Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder
The H1 Handy Recorder from Zoom is an easy-to-use, versatile stereo digital audio recorder that fits into the palm of your hand. Following in the footsteps of the popular H2 and H4n, the H1 brings pro-level recording to a more compact and affordable design. Perfect for musicians, journalists, podcasters, and more, the H1 records high-quality WAV and MP3 files to meet any professional need. The H1 has a stereo X/Y microphone configuration that captures perfect stereo images. A built-in speaker lets you listen to your recordings right away.
The H1 records your audio onto easily-found microSD or microSDHC flash memory cards, supporting capacities up to 32GB. A 2GB card is included so you can begin recording right away. The H1 records WAV audio at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz, and MP3 audio at rates up to 320kbps and VBR. The pocket-sized device runs on a single AA battery to provide up to 10 hours of continuous operation.
The simple, intuitive interface provides you with 1-button recording, while a backlit LCD display shows vital information. The rear of the recorder features controls for the low cut filter, automatic level control, and format selection. Physical controls are provided for input level and record/playback functions, so you don't have to navigate through complicated menus in order to find the features you want.
A 3.5mm mic/line input lets you connect an external microphone or music player, while a 3.5mm headphone/line output lets you connect your favorite headphones or small external speakers. A high-speed USB 2.0 port allows you to easily transfer data to your Mac or PC. A threaded tripod mount socket makes it easy to mount the H1 on a tripod or stand.
- Recording Time
- The H1 records on microSD cards and comes with a 2GB microSD card. Using a 32GB microSDHC card allows over 50 hours of recording time at 16-bit/44.1 kHz.
- Compact Form Factor
- This tiny recorder slips easily into your pocket or bag for the ultimate in portability
- High-Quality Audio
- The recorder can record WAV (BWF) files at up to 24-bit/96kHz or MP3 files up to 320kbps and VBR. Broadcast Wave Format allows you to add track markers to your recording
- X/Y Stereo Mic Configuration
- The X/Y stereo microphone configuration captures crisp, true stereo recordings for incredible accuracy and realism
- Reference Speaker
- A built-in speaker lets you listen to your recordings immediately
- microSD/SDHC Card Recording
- The H1 records to easily-found microSD and microSDHC memory cards with capacities up to 32GB. A 2GB card is included to get you started
- Easy-to-Use
- The simple interface provides 1-button recording and offers physical controls for playback functions, input and volume levels, low cut filter, and auto level control; eliminating the need for complicated menus. The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to see vital information
- Automatic Gain and Low-Cut Filter
- An advanced Auto Gain Control (AGC) and low-cut filter allow the H1 to record audio at the most appropriate level while minimizing unwanted noise without having to adjust settings
- AA Battery
- The H1 uses a single AA battery to give you up to 10 hours of continuous use
- Input/Output Options
- A standard 3.5mm mic/line input lets you connect external microphones and sound sources such as MP3 players. A 3.5mm headphone/line output let you connect headphones or small external speakers
- High-Speed USB 2.0
- A high-speed USB 2.0 port allows you to quickly transfer your audio files to your Mac or PC
- Tripod Mounting
- A standard threaded tripod socket lets you mount the H1 to a tripod or stand
- Optional Accessory Kit
- The APH-1 accessory package (sold separately) offers a windscreen, AC adapter, USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded case, and mic clip adapter to maximize the H1's capabilities
| Type | Hand-held stereo digital audio recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods | microSD/SDHC card (2GB included) |
| Recording Bit Rate |
WAV: 16 and 24-bit MP3: 48-320kbps, VBR |
| Sampling Frequency |
WAV: 44.1, 48, and 96kHz MP3: 44.1/48kHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Recording Time |
All times are for a 1GB memory card Stereo Mode: MP3: 17 hours 21 mins (128kbps), 6 hours 56 mins (320kbps) WAV: 1 hour 34 mins (16-bit/44.1kHz), 1 hour 26 mins (16-bit/48kHz), 28 mins (24-bit/96kHz) |
| AD/DA Conversion | 24-bit, 128x oversampling |
| Signal Processing | 32-bit |
| Connectors |
1 x 3.5mm mic/line input 1 x 3.5mm headphone/line output 1 x High-speed USB 2.0 port, mini-B type |
| Microphone Type | Unidirectional condenser microphone |
| Gain | 0 to +39dB (Min gain with digital attenuation is -28dB) |
| SPL | 120dB max |
| Input Impedance | 2k ohms (0 to -39dBm) |
| Output Impedance | 10k ohms or more |
| Output Level |
-10dBm rated 20mW + 20mW phones output level into 32 ohms |
| Speaker | 400mW @ 8 ohms |
| Display | 127-segment custom LCD with backlight |
| Battery Type/Life |
1 x AA or LR6 battery Up to 10 hours MP3, 9.5 hours WAV |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 1.7 x 5.4 x 1.2" (44 x 136 x 31mm) |
| Weight | 2.1 oz (60g) (without batteries) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 206 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
91%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (165)
- Excellent sound (142)
- Versatile (109)
- Low distortion (73)
- Good power output (40)
Cons
- Poor quality construction (46)
- Weak (16)
- Difficult to use (5)
- Poor sound quality (5)
- Battery life (3)
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (111)
- Outdoor events / games (92)
- Performances (69)
- Professional recording (61)
- Home studio (57)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (125), Novice (34), Professional musician (17)
Most Liked Positive Review
A pretty great little recorder
So you are probably like me, sorting products by price - low to high and you found the H1 right there at the top. Your next question will probably be if going cheap will ...Read complete review
So you are probably like me, sorting products by price - low to high and you found the H1 right there at the top. Your next question will probably be if going cheap will take you all the way to heavenly field recordings. Then you start imagining what the size will allow you to do. It fits nicely in your pocket and is light enough that you can actually keep it in your shirt pocket. At least these were some of the things I wondered about before getting mine.
