Is This The Coolest Handheld Recorder Ever? - The Zoom R4 MultiTrak Recorder & Audio Interface
Рет қаралды 21,251
7 ай бұрынSay what you will about zoom devices....but they keep it interesting.
BUY - amzn.to/3S3KyEw
Tip Jar! - All donations keep this channel going and with more odd and discontinued mics - paypal.me/barkOM?country.x=US...
BUY The SM7B - amzn.to/43wZDk4
BUY Vocaster One - amzn.to/3n1aDr5
BUY My Boom Arm - amzn.to/3V5K5Bz
BUY My XLR Cable - amzn.to/3AyACJi
The Cheapest XLR Cable To Pair With A Mic You May Be Inspired To Buy From These Videos - amzn.to/41NZxEz
The Cheapest Useable Interface - amzn.to/3MWbFiw
The Cheapest GOOD Table Mic Stand - amzn.to/3KY09QS
The Cheapest Stand Extension Tube - amzn.to/3mW9pgr
My other channels
BARK - / @barkcaster
Stuck In My Generation - / @stuckinmygeneration
Obscure Tech - / @obscuretech
Obscure Hotline With Bronson From Audio Hotline - / @obscurehotline
The Back Row Show - / @thebackrowshow
My Gear For Sale - reverb.com/shop/jeremys-gear-...
Check out my podcasts
In The Car With Bark (Audio Blog)
The Back Row Show (Sports)
Stuck In My Generation (Music)
Hear The Gear (Audio Gear Shorts)
Available On Most Podcast Platforms
Where I host my podcasts, which I highly recommend if you want to start a show - redcircleinc.grsm.io/lbn9m72n...
Gear used in this video other than the video subject:
Focusrite Vocaster One (Studio Vids) - amzn.to/3CYxOXW
Tascam 1x2HR Audio Interface (Green Screen Vids) - amzn.to/3CDw997
OC White Accu-Lite Boom Arm - adorama.rfvk.net/P0EAzQ
Roland Black Series XLR Cables - amzn.to/3cy47CB
Gator Frameworks Mic Quick Release - amzn.to/3cuYCEo
Sennhesier HD 569 Headphones - amzn.to/3v3uJ4E
Razer Kiyo Pro Webcam - amzn.to/3v2pzG8
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Discord - / discord
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @obscuremics
"Warning: All voices are different, your voice may sound very different than mine with the same gear." - bigduckenergy
-BARK
@stingylizard 6 ай бұрын
Dig your channel,Obscure Mic dude. We learn things and laugh,too--salute that! Plus,you talked us into purchasing an R4...hella unit,no regrets. We first got it to record acoustic guitar/vocal demo's,which it does very well,but we quickly found it's useful all over the place. It paired up and played nice with a lot of gear...anything with L/R outputs. It's the easiest to use handheld we have; although it can't replace our Tascam it is definitely more user friendly for musicians. Cheers and thanks👍
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
That's awesome! Appreciate you guys watching!
@johnheiser2604 7 ай бұрын
I have the Zoom H6, which is marvellous but the R4. Wow. Thanks mate & Happy New Year.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
I honestly have zero qualms with any of their handhelds. This one is absolutely my favorite so far
@wellreallynow 6 ай бұрын
Great video. I'd love to see you do one that shows how the drum tracks sound and also explore if the drum tracks are customizeable.
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
I like that idea. A follow up IS needed
@mrrgstuff 7 ай бұрын
Cool bit of kit! Thanks 😀 👍
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Thank YOU
@meistudiony 7 ай бұрын
Very cool device! Could see that getting use for field recording. Really cool you can use it as an interface and a little mobile guitar rig. Price is definitely right! I still wanna see a review on that mic!!!
