Last Updated: June 13, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Zoom ZH1 H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder Black
Last Updated: June 13, 2019 (Refresh Now)
8.4
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
1000
Old Reviews
411
Unverified
55
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
VIDEO
2
NUMBER OF USB PORTS
Yes
USB
Review Analysis - 534 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Sound Quality
158recorder, noise, recording, easy to use, record
+94%
-6%
" ... The included microphones (it has two for stereo) sound great - very high fidelity with low noise. ... If anything, despite the relative lack of noise it's a little too bright, but I'm pretty confident that a basic windscreen could tame that. ... With those things, you can do anything with this recorder, and you're going to get great, near-pro quality sound for not much money. ... "
" ... Sound is really good. ... "
" ... It has great quality sound, picks up every tiny noise, and is very portable. ... I attach this to a tripod, as carrying it around can create a lot of background noise. ... "
" ... I'm a novice with sound recording devices. ... "
" ... Sound quality is some of the best I've ever heard. ... "
" ... I've been an audiophile for most od my life, so the audio tracks always have to be perfect or it kills me. ... "
" ... The sound is great and the features are great for the price. ... "
" ... When I transfer the mp3 file to my PC I had to turn the volume up to maximum to be able to clearly hear the discussion. ... "
Ease of Use
86easy, recorder, intuitive, simple to use, interface
+91%
-9%
" ... easy to carry on and good quality ... "
" ... It's easy to use, small enough to carry in your pocket and works perfectly. ... "
" ... Simple recorder with great quality. ... "
" ... Inexpensive and easy to use handheld digital recorder. ... "
" ... Simple to use and set up. ... "
" ... I am still learning, but wish it was a little more user friendly. ... "
" ... As far as value goes, it's hard to overstate how good this thing is for the money--and how super easy it is to use. ... Even though we will create only a 10 minute highlight video, having access to all of the audio for the day makes it very easy to pull into Adobe Premiere as needed. ... Set the input near the middle and you'll get enough quality audio that is fairly easy to adjust in post production. ... "
" ... It's not difficult--it's just super configurable. ... "
Microphone
66audio, recorder, record, recordings, h1
+97%
-3%
" ... Great recording tool. ... "
" ... It's a great recording device. ... "
" ... I'm a novice with sound recording devices. ... "
" ... for a budget audio recorder this is one of the best. ... "
" ... If you're recording sound, well you're in luck. ... "
" ... But for $70, this thing can produce great quality recordings. ... I use it for recording concerts. ... If you're recording something with a consistent sound level, I imagine it would work well, but I have not tried it. ... "
" ... Otherwise, invest another $100 for the H2 with directional sound - surround sound recording. ... "
" ... Also using for recording output from a desk. ... "
Price
55recorder, money, worth, cost, recorders
+93%
-7%
" ... For the money you cant beat the quality. ... "
" ... Extremely surprised at the quality for the price. ... "
" ... This is totally worth buying if you are in need of an affordable quality recorder. ... "
" ... I personally like my H1 better than my DR-40 and it cost $50 less. ... "
" ... Good recorder for it price. ... "
" ... Well worth your buck, invest. ... "
" ... Great for the money! ... "
" ... It's very easy to use and sounds great for its price range. ... "
Size
54size, portable, pocket, compact, easy to carry
+96%
-4%
" ... It is nicely design, about the right size and weight, the recordings are high quality. ... "
" ... Easy to use and compact. ... "
" ... Very handy, don't know how I got along without it. ... "
" ... It's small and easy to carry around on a daily basis. ... "
" ... And you don't need the bigger version, this is adequate. ... "
" ... With the small, lightweight footprint, it's a great addition to our video-recording arsenal. ... "
" ... I love the compact size, makes it easy for travel. ... "
" ... It is the perfect size. ... "
Zoom
52zoom h1, recorder, zoom h1n, recording, h1
+85%
-15%
" ... Also, I highly recommend the Caseling Zoom H1 hard case - for under $10 on Amazon. ... "
" ... For the most recent wedding we shot, we connected my white Zoom H1 that we got on amazon for $65 to the wedding DJ's sound system using a .5mm 1/8" Male to 6.35mm 1/4" Male TRS Stereo Audio Cable that cost $12 on amazon. ... If you are a one or two man video operation and don't have the bandwidth to monitor the Zoom to make these adjustments, don't worry too much. ... To summarize what you should buy: Zoom H1, backup AA batteries, 32Gb Micro SDHC card, windscreen muff, carrying case. ... "
" ... I love my Zoom ZH1 portable digital recorder! ... I still do commercials for the radio station I worked for and the Zoom makes recording the voice part so much easier. ... "
" ... Just serach for "Best Zoom H1 Review" and you can see and hear the diffirence in the sound. ... "
" ... Zoom hit it out of the park with these. ... "
" ... The zoom h1 produced a very nice sounding audio file for her. ... "
" ... The Zoom H1, though, sounds great and achieves the same purpose while also filling those aforementioned extra roles that I never really expected it to. ... "
" ... Hi, the Zoom H1 is one of the most popular hand-recorder, because it is very handy. ... "
Battery Life
46batteries, battery life, aa, drain, aaa batteries
+50%
-50%
" ... I have had this product for a year and I have to put new batteries in it every 1-2 months even though it just sits on my desk getting used once every month or two. ... New 'high quality' AAAs have about 1000mAh which means that on you would be lucky to get 55 days from the batteries when it is in the off position. ... "
" ... The battery in this unit drains overnight even when not in use. ... Not only is battery cost an issue but you need to constantly remember to th check the battery life before each use or it will fail during recording. ... "
" ... It's not a battery issue or anything else literally baby this thing and it died mid recording never to be starting again no matter what troubleshooting. ... "
" ... Switched out battery, tried every piece of troubleshooting I could think of and still nothing. ... "
" ... Used up battery’s every 49 min of recording. ... "
" ... The only reason I am docking a star is because the battery life leaves something to be desired. ... As others have stated, if you leave the battery (single AA) in this device even when off, it can drain the battery. ... "
" ... My unit drains the batteries whilst turned off overnight so I now just use the charger. ... I would not recommend this product because of this problem and the fact that the H1 had similar problems with battery life. ... "
" ... The only reason I am docking a star is because the battery life leaves something to be desired. ... As others have stated, if you leave the battery (single AA) in this device even when off, it can drain the battery. ... "
Build Quality
26cheap, feels, flimsy, breakable, build quality
+38%
-62%
" ... And the plastic finish makes it look not tough enough for long term use. ... "
" ... The plastic on the gray part is low density (cheap, easily breakable plastic). ... "
" ... The body of this recorder is plastic built so it may break any time . ... "
" ... It feels somewhat like a toy given Health in the plastic is and I worry about breaking it particularly the plastic that covers the SD card slot. ... "
" ... The bad: can't balance with microphones on top so needs a stand. ... "
" ... Item is plastic and while it doesn't feel flimsy, if you grip tightly, it can creak a little. ... "
" ... it looks weak for scratch . ... "
" ... The plastic on the gray part is low density (cheap, easily breakable plastic). ... "
Storage
23sd, recorder, micro sd card, memory, wav
+65%
-35%
" ... The recorder is small, very small with a 2 GB sd card included up to 32 gb, capable of recording in 320kps mp3 and over to 94/24 in wav. ... "
" ... Okay, it was more like $140 all together, once you throw in the 32GB miniSD card and tripod, etc. ... With a 32GB SD card, even at the highest fidelity settings, you have over 30 hours of recording time. ... "
" ... The only confirmation of it being used was a few previous test recordings still existing on the memory card. ... "
" ... --Use a bigger sd card than the 2 GB one that comes with it. ... "
" ... It uses one AA battery, it has a mini USB (2 generations old), and uses a micro SD card. ... "
" ... It has a microSD card slot which means you can record as much as you want. ... "
" ... --Use a bigger sd card than the 2 GB one that comes with it. ... "
" ... I recommend this recorder buy some rechargeable batteries and 32g SD card and your good to go! ... "
Product Reliability
22used, years, two, week, shut
+36%
-64%
" ... This thing worked about twice out of the box before dying completely. ... "
" ... These problems are probably related. ... "
" ... It's not the best recorder for $100 even when it's working. ... "
" ... It's not the best recorder for $100 even when it's working. ... "
" ... I have two of them, so it's unlikely a unit defect. ... "
" ... What a comedy of errors. ... "
" ... I returned it last week but have not back from anyone yet. ... "
" ... I have two of them, so it's unlikely a unit defect. ... "
Video Playback
20audio, youtube, video, use, quality
+95%
-5%
" ... I use it for wedding videos ... "
" ... I use it to multi-track record video interviews, and it does a great job. ... "
" ... My company produces videos for corporations, weddings, and events. ... "
" ... A lot of time these are done on the fly and I just use my phone for the video. ... "
" ... I use it for wedding videos ... "
" ... well, recording audio and dropping that on top of video. ... "
" ... This is the audio solution I'd been searching for for my YouTube videos. ... "
" ... Great for YouTube videos if wanting to up the quality. ... "
Controls
19record button, button, record, controls, press
+79%
-21%
" ... -level controls and display ... "
" ... When I transfer the mp3 file to my PC I had to turn the volume up to maximum to be able to clearly hear the discussion. ... "
" ... The old-fashioned recording gear with microphone, rewind, start and volume buttons, plus knobs and tape reels, (later tape cassettes) - that was what I used all my life. ... "
" ... It's a powerful one-button solution. ... "
" ... The H1's record button is so big that you can just press it by feel, without looking at the recorder, which is, well, handy. ... If there's any minor criticism I might have, it's overall build quality, construction and design other than the big record button. ... Also, the buttons other than the record button are tiny and recessed, all the better so you don't accidentally press them, but initial setup can be a bit of a challenge as a result, as is changing settings whenever you need to. ... "
" ... It's a powerful one-button solution. ... "
" ... There's only a couple buttons and they are clearly labeled so you know what each does. ... The buttons are also pretty intuitive so it's easy to remember how to get the settings you want. ... "
" ... This allows me to move anywhere while filming (my camera also allows smartphone control), and I just need to remember to press record on both devices - honestly, this has been easy to get used to doing. ... The H1's record button is so big that you can just press it by feel, without looking at the recorder, which is, well, handy. ... If there's any minor criticism I might have, it's overall build quality, construction and design other than the big record button. ... Also, the buttons other than the record button are tiny and recessed, all the better so you don't accidentally press them, but initial setup can be a bit of a challenge as a result, as is changing settings whenever you need to. ... For what it's worth, I had auto level control turned off, and had the record level at around 75. ... "
Device Compatibility
17device, connect, recorder, lav, usb microphone
+94%
-6%
" ... I also have not used it plugged directly into the computer to use as a USB microphone, but I'm sure that it will work well for that application based on the quality of the recordings that I have made. ... "
" ... When combined with a lav it's almost like having a wireless system. ... "
" ... I connect a splitter and two lavaliers to interview. ... "
" ... I'm a novice with sound recording devices. ... "
" ... Being able to connect an external microphone and to monitor sound is a killer feature. ... "
" ... went home, put file on computer. ... "
" ... It's easy to work with once plugged in to my Mac. ... "
" ... When combined with a lav it's almost like having a wireless system. ... "
Ports
14mini, cable, computer, recorder, microphone
+57%
-43%
" ... and many other features like USB two ways connection, operating at one AA battery, ... "
" ... I connect a splitter and two lavaliers to interview. ... "
" ... I also have not used it plugged directly into the computer to use as a USB microphone, but I'm sure that it will work well for that application based on the quality of the recordings that I have made. ... "
" ... I also have not used it plugged directly into the computer to use as a USB microphone, but I'm sure that it will work well for that application based on the quality of the recordings that I have made. ... "
" ... I also have not used it plugged directly into the computer to use as a USB microphone, but I'm sure that it will work well for that application based on the quality of the recordings that I have made. ... "
" ... It's also handy to have a mini-USB cable to use the recorder as a USB mic, but you probably already have like 15 of those. ... "
" ... It's also handy to have a mini-USB cable to use the recorder as a USB mic, but you probably already have like 15 of those. ... "
Fit
14clip, tape, screw, plastic, hand held recorder
+86%
-14%
" ... I'm able to discreetly hang, tape, clip, wear, etc. ... "
" ... You can slip the H1 into your pocket and use a lav mic to get a nice mobile sound. ... "
" ... This will hold me over and keep me happy in the meantime. ... "
" ... Let's put it this way, I feel like if I dropped it I would have to pick up the pieces with tweezers. ... "
" ... I am happy with it, and do recommend it if you are looking for a hand held stand alone recording device. ... "
" ... This will hold me over and keep me happy in the meantime. ... "
" ... I fix it by small piece of scotch tape. ... "
" ... Pop it in my pocket. ... "
Codecs
12mp3, recording, files, toggled, remaining
+58%
-42%
" ... Different audio format WAV,MP3 with different sampling rates 44khz,48 . ... 3.The calculation of the remaining recording time for different formats. ... "
" ... I like the option of compressed (mp3) or uncompressed(Wav). ... "
" ... I like the option of compressed (mp3) or uncompressed(Wav). ... "
" ... There's basically one extra step, which is to import the audio files in addition to the video files, but you can tell Resolve to just sync everything up by waveform (assuming you also recorded audio on camera) and it'll compare the files and automatically link and sync your audio files to their video files. ... "
" ... There's basically one extra step, which is to import the audio files in addition to the video files, but you can tell Resolve to just sync everything up by waveform (assuming you also recorded audio on camera) and it'll compare the files and automatically link and sync your audio files to their video files. ... "
" ... I like that it can record and save as different formats, and a variety of file sizes. ... "
" ... I like that it can record and save as different formats, and a variety of file sizes. ... "
Setup
11easy, record button, professional, need, instructions
+100%
" ... I don't have professional needs so it's perfect for me. ... "
" ... Also, the buttons other than the record button are tiny and recessed, all the better so you don't accidentally press them, but initial setup can be a bit of a challenge as a result, as is changing settings whenever you need to. ... "
" ... The instructions were easy to figure out and I've used it several times already. ... "
" ... Instructions are easy to follow. ... "
" ... Even though I have pro quality studio equipment, this is already with me and works well for a simple setup when I need a interface to run audio and record my podcasts while I am on the road. ... "
" ... Also, the buttons other than the record button are tiny and recessed, all the better so you don't accidentally press them, but initial setup can be a bit of a challenge as a result, as is changing settings whenever you need to. ... "
" ... I don't have professional needs so it's perfect for me. ... "
" ... It sounded amazing, but the setup was so complicated, it really took the fun out of using it. ... "
Marketplace
11seller, product, withstand, stress, piece
+55%
-45%
" ... I had no problems with the seller. ... "
" ... I ordered https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBJW3T5/ made it much easier to use. ... "
" ... I recevied great service from the merchant. ... "
" ... I got all this on amazon for about $125. ... "
Delivery
11fast, delivery, arrived, top, scratched
+64%
-36%
" ... Delivered as promised. ... "
" ... Fast delivery, quality good ... "
" ... Good price, great delivery! ... "
For Kids
9kids, record, projects, daughter, son
+100%
" ... I am so glad my son suggested this to me. ... "
" ... My 10 yr old daughter writes songs and then forgets them so we bought her this to easily record herself using her piano or guitar and she can hook up through our amp to play it back and critique herself. ... "
" ... I use it mostly for piano practice to show instructor what I am doing and to record her playing of new pieces I am to learn. ... "
" ... I have used many recorders - this one is nice because the quality is good and its inexpensive enough that my kids can use it for projects or we can travel with it . ... "
" ... Because she would like to play in college, I feel she will also use it for recording her playing later as well. ... "
" ... It’s for my daughter & seems like she likes it! ... "
" ... I use this to record my grad school lectures. ... "
" ... I have used many recorders - this one is nice because the quality is good and its inexpensive enough that my kids can use it for projects or we can travel with it . ... "
Design
9plastic, looks, nicer, density, breakable
+67%
-33%
" ... I love the 2018 model, looks much nicer than the older model. ... "
