H4n Pro Black : Very useful, very good quality recordings

Initial thoughts. I did look at the Tascam alternative but decided against it as users report that the mic pre-amps are noisy. I bought this to replace my H1 – the on/off switch came off, so it is basically junk. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that the on/off switch on this unit is the same. I shall keep my fingers crossed that this one doesn’t fail, because this is a very good recorder, definitely worth the extra expense. It is solid and weighty, but not too heavy to mount on a gorillapod or similar. The carry case is really useful. All plastic, so wear on the catch and hinges may be an issue in time. That said, I am very happy with this machine.

So far I have used it to record our band rehearsals (which will be it's main use) with the microphones set at 120 degrees and the quality is a very clear and welcome step up from the H1. I am looking forward to plugging the output from the desk into the XLR inputs, something I haven’t yet had the opportunity to try.

I shall update this opinion in a month or so, when I have had more experience of the recorder and can report on the more interesting features I have not yet used.

Based upon my limited use so far this has my 100% recommendation.