ZOOM R4 Multitrak Handheld Recorder Review

BUY from Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/577532?offid=1&affid=3320
BUY from Andertons: clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=323652&a=3365057&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andertons.co.uk%2Fzoom-r4-multitrak-handheld-4-track-recorder%2F
BUY From Amazon (UK) amzn.to/3vNOOiC
BUY From Amazon (US) amzn.to/3UhoAzm
►► CLAIM YOUR FREE! VOCAL EQ CHEAT SHEET Stop Guessing and Start Mixing Smarter!→realhomestudio.com/vocaleq
ZOOM's experience in portable recorder's is right up there with the best and this handheld device is an absolute corker!
Check it out HERE: zoomcorp.com
★GET 10% OFF MY COURSES with Coupon Code KZbin10
www.realhomestudio.com/courses
★GET 10% off KIT Plugins with Coupon Code RHS10
kitplugins.com/discount/RHS10
★GET 10% off SONIMUS plugins with coupon code REALHOMESTUDIO
sonimus.com/?ref=realhomestudio
★GET $50 off LANDR Studio Subscription www.landr.com/en/pricing/studio/?fpr=jonny28
★CLAIM your Real Home Studio 7% off DistroKid VIP Discount
distrokid.com/vip/rhs
★PURCHASE Your Plugins at Plugin Boutique via the link below to SUPPORT the Channel.
pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=6310f20f0630f
★CHECK OUT MY HOME STUDIO Set Up: kit.co/RealHomeStudio/my-home-studio-set-up
★START MIXING SMARTER at www.realhomestudio.com
All my thoughts are my own. I may benefit from the above links.
#zoomr4 #zoom #r4 #portastudio #bestportastudio #fourtrack #4track #bestfourtrack #podcastrecorder #youtuberecorder #audiorecorder #zoomaudio

[@realhomestudioofficial]

►► CLAIM YOUR FREE! VOCAL EQ CHEAT SHEET Stop Guessing and Start Mixing Smarter!→realhomestudio.com/vocaleq BUY from Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/577532?offid=1&affid=3320 BUY from Andertons: clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=323652&a=3365057&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andertons.co.uk%2Fzoom-r4-multitrak-handheld-4-track-recorder%2F

[@ianwilson7637]

Great and very informative video, thanks. I have a Zoom H4n Pro and was looking at this as an upgrade, but without the Mic's that come with the H4n, it looks like they are totally different beasts.

[@GaryStockton]

I got one and it’s really cool. One thing I am having a challenge with is nagivating Projects. It wasn’t too obvious how to start a new project, but I am sure I will get used to it. I see it as a digital sketchbook for song ideas that can be fully developed over on a DAW later.

[@blueser100]

I found it really helps to use the rename function for projects.

[@GaryStockton]

@@blueser100 Thank you, good idea.

[@Brew_Tube]

Thanks for the review, really great content. I just received mine yesterday and hoping it'll add to the channel but also it's always nic e to have a new tech gadget!

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AlvOlavson]

Keep on doing this mate, its your destiny!

[@MookieMaroni]

Thanks for the demo. Definitely encouraged my decision to preorder. Have been using it for a week now and really enjoying it. With little experience recording, I become impatient with DAW's. This has been a breeze to figure out with little reference to the manual. Effects are servicable even though some seem redundant. Tone variation has little effect. Perhaps my headphones do not sanctify this function. Have used my pedals, but not necessary. Does everything needed for my La-Z-Boy studio!

[@realhomestudioofficial]

You're welcome Michael, totally agree! I have a lot of experience recording but still get impatient with daw's sometimes! There's something really nice about not having a big screen and just simply recording. Really glad to hear you're enjoying making music with it.

[@SomedayisNow]

Thanks so much! FINALLY a video of someone actually USING the R4 ....Peace☮

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Glad I could help! 💯🚀💥👍

[@Jiglo71]

Just the video I needed after watching the X8 for so long and nobody making a multitrack video of that. Nice to see something else come along in the meantime that's more suitable for my needs thanks to your great review with a demo. Cheers.

