Tascam DR-44WL VS Zoom H5 - Detailed Comparison & Test

[@MikeBabsBC]

00:20 - Intro 01:26 - Accessories 02:21 - Small Differences 05:00 - Key Differences / Features 07:03 - Build Quality 09:27 - Exterior Overview 12:10 - Menu / Adjustments 15:19 - Sound Quality Tests 22:20 - Noise Floor Tests 23:31 - Suggestions / Conclusion

[@jmarkashe660]

I purchased the Tascam DR-44WL but it was not due to your review. However, after hearing the difference I feel I chose the right device. It sounded much clearer in your car where the H5 in comparison sounded muddy. Also, the speaking test to me clearly shows the Tascam to be superior.

[@DaviSilveira]

The H5 sounds more full to me. I think that's the best way I can describe it. The DR-40 I think is close but sounds thin... Nice video. Thanks for all the work involved in making this.

[@TheRobBrennanLive]

Nicely done! I prefer the DR-44WL, myself, but what a great comparison. I love how the audio comparisons were thorough but not too lengthy. You seem to have found a great balance in covering quality versus a reasonable sample. PS - The car audio test was a great idea for simulating a loud environment. Nice.

[@RadioJonophone]

I bought a Zoom H5 when it was introduced, so have had it in use for over two years. The build quality is good, greasy finger smears come off easily making it look as good as the day it came out of the box. I have used the built in mikes for wild sound, but my main use is for XLR inputs from either a mixer, or combination of shotgun and radio mike signals for video work. The Tascam looks a workable piece of kit. It stands up well in your tests, but if I were deciding which one to choose right now I would still go for the Zoom. I would only be swayed by the Tascam if I needed the WiFi functionality, which I don't. Thanks for your time and effort in producing a balanced and fair test, except the in car one. You should have stacked the recorders vertically. Lining them horizontally means that the phase difference in the left and right audio is different as the mikes are spread out in the audio stage, whereas a vertical alignment would put the mikes as close as possible to the same spot in the stereo plane.

[@666tonsofsquirrels]

The H5 sounds phenomenal, I can't believe it. It sucks it's only capable of 32gb cards but the quality is much better.

[@kluone]

Pretty good overall review, however you could also have looked into the noisefloor of the preamps when you are recording through the XLR inputs since those are, in my eyes, the biggest reasons why people buy these recorders over the smaller models. I must also say that I was as surprised by the fact that the H5 had a higher noise floor thatn the others as you were, but if you think about it again it makes sense. The H5's module input has to accomodate a variety of different microphones that can be purchased seperately and therfore I would think that it is much more challenging to minimize the noisefloor of the preamp in comparison to the Tascams which don't even have to deal with the connection issue between the mics and the preamp. This is also one of the reasons why the comparison of the noise levels from the XLR inputs would have been more objective. All of the other aspects of your test were very well done and interesting to watch. Cheers!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks Kluone! You brought up some very good points. I was unaware that there could/would be a difference in noise floor with the built in mic and the XLR inputs. Next time I would definintly test the XLR's for the noise floor! Thanks for viewing and your suggestion! :)

[@kluone]

No problem, keep doing the great reviews :)

[@juliansimmons7700]

The XLR input of the H5 reveals how quiet the pre-amps are - and they are, totally worthwhile using an XLR mic (I use a Rode NT3) the noise floor just drops away. Any hiss/noise with these units is probably down to the internal mics, and that's what's being tested here. All I can say is the XLR input of the H5 with the Rode is way way cleaner than the internal xy mics. Read up a page here to see a fuller comment I wrote.

[@sultan.alzaabi]

I think the: - TASCAM DR-44WL: have more clear sound record and less noise then the others + quality of sound. - TASCAM DR-40: you can say it's more quite but you loss the quality of the sound clarity. - Zoom H5: is highest noise recorder of the 3 and the quality of sound is lower than TASCAM DR-44WL but its easy to remove the noise through softwares. I really appreciate your review i see it's very helpful for everyone here. Keep it up, Thumb up. Sincerely, Sultan

[@rickfokkingtoney]

Thanks Max. Went with the Tascam DR-44WL. Musician's Friend Stupid Deal Of The Day, $199.

