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

Uses a system of interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad

Possibility to switch over different capsules makes this unit worth the price both really, really durable and versatile. 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. 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. Internal mics are way too frail, I broke a plastic part already when it fell from only half a meter heightTwo 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.

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. 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 H4 has been hugely popular, and with the H5 it seems its few shortcomings have been ironed out. 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)

Customer reviews

Gain control knob on each input, with protective 'roll-bar' that prevents accidental movement during handling Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20 dB pad the MSH-6 Mid-Side capsule, with its bulbous hemisphere facing directly forwards, capturing audio from directly ahead. Less obvious is its second microphone, which collects ambient information from either side (hence the name MS, for Mid-Side). The level at which this side information is added or subtracted from the front microphone can be adjusted after the recording in post-production