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Hi everyone, I am new here. I am looking for something like the Zoom H4n / H2 that I can use as a portable recorder, but also plug into a PC and use as a USB mic. I would also like to be able to play back a track on the device and record a new track without overdubbing. Just creating a new separate recording while the background track is playing, but without including the background track on the new track.

I found this matrix at sweetwater:

[="http://www.sweetwat…"]http://www.sweetwat…

I[/]t says that the H4n / H2 can be used as a USB mic, but does anyone know whether it can do the non-overdub new track as well?

Thanks,
scm

Comments

RemyRAD Wed, 04/25/2012 - 22:37

I think you've had a little too much wasabi? Playing back something and recording something else to a new track is overdubbing. You overdubbed without passing on the previous track that you recorded. Otherwise it's known as sound on sound and goes back to the days of consumer recording on reel to reel recorders. We are in the 21st century now and we don't do it that way anymore. We've grown beyond that. So you are not being quite realistic in your idea of recording. You need to read further about how recordings are in fact made. Les Paul and Mary Ford started the overdubbed craze. The Beatles did overdubs four track recordings to another four track machine for further overdubs and compositing. The little H 4 n, has a couple of small diaphragm condenser microphones which work quite nicely and can also be utilized as an integrated USB microphone since it also functions as a USB audio interface to your computer. So you have a whole realm of choices that were virtually nonexistent prior to the year 2000. It requires engineering skill and technique along with experience in order to make good quality recordings of any kind. There is no magic pushbutton. No magic pills. And no magic fairy dust. Though there are some magic fairies that are accomplished recording engineers with and without their boyfriends and/or girlfriends with their girlfriends.

Then there is the third S E X
Mx. Remy Ann David

RemyRAD Sun, 05/06/2012 - 01:55

In my book we just called that live recording... back in the day. No overdubs necessary. So I think he's just slightly bewildered by the process? Obviously he's new and doesn't fully understand the concepts? All he really needs is a California roll. Of course with some flying Fish caviar thrown in for good measure and cool little crunchies.

I love all caviar's with flying fish being one of my favorite. Yum (crunch crunch crunch)
Mx. Remy Ann David