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
It's coming. I need to find the place I bought it from.....proving difficult
@knowyourjoe8826 7 ай бұрын
Cool little handheld recorder. Lol I was just about to ask what mic that was and you just told us! I like the idea of the "Favorite Gear of 2023" video. Maybe a live stream would be a good format for that. looking forward to whatever is next. Hope you and your family had a great Christmas. It's been a while since I have "turned in," how did the move go? Thanks for sharing.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
All is well Joe! Thanks buddy
@Dracomies 7 ай бұрын
I resonate with this video so much! First I love how you say I don't use a script, I just talk. I'm the same way too. Also when you said, "I could make a best gear of 2023 but that's a lot of work" I feel that!!! And yes, I love Zoom products! They're really good at making very useful, tiny and compact devices. I just got the Zoom M3 and it's freaking amazing at how well it sounds yet being like 3.3 ounces!
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
I just had my eyes on that yesterday. Is it good enough to be a jack of all trades mic? And yeah I enjoy your videos because they are off the cuff like mine. Just put the gear on camera and GO
@Dracomies 7 ай бұрын
I just literally got the M3 yesterday so the jury is still out but I think this is probably the best travel setup. It's a recorder, a shotgun mic, 32 bit float and it weighs less than my Anker charger cubes. :D You gotta try it out! :D @@ObscureMics
@davelordy 6 ай бұрын
You can't resonate with something, something resonates with you. The word (in this context) means to invoke feelings (emotion, joy, excitement . . ), so you are basically saying "I invoke excitement with this video so much!" . . . which makes no sense, whereas "this video invokes excitement in me" would make sense (which would be 'this video resonates with me').
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
Why....just...why.
@davelordy 6 ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics We need to save the English language from American abuse.
@crackerdjc2429 6 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video. I used it for first song, very cool. Still trying to figure out the fader and levels when recording from plugged in guitar. I want it as close to mastering level as possible. I see that if you export, the normalize feature kicks in, a mastering feature. Does it matter if guitar is up or middle volume, or is sound volume completely controlled by fader level. Great recorder.
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
To my knowledge it's controlled by fader level...as I had to take the bass up a little in post (not on video)
@jamesupton5601 Ай бұрын
Hey from the UK. I have ADHD and finding something that's simple is my biggest task. Some of the recording software kills my attention span with seemingly thousands of options. This thing looks actually straight forward, cheers for highlighting it.
@ObscureMics Ай бұрын
I love simplicity, and I’m with you on the notion of software being too much sometimes. I’d much rather just RECORD
@tombuck 7 ай бұрын
I’m here for an original album. Regardless of perceived quality. Also, it’s super cool that they specifically say the R4 is for musicians and then just go all in on that direction.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Agreed. No half way on this one. Happy New years my friend
@meistudiony 7 ай бұрын
PL10 baby! Rock it! This thing is pretty cool. For field recording this is just about as perfect as you can get and the money is spot on. I wish I could do an off the cuff video...
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
We need your videos ON the cuff
@meistudiony 7 ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics then the cuffs get dirty… its a big mess.
@SHTMusik 2 ай бұрын
Looks pretty cool. Nice video. I have an old Boss Micro BR that is pocket size and very useful for recording ideas on the go. It´s mono but if I want to do more advanced recording I use my Zoom R24 which is my favorite digital recorder of all time. I even made a video about all its features. BTW, there is also a newer Boss model that is 8 tracks but I have heard that the jog wheel gets glitchy after a while and it´s a pain to change the batteries. Zoom recorders, in general, are a very good value IMHO.
@ObscureMics 2 ай бұрын
I enjoy zoom recorders. Not perfect but they work well. I will have to check out the boss recorders!
@BustedShutter 6 ай бұрын
Hey thanks for the review! I have a couple questions I'm hoping you can answer. 1) How's the build quality? Like if you dropped it off your desk would you worry about it breaking much? 2) Is there a click / metronome you can play to? 3) Can you change / apply the effects after you've recorded the audio? 4) Is there any rhythm or drum loops? 5) Any kind of punch in/out or editing feature or do you need to get it all right in one take for each track? Thanks so much in advance if you or anyone is able to answer these. Cheers!
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
1 - i wouldnt worry...very solid even if plastic 2 - I believe there is a metronome 3 - effects have to be done in real time 4 - yep, with tempo and volume adjustments 5 - do not believe so thanks!
@BustedShutter 6 ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics Hey thanks so much man! Appreciate it. Rock on.
