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Zoom M4 MicTrak User Manual

Zoom M4 MicTrak
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Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2022 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and
registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

Table of Contents

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Zoom M4 MicTrak Specifications

General IconGeneral
Microphone TypeCondenser
Recorder Channels4
Frequency Response20 Hz to 20 kHz
Max Input Level+4 dBu
Gain ControlYes
Power SourceBattery or USB
Battery TypeAA
Outputs1 x 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo headphone
Phantom Power48V
Display1.54" Color LCD
USBUSB-C
Recording MediamicroSD, microSDHC, microSDXC

Summary

Operation Manual Notes

M4 Product Overview

Achieving High Audio Quality

Explanation of features ensuring high audio quality during recording and editing.

Dual A/D Converter Circuit

Details on the dual A/D converter design for enhanced dynamic range.

Automatic A/D Converter Switching

How the device switches between A/D converters for optimal recording results.

32-bit Float WAV File Advantages

Benefits of using the 32-bit float WAV format for recording and editing.

Device Functions and Controls

Front and Back Panel Overview

Description of physical components on the front and back of the device.

Buttons and Indicators

Detailed explanation of the M4's operational buttons and indicators.

Operation Button Navigation

Guide to using operation buttons and icons for menu navigation and selections.

Device Sides and Ports

Description of ports and connectors located on the left and right sides of the M4.

Additional Ports and Connectors

Details on other ports like Time Code IN/OUT and MIC/LINE IN jacks.

Device Interface Screens

Home Screen Display

Description of the Home Screen, showing recording status and input waveforms.

Playback Screen Interface

Overview of the Playback Screen, detailing playback status and file information.

File List Screen Interface

Explanation of the FILE LIST Screen for checking and managing recorded files.

Menu Screen for Settings

Guide to accessing and using the Menu Screen for device settings.

Recording and Playback Workflow

Preparation Steps for Recording

Essential preparation tasks before starting an audio recording session.

Initial Device Setup

Inserting MicroSD Cards

Instructions on how to properly insert and remove a microSD card.

Alternative Power Sources

Connecting AC adapters or portable batteries for continuous power.

Powering the Device

Installing AA Batteries

Step-by-step guide for installing AA batteries into the M4.

Connecting Audio Sources

Built-in XY Microphone Usage

Information on using the integrated stereo XY microphone for recording.

Connecting Line Level Equipment

Guidance on connecting line-level audio devices using TRS plugs.

Connecting to MIC/LINE IN Jack

How to connect lavalier microphones using the MIC/LINE IN jack.

Connection Examples (Performance and Concert)

Examples of recording setups for voice, instruments, and concerts.

Power Management

Initial Device Configuration

Setting the Display Language

How to select the desired language for the device's display.

Setting the Date Format

Configuring the date format for recording files.

Setting the Date and Time

Adjusting the device's internal date and time settings.

Setting Battery Type

Selecting the battery type for accurate remaining charge display.

Preventing Accidental Operations

Using the Hold Function

Activating and deactivating the button hold function.

Configuring Input Settings

Selecting Input Sources for Settings

Choosing which input (XY mic, Input 1, Input 2) to configure.

Built-in XY Mic Recording Format

Changing the recording format for the built-in XY microphone (Stereo/Mono).

Input 1/2 Source and Phantom Power

Setting input sources and enabling phantom power for Inputs 1 and 2.

Adjusting Phantom Power Voltage

Selecting the voltage for phantom power (+24V or +48V) for microphones.

Enabling Plugin Power

Providing plug-in power to microphones connected via the MIC/LINE IN jack.

Audio Quality Enhancements

Low-Frequency Cut Filter

Applying a low-frequency cut filter to reduce wind and pop noises.

Configuring Output Settings

Adjusting Line Output Level

Controlling the audio level sent to external devices via the line out jack.

Recording Operations

Adjusting Volume Display Size

Customizing the volume indicator size on the display for better visibility.

Monitoring Audio Input and Playback

How to monitor input signals and playback audio using headphones.

Recording Configuration

Setting the Sample Rate

Choosing the sample rate for audio recordings (e.g., 44.1kHz, 48kHz).

Pre-Recording Functionality

Using the pre-recording feature to capture audio before pressing record.

Recording Start Tone

Enabling a tone signal that plays when recording begins, useful for video synchronization.

Starting and Stopping Recordings

Detailed steps for initiating and concluding audio recording sessions.

Recording and Playback Features

Adding Marks During Recording

How to add markers to recordings while actively recording.

