when it comes to audio gear.

[@koenignero]

Guys seriously, I just got my M4 today and made the microwave test, NO Interference at all. Reply

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks so much for your videos on the M2 & M4! I have a hard time understanding how issues like these went undetected by Zoom... I just received my M3 unit and in my initial testing, I have not encountered any interference issues like you have with the M2 & M4. I still want to get some more recording time with the M3 before forming any opinions, but my initial reaction is that the M3 sounds and performs far better than I had expected. I guess time will tell...

[@uncle-english]

I have Zoom H5 and P4. They both have interference issues, which is annoying.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Wayne! Thank you so much for watching and that's great news. I hope the M3 is much better. We won't be purchasing it but if you make a video about we will watch it.

[@TheGlassEyeTV]

Very curious to hear your thoughts on the M3 and whether they're plagued by the same issues here. On paper the M3 looks like a home run but now I'm hesitant to order...

[@hypnoseausbildung4872]

I got the Zoom M4 a few days ago. Because of this video, I have tested the recorder extensively in my entire apartment regarding noise: Next to microwave, refrigerator, dimmer, electric stove ... Result: Absolutely nothing audible except what is actually to be recorded. Even with the closest listening, I cannot perceive any interference. The astonishingly low noise floor of the built-in mic can be reduced even further by using a good external mic. If the problem with interference really existed, it seems to be solved now. The sound character mainly depends on the mics used. I am absolutely thrilled with this device!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

It's wonderful to read that you're enjoying the recorder you're using, as we all have different standards of quality expectations. If you haven't noticed, Zoom acknowledged the issue in a pinned comment under the video. After creating the video and receiving complaints from users around the world, they quickly recognized the problem and took steps to resolve the frequency issue. More information can be found in the news section on their official website. Best regards...

[@stephenmair5300]

How do I link this mic with my iPhone 15 pro max

[@grandcanyonchannel9590]

I'd be very curious to see if Zoom gets back to you with an explanation. If so, could you let us know what they said and what they are going to do about this problem? Tnx.

[@nomore6167]

Looking for a "silver lining", those M2 and M4 devices actually seem pretty good if you want to record random electrical interference noise. Granted, that kind of noise isn't normally desired, but there are occasions when you want it for various projects.

[@MusabTahaTarik]

Don't be upset please it's an extraordinary situation to see you like this. I am on market nowadays between F3 & M4 so thank you for your videos about these new series.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much Mustafa and we're glad we could help you make a decision.

[@chilluminare]

thx for calling out the RF problem

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Great call out. It seems like it is the design that is fatally flawed and I can't see how this could be fixed with firmware updates etc. I don't know how this got past prototype testing that is supposed to pick up unforeseen flaws like this. I've learned so much from your channel after my rather late foray into field sound recording.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

It's never too late to start with field recording, We're glad you're here and we have way more videos coming up. :)

[@pirateradioFPV]

They made an audio recorder without RF protection? Madness 👀

[@kcat80]

it sounds exactly like the interference sound | get on a pair of wireless rf headphones.

[@TERUMI7]

I had got totally same situation even twice with TASCAM DR40 and Zoom(I forgot the model name) at the field for filming. There was no electronic devices and wireless systems. From the day. I never use all handy recorder gears...... I only use sound mixer&recorder.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Sorry that happened to you too :((

[@ajad6969]

its a micro wave finder bro... u killed the review... Respect.

[@VOByRobbins]

They must have fired everyone in the product dev team and hired newbies at Zoom, how could they do this?? wow, embarrassing--- all units should be recalled. thanks for letting us know about this!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Michael! Thank you for watching and we're glad we could shine a light on it.

[@middle-aged-herpers]

Thanks for posting this honest review. I figured that form factor was going to be bad for handling noise as you have shown, but the sensitivity to electrical interference is going to prevent it being useful for even their suggested use scenarios. That's disappointing because the last few zoom recorders had shown a commitment to quality. I was hoping you would review the Zoom M3, but I suspect you won't now (twice bitten, thrice shy). It's intriguing to me as a nature recordist for its possibility of a sub $200 (US) microphone that can give you an entry point into M/S type decoding. Hopefully the electrical gremlins that haunt the M2/M4 won't be a problem there? I hope, because I have one on the way?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! Oh yes we won't buy the M3 since we wouldn't have use for it. We have the MKE 440 from Sennheiser which is an amazing sounding onboard microphone but still quit bulky. I hope the M3 has no RF problems to be honest.

