Zoom H1N vs Tascam DR07X Review and Comparison. Interference issues!

[@funguy4900]

Glad i watched this. I was going buy the tascam.

[@adgame32]

Me too

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that it has been helpful. What alternative recorder are you considering?

[@ichthusstudios3585]

I bought the dr-05x before seeing this video. And unfortunately I have the same interferences noise outside. Or GSM noises. I'mm about to return the DR-05X. It's a pity. Thanks a lot posting this video.

[@nadirelizalde]

Thanks! At last a comparative and outdoor review Greetings from Argentina

[@SamuelSotiega]

You welcome! I am glad you found it helpful! Viva Argentina!!

[@xaviert7839]

8:35 You approached to an underground wiring junction. The noise is basically faulty wiring of EMF. you were directly on the top of that. If you look closely there is a two "xx" mark (8:31) on the ground before approaching on that curb slab. those are emf fault sign done by local city officials of course. All the interference from Tascam are mainly from underground EMF noise.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for the comment. I tested this thoroughly and also experienced the same issues in city parks and even in the forest when walking by trees, totally randomly. A Russian chap made a video when he opened a DR05X and shielded the wires from the stereo speakers to the board with kitchen foil. Mad as it sounds it worked but he also said that if for some reason the kitchen foil touches the board it would fry the recorder. In the video you can clearly see this is pretty advanced stuff (and took him a while to do, way too advanced for the average person and that includes me) and let’s be honest, when you buy a sound recorder you just want it to work. Nowhere in the agreements is stated that you are expected to open up the recorder and work on the internal elements. You might be right, it sounds you know what you are talking about. I am sure you will also agree with me.

[@xaviert7839]

@@SamuelSotiega I might be wrong in that case. But it sounds like some sort of rf or emf interferences. Of Course no one will buy something which takes lots of work to eliminate interference noise. just buy the h1n...you don't have to worry about. thanks for the video. Really helpful .

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@xaviert7839 Wise words you just said 😊

[@Dstonephoto]

Wow. Awesome practical review. As someone new to audio I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around how such a glaring malfunction made its way onto the market. I’m trying to decide between lavalier mics fed into my phone vs using an external recorder for vlogging and run and gun stuff . I’m even more confused now than ever before . Subscription earned!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Hi David, thanks for the comment. My take on this is that if you are on your own, kinda run and gun style outdoors on location, you have two options. Record directly to the phone and don't worry about cables o syncing in post, or get a lavalier connected to an H1N and then in post is super simple to synch.You just have to make sure you remember to press record for every take. Yes, it requires a little consistency and diligence. I use Davinci resolve and as long as you record guide track audio on the phone, resolve analyses the audio wave and sync it that way. Super simple and super easy. If you are indoors in a controlled environment, I recommend connecting the mic to a recorder, from there to the phone/ camera, etc. The preamps in a sound recorder will always be better than those in a phone or camera. The sound will always will cleaner and with less background noise. Do not even consider the DR07X, I own an H1N and has never failed, not even once. If you use 3.5mm jack mic, the H1N is the way to go. I hope I have put a little more clarity to your current dilemma.

[@shyft09]

I wonder if the interference is from the helicopter (that we can hear earlier in the shot) I used to live there and there are often helicopters covering protests in Trafalgar square that hover over central London for hours at a time, especially on Sundays

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@shyft09 no, the issue is that Tascam didn’t seal the wires connecting the mics to the main board, all internally. There is a video on KZbin of a Russian guy who opened a Tascam up and covered the wires with kitchen foil and fixed the issue. But that is mad and if the foil touches the board it will burn the recorder. It was a hack to illustrate what the issue is/was. A botched design job at the manufacturing end, that’s what it is.

[@Dstonephoto]

@@SamuelSotiega Sorry for the delayed response. Messaging with youtube leaves much to be desired. Thanks for expanding on the topic and clarifying. It really helped. Funjily enough, I ended up purchasing a cheap Boya lavalier mic, feeding it into my computer and cleaning up the audio with Izotope RX and I'm pretty blown away. By what I managed to pull off. I ended up spending 10 days perusing Amazon and watching youtube and my mind was about to explode after I finally managed to climb out of that dark hole. Many ways to skin a cat, it seems!

[@gamerchannel666]

@@SamuelSotiega I can't find that Russian video, please show me the link to fix this issue 🙌

[@mattohoshi]

Thanks mate, I was having a tough time deciding which one to go with. Definitely going to pick up the H1n! Great video!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Amazing, so glad my video was helpful.

[@relaxmarco]

Same here. I was thinking about buying the Tascam. Completely changed my mind.

[@novapixel16]

OMG, Finally. So that's how the dr07x work. I was wondering why mine is not recording at all. I bought mine couple days ago, and thank god I try to record first and not unbox it at wedding event. I googled what's wrong, and nobody came up with straight answer. Thanks to you I'm safe. And somehow the auto record is turned on so if I stop talking, it paused itself. it will record again after it detect sound at certain dB. I was wondering why I have multiple files.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad you found the video helpful!! 👍

[@diegomerino9939]

Fantastic review. Very useful. On the H1N the clicking sound is produced only by the volume up and down button. Putting a little piece of cello tape on it fixes the issue (still allowing to use the buttons perfectly well). A big flaw for me is that batteris last very little time (roughly 1 hour). Otherwise, it is great. And sound is surprisingly good.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Yes, I use a little rubber band and job done! 👍

[@Markste-in]

i heard about the interference issues but i didn't expect it to be soo bad... that renders the tascam almost unusable as a mobile hq recorder... thanks for the review!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that it has been helpful. Are you or were you planning on buying a tascam recorder? What alternative recorder are you considering?