[@gergelytakacs]

Thank you for the great comparison! One idea for a further comparison: the recording time with the internal mics is one issue. But I'm suspecting the 4 batteries (Tascam) versus 2 batteries (Zoom) may have a meaning - it is not just a question of the internal efficiency of the device. How about comparing (measuring) continuous recording with an external mic with phantom power? I think, the Tascam should provide (much) more recording time in that situation. Of course that's just a guess.

[@brucevang-vr]

Thanks for doing the dubstep test! Going to record a EDM concert and picked up the Tascam.

[@AlBergstein]

Did I miss you talking about the difference in screen size? I own a Zoom H5 and the screen is quite small. The Tascam, with it's larger screen and ability to adjust the levels in the two step recording process seems like a winner. Also, having using the Zoom without the ability to monitor using Wifi, is really something that I would like to have. It is very inconvenient to have the recorder up at a speaker podium, and have to go to it to adjust. Much better idea is to wifi into the controls and monitor remotely. I have the multicapsules for the Zoom and it's convenient to be able to switch from x/y to shotgun, but after using that for a while, it's just as convenient to put a wireless mic (even a shotgun) attached to a transmitter and, again, monitor it remotely. . Also, the zoom seems to be harsher. More S'ss are apparent. I may have to pick up a DR-44WL to see whether I end up preferring that wifi capability over the Zoom's feature set.

[@inklipMedia]

I'm liking the sound of the DR-44 best. The DR-40 sounds terrible compared to both the newer ones, and the Zoom sounded warmer on many takes, but seemed perhaps over-warm and punchy in the low mid. I wonder, though, if comparing 24bit 96 kHz works when it's mixed down to (?) mp3 audio with the KZbin video. Could relative differences in sample rate conversion affect one device's audio file more than another? An audiophile (really, a tube audio) thing is that noise doesn't matter: it's the character of the noise that matters -- do you have noise that sounds like real life or noise that sounds like audio distortion? It would be interesting to not only see noise levels in the noise floor test, but to hear what they sound like.

[@soundknight]

Robert Monk usually the zoom gear is brightest and thinnest sounding where the tascam is warmer fuller and smoother highs

[@soundknight]

a good giveaway about sound of preamps his how they record piano sounds : 19:50

[@ianhirschsohn5807]

Very informative. Suggest you add XLR input to comparison. I don't use the attached mics at all. Prefer Lavalier or shotgun XLR. Those are better quality/usability than the supplied mics. So, comparing features/performance with identical good quality XLR and/or 3.5mm would complete the comparison more thoroughly. Bear in mind that being able to record 4x XLR on the H5 with the inexpensive adapter provides an excellent low cost/low weight/easy solution to record street bands or ad hoc live performance.

[@nickvanmaarth680]

Great comparison review. Thanks for putting so much time into it...great job. I think you've confirmed my choice for the Zoom. Wish it had wireless (they'll probably have it next version), but the one-hand analog controls and the solid construction are important to me. The Tascam did sound just a little better in your tests (to me, anyway), but I won't be making recordings for audiophiles :-) and I think the sound quality will probably be close enough. Thanks again! Keep it up...really helpful!

[@Audioselection]

Great informative video. The shot showing side by side the battery compartment shows the Tascam DR-40 (3 batteries), not the Zoom H5, so I was a bit confused there for a moment.

[@1650million]

Great comparison, and the jump-to menu at the beginning is very useful as well. However, I do agree that the quality of the XLR preamps could be the MAIN reason people using these devices care about, so you´ve pretty omitted the essential, in spite of a 24min review. Anyway, good job, and keep'em coming.

[@MaksimYuryev]

1650million Thanks, I didn't think that they would be any different, but for next time I will be checking those!

[@juliansimmons7700]

I've just posted a comment here with more detail, but can report than the hiss/noise-floor of the H5 when using the XLR inputs is superb. Yes the internal mics are as good as any portable recorder, but using a Rode NT3 wow! - the noise-floor just drops away. From my measurements I was seeing -61dB from the xy mics, and -72dB from the XLR Rode, this is due to the low noise-level of the mic, but does reveal that the pre-amps are quiet!

[@1650million]

Julian Simmons Thanks for your input Julian, I appreciate it.

