Zoom's new H1n is an impressively versatile handheld recorder that can also be used as a USB audio interface, USB microphone, and SD card reader. The device's functions are controlled via dedicated buttons, while a high-resolution 1.25" LC graphic display provides information on its operating status and intuitive navigation is ensured by a clear multilingual menu.
The H1n features two high-quality condenser microphones in a 90° XY stereo format. An internal limiter enables the distortion-free recording of signals with up to 120dB SPL, and a switchable low-cut attenuates annoying pop and wind noises. In addition, the H1n has a stereo mini-jack input that supports 2.5V plug-in power, and a 3.5mm headphone output with its own volume control is provided for monitoring signals. Simple playback of recordings, however, is possible via the internal mono speaker. The H1n supports recordings in WAV format with up to 24-bit / 96kHz as well as in MP3 format.
The H1n handheld recorder can also be used in combination with digital cameras. Recording music, ambient sounds, and speech is quick and easy thanks to the device's simple menu navigation, and the quality of the recordings is impeccable thanks to the sophisticated technology it employs. Using the H1n as a USB audio interface and microphone as well as a reader for SD cards also opens up numerous other possibilities. For example, voiceovers can be recorded using a DAW while the Zoom recorder functions as an audio interface and USB microphone.
Founded in 1983, the Japanese company Zoom manufactures a variety of audio equipment, including a range of portable "handy" recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines, and samplers. Over the past thirty years, the company has built a reputation for producing innovative yet affordable products based on original microchip designs. 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 H1n handheld recorder from Zoom allows the user to easily make high-quality recordings of music, ambient sounds, and speech, and it offers up to ten hours' battery life, so prolonged recording sessions will be no problem at all. In addition, the H1n has an overdub function that can be used to insert audio passages into existing recordings. For use with DSLRs and digital video cameras, internal tone and slate generators can be used to generate acoustic signals for the start and end points in order to make the subsequent synchronisation of image and sound easier. Last but not least, the H1n features a playback speed control for simplified transcription of voice recordings.