CHEAPEST 32 Bit Float Audio Recorder... But Who Is It For?! - Zoom H1Essential Review

[@allanjoseph_filmer]

As a wedding videographer from India , we mainly use it to record audio by placing it near a speaker . Thats it !!! . In the case of christian weddings, all of them are held at a church and we do not have access to the audio output, so this is the only option other then the voice recorder in your phone.

[@dandelionestudios]

Same happens in Spain! I use it in front of a speaker at churches.

[@NitsanArt]

why don't you have access to the audio output?

[@NitsanArt]

why don't you have access to the audio output?

[@dandelionestudios]

@@NitsanArt the churches just don't allow us to get access to the sound output. They don't care about the sound of the video.

[@NitsanArt]

@@dandelionestudios that's a real pitty. but what if you ask the couple (the bride and groom) to ask the church, rather than asking the church yourself? I mean the couple PAYS the church to hold the ceremony, so if the request comes from the mouth of the ones paying for the church's services, and not from their videographer, the church might relate to it differently..... wouldn't they?

[@dathofilms]

3:50 - you dont need to adapt XLR to 3.5 cable exists and they are awesome! Also, you are reading that LINE and Mic icon on the 3.5 jack and then saying Zoom h1essential does not support line in? Well, let me tell you, it support LINE in thats why it say there and good part is that it automatically detects, SO, you just plug in and never have to worry about the sound levels. Yep, thats what I have been using for years now :) and 32 Bit float is just awesome.

[@HollywoodweddingfilmsGREECE]

Is the Line In input a stereo one ?

[@dathofilms]

@@HollywoodweddingfilmsGREECE yes, meaning that you can have left and right channels and with an XLR to 3.5 cable you can plug it into DJ board and get 2 different feeds.

[@crottison]

Came here to say the same thing! I have been using XLR to 3.5mm or TRS to 3.5mm on the Zoom H1N for years. It's great for this reason as it'll take either a MIC or a LINE level signal. Plug this into the output of a sound desk or the output of a speaker and youve got great backup audio to your couple lavaliers.

[@dathofilms]

@@crottison Yes, exactly! And now having 32 bit float it even makes more sense to have this plugged in to DJ boards/speakers.

[@HollywoodweddingfilmsGREECE]

@@dathofilms WOW !!! That is AWESOME. I feel it deserves my attention, just for playing that part. THANK you for your input.

[@BobbyD262]

Matt is overthinking this. I keep 2 or 3 H1's in my bag. I stash them here and there. Ambient sound of this or that, maybe add a lav for a speaker-drape-backup. Maybe I want crowd reaction noise from this spot in the room over here. Maybe I want an additional angle on that big pipe organ. I need a recorder in the perfect spot for that piano. Whatever. This version simply adds the ability to ignore setting the levels.

[@mikeblack_pw]

Get a screw in cold shoe, and you have a stereo pic on your camera.

[@PendervilleWeddingFilms]

H1n supports line in. I use an XLR to 3.5mm cable all the time when I use it to tap into whatever the DJ is using. H1 Essential looks like it also supports line in as well.

[@harir3]

Hi. Is the line in stereo?

[@PendervilleWeddingFilms]

@@harir3 it is! It works great. I just picked up an H1e - I love it!

[@harir3]

@@PendervilleWeddingFilms great. Thanks for the info! I might get started with an H1N...

[@neomatrix888]

​@@harir3Not N, you need E - essential, 32bit float and no more picking from loud sound board rec...

[@harir3]

@@neomatrix888 got it. Thanks! I got the Essential model only

[@KrishnenduKes]

In 2024, we have been using this H1 Essential at every wedding to capture audio from the DJ board.

[@israelbracha6632]

I want to get I just for this - is it recommended or its better to invest in h4 or something with xlr

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@israelbracha6632 I would go with something that has 32bit float. That way, we do not have to monitor audio at all. If there is input overload, just bring the levels down in post.

[@israelbracha6632]

@@KrishnenduKes 👌👍

[@birjub9647]

How do you capture audio from the dj board? do you connect it or just place it there?

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@birjub9647 I connect it to the output that the DJ is giving me, XLR or RCA or 1/4 inch.

[@NitsanArt]

Of course the H1e supports LINE level input from the DJ's sound board! that's why it's written "line\mic" on it. I filmed hundreds of weddings for the past 11 years, always connected a Zomm H1 or a Zoom H1n to the DJ's sound board, using either a Behringer DI20 or a cablr that reduces 25DB and connects the recorder to the sound board. not a single time there was any problem with the sound. With the H1e and 32 bit float, you don't even need the DI box or the DB-reducing cable, you can use a regular cable.