[@musicguitarman1963]

I might be purchasing the Tascam DR-44WL and Zoom H5! They both are great!

[@RyanJosephLong]

Really appreciate all the time and effort you put into creating this review! I think that the DR-44WL is probably the best sound quality wise. However, I really like the additional XLR inputs for the H5 thanks so much! You have me sold on all of them really. I think I will be buying the H5.

[@lespaulfanofsparta]

Thank you Max very much! I don't watch things 25 minutes in length but, this was perfect. Was leaning Zoom for the first half until you got to the brilliant car demo. Features, ergonomics, build all that are great (and the wireless is cool) but, the clear difference in ambience, soul and depth of the Tascam is what I need to record a band. Also, the ability to record WAV and MP3 at the same time is brilliant for purchase versus promotional recordings. 2 great products. I could have guessed at all that but, you helped me confirm it. Brilliant. Thank you.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Glad to help!

[@lespaulfanofsparta]

UPDATE: Used the Tascam Saturday to record a band and it worked flawlessly. Used the low cut and the peak limiter and everyone was blown away by the sound. Also, used the WAV and MP3 simultaneously (which does limit the bit rate) and that was super cool as well. If anybody is interested you can hear the results here soundcloud.com/thehails/sets/live-at-high-dive

[@ivana1755]

Hey, I listened to your soundcloud demo. It actually sounds pretty good, I'm getting one of these babies for the same purpose. I do hear some differences between the instruments, but I'm guessing it had to do with the setup and the soundcheck. Anyway, can you tell me where did you put the recorder? Too far away?

[@lespaulfanofsparta]

I was pretty much equidistant to the left and right stage speakers, at almost a perfect triangle. With most of the audience (probably about 40-50) in front of me. I used the little handheld grip that comes with the Tascam. This band does not have a heavy backline for their guitars, mostly going through the house (and if I remember the two guitars were panned hard left and right) and the vocals were a bit up in the mix, which I had zero control over any of that. Hope that helps.

[@ivana1755]

Thanks, buddy, much appreciated. I already got it and have recording ambience and it sounds crystal clear.

[@bryan8810]

Great review and I'm looking to getting one of these units soon. Just a small niggly error, during the really quiet environment comparison @17:35, the DR-40 was in mono while the others were in stereo I believe! Also I just noticed this video is actually 7 years old so at this stage probably doesn't matter. Thanks again!

[@DrNidrog]

Awesome, thanks for the comparison! VERY HELPFUL, going with the Zoom H5.

[@TheSimoncio]

+Gored N' Skatefoot Really sounds better with the voice test, you can hear it with the letter /s/

[@okkmmy3570]

Both h5 and dr44 were goood, but I d like dr44 because more functions there are. Thanks

[@gereral1_jackofalltrades]

I bought the h5 for my channel. Good video

[@mvoo27]

I am a Tascam fan, but the Zoom H5 sounds in this test better. I own the DR-44wl and I must say the internal mics are great, really great! But if you use external microphones, the preamps are the same level like the DR-40 (X). The H5 preamps are better...

[@sebsoud]

I'm now looking for replacing my Zoom h4n pro. This crappy rubbery layer on the plastic is now super sticky and any of the stuff I tried to dilute/remove it was able to get rid of it! The support answered that they are not able to recommend a method for removing it... This added to the fact that one side of the internal mics has big gain difference with the other one (and I read on web that I'm really not the only with this defect) -> I was a loyal customer of Zoom, but now fed up with crappy/faulty design, I'll not buy any more product from them, I'm very disappointed.

[@LiveSystemsOficial]

No teste dentro do carro, achei o som do Tascam 44 bem limpo a ponto de conseguir ouvir bem cada frequência. Já o H5 tem um som fechado e mais grave, talvez melhor para podecast e o 44 para voz e vilão.

[@silvionovais2504]

Which will be the best to record audio playback in the listening room of sound equipment, such as speakers?

[@DAVIDSDIEGO]

Really great comparison! I believe it's the only one online right now. I use a few Tascam devices for iOS, although I'm enjoying the Zoom H5.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks David! Glad you liked it!

I know this video is old, but if other find it: The "Handheld" thing @1:53 is not to hold it in the hand, it is made to be used in a standard microphone stand, it is better to hold the device normally in the hand go get less noise, that thing give extra noise due to the plastic.

