Recording piano music – Zoom Q8n-4K camera

I have had a few enquiries recently about the camera I use to record my student’s concerts and, for some, their exam entry videos.

I use a Zoom Q8n-4K which is a high-quality video and audio recorder designed for creators, musicians, and videographers seeking professional-grade audio and 4K video recording in a compact, portable package.

Here’s an overview of its features and specifications:

Key Features

1. Video Quality:
   • 4K Ultra HD video recording (up to 30fps) with a wide-angle lens.
   • Adjustable field of view (FOV) for flexibility in framing.
2. Audio Excellence:
   • Zoom’s signature high-quality audio capture.
   • Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with support for phantom power.
   • Interchangeable Zoom mic capsule system (compatible with existing Zoom capsules).
   • Four-track simultaneous audio recording capability.
   • High sound pressure level (SPL) handling, ideal for live music and performances.
3. Portability and Build:
   • Compact and lightweight design, suitable for on-the-go recording.
   • Large flip-out LCD touchscreen for easy navigation and monitoring.
   • Built-in stereo microphones, optimised for ambient and directional sound.
4. Connectivity:
   • USB-C port for use as a webcam or for live streaming.
   • HDMI output for direct playback on external monitors or TVs.
   • Audio interface functionality for direct computer connection.
5. Power Options:
   • Runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or USB power for extended recording sessions.
6. Storage:
   • Uses SD cards for recording, supporting up to 512GB.
7. Audio Enhancement Features:
   • Built-in audio effects like compression, limiting, and low-cut filters.
   • Advanced preamps for clear, noise-free recordings.

Use Cases

• Musicians: Record rehearsals, live performances, or studio sessions with pristine audio and 4K visuals.
• Content Creators: Capture high-quality footage for vlogs, tutorials, and streaming.
• Filmmakers: Use as a secondary camera for dynamic shots with excellent audio syncing.
• Educators: Record lectures or tutorials with professional sound.

Strengths

• Exceptional audio quality with advanced mic options.
• Compact and portable for versatile applications.
• User-friendly interface with touchscreen controls.
• Dual-functionality as a recorder and webcam.

Limitations

• No stabilisation feature, which might require additional stabilising equipment for motion-heavy recordings.
• Limited 4K frame rate (30fps maximum).

Who Is It For?

The Zoom Q8n-4K is best suited for those prioritising high-quality audio and video in one device, such as musicians, podcasters, vloggers, and educators. Its versatility and professional features make it a solid choice for creative professionals.

Why not use your mobile phone?

Using the Zoom Q8n-4K for recording piano music offers several advantages over a typical mobile phone, particularly when it comes to audio and video quality, customisation, and overall functionality. Playing beautiful crescendo and diminuendo passages getting lost in the sound recorded by a mobile phone is not ideal.

Here’s a detailed comparison to explain why the Q8n-4K is better suited for piano recordings:

1. Superior Audio Quality

Built-in Professional Microphones:

• The Q8n-4K features high-quality stereo microphones designed for capturing detailed, rich sound, especially in acoustic instruments like the piano.
• Its microphones handle a wide dynamic range, allowing it to record both soft and loud passages without distortion—ideal for the piano’s wide tonal spectrum.

Customisable Mic Capsules:

• The Q8n-4K is compatible with Zoom’s interchangeable mic capsule system, enabling you to tailor the microphone to your recording environment or preferences (e.g., mid-side recording for a balanced stereo field).

Dual XLR/TRS Inputs:

• You can connect external microphones or audio equipment directly to the camera, offering even greater flexibility in capturing nuanced piano tones.

Audio Processing:

• The device includes built-in audio effects such as compression, limiting, and low-cut filters, allowing for clearer and more polished recordings directly from the device.

Comparison with Mobile Phones:

• Mobile phones use basic, omnidirectional microphones optimised for general voice recording, not for capturing the subtle dynamics and harmonics of a piano.
• Phone microphones often compress the audio, leading to a loss of detail, especially in complex musical passages.

2. Advanced Video and Audio Sync

Integrated Design:

• The Q8n-4K records high-quality audio and video simultaneously, ensuring perfect synchronisation without needing post-editing.
• Mobile phones may require additional apps or external microphones, which can introduce syncing issues and reduce convenience.

3. Versatile Audio Settings

• The Q8n-4K allows fine-tuning of gain levels and equalisation to optimise the sound for your recording environment.
• Mobile phones generally lack manual audio controls, often resulting in uneven sound quality due to automatic gain adjustments.

4. Video Quality and Flexibility

4K Ultra HD Recording:

• The Q8n-4K records in 4K resolution with a wide-angle lens, ensuring detailed visuals of the pianist and the piano.
• The adjustable field of view (FOV) lets you frame the piano from the best angle—whether focusing on the keys, the player, or the full instrument setup.

Customisable Recording Settings:

• The camera provides manual control over exposure and focus, crucial for capturing high-quality footage in different lighting conditions.
• Mobile phones often rely on automatic settings, which can struggle in low-light environments or with reflective surfaces like a piano’s glossy finish.

5. Handling Loudness and Dynamics

• Pianos can produce extremely loud or soft sounds depending on the piece. The Q8n-4K’s advanced preamps and high sound pressure level (SPL) tolerance ensure clarity across the piano’s dynamic range.
• Mobile phones may distort or clip during loud passages and fail to capture the subtleties of softer ones.

6. Portability and Professionalism

Compact and Portable:

• The Q8n-4K is designed for on-the-go recording but maintains professional-grade features.
• While mobile phones are portable, their audio and video capabilities require significant additional accessories (e.g., external microphones and stabilisers) to approach the Q8n-4K’s quality.

7. Connectivity and Versatility

Multifunctionality:

• The Q8n-4K doubles as an audio interface and webcam, allowing for live streaming or direct digital uploads with minimal setup.
• While mobile phones are convenient for social media uploads, they don’t offer the same integration with professional audio workflows.

8. Long-term Cost Efficiency

• Although the Q8n-4K has a higher upfront cost than using a mobile phone, its professional features reduce the need for additional equipment or post-processing tools.

Conclusion

For recording piano music, the Zoom Q8n-4K is vastly superior to a mobile phone due to its advanced audio capture, manual controls, and high-quality video. These features ensure a faithful representation of your piano’s rich tonal characteristics and visual aesthetics, making it an essential tool for musicians, educators, or content creators who demand professional-grade results.