[@ShinilPayamal]

I own and use a Zoom H1n and I personally prefer the 'look' of it over the appearance of the Zoom H1 Essential.

[@JaredRibic]

I bought one, because there's a perfectly sized space for it in my camera bag (where my H1n has been). This is a perfect recorder for recording a string quartet during a ceremony. The larger H6 could do the same thing and be more versatile for other uses, but I already have the F3 for recording the DJ line out, and a couple of Instamics and DJI MIC2 for everything else, so the size and function of this little recorder is perfect for me. Not super crazy about the colors of the buttons, but it gets the job done.

[@RossBarnett02]

The H1N (or H1 Essentials) is the perfect recorder for strings during a ceremony! Surprised this wasn't mentioned. But also - great for mic'ing a podium for readings during a catholic/church ceremony too. I love my H1N still - even after moving to the F3 for line out and Rode Mics for Lavs.

[@JaredRibic]

@@RossBarnett02 - Exactly right! I use mine for podium recordings too, forgot to mention that.

[@pedromoreno6836]

Exactly that how I specially use it all the time... to me is a must have in your sound bag.

[@PatrickStirling]

Had an H1 for years and adored it. Passed it to a friend but I'd absolutely pick this back up with 32-bit float as a flexible piece of kit 🤘

[@grindstone.creative]

We used the h1 with lav mics for YEARRRSS before the tascam dr10l came out, never had an issue.

[@andrewclevine]

Regarding the admittedly cheap mics, they are cardioid capsules which means they are intended for FRONTAL address! Speaking into / blowing at them from the side results in approximately 6 dB of attenuation.

[@livestreamireland7745]

We own this. Replaced a zoom H1 which was set too low on a church speaker as there wasnt time to do a sound check...this sorts the problem...good for a backup recording...single piece of kit, no lab mics being draped over speakers and falling off or trying to unfurl if using the smaller F2. (We also own that, its never been used but we have for a spare if the Rode wireless mic gets damaged etc. We love it and 100 percent recommend for certain use case scenarios.

[@fouryearproductions]

I'm on the fence about buying this coming from the h1n. Is there no way to set gain for piece of mind?

[@richardconejo5460]

The problem I'm seeing with compact alternatives is that they don't do stereo at 32bit float. If there is one, please let me know.

[@aefilmsweddings]

I still use my H1 and stuff it in their jacket, never had any groom think it was crazy or oversized. H1e seems perfect for me!

[@rossguerinvideo]

I have 2x H1n in my wedding kit. One with a wind sock on it which I throw right at an acoustic duo that might be playing at the ceremony, and the other I use for the celebrants PA system. Yes, I have XLR, RCA and 1/4 jack cables that go to a 3.5mm. Rarely have any issues with that setup. They're light. Theyre simple. Upgrading to these for 32bit audio sounds good to me.

[@strongereveryday2302]

I bought it and use it as a shotgun mic that records a safe backup. I know there is the Mictrak 3 but I just don't like how that device looks.

[@adamthompsonvideo]

I did this with my zoom H1 I still do! great recorders

[@DamianBartolacci]

It’s not crazy. It worked. Yes I did use the original H1 as a lav mic. I still have it but I use it for reception back up audio. It’s a fantastic mic. Uses 1 AA battery. One of the only reasons I don’t want to upgrade to the H1 essential. One day.

[@andrewclevine]

Compared to currently available more compact options this one does support STEREO inputs 😅

[@DMPHOTOSERBIA]

Exactly and for pocket recorder and line in stereo 32bit float recording from sound board etc this is best buy... Tascam DR-10L Pro and Zoom F2 etc are all mono line in inputs...

[@danielgray1874]

I am confused, I watched a video on Zoom's website and they claim it DOES support line level sources...maybe I am misunderstanding what that means lol.

[@alexbodi5526]

It does support line in and it’s stereo

[@flycatchercreations]

Do you ever need an attenuator for XLR output at weddings or events? I used to run an xlr through that first to lower the signlar 20-40dB so my recorders could handle it. Haven't had that need in awhile. Thank you for putting together an audio kit like this, I collected all of these along the way and was always shocked how confused sound people were when they saw my collection. Had to walk them through what "being prepared" means.

[@jf_blanco]

I absolutely did that Matt. Purchased mine short after they released it. Guess what, it still works flawlessly.