" ... Nicer looking in person. ... "
" ... not bad but finish is hmmm . ... "
" ... Looks to be an excellent product. ... "
" ... Impressed first look and more impressed after using it. ... "
" ... Not to fond of the thin plastic makes it feel like a cheap toy but it's lightweight and works great. ... "
Memory
8wav, recorder, gb, 32 gb, space
+88%
-13%
" ... Memory card a great idea. ... "
" ... I got a 32gig SD card so I never have to worry about running out of space. ... "
" ... The recorder is small, very small with a 2 GB sd card included up to 32 gb, capable of recording in 320kps mp3 and over to 94/24 in wav. ... "
" ... The recorder is small, very small with a 2 GB sd card included up to 32 gb, capable of recording in 320kps mp3 and over to 94/24 in wav. ... "
" ... The recorder is small, very small with a 2 GB sd card included up to 32 gb, capable of recording in 320kps mp3 and over to 94/24 in wav. ... "
" ... I have a 32 Gb one that works great. ... "
" ... --Use a bigger sd card than the 2 GB one that comes with it. ... I have a 32 Gb one that works great. ... "
Software Platform
8software, used, errors, update, simple to use
+63%
-38%
" ... The ui takes a bit to get used to but it's nice once you get it ... "
" ... They are certainly not the most intuitive user interface around. ... "
" ... This works great and is finally a simple to use interface for a non techie ... "
" ... Good outside update. ... "
" ... I assume other apps have similar functions, although with some you may need to do it manually, which would make a slate helpful. ... "
Overall performance
8incredibly, done, well, use, simple
+100%
" ... Whatever it takes to get the job done, right? ... "
" ... Does its job well. ... "
" ... More importantly, it's sturdy, and handles the stress of event videography and video productions. ... "
" ... I have the old H2 and while it did the job, it wasn't extremely fast or user-friendly to use. ... "
Returns
8returned, past, item, week, returning
-100%
" ... I would return this unit had I not gotten rid of the box. ... "
" ... Unfortunately I waited a few days past the 30 day return period, so am stuck with it. ... "
" ... I had to return it. ... "
" ... I returned it last week but have not back from anyone yet. ... "
" ... I have returned the item. ... "
" ... Returning the item. ... "
" ... It's past my refund time though :( ... "
" ... It's past my refund time though :( ... "
Features
8features, automatic, auto level, turn, record
+75%
-25%
" ... The auto leveling feature is awesome! ... "
" ... so far so good simple, light and functional ... "
" ... the features I liked are: ... "
" ... Packing all features one could require, in a lightweight and small device. ... "
" ... For what it's worth, I had auto level control turned off, and had the record level at around 75. ... "
" ... For what it's worth, I had auto level control turned off, and had the record level at around 75. ... "
Volume
7mp3, noise, maximum, turn the volume, recording
+71%
-29%
" ... A note of caution: this unit is VERY sensitive if you push up the recording volume, and it will even pick up the sound of your skin scraping against its plastic shell. ... "
" ... When I transfer the mp3 file to my PC I had to turn the volume up to maximum to be able to clearly hear the discussion. ... "
" ... When I transfer the mp3 file to my PC I had to turn the volume up to maximum to be able to clearly hear the discussion. ... "
" ... Sound quality is more than enough when played through any decent speaker. ... "
" ... Sound quality is more than enough when played through any decent speaker. ... "
Camera
7works great, videomic, usually, use, rode
+100%
" ... I was lucky to have one in a secondary camera that I could borrow and use. ... "
" ... best product to add to your camera gear ... "
" ... We use high-end equipment (GH5 cameras, stabilizers, drones, etc. ... "
" ... My company produces videos for corporations, weddings, and events. ... We use high-end equipment (GH5 cameras, stabilizers, drones, etc. ... "
" ... Great for field recordings for raw or Line In. ... "
" ... I always use my Rode VideoMic on my dSLR and it usually works great, but I guess the auditorium I was in did not have good acoustics. ... "
" ... I always use my Rode VideoMic on my dSLR and it usually works great, but I guess the auditorium I was in did not have good acoustics. ... "
Call quality
7recordings, one, conversation, wind, play
+71%
-29%
" ... I will update this review as I hear what they have to say. ... "
" ... Affordable and still quality voice. ... "
" ... Was very suprise on how well i could him talk. ... "
" ... If you're a paranormal investigator, or just want to play one, here's a wonderful tool for catching those hard to hear EVP's. ... "
