News, Tips & Reviews
About Us
The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Help
  • 800.606.6969
Ask Our Experts800.606.6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart

Join Bild Expo 2025 - Presented by B&H

Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live
Home

Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

BH #ZOH1E • MFR #H1ESSENTIAL
16 reviews
Print
Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
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
$99.99
+
Save the Tax‡
when you use the Payboo credit card. Learn More
Add to Cart
Free Expedited Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $16.00
See Options
Used for $74.95
Kit Options
No Kit
Essentials Kit
Deluxe Kit
Ask an Expert
800.606.6969

Zoom H1 essential Overview

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.

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

Portable Recorder
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Number of Tracks
2
Number of Input Channels
2
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 32-Bit Float
Microphone
Built-In Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, X/Y Configuration
Number of Microphone Inputs
1
Built-In Speaker
Yes, 1 W Mono
Display
0.96" / 2.44 cm Monochrome OLED
Memory Card Support
microSDXC (Up to 1 TB)
Internal Storage
No
Special Features
Overdubbing
Recording
Audio File Formats
BWF, iXML, WAV
Sample Rates
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
Bit Depth
Up to 32-Bit (Floating Point)
Signal Processing & FX
Speed Change
Timecode Support
No
Recording Time
10 Hrs (All Channels)
Included Software
No
Connectivity
Analog I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone/Line Output
Digital I/O
No
Phantom Power
No
Plug-In Power
Yes, 2.5 V
System Connection
1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0)
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only
Wireless
No
Mobile App Compatible
No
Performance
Headphone Output Power
20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
Impedance
Outputs:
≤10 Kilohms
Microphone Sensitivity
-37 dB (X/Y)
Microphone Max SPL
120 dB SPL (X/Y)
Power
Power Options
Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
2x AAA (Not Included)
Approximate Battery Life
10 Hours (AAA Alkaline, Recording, Built-In Mic)
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1 A (Included)
Physical
Included Accessories
No
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

Will distort and no way to fix it

By AZ
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2025-04-26

I spent a while on the phone with a B&H salesperson to describe my intended use case for this device: to record a DJ set and not have to worry about clipping or distortion. They assured me both on the phone and in the store that this would not be the case, so I confidently went to the gig and plugged in the recorder. The audio quality of the recording was completely unlistenable, so I didn't get paid for recording, and felt like a rookie because I couldn't deliver good quality audio. There is no way to adjust the input gain, and the sensitivity of the external input is very touchy, so I'm going to try using an attenuator knob from amazon to fix this. I'm really disappointed in B&H for recommending this product, and plan on returning it. Might have to bring my whole laptop and plug into the DJ gear for a job I'm working tonight, which I was trying to avoid by purchasing this device. I really want to find an affordable solution, so I will keep looking.

Easy to use, good for creatives!

By T
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-23

I've been looking at these little Zoom recorders for awhile. I already own a Zoom R8, eight-track recorder, but as a musician I wanted something that was simple and quick to capture songs and ideas, and the Zoom H1e fit the bill. As luck would have it the H1e was on-sale and affordable, and as a bonus came with the extras kit. The 32 bit float recording feature means that you never have to worry about volume as it will automatically adjust for the situation, up or down. That's a fantastic feature, and it works well. The only thing I didn't care for were the materials it's made of. The plastic belies the quality of the rest of the unit, and as such I docked a star for it. But, if you're looking for a super easy-to-use stereo recorder with some great features (including overdubbing!), this is a great recorder to have.

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

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

Does 32 bit float only work when using an ...

Does 32 bit float only work when using an external mic or do the x/y mics on the recorder also work with it?
Asked by: Adam
The Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder works in 32-bit mode with the built-in X/Y microphones and with external microphones as well.
Answered by: Daniel O
Date published: 2024-12-03
  • y_2025, m_6, d_14, h_5CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.42
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_7
  • loc_en_US, sid_1805574, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It