Audio Comparison Guide | Zoom Audio Recorders

Mark checks out 5 audio recorders from Zoom.
Which one best suits you?

Audio comparison guide...
H1n - @2:43
H2n - @5:41
H4n - @12:23
H5 - @14:10
H5 Capsule 2 - @14:56
H6 - @17:03

Insta - @gak_music

#zoom #audiorecorder

[CorbenEdward]

Take a drink every time you are sure the H1 is gonna fall off of the table. Great review!

[russemrick]

This was one of the best reviews I've ever watched on YouTube. No fluff, e.g. unpacking stuff, no boring tech details that we can read ourselves. Demonstrated how each mic performed, which inputs are possible per model, price points. etc. Excellent. Thank you!

[electricmonk]

Quick comparison guide if it's useful to anyone:

H1n - 2:43
H2n - 5:41
H4n - 12:23
H5 - 14:10
H5 Capsule 2 - 14:56
H6 - 17:03

Thanks for the video - very helpful :)
I'm guessing the H2n would be better suited to recording two people, rather than using the XY configuration of the others between each person?

[agentsixsix]

Few things: 1. At 20:37 you are showing the optional XLR-add on module. This one unfortunately only works with dynamic mics since it delivers NO phantom power. Less versatile than you suggest. 2. The sphere mic is actually an M/S (Mid/Side) microphone. 3. I own or have worked with all of the ZOOMs shown (and more). Although the H6 looks the fanciest and best one, its screen is hard to read outside and its info is very tiny. I much prefer the larger VU-metering on the H4n Pro and H5. 4. The modular capsules can have their use but are very bulky and hard to transport. From the ones you show, the H4n Pro offers the most durable and compact solution. Despite the friendly pricing of ZOOM I use a Sound Devices MixPre 6 as my "go to"-recorder to join my Canon C200. The H4n Pro travels as a back-up, ambiance and foley recorder.

[trevorjessop]

I bought the smallest Zoom recorder from GAK last year and have used it to record practices and rehearsals of my ukulele ensemble "The Kettleleles". I juyst put it on a tripod in the middle of us in my man cave and press record and the results are brilliant. I previously recorded on to an iPad using all sorts of microphones and mixers and I/O docks and I wish I had found the Zoom earlier! The tracks are also easy to email to the other band members to enable them to hear how good or bad they are performing!

[GodfreyMann]

I use the H5 in the field with Rode NTG2 and Sennheiser G4’s for video and it’s a workhorse. I rarely use the capsule, but when I do it’s been fine. I don’t have anything to compare it against, but I’m pleased with the results.

[louisaltmire]

Extremely helpful. You did an exceptional job. Thank you Mark.

[Rogeramirez]

I bought a Zoom h4N 5 years ago. I use it as a field recorder, I attached it to an Alexa Mini camera as a ambience recorder (only problem here is that condenser mics are too sensitive and sometimes capture sound of hands on the top handle), even more, with an special cable that recorder could have delivered stereo audio into the camera, I know it’s possible. Now I use it to record rehearsals using 4 channels, and I’ve recorded electric guitar using a Sm57 and a R40 mic, all this direct into my DAW. It’s an incredible multi-task piece of equipment.

[Carl-Camera]

Here the H6 sounds better than the newer H5 model. I have both and find that the H5 has more bass and is more full (muddy even) which is great for vocal but the H6 is better for everything else.

[adlibra]

Such a real down to earth review! Thank you

[MichaelMaardt]

very nice thank U. I will get the H2n. I have H5 and 3 mics for it (excellent)

[juanijj]

Which is better for record without wind noise at high speed on a motorcycle? Zoom h4n pro, h5 or h2n? Always using a deadcat.

[KENZOkm]

This is the review I've been looking for!

[MichaelKubler-kublermdk]

Thank you, this was a great review guide.
I had an old Zoom h4n and was looking to get something new and now know what I'm interested in.

[elsuperlead]

I just wanted to mention that the XLR inputs are really dual inputs they do XLR and ¼".

[WysteriaGuitar]

Just get the Haitch 6 you will be glad you did...

[TheNewNumberTw]

Most people know about haych and zed but did you know brits also say "Wubbleyou, " "Veech, " "Quayche, " and "Jedd" for W, V, Q and J?

[nobbystyles]

brilliant, pretty useful review. hard to beat that H6 for value, the channel pairing feature looks a bit of a pain unless you have childrens fingers.

[OneForTheNorth]

What’s the best for recording vocals and guitar simultaneously?

[stanburr-fjzk]

does anyone know how to connect 2 wireless lav mics to the H5. With xlr ?