" ... If you're a paranormal investigator, or just want to play one, here's a wonderful tool for catching those hard to hear EVP's. ... "
Apps
6weathered, muppet, may, banter, recording
+83%
-17%
" ... The software bundle is great for editing out all the banter in between songs. ... "
" ... The software bundle is great for editing out all the banter in between songs. ... "
" ... The software bundle is great for editing out all the banter in between songs. ... "
" ... I assume other apps have similar functions, although with some you may need to do it manually, which would make a slate helpful. ... "
" ... I assume other apps have similar functions, although with some you may need to do it manually, which would make a slate helpful. ... "
Display Clarity
6display, see, screen, resolution, recordings
+83%
-17%
" ... -level controls and display ... "
" ... I would highly recommend getting the accessories with it, especially the wind screen. ... "
" ... I would highly recommend getting the accessories with it, especially the wind screen. ... "
Comfort
6recording, plastic, feels, slippery, holding
+50%
-50%
" ... Fell apart and did not work. ... "
" ... It is very susceptible to your hand moving around on the body while recording, I found this a issue to get used to when starting to use it as a handheld interview mic. ... "
Recording
5quality, good, recording, clear
+100%
" ... Recordings are clear and good quality. ... "
" ... The good: pleasantly surprised by the quality of recording. ... "
" ... But for $70, this thing can produce great quality recordings. ... "
" ... Has made MANY quality recordings since I've gotten this. ... "
USB
5usb, computer, usb microphone, recordings, outdated
+60%
-40%
" ... I also have not used it plugged directly into the computer to use as a USB microphone, but I'm sure that it will work well for that application based on the quality of the recordings that I have made. ... "
" ... I also have not used it plugged directly into the computer to use as a USB microphone, but I'm sure that it will work well for that application based on the quality of the recordings that I have made. ... "
" ... It's also handy to have a mini-USB cable to use the recorder as a USB mic, but you probably already have like 15 of those. ... "
Capacity
4recording, immediate, boiler
+100%
" ... Positioning in the room your are recording in is something you do have to take into consideration as well! ... "
" ... It great for recording in my immediate environment. ... "
" ... It great for recording in my immediate environment. ... "
Noise Cancellation
4picks, much, lot of background, wind, production
+100%
" ... Picks up all lecture but also sensitive to pick up whispers and wrapper noise of other students (I did sit in back of class). ... "
" ... The included microphones (it has two for stereo) sound great - very high fidelity with low noise. ... "
" ... I attach this to a tripod, as carrying it around can create a lot of background noise. ... "
" ... I attach this to a tripod, as carrying it around can create a lot of background noise. ... "
Band
4recordings, record, good, use, practice
+75%
-25%
" ... I use this mainly to record band practices and for that purpose it works very well. ... "
" ... The recordings we have done of our band have been really good. ... "
" ... We record my band in our practice room and the recordings are so good. ... "
Bass
3seems, music, treble, sound, somehow
+67%
-33%
Resolution
3raw, field
+100%
" ... This is amazing if you've been thinking about picking up a great 4k DSLR like the Panasonic G85. ... "
" ... Great for field recordings for raw or Line In. ... "
" ... Great for field recordings for raw or Line In. ... "
Cables
3cable, usb, mic, cables, using
+67%
-33%
" ... I bought this to record live performances by running cables from my mixer directly into into the recorder itself. ... "
" ... It's also handy to have a mini-USB cable to use the recorder as a USB mic, but you probably already have like 15 of those. ... "
Defective Delivery
3scratched, recordings, received, makes, broken
-100%
" ... The product received was scratched up on the top and bottom ... "
" ... The product received was scratched up on the top and bottom ... "
" ... I have two of them, so it's unlikely a unit defect. ... "
Charging
3unit, one, drains, drained, charge
-100%
" ... I plugged it into my battery pack and it drained it while off! ... "
" ... My unit drains the batteries whilst turned off overnight so I now just use the charger. ... "
" ... I only got one charge out of the thing -- it refuses to charge. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
Number of USB ports: 2
USB: Yes
Camera
Video: Yes