[@wibblewabblewoo6249]

I hope zoom update some of their older line in this style A 4 or 8 input in this style would really interest me - tbh, I love how small and perfect this little one is already

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Yeah agreed, really like this direction 💯

[@legendsflashback]

Is built in mic a condenser mic?

[@legendsflashback]

So only 2 tracks record simultaneously?

[@stephenchambers2637]

Thanks for the review. I'm preordering.

[@xavierlafolie2856]

I read there was a punch-in function to re-record small portions of tracks on the R4. Could you show the actual process of using this feature?

[@VEDAVOX]

Nice presentation, thank you!

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Cheers bud 👍

[@Richard_L_Drummer]

If it is 32bit float…no need to adjust gain, what is the use of the faders? Am I supposed to set these at certain level to output before hitting record? Also, does anyone know if R4 is effective when connected to edrums? Thanks! Great video and simple.😊

[@realhomestudioofficial]

yeah you can adjust the levels with the faders for recording/playback and for bouncing

[@levonlooper5812]

sorry, a question: I noticed that for the voice you used the integrated microphone directly. Is the recording quality so good that you don't use a connected microphone for the voice?. thanks Mark

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Hi Mark, I was really impressed with the mic quality. Came out great on this recording using one of the pre amp effects from the R4. I'd happily use the integrated mic. Cheers!

[@levonlooper5812]

thanks for everything@@realhomestudioofficial

[@kirtanforthesoul]

Can i connect the dji microphone to this and also record from the device

[@samb2538]

Hi mate, excellent video, thanks. Hoping you can clarify a couple of things for me to help in my decision making process to get this or the H6... - Is the headphone/line out suitable for sending to powered speakers with a stereo breakout cable, to monitor recordings/live input? - Does the R4 accept line level signals from keyboards/synths/guitar multifx etc? - Are you able to play back the bounce track while you record new tracks to the four empty ones, so you can hear what you are adding on top of the previously recorded tracks? Thanks again, great video.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Hi bud, firstly I can't see why not, yes it does accept line level signals, the bass and elec guitar were di'd in this video and finally yes the bounced track becomes a ghost 5th track which you can play along with. Hope that helps my friend and thanks for that. Happy recording!

[@samb2538]

Beauty, ta for the response mate. @@realhomestudioofficial

[@NeungView]

Hi. When using is as a PC sound card, can it play back 2 channels and record 2 channels simultaneously?

[@NealNot]

Hey! Quick question. How did you deal with this unit not having a punch in and punch out feature? What do I do if I'm recording a 3 minute guitar track, and I mess up 2 minutes in? Do I have to start my entire guitar take again? or do I need to continue it on a new track? Usually I write my songs in pieces, so I'll record an intro one day, then 2 weeks later record a chorus or verse when it comes to me. Does that mean I will have to have a ton of guitar tracks? or will it let me continue on in the exact same track? Lastly, did you ever find a way to do punch ins and punch outs? If so how? Thanks in advance! And great video! :)

[@agwmusic]

Sooooooooooooo. No markers - regarding manual... So normally in live sessions you would put marker 12345etc on different parts of recording.....like intro, chorus, bridge etc...and THEN punch in from makers rewinding "tape"' to couple seconds or bars before punch in to get ready.. to pick the guitar or stand closer to mic etc...and THEN record should start from maker.... like fly in.... that's in other zoom devices like R8. Soooooooo how to navigating into different parts of the song ? Rewind it all times to certain time?.... hmmmm maybe I'm asking too much but .. and no quick buttons for it also... In other hand if ZOOM could implement drums and amp simulators why not this...? Just my 3 cents.... lack of marks is deal breaker for me. Anyway good review.

[@calebruizdevelasco8068]

I love mine, so easy to use some usable guitsr tones and great preamps for vocals or acoustic. I transfer the files right to my phone with the usb c cable.

[@babonneau]

Cool! But you forgot to tell us if Zoom sent you the device for free or if you bought it with your own money --> Channel transparency!

