06Apr Tascam DR-40 V.s. Zoom H4n features or price?
I’ve had the Tascam Dr-40 for quit some time, but until Tascam added the firmware update that gives you independent control of the input volume, I hadn’t really considered it a true competitor to the Zoom h4n. However, now that this feature is available, the Tascam Dr-40 is a very affordable alternative to the Zoom h4n. Take a close look at the features that are available for the h4n, if there is something that you can’t live without, then it’s the better choice. If, on the other hand you just need a device that records audio well, the Tascam DR-40 does a great job of recording audio, has a long battery life, and saves you about $150 compared to the Zoom h4n.
One video correction. The Zoom H4n is covered in a rubberized protective layer and although the top portion of the unit is cast metal, a few people have said that the metal doesn’t extend through the entire unit. Not sure if this is correct or not. Regardless of how much metal is in the Zoom h4n it does feel much more solid in the hand then the Tascam Dr-40. So the H4n still wins in the build quality department.
Let me know if you notice any real difference in audio between these two units. After listening to it a few times I could just hear a little difference in the frequency response between the two field recorders, but I don’t think it was enough for most people to raise the audio quality of one above the other.
April 6th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Thanks for the video. But I think internal mics are not a really good test of how good the preamps are. Most digital recorders do pretty well with their built in mics. Could you test them with external mics and in a quiet room. That way you can hear how loud the sound floor is. I’d really love to hear how these recorders handle dynamic mics since you have to bump up the levels to get decent recording levels.
April 6th, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Rob the first test is with an attached microphone with the input gain on both units turned up to 80 out of 100, with me at a distance of about 4 1/2 feet speaking in a quiet room. It seems like that would meet your request.
April 6th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Outstanding review! I’ve ordered a Tascam for the kinds of reasons you state, plus Amazon had it just above $150 with an extra 15% off. I watched your video on the DR-40 firmware update as well as the your first impressions video of the DR-40, and watching them helped me a lot with the buying decision making process. I’m really glad to have discovered your site, very impressive. – Grandpa Jim
April 6th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
Sorry, my bad. I must have missed that. Thanks for the review!
April 6th, 2012 at 10:15 pm
No problem Rob, I was wondering the same thing and was suppressed to hear very little difference between the two units XLR inputs.
April 6th, 2012 at 10:52 pm
Thank you for a great review Deejay! I cannot see (actually hear) any difference in the audio. And yes, the musicians might need the extra features but having an affordable field recorder is all I need and $131 (including the 15% off) in Amazon is a great deal!
April 7th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
hi Juan.. what is the 15% code for Amazon? – i love this review and have to have it! haha… but I dont mind a 15% off the DR-40
April 7th, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Oh! No code, add to the cart and in the checkout you’ll the the 15% off. Easy!
April 8th, 2012 at 1:29 am
I was gonna say.. DUH! haha… the advertisement for 15% off was there right in front of me 🙂 AMAZING DEAL at $131 and two day shipping… no brainer.
April 8th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
It’s priced at $189.85 at Amazon right now. Did the price go up? The 15% off is working though.
April 8th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Don’t know if it’s my fault, but the price has jumped up $40 on amazon since I posted this video. Check ebay, new price is $148 right now with a buy it now option.
April 10th, 2012 at 11:02 pm
Yes, Deejay is becoming a celebrity and he is moving the market!
20 bucks more is nothing, the review/comparision betweeen the H4n and DR-40 is pure gold. And of course Amazon is taking advantage of the several “clicks” from here.
Thank you Deejay and kepp doing that!
Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!! (I can’t impersonate you!)
April 8th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Thanks for all the info and the review.
April 7th, 2012 at 7:18 am
quit it.
April 7th, 2012 at 8:16 am
Sorry Dave.
April 7th, 2012 at 7:26 am
thanks.. buying one
April 7th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
Great review! Thanks!
What lav system do you use to do your videos?
April 10th, 2012 at 8:42 am
[…] you’re looking for a low profile option that allows you to mount your field recorder directly to a boom pole this could be an easy way to go. Basically it’s just a small clamp […]
April 11th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Is back on $ 155, so with the 15% at the checkout the final price is $131.75
April 17th, 2012 at 9:32 am
Now is $117.80 final on Amazon.
October 15th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Used my DR-40 to record about a dozen short films and about 60 TV commercials. Absolutely loved it. However, I found it susceptible to electronic interference. When I would use my Audio Technica Pro88W wireless lav with it, I could get noise from the receiver if it was too close to the recorder. Keep them separated and the noise goes away.
Same issue when using my shotgun mic with phantom power. Lot’s of electronic noise interference. Stick a battery in the shotgun mic for power and the noise goes away.
And again, same issue when using a wired lav. with the battery pack too close to the recorder.
Fortunately, I was able to remove all or most of the noise in post, but it was annoying.
Finally upgraded to the H4n and it’s shielded much better. No longer having those issues.