Zoom H5 Reviews

Zoom H5 the perfect handy recorder!

I bought this recorder for many purposes: recorder me in studio while singing and playing piano, recording jam sessions and live performances and also to record my marching band rehearsals. The sound is brilliant, and you can manage to change the level of the recording volume. You can connect up to two external microphones and there's another two built in ones that you can manage separately, and this is amazing if you want to recorder in the multitrack mode. I really like that there isn't any background noise so the sound is very clean. It is made of high quality material and it's a pleasure to handle it. You can connect also a pair of headphones and listen while recording, and you can connect also a camera or a computer to use the audio of the zoom h5 while making videos!!! There's a charging cable, and the battery lasts for very long. If I had to say something negative about it I couldn't because I'm 100% satisfied!

Light, Flexible, Dynamic... Fairly noisy? OK!

Zero Handling noise thanks to the material the unit is made, XLRs just make the job with no complaints at all.

The software is really ok, makes the job too.

Possibility to switch over different capsules makes this unit worth the price both really, really durable and versatile.

Maybe some uncertainty on the capsules recording quality, they just didn't convince me completely 'cause for a hundred bucks less you get the H2n and the quality gap is not that high (I compared them with a consistent re-amping test).

Zoom's preamps seem to be all slightly noisy on their own, Not that much to say "this mic is scam", but you know, high enough to say "ok, I know you're there, I'll just fix you if needed".

Obviously, if you use a premium external phantom-powered mic this problem is easily bypassed.

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.

This is becoming a standard for sound-design solutions.

Zero-handling noise is an important feature and here is your friend. This is not granted on all devices on the market.

All of this balance revealed itself as a crucial point and is exactly where I decided to bank on it, with tremendous satisfaction!

Great portable recorder!

I had a zoom H4n before I bought H5. Much better for me. More options and simple things.

On H4 there was longer loading when you turn on device, H5 much faster.

Then, volume button I like more this wheel on H5, much easier.

Battery life very much longer than H4.

If you short on battery, no problem just use smartphone charger for 1A and you got power, no need for some extra adapter like on H4.

Sound is better, better preamps, better gain.

I use this for recording vocal and acoustic guitar. No matter where I am, I can record just like that, fast and simple, no need for PC and some extra equipment. You can record 4-channel simultaneous, and after you can mix just like you want in some audio software program.

In this package you get foam wind shield what is really nice thing.

Bad thing, power button I hope it will last longer. I had some problems on H4. H5 has the same principle power button.

X/Y Microphone capsule has some wires on the side I hope they will not break or damage something. Does not look very safe.

Case for H5 is really bad, H4 has much better case.

Conclusion, I like H5 better than H4n, but if you can't spend some extra money H4n will do the job just fine.

No Multi-tracking format

This unit was so fine I thought I had it all. But no! They leave out one of the primary features on a multitrack. They did not include the multi-track menu / format making you go through various processes before you can overdub each time. So, if you want to lay down another track with the usual ease forget it. See YouTube: "Zoom H5: Overdubbing". In the manual I counted 9 steps to get going. If somebody knows better, do tell! But obviously this is for the field recording gang.

Amazing sound

I wish I had come across this mic years ago - professional quality recordings and easy to use

Very nice

Captures clean good quality sound.

Very good overall.

Great

As to be expected - this is a great unit with the flexibility of mono, stereo or 4-track recording, internal or external mics. Great unit.

AWESOME HANDY RECORDER !

Rugged, beautiful build , wonderful crisp sound , what more could you whant ?!

this rules for (almost) everything

i got this to record thunders and industrial layers for my music, i watch 1000 videos on youtube on this product but not so many focusing on the ability of the zoom h5 to work as a very stable audio interface , via usb , with low latency and very good gain! it was a surprise and a good one. It can become my portable audio interface for vocals and instruments that came as a bonus, it really works and works better than a few audio interfaces i had.

i read the manual and i must say it is the best manual i ever read on a machine like this, i understood everything and this machine can do it all, tuning your guitar , record big files , 2 stereos at the same time , and the size is a good pocket size to everyday sonic picture ready for wen your inspired, i got the bundle with the wind shield and power adaptor and im very impress with the wind protector , it really shields the wind and makes sound sharp.

tis machine is easy to use , you can unbox and start recording with no extra confusing buttons , just select the mic and rec., im really impressed with this machine and we will be friends for a long time.

