Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder for Audio for Video, Music, and Podcasting, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/TRS Inputs, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered

Product Information

Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC, Mac and iPad (requires optional camera connection kit) There’s a range of audio input settings that can be applied – a compressor/limiter handy for voiceovers, a low-cut filter, phantom/plug-in power for microphones that need it. Record continuously for about 10 hours with just 2 AA batteries or extend your recording time indefinitely with the optional AD-17 AC adapter.

I've been using Zooms for more than 10 years. Zoom H2, H4, H4, F1 and now Zoom H5. All of them remained working and in good condition when I sold them, and this one is the best of the bunch so far. It's really hard to find anything that could be improved in Zoom H5. Incredibly versatile (especially with detachable modules) and very reliable equipment. Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20 dB pad

CLEARER

I read manuals before using a product, but I was slightly confused by the multi or stereo recording functionality - however, following the instructions fixed this immediately. Overall I'm finding it easier to work with than the H4N - press the record button and it records! Guessing that was something Zoom listened to customers on. The onboard mic isn't that great but is definitely workable. when you push the gain dial on a XLR input over 6~7, self noise of preamps will become apparent (can be mitigated if you use something like a Fethead/Cloudlifter) Cons: self noise when your exceed that 6-ish mark on a gain knob, battery life when using phantom power, only digital limiter Zoom’s H4 has been hugely popular, and with the H5 it seems its few shortcomings have been ironed out. Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad

the SHG-6 shotgun mike capsule, which is quite a small shotgun, good for a head-and-shoulders interviewee filmed at two or three metres, less so for distant zooming in a noisy environment Zoom's preamps seem to be all slightly noisy on their own, Not that much to say "this mic is scam", but you know, high enough to say "ok, I know you're there, I'll just fix you if needed". We bought this audio device for our NGO to capture audio on the go for our videos, interviews, podcasts and also in a booth to record voice over using XLR inputs. And for this price we just could not find anything that would match zoom h5 in its usability, audio quality and portability. As of right now you probably won't find anything better! Internal mics are way too frail, I broke a plastic part already when it fell from only half a meter height

Media

Zero-handling noise is an important feature and here is your friend. This is not granted on all devices on the market. Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20 dB pad

Bought this to replace my old Zoom H4. Fairly easy to set up and use, and not surprisingly, better than the old H4!The internal mic quality is still disappointing (not a significant improvement over H4). You gotta turn the nob to around 8 most of the time to get a decent sound but taht introduces an awful hiss. Also, I find the high frequencies quite harsh, almost distorted even in medium gain settings. Note that these are not sensitive enough for direct input of guitar or bass; you’ll need a mixer or effects unit to sufficiently raise their levels. The gain dials are also easily accessible – the mike capsules have their own controls (the X-Y pair has a single stereo volume dial for the L-R channels), while the separate little gain dials for channels 1 and 2 sit below the display. Uses a system of interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera