i've used the H2 and H4
BUT
this H4N is WAY BETTER...

love the look, the build is way better,
it actually has weight to it.
love that they include a protective hard shell case
love the MTR function
love the simultaneous 4 Mic recording (2 internal, 2 external)
love the big orange screen
love the new button layout, way easier to use

AND i have confirmed that:

reducing the recording level (even if input is way too hot) will decrease input in a way that it does not distort.

so it does not just decrease the input's hot level yielding a softer distorted recording (square wave),
it NOW decreases level before AD/DA conversion, so you get an UNDISTORTED recording ALL the time.
this is great as when you record your band from RCA outs which do not have level control, YOU can lower levels so you get a great recording.
** with the H2 and H4, decreasing recording level on unit still yielded the same distorted sound (sqaure wave), but just softer distorted sound.

and also if level 1 is still too hot, they have now made it possible to do .1 to .9 level as well

so Diki, NOW I BELIEVE IT !!!

so THANK YOU Frank for the great service, speedy delivery and great price.
you're the man...

Lee

[This message has been edited by leezone (edited 06-03-2009).]

DITTO I knew if you made the buy you'd love it. I've been very happy with mine. Now, anyone interested in buying my H2?

Oh, and i forgot...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the onboard Speaker.
Awesome for verifying your recodings, without need for headphones...

this recorder has it all, very versatile

and how can i forget the XLR inputs which no other portable recorder has?

loving it...

Good news.

I am tossing up whether to keep my H2 for it's tiny form factor (love sneaking it in to concerts in my pocket!), or sell it and get the H4n. But I'm getting the H4n, either way!