Very good all round recorder

Ive had this a good while and recorded various stuff from sound fx to 4 channels of drums. The mice are really good quality and CAN handle very loud spl's. The tactile (touchy) level knobs are a great touch. You can SILENTLY change volume while recording if needs be.

Pro's outweigh the cons really but to be critical.....

It doesn't like recording very quiet sounds, effects, ambiences. You need to push the gain and then you are into hiss. Tried this with a Senn 416.

Only takes 2 batteries which is really odd. battery life is ok but from memory H4N takes 3 batteries and has a longer lifespan.

Best Portable recorder in this price range

The Zoom H5 is a great successor to the H4n.

If you need 4-channel simultaneous recording, it is probably your best choice.

It fixed some of the main issues the H4n had, and added some new improvements as well:

1. No more problem with non compatible SD cards

2. -20db pad on XLR/Line inputs that allow it to be connected on +4dbu console outputs without clipping

3.Added a line out so it can be connected to a camera and headphones at the same time.

4.Added a -12db Back-up recording of the on board microphones, so it saves you from accidental clipping without having to record with a really low gain, or add a limiter.

5. Added the ability to "arm" only 2 channels when in 4-channel mode, so it is now easier to record what you need on the fly without entering the menu

6. New XY capsule is less prone to handling noise.

7. Interchangeable on-board microphones and the ability to remove them altogether when it is used as a 2 channel XLR recorder and save space.

8.A bit cleaner pre-amps

9. USB powered (great when using Phantom Powered microphones. Just connect an external portable USB battery)

Keep in mind that the new analog pre-amp knobs are easier to control on the fly, but they are not locked by the "lock" function, so you might need some tape on them if you keep it in your pocket

Perfetto

Ideale per registrazioni live. Versatile con i suoi ingrassi xlr. Maneggevole e di ottima qualità costruttiva, si capisce subito la sua qualità appena lo si prende in mano.

Ottimi i compressori i limiter e le opzioni del software all'interno.

Lo consiglio a tutti gli appassionati di registrazione.

Espandibile con i suo microfoni originali o con microfoni di proprio piacimento grazie ai due ingressi XLR che hanno anche la phantom power.

In più è utilizzabile come interfaccia di registrazione tramite usb.

Due piccoli difetti: 1-difficoltà nel regolare il livello di gain uguale nei due canali xlr; le rotelle se fossero state dotate di una sorta di ghiera tacchettata sarebbe stato il massimo. 2- consumo di pile alto.

Insomma CINSIGLIATISSIMO !

Fall in love with it

Just a great great recorder

Lovely bit of kit.

This is a great little recording device. The attached stereo mic is decent enough for field reportage, but it has 2 XLRs for input from better mics. As well as recording onto SD card, you can send a LINE OUT signal to, for example, a DSLR camera, which gives great flexibility. The little bars over the gain controls are a GREAT feature, meaning you don't accidentally jog your levels when handling the unit.

Great all-around recorder

The Zoom H5 comes with the X/Y capsule included, and it sounds great! I've tested to record vocals with it as well as instrumentals. The X/Y capsule brings clean and crisp audio.

I personally like the idea of interchangeable microphone capsules. This is due to the fact that you can easily use the sort of microphone you need for the situation. This makes it great for Run & Gun filmmaking, because, you could just snap the, for example, condenser microphone capsule on, without having to mount external microphones which would add wight and add extra wiring to the system etc. One thing I find annoying is that there isn't any cover for the Zoom H5's capsule port, this means that the port is very exposed while not using a capsule.

I really like the gain level knobs, because, they're easy to adjust as well as to fine tune. A plus is the bar protecting the knobs from accidentally turn. The device feels very sturdy.

The battery life is great! I used two alkaline batteries and I've manage to get hours of recordings. Based on my usage I would assume that the batteries would last around 15-20 hours worth of recording.

The H5 also got two separate 3,5mm jacks for line out, as well as a headphone jack. The benefit of having a line out and headphone jack separately is that you can monitor your audio and feed the audio to camera or such at the same time. The line out has even got an adjustable audio level.