[@Markste-in]

Was about to buy a tascam but decided to get a zoom h5. Should arrive tomorrow!

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@Markste-in the H5 is a very good recorder. You won’t have any issues. I own a H6 and it is solid. The H5 is much the same. Well done. You will have a recorder that you will be able to rely on for years.

[@fdhoyos]

Man I wish I saw this review before I bought the Tascam, and I can confirm the interference problem is 100% true! Trying to get a refund right now for that piece of crap

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that you found this review helpful. And hopefully you can get your refund.

[@al404]

on the same model? I was looking at DS-05 😅

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@al404 no! Do yourself a favour, don’t! Same garbage internal components in the 05 and 07 models.

[@al404]

@@SamuelSotiega Ok thanks, what's "next step" up after the Zoom H1N? Would me my first recorder most for nature, not sure is a little more expensive model does have internal battery

[@fdhoyos]

@@al404 I'm now using the Zoom H1N, it's a nice recorder, no internal memory or battery, it runs on 2 AAA, and no interference problems. It feels kinda cheap vs the Tascam but trust me, the Tascam interference issue is BAD.

[@somogyilevente2677]

Maaaaan, thanks a ton for this review! The DR-07X looked quite good on paper, but I am relieved I did not purchase it! Thanks again!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad you found the review helpful and saved you from wasting your money!!

[@NJP76]

@@SamuelSotiega I agree with the comment above. I was looking at the Tascam DR-05X against the Zoom H1N. I very nearly ordered the Tascam last night. It really does look better "on paper". I did consider stepping up to the DR-07X because of the ability to set the mic's in either AB or XY setup. A bit more expensive than I originally wanted to spend, but worth it in flexibility. BUT!! After having watched and listened to this video, I am re-thinking which way to go. This is actually the first review type video I have seen/heard where the devices were used in REAL world conditions. I am glad I stumbled on this video. You have given me much to think about. There is much to like with the Tascam, but that interference issue is a deal breaker for me. Funny thing is that at first, I thought the review was going to go an a different direction. I think I can tolerate rattling buttons in exchange for interference free recordings. The H1N is now on my (Very) short list. Thanks again for all the work you did in this review. Extremely helpful.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@NJP76 if you want AB stereo recording, I reviewed the DR40X, which might be of interest to you…

[@NJP76]

@@SamuelSotiega Thanks for the quick reply. I actually prefer an XY mic setup. But I do find that having the option of going between an XY and an AB is a useful feature. I think I am pretty well sold on the H1N though. Just seems like the better overall unit....and it is actually slightly less expensive than the DR-05x or the DR07X. What a shame that Tascam was unable / unwilling to deal with the shielding issues in these units.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@NJP76 true. I have a H1N and use it all the time. Amazing value for money. It has never failed me. Although I wish there was a way to look the analogue volume wheel. Nothing a bit of tape over it can’t fix 😊

[@pyalot]

Bought the DR-07x as a slightly better alternative to on-camera recording (untethered, 24bit uncompressed) with lavalier and shotgun mikes, had no issue with that. I dont expect anything usable out of the onboard mikes at all. I use shielded high quality cables.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Hi Florian. I wish you the best of luck. If I was you, I would do some testing before settling for it for good. Just in case what I and many others have experienced does happen to you too. On paper the DR07X is a great recorder, you want to like it, I wanted to like it. But the issues I experienced I know for a fact they were not isolated issues, I have heard of and seen others experiencing the horrendous interferences. I just wouldn't want you to discover down the line that your recorder gives you the same problems as mine did... Testing, testing, testing.... Like I said in the video, the recorder can be a great device in certain environments, depending on how you use it and where.

[@pyalot]

@@SamuelSotiega I wouldn't say it's a great recorder, it's got a barebones featureset, it's just that it has the newer generation audio circuit than the Zoom H-series which gives it about -20db less EIN while it's one of the cheapest recorders out there that's pocketable. Far as I'm concerned they could just skip the onboard mikes.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@pyalot There will always be a difference in what different users need from a recorder. For me, the onboard stereo mics are essential for the kind of work that I do, and in this price range (I always state in this price range) it could have been a really good recorder. I really hope that you don't experience the issues I and many others have. I really do!!!

[@pyalot]

@@SamuelSotiega I don't think it's fair to expect competitive performance at all levels from a device in the $100 range to match recorders costing 5-10x as much...

[@CinematicTouchProductions]

wow, that is an excellent tip, who knew? I don't know where you got that great tip from but I am sure glad you did and passed it on to us! and I totally agree with you that rattling sound tells alot about the solidness and build quality of the device. if not for that single tip people who wouldn't other wise purchase it would! thank you Samuel!!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that it was helpful. You might want to know that I actually own an H1N and I use it a lot actually, and to address the rattling, I just use a small/ tiny black rubber band, that fits perfectly the zoom recorder, and you can't always tell. It is enough pressure to stop the rattling, but not enough to press it accidentally. I hope this helps!!!