[@martalli]

I use ~2016 H2N microphones on microphone stands to record school concerts,, recording on SD cards and syncing audio in post. Sometimes I record off the soundboard. Do you have a suggestion of a newer Zoom mic that could fit this purpose? I especially need a quality mic for recording the audio, so the H1 doesn"'t sound like that trick..

hmmm i wonder how it compares to the zoom m2. i love the option of having a small cheap mic which i can independently place somewhere withouth any extra work... like putting it to the band in a church for example ... i love the idea of that

[@AyresMedia]

Great vid Matt! I think you may have missed a good use for this recorder though. I've been using H1 for years now as an easy standalone recorder for churches that don't let us patch into any of their systems and for musicians. Some of our weddings have live musicians playing harp or violin during the ceremony that aren't patched into the main system. For this we simply drop one of these stand alone recorders next to them to capture the music and then mix that recoding into the final mix for ceremony. It would be great to have 32bit float for this especially at the price but the audio example in the video did sound mediocre in quality. Would be interested to hear a direct comparison of this and the original h1 and see if it would still sound good when used in this way instead of just talking directly into the mics.

[@paulcryerfilms]

I really wish Zoom or Tascam would bring out a real TX650/660 competitor. They’d make a lot of money off wedding videographers from it!

[@pedromoreno6836]

I do weddings and I love my ZOom H1n but not as an only source of sound. I use it a lot when we have live piano, violin, cello, soprano singer, etc at the church for example I do place it usually at front of them and the capture of the sound is usually fantastic. Also is been use as one more source of back up. I did order an essential and I will keep my old one as well. Also I own an Zoom F2, Zoom F3, 2 Tascam DR-10L, 2 DJI Mic 2, Tascam DR-10X and a pair of Hollyland Lark M2... as you can tell back up sound for me is a must!!!

[@HDBnB1]

Do you still use the Tuscan porta capture? Would love to see an update video on that

[@AM2PMReviews]

now that little wireless mics also record 32 bit float, maybe this isn't a good buy? Or maybe this is a great backup? oh you mention all of this.

[@Sydney2217]

Confused by this review ...but part of my research .How is the sound quality in open air situations , like parades etc to capture the ambience in stereo with this microphone attached to the camera ?

[@RossBarnett02]

I love these things. I've had an H1N in my wedding audio kit for years. Great for capturing audio from unplugged strings at a ceremony, or to place on a podium in a catholic ceremony for a backup audio of readings. BUT YES - these were definitely my first lav mic in 2017-2019 before the Rode Wireless Go II's.

[@RossBarnett02]

at 3:47 you said it doesn't support line level audio. Is that right? Back in the day - I would run an XLR to 3.5 into the H1N from a DJ soundboard because the input supported both mic level input and line level input as well. Honestly for someone just starting out on a budget - buying two of these you could get great audio from the ceremony + reception for $200. Finicky, but could work great now that the 32 bit float implementation is there. If you're on a budget it could work.

[@dathofilms]

@@RossBarnett02 it literally says on the 3.5 jack that it can take both, mic and Line. And thats one of the best features of these recorders h1n also did this. It automatically detects input and adjusts accordingly.

[@PaulFeinberg]

I used to use an H1N for a lav for sure! lol 😂 Now we have all these great wireless systems I don’t have to worry about it as much. Good video as always!

[@MORPHPICTURES-m7c]

Your channel is so clutch, love your content bro!🕊️💯🔥

[@ruizj0hn]

i like to keep one of these in my bag for musicians. whenever i shoot some elopements, there wont be any sound system they will be connected to like a violinist, cellosit, or a harpist, so having this comes in handy for those situations because of those mics on the top. just need one of those wind muffs on top

[@wasrno3669]

Been using it as a 32bit stereo recorder for my wireless mics, it's lounted on ly sony camera. Wireless receiver goes in the mic port, H1 is recording 32 bits non stop so I don't miss a bit, and the sound outta the jack phone port goes straight to the camera so I can sync it up later easy if needed. Runs with a small powerbank and works perfect 👌🏻 gives me peace of mind the whole day through 🔥🔥

[@Marcus_Visbal]

Love zoom and their products, but I would buy this. Thank you for the review 🙌

[@KreativeKev]

This is always my back up recorder incase I forget the Dji Mic, for weddings

[@kouleeofficial]

You won’t need this if you already have a Zoom F3?

[@adamsmith4778]

I love zoom h1s purely because they get great audio fit in pockets well and if they break. Cheaply replaced

[@alexvancampenhout]

Newbie question - but could you use an XLR to 3.5mm cable and record directly from a soundboard or speaker?

[@HollywoodweddingfilmsGREECE]

Is the LINE IN input a stereo one ??? If it is , then isn't it a great idea to connect a couple of wireless mics (for the filmmakers who already own them) like the ones from Hollyland Lark M2 and then you have two wireless mics with 32bit float recording ?! Does this sound extreme ?

