Question: There are so many reviews spread around the web about the Zoom H4N, some of them praise this recorder, other say some things about bad preamps, hissy mics etc...

Who has had experiences with this device? Would you recommend it? How are the internal mics? I am thinking about going out into the woods to record ambient sounds. 
I also like the multi-track feature and would like to use external mics, too.

Answer: 
I love my Zoom H4n, but be VERY AWARE that the 1/4inch "line level" inputs that they advertise are actually -10db High impedance guitar level inputs, not +4db low impedance professional line inputs. I got caught on that one when I tried to hook up my Sound Devices MM1 external preamp to clean up the mic inputs and there was a severe level/impedance mismatch. Was quite pissed when I discovered that because they are not too forthcoming with that fact in their advertising :(
I love mine...Always in my briefcase, and often in my booth. 

I don't find the XLR's on my version to be noisy (not that I'm recording REALLY quiet sounds with it) - assuming you have your phantom power set correctly. The H4n has both 24 and True 48 volts phantom power, and I have found a lot of mics don't like the 24v very much, which is what the unit defaults to. Of course 48v eats batteries a LOT faster.