[@gaanpokafolk]

Its not always necessary to reduce extreme noise for audio recording. Specially musicians will like tascam more because of its liveliness. Both are nice but in sense of live acoustic music recording, i prefer tascam. It has a really good outcome with minimum sound loss.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Great point and thanks for sharing it!

[@marianpavlik6352]

Interference issue - I have Tascam DR05 for many years, recording mainly concerts (I do concert reviews) and lots of interviews with musicians. Quite often interferences were recorded while a mobile phone was somewhere close to Tascam. So it is probably very sensitive to mobile phones signal. Now my DR05 is facing issues with saving the recorded audio footage (I tried different micro cards). Sometimes the footage is properly saved, sometimes the Tascam is not able to save. So the time for replacement is here. I am considering move to another brand, maybe Zoom? Of course, the price expectation up to 100€. I was thinking of buying some higher Tascam model but am not sure because of the interferences.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Zoom makes solid and reliable recorders with good internal components. If I didn't need AB stereo recording at the time when I bought the DR40X that I use, I would have gone with zoom. I recommend you focus on Zoom products, it is a safe bet.

[@AppAxis]

All Tascam recorders support imported file and folder playback. Not all zoom recorders can play the audio once it has been removed from the device. So if you want to use it to store audio files for playback, Zoom is a no-go. I record and listen to lectures, as well as compile audio samples for music for sample-based music production. #Tascam #DR07 #AudioPlayback #SamuelSotiega

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for your comment. It is great that you have worked out a way to make it work for you. Generalising is never good and what might not be good enough for me, might fit perfectly on someone else’s workflow. We are all different and do things in different ways. What you say is right, but it doesn’t take away the fact the highlighted issues and quite major and for people potentially recording audio outdoors (and even indoors) in a variety of locations quite devastating.

[@AppAxis]

@@SamuelSotiega I loved the video #RealTimeExperiment #ScientificMethod

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@AppAxis cool! Thanks a lot!

[@GazLan]

Thanks for the upload. I am in the market for an audio recorder to record my dj sets direct from my mixer rec out and into a line level line in. I have already read about the noisy sound floor with both the dr-05X and dr-07X due to the a-b and x-y external mic's. Now having watched your video I can see / hear the internal mic's suffer with interference also on the dr-07X which is a disappointment. I think the H1N is looking like the alternative in this price range. Thanks again.

[@SamuelSotiega]

The H1N, in the price bracket, is a solid recorder, period. That is as long as you are aware it will only take 1x 3.5mm input jack. If you want something a bit better, with more functionality and giving you XLR and 1/4inch phono jacks, watch out for my review of the Tascam DR40X, coming up next week. I can say though, it is solid. It also gives you the ability of XY and AB stereo configuration, which is something that not many recorders in these price ranges do. If on the other hand, the H1N meets your requirements, then you won't be disappointed, I left a link in the description if you want to buy it. I am glad that this review was helpful to you!

[@GazLan]

@@SamuelSotiega Thanks for the helpful response. I have seen some good reviews of the dr-40X however it is out of my budget and has more features than I need. Just out of curiosity do you have any experience with the Tascam dr-22wl and if so is it an improvement over the dr-07X? Thanks again

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@GazLan I have not ever used the DR22WL, so I can't give you an opinion, and I would never just give you an opinion unless I have first-hand experience. However, saying that, I always like to search for videos about any kit with the words in the title "do not buy" or "problems" "interference", etc. You get the idea. I always want to see what the issues are, everyone can talk about the good stuff, most people don't even use the equipment and they give you a review based on published specs, which is useless. Have a look at this short video and draw your own conclusions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqK2koyta7Noqbc It seems you get just as bad interferences.... Honestly, with these single-channel pocket-size recorders, the Zoom H1N is the best and definitely most reliable... But I am not just saying it, the proof is in the pudding. Watch that video about the DR22WL, it is very short but very enlightening. I hope it is helpful.

[@GazLan]

@@SamuelSotiega Thanks again, I'll continue my research.

[@alexanderriku9716]

Very helpful! Guess I'll be staying away from that Tascam! Any other suggestions for Zoom models? Thank you for the video, it was perfect timing👌🏾

[@SamuelSotiega]

To be frank, on this budget range, the H1N is solid. I have one myself and worked around the “clicking” issue by simply using a black 17.5mm diameter, 6.5mm wide rubber band. It blends nicely with the color of the recorder, doesn’t obscure the screen and it is not so strong or tight as to affect the volume control buttons. Spending more money on a more compete recorder will also mean that the size of the recorder increases. If you want a reliable single channel recorder, the H1N seems the best option, in my opinion. I can only talk about what I have tested and know from using. There are other brands and models but I can only vouch for the zoom, in this budget range.

[@zogun]

@@SamuelSotiega you trying to cover the Zoom H1N dial knob? How about the older H1? is it a good buy?

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@zogun i use a small rubber band, nothing special, to wrap around the area where the volume rocker is and problem sorted. I got it from the postman so it really is nothing special. Never used the H1 but it is a workhorse. The main upgrade the H1N has over the H1 is the fact most control buttons are at the front and also the analogue volume dial. But I can’t give you an informed opinion as I never used it.

[@zogun]

@@SamuelSotiega understood, thank you very much for the explanation. really appreciate it

[@ruxiwang9571]

@@SamuelSotiega may I ask what is that “clicking” issue?

