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Zoom H5 4-Input / 4-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Interchangeable X/Y Mic Capsule

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Zoom H5 4-Input / 4-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Interchangeable X/Y Mic Capsule
Key Features
  • Live/Location Recording & Podcasting
  • Swappable Stereo Mic, Built-In Speaker
  • Dual XLR-1/4" Mic/Line Inputs
  • Fast, User-Friendly Operability
Ideal for documentaries, podcasting, audio for video, and professional sound design, the Zoom H5 portable handheld recorder lets you quickly record up to four input signals regardless of your audio experience. With a swappable stereo microphone capsule, versatile 2-channel inputs, and up to 4-track recording, the H5 is both user-friendly and easily expandable.

Like other H-Series Handy recorders such as the H4n Pro and H6, you can hold it in your hand, attach it to a mic stand or tripod, or mount it to a camera (shoe mount available separately); the H5 packs an impressive array of features into a rugged, rubberized body that's more than ready to meet the varied demands of musicians, videographers, sound designers, content creators, and news shooters.

From the plentiful battery life to the powerful audio processing functions, the H5 is well equipped to handle anything from tracking live performances and podcasts to recording interviews, dialogue, and sound effects. It can supply phantom or plug-in power for condenser mics, or accept direct connections from synths, keyboards, drum machines, or +4 dB line-level mixers. No matter the source, selectable auto-recording and pre-recording ensure that you'll never miss the start of a take, and stereo safety track recording provides duplicate tracks at a lower level to avoid distortion.
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Zoom H5 Overview

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From Manufacturer

Ideal for documentaries, podcasting, audio for video, and professional sound design, the Zoom H5 portable handheld recorder lets you quickly record up to four input signals regardless of your audio experience. With a swappable stereo microphone capsule, versatile 2-channel inputs, and up to 4-track recording, the H5 is both user-friendly and easily expandable.

Like other H-Series Handy recorders such as the H4n Pro and H6, you can hold it in your hand, attach it to a mic stand or tripod, or mount it to a camera (shoe mount available separately); the H5 packs an impressive array of features into a rugged, rubberized body that's more than ready to meet the varied demands of musicians, videographers, sound designers, content creators, and news shooters.

From the plentiful battery life to the powerful audio processing functions, the H5 is well equipped to handle anything from tracking live performances and podcasts to recording interviews, dialogue, and sound effects. It can supply phantom or plug-in power for condenser mics, or accept direct connections from synths, keyboards, drum machines, or +4 dB line-level mixers. No matter the source, selectable auto-recording and pre-recording ensure that you'll never miss the start of a take, and stereo safety track recording provides duplicate tracks at a lower level to avoid distortion.

Fast, User-Friendly Operability
The H5's front panel is ergonomically arranged with its most essential and commonly used controls—transport buttons for record, play/pause, stop, back, and forward operations, individual record-arm buttons that double as mute switches during playback, and large gain knobs. For added safety, a hold switch disables all front-panel buttons to prevent accidental operation during recording. Day or night, view vital information such as audio levels, recording time, battery status, and more on the large, monochrome backlit LCD.
Instant Access to Gain Adjustments
Each H5 input has its own dedicated gain control knob, located beneath a protective bar that prevents accidental movement during handling. There's no track selection or button pressing required to optimize your recording levels; just turn the dials (clearly labeled from 0 to 10) anytime you need to adjust the gain. If your XLR-1/4" input source is so loud that you need even less gain than the preamps provide at the "0" setting, use the menu system to activate the -20 dB pad (selectable per input).
Interchangeable Stereo Microphone Capsule
Leave your external mics at home and travel light. The H5 is outfitted with Zoom's XYH-5 interchangeable stereo microphone that provides clear, phase-accurate capture in a classic 90° X/Y configuration for a tight stereo image. The matched unidirectional condensers are housed within a specially designed shockmount that employs rugged external mic wires and rubberized material to minimize vibration and handling noise. With nothing more than the H5, you're set to record speech, practice sessions, concerts, or ambient and environmental sounds, even ear-rattling ones up to 140 dB!
Supports Interchangeable Zoom Mic Capsules
The Zoom mic capsule input on the H5 accommodates Zoom's line of separately available interchangeable capsules, which can be swapped out as easily as the lenses of a camera. With mid-side, X/Y, and shotgun mic capsules to choose from, you can be ready to record music, dialog, or sound effects without carting an external microphone setup. Opt for the EXH-6 combo input capsule to accept two additional mic/line signals via XLR-1/4" jacks.
2-Channel Microphone/Line Inputs
Equipped with two XLR-1/4" combo inputs and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input, the H5 can accommodate condenser microphones, +4 dB balanced line-level sources, or signals from unbalanced instruments with active electronics. Turn on 12, 24, or 48 VDC phantom power to the XLR jacks, or 2.5V plug-in power to the mini jack. Whether you plan on recording studio condenser mics, a stereo feed from a mixer or wireless receiver, or a lavalier mic for an interview, the H5's preamps (identical to those found in the H6) are ready to deliver low-noise (-120 dB EIN) performance.