[@alexbodi5526]

The line in input is indeed stereo

[@AndresArosemena]

I just bought this mic on amazon prime day for $76.83, I wanted to replace one of my zoomh1 to connect to the soundboard because when using my zoomh1 I always have to be going to the soundboard and check if it's sounding fine (using headphones) because a lot of times the DJ or person using the soundboard tends to raise or low the mic levels and it destroys my audio (I have to use a backup zoomh1 near a speaker) so I thought that this Zoom h1 Essential would solve the issue by having 32bit float. Or am I wrong on that and I just wasted $76.83?

[@jonmac3995]

Can the Tascam DR-10L pro record in stereo from an external source like a DJ sound board. ?

[@orel-zm]

Tell me, is it true that when replacing batteries you need to set the date and time again every time?

[@Goxilla]

Newbie here, I want to use my Sennheiser MKE 400 microphone which connects with a 3.5 jack. So if I was only interested in the audio recording function the Zoom H1 would do it for me, right? I was planning to buy the Zoom F2 but I don´t see any other difference than the size which doesn´t matter that much to me. Is the recording quality any different between the H1 and F2?

[@tealeafmediaaz]

The amount of right angle adapters I broke trying to preserve my lav mic cord 😅

[@anakifilms]

I just came back from a wedding and checked if this product can handle a line-in from a mixer. I didn’t have volume/pad control, and after coming home, I realized it can't be 32-bit because it doesn't reduce distortion in post-production. This is the worst purchase I’ve ever made.

[@RhajeemCrawford]

If I connect a wireless microphone system to this, will it still record in 32bit float?

[@EricCampbellUAV]

i wonder if those more compact mics would be better to have if they're at the same price point

[@doughallstoryteller]

Hey awesome human !!!!! 8-). Wondering if you can jam timecode on this recorder. I notice in the manual it has Bluetooth options but I want to jam it with a cable. Is this something you do with your camera and recorders?

[@adv.rohitl.jbrasdesa2402]

Advice caution the Zoom H6 essential ASIO driver is not compatible with the windows 11 arm64 and the error reported is it required x64 processor. I have been informed that there is no solution for this situation. It cannot be used as a audio interface on windows 11 arm 64.

[@aaronbryant6309]

I'm still using my zoom H1 and plan on it being one of my main mics for the TV show I'm producing!!!

[@chikstarws]

Thank you for your honesty

[@thunderstruck560]

I absolutely put the h1 in jackets. I even did a dresses as well, I forgot who did it but there was a company that sold white lav mics so with a little creativity you could hide it in a dress. I also more times than I'd like to admit put the lav in the headphones out port... But I also used to adapt down an XLR to 3.5mm for that input to hook into a dj system. The cable pack seems awesome and despite having them all I might pick one up on my next check, even though the line in on my brand new h4 essentials requires quarter inch (which I actually found out about watching your review after I already bought it haha) But b&h sold out your location to new Braunfels, I'm crashing at your house next time I go to Schlitterbahn.

[@quakebot1]

Used to record some ground level ambient during a fireworks show, filming with a drone.

[@flycatchercreations]

guilty! that was in the early early days of us regular people becoming "videographers" with wedding films.

[@zoharmaor9485]

i use both of h1 zoom recorders but I use them with the line in direct to the Dj for example and then I am synchronize the audio that i recorded from the video camera and the sound from the zoom recorder

[@TwoPaw-Shapurr]

I am an aspiring filmmaker. I want to specialize in 360 VR content eventually. I am planning on getting the 7ryms iray 1 receiver/4 transmitter wireless mic set. I have a DSLR camera and the insta360 X4. I want to be able to plug the receiver for the wireless mics into a device that will record all 4 wireless mics.... But on four separate tracks so that I can post edit them individually. Do I need something like this to accomplish that? Will the insta 360 X4 record the 4 four wireless mics as individual tracks already? If I do need a recorder like this.... Will this one accomplish 4 individual track recordings? If this recorder cannot accomplish this.... What is the cheapest way I can accomplish this WHILE RETAINING A SIMPLE PLUG IN THE RECEIVER AND START RECORDING PROCESS. Basically I want to be able to record all four wireless microphones... Be able to edit each microphone recording track separately...... Not have to have a complicated setup....... And as cheap as possible while not sacrificing too much quality. Please and thank you for any advice you may have for me 🙏🏼

[@VKGraph]

This is an example of not doing the proper research for making this video. I’ve been using the H1 for many years and it’s not how you put it. -It does have Line Input -It has an stereo 3.5 input -You can use a power adapter and let it run for hours and now worry about batteries

[@43avadheshsharma93]

i recently purchased this mic but iam getting no sd card problem even if i am insrting 32gd sd card please help me how can i solve this

[@captteemo9133]

The other options like tascam or zoom f2 can't record in stereo on that input...

