Zoom Intros H5 Handy Recorder

zoom-h5-recorderZoom has introduced the H5 Handy Recorder, their latest portable audio recorder and audio interface.

Similar to the H6 flagship that was announced last summer, the H5 employs a system of interchangeable input capsules, allowing the right microphone to be used for the right situation.

In addition to being fully compatible with all Zoom input capsules, the H5 comes with a new X/Y stereo capsule, featuring extended signal capacity—up to 140 dB SPL—and shockmounted microphones for reduced handling noise.

Here’s a video introduction to the Zoom H5:

Features:

  • System of interchangeable input capsules — Compatible with all Zoom input capsules
  • Includes detachable X/Y capsule (XYH-5) with extended signal capacity and shockmounted mics for reduced handling noise
  • Four-track simultaneous recording
  • Large backlit LCD display
  • Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB
  • Up to 24-bit/96kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
  • Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad
  • Analog-style gain controls for each input
  • Protective “roll-bar” type covers prevent accidental movement of gain controls
  • Plug-in power (2.5 volts)
  • Built-in effects, including low-cut filtering, compression and limiting
  • Chromatic tuner and metronome
  • Auto-record, Pre-record and Backup-record functions mean that you’ll never miss that perfect take
  • MS decoding
  • Multitrack to stereo internal mixdown
  • Normalize, Divide and Trim editing
  • Voice memo and up to 99 marks per recording
  • A/B loop playback
  • Variable playback speed and variable pitch without affecting playback speed
  • Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad with loop back function
  • Mountable directly to DSLR or camcorder with optional HS-01 Hot Shoe Mount adapter
  • Uses two standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries
  • Over 15 hours of claimed operation with alkaline batteries

Additional features include a stereo Line Out for connection to camcorders; a headphone jack and built-in speaker; onboard effects, metronome and chromatic tuner; adjustable playback speed and pitch correction; and Pre-record, Auto-record and Backup-record functions. A USB port enables data transfer to and from editing software and allows the H5 to serve as a multichannel audio interface for computers and iPads.

The Zoom H5 is expected to be available in June for $269.

8 thoughts on “Zoom Intros H5 Handy Recorder

  1. I gotta say, that vid was a pretty pro combination of the requisite hype and detailed info.

    I’m pretty happy with my H2n. The features and sound are excellent. Though, there’s a couple overly sensitive buttons on it, and it occasional refuses to use some SD cards. Fortunately, nothing show-stopping for me.

    1. Completely agree. I actually still use the H2 (not the n) and love it. Been meaning to upgrade, but since I really only need it for field recording, didn’t need the 4 inputs on the h6. Glad to see this model come out and still be compatible with the “modular” mic units.

  2. So, if it “allows you to use the right microphone for the right situation”, what do you use the LEFT microphone for? The wrong situation?!

  3. I love my H6 for recording. Although I don’t really use the four XLR cable ports it comes with, the “modular” mic capsules are great.

  4. I have had the Zoom H5 for a few months now and have had lots fun. However, I am having problems with a few important menu functions relating to recording, specifically the mixer/overdub function…. The User Manuel says its “easy” to overdub and that when you overdub a track, the new track does not erase the previous track but automatically saves it with a new name. However, I can’t find those old tracks! I can only work with the new track. Shouldn’t I be able to access these old overdubs from the H5? How do you do this? Thanks for any help. Tom

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