It’s hard to believe that something that is only six inches long can do so much. Yet the Zoom H4 Mobile Recorder can record not only 24-bit/96kHz digital audio, but MP3 format with bitrates up to 320kbps. It can also serve as a 4-Track recorder to give CD quality, 16-bit/44.1 kHz resolution.

As you can see from the funny little barrel-shaped things on the end, it uses two studio-quality electret condenser microphones that are configured in an X/Y pattern for high performance recording. A back-lit, 128x64 pixel LCD gives a user interface so you know exactly what you are doing.

The H4 records to a Secure Digital (SD) media, and even includes a 128MB SD card. An SD card of 2 GB will provide up to 380 minutes worth of recording. You can move whatever you recorded to your PC with the USB interface. The H4 is also designed to plug directly into your computer for use as an audio interface.

All of this can be powered by 2 AA batteries for four hours worth of recording activity. The Zoom H4 should be available soon at a price of $299.