What's the Best Portable Audio Recorder (Is it the Zoom H1) ?

I have been looking at audio recorders such as the Tascam DR-40, Zoom H5, and Zoom H6.

I was initially drawn towards the Zoom H5 as it is more portable. However, I soon realised that when I am recording at home, size is not an issue. Nor is the fact that the Zoom H6 takes four batteries to the Zoom H5's two since I can buy the mains adaptor to keep it charged at all times.

The Zoom H6 is only slightly more expensive, but comes with a more versatile XY mic and an additional mid-size mic. It also four XLR inputs instead of two, a better display panel, and other additional features.

Due to all of this, I feel that the Zoom H6 is the better option for me.

I am also keen on using an audio recorder from time to time when recording vlogging style videos, whether at home, in my car, walking, or whatever. When I do that, portability is important, since I do not need to plug in an additional microphone via an XLR port. It is also clear that while the Zoom H5 is smaller than the H6, it is far from portable.

Therefore, instead of using one audio recorder for everything, I feel that it is better for me to use the Zoom H6 for recording audio at home and a portable audio recorder such as the Zoom H1 when I am on the move.

For example, I could attach the Zoom H1 to the top of my camera like this:


The Zoom H1 attached using the hot shoe interface.

Or underneath my camera using the method explained by DPReview member 2eyesee in this thread :


The Zoom H1 attached to the Sony RX100 using a tripod screw adaptor.

What is the Best Portable Audio Recorder?

My question is: Is the Zoom H1 the best portable audio recorder available?

I listened to some audio comparison videos online that highlighted the difference in quality between the Zoom H1 and the Zoom H5 and Zoom H6. The Zoom H5 and Zoom H6 sound identical as they use the same microphones. Both the Zoom H5 and H6 sounded much louder and clearer than the Zoom H1.

I realise that the Zoom H1 will still give me infinitely better audio quality than any built-in camera microphone, though I would prefer my portable audio recorder to have a similar quality to the one I have at home.

Can Zoom H1 alternatives such as the TASCAM DR-05 and Yamaha PR7 match the Zoom H1 in quality and features etc?

Do you know of any other portable audio recorders that offer portability and good audio quality?

Thanks,

Kevin

i had a zoom H6 and sold it for 3 zoom h1. I know the zoom H6 is better but to me it is better to have the recorder in the right place. I put a lapel mic on the groom and the zoom goes into his pocket. It is a better sound than a wireless mic. I also try to put one on the podium of the priest and keep on on my camera. I believe in having a back up to a backup as far as sound goes.

martin makati said:

i had a zoom H6 and sold it for 3 zoom h1. I know the zoom H6 is better but to me it is better to have the recorder in the right place. I put a lapel mic on the groom and the zoom goes into his pocket. It is a better sound than a wireless mic. I also try to put one on the podium of the priest and keep on on my camera. I believe in having a back up to a backup as far as sound goes.

Click to expand...

Size won't be an issue if I am recording at home, plus I need a recorder that has XLR inputs so that I can connect my microphone, however I would like to get the Zoom H1 as well for the reasons you just said.

Have you tried any alternatives to the Zoom H1?

I've used the H1 a lot over the last couple years as a field recorder for ambient sound when shooting or to plug a wired/wireless lav into when I run out of mounting points on the camera and tripod. Its great for what it is - a small/cheap recorder that you can use anywhere.

The mics are a bit tinny sounding so I personally wouldn't recommend/use it for home recording unless you don't have another option, since there are plenty of low cost condenser mics (like Rode) that will sound a lot better (fuller). At home I plug my Rode NT1 into an old Zoom H4 and it sounds a lot better than just the H1. I find I have to boost the bass and mids a bit with voices to get a good sound from H1 recordings.

The Straw Man said:

I've used the H1 a lot over the last couple years as a field recorder for ambient sound when shooting or to plug a wired/wireless lav into when I run out of mounting points on the camera and tripod. Its great for what it is - a small/cheap recorder that you can use anywhere.

