Zoom H1n/UK Handy Recorder

Product Information

Since the Zoom-9002 (an ultra-compact multi-effects processor that can be attached to a guitar strap) was introduced in 1990, Zoom has become one of the leaders in digital audio processing. The only small problem I find (but I'll assume it happens with every one without the proper equipment) is that it is really sensible to your touch and movements without the handle, so you have to remain absolutely static when it is recording. Now there are apps that can take on the heavy lifting, but something’s still missing, and memory capacity is an issue. Size and shape are almost identical, though the main body is a fraction wider and thinner, and the microphone cage is more substantial.

Granted, most of these settings are “set it and forget it,” I still think it could have been executed better.Pressing Stop and Play buttons together outputs a reference tone, for setting audio levels on the camera. You can either use the Zoom’s built-in stereo microphones, or connect a lav or other minijack microphone. Now I'm using it via the usb cable to my computer as the mic for my Skype sessions, and any computer screen recordings I do. Instead of having an additional LED to alert you if your audio distorts, the recording light flashes rapidly. I've used the H1n to record the audio from the desk directly into the line in, at an 8 hour day conference, using a 32GB card, and it still had plenty of room on the card.

You can also adjust the playback speed for easier reviewing and transcription, and apply basic effects (adjusting for speech, volume cut, ‘rock’ and bass. It takes two AAA batteries rather than the H1’s single AA; you can also power it from an external USB battery pack.In my tests, I mainly mounted the H1n on a Gorillapod, while the tests at the beach were on a Manbily monopod (reversed as a boom pole). You do still need a furry windshield: the Redhead works well (though it partly obscures the screen and dial) or you could use Zoom’s own WSU-1. The H1n's X/Y microphones capture high-quality stereo sound, supporting up to 24-bit audio at sampling rates of 44.