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Zoom H4N digital recorder issue
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I actually cant download STP because i dont have FInal Cut. Should i bring it to someone who does, or is there another program I can download and convert the files through? Thanks!
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Morning Sade, at least morning here in the eastern states! Sorry it took so long to get back to you. If you recorded in Stereo mode and can’t hear anything, the levels may be too low. You could boost them with something like STP or Audition (I’ve since switch over all post projects to Adobe CS6 and love it). There are tons of similarities. Anyway, when you playback on the Zoom, where are your -db meters bouncing? If at all! If you have some level there above say -30, you’ll probably have something to work with. Although starting out with a soft level like that and boosting it in post, will add noise. Its obviously best to start with a clean -db level. I generally record anywhere from -18 to -10 db. And when I mix for web, keep levels under -4 db. Broadcast is different & varies depending where you are.
Blah blah blah, anyway, what NLE are you using to edit? If Premiere, you’ll have Audition. If Final Cut X, I’m sure there’s something built in to help, though I’m not familiar. Avid? ProTools? Sony Vegas?
When hooking up external mics to the Zoom, you can record in Stereo mode or 4CH. I will generally use 4CH. This keeps the on-board Stereo mics active for reference audio and Inputs 1 & 2 for LAV and Boom mics. You could use Stereo Mode as well, but just select 1&2 on the Zoom. This will turn off the on-board mics.
For 4Ch recording, set up your Zoom to record in 4Ch mode. Under record, select WAV 48kHz, 24bit (16bit is okay too, but higher bit depth allows for greater control in post with effects and cleaning up the audio). However, most of your outputs will be 16 bit, like broadcast. Then go into the Input Menu, go down to Link 1/2 and change this to off (you can do this for Stereo Mode as well). This will take your inputs from the bottom (1&2) and make them mono files vs one blended/mixed stereo file. Although your on-board stereo mics, will still result in a stereo file.
Once in post with your NLE or audio software, your need to extract the inputs 1 & 2 and convert them to mono files. The files in your Finder will have an “I” suffix.wav. Ex. 4CH002I.wav. Your stereo files will have an “M.” 4CH002M.wav. Leave these alone and only convert the “I” files to 2 mono tracks. Save them as mono files and your all set. Edit and mix away!
Sorry for the long winded message, just trying to be thorough. Because, believe me, I’ve been there!
OSX 10.7.5 with a 3.39 Ghz Intel Core i7 on a built up Hackintosh
16 GB of RAM with OSX on SSD, (2) internal HDDs RAID’d 1 for project files and External RAID 5 for all project assets (media, GFX, stills, etc.)
BMD Decklink Studio 2, FSI BM210, KRK Rokit 5s, Mackie 802 -
There used to be freeware called Audicity. You might be able to find it. Its decent, as far as freeware is concerned. But your better off with the higher end gear. You’ll have greater control.
OSX 10.7.5 with a 3.39 Ghz Intel Core i7 on a built up Hackintosh
16 GB of RAM with OSX on SSD, (2) internal HDDs RAID’d 1 for project files and External RAID 5 for all project assets (media, GFX, stills, etc.)
BMD Decklink Studio 2, FSI BM210, KRK Rokit 5s, Mackie 802
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