The mics are a bit tinny sounding so I personally wouldn't recommend/use it for home recording unless you don't have another option, since there are plenty of low cost condenser mics (like Rode) that will sound a lot better (fuller). At home I plug my Rode NT1 into an old Zoom H4 and it sounds a lot better than just the H1. I find I have to boost the bass and mids a bit with voices to get a good sound from H1 recordings.

Click to expand...

Yeah the audio tests I listened to on YouTube illustrate that the microphone is not as good as the one on the Zoom H5 and H6.

There are a lot of other portable audio recorders available from brands such as Tascam, Olympus, Sony etc. Anyone tried an alternative to Zoom H1 and found it produced better audio?

Kevin Muldoon said:

The Straw Man said:

I've used the H1 a lot over the last couple years as a field recorder for ambient sound when shooting or to plug a wired/wireless lav into when I run out of mounting points on the camera and tripod. Its great for what it is - a small/cheap recorder that you can use anywhere.

The mics are a bit tinny sounding so I personally wouldn't recommend/use it for home recording unless you don't have another option, since there are plenty of low cost condenser mics (like Rode) that will sound a lot better (fuller). At home I plug my Rode NT1 into an old Zoom H4 and it sounds a lot better than just the H1. I find I have to boost the bass and mids a bit with voices to get a good sound from H1 recordings.

Click to expand...

Yeah the audio tests I listened to on YouTube illustrate that the microphone is not as good as the one on the Zoom H5 and H6.

There are a lot of other portable audio recorders available from brands such as Tascam, Olympus, Sony etc. Anyone tried an alternative to Zoom H1 and found it produced better audio?

Click to expand...

I am sure there are lots of recorders better than a Zoom H1 but I don't think that most would be better to the point that a listener would really notice.

It is just so easy to use on a camera and plugged into a camera (record both at the same time.

I use it for live music and it is great.

I guess if something was a fair bit more quiet it might be more noticeable.

I have only used the Zoom H1, a Zoom H2 really (had another cheap broken thing briefly).

Now if you want to buy a Sound Devices recorder it might be a different story.

neil holmes said:

I am sure there are lots of recorders better than a Zoom H1 but I don't think that most would be better to the point that a listener would really notice.

It is just so easy to use on a camera and plugged into a camera (record both at the same time.

I use it for live music and it is great.

I guess if something was a fair bit more quiet it might be more noticeable.

I have only used the Zoom H1, a Zoom H2 really (had another cheap broken thing briefly).

Now if you want to buy a Sound Devices recorder it might be a different story.

Click to expand...

I am not so sure.

Have a listen to this audio test that compares the Zoom H1 and Zoom H6. You can clearly hear the difference in quality between the H1 and the H6. Similar tests with the Zoom H5 produce the same results since the H5 and H6 use the same mic capsule system.

It is no surprise that the H5 and H6 sound better since they are more expensive and were released years later. However, I imagine there are other portable devices available from rival companies that were released after the Zoom H1. I have seen many comparisons to the Zoom H1, but the audio recorders being compared all seem to be much bigger.

Some alternatives include the Yamaha PR7, Tascam DR-05, Olympus LS-14, and the Olympus LS5 etc.


Size comparison screenshot taken from this video .

Looking at the size of other audio recorders, there seems to be few available that even come close to the portability that the Zoom H1 offers. So the Zoom H1 could win by default

Kevin Muldoon said:

neil holmes said:

I am sure there are lots of recorders better than a Zoom H1 but I don't think that most would be better to the point that a listener would really notice.

It is just so easy to use on a camera and plugged into a camera (record both at the same time.

I use it for live music and it is great.

I guess if something was a fair bit more quiet it might be more noticeable.

I have only used the Zoom H1, a Zoom H2 really (had another cheap broken thing briefly).

Now if you want to buy a Sound Devices recorder it might be a different story.

Click to expand...

I am not so sure.

Have a listen to this audio test that compares the Zoom H1 and Zoom H6. You can clearly hear the difference in quality between the H1 and the H6. Similar tests with the Zoom H5 produce the same results since the H5 and H6 use the same mic capsule system.

