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I just got the Zoom H4n and did a test recording. You can hear a metallic clinching noise all the time if you don't put it on a table. There is considerably less clinching noises if you have the wind screen on, so I suspect it is because of something loose or similar in the microphones. Is it supposed to be like this, or can I change it and get one without these sounds?

Here is a sample I made. It is the 18. recording made by the H4n. http://snd.sc/zq85xa Here is the same clip uploaded to YouTube:

The right channel makes these metal sounds once in a while, not very loud, but the left channel makes a lot of them, loud, all the time.

Thanks!

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  • It sounds like I tap the microphone, but I don't..
    – Friend of Kim
    Mar 12, 2012 at 16:37
  • I have a Tascam DR08, and this is the same sound I get if I hand hold it. You can't hand hold these things without picking up your grip, movements etc. Treat the recorder like it's a one big mic, or since it's stereo, two big mics.
    – filzilla
    Mar 14, 2012 at 18:56
  • Thanks, then the problem is solved! How do you treat a big mic? Do you mean mounting it onto the tripod mount? (The short stick with a 1/4' screw that came with it.) It at least solves the problem for me, especially when combined with the wind muff!
    – Friend of Kim
    Mar 14, 2012 at 20:06
  • (You can add this as an answer if you want) :)
    – Friend of Kim
    Mar 14, 2012 at 20:07
  • How to treat one big mic? the key word here is isolation. You want to keep the a mic mechanically isolated from any vibration other than the sound(s) you want recorded. Mic stands, pop screens, wind screens, shock mounts come to mind.
    – filzilla
    Mar 15, 2012 at 21:10

1 Answer 1

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Definitely handling noise. I'm not a big fan of the little handle that came with the thing, so I jury rigged a mount 1/4" - 3/8" - 5/8"...the first is a standard tripod screw mount adapter, the second is a mic stand adapter. I epoxied them together so they don't make noise, added an o-ring at the 1/4" end to minimize noise at the h4n, and I've got the 5/8" end screwed to a table mic stand.

For handheld, I can unscrew the post from the base, wrap a foam handlebar grip around it, and viola...no noise. 3/8" female is also standard for boom poles...if you want to have your h4n on a boom.

Whatever you do, make sure you have an assortment of neoprene or rubber washers...they go a long way to minimizing sound at the connecting points.

Other solutions: I've got a tripod quick release mounting plate I can screw to the back, then set it on a tripod...hands-free = no handling noise.

One of the other miracle things is a fig-rig clamp. 3/8 AND 1/4 screws, and the inside of the clamp is lined with cork or rubber. You can clamp it to anything in the 3/4" to 1" range...lightstands, c-stands, broompoles for a cheap boom-pole...very versatile!

Adapters: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554344-REG/Manfrotto_120_120_Converter_Plate_for.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/305934-REG/AKG_KM216_BLACK_3_8_Male_to_5_8_.html

Stand: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/154670-REG/K_M_23200_500_55_Table_Top_Microphone_Stand.html

Fig-Rig Clamp http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381895-REG/Manfrotto_595CLA_595CLA_Fig_Rig_Clamp.html

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