Zoom has announced the H1 XLR, a portable audio recorder aimed at content creators and designed primarily for recording audio for video. Similar in shape and concept to previous Zoom models, it features two XLR-1/4″ TRS combo mic/line inputs, a 3.5mm stereo jack input, and a 32-bit float recording. Let’s take a closer look!
Audio is one of the most critical and overlooked factors when recording quality video. Bad audio is a dead giveaway of amateur work, while good quality audio can usually compensate for a not-so-great-looking image. If you look at YouTube, you’ll notice that the concept of ‘cinematic’ is usually associated with the visual aspects of a video, with relatively few discussions focusing on the role of sound in defining what makes something cinematic. Field recorders have been accompanying independent filmmakers for a long time, and Zoom, the Japanese audio company, is one of those that comes to mind when considering a decent way to record audio without breaking the bank. The Zoom H1 XLR follows the company’s philosophy of offering quality audio solutions at a reasonable price.
Zoom H1 XLR overview
The Zoom H1 XLR is a handy audio recorder with two XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphones, instruments, stereo feeds, etc. It also has a 3.5mm stereo input to connect devices such as on-camera or Lavalier microphones. These audio inputs should be enough for most situations when creating content.
The recorder also includes 32-bit float recording, a feature that was, until recently, reserved for high-end recorders. Remember that the brand already provided this feature in 2022 in the Zoom F3 and this year in the Zoom Essential series. With this function, you don’t have to worry about controlling gain to capture low and noisy sounds in the same environment. 32-bit float ensures that almost every sound will be recorded without clipping. When you don’t have a sound recordist on set, this feature is priceless, giving you peace of mind while taking care of other aspects of your production when filming.
The H1 XLR pre-amps record audio at -122dB EIN and sample rates up to 96khz, and they can capture +4dBu line-level signals from any mixer or line output. The recorder features a USB-C port to connect smartphones and record audio directly to the video captured. It can also be used as an audio interface with a computer, allowing you to record directly to the H1 XLR’s SD card.
The recorder has a mixer and a high-contrast OLED screen that shows a real-time waveform while recording. For more control, it has an onboard speaker to listen to and preview recordings. Finally, the unit has Phantom and Plug-in power for microphones that need it. Additionally, it can be powered with two AA batteries or a power supply (not included).
Zoom H1 XLR Highlights
- Two XLR-1/4″ TRS combo inputs.
- Ultralow noise mic preamps.
- Clip-Free 32-bit Float recording.
- Flexible 3.5mm stereo input.
- USB-C for computers and smart devices.
- Integrated mixer with a bright OLED screen.
- Built-In Phantom and Plug-In Power.
- 2×2 Class-Compliant USB audio interface.
- Supports SDXC cards up to 1TB.
Price and availability
The new Zoom H1 XLR field audio recorder is now available for preorder at $149.99. For more information, please visit the Zoom product page here.
What do you think about this new audio recorder? Have you used a Zoom recorder previously? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
