Zoom MicTrak M4 User manual

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.
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Notes about this Operation Manual
You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily.
The contents of this document and the specifications of the product could be changed without notice.
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and broadcasts, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is
prohibited by law. ZOOM CORPORATION will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of
copyrights.
2

Contents
Notes about this Operation Manual........................................................................................................................ 2
M4 overview................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Realizing high audio quality throughout recording and editing.......................................................................... 5
Functions of parts........................................................................................................................................................9
Overview of main screens....................................................................................................................................... 14
Recording process..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Making preparations.................................................................................................................................................22
Inserting microSD cards........................................................................................................................................... 22
Supplying power........................................................................................................................................................ 23
Connecting input devices.........................................................................................................................................26
Turning the power on/off........................................................................................................................................ 31
Setting the language shown (first time starting up)............................................................................................ 33
Setting the date format (first time starting up)....................................................................................................34
Setting the date and time (first time starting up)................................................................................................35
Setting the type of batteries used (first time starting up).................................................................................. 36
Preventing misoperation (hold function)...............................................................................................................37
Making input settings...............................................................................................................................................38
Selecting inputs for making settings......................................................................................................................38
Changing the recording file format for the built-in XY mic................................................................................ 40
Setting INPUT 1/2 sources and phantom power................................................................................................. 41
Reducing noise (low-frequency cut)....................................................................................................................... 43
Changing phantom power voltage......................................................................................................................... 44
Using plugin power................................................................................................................................................... 46
Making output settings............................................................................................................................................ 47
Adjusting the line output level................................................................................................................................47
Recording.................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Adjusting the volume display size to make checking easier.............................................................................. 48
Monitoring input and playback sounds.................................................................................................................49
Making recording settings........................................................................................................................................50
Recording.................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Adding marks during recording.............................................................................................................................. 55
Playing recordings..................................................................................................................................................... 56
Playing recordings..................................................................................................................................................... 56
Adding/deleting marks during playback................................................................................................................59
Using automatic playback volume adjustment.................................................................................................... 60
Managing files............................................................................................................................................................61
M4 folder and file structure.................................................................................................................................... 61
Checking files (FILE LIST Screen).............................................................................................................................64
Deleting files...............................................................................................................................................................66
Optimizing file volume (normalization)..................................................................................................................68
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Changing bit depth and exporting files (Export)..................................................................................................69
Checking file information......................................................................................................................................... 71
Using as a USB mic...................................................................................................................................................72
Installing drivers........................................................................................................................................................ 72
Connecting computers, smartphones and tablets.............................................................................................. 73
USB mic muting......................................................................................................................................................... 76
Disconnecting from computers, smartphones and tablets................................................................................77
Making USB mic settings..........................................................................................................................................78
Transferring files to computers and other devices............................................................................................. 82
Connecting computers, smartphones and tablets.............................................................................................. 82
Disconnecting from computers, smartphones and tablets................................................................................84
Making various settings........................................................................................................................................... 85
Setting the language shown.................................................................................................................................... 85
Setting the date and time........................................................................................................................................86
Setting the date format............................................................................................................................................88
Setting display power saving...................................................................................................................................90
Setting the display brightness.................................................................................................................................92
Setting the type of batteries used..........................................................................................................................94
Setting the time until the power turns off automatically................................................................................... 96
Managing microSD cards......................................................................................................................................... 98
Formatting microSD cards....................................................................................................................................... 98
Testing microSD cards............................................................................................................................................100
Using timecode........................................................................................................................................................104
Timecode overview................................................................................................................................................. 104
Making timecode settings......................................................................................................................................106
Restoring factory default settings........................................................................................................................ 112
Managing the firmware..........................................................................................................................................113
Checking firmware versions.................................................................................................................................. 113
Updating the firmware...........................................................................................................................................114
Using optional remote controls............................................................................................................................115
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................................116
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................................116
M4 metadata lists....................................................................................................................................................119
Specifications........................................................................................................................................................... 123
4

