The Zoom M4 MicTrak Stereo Microphone and Recorder is a compact and affordable all-in-one audio recording solution for filmmakers, musicians, podcasters, and content creators.
Key features
- All-in-One X/Y Microphone and Recorder
- 4-Channel Recording
- 44.1 to 192 kHz / 32-Bit Floating Point
- Time Code Input Support
- Cardioid Pickup Pattern
- Two Combo XLR-1/4″ TRS Inputs
- 3.5mm Headphone Output, Mono Speaker
- Built-In Backlit Color LCD Display
- AA Battery Power or USB-C Bus Power
The M4 MicTrak can deliver four tracks of crystal clear, clip-free audio thanks to its quality, stereo X/Y mic capsule with cardioid pickup pattern. The M$ can record in sampling rates up to 192 kHz / 32-bit floating point.
The M4 MicTrak was designed to fuse the professional guts and features of the F-Series recorders with the convenience and portable form factor of the Handy Series. This middle road allows the M4 to provide versatile functionality at an attractive price. 32-bit floating point recording provides excellent headroom and helps to avoid clipping issues and a high max SPL of 135 dB SPL delivers further protection against clipping for loud sound sources, such as performances, crowds, or instruments.
It features two combo XLR-1/4″ TRS inputs with up to +48V phantom power. there is also a Mic/Line 3.5mm input, headphone out, and a 3.5mm Line Out. The M4 has two XLR/TRS inputs that feature the same professional grade, low-noise preamps found in ZOOM’s flagship F-Series recorders.
The M4 supports four modes of time code input via an auxiliary 3.5mm stereo jack, with precision down to ±0.2 ppm. The way you input timecode is through the 1/8″ stereo mini jack. Timecode modes available are:
- Off Int Free Run
- Int Record Run
- Int RTC Run Ext
It will support frame rates of 23.976ND 24ND 25ND 29.97ND 29.97D 30ND 30D.
The M4 sports a 3.5mm headphone output for real-time monitoring, a mono speaker, a 3.5mm stereo line output, and it has a full-color LCD display for adjusting and monitoring your recordings. The M4 can run on four AA batteries for up to 18 hours of continuous operation as well as USB-C bus power and the optional Zoom AD-17 AC adapter (sold separately).
The M4 MicTrak looks like a good solution for a wide range of portable sound recording applications from audio for video uses like filmmaking, on-site reporting, and video-based content creation, to podcasting, streaming, sound collage, and interviews. With the ability to record up to four simultaneous tracks, the M4 can also be a useful asset for musicians, providing a highly portable recording device that can capture a multi-mic, multi-track recording setup while minimizing the number of external microphones required. The USB-C connection makes it easy to both power the device and use it as a nearly pocket-sized audio interface with ultrahigh capture rates up to 192 kHz.
Other useful features include the ability to prerecord for up to 6 seconds and you can also remote control the M4 using the optional RC4.
You can also save time in post-production by using the onboard NORMALIZE function to automatically raise or lower the volume of your recording to the optimal level without compressing the audio.
Price & Availability
The Zoom M4 MicTrak Stereo Microphone & Recorder is now available to pre-order for $399.99 USD and it is expected to start shipping in the next few weeks.
