News, Tips & Reviews
B&H Gift Cards
The Professional's Source Since 1973
Ask Our Experts877-717-9890
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live
Home

Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder (Black)

BH #ZOH1E • MFR #ZH1E
24 reviews
Print
Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder (Black)
Key Features
  • Portable, Easy-to-Use Audio Recorder
  • Musicians, Content Creators & Podcasters
  • 32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed
  • Onboard X/Y Mics Handle up to 120 dB
Sporting a compact handheld form factor and an incredibly intuitive interface, the H1essential Portable Recorder from Zoom is designed to make audio capture easier than ever before. With painless 32-bit floating point recording, you can capture perfect audio every time without the need to ever set levels.
More Details
In Stock
$109.99
Add to Cart
Free 2-Day Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $18.50
See Options
Color
Black
Gray
Kit Options
No Kit
Essentials Kit
Deluxe Kit
Ask an Expert
877-717-9890

Zoom H1 essential Overview

Learn from B&H Experts

From Manufacturer

Sporting a compact handheld form factor and an incredibly intuitive interface, the H1essential Portable Recorder from Zoom is designed to make audio capture easier than ever before. With painless 32-bit floating point recording, you can capture perfect audio every time without the need to ever set levels.

Ideal for musicians, podcasters, filmmakers, and general content creators, the H1essential provides a versatile array of essential features that can support a wide range of scenarios. With the built-in X/Y microphones, you can capture up to 120 dB of sound without issue, while a 3.5mm mic/line input with plug-in power lets you use lavalier mics with ease for dialogue capture. Advanced functions like overdubbing, playback speed adjustment, mono mode, and auto record fit a wide range of applications for the modern creator. Finally, this tripod-mountable recorder can serve as a USB-C microphone and audio interface all at once while simultaneously recording to microSDXC cards up to 1TB.

Updates with Firmware Version 2.00
Along with various bug fixes, the new firmware update adds the following functions:.

  • Input-gain setting function
  • AI noise-reduction function to analyze and reduce environmental sounds and other noise
  • Functions to record and play MP3 files
  • Function to export files in MP3 format
Equipped with Accessibility Options
The Essential Series was designed with accessibility for the visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.
For Content Creators
Musicians
Musicians can use the H1essential to record every practice and rehearsal, a great way to improve your playing. Features like overdubbing and playback-speed adjustment are great for writing and practicing. And with its built-in mics and compact size, the H1essential is the perfect recorder to capture high-quality audio samples.
Filmmakers
The H1essential is great for filmmakers. Record and send audio directly to your camera, or use it to record sound effects to complete your scene. The 3.5 mm mic/line input can be used with lavalier microphones for dialogue capture and supplies up to 2.5V of plug-in power.
Podcasters
Podcasters can mount the H1essential on a tripod for sit down conversations or use mono mode for on-the-go interviews.
Small Package, Big Features
Advanced Functions
The H1essential has advanced features such as overdubbing, prerecord, autorecord, and playback speed adjustment. The H1essential also has a dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording.
USB Microphone
When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C port, the H1essential can be used as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card. This versatility can support numerous forms of content creation, making your life easier.
Loud and Clear
The onboard X/Y microphones capture clean audio up to 120 dB SPL, equivalent to the sound of a high-performance motorcycle.
Soft-Touch Controls
Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation.
Vivid OLED Screen
The high-contrast monochromatic OLED screen makes it easy to navigate through the H1essential's simple interface.
High-Capacity Storage
The H1essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.
Long Battery Life
Supporting up to 10 hours of battery life on just two AAA batteries, the H1Essential will last through long recording sessions. Utilize USB-C bus power with outlets and power banks when batteries are not available.

