Using the Zoom H4n for Audio Recording (Multi-track)

Setting up the H4n

1. Plug two microphones into the XLR inputs using XLR cables.
2. Set microphones into micstands and position microphones in front of speakers.
3. Power on H4n from the slider on the left side of the device. The device will light up and the screen
on the front will turn on.
4. Plug in headphones into the jack on the left side of the device labeled “🎧/Line.”

Settings to check before you start recording

5. Click the “Menu” button on the right side of the device to access these settings:
a. Mode - Using the wheel on the right side, scroll down to Mode. Press the wheel in to
select.
b. For multi-track recording, select MTR.
c. You will be taken to the home screen, which will have changed to this:

d. Turn phantom power on if the mics you are using requires it (see the mic chart):
i. Press Menu, scroll down to Input, and select.
ii. Scroll to Phantom, and select.
iii. Choose +48v.
iv. Press Menu to return to the home screen.
e. Set Record Mode to “Always New”:
i. Press Menu, scroll down to Rec Mode, and select.
ii. Select “Always New,” and press in wheel to confirm.

Recording
6. Select the “1” and “2” from the input selections on the front of the H4n; both buttons will light up.
7. Then, press the “1” and “2” from the “Track” selections under the display. Both of these will also
light up.
8. Press the record button to enable recording, the ring light around the record button will blink.
(Note - You are not recording yet). You should hear audio now coming through your headphones
now. If you don’t, adjust the volume for your headphones on the left of the device using the
volume buttons..
9. Adjust the record level dials on the right side of the device. The buttons control both record levels
for the tracks.
10. When you have your levels set and you are ready to start recording, press the record button
again.
11. When you are done, press the stop button.

Transfering Files to Computer

12. Turn H4n off and plug H4n into your laptop or desktop using the provided USB cord.
13. The H4n should show up on your computer as its own drive.
14. Navigate to that drive and find and open the folder called “MTR.”
15. You will see different folders containing different multitrack projects. Find the folder with your
audio recordings. Since you recorded two tracks, there will be two .wav files. Copy the .wav files
onto your computer.
16. You can now import the .wav files into Garageband. Each file can go on its own track so you can
edit each audio file individually.