Holy crap. This is perfect. I’ve been doing live concert videos for local bands and recording external “room” audio just on my iPhone (which sounds surprisingly good and never clips). This is perfect and frickin 32bit?!???!?!
One day I decided to experiment with my good old Zoom H1 and I found out it can be powered from a power bank via mini-USB. It also doubles as a sound card. Can also be used as a music player if you don't mind fiddling with file formats / names. I also have two ancient mics from Olympus and Sony for me to use as lav mics or simply try different sound characteristics. Overall this is the single most useful audio tool I have ever acquired.
Everyone should probably own a Zoom H1. I bought the original (I think!) many years ago on the recommendation of an audio engineer friend who currently works at Bose. He made a good suggestion. It is still probably the nicest sounding mic that I own, and it is a fine audio recorder and even mic-to-USB-audio dingus. I am a little jealous that the new model has 32-bit float! I think my voice sounds better on the Zoom mic, but I still use my cheapo Deity mini shotgun when recording in my home office. That pair of WIDE mics on the Zoom pick up every little sound and every reverb of my boomy voice in here.
Yep, they're so good and so useful. I pretty much never used to let my students check out a camera without taking an audio recorder. It's crazy how much something so small and simple can level up the quality of a video.
As always, I appreciate how thoroughly detailed, clear and personable your videos are. I own two F2-BTs. They’re simple to a fault and I don’t use them anymore because of that. The indicator color is confusing as it looks amber or red if you slightly change the angle you look at it from. I had many instances of recording and hitting stop and it just wouldn’t seem to stop for a while. And I had a shoot once where it seemed to not record anything despite saying it did. After that, I didn’t pick it up again. Currently I go between the Rode Wireless Pro’s and the DJI Mic 2. I like both for different reasons. I know one thing seasoned sound peeps have against them is it’s built in battery versus replaceable, which I completely understand. But it keeps it discrete and light weight and super convenient to recharge (until it can’t anymore I suppose). All that said, the aforementioned recorders from Rode and DJI are considerably more expensive than the H1 Essential, which looks awesome and extremely well priced for what it delivers. It has what the F2 should have had, which is a clearer indication of what’s going on. I’m tempted to grab one. The way I use the Rode and DJI’s is with an “Interview” handheld adapter. And I experience zero hand noise and it’s more comfortable to hold that way as well. Additionally I get a backup recording inside my camera from the receiver which I can’t get with the H1 Essential from what I can tell. But just as a quick pick up, record and transfer, seems pretty darn cool and convenient.
Thank you for the kind words! I've also noticed that the F2 light can sometimes change colors depending on the angle- thought I was just going crazy 😵💫 The Essential really is awesome. I was just using mine on a project this morning and I'm always impressed with it.
@@justinkfilms I can't say you're wrong. The H6 I had from 2016 was built like a tank. The H8 I replaced it with feels like a cheap child's toy. The original F1 I had was also a better build quality. This is one of those times where you're probably better off buying "old/used" than new.
@@VincentPolisi Exactly! H6 is the only one in their lineup I can suggest buying in 2024. This is just a marketing/manufacturing trend since 2015: Gopro & Zoom corp produced a lot of "interesting" units, but all of them are crap. Zoom is making their products from cheap plastic and cheap components. They can break from minor pressure. Gopro overheats like crazy and hangs. I already changed the 5 cameras they produce because they got fried. The only reliable camera is the GoPro 4 Black, it lacks all the modern features and stab, but the image quality is better than the Gopro 12 from 2023...
Using an H6 Essential for the first time today. Recording an outdoor symphony performance with it. Looking forward to seeing that 32 bit float in action.
I also started with the Zoom H4N in 2009 recording students in 2nd language proficiency exams, recording friends piano demo, etc. Still have the original device, plus the H1, the Podtrack P4, and the F2. Now due to the speed and ease of set up, I am using the F2 the most with its worry free 32 bit float. When needed, I put it (the F2) between the camera with a wireless mic receiver for safe redundancy before going into the camera. Zoom has saved me good money these 15 years for my non-profit work, "essentially!" (pun intended)
Useful review, thank you. Quibble about instrument recording: stereo vs mono is situational. A solo performer or a string quartet: stereo, almost definitely. A singer or acoustic instrument for use as a track in a song? Mono will usually be the best choice, as it will be more straightforward to place the element in a stereo mix. Of course, these days, that can all be ignored if you are willing to forego a naturalistic aesthetic... plugins can make a mono signal wide, and a stereo signal varying degrees of mono without losing any channel information. But classical recording technique says combos or solo artists stereo, tracking for a pop recording, mono.