[@jeffrydemeyer5433]

Glad I opted to watch your video, I was about to put the DR-07x it in my basket. Not doing that now

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad you found it helpful. You’ve made a good decision.

[@AlarmedJuggernaut8]

Thank you for this, saved my on almost buying the tascam. Zoom H1N VP (value pack) ordering that instead!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad you found it helpful!! 👍👍 This video was one of my first youtube videos I ever made and it is still helping people. I am chuffed!

[@burnedmemory]

if zoom had A B like tascam i would definitely go with the zoom, all i want is the A B 😢

[@SamuelSotiega]

you should check out my review of the Tascam DR40X. I have it and it is stereo AB... A bit bigger but still portable....

[@petitkitten]

i feel u xD, it's so great when u have an AB microphone to record some nice stereo ASMR VIDEOS, u can buy the 3dio nd h1n but it will cost expensive nd it will not be portable this time xD or i mean u could find a hack to make zoom h1n kinda AB

[@burnedmemory]

@@petitkitten i guess the zoom h1n also have a stereo type mic, the only thing that it hasn't is the AB thing, i think i will buy the h1n, it sound better in nature, yesterday i've seen many vids abt ppl complaining and some they had to disassemble the device nd foil it, haha thank god i've found that tutorial useful

[@ketokonazol]

Do you think that hn1 its ok for recording music vocal guitar? Doesn't have some effect as reverb etc.. while tawcam has 6 effects, i dont know if that is plus for tascam? But now with problem of phones might is big? I thought in my home to out aeroplane mode my phone and record, or again will it failure? I ordered by thomman tascam but not sure if to get back.. thanks greetings from Greece

[@SamuelSotiega]

Can you let me know if it works for you and whether there are any issues? I’d love to know!

[@theuntouchables808]

Thank you soooo Soo much for this video . your honesty is sooo important . I was about to Buy a DR07X Seen Lots of youtube review so far only found 2 videos that show how bad the interference really is on these Tascam. witch recorder de you recommend ? I'd really like to stay with a hand held recorder that i can just throw in a bag ... and record when ever i find an interesting sound . nothing Super fancy but ton something that sound bad . again thank you ...

[@SamuelSotiega]

I own and use the H1N a lot. Small, compact, super reliable. I use a small rubber band around the area where the volume rocker is and clicking problem solved. If you want stereo AB, I own and use a Tascam DR40X, for which I also made a review about, if interested. Mind you though, the DR40X won’t take external 3.5mm mini jack mics, only XLR. If you are ok with XY stereo recording, it is hard to recommend anything other than the H1N in this price range and size. I hope this is helpful.

[@clipsonthespectrum]

Bless your soul, I was considering that tascam

[@SamuelSotiega]

Haha! Glad you found the video helpful!

[@rlowle1228]

With the 07x pushing the record button twice is a benefit. Before i record i want to set levels. So the first push to pause shouldn't be an issue.

[@SamuelSotiega]

To me it is the interferences that makes the 07X impossible to use....

[@jasondai0207]

Thank you for your introduction. I would like to know if you have tested the low-cut filter function.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for the comment! No, I haven't, but I can't really see making too much of a difference as the interferences that you hear in the Tascam DR07X happen because the internal wires that connect the mics to the main board are not shielded. Low cut is not designed to handle those interfereances. But if you know sometihng that I don;t please share it, I am sure it could benefit someone else reading the comments. Cheers!

[@phillean]

Very useful thanks. What binaural microphones were you using ? I am reading reviews of various brands. So far the SOUND PROFESSIONALS look ok but I am wondering if I should spend more for amateur discreet ambient field recording, into a H6.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Hi Phillip. I use the Sundmand OKM-II with an A3 adaptor in case I need phantom from a source that cannot provide it. The H1N provides phantom through the 3.5mm jack so, to be frank, I have hardly ever had to use the A3 adaptor, but it is worth having it just in case. I can't tell you about any other mics in this price range as the soundman's are all I have ever needed, and have been very happy with them. A Zoom H6 is a great recorder but you get XY only, not AB stereo recording. Worth considering this. The Tascam DR40X, which I also use, allows for both XY and AB. It is a reliable recorder. To record ambient field recording you don't need binaural mics, bear that in mind. You need to "want" to record in binaural. You can just record a nice ambient stereo and to be frank, most people, unless they are willing to listen to your recording with headphones, that is all they'll hear. I can't give you a definite "go for this or that" as it depends on what you shoot and how. If you are happy to share some of that info with me I can try and give you a bit more of an informed opinion.

[@phillean]

Great comments, thanks. The H6 is already ordered and on the way. I chose it because of its versatility, good basic mics and lots of inputs. I have played with audio recording for a while, using a DSLR and an early Tascam. I have decided, at 69 years, to take it up as a serious hobby and develop some DSLR video skills. I am learning and realising that I will have to upgrade to record quiet scenes. The Zoom F6 or the Sound Devices Mix Pre 3 look good. They do not have their own microphones but they have a lower noise floor than most of the affordable recorders I have looked at. I plan to mainly use the Zoom H6 with separate condenser microphones and to use it as a USB interface. I just bought a dual channel pre amp (Saramonic SmartRig +) that claims to introduce very little noise, with the aim of bypassing the H6 preamps. I live in Canberra, Australia and we have easy access to national parks and wildlife and rivers and the sea not too far away. But no opportunity for European style street scapes. :) The binaural recording caught my interest as something different. Thanks again.