It is no surprise that the H5 and H6 sound better since they are more expensive and were released years later. However, I imagine there are other portable devices available from rival companies that were released after the Zoom H1. I have seen many comparisons to the Zoom H1, but the audio recorders being compared all seem to be much bigger.

Some alternatives include the Yamaha PR7, Tascam DR-05, Olympus LS-14, and the Olympus LS5 etc.

Size comparison screenshot taken from this video .

Looking at the size of other audio recorders, there seems to be few available that even come close to the portability that the Zoom H1 offers. So the Zoom H1 could win by default

Click to expand...

Like I said the H1 is a great portable audio recorder. Its just not best suited for studio-type work because the frequency range isn't as wide as some recorders with better mics or a dedicated mic. I've used it in a soundbooth and it always sounds like you're talking into a jar, so voices need some work to sound more authentic. One other thing - its all plastic so you have to be careful if you use it on camera, its really easy to strip the threads. I use the shockmount linked below - which also helps with handling noise.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/398316-REG/Rode_SM3_SM3_On_Camera_Shockmount.html

I use the H1 with a recorder that has XLR inputs to get the best of both worlds. If you're budget doesn't allow for that (used H4n's are cheap on ebay) get the H1 if you need the portability. If size isn't an issue I'd go with something that has XLR inputs as its more versatile.

Kevin Muldoon said:

Therefore, instead of using one audio recorder for everything, I feel that it is better for me to use the Zoom H6 for recording audio at home and a portable audio recorder such as the Zoom H1 when I am on the move.

Click to expand...

Having more than one recorder is indeed a good idea, and not only for those reasons. You can also use two separate recorders during the same session, depending on your location and program type, of course.

Also keep in mind that having a portable recorder does not rule out the use of a microphone. You can use a standalone microphone both with a camera and a recorder.

No comments on the question in the topic title, though, because the "best" is highly subjective.

Kevin Muldoon said:

For example, I could attach the Zoom H1 to the top of my camera like this:

The Zoom H1 attached using the hot shoe interface.

Click to expand...

You could, but I wouldn't recommend that. At least if/when you're using the camera outdoors, or manoeuvring it during the recording.

The only way that setup might work is indoors, when the camera is on a proper tripod and no one is touching it, or even walking near it during the actual recording.

The reason is that the H1 is an all-plastic body and the microphone elements have not been insulated from the body. So when you attach the recorder onto the camera and then hold the camera, even the camera handling noises will be audible in the recording.

I tried that setup on a steadicam once, and even though I was only holding the handgrip of the steadicam, the noises made by the joint of the stabiliser were audible in the sound track.

There are some fairly simple methods to solve that problem, and one of the obvious ones is to plug a separate mic in the mic input and use the H1 as a recorder only.

Kevin Muldoon said:

My question is: Is the Zoom H1 the best portable audio recorder available?

Click to expand...

It depends. It probably isn't the "best" but then again, it's quite versatile and usable for its price. I'm not a fan of the Zoom user interface but I do have one, and I use it all the time. I think it gives a great bang for the buck. Or quid.

Kevin Muldoon said:

I listened to some audio comparison videos online that highlighted the difference in quality between the Zoom H1 and the Zoom H5 and Zoom H6. The Zoom H5 and Zoom H6 sound identical as they use the same microphones. Both the Zoom H5 and H6 sounded much louder and clearer than the Zoom H1.

Click to expand...

Don't get too hung up in single details. Keep in mind thet the H1 is a small, compact recorder that can also use a separate mic, and therefore the sound you get from its own mics is less than half of the whole story.

Keep in mind the practical side of things, too, like the fact that you could attach a shotgun mic to the H1, whether it's on the camera or not. Or better still, you could attach a lavalier mic to the H1 and then hide the H1 in your (or the talent's) pocket for the duration of the recording. Again, placing the recorder right on top of the camera is not always the ideal choice.

As for the loud and clear part, I can assure you that the H1 + a Røde Videomic Pro, for example, is loud and clear enough a combination. I'm quite sure it would do just fine as a podcast system. There are other reasons why some recorders cost more but, the point is, the H1 is a versatile and quite cost-effective product to get started with. It's not the only one, of course. There's also a reasonably slim Tascam model, for example, for about 50% more, if you can find one.