[@lilmikemikesix]

I have had that issue on set before I wasn't recording I was DP but the sound guy was struggling. I grabbed the recorder and turned off Phantom power and it stopped. I believe it could be what caused your issues as well.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

If you're using microphones with phantom power and turn off the p-power, you may find yourself with no recording at all, defeating the whole purpose. But don't worry, Zoom has acknowledged this issue and has announced a call back to address it.

[@lilmikemikesix]

@@FreeToUseSounds I mean, the line was not in use but phantom power was turned on (nothing was plugged in). But, it is good they are fixing the issue). It happened while I was in college for Film/Video. It was with the Zoom F6. They guy using it turned on phantom power and powered on the mic and this happened.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@lilmikemikesix Interesting. I have the F6 since 2019 and never had RF issues with the device. I would assume the issue came from the microphone?

[@christophesouchon3397]

Whaou !!! it's such a shame ! I was waiting for this so much, a big thank you for this. By a french fan

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching Christophe!

[@rikkifoxx189]

Je suis aussi déçu que toi, mon simple mais efficace H1n semble avoir de beaux jours devant lui si ZOOM sort de nouveaux mauvais produits et que SONY abandonne la production des siens, comme ils ont l'habitude de faire...

[@christophesouchon3397]

@@rikkifoxx189 c'est clairement ça ! Dire que j'avais l'intention de me séparer de mon H1n ... Pour ces nouveaux modèles ! Je vais encore attendre 😂

[@shootcutshow]

Thank you for your honest feedback and I'm sorry you wasted your money on these not very useful devices. But I have always been wary of zoom products. No sound engineer ever recommended them. I side with the Tascam.

[@KallusGarnet]

zoom is great but not pro audio

[@TadeoValencia]

Did you realize they published the official video about the M2 some hours after you uploaded your video and they we're basically mentioning the points you mentioned but inversely? I think someone's kind of scared of your reviews. Thanks for the test Marcel !

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Tadeo! Oh yes we did see all the new videos about the M2 and the M4 with having the devices right next to us.

[@DJ_Cthulhu]

Surely Zoom must have done even basic EMC testing during the design of these products. Maybe you really were unlucky to have gotten two faulty units. I have the H2n recorder, which I'm quite happy with and am planning on getting a H1n in the near future. Thanks for the honest review. 🖖

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching and we would think that they should have done that.

[@antifreezzz666]

best recorders for recording electrical waves

[@theohmeyegods]

I still own and use an h1 and recently bought an h2n. I'm in love with a lot of zoom products and would have bought this blindly. Looking forward to future models, hopefully metal with a single XLR/1/4 inch jack at the bottom like a normal mic. Hopefully a remote option with better remote as well!

[@Pissarrio]

wow thank you so much for this test. i was about to purchase the M4 but your video saved me $400 in bad investment. What you had demonstrated here also shows the quality control and quality management process of zoom company to let such as faulty design to get to production. Now i have come to trust your work and thus i would like to ask you that what you would recommend using instead of Zoom M4, that meets your quality test and that offers the same functionalities as M4 regardless of price.....

[@2fu599]

It is great that you are taking the effort to make such detailed review about the issue you are experiencing. But it is very hard for me to comprehend, why you did not contact Zoom about it. It would have been very interesting to know what they about this issue.

[@RandumbTech]

I just got my M4 about a week ago and it's performing much better than your sample. There is still some very faint buzzing if I put it on top my wireless router, but phones, radio, light bulbs, etc don't seem to have much, if any, effect on it. Maybe it was a manufacturing issue that they've since resolved? It would be great if you got a newer copy and see it behaves the same way as the initial one you got.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I'm delighted to hear that you're pleased with your recent purchase. ZOOM has recognized the interference issue and taken steps to address it with a recall, which can be found in the news section on their official website. You may have noticed that Zoom continues to offer price adjustments for older recorders like the H4n or enhancing the H1n with additional gear, resulting in the Zoom H1n VP. Interestingly, there is no mention of the M series in the new product section. As for my preferences, I'm quite content with my Sound Devices, the F6, and the Sony PCM D100, and I don't plan on purchasing or creating videos about newer ZOOM M series products.

