Support

Is the H4n compatible with OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and Windows 7?
Yes, it is. Even the earliest of Firmware Versions for the H4n were compatible!

Why can't I find "MODE" or "TOOL" or "REC MODE" on my H4n's menu?
The H4n is likely set to "Stamina Mode". That's the switch located within the battery compartment on the H4n. Power the unit off, and switch that mode off. Then those options will become available to you. Stamina Mode only allows for Stereo recording in 16-bit, 44.1kHz wav recording

I plug my H4n with the USB, but nothing happens. What do I need to do to get my recordings on my computer?
There are no automatic transfer processes. Have the H4N turned off and connect it Via USB to the computer and select “Storage Mode.”   For Mac OS: Once you connect via USB and enter "Storage Mode", the H4n will appear as an external storage device on your desktop. You can then double click it and navigate and drag & drop like any other external storage device. Once you are done, simply drag the drive to the garbage then exit USB mode on the H4n!   For Windows: Once you connect via USB and enter "Storage Mode", the H4n will appear as an external memory device in "My Computer" on XP, and in "Computer" on Vista or Windows7. It will be listed under "Devices With Removable Storage". You can then double click it as a drive, then navigate it, find your recordings, click and drag to transfer! To remove the device, find "Remove USB Storage Device" in your system tray, and click it.

Can I record the audio from my H4n directly into my camcorder or digital SLR camera?
Yes! If your camcorder or camera has a line level input, you can connect the H4n's line/headphone output to that input. Then that camera will receive the signal from the H4n and record it! You can also then use the H4n's recording capability to record a back-up of your audio!

Where can I download a Firmware update for my H4n?
Zoom makes firmware updates for all of their products available for download on their website. We suggest keeping up with these updates, as they truly keep the unit's in better working order as well as add great features! You can find the updates on the download page at www.zoom.co.jp.

I am having trouble with the update. How is this done?
First you will need to download the Firmware update. Once that is done, access the downloaded folder and make sure you get it unzipped. Within the unzipped folder, you will find a SYSTEM.BIN file.  Next connect the H4n via USB and put the unit is storage mode.  On a PC, you will now need to access the H4n via My Computer, where you will find it listed under "Devices With Removable Storage". On a Mac, the H4n will show up as a drive on your desktop. Open that drive. The first window you see is the "Root Directory". Drag that SYSTEM.BIN file into that window, placing it next to the contents, not in any of the folders you see.  Once that is done, safely disconnect the H4n from the computer. Then power it on while holding the Play/Pause key. Select ok for the update! 

Can I download recorded tracks into GarageBand for easier editing?
Yes! The H4n will record either wav or mp3 files. Whichever you choose. If you want to send recorded tracks to GarageBand, or for that matter any DAW software you will want to record in wav format. Then simply follow the instructions above for transferring data [link]. Once you have the files on your computer, use your DAW's import audio function to bring those files in as tracks, and away you go!

Can the H1 be used as an audio interface?
No, the USB functionality on the H1 is to transfer files from the recorder to a computer only.  

Can you plug a stereo source into the H1's line in jack?
Yes, the H1 will accept a stereo signal.

How much record time do I get on the H1?
The maximum recording time depends on the inserted Micro SD card and recording format. A chart can be found here http://www.zoom.co.jp/img/products_img_en/h1/sd.html

How long can I record with it?
The maximum record time depends on the capacity of the inserted SD card and the recording format. A chart can be found HERE http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h2/sd.html The maximum recording time for a single H2 file is 2GB.  

Can I use my H2 as a USB microphone?
Yes, once you are in Audio Interface mode, you have to make sure that the H2 is chosen as your default recording device.

Is it possible to record in mono?
Yes, by setting the MONO MIX function to ON. The stereo signals from the built-in mics or an external source will be mixed to mono, and the same signal is recorded to the left and right channel of the stereo file. It is not possible to record a single monaural file.

What's the current firmware version for my Zoom Handy Audio/Video Recorder
Zoom Handy Recorder Firmware versions: H1: v2.0 H2: v1.9 H2n: v1.10 H4: v2.40 H4n: v1.72 H4n english manual, page 133 (firmware update instructions - 1 page PDF download) Q3: v2.01 Q3HD: v1.3 Q3HD english manual, page 20 (firmware update instructions - 1 page PDF download)