[@Bourbon-Canted-Ky-Windage]

Max, the H-6 is a really nice recorder. I prefer it over the Tascam. I don't want anything with a data wheel. I bought a Roland R-26 because of the large touch screen and the built in X-Y and stereo omnis, which lets me record 4 tracks without extra mics.

[@totallyfrozen]

Max, Now 5 years later, can you comment on the durability of these units? I have the Tascam guitar trainer and bass trainer devices and the buttons don’t last well with repeated use. The Power/Hold button spring fails and the Volume control failed. What has your experienced been with the durability of these 2 units over the past few years?

[@inocenciotensygarcia1012]

Thank you for your information. I just got the Zoom H5 and I’m going to record my cooking video today. I’m recording with my Mac Pro until I receive my camera. I want to know if I should connect the Zoom H5 to the laptop while I’m recording?. That way I don’t have to worry about the batteries running out.

[@victorsvenningson630]

Real like your work... this is oh so helpful. Not sure what I getting yet, but one of these two for sure... want to hold them first in my hands. Thanks for doing this.

[@jaybogart]

Excellent Product Review Sir Max Yuryev. Big Like!

[@claydrake5561]

Great review and comparison. I am still not certain as to which one is best for my application. My project will be interviewing in remote areas, as well as tradition acoustic and amplified music. I do like the idea of the WiFi and the smart phone control. I also like the idea that the TASCAM comes with accessories, where as the Zoom comes with... ...not so much. One thing that had me thinking the TASCAM better for my application is the Noise Floor Test which may be more important in the talking voice segments than the music. Any thoughts you may have on this would be great help.

[@reedhallen]

Great and in-depth video. Really appreciate it. Thanks!

[@cerenademe9433]

Honestly, especially in the car, I think the DR-40 sounded the best - had the fullest, clearest sound (as much as I LOVE the H5). ... But....Please -- track ID in the car?? Thanks!!

[@parmeetsingh2381]

can i use zoom h5 to record my vocals on Rode NT1A? I mean is the quality of preamps appropriate? I want to record vocals without computer so that the sound of fans can be eliminated.

[@reinulf656]

It's OK! Not as good as a decent interface though.

[@Allaboutmepodcast]

Thanks for the video. Looking to get H5.

[@Gforce000]

Listened to this more carefully, it turned out, I like H5 sound quality the most. The Tascam might pick up more frequency range, however, it picked up the room echo as well (not much). On the other hand, H5 is immune to it. And the result H5's sound is clearer with little bit more base.

[@soundknight]

Phong Nguyen if you are always recording in a bedroom then that's important. If not, ...

[@javiescobargonzalez]

@@soundknight Hi, what recorder do you think is best for a piano in a room? Tascam or Zoom? Thank you very much

[@HAwk-bl7wc]

Last winter i bought and tested a Tascam DR44-WL. I tested it with its built in mics alongside my Olympus LS 11 and recorded simultaneously (indoors) a distant sound. I was horried about the noise of the Tascam listening back from memorycard at the pc. Both devices were used at maximimum gain and in Audacity the Tascam showed the 'redblue' spectrogram....it was noise all over! My trusty OLympus showed the light blue( as it should!) I noticed that i even missed parts, mostly upperparts, of the Tascam's sonagrams...! What a bad recorder. I expected the Tascam to be good for my purpose but was sending it back less then 2 houres i had received it. I bought a Tascam dr100mkiii 1 week later and boy....that is something in another league :))))) its splendid eventhough its as sensitive as the OLympus LS11 ( i believe that last device is supurb although it is small and does not looke like much..)

[@nextlifeonearth]

For the noise... Did you export to WAV? If you used MP3, the compression WILL have removed a lot of the noise, especially on the older H4 and DR-40 (because they have older encoders) I wish there were a field recorder that recorded to flac...

[@inklipMedia]

Great video! Intro menu is great. Love the sound comparisons. I think you could do the whole thing in the car, where the interior paneling damps ambient noise and you have a great playback system surrounding the recorders with detailed, dynamic, wide frequency range sound. Not sure if there was much panning (surround?) going on in the program material. I certainly didn't notice it particularly -- would be interesting to see a test of directionality/stereo image reproduction from the recorders. Would be nice to get some all-analog, acoustic instrument source material playing in that system, although I really like the synth music you play (your performance/composition?).