Kevin Muldoon said:

I realise that the Zoom H1 will still give me infinitely better audio quality than any built-in camera microphone, though I would prefer my portable audio recorder to have a similar quality to the one I have at home.

Click to expand...

Since the H1 is so affordable, and since you'll end up having more than one recorder, anyway, I'd suggest you give it a try first, before judging its quality or usability.

Kevin Muldoon said:

Can Zoom H1 alternatives such as the TASCAM DR-05 and Yamaha PR7 match the Zoom H1 in quality and features etc?

Click to expand...

I'm not familiar with the Yamaha model, but there are two slightly different Tascam models for a reasonable price, both of which should be fine, and they have a slightly different user interface and perhaps a slightly more rugged design, too. Speaking of which, Roland R-05 could be another good example, although it costs twice as much as the H1. Also keep in mind all these recorders mentioned can be used with a separate mic, too, so the subtleties between their sound performance may be a moot point, at least at this stage.

Remember, be careful about over-analysing all the wrong things, and beforehand.

Kevin Muldoon said:

Do you know of any other portable audio recorders that offer portability and good audio quality?

Click to expand...

There are a number of other brands and models like Roland and Sony, for example, but the bottom line is, they all will do just fine for your needs. Typical podcasting could be considered a fairly light use of equipment, so you don't necessarily need any military grade products or ultra-fancy features aimed for musicians.

Find a mic and a rig to your liking and worry less about the mics of the recorder itself. You may need to use a lav mic at some point, anyway.

Just pick a recorder that 'feels right in your own hand.' Whichever model you choose, remember to pick a fluffy wind filter, too, at least for the standalone mic, if you plan on doing anything outdoors, especially in the UK.

eFilm said:

Kevin Muldoon said:

Therefore, instead of using one audio recorder for everything, I feel that it is better for me to use the Zoom H6 for recording audio at home and a portable audio recorder such as the Zoom H1 when I am on the move.

Click to expand...

Having more than one recorder is indeed a good idea, and not only for those reasons. You can also use two separate recorders during the same session, depending on your location and program type, of course.

Also keep in mind that having a portable recorder does not rule out the use of a microphone. You can use a standalone microphone both with a camera and a recorder.

No comments on the question in the topic title, though, because the "best" is highly subjective.

Click to expand...

Agreed. I have listened to audio tests on YouTube and I thought one recorder was better, while others disagreed. It's very subjective.

eFilm said:

eFilm said:

For example, I could attach the Zoom H1 to the top of my camera like this:

The Zoom H1 attached using the hot shoe interface.

Click to expand...

You could, but I wouldn't recommend that. At least if/when you're using the camera outdoors, or manoeuvring it during the recording.

The only way that setup might work is indoors, when the camera is on a proper tripod and no one is touching it, or even walking near it during the actual recording.

The reason is that the H1 is an all-plastic body and the microphone elements have not been insulated from the body. So when you attach the recorder onto the camera and then hold the camera, even the camera handling noises will be audible in the recording.

I tried that setup on a steadicam once, and even though I was only holding the handgrip of the steadicam, the noises made by the joint of the stabiliser were audible in the sound track.

There are some fairly simple methods to solve that problem, and one of the obvious ones is to plug a separate mic in the mic input and use the H1 as a recorder only.

Click to expand...

Yeah it looks like the Zoom H1 is not suitable for recording when moving around. I have seen a lot of people create makeshift shock mounts, though connecting a lavalier or shotgun microphone to the recorder seems more practical.

eFilm said:

eFilm said:

My question is: Is the Zoom H1 the best portable audio recorder available?

Click to expand...

It depends. It probably isn't the "best" but then again, it's quite versatile and usable for its price. I'm not a fan of the Zoom user interface but I do have one, and I use it all the time. I think it gives a great bang for the buck. Or quid.

Click to expand...