[@osnsndjdlwmebrkwns]

Absolutely true. I am experiencing the same issue! M4 just sucks

[@igorsova]

Will be waiting for Roland R05 like product with built in battery and USB-C connector for charging and data transferring.

[@heavynov]

Damn, I was really excited for the M4.... Thank you for your service, glad I've stumbled over your video.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

We;re glad you found us!

[@martinwagner3835]

Hi, wisst ihr auch ob das Zoom M3 die gleichen Probleme hat?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Martin, we don’t know about that. Let’s hope not.

[@AllenCavedo]

Regarding stuck XLRs, many of us had that problem with the SD MixPre models. I did too. Got it unstuck by wrapping a piece of electrical tape around the connector, then grabbing the XLR with pliers at 90 degrees and with a firm grip, gently slightly rotate the connector clockwise and counter clockwise while pulling the XLR straight out of the XLR socket. Worked every time for me.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Allen, yeah we tried everything, I even unscrewed the whole unit but it won't come off with the tools I have. Now its already in the recycling center and I have to buy a new cable too.

[@michaelbruning9361]

I downloaded the manual. On page 26: "When disconnecting a mic, pull the XLR plug while pushing the connector lock release button."

[@chrisw5742]

@@michaelbruning9361 Too late he got it out with a vise grip and table saw and sledge hammer.... :-P

[@michaelbruning9361]

@@chrisw5742 I think you are right. The one who can read is in advantage.

[@AllenCavedo]

@@michaelbruning9361 I’ve got news for you… that didn’t work 😁

[@crumpetsbuttered]

Its such a shame, they should have just upgraded the H6 and H1N to 32 bit, both proven devices.

[@KallusGarnet]

yep make it make sense lol 😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣

[@antonv.]

Thank you very much!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

You're welcome!

[@eduardpastor3736]

Thanks for sharing this information. And I just got M2 yesterday, will check it out.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Please let us know how it goes for you.

[@anachronicmind1922]

Thank you for your video. It was concise and to the point. The testing was great.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad you liked it

[@GatotAlindo]

yikes .. I almost want this .. any return policy for this ? I’ll stick with my H1n

[@CameraRay]

Latest version of the "Mr. Microphone".🎤🎤

[@argy-ji2zf]

Zoom made the Best recorder mic on the market F séries with an excellent value for money !! The tascam X8 cost more than the M4 Is the X8 better than M4 ?

[@OnlineRadioSchool]

I currently work for BBC radio and I've never rated the Zoom mics. Obviously, audio is very personal, so this is just my view..and hey - it may not be right... but as I started in audio in 1996, I've used older style microphones. To me, I find these 'new types' of mics a bit harsh and 'cold' - if that makes any sense? Plus, the handling noise is always a massive thing for me. You need to be able to hold mics in the field and not have handling noise. Anyway, thanks for this video as I was pondering on the Zoom M2 and now after this - it's a no no! Subbed for saving me a few quid!

[@m.g.kroger]

I will never sell my Sony D-100. No preamp noise, non static, interference, non hassles. I know canon are not there, no phantom, etc., but what a precise, silent recorder it is. I still have a Zoom h4n in the draw, waiting for better days. New Zoom can use improved tecnologies, indeed!!

[@frankboyer1490]

Such a missed opportunity by Zoom to benefit from the increasing popularity of 32-bit float on portable recorders. I was initially interested in what Tascam was offering but wasn't sure about the touchscreen interface, size of X8 and lack of combo jacks on the X6. So I went looking at what Zoom had and I gotta say it's incredibly disappointing to see that they still don't have something compelling to compete. The M series looks cheap and the form factor is questionable. Why in the world would a company like Zoom put a glossy finish on a portable recorder that's supposed to be high-end? It's likely that they won't come out with anything else in this category for a while since the M series is relatively new. All of this combined with the problems mentioned in this video make it a bad buy imo.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

I used it at a wedding, it worked pretty good to me.