[@Rayshader]

Thanks for this! I was nearly set on the Tascam!

[@SamuelSotiega]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@maroskn3008]

Thank you for the great review. Are those interferences because of the cable (as antenna) to the headphone? Did you try it without headphone?

[@SamuelSotiega]

Yes, I tried everything. The issue is internal. The cables inside of the recorder are not shielded, hence the interference. There is a video on youtube of a Russian chap who opened a DSR05 up and using kitchen tin foil managed to wrapped the cables up and got them isolated, but it was a heck of a job and if the kitchen foil touches the board in any way, it fries the recorder, which given what he was trying to do, was a possibility. Honestly, do yourself a favor and avoid the Tascam, both the 07 and 05 models as the internal components are exactly the same.

[@jdsheleg8332]

Excellent review. I felt you went into it with a bias, but in the end, you provided a very honest assessment and recommendation.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thank you for your comment. I'm just not the kind of person who likes to polish a turd. If some gear I am reviewing is not up to a minimum standard, I call it right away. I think people prefer that. I am glad that you found the video helpful though!!

[@kpc5]

Try the test again without the headphones plugged in to it, the headphone is acting as an antenna and feeding RF into the recorder circuitry, put filtering on the cable and it will be gone.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Brother, you can't be seriously suggesting I cannot monitor the sound I record through the headphones for the recorder to record sound reliably. The issue with the Tascam is that the manufacturer did a botch job designing this and they left the internal wires connecting the mainboard to the mic unshielded. So whatever trick you try, it won't work. Unless those cables are shielded, you will get interferences. There is a video on youtube of some Russian dude who opened up a DR05X (same components as the DR07X) and did the business using tin foil. But it is not easy and you don't buy a $100-120 sound recorder to be doing that. It is simply a shameful product from Tascam.

[@ElVeleroDePapel]

Hola, que tal es la Tascan DR 40X

[@SamuelSotiega]

I have and use one. I did a review of it, if interested. I have never had any issues with it whatsoever. Solid.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Thank you. For saving me my money. Great review.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that it was helpful!

[@liveheavyshows]

Hello, nice video, I love recording live concerts, I had a Sony recorder and it was amazing for about 8 years but now that model is not for sale anymore, so I was watching some videos about the ZOOM H2N but I was thinking about the noise when manipulate the recorder with my hand during the concert.

[@SamuelSotiega]

If you record with the onboard stereo mics, whatever recorder you use, it will be picked up and recorder. If you touch any part of the recorder, they’ll be picked up and recorded.

[@liveheavyshows]

@@SamuelSotiega Thanks a lot for your precise explanation, 👍🙏

[@syedarmaghanhassan4652]

Hey Samuel. Thanks for sharing. The issue you mentioned on zoom H1n is not a small one. If you are running around and recording audio, which I do for my video and filming work, and if the recorder is moving constantly, then of course the clicking noise will be recorded on it. Can you tell us which other model should we buy which does not have this problem? Thanks and kind regards P.S. Since you uploaded this video in 2020, in UK, where have you been walking around? The country was pretty much in lock-down all year- lol!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Hi Syed. I record binaural walks sometimes so I have used the H1N plenty. Recently, using it a lot on my other videos, mostly attaching a lapel mic so I record the signal and then sync in post. The way I resolved the clicking issue on the H1N is by getting a small rubber band that fitted the recorder perfectly without adding too much pressure. Enough to stop the volume rocker to click without accidentally increasing the volume. A bit of a home mad fix but hey, it works like a charm. You should try it, even if all you have are rubber bands from the post office or similar. I highly recommend you the H1N in this price range for single channel recording. Trust me on this, it is reliable. It has never failed me once, and that is priceless. I hope this is helpful to you.

[@McSherryStudioArt]

Good review -thank you. I discovered that strange interference on my H4n came from my phone in my pocket. I had to put my phone on flight mode.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Done that and it isn’t that. It is the fact the internal wires that connect the mics to the board are not shielded. There is a video on KZbin about some Russians who opened up one and did just that with kitchen tin foil. Not an easy thing to do, and definitely not what you would be expected to do when you buy it new...

[@jonpatchmodular]

@@SamuelSotiega I mean, it IS that, the thing is picking the phone communication signals BECAUSE it's not shielded, but even with flight mode you'll still get some stuff in it. Basically the Tascam is a cheap version of this lmao somasynths.com/ether/

[@ooloncaluphid]

You might try repeating the walkaround test without headphones plugged in. It might be that the phones are acting as an antenna and the tascam's headphone input is not shielded against this kind of interference while that of the zoom is.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I didn't do that, fair point and thanks for pointing that out as a possibility. Unfortunately, the DR07X was sent back so I won't be able to test it. However, if that was to be the case, it doesn't change my opinion about the quality and worthiness of the DR07X. An audio recorder should not experience those issues, period. Bottom line, you should be able to monitor the recording audio, whenever, wherever, without any issues. I am in the process of testing the DR40X and will go to the nastiest spot for the DR07X in this video and see what happens with it.