[@nickvanmaarth680]

Good point. A comparison with acoustic instruments would be useful, since a lot of us who are interested in these kinds of recorders play acoustic as well as electric...throw in some vocals, too? Maybe next review. :-) Thanks Max.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks Robert. You guys seem like your WAY more knowledgable in audio than I am. Not sure if I mentioned it in the video but If you check out my channel I come from a filmmaking background mainly live events so thats what I use the recorders for. The smaller ones to plug a lav or shotgun mic into to record dialog and the larger ones like H5/DR-40/DR-44WL to plug into a audio mixer board and record the audio that is coming from mics at weddings/events or plug a couple wireless mics into the inputs. I know almost nothing about the technical side of music/amps. I've used an audio mixer very little, have never played an instrument and never sang or composed music so I'm pretty worthless there lol sorry guys. If you pick one of these recorders up would you be interested in making a video or two on it? There isn't very many out and you could really help someone out with your knowledge. Thats how I started to make youtube videos, saw that there was a need and tried to fill it.

[@AlekVila]

What a great reviewer you are! You gave me such good information. To my ears, the Tascam DR-44WL blew the others away in terms of sound quality. Listen to the kick drum in your car tests, for example. I also liked the Tascam for the shotgun mic test because it sounded least distorted, even if it was not as loud as the Zoom. I was going to buy a Zoom, but after this review, I think I'll shop Tascam recorders instead. Thanks!

[@LiveSystemsOficial]

No teste dentro do carro, achei o som do Tascam 44 bem limpo a ponto de conseguir ouvir bem cada frequência. Já o H5 tem um som fechado e mais grave, talvez melhor para podecast e o 44 para voz e vilão.

Very good video which recorder you would recommend me to buy between the h5 and the DR 44 WL thanks

[@Radical_Times_Archive]

Thanks Max - great stuff!!! I'm drawn to the Tascam DR-44WL because of its WiFi capability although I'm not sure if it can do what I need it to do, namely live streaming via the Internet. My application is remote audio streaming of a live event to a low-power FM radio station for simultaneous broadcasting (a few seconds delay is not a problem). Even time-shifted re-broadcasting of a few minutes would be OK. Maybe this is something the system is not designed to do or is not capable of doing? Any comments or thoughts or possible solutions? Many thanks, Cheers!

[@eidolonmirage1320]

the "little handheld little grip holder type of deal" is for mounting it on a mic stand ; )

[@thecompanioncube4211]

ohhh

[@MD-jt8dj]

Thanks a lot for the video. It helped me to decide wich recorder to buy. Definitely the Zoom H5.

[@gcprost]

The wireless on the DRW 44 is not reliable (from my experience). Adjusting the levels on the mics is more awkward than any other audio recorder I have used. The capsule system on the Zoom is of questionable value to me as I prefer to buy proven higher-end mics of my choosing. I do like the more rugged build and the analogue level controls.

[@luisx9595]

En las pruebas de sonido el silencio también es importante. Hay que tener un momento sin hablar. In the listening tests silence is also important. It should be a moment without speaking.

[@fabp1992]

please do another comparison but with microphones connected to the xlr inputs

[@basmajajo4959]

Thank you so much for the comparison it's excelent now I can decide which one to buy

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Basma Jajo thanks for watching!

[@darthgzuz]

its always a max video man u have done some excellent content in the past ... just discovering ur older videos too bad amazon dont ship to my country :(

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Darth Vader Thansk Man!

[@tempo1889]

Sounds like you will do well no matter which one you have.

[@alidadj]

great video man nicely done ! getting the h5 for sure and maybe i'll get the remote control for controlling the device wish you tested the "audio interface " feature too cheers

[@kamaharima3701]

Im not going to lie. The DR-44WL does sound better in quality but I just cant get past that orange screen lol. I bought the H5.

[@kamaharima3701]

The DR-44WL Picks up a greater frequency range.

[@enriqueferreira6632]

Stupid comment.. really dude? because of the screen?

