Zoom H1

[Cuyler]

Samson has announced a new portable recorder, the Zoom H1, will be available at the end of July. I was thinking about purchasing the H4n, but the simpler H1 might be all I really need. It sounds perfect for recording practice sessions. They say it has the same "frequency and SPL handling" as the Zoom H2. And the great thing is it's only $99 US.

[RobertoIG]

it seems like a fantastic relation price/quality.
i couldn´t find sound samples online -if it is anywhere near the quality of the zoom h2 i´ll try to buy it inmediately-

thanks for this news.

[Tarbaby]

It's funny that this should come out right after I finally broke down and bought an H2. I'm glad I waited, because they are selling for about half the price of what they cost when they first came out. (I bought mine locally for $170. I've seen them for $135 on the internet). Plus, they have upgraded the memory card to 1 GB in the meantime.

As many of you already know, it comes with a thick book of complicated instructions. There are SO many different settings you can use! (AND it's got a metronome and guitar tuner). I've found that you get the best quality simply by pushing the record button and using the default settings. Which led me to think, if they came out with a version that just does THAT, without all the bells and whistles, they could sell it for even cheaper.

That must be what the H1 is.

I wonder how much more it could go down in price over the next few years?

Alan

[Cuyler]

It's funny that this should come out right after I finally broke down and bought an H2...

Comparing the Zoom H2 with the H1, I am not sure that the H2 is still not the better deal. As you say the H2 costs less than $150 US and comes with a lot of options. Most significantly, it has 4 microphones which gives you better stereo imaging (or at least that's what they say). Also it can be attached directly to a computer as a USB microphone. Plus it comes with the accessories like a power adapter, USB cable, windscreen, stand, etc that is an additional $25 US package for the Zoom H1.

Zoom H2 W-XY microphone configuration

Does everyone take advantage of all those extra recording features the H2 offers? Or when setting up for recording a guitar do you just use a 90° pattern?

The smaller H1 would probably be better for people that don't want to mess with menus (since all functions have a dedicated button). That and it doesn't look like a cheap electric shaver.

I'm thinking maybe getting the inexpensive Zoom H1 now and wait for the prices to come down on the higher-end recorders in a few years when I am ready for fancy features.

Zoom H2 microphones exposed — the 4 microphones allow 360º surround recording

[RobertoIG]

wooow, i take back what i said. $135 for the zoom h2 ?!!
i remember seen it a lot more expensive than that (maybe i should visit online stores more often, haha)

the h1 is still a good option, but if adding accesories is going to make it almost as expensive as the zoom h2 then choosing one or another is more like a matter of taste.

[rojarosguitar]

It's funny that this should come out right after I finally broke down and bought an H2...

Comparing the Zoom H2 with the H1, I am not sure that the H2 is still not the better deal. As you say the H2 costs less than $150 US and comes with a lot of options. Most significantly, it has 4 microphones which gives you better stereo imaging (or at least that's what they say). Also it can be attached directly to a computer as a USB microphone. Plus it comes with the accessories like a power adapter, USB cable, windscreen, stand, etc that is an additional $25 US package for the Zoom H1.

Zoom H2 W-XY microphone configuration

Does everyone take advantage of all those extra recording features the H2 offers? Or when setting up for recording a guitar do you just use a 90° pattern?

The smaller H1 would probably be better for people that don't want to mess with menus (since all functions have a dedicated button). That and it doesn't look like a cheap electric shaver.

I'm thinking maybe getting the inexpensive Zoom H1 now and wait for the prices to come down on the higher-end recorders in a few years when I am ready for fancy features.

I would definitely confirm that the 4 microphone option is a great thing, especially if you're not solo. Jou can just put the H2 in the center of a circle of musician, and everybody is recorded just fine. You can even mix the balance after recording.

Also the power supply is something I wouldn't like to miss, as the battery drain is substantial. I record almost allways with the power supply, which is very, very quiet (no hum). I use the batteries basically for maintaning the setup (and date).
I also like the vertical positioning of the H2. At first it looks a bit odd, but then you realize you can always have a look at the level bars and make sure youre recording at optimum level, when the H2 stands infront of you on the table or so.

If it is so that you pay 135$ (I payed 200 Euros) than I definitely would recommend H2

best wishes
Robert

[Cuyler]

.…the power supply is something I wouldn't like to miss, as the battery drain is substantial. I record almost allways with the power supply, which is very, very quiet (no hum). I use the batteries basically for maintaning the setup (and date).

According to Samson, 2 regular batteries in Zoom H2 give 4 hours of recording time whereas a single AA battery in a Zoom H1 gives you 10 hours. So if someone wants to record free of power cables, the Zoom H1 apparently goes through batteries at 1/5 the rate as the H2.

Good point about the vertical placement of the Zoom H2 — that never would've occurred to me. The display on the H1 is oriented for someone holding it, so that might not be as helpful for people recording themselves.

This video of the Samson Zoom H1 gives a better feel for what the device looks like:

Youtube

[Cyril]

How does the H2 compare to the H4N just in terms of sound quality (not all the other functions)? Will the H1 have any built-in effects like reverb if you want to avoid using software?

Cyril

[rojarosguitar]

How does the H2 compare to the H4N just in terms of sound quality (not all the other functions)? Will the H1 have any built-in effects like reverb if you want to avoid using software?

Cyril

I don't really think it makes much sense to compare them. Both devices are far from any 'studio quality' recording chain and will have their sonic 'stamps' you may like or not like. I personally use H2 and find it stunning considering the price. I do also own some highest quality recording equipment. But there is nothing that can beat my H2 if I just want to sit, play and record, without being in tech-mind-mode. I'd dare to guess, if somebody recorded his CD with H2, mastered it properly, there would be not many people saying, "oh its only a H2 recording...", as it could be quite decent and beat many profesionally recorded CDs. (I wrote about these matters elsewhere on the forum already).

And as to reverb built into such a device: I'd rather use none than any of these, because a cheap reverb can really downgrade the sound quality. And what kind of reverb can you expect that is built into a box that is altogether cheaper than any decent reverb plug in for DAWs?

So if you compare, then compare rather the features and whether you need and like them or not.

Personally I find exactly this upright position facing the player and beeing fully visible and operable so useful for the player recording him- or herself.

best wishes Robert

[Cuyler]

Zoom's Japanese website released a few more details on the H1. The unit is 44mm x 136mm x 31mm and 60g without the battery (that's ~1.75" x 5.36" x 1.25" and a little over 2 oz). Plus, here's a demo from the Summer NAMM show in Nashville:


Youtube

[Cuyler]

Here's a first-look review of the Zoom H1. I'm discouraged that it has a cheap plastic feel to it — are all the Zoom products flimsy? The latest announcement is that the H1 will be available on August 20.

[Sean]

I think the Zoom H4 is sturdy - except for the menu button, which is a bit flimsy and frustrating at times.