Audio Playback

Starting and Stopping Playback

Procedures for initiating and terminating audio playback.

Playback Screen Controls

Detailed operations and functions available on the Playback Screen.

Adding/Deleting Marks During Playback

Managing markers on recorded files during playback.

Automatic Playback Volume Adjustment

Enabling automatic volume adjustment during playback for consistent loudness.

File Management

Folder and File Structure

Understanding the M4's file organization and folder hierarchy.

Recording File Naming Convention

Explanation of the naming convention used for recorded audio files.

Checking Files via FILE LIST

Using the FILE LIST screen to view, play, and delete files.

FILE LIST Screen Operations

Detailed functions and controls available on the FILE LIST Screen.

Deleting Files from FILE LIST

Steps to delete selected files directly from the FILE LIST screen.

Deleting File from Playback Screen

How to delete a file currently playing on the Playback Screen.

File Processing and Exporting

Optimizing File Volume (Normalization)

Using normalization to adjust audio file volume to an optimal level.

Changing Bit Depth and Exporting Files

Converting files to different bit depths and exporting them.

Checking File Information

Viewing detailed information about a specific recorded file.

USB Microphone Functionality

Installing USB Drivers (Windows)

Guide for installing necessary drivers on Windows computers for USB mic use.

Connecting to USB Devices

Steps for connecting the M4 to computers, smartphones, and tablets.

USB Microphone Muting

Temporarily muting the microphone output when using the USB mic function.

Disconnecting from USB Devices

Proper procedure for disconnecting the M4 from connected USB devices.

USB Microphone Configuration

Built-in XY Mic Stereo/Mono Setting

Selecting stereo or mono output for the built-in XY mic in USB mode.

USB Mic Low-Frequency Cut

Applying a low-frequency cut filter to the built-in XY mic in USB mode.

Setting Bit Depth for USB Mic

Configuring the bit depth (e.g., 32-bit float) for USB microphone output.

Enabling Direct Monitoring

Activating direct monitoring for zero-latency audio monitoring in USB mic mode.

File Transfer Operations

Connecting for File Transfer

Steps to connect the M4 to computers and devices for file transfer.

Disconnecting for File Transfer

Proper procedure for disconnecting the M4 after file transfer.

General Device Settings

Setting Display Language

Changing the language used for the device's display interface.

Setting Date and Time

Configuring the device's internal clock for accurate file timestamping.

Setting Date Format

Selecting the preferred format for displaying dates in recorded files.

Setting Display Power Saving

Configuring display backlight dimming to conserve battery power.

Setting Display Brightness

Adjusting the brightness level of the device's display.

Setting Battery Type

Specifying the battery type for accurate remaining charge indication.

Setting Auto Power Off

Configuring the automatic power-off timer to save battery.

MicroSD Card Management

Formatting MicroSD Cards

Instructions for formatting microSD cards for optimal performance and compatibility.

Testing MicroSD Card Speed

Performing quick and full tests to check microSD card writing speed.

Performing Full MicroSD Card Test

Executing a comprehensive test of the microSD card's performance.

Timecode Synchronization

Timecode Overview

Explanation of timecode and its use in video and audio synchronization.

Setting Timecode Mode

Configuring the timecode mode (Off, Internal, External).

Setting Timecode Frame Rate

Matching frame rates for timecode synchronization with video sources.

Using External Timecode (Jamming)

Jamming internal timecode from an external timecode source.

Resetting Internal Timecode

Resetting the internal timecode value to zero.

System Maintenance and Updates

Restoring Factory Defaults

Resetting all device settings to their original factory defaults.

Checking Firmware Versions

Viewing the currently installed firmware version on the M4.

Updating Device Firmware

Instructions for updating the M4's firmware to the latest version.

Using Optional Accessories

Optional Remote Control Usage

Connecting and operating the M4 using optional remote controls.

Troubleshooting Guide

Recording and Playback Issues

Troubleshooting steps for problems related to audio recording and playback.

Other Common Issues

Addressing other operational issues, including USB connectivity and battery life.

Technical Specifications and Metadata

M4 Metadata Lists (BEXT)

List of metadata tags and their explanations contained in BEXT chunks.

Device Specifications

Input and Output Channels

Details on the number and type of input and output channels.

Recorder, Display, and Connectivity Specs

Specifications for recorder, display, USB, timecode, remote, and power.

Battery Operation Times

Estimated battery life under various recording conditions.

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