Of all the recording equipment available, the Zoom H4n is the gold standard for producing high-quality sound. It has become a firm favorite among audio aficionados all over the world.
As with all technologies, there can be confusion around which lav mics are compatible with a Zoom H4n.
We’ve compiled a list of the best lav mics for a Zoom H4n, each of which will give you excellent sound and take your recording experience to the next level.
Note: Some of the products listed are currently out of stock, but we’ll update them soon.
Table of Contents
1. Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit
Delivering everything you need to record with a Zoom H4n, the Lavalier Microphone Kit from Purple Panda is perfect for podcasting, vlogging, hosting radio interviews, and more.
The microphone comes with a generous 4.9ft cable, allowing various placements without being restrictive. It also has omnidirectional recording capabilities that pick up sound from a 360º arc, enhancing vocals and drowning out background noise.
Lightweight and durable, you’ll feel as though you’re not even wearing a mic as you record, and it’s compatible with multiple devices thanks to a universal 3.5mm stereo jack.
The kit includes a mini USB adapter and a TRS (2-ring) adapter that increases the variety of recording devices with which you can use it even more. Add a 3m extension cable, a fuzzy windscreen, an extra clip, and access to an eBook for those making films, and it’s the whole package in a handy drawstring pouch.
See the Latest Pricing on Amazon
Pros:
- A microphone kit that comes with everything you need for recording podcasts, vlogging, and more
- A 4.9ft cable offers more freedom over placement without feeling restrictive
- Easy to use – no batteries, app downloads, and configurations
- Omnidirectional recording capabilities take the stress out of placement and sound quality
- Compatible with Zoom H4n and a variety of other recording equipment and includes a range of accessories that enhance your recording experience.
Cons:
- The fuzzy windscreen makes the microphone much more noticeable when recording outside. However, this isn’t an issue if you’re only recording audio.
- a USB soundcard is required for newer PC or Macbook models
User experience
Whether you’re recording a podcast or streaming a live event, the Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit is an excellent choice for capturing high-quality audio on a budget.
Users reported that this mic offers excellent sound quality, coming in just behind more expensive models in clarity and frequency response.
It is adaptable to most devices, and the included windscreen is a nice bonus, making it an excellent option for outdoor recording.
However, some users note that the sound quality could be slightly better.
2. Movo LV4 XLR Lavalier Microphone Kit
Movo designed the LV4 XLR Lavalier Microphone Kit to give you various recording options without needing to buy different equipment. It gives you one omnidirectional mic and one cardioid mic together in the same package.
Compatible with Zoom H4n and various other recording devices, the omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from all directions. The cardioid mic, by contrast, concentrates more on a 180º curve from the front and is less responsive to sounds from the back. These different options allow you to find the perfect recording quality for the task and take the guesswork out of placement.
The 3-pin XLR connector ensures a stable connection between the microphone and your recording equipment. That provides balanced audio and reduces feedback, and the 6ft cables allow for freedom of movement. Complete with a 1-year warranty, this set of microphones covers all your recording needs.
See the Latest Pricing on Amazon
Pros:
- A set of two microphones (one omnidirectional and one cardioid) that broadens your recording capabilities
- The omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from a 360º angle and takes the worry out of finding the perfect placement
- The cardioid microphone focuses on a 180º curve directly in front of it while blocking out ambient noise
- No batteries needed
- Compatible with Zoom H4n and many other recording devices and built with a 3-pin XLR connector for an extra secure connection
- Great for two-person podcasts and interviews
Cons:
- It doesn’t include any additional accessories, such as extension cables or windscreens
User experience
User reviews on the Movo LV4 XLR Lavalier Microphone Kit are mixed.
Some users have found that the mic picks up too much white noise in quiet environments, making it unusable for their needs. Others have found that the sound quality is on par with more expensive microphones and that the mic is an excellent value.
If you are considering this microphone kit, it is essential to assess your needs and whether the mic will suit your recording environment.