If you happen to setup external microphones in a mid-side configuration, the integrated MS decoder allows adjustment to the perceived width of the stereo image, which is beneficial for sound design, broadcasting, or general stereo-to-mono compatibility.
Record up to 4 Channels Live or Overdub Layers
The H5 boasts multiple recording modes, and is capable of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution. Record in stereo from the X/Y mic capsule or input jacks, or use Multi File mode to simultaneously record the X/Y mic and two external sources (great for getting the room sound and a stereo feed from a mixer). Alternatively, Multi File mode can be utilized for overdubbing in case layers of instruments need to be added after an initial recording. The H5's internal mixdown function lets you adjust levels and pans as you blend four tracks down to stereo.
SD Card Recording and Audio Interface Functionality
Maximize portability by recording directly to an SD card (up to 2GB capacity) or SDHC card (up to 32GB capacity). A 2GB SDHC card will yield approximately three hours of 16-bit / 44.1 kHz stereo recording time using the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility. Note that media cards are available separately, and larger capacity cards will increase startup times.

Alternatively, use the H5 as a 4-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface at up to 24-bit / 48 kHz. For audio interface operation with an iPad (Apple Camera Connection Kit required and available separately), select USB Stereo mode, which offers two channels in and out at up to 16-bit / 48 kHz. The USB port also enables fast file transfer and firmware updates.
3.5mm Outputs for Simultaneous Hookup to a Camera and Headphones
The H5 boasts 3.5mm line and headphone mini-jack outputs for simultaneously feeding your camera/DSLR and a pair of headphones. In addition to the dedicated side-panel headphone volume control, the level of the line output can be adjusted via the menu, allowing you to optimize the signal level being sent to your camera without the need for an attenuator cable. For quick playback reference, a built-in monophonic speaker is also provided.
Powered via AA Batteries or AC Adapter
Power the H5 via two AA batteries, or plug it into a wall outlet with an AD-17 AC adapter (available separately). Alkaline batteries can keep the H5 running for up to 15 hours of continuous 16-bit / 44.1 kHz recording using the built-in X/Y mic. When using the H5 in the stereo USB audio interface mode, USB bus powering is possible.
Rugged and Portable, Handheld or Mounted
The rubberized, ergonomic body lends itself naturally to handheld use. Should you need to mount it on a mic stand or tripod, a threaded hole on the back of the H5 obviates the need for stand adapters. Obtain a hot shoe adapter (available separately) to attach the H5 directly to a DSLR.
Signal Processing Adds Sonic Polish
The H5's onboard effects allow you to add polish to your recordings. Compression and limiting compensate for fluctuations in input level, while a low-cut filter helps eliminate wind noise, blowing, and other kinds of low-frequency rumble. Normalize files for maximum gain, split them into smaller chunks, and even insert up to 99 marks per recording.

There's an onboard metronome and tuner, and you can loop playback and adjust pitch and speed independently, making the H5 an ideal tool for phrase training.
Special Recording Functions
The H5 offers selectable recording functions designed to prevent you from accidentally missing the start of a performance. By keeping the previous two seconds of audio whenever you press the record button, the pre-record option ensures that you'll never cut off the beginning of a great take. Auto-record can automatically start recording when a user-set sound level is detected, making it great for voice-activated recording.

Backup record enables the H5 to automatically record a duplicate set of stereo tracks with 12 dB less input gain. Even if your original track is distorted, chances are the backup version will be fine!
Supports External Remote Control
Use the RCH-5 remote (available separately) to control the transport, arm tracks, and adjust volume at a distance while eliminating handling noise.
UPC: 884354013196