[@ooloncaluphid]

@@SamuelSotiega It is also a fair point that the unit should not be doing that with the phones plugged in even if it doesn't do it without them. I was thinking it might be a grounding problem, something like an electric guitar with the strings not grounded. You would probably have to test a few of them to see of you got a defective unit or if the problem is inherent in the design.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Hi Daniel. I can see your argument. However, if you google or youtube search Tascam DR05X and DR07X interference you will see that this has happened to many people. Again, you could buy the recorder and you might not experience any interferences if you are lucky enough at the location you have the recorder at and keep it at that location permanently. But if you want to be mobile and have a reliable recorder whether indoors or outdoors, regardless of the location or place of recording, no matter what, where and when, well, this recorder is not it. It is a shame because it would otherwise be a phenomenal recorder. The DR40X (amzn.to/33h7o22) however is a much more reliable recorder. Review coming up within 2 weeks.

[@cbcsurvivalguide]

Did you have any issues with a loud buzzing noise when recording audio via the usb cable on the Zoom h1n? Mines started to produce a loud annoying buzzing loud when recording which makes it unusable now.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I have never done the recording that way. I have always used the 3.5mm input jack... I am sorry I canlt help, but I will definitely test it out!

[@DarkNevrozz]

Thanks for the review !

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad you found it helpful!!

[@ericjreeves]

Thank you for this thorough review! I impulse bought the H1N for a last minute (indoor) interview; my iPhone voice memos were not cutting it. I’m happy with the results from the H1N, but I’ve since wondered if I should have gone with a Tascam. Thanks to your review I can now rest assured that I made the right decision. For those still on the fence about buying the H1N, believe me when I say that it’s a beast for the price.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I also own and use a H1N and I agree with you, it is incredible value for money! You did well!!

[@luckyfisher7240]

Dropped my h1 ONCE and it bricked

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@luckyfisher7240 must have been a hell of a drop… when you drop gear is a bit of a lottery. You might get lucky and nothing happens or if you’re unlucky and it falls at a funny angle, the hole thing falls apart. You were probably unlucky…

[@iHorus]

Very important points. Another thing: on my H1n, in absolute silence, when monitoring with connected headphones I hear noise if gain is over 5.5, and goes up if gain is raised. Is that normal?

[@SamuelSotiega]

In my testing, as said in the video, I noticed that gain goes up when you go lower down pass 5.5 in the wheel. It seems to happen in all recorders. That’s why it is so important to monitor the audio with a good set of headphones. All audio recorders have a noise floor, some better than others. The H1N has a noise floor of around -112 dbu. It isn’t great but better than most (if not all) single channel recorders. Ideally it would be as close as possible to -130 dbu but that would be too much to ask for a single channel portable recorder...

[@marcelotimoteo99]

Thanks, you saved my money and probaly my audiovisual productions

[@SamuelSotiega]

Amazing! I am so pleased for you.

[@musictaster9339]

Same issue with my newly bought DR-05X, I have to return it now :( It gets this interference in many places inside my home. Unusable.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I totally know what you are feeling. If you are like me, that are keen on XY and AB stereo recording, I would suggest you upgrade to the Tascam DR40X (amzn.to/33h7o22). It is a little larger but still within "portable" range and definitely much more reliable. I will be posting a comprehensive review about it in a couple of weeks as I have been using it in a very wide range of environments. Mind you, the DR40X doesn't have a 3.5mm input jack, it is either XLR or phone jack. But you can simply get a 3.5mm > phono adaptor and good to go. It is a shame Tascam has put such bad internal components in a recorder that would otherwise be phenomenal.

[@somapusher]

Do you have a video addressing the volume issue on the H1n? Maybe showing a workaround for it.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Do you mean the clicking noise in the volume control/ rocker?

Hello, where you buy a deadcat for tescam?? Thansk.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I believe this is the item amzn.to/3PAH0bj. It was from amazon… do check sizes before purchasing to be 100% sure. I bought it years ago but I am sure it was this as it is on my amazon purchase history…

[@ReinQuest]

From the start of your video I expected you to say the H1N was the unusable recorder and then you got into the audio samples and wow the buttons being loose was not the issue. Almost everywhere was something that sounds like electric interference.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I was trying to be unbiased and provide honest opinions…

[@ReinQuest]

@@SamuelSotiega and I thank you for that. Your video saved me a lot of time in testing. I’ve been using an H1N for about a year as additional audio on my Sony AX-33. I’m finding myself with budget limitations and a need to get 4 more recorders so I’m looking at all the comparison videos H1N, F1-SP, DR-05X, DR-07X… and other cheaper brands than zoom and tascam that are unknown to me that frankly sound terrible in all environments. 😅 The results just surprised me as I wasn’t expecting to hear the interference in a recorder that’s always put up next to the H1N. I can’t thank you enough for doing this video in an honest review. 💜

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@ReinQuest amazing! Job well done then!

[@PinxtonBaz]

This issue disappointed me too when I bought this Zoom H1n, I narrowed it down to the volume rocker button, I stuck clear tape over it, this permits the button to work and stops the rattle on my device. It's a shame you have to resort to such remedies even on a budget device, for that reason I'd be reluctant to recommend it even though the hack was cheap and easy to sort

[@SamuelSotiega]

I agree with you Barrie. On the other hand, in this budget range. Once you get over this little annoying issue, there is nothing better… As far as I am aware…

[@OpenFilmmaker]

Thank you for the review. Is there something better than the H1N under $200?

