Zoom H1n Handy Recorder (2018 Model)

The Zoom H1n Portable Recorder has been an essential tool in my setup for creating 8-bit and chiptune samples in Ableton. The sound quality is top-notch, capturing every nuance with crystal-clear detail, which is vital for producing authentic retro sounds. Whether you’re into chiptune, 8-bit, or any form of electronic music, this recorder is a game-changer.It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for both studio work and on-the-go sampling. The intuitive controls and built-in stereo microphones provide impressive results without needing any extra gear. I’ve used it to record everything from ambient sounds to direct audio, and it always performs flawlessly. Plus, the long battery life is a huge plus for extended sessions.If you’re an electronic music creator looking for a reliable, versatile recorder, the Zoom H1n is a must-have. Highly recommended!

I evaluated quite a number of digital recorders before deciding on the Zoom H1n. And I'm glad I selected this one.The two main reasons I wanted a digital recorder are for recording live music concerts and for recording GOOD voice audio to put with videos I shoot.I have only used this a few times for recording voice audio, but I can say right now this records the BEST audio of any method I have tried yet. These other methods number probably a dozen, including cheaper digital recorders, computer-based recorders, camera-integrated sound recordings, and loads of microphones.Before we go any farther, you need to know that a good audio recording is principally captured by the MICROPHONE you use, but the recorder you use will also make a big difference.The things I LIKE about the Zoom H1n are:- the size - very easy to carry, hold, and use;- ease of use - like all digital gadgets, you have to learn how to use it, which means you have to RTFI (military acronym for "read the freaking instructions!"), and you need to practice with it. But this item is not hard to use, and there's no question I will be able to remember what to do after putting this thing away for a month then dig it out and using it.- quality of the sound - the built-in microphones are EXCELLENT. They have good stereo capability, which is essential for recording live music concerts, and they seem to pick up exactly what I want them to pick up, without a lot of extraneous noises.- the controls - they are well thought-out and intuitive. All it takes is a good orientation (RTFI).- battery life - you're supposed to be able to get more than 10 hours operation on 2 AA batteries. I cannot attest to that as I'm still on the first set, which came with the unit.What I'd like to see improved (in other words, what I DON'T like):- NO SD CARD INCLUDED! I know they're trying to keep the price down, but good grief! They should make a bigger point of letting us know that a micro SD card is REQUIRED BUT NOT INCLUDED with the unit. I was lucky to have one in a secondary camera that I could borrow and use.- Cheapo display - It's low-resolution blue and white, with a backlight that doesn't stay on long enough, and has no way to toggle it on to see what's displayed, other than activating a button. I'd be happy to pay a bit more for a higher resolution display, and it would be nice to have a way to turn it on so we could see it in the dark, without having to push some function-activating button.- So-so case material. It's plastic, and that's okay, but it feels slippery in my hand, and if I'm holding it while recording with the built-in mics, the noise of my hand moving even slightly on the case is recorded through the mics. A softer and more tactile (rubberized?) coating on the case would be a great improvement.Overall, so far I'm very pleased with this recorder.

I ordered the H1n based on my experience with the quality recordings of the Zoom H2n which I bought about 5 years ago for doing oral histories for the National Archives.My favorite hobby now is playing and teaching the ukulele. I wanted a simple recorder to use in my home studio. I was excited to read in the reviews that the recorder had a friendly interface. I often struggled with the somewhat clunky and difficult controls on the H2n.Happily the H1n is super easy to navigate and operate. Menus are intuitive and readily accessible. You can set the quality you want. I've been recording in 24 bit, 48K WAV format whatever that means in technical terms. The H1n will record at other levels including the 24 bit 96K format required for archival work. You can record in MP3 format with varying degrees of quality.I was surprised and pleased that I could overdub multiple times to build up a more robust sound. The recordings I made sound really good and that's what counts to me.I heartily recommend this device. It won't blow a giant hole in your wallet and it is unbelievably compact. If you buy it get and read the excellent PDF manual.

I purchased the Zoom H1n over the TASCAM DR-05X because of its small “discrete” size and ease of use. I wanted something that I could easily carry around in my pocket, pull out and use to record my son’s school band rehearsals and concerts.Handheld Use:o The units “lightweight” plastic produces significant “handling noise” even when gently held. Even the slightest hand or finger movement will produce unwanted background noise. This is due to the one-piece construction of the unit (the sensitive built-in mics are attached to the “hollow” plastic shell of the unit)o I was able to significantly reduce this “handling noise” by applying speaker gasket tape to the (1) back (2) side and (3) inside of the battery covero Speaker gasket tape used was 3/8” (10mm) wide x 1mm thick, but any type/size thin foam tape should work (kind used was relatively inexpensive, can be purchased online or most car stereo installers will sell you a roll for a few dollars, also handy to have around the house)o With the tape attached, handling noise is much reduced (not completely silent but now “acceptable”)o Also recommended is a foam ball to cover the mics as any wind (even moving the unit quickly from side to side) will produce unwanted wind noiseo The OnStage Foam Ball ($3.95 on Amazon as of 3/2022 fits perfectly)o Separate the foam ball from the unit and both will fit into a pocketo See five attached photosWith Shock Mount:o When carrying more equipment, tripod or camera/camcorder, a shock mount helps to reduce unwanted noiseo The MOVO BY-C20 Shock Mount works well with the H1nPros:o Ease of Useo Small sizeCons:o Magnified handling noiseo Mics could be better, but at its price point, reasonably good