3. MAONO XLR Lavalier Microphone
Compact, lightweight, and discreet, the XLR Lavalier Microphone from MAONO is the perfect choice for recording podcasts, videos, and more. With its 3-pin XLR connector, not only is it compatible with Zoom H4n, but it can also work with a variety of other sound recording devices.
Designed to work omnidirectionally, recording sound in a 360º arc, this lavalier mic guarantees clear sound quality and enhanced vocal pickup while reducing background noise. Thanks to the sturdy miniature metal clip, it will securely hold wherever you place it.
No batteries are required to get this microphone running either; it operates merely using the power provided by your device. The 6ft cable offers more flexibility when finding the perfect placement. Alongside the microphone, you’ll also receive a foam windscreen and a furry windscreen that are ideal for recording outdoors and a 12-month warranty.
See the Latest Pricing on Amazon
Pros:
- Compatible with Zoom H4n, as well as various other recording equipment, thanks to the 3-pin XLR connector
- An omnidirectional microphone that picks up clear sound and enhanced vocals while identifying and drawing out ambient background noise
- It requires no batteries to operate and runs off the power being provided by your recording device
- It has a generous 6ft cable and includes two windscreens and a 12-month warranty
Cons:
- Although the 6ft cable offers a decent amount of flexibility for placement, it is slightly shorter than some others available
User experience
If you’re looking for an affordable XLR lavalier microphone, the MAONO is an excellent option. It’s phantom-powered, so it’ll work with most XLR inputs and has predominantly good user reviews.
One user praised its sound quality, while another noted its great value for the price. The only downside seems to be the cable length – at only 4 feet, it may not be long enough for some applications.
However, the MAONO XLR lavalier microphone is an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use mic.
4. Shure SM93 Lavalier Microphone
The SM93 Lavalier Microphone from Shure can record high-quality sound despite its compact size, and the variety of mounting hardware and accessories included gives you ultimate placement flexibility.
This omnidirectional microphone is ideal for recording vocals and has a full 360º dynamic range that picks up clear sounds while drowning out ambient noise. It also features a controlled low-frequency roll-off that helps to distort any noise interference that may occur when pinned to clothing.
Fully compatible with the Zoom H4n, it runs off phantom power and requires no batteries to function, while the 3-pin XLR connector lets you use it with other recording devices. Alongside the tie clip and sew-in bracket, you’ll also find an acoustic windscreen that is ideal for controlling sound quality when recording outdoors.
See the Latest Pricing on Amazon
Pros:
- Super compact yet sacrifices nothing in terms of sound recording quality
- The 3-pin XLR connectors make it compatible with Zoom H4n and a variety of other recording devices
- Omnidirectional recording enhances vocals while reducing background noise
- Low-frequency roll-off reduces noise interference coming from clothing
- Includes a variety of mounting hardware, including a tie-clip and sew-in bracket
- It comes with an acoustic windscreen for outdoor recording
Cons:
- The cable length is only 4ft, potentially making it feel slightly restrictive during use.
User experience
The Shure SM93 Lavalier Microphone is an excellent option if you’re looking for a high-quality mic without breaking the bank. It boasts precise sound reproduction and good isolation, making it ideal for use in noisy environments.
Although there are cheaper mics on the market, the SM93 is an industrial-grade mic built to last.
However, some users have noted that the windscreen is ineffective and that the cable is too short.
Overall, the Shure SM93 is a good choice for those needing a good quality
5. Comica CVM-V02O XLR Lavalier Microphone
This pack of 2x CVM-V02O XLR Lavalier Microphones from Comica is ideal for any podcaster or vlogger that has multiple guests on their show at once. The microphones use omnidirectional recording and a flat frequency response to pick up clear vocals regardless of their placement while reducing background noise.
Specially designed for use with Zoom H4n and other Zoom sound recording equipment, it requires no batteries to function and uses phantom power provided by your device.
