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

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Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder (Gray)
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
New Release
New Item - Coming Soon
Expected availability: Mid Oct 2026
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$109.99
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Zoom H1essential Overview

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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 H1essential 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)

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