M4 overview
Realizing high audio quality throughout recording and
editing
With dual A/D converter circuits and support for 32-bit float WAV files, the M4 enables the highest audio
quality to be maintained from recording to editing in a DAW or other software.
Recording
Dual AD converter circuits enable recording from quiet to loud volumes without any need to make gain
adjustments.
Editing in DAWs and other software
Recording with 32-bit float WAV file format allows the recording audio quality to be retained when editing.
5

Dual A/D converter circuit overview
For each input circuit, the M4 has two A/D converters with different input gains. This design enables
high-quality audio recording without the need to adjust gain settings, a step that normally had been
indispensable.
Providing amazing dynamic range
By combining two A/D converters, a wide dynamic range not possible with a single A/D converter has been
realized.
High-gain
AD converter
Low-gain
AD converter
AD converter
switches in
response to
input level
・Airplane
・Nearby thunder
・Train passing on tracks overhead
・Inside train
・Shouting
・Grand piano
・Noisy street
・Chimes
・Ordinary conversation
・Whispering
・Quiet library
・Late night in suburb
Wide dynamic range covered
by two AD converters
Input gain adjusted to
desired recording volume
Dual AD converters
Conventional equipment
6

Switching between two A/D converters
The M4 constantly monitors data from the two A/D converters and automatically selects the one that
provides the best recording results.
Low noise
because high-gain
AD converter selected
Low noise
because high-gain
AD converter selected
No clipping
because low-gain
AD converter selected
7

32-bit float WAV file overview
32-bit float WAV files have the following advantages over conventional 16/24-bit WAV files.
These features enable the quality of the sound during recording to be maintained even when editing with
DAW software afterward.
Resolution advantage
32-bit float WAV files have the advantage of being able to maintain high resolution even at low volumes. As
a result, quiet sounds can be made louder when editing after recording without degrading their quality.
■ 16/24-bit WAV
Volume raised
Resolution low
■ 32-bit float WAV
Volume raised
Resolution high
Clipping advantage
If a waveform sounds clipped when output from the M4 or in a DAW, it can be edited after recording to
lower its volume and restore an unclipped waveform because the data in the 32-bit float WAV file itself is
not clipped.
■ 16/24-bit WAV
Clipped recording
Volume lowered
Still clipped
■ 32-bit float WAV
Clipped recording
Volume lowered
Not clipped
8

Functions of parts
Front and back
■ Front ■ Back
❶Built-in XY mic
This stereo mic has two crossing directional mics. This mic can record three-dimensional sound with
natural depth and width.
❷Display
This shows various types of information.
❸INPUT/operation button
Home Screen: Change recording format of built-in XY mic and set INPUT 1/2 sources.
Other screens: Use operation shown by icon at bottom of screen. (→ Operation button overview)
❹/ /Operation buttons
Home Screen: Change volume amplification on the display.
Other screens: Use operation shown by icon at bottom of screen. (→ Operation button overview)
❺LO CUT/operation button
Home Screen: Change LO CUT setting.
Other screens: Use operation shown by icon at bottom of screen. (→ Operation button overview)
❻1 button
Switch input set on the Home Screen (INPUT 1 or built-in mic).
9

❼2 button
Switch input set on the Home Screen (INPUT 2 or built-in mic).
❽STOP button
This stops recording and playback.
Press this when playing or paused to close the Playback Screen and open the Home Screen.
❾PLAY/PAUSE button
This starts and pauses playback.
❿REW button
When playing or paused, this will move to the track or mark before the current one.
Press and hold to search backward.
⓫FF button
When playing or paused, this will move to the track or mark after the current one.
Press and hold to search forward.
⓬REC button/indicator
This starts recording. The REC indicator lights during recording.
Press when recording or playing to add a mark at that point.
⓭Speaker
Sound is output here during file playback.
⓮Tripod mounting threads
This can be used to attach the M4 to a tripod, for example.
⓯Battery compartment locking screw
Use this when installing and removing the battery compartment. (→ Installing batteries)
⓰Battery compartment
Install batteries here.
To remove the battery compartment, loosen the battery compartment locking screw. (→ Installing
batteries)
10

■Operation button overview
When operation icons are shown at the bottom of the Menu Screen and Playback Screen, for example, use
the corresponding operation buttons (which are right below the icons) to select and confirm items on the
screen.

