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Zoom ZPC-1 Cardioid Pencil Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)

BH #ZOZPC1 • MFR #ZPC1
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Zoom ZPC-1 Cardioid Pencil Condenser Microphones (Matched Pair)
Key Features
  • Studio, Stage, Field, Stereo Recording
  • Stereo Pair of Microphones
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
  • Matched Capsules at 100 Hz and 1 kHz
Available here in an attractive stereo set, the Zoom ZPC-1 offers a matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones designed to capture pure and natural stereo sound without added flavors—in the studio, onstage, or in the field. With a wide 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, high sensitivity, low distortion, and a cardioid pickup pattern, these versatile microphones deliver a neutral sound, great for a wide variety of recording applications including pianos, drum overheads, acoustic instruments, percussion, strings, woodwinds, and ambient sounds for video. Included are two mic clips to mount the mics on stands or a stereo bar (available separately), two foam windscreens for outdoor recording, and two pouches to protect your microphones.
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Zoom ZPC-1 Overview

Available here in an attractive stereo set, the Zoom ZPC-1 offers a matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones designed to capture pure and natural stereo sound without added flavors—in the studio, onstage, or in the field. With a wide 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, high sensitivity, low distortion, and a cardioid pickup pattern, these versatile microphones deliver a neutral sound, great for a wide variety of recording applications including pianos, drum overheads, acoustic instruments, percussion, strings, woodwinds, and ambient sounds for video. Included are two mic clips to mount the mics on stands or a stereo bar (available separately), two foam windscreens for outdoor recording, and two pouches to protect your microphones.

Matched Pair for Accurate Stereo Recording
  • This pair of ZPC-1s is matched at both 1 kHz and 100 Hz, allowing the mics to seamlessly work together to capture the most accurate stereo recording possible using various configurations.
  • You can use them in an XY pattern to capture a clear center image with a tight stereo spread or as spaced pair in an AB pattern for a wider, immersive sonic image.
Designed to Capture a Wide Range of Instruments
  • The mics' cardioid polar patterns focus audio capture on the sound source in front of each mic while picking up less sound from the back and sides.
  • With the ability to handle SPLs up to 134 dB, the mics can be placed close to the source for nuanced recordings requiring definition and detail.
  • 48V phantom power is required to power each electret-condenser mic capsule.
Ready for the Studio, the Stage, or the Field
  • With a solid-metal body design and included foam windscreens (with rubber-ring openings for a tight fit), both mics are durable and ready for use in any environment—indoor and outdoor.
  • The ZPC-1 pair can be used to capture sound in the field with any portable Zoom recorder, such as the F3.
UPC: 884354027353

Zoom ZPC-1 Specs

Key Specs
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Controls
No
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
134 dB
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Electret Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Diaphragm
0.6" / 16 mm
Orientation
End Address
Controls
No
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
134 dB
Connectivity
Analog Output Connector
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V (Phantom Power)
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting Thread Size
5/8"-27 Female (3/8"-16 Female with Included Adapter)
Dimensions
ø: 0.8 x L: 5" / 2 x L: 12.7 cm
Weight
3.8 oz / 109 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.435 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.9 x 5.4 x 3.2"

Zoom ZPC-1 Reviews

Well-balanced tone, accurate transients, clean fidelity, and super low noise

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-27

These mics are excellent for field recording (especially water), close-up foley and SFX, as well as instruments - especially tuned percussion and plucked strings. They do live up to their claimed noise level (-12dBA), and the noise they do have is in a narrow band up high, so it's easy to notch that out without losing your top end if you're recording an extremely quiet sound source like bird calls. For those situations, I particularly like blending them with Neumann KM-183s, or EM272 Clippies. They're great for field recording in noisy environments where you want crisp fidelity and detail, but want to minimize the background. Most audio examples I've found online tend to show them in narrow ORTF or XY, but they're much better for spaced pairs. They're an awesome little pair of mics for general purpose recording, especially for their price.

Fantastic and highly detailed

By Patrick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-30

On the few occasions that I've used these small diaphragm microphones they've always surprised me with their detail and clarity. I can't exactly attest to the EIN level of 12dB A-Weighted (from Zooms own website) but I can't detect any self noise through normal usage. Most recently I've recorded a popcorn tin can being struck (for a virtual instrument) and the cans resonance/sustain was best picked up by the ZPC-1. Additionally I placed a single ZPC-1 in a blimp windshield, recorded a grass cutter, and was easily able to hear the tiny rocks being picked up and flung by the grass cutter at a distance of about 10 feet. Needless to say I'm very happy with my purchase!

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Would these be suitable for entry level field ...

Would these be suitable for entry level field recording, such as nature sounds?
Asked by: Ryan
If the extremely low self-noise specifications are accurate (-12 db-a), this could potentially be one of the best small diaphragm mics you can find anywhere at any price for nature recording.
Answered by: Michael
Date published: 2024-07-11
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