[@orel-zm]

Thanks for the review

[@imaginariumpictures]

Inside pocket, still an SOP. Its nice to not be limited by distance.

[@Giovanni-Giorgio]

Easy mounting and lightweight on camera/cage/gimbal

So this mic stereo mics are low quality, is the same whit the mic in the zoom m3? :(

[@RandumbTech]

My M3 sounds amazing. Perhaps you have a bad copy? Plus having the ability to reshape the sound stage in post is super handy.

[@johnnymarinara3797]

I know people who do it so last weekend I went to plug my h1n into the dj board with an adapter and it didn’t work…

[@graysonking6093]

Oof I just bought one before seeing this video.. I bought the H1 as a back up measure for recording audio during wedding ceremonies and receptions. My plan is to plug in directly to the DJ's board with a 1/8 to 1/4 cable or a 1/8 to xlr cable, whichever one the DJ can support. I will report back after this weekend with an update.

[@whoismatt]

Let me know how it goes

[@artofvisual_videography]

I’m still using this!!!!

[@clivemclaughlin3920]

Not the cheapest option don’t think. The dji wireless mic 2 sells the transmitters separately, and they have internal 32bit float recording without requiring the receiver. I’m not sure about your currency, but they may be less than $99. Or at least comparable. 👍

[@alexbodi5526]

The H one essential is one of a few recorders at that price point that will actually record in stereo, though, plus it has voice guidance

[@ww1www]

It looks like Zoom has watched this video and they have released the H1 XLR :)

[@347955787]

use the H1n instead. the build in MIC much much better, get it used half price now.

[@gregv2821]

I use mine for nat sound when traveling.

[@normanwallace9658]

I did that and still do.

[@joseacarrasm]

What’s different from the H1n?

[@mikefry6765]

32 bit float

[@alexbodi5526]

@@mikefry6765 And also voice guidance for those like myself that are blind or visually impaired.

[@kurtnelle]

Something tells me that the presenter needs to learn how to use 32-bit float audio recorders. I'd like to know more about their experiences with 32-bit float.

[@TheMrKonov]

I use h1 for years, now I migrated to f2 I hate both 😂

[@toneranger]

Very misleading review, "Doesn't support line in" you say, of course it does as does it's predecessor, mono and stereo. How much research did you put into this ?

[@auxiliarylens3876]

Zoom didn't sponsor this video, but did Tascam encourage the criticism?

[@emanuellsmith1944]

I did as well use it that way.

[@GeneralBuckles]

Ok, so from reading KZbin’s guidelines I understood that free gear to review was still considered “paid promotion” . Hmmmm

[@foreefilms]

Guilty 🙋‍♂️ that h1n was my first audio recorder with a lav about 65 feet long 🤣

[@DMAN590]

XLR to 3.5, 1/4 to 3.5 and RCA to 3.5 all exist my man. Not sure why you ragged on that as a limitation to using it with boards. I Also don't find the size to be cumbersome and use the built in mics as backups on the toast speakers (on a light stand close to the speaker) Never failed.

[@Eric_In_SF]

You clearly have no concept of what a field recorder is used for. No, no one is in the history of time is never going to put a field recorder in front of somebody’s face to record dialogue. That’s what a shotgun microphone is for.

[@chunkylover54]

i wore one at my wedding haha

[@spiritual8flame]

It sounds like he’s trying to sell updated stuff for Zoom 😂

[@feel387]

very clear direction haha

[@QQualityMovies]

Yes I did it. You are crazy, but not THAT crazy

[@EricCampbellUAV]

dji soundboard...

[@MagDag_]

I didn't like your review. First of all f2 and TASCAM DR-10L Pro they are for different purpose products! Zoom h4 can't handle 30-40 minutes of recording, which is a red flag!

[@MagDag_]

P sounds will catch all mics without cover. It is not mic is cheap it is you.

[@Gunnyfelker]

Dude get to the point

[@alwinbenjamin]

👏🏻⚡️🔥

[@NetvoTV]

Anyone here reading this can sponsor me one hard drive and one Zoom H1Essential or Zoom M3 to help me work on my first book and also level up my KZbin video? I will craft a logo of your needs in return, I tried to seek for logo design work but can't land any, if you can help out, I will be really appreciated, please let me know if it's possible! :-)