Zoom H5 Handy Recorder with Interchangeable Microphone System

The Zoom H5 portable handheld recorder is an excellent choice for documentaries, podcasting, audio for video, and professional sound design. It allows users to swiftly capture up to four input signals, regardless of their audio expertise. Featuring a replaceable stereo microphone capsule, adaptable 2-channel inputs, and the capability for up to 4-track recording, the H5 is designed to be both intuitive and easily expandable.

Similar to other models in the H-Series Handy recorder line, such as the H4n Pro and H6, the H5 can be comfortably held in hand, mounted on a microphone stand or tripod, or attached to a camera (with a shoe mount sold separately). This device combines a robust, rubberized exterior with a remarkable range of features, making it well-suited to meet the diverse needs of musicians, videographers, sound designers, content creators, and news professionals.

The H5 is designed to meet a wide range of audio recording needs, featuring an extensive battery life and robust audio processing capabilities. It is adept at capturing live performances, podcasts, interviews, dialogue, and sound effects. The device can provide phantom or plug-in power for condenser microphones and can also accommodate direct connections from synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, or +4 dB line-level mixers. Regardless of the audio source, its selectable auto-recording and pre-recording functions guarantee that the beginning of any take is never missed, while the stereo safety track recording feature creates duplicate tracks at a reduced level to prevent distortion.

Fast, User-Friendly Operability

The front panel of the H5 is designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring the most critical and frequently utilized controls. These include transport buttons for recording, playing/pausing, stopping, and navigating backward and forward, as well as individual record-arm buttons that also function as mute switches during playback. Additionally, it is equipped with large gain knobs. To enhance safety, a hold switch is provided to disable all front-panel buttons, thereby preventing any accidental operations while recording. Whether in daylight or darkness, users can easily monitor essential information such as audio levels, recording duration, battery status, and more on the spacious monochrome backlit LCD.

Instant Access to Gain Adjustments

Each H5 input is equipped with an individual gain control knob, positioned beneath a protective bar designed to prevent unintentional adjustments during handling. To optimize your recording levels, there is no need for track selection or button activation; simply rotate the clearly marked dials, which range from 0 to 10, whenever a gain adjustment is necessary. In cases where your XLR-1/4" input source is excessively loud, requiring a reduction in gain beyond what the preamps offer at the "0" setting, you can utilize the menu system to engage the -20 dB pad, which can be selected for each input.

Interchangeable Stereo Microphone Capsule

Traveling light is advisable; therefore, it is recommended to leave your external microphones at home. The H5 is equipped with Zoom's XYH-5 interchangeable stereo microphone, which ensures clear and phase-accurate audio capture in a traditional 90° X/Y configuration, resulting in a precise stereo image. The matched unidirectional condenser microphones are integrated into a specially designed shockmount that utilizes durable external mic cables and rubberized materials to reduce vibration and handling noise. With just the H5, you are fully prepared to record speeches, practice sessions, concerts, or even ambient and environmental sounds, including those reaching up to 140 dB.

Supports Interchangeable Zoom Mic Capsules

The H5 features a Zoom mic capsule input that is compatible with Zoom's range of interchangeable capsules, which can be replaced with ease, similar to changing camera lenses. With options including mid-side, X/Y, and shotgun mic capsules, users can efficiently record music, dialogue, or sound effects without the need for an external microphone setup. Additionally, the EXH-6 combo input capsule allows for the connection of two extra mic or line signals through XLR-1/4" jacks.

2-Channel Microphone/Line Inputs

The H5 is designed with two XLR-1/4" combo inputs and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input, enabling it to support condenser microphones, +4 dB balanced line-level sources, or signals from unbalanced instruments featuring active electronics. Users can activate 12, 24, or 48 VDC phantom power for the XLR inputs, or utilize 2.5V plug-in power for the mini jack. Whether you intend to record studio condenser microphones, obtain a stereo feed from a mixer or wireless receiver, or use a lavalier microphone for interviews, the H5's preamps—identical to those in the H6—provide exceptional low-noise performance (-120 dB EIN).