[@SamuelSotiega]

To be honest with you, The Zoom H1N is quite a handy recorder once you are aware of the potential volume control issue. In terms of size, the H1N is really functional and you can put it in your pocket and off you go, that is very, very helpful. I won't just give you models for the sake of giving names out and pretend to be helpful. Personally, I work around the issue because once you know where a potential issue lies, it is very easy to find a fix. It is as simple as using a hairband, a thin rubber band, etc. If the volume clicking issue is too much for you and want an alternative, I have been testing the DR40X for a week now and it has proven solid. It is a little bigger than the DR07X but not massively larger. The only interference I have got so far is at the same spot where the DR07X behaved so badly in the video, but the level of interference was nowhere near as bad. You might want to consider upgrading to that one and get some reassurance. But whatever you get, do your own testing because what works for someone, might not work for someone else. For me, the DR07X is an absolute no go. You can get the DR40X here amzn.to/2Sd6SLS As tip ahead of a review that I will be putting up in a week or two, consider a fethead (amzn.to/30kaPmA) or cloudlifter (amzn.to/3cQczsU) as a preamp between a mic and the recorder. More on this in my upcoming DR40X review.

[@adamkwalczyk]

Olympus LS-P4

[@bradl2636]

I don’t need WAV to record client meetings. Which one has best MP3 quality where loud background noise is usually not an issue… just recording voices in a meeting with the device sitting on the desk?

[@SamuelSotiega]

Any of them will do really. Whichever is cheaper. It also depends on the type of mics you use, if any. But if you just use the recorder with the onboard mics, go for the cheaper option!

[@bradl2636]

@@SamuelSotiega Thank you sir. Yes my needs are pretty basic.

[@Dazbo76]

What about for recording d j mix using vinyl ? Any thoughts or advice

[@SamuelSotiega]

Are you able to get an XLR output from the dj mixer? If so, you can easily connect it to the mixer and decide to record on mono or stereo. The same applies with a phono jack.

[@LauraNunez]

Hi, could you explain a little bit what is the difference between AB and XY?

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for the comment. Very valid point. I could spend a lot trying to explain it, but it might be easy that you watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpzTqqeeosqnY5I or this other video from 3:24 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3iQiaiBqbKMaLc. I hope you find this helpful!!

[@LauraNunez]

@@SamuelSotiega cool, thanks a lot!

[@toper.meliala]

can we use zoom h1 for Facebook live/ usb mic for zoom meeting? will it be affected by audio interference??

[@SamuelSotiega]

You can only use this recorder with a 3.5mm minijack in. So no usb cables. It has a 3.5mm minijack output, so if you connect a mic, you can loop it through and out to a computer, but you will need to convert the signal from analogue to digital, ie, you will need a cable or adaptor that will convert the analogue 3.5mm jack output into a digital usb input into your computer. It all depends on 3rd party adaptors, really. But I have never done or needed to do such a set up so I wouldn’t even be able to know where to start from…

[@DrDennis]

What budget friendly Sony just for recording podcasts off iPhone so I can listen to later(through headphones)?

[@SamuelSotiega]

I couldn’t tell you as I have never used any of them. Sorry. The zoom H1N is the smallest and cheapest recorder I have ever used…

[@lakecrowmusicambience2748]

Chinatown in London? I really miss there. thanks for video!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for watching!

[@InfiniteConstellations]

Ah, what a bummer! :c I often inject field or home recordings (nature, footsteps, different ideas that come to my mind) into my tracks and finally decided to buy a recorder because I used my Asus phone last 4+ years now. And Tascam DR-07X was my um...let's say "item to buy". And your video is the second one (after my countryman from Moscow) where I hear interference and it's awful! Damn... Well, I guess Zoom is my directon now. Although I laid my eye on H2N now. Thanks for the video, Samuel!

[@SamuelSotiega]

You welcomed! I am glad that I saved you a lot of hassle!!

[@SamuelSotiega]

Have you considered the Tascam DR40X? I did a review of it too, and I actually kept the recorder and as a matter of fact, I use it all the time. I might be the answer that you are looking for….

[@InfiniteConstellations]

@@SamuelSotiega Um...it's kinda more expensive that I plan to spend + our distributors don't sell anymore (it's simply out of stock) :c I need something simple, for recording nature and other kind of ambiences :)

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@InfiniteConstellations well, if you want AB stereo, in the price range, you don’t have many options, to be honest…. And giving the fact the DR07X is pure crap….

[@InfiniteConstellations]

@@SamuelSotiega I'm totally fine with XY, it's still stereo so it will work :) To be honest my ears find AB a bit uncomfortable to hear, I don't know why.

[@danielbiniaz4857]

Hi. On your advice I bought a Zoom H1N. The quality is amazing and glad I have bought it. Problem I’m having is trying to place it to pick up the best quality recording of my very load motorbike exhaust. I’ve placed it in many places but either set the gains to high or to low and just can’t get really good recording. Any help or ideas? Where should I have the sound peak? Etc

[@luq080290]

Im using Zoom H1N. I put my recorder under the rear seat with dead cat. I use this setting and it sounds great. My setting are lo cut on - 120hz, auto level off - gain 4.5, limiter on. The only issue is the sound of the chain. This might be caused by me using the oem chaim for my bike. I will try again today to lower my gain to 4. Hopefully the chain sound can be reduced without jeopardize the exhaust sound.