@19Hutch89 Ай бұрын
I just ordered mine yesterday and am hoping it is as easy as everyone says it is. I'm new to recording and this looks great
@ObscureMics Ай бұрын
It really is quite easy. And this just cuts out so much of the extra connections and devices needed to start basic music / voice recording
@19Hutch89 Ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics Awesome. Thanks for the great video
@ObscureMics Ай бұрын
Thanks for watching
@ss-zs9tf Ай бұрын
Nice great review!!!! ") ty more please
@ObscureMics Ай бұрын
More on the way always! Thank you
@neonrust 7 ай бұрын
i just got one today...good video...and funny
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Let me know how you like the R4!
@DJb-ill219 7 ай бұрын
Half way threw the video but does it have a 3.5 Aux that you can run background music 🎵 threw your phone 📱 or tablet
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Nope. I believe you could accomplish it with a 3.5 to quarter inch though
@tomasotomaso4936 6 ай бұрын
That was a fantastic review. You got me all jacked up to run buy one! When you said “BAD-ASS”, like you really meant it….TWICE….that was the closer, I reached for the wallet. Also your ten/minute kitchen tune was so bitchin I was just losin’ it with joy. Because you see, I’m just a nutty ol drummer who writes snottyass tunes on a strat…just like you did! Except in a garage. But seriously, thanks so much for the informative review. Sold me.
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
Fantastic feedback. Appreciate the view and the kind words. Bad-ass comment actuallly
@megatedassaultituary6783 3 күн бұрын
The closest thing to this on an Android is the J4T four track app..I really like the analog old school interface and the ability to stack fx chains, ...obviously not as advanced as Zoom or Tascam stuff its just an app, but so good for a 20mb app super straight forward, no extra fancy features....just has that sweet spot just like a classic 4 track tape unit . Its so good, I wish someone made a standalone device..bet it would sell like hot cakes lol
@ObscureMics 3 күн бұрын
I’m gonna have to look into that for sure!
@thermochemist 7 ай бұрын
Hey, have you thought about replacing the capsule on the Behringer XM8500?
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Nope. It's a good mic....I could throw a capsule in a bad mic instead
@VoiceEnFuego 5 ай бұрын
Good stuff. Commenting for the algorithm 😂
@ObscureMics 5 ай бұрын
Good looking out
@d.j.davito4155 6 ай бұрын
Can you hook it up to a turn table to record dj mixes or a controller ?
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
With proper adapters yep
@karlbolundstedt 3 ай бұрын
UR FUNNY MAN! AND U SPEAK AS EVERY ONE IS SUPERGOOD! 🎸🎸🎸🙏❤
@ObscureMics 3 ай бұрын
Thank you! I appreciate that!
@robertharker 7 ай бұрын
Ohh... Micro slider controls. In my exerience almost imposible to adjust with precision. Just ask a sound guy trying to adjust a 1U graphic EQ. For the space, knobs are better. Eiser to adjust with a much better visual indicator of where the adjustment is. Angle of the knob mark.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Agreed. I feel like this is a 32 bit float thing as well....like "go ahead and mess up....you can fix it in post!"
@scottgibson6022 5 ай бұрын
To clarify for me, a complete newbie, is the bounce track a mono track? Can this device be used to layer up two different bounce tracks so that the final result is stereo?
@ObscureMics 5 ай бұрын
Yes and yes ....it's pretty impressive
@hanglooserecluse 7 ай бұрын
My zoom H6 has spent most of its life packed in a case but the outside plastic bits have gone all sticky and yuck to touch. I should complain to zoom to see if they can let me trade in for a new one
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
I HATE that tacky grippy crap. Thankfully ..not on the r4
@hwreviewers 7 ай бұрын
Hi, i have a question, it is capable to record a line-in signal? From zoom website specs i see that 6,3 input it's only for instruments e not for a balanced line-in signal. Could you confirm this if possible? Thanks.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
I will test when time permits. Great question....hopeful answer soon
@pablorar 6 ай бұрын
Hi obscure mics. Do you think this is suitable for using backingtracka live?
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
It'll certainly work in my opinion
@damolin77 7 ай бұрын
why not have a removable chargeable battery pack and removable insert where you can put AA batteries your choice.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Good question!