■ Menu Screen example
❶Operation icons
The icons shown depend on the screen.
❷Operation button ( )
Reopen the previous screen.
❸Operation button ( )
Select the item above.
❹Operation button ( )
Select the item below.
❺Operation button ( )
Confirm the selected item.

Other operation icons will also be shown. See the explanations of procedures for each item for details.

■ Abbreviation of procedures in this operation manual
In this operation manual, procedures that involve pressing operation buttons are shown with icons in the
following manner.
Example: Use the buttons that correspond to and to select “Rec Settings”. Then, use the
button that corresponds to to confirm the selected item.
→ Use / to select “Rec Settings” and press to confirm.
11

Left and right sides
■ Left side
■ Right side
❶INPUT 1 jack
Connect a mic or instrument here. This can be used with XLR and TRS plugs.
When disconnecting an XLR plug, pull it while pushing the connector lock release button.
❷PHONE OUT jack
This can output sound to headphones.
❸VOLUME buttons
Use these to adjust the volume of the headphones/built-in speaker.
❹REMOTE jack
A dedicated remote control (ZOOM RC2, RC4, RCH-5 or RCH-6) can be connected here.
This enables operating the M4 from a distance.
❺LINE OUT jack
This stereo mini jack can be used to output sound to another device.
❻USB port (Type-C)
Connect this to a computer, smartphone or tablet to use this mic as an SD card reader or USB mic. This
supports operation on USB bus power.
❼POWER/HOLD switch
Use this to turn the power on/off and to disable button operation.
12

❽microSD card slot
Insert a microSD card here.
❾TIME CODE IN/OUT jack
This inputs and outputs timecode.
Tip: Input to M4
(output from external device)
Ring: Output from M4
(input to external device)
Sleeve: GND
❿MENU button
This opens the Menu Screen and returns to the Home Screen.
⓫MIC/LINE IN jack (supports plug-in power)
A connected mic can be used to record.
Mics that require plug-in power can be used with this jack.
⓬INPUT 2 jack
Connect a mic or instrument here. This can be used with XLR and TRS plugs.
When disconnecting an XLR plug, pull it while pushing the connector lock release button.
13

Overview of main screens
This section explains the screens that are shown on the M4 display.
Home Screen
This appears on the display when the M4 power is turned on. This shows the state of the M4, including the
recording status and the waveforms of input signals.
❶Status icon
This icon shows the recording status.
• Stopped
• Recording
❷Counter
This shows the available recording time when standing by and the current elapsed recording time
when recording.
❸Timecode
This is shown when the timecode setting is enabled, for example. (→ Using timecode)
❹Remaining battery charge indicator
This is shown when batteries are being used for operation. When the remaining battery charge
becomes low, replace the batteries (→Installing batteries), or connect an AC adapter (→Connecting an
AC adapter) or portable battery (→Using other power sources).
Full Empty
❺Volume/waveform display (built-in XY mic, INPUT 1/2)
This shows the volumes of the signals input to the M4. Waveforms appear red during recording.
(→Adjusting the volume display size to make checking easier)
Inputs are shown on the left edge of each volume display.
• L: Built-in XY mic left signal
14

• R: Built-in XY mic right signal
• 1: INPUT 1
• 2: INPUT 2
Various settings can be made for the selected input. (→Making input settings)
Use and to select inputs. (→Selecting inputs for making settings)
❻Built-in XY mic recording format (when built-in XY mic selected)
This shows the recording format for the built-in XY mic. (→Changing the recording file format for the
built-in XY mic)

