Zoom H4n Limiting Problem (?)

[Eric Toline]

The real question is why would you need anything hotter than -6dbfs? If you really want/need the tracks to be hotter then boost them in post.

Eric

“I push the RECORD button and hope for the best”

[Kevin Eugene]

Well, thanks Eric, I appreciate the response, but that is not the real question. I know I can do that.

My statement was I am testing (to better understand the Zoom H4n) and I’d like to know if the Zoom H4n is limited to -6b input no matter what, or if I am doing something wrong here, as that is the result I am getting.

If you (or anyone else) can shed some light on this, I would really appreciate the answer.

Thanks!

Kevin – not a sound guy. 🙂

[Eric Toline]

I would suggest that you try other sources both mic and line level to see if you get the same results. Also try the Rode mic into another mixer/recorder just to eliminate any problem with it.

Eric

“I push the RECORD button and hope for the best”

[Ty Ford]

Hello Kevin and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.

I don’t know the menu structure of the recorder, but it does seem as though you have a limiter on somewhere.

Regards,

Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum Leader

Want better production audio?: Ty Ford’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford’s Blog

[Peter Groom]

I find that the input stage electronics often maxx out and the level appears to go no higer no matter what you do.
i bought some 15db pads to pull the inputs of the input limts and have much happier times since then.
Peter

Post Production Dubbing Mixer

[Kevin Eugene]

Perfect Eric!

I stupidly didn’t think of this.

I’ll check it out and report my findings.

Thanks!

Kevin

[Kevin Eugene]

Thanks Ty.

Yeah, I had the same thought, yet I can’t find anything that would limit the sound on the H4n. Everything is off.

Although you give me an idea…I’ll try running mono (instead of the mono to 2 channel) and see if that makes a difference.

Also, I’m going to try Eric’s suggestion and run to H4n into another recorder and also another mic into the H4n to see what’s happening.

Thank you!

Kevin

[Kevin Eugene]

Thanks Peter.

No offense, but not being a sound person at all, I have no idea what you just said. 🙂

Time to head over to Google.

Thanks you!

Kevin

[Bill Davis]

[Kevin Eugene] “My statement was I am testing (to better understand the Zoom H4n) and I’d like to know if the Zoom H4n is limited to -6b input no matter what, or if I am doing something wrong here, as that is the result I am getting.
“

Just to address the obvious, you checked the Menu > Input >Comp/Limit to make sure that you don’t have the limiter engaged?

Also, make sure you’re not in Mono Mix mode, which duplicates a mono input to both channels but records the second one at a reduced input level to avoid clipping when presented with transient spikes.

If none of that proves fruitful, I’d re-boot the unit and attach it to the Zoom site to make sure your software is fully up to date.

Stuff happens to any computer (and these are just small audio recording computers) and it just might need to be re-booted.

Good luck.

Know someone who teaches video editing in elementary school, high school or college? Tell them to check out http://www.StartEditingNow.com – video editing curriculum complete with licensed practice content.

[Kevin Eugene]

Hey Bill! Thanks for the response.

“Just to address the obvious, you checked the Menu > Input >Comp/Limit to make sure that you don’t have the limiter engaged?”

Correct. That is why I was stumped.

“Also, make sure you’re not in Mono Mix mode, which duplicates a mono input to both channels but records the second one at a reduced input level to avoid clipping when presented with transient spikes.”

Yes, I AM in mono mix mode to get one channel onto both. I’ll try turning off mono mix mode and see what happens.

I do boot the H4n every time I use it, and always format the card before recording.

I’ll let you know my results, and thanks very much for taking the time to respond.

Mt Best,

Kevin