The device is very easy to mount, either to a tripod or to a digital SLR camera with a hot shoe adapter which mounts to the 1/4-20 tripod mount on the back of it.

As a conclusion.

This is a great recorder with great audio and build quality. It's a great option for filmmakers on a low budget who wants to get great audio.

Robust and great amps

Sold the Tascam DR22wl and got this. I couldn't have made a better choice. The pre amps on this recorder is great and definitely on par with the Zoom H6 - which I've used in a few productions. And it's heaps better than the H4n.

However the internal microphones sound a little bit muffled compared to the ones on the Tascam, which is somewhat of a drawback. But other than that, the line signal is a lot hotter, so there's verbally no noise recorded. I'm using it with a Panasonic GH3 which has great pre amps in itself, and I couldn't be more satisfied.

I was chasing between the Dr60d and this, the reason I ended up with the H5 was because that it doesn't adjust the volume in increments. Rather it's gradual, hence you can adjust volume while recording without getting "chops".

It also works a lot better with external microphones than the H4n/DR22wl and I highly recommend this for video work! However if you feel you'll ever need more than two channels - go with the H6, since you can only phantom power two inputs with this one. The additional unit you can buy does not support phantom power.

Brilliant

Love this piece of gear ... have stopped using my tascam mini studio ...its so good

A must have.

The zoom H5 recorder is fantastic. I use it for field recording. It fits in the hand easily and has a rubber texture for better grip. The playback and record buttons are a great size for easy function. The red LED's are great for seeing which tracks are live and if your signal gets too hot they will flash which is a great feature.

There is a wide selection of formats to record in depending on what you might need. The 2 XLR inputs have a phantom power option which comes in handy for using shotgun mics.

The best thing about the H5 compared to older models is the gain dials. You can easily monitor and change your levels live. There is a metal bar over them which helps stop any accidental gain changes whilst recording.

The only bad thing i have to say about it is that there are no on board effects such as distortion or reverb but it does have a range of compressors and limiters which do help. They are not the best but you cant ask for much more for the price.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a handy recorder for field or just for music recording.

Smaller, lighter and a lot more sensitive than I thought.

My first attempts to use it produced a weird noise... it was only later that I realised that I had the recorder pointed at the cat sleeping on her chair two metres away. The background noise to all my finger snaps and testing one two threes was her gentle snores!

This recorder is far superior for video work than its predecessor the H4n and in many aspects is better than its bigger brother, the H6, for this type of work. The shock mounted mic capsules, vastly reduce handling noise compared to other field recorders and are extremely effective when mounted on a rig with an DSLR for hand held or on the shoulder run and gun style shooting.

Upgraded sound, some downgrades in usability, for me

I now have the H5, I ordered it first thing and I?ve now tested it out the first time. After the H4 using it is a breeze, no real need for manual, it sounds great, BUT I?ve had 1) one serious problem and 2) another annoyance that I didn?t think of until using it in real life.

1) I use the recorder mainly to record my DJ sets, both the record out (of a Pioneer DJM900nexus DJ mixer) and the crowd/ambience, which I did the other night, but the recording is somehow messed-up. My set was a bit over two hours long and while the first hour was fine, starting around the two-hour mark (not exactly, though) there are digital glitches thru out the rest of the recording, making it unusable. I don't know what causes it and I?ll have to go back to the H4 until I figure this out. The SD card is the same 16GB one I've used without any issues with my H4 for several years, so shouldn't be that.

EDIT: I contacted Zoom support and was adviced to get a new (SanDisk) class 10 SDHC, which I did and now the recording is flawless. I don't understand this, as the old H4n was and is working just fine with my old memory card with the same sampling frequency and bit depth (44,1k/24bit), but I guess some specs have changed and the new one needs a newer spec card.

2) The H4 gain settings are done via the +/- buttons on the side vs. the actual gain pots on the H5. Most of the time I record a line level stereo signal out of a DJ mixer and it is REALLY hard to set the levels of both line channels exactly the same by turning the H5 dials/knobs, which affects the integrity of the stereo recording. Also, it was REALLY fiddly to adjust the gains to a level where it wasn?t way too hot or dead quiet, and even though you have the numbers on the dials, setting them up seemingly even yielded to a 1-2dB difference between the channels. It shouldn?t be that hard, I hope I missed something.