I can totally confirm. Despite the type of production, I always carry at least two different Zoom devices with me, and they have never failed me and always provide great sound quality.
15:06 in the 90s, we used to mic in theater using lavs tucked up in the hair and pointing to the face. 😊 😆 In the last 20 years, is just been headset mics taped to the face, yum
I always wanted a small field recorder in my tool kit but never got around to choose one. But you instantly sold me on that one, especially with its 32-Bit capabilities and for that price. No-brainer purchase. 😄
These things made Zoom a big seller. I have the H2n that replaced my aging Tascam portable recorder with stereo mics a few years ago. I also have the F3 Field Recorder that I use with external mics at home and afoot, as well as for recording my shows stereo line-in from house mixers -when I don’t use my own mixer and speakers. I love them all, and will likely by the H4/6/8n at some point. (Is that obvious what I meant there? 😆)
The H4N is so useful!! I have an H4N Pro and I use it as a backup just in case tool if my RCP decided to hit the road and stop working. Sidenote: it’s Crazy how the H4n still works perfectly!
I have used the Zoom F2 BT for nigh on 3 years now and had the H1 Essential been around then....I´d have gotten that one rather than the F2....because of the display on the H1 Essential....great review!
I have the H1n.. yes the sound is amazing.. especially outdoors.. indoors not so much, as it seems to capture too much of the room sounds, and i realised recording with my sm57 into my daw gives much better results.. now talking about the build quality.. once my instrument just rolled over and nudged the zoom and it bricked.. i had to send it to another city for repair and unluckily for me covid came right after.. i only got it back about 1.5 years later.. it was working again however one crucial thing that was not working anymore was the usb port.. I can't power it with usb (earlier i always used a power bank or just a phone charger) so i always need batteries and to transfer files i always need a micro sd card reader.. just a couple extra tiny reasons that make me go, ah I'll just record into ableton straight..
I used to have the H4 or whatever it was, loaned it to someone and never ended up getting it back. Also bought a Zoom Q4N video camera because it was marketed as being great for live music, and it had those stereo mics on the top, which sound amazing (the camera is literally within reach right now, but doesn't get used much anymore). I've since bought the Zoom H8, which is like the H4 but it has six external inputs and has settings for podcasting and music recording, and now that I've stopped using the Q4N for band footage in favor of better cameras, it's what I use to capture the audio at shows, using the stereo microphones. Even when we started briefly using in-ears, I bought a Zoom L-20R mixer as the heart of that whole system because I trust the brand so much. In fact we recorded our latest single through it. Highly recommend Zoom Audio products.
Too 4N... we getting them in right out the gate! 😄 I've used my Tascam DR-40X for quite some time now and it's never let me down. It's larger than the H1 too. That display looks bright! Nice breadown TB.
Fantastic video Tom. I’m a big fan of the Zoom recorders. I’ve got the original H1 and was really curious how the new one stacks up. Thanks for answering everything!
i would love to see another video in the sony eng camera,but just the camera,show us in more detail ,and take some clips,and actually see how it could be used today .
I'd definitely love to make one that basically just explains its features if that's something people would be interested in! I don't think there are really any practical uses for it in today's world since the quality doesn't really hold up to even a pretty basic modern phone, but it's a super fun camera to use.
I found a smaller and USB C input equipped model almost feature for feature to the H1 but it's a never-heard-of Ali-brand model. It still has astounding sound quality but using it is a serious PITA due to the display being soooo small.
Toms video was extra bright today. I had to turn my M5 tablet off of "vivid colours" as the primary colours were so intense. Even then the green windscreen was still ultra green. Different camera settings today?
I have the H1n and have only used it twice in 3 years. It was confusing at first. I'm going to start using it again...I do like the simplicity and size of the H1essential though.
Original Zoom h1 was one of my first audio recording devices! This looks nice and the 32 bit float is a must. I preferred the zoom h1 body over the h1n.
I still have the original H1, and I can't count how many times I've been out somewhere and it came in handy to grab some ambient sounds. Like while shooting a video for a real estate listing with a beautiful back yard, I can break out the H1 and grab some bird songs from the actual property to add ambience to the video. Since I'm familiar with setting recording gain and given the handling noise of this iteration, I don't see the point of updating to it.
I started with the H1n, the H6 with the XLR head for 6 mics total, then I got the L8 because I wanted an actual mixer for event streaming. I just ordered the L20 on prime day because I have an event coming up where I'm going to need a dozen mics going. Needless to say I love Zoom products. I've been on the fence about 32bit for a while. It's nice but I've done without it for a couple decades. So I don't find it necessary but eventually I'll end up with something 32bit.
