I had a Zoom H6 and I wanted to try the essential line, but the H4e doesn't even get close to the quality and the functionality of the old H6. The recording quality of the H4e is abysmal to say the least. The "miraculous" float technology adds tons of artifacts & floor noise to the sound, rendering a boxy, thin copy of whatever it is you are recording. The stunning aliveness of the H6 is an old memory while the files recorded with the H4e are muffled, deprived of natural dynamics, unconcerned by treble or bass. Can't believe that an upgrade of an old product could go so wrong. It took me less than an hour playing with it, to decide and return it. I believe in 20+ years of buying gear, this is my first return ever.