[@kamaharima3701]

Enrique Ferreira Not a dude and secondly it was a joke.. take a chill pill.

[@helenamarie4337]

the orange screen is in fact unbearable

[@nextlifeonearth]

@@helenamarie4337 What's wrong with glorious orange? Take it from a Dutchie, orange is great. Probably the best.

[@MegaAluchi]

hello Max Thanks I have enjoyed your review. I tried to find a different way to contact you even after I subscribed. I need your advice about choosing few things to start home recording for cooking program, and documentary shirt film both indoors and outdoors: 1- What is A reasonable video editing program? 2- I made my mind about the Tascam 40 since the newer version produces more floor noise as per your review . Also the newer version's app doesn't work well with Android and I m an Android user. Finally it is a lot cheaper and I can also use it with my music recordings at home. 3- question: how to use the X-Y built-in mic? when they are inward and when to make them like Y shape or outward? can the XY be used between the interviewer and interviewee if the distance between them is 4 feet and the recorder is in the middle ? 5- does Tascam 40 has line in for Lav mic? lastly do you have any tutorial for shooting short film? Thanks again

[@TheMitchDoes]

This is probably a really stupid question, but may I ask what song that is that you're using to test the recorders? I really dug it, and Shazam didn't turn up anything.

[@njet212]

+1 whats the song?

[@jenky1044]

FAU - Evert .

[@EastFame]

nice review, however I'm not clear how is this wi-fi funcionality useful? In this regard the most important thing would be to know - whether I could give Tascam to the subject and transmit the voice signal to my DSLR, while filming, the same as I could use wireless lavalier microphone? Also, is the sound quality recorder in DR-44WL better than DR-22WL or these two models just differ with functionality?

[@HenrySwayze]

Great job exploring these units. I am looking for a unite for remote broadcasting applications for my community radio station. I personally own a dr40 and have mostly used it for recording folk community play alongs so I have great respect for the sound achievable using XY and AB mike orientations to overcome room acoustics and diversity of sound sources. Questions for the station's application: 1) Any word of the WiFi transfer of sound monitoring getting up to broadcast quality in the future? 2) When doing a one on one interview, any sense of how these unites or even the DR 22WL do with reducing room acoosics or how the sound varies with direction of the mike-unite. Is a hand held mike needed? The zoom 5H with the shotgun sounds very good but it is a pretty expensive package. Any thoughts... many beginners will be doing the fieldwork and this is community radio.

[@DarkoAqua]

Hi Max, very nice video. I have a question though, do you recall what was that microphone that you used for testing at 15:47 ? Thx

[@DarkoAqua]

Hi, looks like I've found the answer in another video of yours: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKjLininopKFf6s

[@josephkeyrouzphotography5151]

Hello! How are you? It is a great Comparison. I would like to know which one is better for an interview while I am using 2 wireless Sennheizer neck mic at the same time?

[@blossomcinema772]

Wow good video !!! Where is Xlr line input sound test ??

[@Phen0mable]

What about line in and connecting dj mixer to zoom and recording audio

[@ThatWasLoud]

Fantastic, very thorough review. Much appreciated Max

[@MaksimYuryev]

thanks! glad you liked it! deff took some time!

[@MakisAblianitis]

Great review!!! From all three devices, which one is the best value, as I'm on a budget...Here I can find H5 for 265$. DR-44 for 280$ and DR-40 for 180$. Thank you!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Makis Ablianitis My pick would be the zoom H5!

[@av3nger3]

Max Yuryev I'm going with the H5 but my ears prefer the dr-44wl.

[@hernanrodriguezsilvera5645]

¡¡¡Brilliant review...!!! Thanks for your job, dedication and time... Regards from Uruguay.

[@ThomasCoastline]

How it is with Tascam and dual recording? Can I record stereo file using two XLR inputs and have back up copy? For example I need DJ mixpult stereo output to record DJ set, but for the safety reasons I would like to have one stereo file at normal level and one stereo file and lower volume, so I can be sure, that I will have some back up, but in the video I can see the title, that in dual I can use just one XLR? What is the reason? Normally I would expect I can record 4mono tracks or 2stereo tracks in dual mode. Another question - how it is with file saving? I had Zoom H4n and when somebody plucked it off accidently I lost the entire recording... that is why Zoom F8 for example saves recording into more files - something like autosave. So I for example lost the last 30minutes of recording but not everything... how it is with Tascam?