First of all, anyone who ever thought of getting one of those voice recorders - you should all get this one, because it gives you superior sound quality and is just as small. Having said that, depending on what you plan to record, you might want to compare the sound quality with other products. I use mine mostly for voice recordings, field recordings for music and to record rehearsals and concerts. As I just mentioned, voice recordings come out perfect and a conversation with several people in a big room, such as a conference room or even a lecture hall is no problem. For my field recordings, the H1 does indeed lack some detail, especially in the higher frequencies, slightly altering the sense of room space, transparency, depth and distance, both indoors and outdoors. But the noise level is very low, which allows you to do more detailed work on the recordings on the computer. Rehearsals at very high volume do sound a bit compressed and distorted and obviously you are going to lose dynamics and clarity, but it still does a pretty good job of separating highs, mids and lows, leaving you with a fairly accurate description of what was actually going on during the recording.
What I really don't like is the clicking sound that seems to be impossible to avoid at the beginning and the end of each recording. This forces you to edit every single file by hand, regardless of how the actual recording came out.
What I do like is the size versus sound quality and the price. It really leaves you no excuse to not bring it with you to record any sound that you might encounter during a day. This kind of flexibility, at least for me, almost always leads to more creativity. Although be careful with recording sounds close to a police officer, it does look a lot like a taser.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent compact unit. Forget superlatives
declaration: B+H lured this review with a competition incentive.
2nd declaration: this review will not sound like the generic zoom press release as many others ive read do!
Read complete review
declaration: B+H lured this review with a competition incentive.
2nd declaration: this review will not sound like the generic zoom press release as many others ive read do!
I'd had my eye on smaller solid state recorder for a little while when this came on the horizon, the other main contenders were Sony IC internal memory units. H1 won over on paper with the better mics and recording to card instead of internal memory.
As many others have mentioned, the wind noise is very very sensitive. I wouldn't ever have the small windsock off unless it was really safe indoors. The mics already bulge out of the top of the unit so a windsock and certainly a windjammer add significant size to the unit. All this leads to more 'poking out of your pocket; rather than pocket sized recorder. This makes me think how the H2 is in many ways more suited to the 'pocket sized' tag as its pop filter mesh handles light breeze well and the whole unit is a rectangle.
Also the "cheap plastic" feel which has been well covered is pretty accurate. But it feels like an AV remote, not a phone or something solid. The main impact of this apart from peoples 'quality perception' is that it makes handling noise really sensitive as the plastic case creaks into the mics.
In the first few weeks of use ive had the flimsy card door dislodge and get lost, lost one recording which didn't save, juggled a few outdoor interviews trying to block the wind with my or the interviewees bodies and only drop it a couple of times (should attach a strap soon)
The sony IC recorders still win out for the minimalists as they are significantly slimmer + small, have their own slide out USB plug and charge a single battery thru that plug. Poor metering though. Important considerations for a cycle touring sound ethnographer / field recordist - but this unit is very decent. Just don't believe the ipod style "this is the new very best thing, in the smallest package for the cheapest price" spiels! enjoy.
Reviewed by 206 customers
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Good sound quality comparing it's price. Very light. Does tether to dslr easily so you don't need to synchronize video and audio afterwards. Good device!!!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I use the zoom h1 to record live concerts and also for my short films as an audio recorder. the sound quallity of the mic is great with very little distortion. the only thing i dont like about the product is it feels VERY VERY cheap and it doesnt have the best button layout.
Pros
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I use this for recording corporate business video interviews. The sound is tremendously better than that of our sony camera or the sony shotgun mic that we added to the camera. I wish there was a way to easily physically mount it to my video camera but there is not.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
So far, I am really impressed at the abaility of this device to record crisp audio. I recorded asome precious words of my toddler and using a sound editor I created a ring tone for my phone. My family loves it and is totally impressed at how great it sounds. For the money, I am truly impressed at the performance.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I'm an aspiring documentary filmmaker and wanted an audio recording device to overlay video tracks. The Zoom H1 has done an amazing job for me, and its small enough that I can attach a lava mic to it and put it in someone's pocket and use it almost like a wireless mic system. I'm very pleased with the audio quality and think this unit is worth its weight in gold.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
- Weak
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I am blown away by the sound quality you can get out of this recorder. The difference between this and the on board mic on a DSLR is night and day.