In cases where external microphones are set up in a mid-side configuration, the built-in MS decoder facilitates adjustments to the perceived width of the stereo image, which is advantageous for sound design, broadcasting, or ensuring compatibility between stereo and mono formats.

Record up to 4 Channels Live or Overdub Layers

The H5 features a variety of recording modes and supports a resolution of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. It allows for stereo recording through the X/Y microphone capsule or input jacks, and the Multi File mode enables simultaneous recording from the X/Y mic and two external sources, which is ideal for capturing ambient sound along with a stereo feed from a mixer. Additionally, Multi File mode can be employed for overdubbing, facilitating the addition of instrument layers after the initial recording. The internal mixdown function of the H5 permits adjustments to levels and panning while combining four tracks into a stereo output.

SD Card Recording and Audio Interface Functionality

Enhance portability by recording directly onto an SD card (with a maximum capacity of 2GB) or an SDHC card (with a maximum capacity of 32GB). Utilizing a 2GB SDHC card allows for approximately three hours of recording time in 16-bit / 44.1 kHz stereo, employing the BWF-compliant WAV format to ensure uncompressed audio quality and compatibility with industry standards. Please be aware that media cards are sold separately, and using larger capacity cards may result in longer startup times.

Alternatively, the H5 can function as a 4-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface, supporting up to 24-bit / 48 kHz. When operating as an audio interface with an iPad (requiring the Apple Camera Connection Kit, which is sold separately), select USB Stereo mode to achieve two channels in and out at a maximum of 16-bit / 48 kHz. The USB port also facilitates rapid file transfers and firmware updates.

3.5mm Outputs for Simultaneous Hookup to a Camera and Headphones

The H5 features 3.5mm line and headphone mini-jack outputs, enabling simultaneous connection to your camera or DSLR and a set of headphones. Alongside a dedicated headphone volume control located on the side panel, the line output level can be modified through the menu, facilitating the optimization of the signal level directed to your camera without requiring an attenuator cable. Additionally, a built-in monophonic speaker is included for convenient playback reference.

Powered via AA Batteries or AC Adapter

Power the H5 via two AA batteries, or plug it into a wall outlet with an AD-17 AC adapter (available separately). Alkaline batteries can keep the H5 running for up to 15 hours of continuous 16-bit / 44.1 kHz recording using the built-in X/Y mic. When using the H5 in the stereo USB audio interface mode, USB bus powering is possible.

Rugged and Portable, Handheld or Mounted

The rubberized, ergonomic body lends itself naturally to handheld use. Should you need to mount it on a mic stand or tripod, a threaded hole on the back of the H5 obviates the need for stand adapters. Obtain a hot shoe adapter (available separately) to attach the H5 directly to a DSLR.

Signal Processing Adds Sonic Polish

The onboard effects of the H5 enhance the quality of your recordings. Compression and limiting effectively manage variations in input levels, while a low-cut filter reduces wind noise, breath sounds, and other low-frequency disturbances. You can normalize files for optimal gain, divide them into smaller segments, and insert as many as 99 markers within a single recording.

Additionally, the device features an integrated metronome and tuner, allowing for looping playback and independent adjustments of pitch and speed, which makes the H5 an excellent resource for phrase training.

Special Recording Functions

The H5 is equipped with various recording functions that help ensure you do not inadvertently miss the beginning of a performance. The pre-record feature captures the two seconds of audio preceding the moment you press the record button, guaranteeing that the start of an exceptional take is never lost. Additionally, the auto-record function can initiate recording automatically upon detecting a user-defined sound level, making it particularly useful for voice-activated scenarios.

Furthermore, the backup record feature allows the H5 to create an automatic duplicate of the stereo tracks with an input gain reduced by 12 dB. This means that even if the original track suffers from distortion, the backup version is likely to remain intact.

Supports External Remote Control

Use the RCH-5 remote (available separately) to control the transport, arm tracks, and adjust volume at a distance while eliminating handling noise.