[@rinaldodelucca8073]

Tascam DR-44WL vs Zoom H4n Pro: Which one is better? I can get the Tascam DR-44WL for US$255.38 and the Zoom H4n Pro for US$207.58 here in Canada. The Zoom H5 is more expensive here than the Tascam DR-44WL but not much, around US$281.72. My first option would be the Zoom H6 (I already worked with one for 10 months and I love it!) but it's too expensive. By the way, I don't need wifi and I will be always recording using both a lavalier mic and the XY built in mics. Thank you for this video comparison!

[@tocavlad]

i want to know also which option is better sound wise concerts or instruments directly from the internal mics between h4n pro or 44wl , thank you

[@GuyFauwx]

Hey man! Great video, it really helped me a lot :) But could you pleeeaase share the name of the song you used in your car test?

[@Slypheren]

+GuyFauwx Winside - Reapers

[@TheSound0fLegends]

Slypheran thanks mate

[@kjaan]

Great video. Which one of these recorders would for recording live music from jbl won pro one speaker or just recording without any wires from the speaker?

[@kcheng76]

I like your review, but need more about noise level. In classical acoustic - piano, strings - there are a lot of silences, so background hiss is important to evaluate. Do you have any comment on that? Here's a specific test: At average sound levels for live recording, during silences, which has less hiss, when you listen with good headphones?

[@MaksimYuryev]

Hi keith thanks for your comment! I can't really, not because I don't record any music. I mainly use recorders for dialogue and some music from DJ's soundboard at weddings. I'm sure there's somebody out there that has a lot more experience and singing / music / instrumental recording that would be better fit for that.

[@kcheng76]

Thank you for your reply, Max! Actually, I'm only asking for a simple experiment for which no instruments are required: 1) Record something (like talking) on each with the built-in mic, and if you have them, fancy XLR mics. 2) Use two recording levels - one you normally use for soft talking, leaving silences. Then, crank up the record volume beyond what you would normally set it at. 3) Listen to playback with headphones, and listen at normal volume, and then with volume turned up (not so loud you hurt your ears). If you hear any hiss or hum this represents electronic noise. However, I found my mics sensitive enough to hear the house ventilation, so don't mistake that for electronic noise. Regards, and keep up the great work. Keith

[@MaksimYuryev]

Keith Cheng Thanks for writing that out more simple it Keith. When I did the noise floor testing I did listen to it. The noise from both were very similar but the H5 was slightly louder (very slightly) but had more of a high pitched noise compared to the Tascam where it was more of a deeper sounding noise. Even those the noise floor test shows the H5 being noisier (by a good margin) in reality it sounded very similar just different pitch. hope that helps.

[@korakoeides]

Thank you for the great video, much appreciated, it helped me towards the H5, clearly because it sounds better in my ears, especially with the shotgun mic attached. May i ask what's the brand of the shotgun mic u used for the tests? i'm on low budget, so a cheap but good shotgun like that on the video, or something similar would be really good for me. Thanks for your effort and for any info. Keep up the good work!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Glad you liked the video. here's the mic I used amzn.to/1FPBt3K

[@larrycom]

TASCAM DR 44 wins with the balance, it doesn't over do bass. But they are all good, btw.

[@extantia]

I had a Zoom H4N that had issue’s with the plastic breaking down. In this case the hinges for the SD card cover cracked and it came off. My concern is it may happen with another Zoom model.

[@Rphbalubaid]

Good evening dear friend . What's the difference between tascam dr-44 and dr-100 mk

[@hingginchu]

What music did you play during your in car testing? I like it.

[@thiagobianchi9986]

Great job! Very helpful review!

[@amsr1006]

Awesome Video! So professional absolutely excellent

[@Dt3kno]

With the tascam dr 44 wl can you use it for field recording?

[@tifu678]

Well, it's a field recorder, so ........ I'm guessing, yes?