Included metal clips ensure that the microphone stays securely in place during recording, and each mic comes with a fuzzy windscreen that delivers the best sound when recording outside. Generous 5.9ft silicone cables prevent you from feeling restricted during use, and they are also fully adjustable to allow you to find the most comfortable fit.
See the Latest Pricing on Amazon
Pros:
- A pack of two microphones that are ideal for hosting multiple guests at once
- Omnidirectional recording and a flat frequency response deliver clear vocals while reducing background noise
- Specially designed for use with Zoom H4n
- It uses 48v phantom power to function, meaning there’s no need for a battery stash
- 5.9ft cables give you placement flexibility
- Included clips and windscreens ensure secure placement and good sound quality when recording outdoors
Cons:
- Since these microphones are specially designed for use with Zoom recorders and camcorders, they may not be suitable for use with other recording devices
User experience
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced microphone that will capture sound perfectly, the Comica CVM-V02O XLR Lavalier Microphone is a great option.
It comes with a long cord, so you won’t have any issues using it with a mixer, and users have been very impressed with its performance.
According to ratings, the only downside of the mic is that it picks up everything. So if you’re looking for something more precise, you might need to consider a more expensive option. However, for general use, this is a great choice.
Lav Mic for Zoom H4n – Buyer’s Guide
You need to research before settling on which
Compatibility
As a general rule of thumb, any microphone with a 3-pin XLR connector will be compatible with a range of Zoom sound recorders as they use the same connection type.
As well as Zoom H4n, it’s worth looking at what other recording devices your chosen microphone is compatible with, especially if you like to change between recording equipment regularly.
Some microphones include adapters that allow you to plug into various recording devices. This is a great way to save money since you won’t need to buy multiple microphones to work with different equipment.
Microphone Type
You’ll notice that two types of microphones can be used with a Zoom H4n, omnidirectional and cardioid microphones.
Omnidirectional microphones record sound in a 360º arc, so they’re the best choice for a studio recording with multiple guests, where sound will come from all directions. They can enhance vocal sound by recording with a flat frequency response, which is ideal for podcasting or interviewing and can reduce the amount of ambient noise that’s picked up.
Cardioid microphones work in a 180º arc and focus more on the sound directly in front of them while blocking out any noise from behind the microphone. The noise-blocking makes them an excellent choice for outdoor recording, where you want to avoid as much ambient noise as possible and concentrate more on vocals.
Cable Length
Most lav mics come with cables ranging between 4ft to 6ft, which is generally a good length, allowing a comfortable fit without restricting your placement flexibility.
If you require a longer cable, some microphone kits include an extension cable that lets you lengthen the space between the microphone and your Zoom H4n. An extension cable is ideal for larger studio setups and outdoor recording, where you may need that extra space.
Mounting
The most common method of mounting a
One of these is a sew-in bracket, which can literally be sewn onto a garment and then have the microphone clipped into it. Sew-in brackets are an excellent choice for theatre, where the actor will wear the same costume for each performance.
Phantom Power
Most microphones compatible with a Zoom H4n won’t require batteries but will use phantom power to function. Your recording device itself provides phantom power.
This is an outstanding feature, as you won’t have to worry about keeping a steady supply of batteries to hand and instead can plug in your microphone and go!
Extra Accessories
Some microphones come with handy extras that can enhance the recording experience.
Windscreens are one of the best extra accessories to look out for and will allow you to record outdoors without wind noise affecting the sound quality. These come in either ‘fuzzy’ or ‘foam’ forms, and both are great for keeping your recording quality high.
You can also find entire microphone kits that include various accessories, including windscreens, additional mounting hardware, extension cables, and adapters.
Warranty
Finally, it’s essential to look at the warranty your microphone includes. A good mic for Zoom H4n can be an expensive investment, so the longer you’re covered for repair or replacement, the better.
The standard warranty tends to be around 12 months. However, there is usually an offer to extend this once you’ve activated it.
