How to Transfer Zoom H4n Files to a Computer

Author: Tosh Lubek Published: 6th March 2023

When I first got my Zoom H4n Handy recorder I assumed the way to transfer my audio recordings would be similar to the way I worked with older portable recorders in radio stations. I would take the recording media out of the recorder and take it into the studio. So, when I got my Zoom H4n digital recorder it seemed natural to remove the SD card when I needed to transfer audio files to my computer.  

In this article, I quickly cover both methods of transferring H4n files to a computer, as well as summarize where you will find your files on the SD card.

The location of your H4n files

In almost all cases your audio files will have been saved to the SD memory card in your H4n. The only exception would be if you had been using the Memory Record mode, where audio can be saved to the H4n built-in memory. For more details, you can read my article on using Memory Record mode.  

When using STEREO, 4 Channel mode, and Multitrack mode the audio is saved to the SD card in one of three folders. The folder where your audio is saved depends on the recording mode you were using.

• 4CH folder contains audio created in 4 Channel mode.
• MTR folder contains audio reacted in Multitrack mode.
• STEREO folder contains audio created in Stereo mode.

The default recording mode is STEREO, where you can record 1 or 2 audio inputs to a single stereo file. Unless you changed the recording mode in the recorder’s menu system, your audio files will most likely be in the STEREO folder.

Note that the STEREO and 4CH folders contain 10 subfolders called FOLDER1 to FOLDER10. Each of these folders can contain multiple audio files. However, the MTR folder contains project folders starting with PROJ000. Files for each of the four tracks will be contained in an individual project folder.

Moving Zoom H4n files by removing the SD Card

If you need to transfer your audio files, this method is straightforward and reasonably intuitive.

You’ll find the SD card slot on the right side of the H4n recorder. The gray plastic clover has a small slot at the top. Insert a thumb or fingernail into the slot and pull open the cover, which is hinged at the bottom. You will see the edge of the SD card.

To eject the memory card, press the middle of the edge of the card. You’ll notice that the H4n body curves inward at this point, allowing you to press the card further in than the surrounding flat surface of the case. Once the card has been pushed inward, let go and the card will pop out enough for you to grab it or lever it out with your fingernail.  

Once you have removed the card from the recorder, insert it into your computer’s card reader. Your operating system should recognize that a memory card had been inserted and a window will open showing the three recording mode folders in the card’s root directory.

Navigate to the folder where your audio is located, then copy the required file to a location on your computer. This can be done by dragging and dropping the file or by right-clicking on the file, selecting Copy, and then pasting it to the new location.

Transfer files from your H4n to a computer over USB

With this method of transferring an audio file, the SD card remains inside the H4n’s SD card slot and the H4n is used as a USB card reader.

You do not need to power up the H4n recorder to use it as a card reader since it will draw 5V power from the computer’s USB bus. Using the USB cable that came with the Zoom H4n, plug the mini-USB connecter into the USB port on the left side of the Zoom recorder. Then, plug the other end of the cable, the USB-A connecter, into a USB port on your computer.

Your computer will also recognize the H4n as an external drive and a window will open showing the three recording mode folders in the card’s root directory.

Navigate to the folder where your audio is located, then copy the required file to a location on your computer. This can be done by dragging and dropping the file or by right-clicking on the file, selecting Copy, and then pasting it to the new location.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, transferring Zoom H4n files to a computer can be done in two ways: by removing the SD card and inserting it into the computer’s card reader or by using the H4n itself as a card reader through a USB cable. The location of the audio files depends on the recording mode used, and the process of transferring files using either method is simple and intuitive. Whether you choose to remove the SD card or use the USB cable, both methods will allow you to easily transfer your audio files from the Zoom H4n to your computer.

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