---
title: "How to Record Live Presentations with the Zoom H4 Digital Recorder"
date: 2008-03-02
description: "$( document ).ready(function() { // Handler for .ready() called. $("
canonical_url: https://idratherbewriting.com/2008/03/02/how-to-record-live-presentations-with-the-zoom-h4-digital-recorder/
---
# How to Record Live Presentations with the Zoom H4 Digital Recorder
Although you can use a variety of digital recorders, the inexpensive [Olympus digital recorders](http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_vr_digitalrecorders.asp) will sound a little scratchy, like sizzling bacon in a worst-case scenario. (To hear a sample recording with a higher-end Olympus digital recorder, [listen to this](https://idratherbewriting.com/2007/05/10/neil-perlin-creating-help-in-web-20-age/).)

I haven't experimented with other recorders such as the Zoom H2 or Edirol or Marantz. I'm sure that any time you start spending upwards of $200 on a recorder, the sound quality increases.

### My Pitch for the Zoom H4

I like the [Zoom H4](http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/ZOOM-H4) because, not only is the audio quality crystal clear, it also doubles as an audio interface for your computer. In other words, you can use your Zoom H4 as a USB mic to record Camtasia or Captivate tutorials -- and the audio quality sounds excellent.

And if you're recording in-person interviews, the Zoom's built-in mics actually record better sound than many external XLR mics (that you plug into it). But you can also use an external mic to put in front of someone. This might be preferable at times. Since the Zoom's mics are so sensitive, they'll pick up every movement of your hand on the device.

### My Method for Recording Podcasts with the Zoom H4

In this post, I'm sharing the method I used to record my recent [blogging and podcasting presentation](https://idratherbewriting.com/2008/03/02/mp3-and-video-file-of-my-blogging-and-podcasting-presentation/) to a local STC chapter. Also, since [SLC podcamp](http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/319547/) is coming up, I want to document my audio recording techniques.

#### Gather the Necessary Equipment

- [Zoom H4 Recorder](http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/ZOOM-H4) ($300)

- [Omnidirectional lapel microphone](http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/MT830-SP) ($95)

- [SP Zoom Phantom Adapter](http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-ZOOM-PHANTOM) ($80)

- [Gigavox Levelator](http://www.conversationsnetwork.org/levelator/) (free)

- [Audacity](http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) (free)

- [One Pixel Out Audio Player](http://www.1pixelout.net/code/audio-player-wordpress-plugin/) (free)

- [2 GB SD Memory Card](http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/ZOOM-H4) ($40)

- Custom-modified large belt clip (impossible to buy)

- [WordPress blog software](http://wordpress.org) (free)

- Web host (such as [Blue Host](http://bluehost.com)) ($7/month)

- [Kimili Flash Embed WordPress plugin](http://kimili.com/plugins/kml_flashembed) (free)

- [Camtasia Studio](http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp) ($300)