Input source setting value (when INPUT 1 or INPUT 2 selected)
This shows the input source (INPUT 1 or INPUT 2). (→Setting INPUT 1/2 sources and phantom power)
❼Volume amplification on the display
This shows the amplification of the volume shown on the display for the selected input.
Adjust this as necessary so that the volume shown is easy to check. (→Adjusting the volume display
size to make checking easier)
❽LO CUT setting
This shows the LO CUT setting for the selected input. (→Reducing noise (low-frequency cut))
HINT:
• When a screen other than the Home Screen is open, pressing will open the Home Screen. This
function is useful for returning quickly to the Home Screen from various setting screens. (Returning
directly to the Home Screen is not possible from a few screens.)
• When the Playback Screen or FILE LIST Screen is open, can be pressed to open the Home Screen.
15

Playback Screen
When the Home Screen is open, pressing to start playback will also open this screen.
This screen shows the M4 playback status, including the playback time and recording file waveform.
❶Status icon
Icons show the playback status.
• Playing back
• Paused
• Searching backward
• Searching forward
❷Playback time
This shows the time elapsed since the start of playback.
❸File length
This shows the length of the file that is currently playing.
❹Remaining battery charge indicator
This is shown when batteries are being used for operation. When the remaining battery charge
becomes low, replace the batteries (→Installing batteries), or connect an AC adapter (→Connecting an
AC adapter) or portable battery (→Using other power sources).
Full Empty
❺Input types
This shows the types of inputs recorded.
• L: Built-in XY mic left signal
• R: Built-in XY mic right signal
• 1: INPUT 1
• 2: INPUT 2
16

❻Operation icons
By pressing the operation buttons below the corresponding operation icons on the display, the
playback position can be skipped and the screen can be changed. The file can also be deleted or
exported and information about it can be checked. (→ Operation button overview)
❼Waveform display
This shows the waveforms of the recorded files being played.
Parts of waveforms that have already been played are shown in green.
Mark positions can also be checked. (→Adding marks during recording, Adding/deleting marks during
playback)
❽Mark bar
Bars show marks added to the file that is playing back.
HINT:
• Press to stop playback and reopen the Home Screen.
• Press to open the FILE LIST Screen.
17

FILE LIST Screen
Press when the Playback Screen is open to open this screen.
The files on the microSD card will be shown in a list on the display, so the content of the card can be
checked and files can be played and deleted, for example.
❶Status icon
Icons show the playback status.
• Playing back
• Paused
• Searching backward
• Searching forward
❷Remaining battery charge indicator
This is shown when batteries are being used for operation. When the remaining battery charge
becomes low, replace the batteries (→Installing batteries), or connect an AC adapter (→Connecting an
AC adapter) or portable battery (→Using other power sources).
Full Empty
❸File list
This list shows the files on the microSD card.
The names and lengths of files are shown. A progress bar is shown for the selected file.
When the list has more files than will fit on the display, a scrollbar will appear on the right edge.
❹Operation icons
Files can be selected and deleted by pressing the operation buttons below the corresponding
operation icons on the display. The screen can also be switched. (→ Operation button overview)
❺Progress bar
This shows the current playback position.
❻Playback time/file length
When playing or paused, this shows the elapsed time from the start of playback. When stopped, this
shows the file length.
18

HINT:
• Press to stop playback and reopen the Home Screen.
• Press to open the Playback Screen.
19

Menu Screen
Use the Menu Screen to make various settings, including recording, output and hardware settings.
❶Menu title
❷Menu items
These include setting items and setting values.
❸Operation icons
By pressing the operation buttons below the corresponding operation icons on the display, menu
items can be selected and selected items can be confirmed. (→ Operation button overview)
❹Remaining battery charge indicator
This is shown when batteries are being used for operation. When the remaining battery charge
becomes low, replace the batteries (→Installing batteries), or connect an AC adapter (→Connecting an
AC adapter) or portable battery (→Using other power sources).
Full Empty

■Opening the Menu Screen
1. Press when the Home Screen is open.
HINT:
When a screen other than the Home Screen is open, pressing will open the Home Screen. This function
is useful for returning quickly to the Home Screen from various setting screens. (Returning directly to the
Home Screen is not possible from a few screens.)
20