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Zoom sent it in bud but not a sponsored vid. Thoughts are my own. 👍

[@pablorar]

Do you think this is suitable for backing tracks live?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

You could use it for that yes. The multi tracks could be handy so you have some stage mix flexibility.

[@vid4ia583]

Well at least you actually use and demonstrate the unit unlike the other demos of talking-head-unboxers I've seen.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Glad it was helpful bud 💥

[@christianthompson1473]

A minijack output? Can you power it over usb (powerbank) when recording or only in interface mode?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

yes to minijack output and yes you can power either by usb c or aa batteries for recording

[@ShoggyTechTv]

After recording say 8 bars on track one, can i cycle track one while recording on track two or does the recording end after the eight bars?

[@tomasotomaso4936]

Thanks for that! Great job. I’m sold. Need one ASAP! Regards from NC USA.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

You're very welcome. Happy recording my friend 👍

[@Emil54]

Is it possible to record throuh both external inputs (let's say a synth) and then simultaniosly use the onboard microphone to record singing?

[@Bogzter9]

What is the output sound of recorded guitar and voice using the built in mic? Is the built in mic condenser like on Tascam Dp08ex? Thanks.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Hey bud, both the acoustic guitars and vocals in the demo were recorded via the Zoom onboard mic. I think they did an excellent job, I was genuinely really impressed, especially nice on the acoustic. Yes a condenser just like that, great for acoustic and vocals etc...

[@Bogzter9]

@@realhomestudioofficial cheers for replying.looks like i'm getting one instead of tascamdp08ex.

[@aaronnh6941]

I was ready to pull the trigger until I found there was no built-in speaker. Totally understand them trying to keep the price point low but it’s kind of a deal breaker for me having to use only headphones and not being able to listen to playback with others in your group.

[@joellebrodeur1015]

My ancient Zoom PS02 never had a speaker and never expected this device to have it. I solved that by simply connecting to a Blackstar Fly 3. the R4 connects to any computer with USB C

[@jaywong8023]

Almost perfect but why no XY mic😢

[@petegalindez9961]

That would be the H4n…

[@lilmikemikesix]

Why do people always complain?

[@michaelyolch79]

You have 2 XLR inputs, plug in 2 mics in an XY pattern! Sheesh! 🙄

[@blueser100]

Love the R4 so far. Wondering how do edit on it? Are the only options erase track/file or punch in/out? I guess there is no way to create song sections or rearrange like in a DAW.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

yeah, the best way to edit is to export and work on the files in a daw imo

[@mistergrooveman1018]

Nice video ,!! just miss 4 input and what about sharing this with iphone ( insta etc ) , like blutooph would be amazing ! but the price is crazy and the size perfect , what did you recommand for four input and sharing easily on iphone (use would be for little video livemusic streming ) thanks buddy !

[@Dave6SS]

Can the headphone jack be used as a line out?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Yeah, that should work fine

[@Dave6SS]

@@realhomestudioofficial Awesome Thanks

[@xuamox]

If you plug in to a mixing board would you record the vocals separately on its own track?

[@marcushywaka]

If the mixing board has auxillary outputs you can connect a TRS cable to one and turn on that aux dial on the vocal channel and record that. Then for example record the rest of the inputs using the other aux output to keep it separated from the vocals. Just an idea.

[@Chriss-Gear]

Is there an ability to play your recordings through headphones or a powered speaker?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

There's a mini jack line out for headphones or speaker 👍

[@wmvideo50]

If you use the left and right out but from a mixing desk will it record in stereo like on a H6

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Yeah, it has 2 inputs so that would make sense 👍

[@wmvideo50]

@@realhomestudioofficial As on a zoom you can record dual mono or stereo

[@contemarcula]

MIC IN only or also LINE IN?

[@stephenchambers2637]

Can you post the entire song you recorded? I'd like to hear a final mix.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Hey bud, I actually only recorded that section of the song for the purposes of the video. I did record it 10 years ago, here's a linkjonnygoode.bandcamp.com/track/runaway-trains

[@thejasontlewis]

Sister Goldenhair by America.