It's excellent for wannabe filmmakers and/or students looking to record lectures. Voices are recorded clearly and at a reasonable file size (mp3). The wav format is an option for the audiophiles out there, however, mp3 gives you much more recording time on the supplied 2 GB microSD card (About 35 hours).
Overall an excellent product!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Feels fragile
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Great sound, a feel for the depth in the sound due to the 90 deg condenser setup. Line/Mic in is good. Best is to be able to record at a 24-bit WAVE.
But it does feel small in your hand and the hand noise is easy to pick up. Then again that happens with all handheld recorders
Overeall : 5/5
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- On talent recorder
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Purchased two of these as a poor man's radio mic (in combination with Countryman EMW lavalieres). Works great, however the size of the unit does make it a little tricky to hide on the talent. I found tucking it into the back belt loop normally did the trick though.
The unit is very easy to use - the single record button is great. Just make sure you plug the mic in the right hole - it looks the same as the headphone socket.
It's very lightweight and takes a single AA battery which lasts all day. The lightweightness of the device does make it feel a little cheap, but hey... it is!
Using the device in 24bit mode with the Countryman lav, i found it to have great dynamic range. Very difficult to make it clip noticeably.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
This little guy packs a punch! Just as good as any shotgun mic out there in my opinion. Emmagination from [@] has THREE of these, tells you how good they are, eh? This little guy records very clear, crisp, audio and has a variety of formats and bitrates. Records professional quality audio, and I use it to film my movies with all the time now. Essential piece of gear for any filmmaker. I highly recommend it, but you MUST buy the Windtech windscreen or you pick up lots of wind noise. Very good investment for both!-mike g ;)vimeo.com/michaelgoinsWindtech windscreen(B&H) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/714075-REG/WindTech_MM_52_MM_52_Mic_Muff_for_Zoom.html/WIMM52
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- Not great bass response
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
We used this to record our worship service. It was inexpensive and easy to use. Having the WAV and Mp3 formats available is great.
It didn't pick up the lower end great, but for the price I was pleasantly surprised.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Great product. I have not tested it on the field yet, but recording quality is really good.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Excellent recorder. Easy to operate and excellent quality audio from the build-in mics. I also recorded my band practice using the line-in directly from the output of my audio mixer and sound great.
I can't ask for more specially for the price I paid to B&H. Excellent service for an Excellent product.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I am using this to record recitals, and to build a sound library.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
The recorder works very well. I would have given it a 5 except for build quality. It is very flimsy but if used carefully it does the job very well.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I record all kinds of music shows all over the country. I have lots of very expensive gear that I can't leave alone for fear of theft. This little baby for under a hundred dollars allows me to walk away from it and not worry if its gone when I get back. The best thing about it is I get really fine quality audio recordings to boot. It is made of plastic which is why it's inexpensive but if I am gentle with it will last a long time.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
- Vibration noise
Best Uses
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I was looking for an inexpensive solution to recording sound. The Zoom H1 is by far the cheapest but, wow... I was shocked when I took it out of the box how cheap and flimsy it is.
It does a decent job recording sound using the built-in mics but it picks up and amplifies any kind of vibrations. For example, the battery door doesn't fit snugly and the tiny noise is magnified through the unit. I had to tape it with electrical tape.
The plastic tripod threads were poor enough to be unusable, I had to run a tap through them before I could install anything. Also if your mounting system isn't 100% rock solid you will get vibration noise from that. I'm still trying to find some ways to mount it on my camera or my camera rigs to isolate it from handling noises but so far nothing has worked perfectly.
You get what you pay for, I guess. Really wish I had sprung for something more rugged.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I use this product to record lectures.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Perfect for what I wanted it.
Already had my HD camera but sound was pretty poor. Bought Zoom H1 and I now look and sound like a pro.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- None so far
Best Uses
- General recording
- I use it for interviews
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Such an amazing product, simplicity at it's best. The Zoom H1 Handy Recorder by far is the easiest piece of professional equipment I have which requires you less time to figure out how to use it. Everything is straight forward - out-of-the-box ready-to-use product.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
Comments about Zoom H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
the way to use this products is easy and the result is great!! positive I recommend H1 Ultra-Portable Digital Audio Recorder by Zoom... the only thing is so fragile, just take care and everything is fine :)
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Accessory Packages
- Price: $24.99
Batteries & Power
- Price: $1.50
- Price: $13.99
Cables
- Price: $14.29
Media
- Price: $4.95
Headphones
- Price: $19.99
Wind Protection
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- 2GB microSD Card
- AA Battery
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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