Zoom H1 essential Specs

Key Specs
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Number of Channels
2
Number of Tracks
2
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 32-Bit Float
Microphone
Built-In Stereo Pair
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only
Timecode
No Timecode Support
Analog I/O
1/8" (3.5 mm) / 1/8" (3.5 mm) Headphone
Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
2.5 V Bias/Plug-In Power
No Phantom Support
Digital Audio I/O
No
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Primary Use Applications
Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting
Number of Input Channels
2
Number of Microphone Inputs
1
Number of Tracks
2
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 32-Bit Float
Display
OLED
Built-In Speaker
Yes: 1 W Mono
Special Features
Overdubbing
Microphone
Microphone
Built-In Stereo Pair
Mic Configuration
X/Y
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Maximum SPL
120 dB
Sensitivity
-37 dB
Recording
Audio File Formats
BWF, iXML, WAV
Sample Rates
44.1 to 96 kHz
Bit Depth
32-Bit Float
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only
Signal Processing & FX
Speed Change
Timecode
No Timecode Support
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC [1 TB Maximum]
Internal Storage
No
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Mic/Line Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Line/Headphone Output
Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
2.5 V Bias/Plug-In Power
No Phantom Support
Digital Audio I/O
No
Sync I/O
No
USB
1x USB-C
Wireless
No
Mobile App Compatible
No
Performance
Headphone Output Power
20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
Power
Power Options
Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
2x AAA (Not Included)
Battery Runtime
Up to 10 Hours, Dependent on Settings and Battery Type
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1 A (Included)
Physical
Mounting Options
1/4"-20 Female
Dimensions
2.1 x 1.1 x 5.4" / 5.4 x 2.9 x 13.7 cm
Weight
3.2 oz / 92 g (with Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.325 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.9 x 3.7 x 1.4"

Zoom H1 essential Reviews

It's good now, v2 firmware fixes the shortcomings

By George
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-04-28

I avoided this mic for a bit and stuck with my H1n because of the reviews saying how noisy this was and that you can't set the gain. Then I found out Zoom made a v2 firmware update for this that lets you set the gain AND samples the noise in the room to reduce noise right at recording. So now I can finally have cheap 32-bit recording without the issues! I will always recommend Zoom now, none of that Tascam touchscreen junk. Highly recommend you get a windscreen or dead cat if you record outside though

Bang for the buck

By chad
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-21

For my needs this is absolutely perfect! Sound quality is great and it just works. I needed something I could pull out of the bag quickly and capture decent audio in run and gun situations where a lav mic was not necessary.

See any errors on this page?

will a ipad recognize the zoom h1 essential as ...

will a ipad recognize the zoom h1 essential as mic?
Asked by: marc
Yes, when using the USB-C port to connect to a PC, a Mac, an iOS device, or an Android device, the Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder can be used as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-10-09

Can you recommend windshields that fit this ...

Can you recommend windshields that fit this recorder?
Asked by: Rex
For the Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder, I would recommend the Rycote Zoom H1n Mini Windjammer.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-08-08

Can the H1essential provide phantom power to an ...

Can the H1essential provide phantom power to an XLR connected boom?
Asked by: Dustin
The Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder doesn't have an XLR connection, so it wouldn't be able to provide phantom power to a connected mic.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-09-22

Does it come with a dead cat or windscreen?

Does it come with a dead cat or windscreen?
Asked by: David
The Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder does not come with a dead cat or windscreen.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2026-04-15

What type of cable do I need to connect this to ...

What type of cable do I need to connect this to an M1 MacBook Pro?
Asked by: Adrian
You would need to use a USB cable like BH #BECB14BT2MBK to connect the Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB-C Cable (6.6', Black) to an M1 Macbook Pro.
Answered by: David M
Date published: 2025-12-02

Can you use a separate Mike?

Can you use a separate Mike?
Asked by: Charlie
Yes, you can connect an external microphone to the Zoom H1 Essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder through the 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input connector.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2024-10-27

Can you use your own microphone?

Can you use your own microphone?
Asked by: Charlie
Yes, the Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder has a 3.5mm input that can be used to connect an external microphone.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2024-10-27

Do I need to use a computer to take advantage of ...

Do I need to use a computer to take advantage of the 32-bit float option, to normalize the audio?
Asked by: Joel
Normalization is possible on the Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder without the use of a computer.
Answered by: Alex D
Date published: 2024-08-08
  • y_2026, m_5, d_24, h_14CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.46
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_9
  • loc_en_US, sid_1805574, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It