Zoom H1n Handy Recorder

The black Zoom H1n portable recorder is perfectly suited for solo musicians and podcasters, serving as an excellent introduction to audio for video and sound design. It is equipped with an onboard stereo microphone, enabling users to effortlessly record two tracks of high-resolution audio with ease. Songwriters will find the unlimited overdubbing feature beneficial for constructing songs incrementally, while filmmakers and podcast producers will value the H1n's capability to capture clear, distortion-free dialogue.

The H1n, similar to other models in the H-Series Handy recorders like the H5 and H6, offers versatile handling options; it can be comfortably held in hand, mounted on a microphone stand or tripod, or attached to a camera (with a separate shoe mount available). Building upon the legacy of the original H1, the H1n incorporates numerous enhancements in workflow and performance within a durable casing, making it suitable for the diverse needs of videographers, musicians, podcasters, and more. With its extensive battery life and various audio-enhancing features, the H1n is adept at capturing live performances, rehearsals, and demos, as well as recording sound effects, interviews, and ambient sounds. It provides plug-in power for a condenser lavalier microphone and can also accept a direct line-level input from a mixer or wireless receiver. Regardless of the audio source, the selectable auto-recording and pre-recording functions guarantee that you will not miss the beginning of any recording session.

• Operability is simplified via one-touch buttons, a dedicated gain dial, and an improved display.
  
  
• A built-in limiter protects against distortion caused by overloads.
  
  
• Auto-record, pre-record, and self-timer functions enhance your workflow and prevent cutting off the start of recordings.
  
  
• Unlimited overdubbing allows layering new performances on an existing recording.
  
  
• Playback speed is adjustable for transcribing, studying, and learning pieces of music or quickly scanning through long takes.
  
  
• An integrated tone generator makes it easy to calibrate your H1n and camera audio levels.
  
  
• Two AAA batteries (alkaline, NiMH, or lithium) can power the H1n, whereas the H1 utilized one alkaline or NiMH AA battery.
  
  
• Additional protection around the microphones inhibits extraneous noises caused by physical contact with the capsules.
  
  

Simple Layout of Common Controls

The front panel of the H1n is designed to provide easy and direct access to its frequently used controls. This includes transport buttons for recording, playing/pausing, stopping, and navigating backward and forward, as well as one-touch buttons for the low-cut filter, limiter, and auto-level features. Additionally, a prominently labeled gain knob ranges from 0 to 10. The selectable Auto Level mode further streamlines the setup process by automatically adjusting the input level based on the incoming signal.

To enhance safety, the power switch includes a hold position that disables all front-panel buttons, thereby preventing any accidental operations during recording sessions. Whether during the day or at night, users can easily monitor essential information such as audio levels, recording duration, battery status, and more on the 1.25-inch monochrome backlit LCD.

Onboard Stereo Microphone

The H1n allows for true stereo recording without the need for external microphones, as it is equipped with an integrated stereo microphone that ensures clear and phase-accurate audio capture. The microphone capsules are configured in a traditional 90° X/Y arrangement, which facilitates a precise stereo image. With just the H1n, you are fully prepared to record various audio sources, including speech, practice sessions, concerts, or ambient and environmental sounds, even those reaching levels as high as 120 dB.

3.5mm Microphone/Line Input with Plug-In Power

The H1n features a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input that provides 2.5V plug-in power, allowing for the connection of an external condenser microphone, such as a clip-on lavalier, which ensures clear and precise reproduction of close-miked speech. When an external source is connected to the 3.5mm jack, it automatically takes precedence over the onboard microphone input, eliminating the need for manual input selection. Additionally, the 3.5mm input is compatible with line-level signals, enabling the integration of a wireless microphone receiver's output into the H1n.

Powered via AAA Batteries or AC Adapter

Power the H1n via two AAA batteries, or plug it into a wall outlet with an AD-17 AC adapter (available separately). Alkaline batteries can keep the H1n recording the onboard X/Y mic at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution for up to 10 hours. When using the H1n as an audio interface, USB bus powering is possible.

Rugged and Portable, Handheld or Mounted

The compact, durable, ergonomic body lends itself naturally to being handheld or stashed in a pocket. Should you need to mount it on a mic stand or tripod, a threaded hole on the back of the H1n obviates the need for stand adapters. Obtain a hot shoe adapter (available separately) to attach the H1n directly to a DSLR.

Signal Processing Adds Sonic Polish

The H1n's onboard effects allow you to add polish to your recordings. The limiter can prevent distortion by controlling input signals that have excessively high levels, while a low-cut filter helps eliminate wind noise, blowing, and other kinds of low-frequency rumble. Also, you can adjust playback speed and choose from multiple tone-enhancing sound effects.

Special Recording Functions

The H1n offers selectable recording functions designed to prevent you from accidentally missing the start of a performance. By keeping the previous two seconds of audio whenever you press the record button, the pre-record option ensures that you'll never cut off the beginning of a great take. Auto-record can automatically start recording when a user-set sound level is detected, making it great for voice-activated recording. You can even set a timer to make the H1n automatically start recording after up to 10 seconds.

Tone Generator for Calibrating Levels

An internal tone generator makes it easy to calibrate your H1n and camera audio levels. When the H1n is connected to a DSLR camera or other external device, a test tone can be played to match their output levels.

Overdub Unlimited Layers

Not only can the H1n record two channels at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution, but it also supports unlimited overdubbing for layering new sounds over existing recordings. Since a new file is created and the original file is left unchanged, you can overdub without worrying about mistakes.

microSD Card Recording and Audio Interface Functionality

Maximize portability by recording directly to a separately available microSD/microSDHC card (up to 32GB capacity). A 4GB card will yield approximately over six hours of 16-bit / 44.1 kHz stereo recording time using the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility.

Alternatively, use the H1n as a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface at up to 16-bit / 48 kHz. The USB port also enables the H1n to be used as a card reader for fast file transfers.

3.5mm Output for Hookup to a Camera or Headphones

The 3.5mm line/headphone mini-jack output features a dedicated volume control, making it capable of feeding your camera/DSLR or a pair of headphones. For quick playback reference, a built-in monophonic speaker is presented on the bottom of the front panel.