Zoom Handy Recorder, Blue (H1n)

Just got my hands on parcel, and tested some things, like recording from old-timer cassette player, voice recording, recording on PC via USB interface. Everything works perfectly, as intended. Had some confusing experience trying to record sound from wired headset I got with my cellphone (probably due to slightly oxidized contacts), but even this works, though I would not recommend using it as a routine :-) The recorder had some hard time to recognize it as external mic for the first time, but was able to record some noisy voice. Still, with that headset you can listen to your recordings with decent quality, just don't forget co connect it to right hole :-) Anyway, even in regular room with noisy air conditioner you may get very good sound in case you understand some basic recording settings. Built-in speaker, obviously, taking you nowhere in meaning of sound quality, but certainly is useful for organizing purposes. As mentioned in many other reviews, those side volume buttons make noise, and this is not a brilliant idea to shake the recorder while in use with built-in microphones, but I think I can survive that. And while you are waiting for your separately ordered fancy tripod, you may simply lay it on some sort of small pillow, or even some textile folded dozen of times. I think, I may advise getting a windscreen for close-up voice recording or outdoor use. I weren't clever enough to do so, thus I shall control my breath and voice in this case. Overall, the recorder is ergonomic enough to handle, but looks a bit fragile in my opinion, so I won't advise do drop it or to put in heavily stuffed bag. No can say about its durability or actual length of service life, but I believe it will serve me for long enough time. For these very first hours I'm satisfied with the product.

Watched a bunch of review before the purchase. I am not any close to professional, just need to try something for field recording and recording of acoustic music rehearsals.In hands you can see it is rather a cheap product, but still it is built well. Only thing that confuses me is the volume rocker button - it rattles when you shake the device... and be sure this rattling will be captured by internal mics, if you are recording on the go. Probably you can adjust a grip to hold this rocker with a finger or apply some damper thing against it, if you need to record while moving.Recordings i made so far are great (an amateur opinion though).One problem worth mentioning: for some reason it didn't work well with first SD card i put in it (Kingston, 2 GB) - it sporadically added some short loud noise to the record. But this solved when i replaced it with a different card (Sandisk, 32 GB, some fast class).

I got the Zoom H1n so I could record separate audio for my videos, which many are shot inside in a room with an annoying amount of echo. The sound quality is great, it does exactly what it was intended to, light weight, easy to use, and easy to transfer the audio files to my computer via the micro USB cable (sold separately). Also comes with 2 AA batteries. The only issue I have is that I think it should come with the micro USB cable. Otherwise you will have to transfer the files from the SD card, which is also a separate purchase. Hopefully you have a card reader. I think it should also have some internal memory built in so that the purchase of an SD card is optional.

The Zoom H1n is compact, light weight, is loaded with features (manual or automatic gain adjustment, limiter, low cut filter, variable shut-off times, etc), yet is simple to operate. (Slide the "on" switch, then press the big button to begin recording.) Many of the functions are accessible through the menu system, allowing you to set them once and leave them, without risking changing them by accidentally moving an external switch. The dispaly is of sufficinet size to be easily read. I am going to send the unit with a lavaliere microphone to record interviewees while I do phone interviews to get "in-person" sound. Putting the equipment in a mailing box with a foam insert to hold the equipment is still less than 8 oz. I have several pieces of professional recording equipment, and the H1n meausres up well. The sound may not be absolutely pristine, but it is still excellent, whether using an external microphone or the built-in ones. I had never considered the H1n until I had the specific need for it for remote interviews. I'm impressed with the sound, ease of operation, and price.

I do recording of dance performances that use live musicians. Due to the nature of the performance, capturing the full sound field, including the acoustic musicians, amped musicians, the dances and their instruments, etc., is important.These little recorders are really high quality, and inexpensive enough that I can put two near the acoustic musicians, one at either side of the stage for the dancers, one using outputs at the sound board for the amped musicians and mics, one up high to capture the whole sound field, and so on, and then blend the sound later. No issues with time drift even over 3+ hour recordings.The only minus is that the level (volume) dial is a little bit easy to change by accident. A little gaffer's tape over the dial once it's set helps address that, but I wish the design was a little better.

I got sick of borrowing my friend’s Tascam DR40 and Rode mic whenever I wanted to film something, so I snatched this up as soon as I saw a deal. I have to say, the noise floor on this is much better! It’s clear, less buzzy and does what I need. The mics seem to be disproportionate to each other as the left seems more sensitive than the right on mine, but it’s only noticeable to film and sound guys, so I can let it slide since it isn’t a vast difference, plus I think it can be tweaked by professionals to match if I go somewhere that specializes in it. For the price and sound quality, I doubt I can do much better. I nabbed a low cost SanDisk 32GB and I’ve been capturing audio since I got it. It’s a lot of fun! Get a windscreen for it. Love using it as a computer mic for ADR work. I’m glad I got it.