Zoom mrs-4 hiss problem (?)

[bartok.waters]

hello folks!

I just bought a zoom mrs4 and there's something I find strange: when i turn the input level to the max I hear a lot of hiss, even with nothing plugged.

What do you think about it?
Should I return the recorder and ask for another one?
Anyone with the same problem?

So far I'm pleased with the mrs-4.... but that hiss is driving me crazy....

Thanks in advance,
Pedro

[DKMurphPr]

You shouldn't have to turn the input level to max in order to get a sufficient recording level.

In any event, don't expect too much from such an inexpensive product. There is a reason it is inexpensive.

And I'm not knocking the mrs4, I have one and have been pleased with it, even though I just bought the Zoom MRS1266CD I plan on keeping the MRS4 for its portability.

[bartok.waters]

All right...

but even if I don't push it to the max, at i.e at 3/4, it still has some hiss...

By the way, what's the ideal recording level? The manual refers that the recording level, when the instrument played at its peak volume, shouldn't touch the 0 db.... Any hints?

Could this problem be solved by using an external preamp?

[TexRoadkill]

Hiss can usually be measured by the signal to noise ratio or the dynamic range. A pretty clean SNR is around 80db and a really clean SNR is around 100db or better. Check the specs on your zoom and figure they are being generous.

A good external preamp will help but another cheap one may not be a huge improvement. Low hiss is one of the many reasons why people are willing to pay a few grand for a one channel preamp.

[bartok.waters]

Thanks!

I'll check it out....

[MISTERQCUE]

Also, what is your signal chain to the Zoom!!?? Are you employing gear that has a hi S/N ration as drum machines,low-end modules
& keys!!??
My "canned drums" (Boss DR202) introduces a lot of inherent and annoying hiss when I boost gain during tracking yet I discovered a remedy for that problem by routing the machine thru one of my comps, employing the GATES and thus reducing the amont of unwanted hiss artifacts by at least 70-80% introduced by my DR202!
Again, check your signal chain in and out of your Zoom b-4 making
any rash decisions!

Good Luck!

[Osbick Bird]

Don't know anything about that unit. However, if you're hearing the hiss in headphones attached to the Zoom's headphone jack, try recording something and mastering it out to some other medium through the main outputs. Some/Most of the hiss may actually be coming from the headphone amp (a likely place to skimp on a low-budget machine) and isn't actually on the track.

OB