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

Gain control knob on each input, with protective 'roll-bar' that prevents accidental movement during handling All these dials sit under sturdy steel bumper bars, partly for protection but also for practicality – it’s far easier to smoothly adjust the volume with this arrangement.

You can change the speed or pitch of recordings in the Zoom itself; there’s a metronome and even a built-in guitar/bass tuner. USB connection Possibility to switch over different capsules makes this unit worth the price both really, really durable and versatile. Cons: self noise when your exceed that 6-ish mark on a gain knob, battery life when using phantom power, only digital limiter 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) The modular approach greatly increases the unit’s flexibility. I’ve used my old Zoom H4 for location recording and it worked well, but I think the H5, like the H6, has taken the versatility to a new level. For film work in particular, the addition of the shotgun and ability to record a couple of lavaliers at the same time, all with different levels, will be welcome.Zero Handling noise thanks to the material the unit is made, XLRs just make the job with no complaints at all. Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad

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. Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC, Mac and iPad (requires optional camera connection kit) Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20 dB pad

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.

Zoom’s H4 has been hugely popular, and with the H5 it seems its few shortcomings have been ironed out. 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. 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". Internal mics are way too frail, I broke a plastic part already when it fell from only half a meter height 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.

Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20 dB pad Zero-handling noise is an important feature and here is your friend. This is not granted on all devices on the market. 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. Bought this to replace my old Zoom H4. Fairly easy to set up and use, and not surprisingly, better than the old H4! THAT SAID, the recording quality on the H5 is remarkably higher than the previous brothers, the sound is just more naturally "in your face" and easily verges on a studio-like sound.