Zoom has announced the latest release in its popular H1 series of audio recorders. The Zoom H1 XLR drops the built-in microphones but adds dual XLR inputs and 32-bit float recording.
Dual XLR inputs
All of Zoom’s previous H1 audio recorders have had built-in microphones. However, on the H1 XLR these have been replaced with two locking XLR/TRS combo inputs on the top of the device. The inputs can also accept the signal from microphones, stereo board feeds and instruments. With the mic/line switch, you can change input levels from mic to line without having to switch cables. In addition, the H1 XLR can supply phantom power to your microphones.
Other inputs and outputs
The Zoom H1 XLR has a 3.5 mm stereo input on the side of the recorder for on-camera mics, lavaliers, phones and other sources. It can supply lavaliers with plug-in power. The recorder has an onboard speaker to listen your recordings. There’s also a 3.5 mm audio output for headphone monitoring. In addition, you can connect this output to your camera’s microphone input for recording.
32-bit float recording
The Zoom H1 XLR records in 32-bit float and has dual AD (analog to digital) converters. Put simply, 32-bit float audio has such a large dynamic range that you don’t need to set a recording level. No matter how loud your audio gets, the signal won’t clip. In addition, the recorder’s preamps deliver crystal clear audio with a -122 dB EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) and sample rates up to 96 kHz. You can also capture +4 dBu professional line level signals to record clip-free audio from any mixer or line output.
Waveform display
The H1 XLR has a high-contrast OLED screen so you can navigate the recorder’s interface. There’s also a real-time waveform display, so you can see your audio while you record. In addition, the H1 XLR has accessibility functions for blind and visually impaired users. You can navigate the menu with audible descriptions via the speaker or headphones. Language options include English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.
Other features
The Zoom H1 XLR records to SDXC card up to 1 TB in capacity, so you can literally record for days. With it’s USB-C connection, you can also use the recorder as a 32-bit float audio interface for a PC, Mac, iOS or Android device. Usefully, you can simultaneously record to the SD card while using the device in this way. You can power the H1 XLR for up to 10 hours with two AA batteries internally or via the USB-C port.
What we think
Zoom is billing the H1 XLR as the “record-everything” recorder. Musicians might prefer a device with built-in mics, but filmmakers will want to use their own microphones. With both XLR and 3.5 mm inputs, the H1 XLR will support all of your mics. It will also happily take a line level signal for recording live event audio from a mixing desk. In addition, the 32-bit float recording means you don’t need to set recording levels. That’s one less thing to have to worry about for solo shooters. Although it can only record to two channels, for many filmmakers, the H1 XLR may be the only recorder that you need.
Price and availability
The Zoom H1 XLR is available for pre-order now. It retails at $150.