[@Basylian]

Usefull video 😉. What headphones do you use? Thanks!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Vasile, these are the Shure SRH840A which are wonderful sounding for the price but I have a problem with the cable part that goes into the headphone part You can take it off and its also made of a soft plastic. Overtime it becomes weaker and weaker. But these are headphones I can wear for hours.

[@garyfurlong854]

I really hope this is just a faulty run of first gen products. I was so excited about the M3 in particular but if it follows in the footsteps of the M2 and M4 it will just be another unusable product. I love my H6 but the M3 mounted to my camera would be awesome....assuming it isn't jacked up like the other two.

[@LoremIpsumProd]

Zoom really makes some of the most blessed and cursed devices. Will be buying the F3. Thank you very much for the review.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

If you go with the F3, you won't have any big problems. I love that small recorder.

[@PubRunner]

Yet another interesting video. With the stuck XLR you could try a little silicon lubricant spray like CRC 808 or electrical quality or the WD40 Specialist Silicon spray. NOT the regular WD40. The silicon sprays won’t damage the plastic but the mineral oil based ones will. Spray a bit on and wiggle it a bit and then let it sit.then try Moree forced while wiggling it. As an electrician and copier service tech I have used this to remove other types of stuck connectors and to help clean them up a little. You can then clean it up with a cotton bud once you have hopefully separated them. I had trouble with my Zoom H4n Pro that I had and the cable had a bent pin but I couldn’t insert it. Good luck

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you! Last night we tried everything but it wont come off. I took the whole machine apart but it just won't let go. We recycled the whole machine. :(

[@PubRunner]

@@FreeToUseSounds I’ll have to try the same thing with my Zoom F2 - BT but in my lounge where I have tried it inside there is no sign of the RF interference but I haven’t plugged headphones into it yet. My lounge is loaded with RF, nearby computers, a copier and Wireless access point and several mobile phones.

[@michaelbruning9361]

I downloaded the manual. On page 26: "When disconnecting a mic, pull the XLR plug while pushing the connector lock release button."

[@PubRunner]

@@michaelbruning9361 that would do it but I figured he was familiar enough with the gear not to be caught by that and I have heard of the XLR cables getting stuck. The silicon spray is great to help with stuck connectors as it doesn’t harm the plastic, it’s non conductive and will actually help with connectivity of it gets on the contacts as it tends to clean them. I personally wouldn’t have recycled the unit so soon.

[@michaelbruning9361]

@@PubRunner I watched his video, and he pulled the plugs without pushing the unlock button.

[@osnsndjdlwmebrkwns]

I can absolutely confirm this problem exists!

[@GripTwisterTours]

I saw your video and was bummed out, because I had a brand new M4 that I ordered from B&H on the first day they began taking orders. So I went and opened it and gave it a test. Fortunately for me, my unit exhibits no tendency to pick up EMF as yours did in the video. I tried sticking it up close to everything electrical in my house. If I turned the microwave on, and then tested, I could get some weird emf pulsing but only when putting it within 2 inches of the microwave’s control panel. I also picked up just a tiny bit when I put it right near a 110v outlet that also has two usb power ports on it. I put it up to several of my automated light switches and actually Heard faint buzzing, but I pulled my headphones off and put my ear right on the switch, and could faintly hear it with my own ear, so not EMF. Moved it all around my Alexa and echo dots and got nothing. That was obviously a relief for me. But I will add that my initial test was with a pair of Beats Studio 3 headphones in wired mode, and I thought I was hearing some terrible hiss and strange flutter, so I plugged in my DT 770 Pro (32 ohm) headphones and tested again and the results were pretty perfect. I then plugged in a non-Neutrik brand of XLR cable into both ports, and was able to remove them just fine. I think there was maybe either a bad run of units, or perhaps you were just unlucky (seems unlikely). Anyhow, I think you should return yours and try again and see what happens. So at this point, I’m very happy not to have either symptoms you had, and will keep the recorder and put it to some actual use and see how it works.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi and thank you so much for sharing your experience with the M4. I do hope in someway that we got a faulty unit so that others don't experience the same issues with RF. Also with the XLR output. Glad that worked for you too. Happy Holidays and happy recording :)

[@AlexT1212]

Product recall surely??!! Hope you get your money back…The outer plastic looks super cheap too, like a toy.