It's well thought out that these devices can double as a usb interface to your pc or phone. All they really need is the ability to record a usb mic and they'd have every direction covered. They may be a bit too pro orientated to have that on their mind. It's ironic that some usb mics can now be plugged to a phone and recorded or streamed there.
F series are supposed to have better pre-amp, I have F...3? and H...6? and I totally... don't ear the difference... I am by no means a reference but I would go H.. for the integrated mic. Great video Tom
That may explain some of the price difference, though you'd think minus mics and screen would compensate a bit. More likely market segmentation, and they see the F range as more pro, so more $$$. Maybe they sell less F so reverse economies of scale. Hmm, even more oddly on the Zoom Europe site it seems the F2 is single track 44/48kHz while the h1e is two tracks at "upto" 96kHz. Whatever upto means!
Interesting, after watching a couple of videos showing how bad the handling noise is here you are handling this, switching hands etc, and no noise. Perhaps the others were exaggerating movement, but you seem to be doing in natural way. Intriguing.
@@tombuck I also heard some complaints of bad ambient recording quality but just watched another video where it's all out in field and sound pretty good, some very good. Most were on a little stand but one was even handheld and, again, minimal, if any, noise. Like you say, firm grip and technique. This might be getting added to the tool kit.
I think I can buy Rode Wireless Go Pro instead of Zoom F2 recorder if I ever need a bluetooth 32-bit recorder 🤷🏼♂️ It is 400 dollars, but it has 2 recorder(transmitter) and a reciever; also comes with 2 lav mics. It looks like a better option when you consider its versatility.
Yeah, that's a great kit if it's within your budget! What I like about the H1 Essential, and why I recommend it so heartily, is that is so affordable and easy to add to any A/V kit 👍
@tombuck Yes, actually I agree with your take in the video about H1 and F2. I just think F2 is not a good choice when compared to other 2-person wireless mic solutions like Rode or DJI.
Maybe it's a good tool by itself, buuuuut I have h1n for years, and I do a lot of documentary work and have been used it maybe three or four times. Because now cameras have decent preamps and wireless systems are extremely affordable and reliable, so you don't need any of these outdated things. It's better to invest in more advanced lav system. However higher tier recorders like f6 with xlrs 100 percent worth investing, it's so flexible and reliable thing
Re: Price difference to F2. The H1 Essential may be a loss leader to get consumers fond of the brand. When consumers progress from hobbiest to prosumer/profesional then they'll be willing to pay more for slight conveniences like battery life and size for lav work on the F2's. Upgrade path might be solo creator starts with H1 essential. After a year or more of creating, they get into interviews, so then they purchase 1 or 2 F2 units. In most professional equipment, the slight increases in usability come at exponential cost. 1. Because they can, if it's a need a professional will find a way to afford it. 2. There are generally less professionals than there are consumers, so scales of economy shrink.
Hey Tom! What about the background noise of the internal mics? Is anything changing with this aspect on a 32bit float recorder? Thank you so much and many compliments for your work! 👍😉
I’ve had H2/4/5/6 since they came out and for my most common use (DJ mixer rec-out & room ambiance) the H4 is the best because of the digitally ganged rec level control. The H5/6 have a bit better sound quality, but adjusting stereo lines with the separate level dial is SUPER finicky and takes a good bit of messing about fixing in the DAW after the fact. Didn’t read specs yet, but the H1e, with the mics AND line-in, does it record both simultaneously like the H4, or just one at a time?
Tom, what brand(s) of windscreen do you buy? I've found 3rd party windscreens online seem to be very poor quality, one was absurdly poor quality - nothing at all like the photographs. Yours look and sound quite good in this video. Thank you.
I'm actually working on an entire video about this! I've gotten most of mine from reporterstore.com for years, but one of my friends recently started manufacturing his own at docmerch.com and I really like them (yes I'm biased 😁)
I think, but I cannot really verify, the F series has better preamps are are targeted more at " pro" users. The F2BT for example does support Ulltrasync Blue timecode and a TCXO so that drift is really minimal. I use that feature to sync up both my F2BTs and my other recorders (F3, F8nPro, Tascam X8, Rode Wireless Pro.) I love the F2. Having said that I also keep a H1n in my bag
@@tombuck Check out the Tascam X8, much more than just a recorder, it is also a mixing board, a portable podcast studio. And we are expecting a new firmware in September with special overdub and other features mainly for musicians. The most versatile recorder I have, and I nearly a dozen by now :)
My Zoom H1 is 14 years old now and i'm still using it. It's solid and super reliable! Now I just added the H1 Essential to my cart while watching your video. Thank you for this! 🫡
I had H1n then upgraded to H1e. I record mostly interviews and also ambient sounds. Love it! It is compact and can easily be packed in my backpack. What would you suggest to record spatial audio?