[@gman682002]

Well done review. He fails to pick up on one nice point. The Zoom has different plug in capsules. But the Tascam has 2 XLR inputs with phantom power allowing you to use any mic that you want. Industry standard recording mics like Sennheiser, Shure, Audix etc. and not just the cheapish ones that Zoom sells you. Also he does these reviews more from a video guys perspective. The audio tests clearly reveal more dynamic range and cleaner mic pres on the Tascam. I do think the Zoom is more user friendly. But doesn't give you nearly as many options. like dual recording of Wav and MP 3 files so you can keep your high quality WAV file and have another one instantly available for upload or streaming. Which saves you a fair amount of work, But overall well done review

[@thebigitchy]

The Zoom has two XLR inputs with phantom power, too...

[@reinulf656]

Yes dude, they both have 2 xlrs lol

[@michael86734]

cool I have one how do you connect to the phone

[@jukarnarius]

Hello, I have a question regarding 3.5mm jack and it's preamps, some people stated that 3.5mm jack preamps are much cleaner on Zoom rather Tascam (at least Tascam DR-60MKII). Another question is Zoom could be used as a sound interface 4in/2out. Is this option available on Tascam?

[@ossyni]

tascam 44 win :)

[@luisantonio982]

you have done a good job thank you very much

[@PizzaHawks]

Great video. I want wifi and the aesthetics of the H5, what do I do!?

[@billsyrik5034]

+Joseph Willis download the Tascam DR app onto your phone, and once you're connected will be able to utilize the screen on your phone instead of the unit itself. Great for if you want to position your recording device in a stationary unit away from you, or just don't want to risk adjusting the "sweet spot"

[@HoofHearted_Eh]

+Joe Willis Go with the Tascam for two reasons. Wifi and the 128 gb capability. I actually like the looks of the DR44wl, more military-like. Mine did not show any issues with the built like what he had on his. Perfect alignment on all buttons and frame.

[@mrpmrp5]

what brand is the extra large shotgun mic? and wich model is it?

[@JeremyJames_studio]

i'd like to know as well....

[@mauricerijnders3507]

Zoom H5 👍🏼

[@victorflorintsev7132]

looks like you only used one channel during the in car recording with the h5

[@severgun]

No. it is stereo. But levels are super low compare to dr40

[@nicholasfield4272]

umm.. correct me if i'm wrong, but around 3:10 when you are talking about the battries, The back view of the open battery compartments, It s a DR-40 and a DR-44WL right?

[@ColeDeRuse]

Look at this young Max!!!

[@maakkcc]

Hi Max , prompt that the track in your car plays , or does not find ) ) Shazam does not understand) ) Surveys and tests super) Greetings from Russia )

[@kineoproduccionesbogota9757]

Hi, Great Video. I want to know what digital recorder do you finally recomend for interviews and documentary proyects. Thanks

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Kineo Producciones Bogotá If you can afford it the H6, if not the H5 :)

[@kineoproduccionesbogota9757]

+Max Yuryev, Thanks for your answer !!!

[@pengchen634]

Does the zoom h5 has 3.5mm mic input too? Thanks

[@NedGorman]

Great info, Max. Thx, man!

[@mattlech8641]

This is a very well-done review, thanks.

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Matt Lech Thanks!

[@matthiastarra4393]

I am soo excited about your nx1\gh4 comparison! Checking your channel day and night .... Any idea when wie are ging to see it? :-)

[@MaksimYuryev]

Hi Mathias! Samsung just pushed the release date back for the third time so now it should ship Nov. 28th. Sucks but I would much rather have a good finished product that's late then early but needs work.

[@matthiastarra4393]

Thank you for your answer ... Yeah I guess I can wait another two or three weeks ... Hopefully they give some cind of converter for ther videofiles to prores or something. Otherwise the missing editing options will make the codec a dealbreaker for me :-/

[@MaksimYuryev]

Matthias Tarra no prob. As far as I know/read they will be giving out converting software with the camera to get us by until the editors catch up.

[@nicolaspointard]

Hi guy ! I wanna know the name of the dubstep song between 19 minutes and 22 minutes, please ? Best regards.

[@rodrigoperez258]

I bought the H5 zoom and feel great. Can I use the zoom h5 as a DAC for listen music with my headphones audio technica mx 50 on the pc or smartphone?

[@philippeheritier9364]

I would like to know that too

[@BB0YMatty]

No backup channel on the xlr inputs for the zoom. Only top mic.