@aussernllc 7 ай бұрын
I have a Tascam DR 100 mkiii and several Chinese knock off mics including Neumann U87. They sound great through the Tascam. Point I want to make is to use more than one audio interface or recorder before making a decision. Avoid shiny new object syndrome.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
100%. I actually love old gear...gear has been good for a long time
@dannyharpermusic 5 ай бұрын
I wonder if it has Left / Right Output jacks?
@ObscureMics 5 ай бұрын
Negative
@Mikita1 7 ай бұрын
If you want your channel to blow up Make a two or three video about this device within a week You’ll be the only person with the quality content about this gadget cause nobody has it right now
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
I don't like to spend too much time on 1 device. But I can see some shorts in the future
@mickd22 7 ай бұрын
So just to clarify, the guitar at the end was just running through amp sims with no extra effects? Whats up with the mic you’re using there?
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Yeah I used an amp sim, and then a little eq. It was a lo fi amp sim. The mic is super lo fi lol....some weird creation I bought on etsy
@mickd22 7 ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics ok, good to know it’s meant to sound “lofi”. I thought maybe the amp sims just weren’t up to snuff, I had a flash of ptsd from my days in the early 2000s plugging my guitar right into my soundboard. Gross.
@ACABSTUDIOS Ай бұрын
I must have missed you test the internal mic
@ObscureMics Ай бұрын
No I totally forgot to
@joellebrodeur1015 7 ай бұрын
When you bounce, you got to assign it to a track in order to play it back. Also, my super ancient Zoom PS02 has far more amp and effects than the R4. Same goes with the rhythm section. R4 has only stagnant beats whereas I can program intros, fills, etc and assign how many measures and sequence on the PS02. I'm limited on the R4, so I have to connect the PS02 to get the drum track recorded onto the R4. I tried it and it works with very little noise. As much as I like and need the R4, I think the 2 decade old PS02 is more advanced than the R4. You can punch in/out and you can bounce tracks despite it being a 3 track. If Zoom released a new Palm Top Studio, I would gladly by it. Don't get me wrong. I like the R4. It's stupid simple to use, but I guess I was expecting more from the R4 because I think the Boss BR80 is dated, hard to use and COSM sounds terrible. Had one and hated it.
@pirateshack9315 6 ай бұрын
boo hoo
@AskMrScience 7 ай бұрын
If I didn't already have an F3 I'd be very tempted by this.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Definitely no need to go for this when you have the f3 for what you do. I always look forward to your squirrel shots lol
@AskMrScience 7 ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics I'm sure the squirrels appreciate that! Yes, the F3 is just right for my uses. Small and built like a tank.
@azimut2azimut218 4 ай бұрын
can record a track and listen to another track at the same time ?
@ObscureMics 4 ай бұрын
YUP!
@contemarcula 4 ай бұрын
MIC IN only or also LINE IN?
@ObscureMics 4 ай бұрын
Technically you can do line in since the XLR is combo jack....but theres no 3.5mm line in...youd have to adapt that to a 1/4
@martynwebber 3 ай бұрын
Will it record on-board (sd) while in usb audio interface mode?
@ObscureMics 3 ай бұрын
In my experience no. It gets locked into interface mode
@martynwebber 3 ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics Okay, I thought it'd probably be the case. Thanks for the reply 👍
@ObscureMics 3 ай бұрын
@@martynwebber thanks for watching
@ivanbravo347 7 ай бұрын
Is the micro SD card included?.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
It is not
@violistanton 5 ай бұрын
😃hand size !!!👏👏👏
@ObscureMics 5 ай бұрын
Indeed!
@user-nt2ip5hi7v 6 ай бұрын
Can i use this as a guitar rig?
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
Technically yes
@xBlitzerx 5 ай бұрын
How would this thing be recording a full band at live volume?
@ObscureMics 5 ай бұрын
That is a tough question to get a concrete answer on. With the right mic...I would imagine it could do the job well being 32bit float
@xBlitzerx 5 ай бұрын
@@ObscureMics Do you have a video or advice on mics for full band recording?