You have any videos on mixing maybe master audio for these kind of talking videos? I’ve been getting into talking on video and recording with Dji mic 2, and sort of have the slightest idea of what to do for EQ & compression and then pull up gain after. But I feel like maybe there’s something I don’t know
@@tombuck yeah would love that from you! You explain it really well. I watched your compression video after this comment. I just would love to see a whole walkthrough for us that edit talking videos.
I had this recorder and recently sold it. I thought my copy had lots of self-noise. Did you do any noise removal? I wonder if there is an issue with product consistency. I had the original H1 and then the H1n and granted, if you pushed up the gain past 6 it could be noisy. But I felt when comparing my H1n and H1e I thought the H1e was equivalent to the H1n at around a gain of 8.
I didn't do any processing on this since I want you to hear the "raw" sound. 👍 But from what I know, the "Essential" version doesn't have any gain control since it's 32 bit float, so I'm wondering if you had a different model?
@@tombuck let me clarify, I felt the noise on the H1e (obviously had no gain setting) was the same has the H1n set to a gain of 8. I just felt the H1e was quite noisy, or at least my copy. I guessed you probably kept the raw sound because that is what you normally do. It's just your H1e samples were way clearer than samples I had on mine. I pre-ordered early so I wonder if the first batch had consistency issues in production quality.
If you already have a wireless microphone, would adding a lavalier mic to a Zoom recorder and a wireless transmitter be beneficial? Besides the advantage of 32-bit float recording (unless you're using the DJI Mic 2), are there other benefits?
Quick question - If I'm using a boom mic for an interview and connecting the XLR into a Zoom H5 recorder, what should the volume dial on the Zoom H5 be set to or what levels should I be looking for specifically on that recorder? Can't find an answer anywhere!
The reason I would not buy their gear is that their preamps don't appear to have had a decent update from the originals. Despite its accessibility, despite the wealth of documentation, as a former RNZ presenter and producer I'll choose better quality every time if I can get it.
I really like to have one of these for my audio recording, So I wouldn’t have to use my camcorder to record audio. 😅 “Make that a separate audio unit!”
This is a good question for the OP. If you mean adding vocals to a pre-recorded 2 track, I think it will need to be done post. This has connections to run the music while doing vocals.
They’re pretty different since the DJI is a full wireless system and the Zoom is only a recorder, but I do think the Zoom mic’s quality sounds a bit better than the DJI. Of course with the DJI you do get two transmitters, which is awesome, but the price is also a lot higher.
The H1 Essential is 32bit float, which is good to ensure the there's no clipping with music (this is different from the original H1n- I would definitely choose the H5 over the original H1n).
@@tombuck I'm sorry I meant to ask this h1 32bit float u reviewed here vs H5, which has better audio sound quality. I tested tescam x y and it was all thin sounding so looking for something better
Hey there Tom. I am a subscriber to your yt channel but not sure how to message there. I hope this isn’t inappropriate idk what the content creator etiquette is lol I was wondering if there is a solution to recording my buddy on my iPhone while I am being recorded by a mic (like into one of the portable recorders). We have a very small podcast we are trying to build and the subject matter can be very personal and sometimes embarrassing and I live with kids/ roommates and was thinking of doing the show from my car. Is there a recorder like this that will record my phone and myself as 2 separate tracks ?
No need t worry, this is totally fine! Sometimes comments do get buried though, so apologies if I reply late or miss something entirely. Cars can be VERY good podcast studios! If you have wifi near the car, you could use an online service like Zencastr or Riverside to record remotely. They'll give you high quality audio (and video if you need it). Your friend can just choose their iPhone as an audio source when signing in and you can choose the Zoom recorder (or whatever you happen to be using) 👍
I’ve used them as booms many times so I was kind of just working on assumptions. Probably not the best example, but it’s definitely usable, especially if you then add some EQ and processing to it 👍
Back when I was teaching I definitely had some card and battery covers come off of the H1's we used, but fortunately the card cover isn't really necessary and the battery cover was fixed with a bit of tape 😅 The H1 Essential seems a bit sturdier, but things happen and there's only so much you can expect from a relatively inexpensive device.
I was about to get the h1n but you think I skip this and get the essential or just get the zoom f2 I already own the h4n but it’s too big to put in the pocket 😅
@@tombuck Woah! No! The 32 bit float is only about the analog to digital conversion. If the analog stages eg mic and preamps before the a/d are poor quality then the 32 bit float will capture that poor quality with incredible precision... The H1 Essential is not renowed for low noise analog stages. But if you are recording stuff that won't show that, and you are more concerned about digital clipping, then it is fine at the price.