[@pirateshack9315]

that's a stretch dude

[@realhomestudioofficial]

🤣 I have to agree!

[@115emanuele]

till the G

[@osovagabundo1]

why didn't they put an input on top to accept any of their external plug in mics

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Probably because they already have a dozen other products that do that. This isn’t one of those.

[@joellebrodeur1015]

Is this similar to the Zoom PS02? I still use it for practice thanks to the emulation section.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Yeah similar, updated concept design

[@BobbyPollution]

The Zoom H5 gives 15 hours on two AA batteries but the R4 gives only six hours on four AA batteries. Why?

[@HomelessIndustrialComplex]

Is that "Bounce Track" stereo (as in 2 track stereo?)

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Yes it is 👍

[@dylanyanes]

How is the battery life of the R4?

[@dylanyanes]

AWESOME informative review

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Cheers my friend 👍

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Pretty good, I had it running for about 4 hours that day and a good few hours playing with it over the weekend before, after all that it was down to the last notch on the battery indicator

[@zovkrovi]

Is there track looping functionality?

[@jmudd235]

I purchased this product and have experienced some issues when trying to record a backing track from a device (both PC and iPhone) to one of the tracks using a 3.5mm audio cable with 1/4 inch adaptor (multiple cables and adapters so I have ruled out those pieces as malfunctioning). When I record using this method, the volume is low and has some sort of interference. I have tried input A and B with same results. I was able to use this method with my old Zoom MRS-4 without issue. It is almost as if the backing track is too much to handle. Any ideas?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

My first thought would be to check the adapter, you'll want to go from stereo to mono so the rings line up

[@jmudd235]

That did the trick! Thanks for the input (pun intended, unfortunately).

[@harrymiram6621]

Was just wondering...Action camera-->R4=Suitable YT Channel?....Y/N?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Yeah good fit bud 👍

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

If it has WiFi and Bluetooth it’d be extremely helpful. Could record tracks and send them from the machine to other people. These kinds of devices need to incorporate a way to send what you’ve recorded to other ppl right from the machine. Even my iPhone can do that and sounds pretty decent.

[@azimut2azimut218]

What do you think about Zoom H4essential ?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Hey bud, I haven't used it

[@19501960]

Good demo , thanks. Could you help me. Can you record from Logic, (or any daw ) into the R4 on all 4 tracks. save that as a song or project ? i want to use it for backing using the 4 tracks for ,drum guitar, keys, bass. then when performing have all 4 tracks running after loading the project/song, allowing me access to the 4 faders to mix on the fly if drums are too loud , keys to quiet etc. hope you can confirm if thats possible.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Thank you, I don't think you can assign tracks recorded externally back into the R4, you'd have to record them directly to the R4 then that would work. Totally get why you would want to use it like this for live, I used to use an akai mpc for this reason. I would double check for you but I've sent the preview model back.

[@19501960]

thanks for replying, much appreciated.@@realhomestudioofficial

[@StephenSmart]

This is a two track recorder - @@19501960 - not a 4 track as Zoom use poor marketing materials BUT you can load files from the audio files from a DAW via SD card to the 4 separate tracks in a single project by song I suppose. Clarify here Page 64 manual.

[@ShiftingDrifter]

Does it come with a footswitch to start and stop recording?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

It doesn't

[@parksydetv5795]

can the time be changed to bars?

[@NollaigHealey]

excellent video well done :)

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Thank you! Really appreciate that bud

[@legendsflashback]

Records 4 tracks simultaneously?

[@StephenSmart]

No - its a 2 track recorder only.

[@joelpoitras6226]

Does it have mastering effects like te Zoom R8, R20, R24 and R16?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

I don't believe so

[@pagpapaitim]

I wonder how battery life is and if there’s phantom power

[@Steven-kj7xq]

Yes to phantom power. I just put four AAs in this morning so not sure how long they'll last yet.

