Zoom has introduced the latest instalment to its range of handheld recorders R4 MultiTrak, a digital recorder designed for musicians, sound designers, and content creators.

The R4 MultiTrak offers a number of features that make it ideal for capturing song ideas, environmental sounds, ASMR, and various audio content quickly and conveniently.

Unlike previous handheld Zoom Recorders

Unlike Zoom’s typical handheld recorders like the H4N Pro which feature built-in fixed array microphones, the R4 MultiTrak is designed to accommodate XLR microphones and line instruments. While the H4N also features 2 XLR/1/4″Jack combo inputs, the Multitrack features an omni directional microphone built into its compact body.

With four mono recording tracks and a stereo bounce track, the H4 MultiTrak makes it easy to mix down and save your recording sessions efficiently while freeing up recording tracks for further tracking. Moreover, Zoom has included an undo function within the bounce feature so you’ll always have a second chance to perfect your recordings.

The MultitTrak features “legendary” Zoom preamps. I’m assuming this means the MultiTrak boasts the same preamps as the H4N and other models but the specifics are unclear.

One feature the MultiTrak has over the likes of the H4N is its support for MicroSD cards, offering up to 1 TB of storage space so you don’t need to worry about storage limitations while tracking.

Utilizing a 32-bit float system for all recordings, the Zoom R4 MultiTrak promises to record digital audio with exceptional clarity and minimal distortion/noise. Not to mention the R4 MultiTrak’s USB interface, facilitating seamless connectivity with laptops and mobile devices.

An area where the R4 reigns supreme as opposed to devices like the H4N is on-board effects. Featuring two types of effects, Input effects and Track effects, you can change preamps and distortion types and fine-tune individual recordings while tracking, and you can utilize EQ, echo, and reverb after recording.

Consequently, you can create professional vocal and instrumental recordings, experiment with different pre-amp characteristcs, and more.

The R4 MultiTrak also offers 40 built-in drum patterns for those needing a rhythm section to jam along with, making for a more engaging recording session as opposed to using a standard metronome.

Finally, the R4 MultiTrak is a versatile handheld recording solution for podcasting, recording vocals and line instruments such as pianos, as well as recording soundscapes and other sounds. Powered by AA batteries or a USB power bank, the Zoom R4 looks to be an excellent choice for on the go recording. Oh, an dits tripod mount allows for effcient positioning while recording.

Pricing and availability

Zoom’s R4 MultiTrak is expected to be available soon for $260, making it an affordable feature-rich recording device for anyone working with audio.