[@VulcanworxSG]

WTF!!! This is horrible! Keeping the F3 then. Hope Zoom reaches out and fix it for you!

[@Radio_Zombie]

"super low handling noise" - how did they come up with that? (besides everything else) Did they think nobody is going to notice? Seems to me the Zoom days are over...

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Oli! We hope not because the F3 and the F6 are great devices. I don't know anything about the music gear product lines but the M2 and M4 should be revised.

[@abstractdaddy]

Brutal. Thanks for the info.

[@14capital47]

Hopefully they see this!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Someday maybe :)

[@danielbuckley4961]

Wow. I've been figuring that Zoom would go all 32 bit on new recorders so I was anxious to see what might come out next. I have the F6 and the F3 and have been extremely happy with them in documentary film use. This is SO disappointing. They look cheap, sound sketchy at best and with the liability of disastrous XLR connections I think the verdict is, "Back to the drawing board, Zoom."

[@360lundxmauviel7]

Thanks a lot for this crucial test !!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!

[@va-ch]

M4 MicTrak. I have exactly the same symptoms. In my case, noise occurs in response to radio waves from the pocket router. The sound quality is good as long as there is no noise, but I was planning to use it for live broadcasting, so it's a shame. I think the shield is probably broken due to a design error. I think everyone has experienced the same thing on this point, so I would like you to improve it in the next ZOOM work.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! Hmm, since you're also in Japan, maybe the first Japanese models that came out have this issue. But RF issues aside, the capsules' noise floor is way too high on both recorder, the cheap plastic material, poor handling noise, writing comes off, and being cautious about which XLR connectors I might use still make it a pretty bad recorder. Just comparing the shipping box with a box from an F6 or the Sony PCM D100 says a lot.

[@alvarosaenzcarrer]

Thank you for this video. I was interested in one of these microphones, but I will end up going with the Zoom F3.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

The F3 is a great choice for sure!

Looking at all the issues with these devices i can only think that Zoom must have manure for brains when they manage to unlearn what they learnt with their earlier devices.

[@KallusGarnet]

nah 😹😹 they are just over working there employees its Japanese culture you know.

Im looking to my H1 and H8 and starting to be afraid....

[@maroskn3008]

Thanks for sharing. I got he same when I open my apartment window with "Tascam DR-05X" and with "Behringer C-2" + "Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD" + "6m cable" + "USB powerbank". Do you know how is it with "ZOOM H8", "ZOOM H6" or "TASCAM X8"?

[@williamlanier9]

Really glad I watched your video. Thanks!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching William!

[@capesoundboy]

We've had pretty good customer care from Zoom. Hope you get sorted out!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thats great to hear but we won't go down that route. We recycled the M4 and give the M2 one of our friends here in Japan.

[@LudwickMa]

I've shared your video with Zoom. Hope they confirm if these are factory faults that will be replaced or fixed with a firmware update. Please still review the functionality of the m4 as per my response to your reply on my comment on the m2 video?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Ludwick, we won't make any more videos about the devices. Also. the M4 is already recycled.

[@LudwickMa]

@@FreeToUseSounds it's a really disappointing outcome by Zoom. Hope they send you replacements for free. The idea behind the product is impressive, I'm still hoping it's a resolvable issue by them. Thanks for all your hard work & money invested.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@LudwickMa Thank you so much and it was our pleasure. We won't need a replacement. We ordered the Sony PCM D100 which should arrive very soon. :)

[@walthamwalker]

Thanks for the videos and the honest opinions of this equipment

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching Waltham!

[@504cool]

I had a Zoom H5 that i’ve had for years mysteriously make that noise toward the end of the shoot. I’d used it the entire day and changed the batteries then the interference appeared. This persisted during the shoot, then at home. I shelved it for a few months and used my spare… After a few weeks I found myself in a situation where I needed two mics… I don’t remember if I’d replaced the batteries at some point, but the interference was gone. And has been gone since. It was a weird anomaly. Has anyone else had this same interface problem before.