@ObscureMics 5 ай бұрын
Not currently
@enriquekahn9405 7 ай бұрын
Bark grunge covers channel when?
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Lol oh man...
@dannyharpermusic 5 ай бұрын
Record one with a good mic like the one you are talking into
@ObscureMics 5 ай бұрын
Will do!
@jaydeus 4 ай бұрын
I LOVE Nirvana and have my whole life. In Utero is my favorite album and it is definitely punk.
@ObscureMics 4 ай бұрын
100% I think ill listen to it now!
@DJb-ill219 7 ай бұрын
That's what she said 😅
@goodtimefolkrock 7 ай бұрын
How is this any different than the H4N?
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
32 bit float, color screen, better preamps, guitar sims, compression, bass sims, and only 30 bucks more than the outdated h4n. Totally fair question..cause it is a more modern h4n to me
@goodtimefolkrock 7 ай бұрын
I want it!
@BadChizzle 7 ай бұрын
Make that album! 🫵🏼
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Hell yes lol
@ShoggyPlayTv 6 ай бұрын
This is a great little unit. Unfortunately not having the ability to loop is a deal breaker for me.
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
I do love a good loop station
@billlord4203 7 ай бұрын
Sigh... well, crap. Now I have to buy one. Personally, I can get some good use out of this gem.
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
I reeeeeally like it
@guyguyguyjean Ай бұрын
can't plug it in ?!! always batteries!!
@ObscureMics Ай бұрын
You can plug it in. Just when you plug into a COMPUTER, you can’t change features as it goes into audio interface mode. Which may even be fixed with a firmware update now or later
@stevied6286 28 күн бұрын
I've lost the will to live waiting for the demo..gotta go elsewhere for actual content 🙈🙈
@ObscureMics 28 күн бұрын
Do what ya gotta do
@ObscureTech 7 ай бұрын
FIRST
@knowyourjoe8826 7 ай бұрын
LOL!!!! YES... Yes you are!
@jamesb8193 Ай бұрын
😅😂😂
@gwugluud 6 ай бұрын
Holy damn, I wasnt expecting such "dangerous", rawly recorded, 1 and 1/2-chord, Grandmaw-offending real rock from the back alley instead of the sterile mainstream done with actual originality, "rock and roll strangeness", played with no-BS borderline ineptitude, with a feel which is anti-society, don't give a crap it this is offensive, and if it is, then so much the better" music at the end of this video. 😱 These types of trim-bearded, safe, society ass-kissing gear demo vids just DON'T do this. I think The Dad Buicks from The Horsehead Nebula got involved this time, and were determined that this was going to be one gear demo which was NOT going to close with yet another soundalike disco-duck dubstep song about a submonkey impressing his upper middle class loboto-blondy with how many toddlers he murdered in the home invasion he did, and how long their intestines were, and blaming the toddlers for their own deaths because they "didn't duck" before he shot them, and concluding by bragging about the 17 dollars he got out of it. Very good demo, and although this is only the 2nd demo I've checked out re this Zoom 4-track, there's no need for me to bother with any more demos I see posted, because none of them are going to touch this.
@ObscureMics 6 ай бұрын
Hot damn if that wasn't a great read
@fallinmor 7 ай бұрын
Second!
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Technically first lol
@DJb-ill219 7 ай бұрын
13th 😂
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Great number
@paulmitchell4421 5 ай бұрын
what a stupid choice of jack locations on both sides!
@Old-School-Liberal 7 ай бұрын
Zoom is a cheap brand that copied other companies when they started. Junk
@ObscureMics 7 ай бұрын
Well now they are a huge brand that's making great consumer handheld recorders 🤷
@clemmcguinness1087 6 ай бұрын
Oh my ...
@rfilianogmailcom 3 ай бұрын
The worst part of this gadget is that it took too long for Zoom to release it, I got the H8 which was the closest to a multi track recorder at the time, double the price and it is for field recording an little for musicians, I cannot returning and if I sell it I lose money, thank you zoom!
@ObscureMics 3 ай бұрын
Yeah that is absolutely unfortunate
ASMRMagic
Рет қаралды 41 МЛН