Zoom H5 Specs

Key Specs
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Number of Channels
4
Number of Tracks
4
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 24-Bit
Microphone
Interchangeable Stereo Pair
Audio Interface Capability
Multi-Track
Timecode
No Timecode Support
Analog I/O
Combo XLR-1/4" / 1/8" (3.5 mm) / 1/8" (3.5 mm) Headphone
Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
2.5 V Bias/Plug-In Power
12 / 24 / 48 V Phantom Power
Digital Audio I/O
No
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Primary Use Applications
Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording
Number of Input Channels
4
Number of Microphone Inputs
2
Number of Tracks
4
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 24-Bit
Display
Backlit LCD
Built-In Speaker
Yes: 400 mW Mono
Special Features
Pre-Record Buffer, Remote Control Capable, Voice Activation
Microphone
Microphone
Interchangeable Stereo Pair
Mic Configuration
X/Y
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Maximum SPL
140 dB
Sensitivity
-45 dBV/Pa
Recording
Audio File Formats
BWF, MP3, WAV
Sample Rates
44.1 to 96 kHz
Bit Depth
16/24-Bit
Audio Interface Capability
Multi-Track
Signal Processing & FX
Compressor, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter, Pitch Control
Timecode
No Timecode Support
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC [32 GB Maximum]
Internal Storage
No
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
2x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Mic/Line Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Line Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Headphone Output
Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
2.5 V Bias/Plug-In Power
12 / 24 / 48 V Phantom Power
Digital Audio I/O
No
Sync I/O
No
USB
1x Mini-USB
Wireless
No
Mobile App Compatible
No
Performance
Gain
Up to 52 dB (X/Y Mic, 1/8" Inputs)
Up to 55 dB (Mic/Line Inputs)
Maximum Input Level
+22 dBu (Mic/Line Input)
Headphone Output Power
20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
SNR/Noise
≤ -120 dBu EIN
Power
Power Options
Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
2x AA (Not Included)
Battery Runtime
7.2 to 15 Hours, Dependent on Settings and Battery Type
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1 A (Not Included)
Physical
Mounting Options
1/4"-20 Female
Dimensions
2.6 x 1.7 x 5.3" / 66.8 x 42.1 x 135.2 mm (Recorder)
2.6 x 1.6 x 2.4" / 65.5 x 41 x 62.2 mm (X/Y Mic)
Weight
6.2 oz / 176 g (Recorder)
3.3 oz / 94 g (Mic)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.65 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.25 x 6.6 x 3.4"

Zoom H5 Reviews

Great Set-up

By Melissa
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-06-25

This is a great initial set-up for interviews or podcasting. The audio quality is very good.

Very solid field / podcast recorder

By Mary P
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-01-16

I needed a decent field recorder (for journalism/ podcasting) as well as one that works in studio. My only wish is for the display to be brighter so that I can confirm that I am indeed off pause and rolling. But otherwise - no complaints

See any errors on this page?

question

Can the back-up recording be used for any inputs or does it have to be only for the L/R mix?
Asked by: Richard B.
Unfortunately at this point (at least on mine), you can only record backup files on the L/R mix
Answered by: Alan L.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

When taking of the capsules, what is the best way to protect the contacts? Is there a product for this particular purpose? Thanks.
Asked by: Paul
I don't know of any aftermarket accessory that will protect the contacts. Nor do I know how many 'duty cycles' it is rated for. My guess is, that unless you're doing this daily, it should be of little concern. I keep the capsule in the original case, and put the recorder in a smaller case when I want to travel smaller/lighter. Otherwise, I suggest leaving the capsule attached.
Answered by: Oren A.
Date published: 2018-08-25

Will recording a dual wireless mic receiver via ...

Will recording a dual wireless mic receiver via XLR plus the capsule stereo mics in multi-track give me 4 separate audio tracks?
Asked by: Diane
When you are using the mic capsules and have channels 1&2 linked to accommodate a stereo input, you would receive 2 stereo audio tracks that have 4 separate channels (Left and Right channel on each track).
Answered by: Zoom Customer Support
Date published: 2022-10-24

Is there and an external power cord so I do not ...

Is there and an external power cord so I do not have to rely on batteries like the Zoom h4n does?
Asked by: Vanessa
No, the unit does not come with an external power cord. Only batteries.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-11-06

What is the frequency response?

What is the frequency response?
Asked by: Louie
I'm sorry, but Zoom does not list frequency response specs for the H5 or for the XYH-6 microphone capsule.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2020-11-02

question

can I use my H4n recorder without batteries using an ac adapter?I purchased an AD-17A/d but not sure how to us it ?? Help pls
Asked by: Daniel R.
The H4n does not power from the USB connection. It requires a DC adapter, the AD-14.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Does the H5 compressor/limiter send a live compressed signal to the line output? For example: when connected to a camera, does the H5 compress the line out to prevent a clipped in-camera recording?
Asked by: Andrew
If the compressor/limiter on the H5 is engaged, your output signal will be compressed. However, clipping in the camera is not determined by this alone. If one connects a line-level output into a mic-level input, distortion in the camera is inevitable. Also, if the input level is set too high on the camera, one runs the risk of clipping as well. If plugging into a mic input, using a cable with built-in attenuation is ideal; B&H # SEL2MZH4N6.
Answered by: James B.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

using a XLR splitter from channel 1& 2 to a mic, do i use power from both channels or just 1? Any risk of damaging your microphone? i am looking to use 1 channel as back up -16
Asked by: kay
Turn off phantom power, but splitting the input is not recommended. Signal loss and noise might result.
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2018-08-25
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