[@Finite-Tuning]

Two brand new devices in a row, back to back with the exact same problem would mostly negate batteries as suspect. Unless he used almost dead batteries in both devices during both tests. Also, both of these devices have battery indicators built in on screen, so I'm quite sure he used known good batteries for all tests. Cheers 🍻

[@cryptotrader2779]

What a complete and utter disaster these are ! Wow. And to think we were so excited for them too. I can't think of anyone these recorders are good for. They really do sound no different to using my ElektroUsi microphones ! How on earth did these ever get released ? I'm still a little stunned at how bad they are, from the awful designs to the sound. There is literally nothing good about either of them. Zoom needs to give everyone their money back and start again from scratch. Anyway, I wish you and Libby an amazing Xmas holiday and I hope you get to take a few days off to relax. Many thanks to both of you for all your hard work bringing us the amazing videos this year. It is very much appreciated and I wish you and Libby the very best wishes for Xmas.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much Simon and we wish you and your family a wonderful Xmas as well. For us we won't take time off. We're out and about recording and filming :). We will stay in Okinawa until New Year and have a couple more videos coming up from the Shinkansen trip. Also we already have new plans for 2023. Stay tuned and as always, we appreciate you for being so supportive. :)

[@koenignero]

Guys seriously, I just got my M4 today and made the microwave test, NO Interference at all.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thats great news that you don’t have that interference issue with your M4 on the microwave.

[@Vegetox]

I'm pretty happy to see bad reviews, it also gives confidence when you recommend a good product. Amazing electromagnetic recorder btw

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for saying that. Do you know the channel @cameraconspiracies. He is so funny and you might love his honesty about some of the products.

[@Vegetox]

@@FreeToUseSounds Oh no I didn't know him ! But I only do sound ;) As boom op and sound recorder.. I mostly watch you, podcastage, Curtis Judd, booth junkie, sound speeds... Thanks for what you do ;) -If you come to the north of France, send me an email. I'll send you one with my contact details ;)

[@Vegetox]

**** unscrew the xlr male cable, and the inner plastic plug, and push the metal tab from the xlr male! it should work **** the issue is because your xlr Male have a hole at the end. the metal tab is in it...

[@Sagirov_Viktor]

Can you try recording without headphones monitoring, maybe the headphones works as an antenna?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes we tried that too and had the same issue. But I think monitoring without headphones wouldn’t solve the problem. But it would narrow down the cause for sure.

[@DropoutSound]

For those who own the zoom M4 MICTRAK: is it possible to use the 2 XLR and the stereo 1/8" IN simultaeneously for the 4 tracks recording? I would like to be able to not use the built in capsules and go in with only 4 external mics. Is this possible?

[@Leemuzhko]

Looks like new recorders are to sensitive to EMF. Stucking XLRs are nightmare. Do you plan to contact Zoom about these issues? So they can fix them.

[@michaelbruning9361]

I downloaded the manual. On page 26: "When disconnecting a mic, pull the XLR plug while pushing the connector lock release button."

[@Leemuzhko]

@@michaelbruning9361 of course you should push the lever. Everybody knows that. But sometimes it doesn't unlock. And you have to disassemble everything to reach this locking pin from inside, or just change the whole XLR socket.

[@paragraph339stgb3]

Für den einen sind es nervige Indifferenzen für den anderen etwas sehr nützliches ✌️😉

[@bigbigplanet]

Thanks for doing what you do. I can't believe Zoom made these recorders. What a disaster!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching! Lets hope they come up with something better. Fingers crossed :)

[@overjok]

thank you for this experience !

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!!

[@softwaredeveloper6791]

What's the db of the sound? If it was extremely low then that's easy to filter.

[@RexZoran]

I’ve received my M2 yesterday from B&H and immediately tried it. I am very disappointed to say that, unfortunately, my unit too is picking up interference in amount that is way too high for my taste. It is not just when I am in the room with microwave but also when I am in the room with desktop computer or WiFi router and it gets stronger closer I am to the source of interference. When “sock” is over the microphone it gets less but it is still very noticeable. I’ve contacted Zoom USA and they told me they are aware of reports of this issue and are in contact with Japan headquarters. Thus I will be returning my unit to B&H and waiting until there is a permanent resolution.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hello Rex! Thank you so much for sharing and letting us know about it. Im very sorry that you experienced the same issue. :((

[@RexZoran]

@@FreeToUseSounds … and Thank You! for bringing this to attention of community, if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be aware and wouldn’t know what to look for until it would be too late. With best wishes, @RexZoran

[@JeffBourke]

is it something to do with 32 bit sensitivity? Just seems bizarre.