[@sconione3580]

Does the device let you record the rhythm tracks?

[@StephenSmart]

only on final export. Which has a limit of 93 minutes. Any longer and no song is going to export.

[@ObscureMics]

Thanks for this!

[@VinceFinemMusic]

Can somebody please explain how it has 4 tracks but only 2 inputs? Is it counting 2 stereo inputs as 4 total tracks?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

It's a 4 track not a 4 input 👍

[@JuanSanchez-go6zm]

Zoom Podtrak p4 vs R4? THNKS!!

[@OCDStee]

Does this have an auto punch feature? 🤔 Thank you.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

It doesn't bud

[@OCDStee]

@@realhomestudioofficial Ahhh. That's a shame. Thanks for the quick reply though. Much appreciated 👍

[@michael86734]

cool does it have built in mics

[@realhomestudioofficial]

One built in mic at the front. I used it to record the guitars and vocals in the video. Sounds great 👍

[@dannyharpermusic]

Great video. Thanks!

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Cheers bud 💯

[@romi2910001]

Does this thing have a looper

[@realhomestudioofficial]

No looper bud

[@greggh]

Price? 1:46

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Around £200 bud 👍

[@Larryco1]

I's a nice product, but reality is that BR80 still has a lot more possibilities : 8 tracks - 64 virtual Bounce Mastering More effects. Stereo condenser mic Zoom does not respect customers

[@kfr5018]

Sister Golden Hair

[@charleswind8298]

NO ONE WILL Answer this question !!!!! After recording into this machine then what ?????? How do you end up with a recorded medium you can play possibly in your car ??

[@pirateshack9315]

hi, one way would be to put the micro sd card files onto your computer and into your daw or computer media program for additional processing and then export files or burn a cd depending on your set-up, hope this helped a bit. another option is to send the bounce track out through the headphone jack of the R4 into a recording device

[@charleswind8298]

@@pirateshack9315 thnkyou

[@ProjectileGrommet]

Why is the f3 more expensive than this? The f3 should be like $150

[@smellymala3103]

I just accidentally found these on Amazon last night for 30 bucks looking for a way to not to carry my 32 on this upcoming vacation, let's learn about what I bought.

[@slawaschwed]

32Bit / 48kHz Nope

[@jdrukman]

What did you expect for $200?

[@cfytcf]

96kHz according to Zoom

[@jdrukman]

@@cfytcf you can get the H6 for $250 if you require 24/96

[@biscorbit]

​@@cfytcfmaybe only with 16 and 24 bit recordings?

[@cfytcf]

@@biscorbit I've since contacted Zoom and they said it is actually 48kHz

[@steviostevio3191]

I really like this thing but no mic locks and third line in?? Come on Zoom....and it's entirely plastic.

[@TheAdjacents-ABQ]

Rather than headphones, can you hear the audio, as you plat, through a monitor.

[@realhomestudioofficial]

if you have monitors yes

[@FabiolousBarker]

all the tracks in this video are heavily processed...

[@realhomestudioofficial]

No extra processing bud, just recorded through the zoom as shown 👍

[@iamyourfuture808]

🤔I’m guessing you didn’t pay out of your own pocket for this

[@realhomestudioofficial]

You're correct, Zoom sent this one in but it isn't a paid promotion and all of my thoughts on this product are my own. I don't even have an affiliate with Zoom. I think it's a great little recorder!

[@fleadoggreen9062]

No Bluetooth? Lame !

[@bungalowfeuhler1541]

I agree. But I bet they left it out to avoid answering one hundred customer support calls everyday when someone can’t figure out why the Bluetooth 1.0 speaker on the other side of the house seems to be introducing a delay.

[@1BabaSalam]

This toy looks too plasticky. At least to my eyes.

[@SpendCroof]

Bull shhit. That's no multitrack recorder! Has multi mics recorder and overdub recording.

[@biscorbit]

Do the xlr's lock in?

[@realhomestudioofficial]

Not locking.

[@biscorbit]

@@realhomestudioofficial not good for field recording, too bad