What surprised me is that there are few alternatives to the Zoom H1. All the other audio recorders available are much larger. It kind of puts the H1 in a category of its own.

eFilm said:

eFilm said:

I listened to some audio comparison videos online that highlighted the difference in quality between the Zoom H1 and the Zoom H5 and Zoom H6. The Zoom H5 and Zoom H6 sound identical as they use the same microphones. Both the Zoom H5 and H6 sounded much louder and clearer than the Zoom H1.

Click to expand...

Don't get too hung up in single details. Keep in mind thet the H1 is a small, compact recorder that can also use a separate mic, and therefore the sound you get from its own mics is less than half of the whole story.

Keep in mind the practical side of things, too, like the fact that you could attach a shotgun mic to the H1, whether it's on the camera or not. Or better still, you could attach a lavalier mic to the H1 and then hide the H1 in your (or the talent's) pocket for the duration of the recording. Again, placing the recorder right on top of the camera is not always the ideal choice.

As for the loud and clear part, I can assure you that the H1 + a Røde Videomic Pro, for example, is loud and clear enough a combination. I'm quite sure it would do just fine as a podcast system. There are other reasons why some recorders cost more but, the point is, the H1 is a versatile and quite cost-effective product to get started with. It's not the only one, of course. There's also a reasonably slim Tascam model, for example, for about 50% more, if you can find one.

Click to expand...

Are you referring to the DR-22WL?

eFilm said:

eFilm said:

I realise that the Zoom H1 will still give me infinitely better audio quality than any built-in camera microphone, though I would prefer my portable audio recorder to have a similar quality to the one I have at home.

Click to expand...

Since the H1 is so affordable, and since you'll end up having more than one recorder, anyway, I'd suggest you give it a try first, before judging its quality or usability.

Click to expand...

eFilm said:

eFilm said:

Can Zoom H1 alternatives such as the TASCAM DR-05 and Yamaha PR7 match the Zoom H1 in quality and features etc?

Click to expand...

I'm not familiar with the Yamaha model, but there are two slightly different Tascam models for a reasonable price, both of which should be fine, and they have a slightly different user interface and perhaps a slightly more rugged design, too. Speaking of which, Roland R-05 could be another good example, although it costs twice as much as the H1. Also keep in mind all these recorders mentioned can be used with a separate mic, too, so the subtleties between their sound performance may be a moot point, at least at this stage.

Remember, be careful about over-analysing all the wrong things, and beforehand.

Click to expand...

A huge amount of podcasters recommend the Roland R-05, though it just doesn't have the portability of the Zoom H1 :

eFilm said:

eFilm said:

Do you know of any other portable audio recorders that offer portability and good audio quality?

Click to expand...

There are a number of other brands and models like Roland and Sony, for example, but the bottom line is, they all will do just fine for your needs. Typical podcasting could be considered a fairly light use of equipment, so you don't necessarily need any military grade products or ultra-fancy features aimed for musicians.

Find a mic and a rig to your liking and worry less about the mics of the recorder itself. You may need to use a lav mic at some point, anyway.

Just pick a recorder that 'feels right in your own hand.' Whichever model you choose, remember to pick a fluffy wind filter, too, at least for the standalone mic, if you plan on doing anything outdoors, especially in the UK.

Click to expand...

Thanks. I will be using the recorder to record audio for videos mostly, however everything you said still rings true.

I am definitely going to pick up a lav microphone to see how it performs.

Since there are many different recordable situations, the best digital voice recorders are versatile, with features designed for simple to complex recordings. The Olympus LS-100, Zoom H6 and Roland R-26 are excellent examples of digital voice recorders designed to deliver the highest-quality audio in every situation, whether it's close-range dictation or multitrack recordings for a podcast.

ricthendrix said:

Since there are many different recordable situations, the best digital voice recorders are versatile, with features designed for simple to complex recordings. The Olympus LS-100, Zoom H6 and Roland R-26 are excellent examples of digital voice recorders designed to deliver the highest-quality audio in every situation, whether it's close-range dictation or multitrack recordings for a podcast.

Click to expand...

The LS-100 and Roland R-26 both look good. Though it begs the question as to whether they should be compared to the Zoom H6 as the H6 has more XLR ports and an interchangeable mic system.