[@david_farmer]

Cheers for this and I'm in agreement. Why don't you release a library pack of interference sounds from them? I'll buy it. :) Seriously. Useful "mistakes"!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

He He He :) Well I could still do it with the M2 but the M4 is gone. Still might be a little bit to much salt in the wound. :)

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I wonder if you aren't picking up a stray radio frequency?

[@가자-k9f]

Does M3 MicTrak have the same phenomenon?

[@SunnyBeeRandomTuber]

Is the H8 a better alternative?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! We made a comparison video between the Zoom H6 and H8. Feel free to check it out.

[@adischenker1851]

so are this issues been resolved? I'm looking for an all around on camera mic+recorder and keep hearing about the f3 but this form factor seems much nicer....but much less info and availability so not sure...

[@Veptis]

Still looking for a recorder that doesn't have some negative reviews or some big issues. It sounds like this product had a lot of the features I wanted to have but now I lost all motivation to shop audio stuff again.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

We ordered the Sony PCM D100. Just arrived and this one is just amazing!

[@alexanderaseffa]

I was about to purchase the DIY Elektrosluch Mini City. The M2 seems to be a better deal. Fully built RF Detector with recording capability.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

and besides the Electroslush, its still available. :)

[@timdanyo898]

They record the 4th dimension?

[@prabhuja7554]

I have commented the same issues in their Channel..hope they rectify or reply

[@argy-ji2zf]

Zoom recorder are the Best in sound quality.

[@YoungBlaze]

why is it so hard to find videos on the zoom M3 , thats where they should be putting all their resources into, this m4 and m2 is terrible

[@FreeToUseSounds]

We had the same thought. Normally content creators pushing videos about new gear like crazy. Makes you wonder.

[@tudeproductions7946]

Yea just got an m4 and it still has the issue. Contacted Zoom, but most likely will have to return it and try something else, which is too bad as the M4 has everything I need on it.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

So sorry to hear that. That really is a bummer :((

[@tudeproductions7946]

@@FreeToUseSounds - Do you know if the issue with the sound artifacts above on the Tascam X8 have been addressed? It is unfortunate that the only two hand held 32 bit float recorders have issues with things that impact their usability in some ways.

[@EduardoBarba6]

I'm the second 😄😅 -Thanks for the video Marcel and Libby. I'm very disappointed with these rocorders and with ZoomLab. I hope that they can fix those problems!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Yeah :)) Glad you're here! Edit: We hope that too. Its a company and they can fix that if they want.

[@tfaqir]

Hello my friends! This is Wifi noise. Your headphone wire becomes the antenna. What you hear at the Microwave is probably the Wi-Fi signal reflecting off the metal box structure of the microwave. Any device that doesn't have this noise has an electronic filter purpose-built for canceling out the Wi-Fi and other radio interference. I know this from my experience of hooking s cheap Lavalier mic to the DJI wireless recorder. Once I switched to the Rode Lavalier II this kind of noise disappeared. Come to think of it try using another headphone as well. Also try grounding the Zoom handheld by attaching the exposed metal on the Zoom XLR connector to an electrical outlet ground for troubleshooting. Search Amazon for an electrical ground wristband.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Tahir, for testing purposes I will try that out for sure! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@PubRunner]

I tested my Zoom F2-BT and it only suffers from radio interference if I put the recorder right on top of my Wi-Fi access points other than that is is dead silent. With your stuck XLR plug, if it happens again, if there is enough room you could try using a padlock shim to get it to release the plug just search for Padlock Shim on KZbin, just shove the shim where the push button release is..... may not work but worth a try. It may save the recorder and stop it from being recycled 🙂

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! We tried almost everything but nothing worked. Its already gone.

[@PubRunner]

@@FreeToUseSounds glad to see it was recycled.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@brianlynn6154 Oh shoot! Did you get it out? Also, do you mind sharing what connectors you use?

[@Kenjineering]

It looks like the high frequency hum line you pointed out in your previous video is even more terrible in these tests!! The M2 in particular looks like a barcode, even when away from the microwave!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Oh yes that was outside and the RF wasn't that strong but still audible and visible. Now that's next level.