[@danielbiniaz4857]

@@luq080290 Thanks for replying. When the weather is nice I’ll try something similar but that sounds like a great starting point. I’ve not used any other settings other than the gains dial do this should help a lot with my sound. I’ll keep you updated I don’t have a deadcat but I have a Purple Panda Lav Mic - could I use this instead? Would that change the settings I would need?

[@luq080290]

@@danielbiniaz4857 the setting need to be adjusted if you are using external mic. But I can't recommend you what gain you should set because I don't use external mic. I just came back from ride and I want to update something. This time I almost red lining my rpm all the time. 4.5 gain is too sensitive for that. If you always red lining you should lower your gain. I'll try level 3 next time.

[@luq080290]

@@danielbiniaz4857 4.5 gain is good if you ride not more than 6k rpm. At least for my bike.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I am so pleased to read that you found someone here with the knowledge to give you clear directions on your particular request...

[@AnOn-hh8tu]

i have zoom h2n, but i want to upgrade it to h4 pro, h5 or tascam. what do you recommend for recording nature sounds?

[@SamuelSotiega]

The main question you need to ask yourself is, do you intend to record nature in XY or AB mic configuration? If in XY, the Zooms are great. If you want or need AB stereo, I’d recommend the DR40X, which I also have reviewed. This is a very personal decision down to your own recording style…

[@AnOn-hh8tu]

@@SamuelSotiega thanks. ab stereo. dr40x better than DR07X for example?

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@AnOn-hh8tu totally, without a doubt

[@edinechannel5704]

I just bought dr 05x crying 🙏😭🙏

[@SamuelSotiega]

Surely you can return it, no? You should have at least 14 days to return it.

[@TheTruth70777]

Can I use this as a mic for Facebook live ? Also, I would very much appreciate if you can suggest me any way of capturing a band sound as simple as possible yet quite decent for Facebook live. Thanks !

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for your comment. Which one of the two do you mean as a mic for facebook? Does the venue where the band plays have a mixer you can get audio out from the mixer? Just bear in mind none of these recorders have XLR inputs so it would need to be phono to 3.5mm mini-jack or headphone out to recorder's 3.5mm mini-jack in. Ideally, you would want the recorder close to the mixer of audio out. Let me know.

[@marcdeckard7064]

Wow... what kind of i-ear binaural microphones are you using?

[@SamuelSotiega]

I use the soundman OKM II classic A3 binaural in-ear microphones. I also created a set of ears from 3d renders rather than spending thousands on professional binaural heads. I will be releasing some binaural videos over the coming weeks so subscribe to stay tuned!

[@marcdeckard7064]

@@SamuelSotiega Thanks for the info. I have subscribed. Looking forward to the binaural videos. Binaural sound reproduction is a technology long overlooked.

[@piernicolamele6307]

Nice comparison, i get the zoom h1n

[@SamuelSotiega]

Wise decision!!

[@piernicolamele6307]

@@SamuelSotiega you're totally right: zoom h1n seems very cheap and not professional, but audio files are very good and clean, thank you!

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@piernicolamele6307 i couldn’t agree more!!!

[@ItsaCatsLife]

H2n is around the same price as the Tascam and has all the various mic patterns and more features. Also no vol button rattle (a rubber band fixes that if it really bothers you, just don't shake the thing like a madman 😂)

[@SamuelSotiega]

At the time I made this video the H2N didn’t exist. You are probably right!

[@ItsaCatsLife]

@@SamuelSotiegaNot true. The H2n was released over 12 years ago in Sept 2011 *before* the H1n, which was released in 2019 and replaced the H1. The Tascam DR-40X was also released 2019.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@ItsaCatsLife you are right, my apologies. I was confusing it with one of the newer models they released in recent times. Zoom recorders are very, very good and reliable, and as far as I am aware, no funny issues like with the Tascam’s…

[@danielbiniaz4857]

I’m looking to buy the Tascam DR-05X for Motovlogging. Would you advice this as a good recorder or would you go for something like the Zoom H1 or H1N

[@SamuelSotiega]

Daniel, I will never advise you to buy the DR05X, as it has the same issues with interferences as the DR07X. Trust me on this, buy the H1N, and you will never have to worry about interferences, it is a very reliable recorder, I actually have 1 of them that I take everywhere I go to film and to be honest with you, I always find a use for it. Here is a link if you want to get one from amazon amzn.to/3qLgNru (Just don't forget to buy a 32GB micro SD card, sandisk is the brand I usually buy) I hope this is helpful. Please, save yourself the hassle of buying and returning a DR05X....

[@danielbiniaz4857]

@@SamuelSotiega Thanks for replying so quickly. Would you buy the older H1 or a used H1N? What should I look for in a used second hand device? Im on a budget

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@danielbiniaz4857 the H1 is a workhorse. It has been around for many years and it is solid. With the H1N you get the analogue wheel/rocker for adjusting the volume. What's New in the Zoom H1n? Onboard limiter- This maintains a distortion-free signal up to 120 dB SPL, so you can cleanly record your band even when they turn it up to 11. Overdub function- Now you can add as many additional layers of audio on top of a recorded track as you like. Perfect for creating richer sounding recordings right in your device. Playback speed controls- For making transcription easy, whether you’re taking notes from a music file, speech, or interview. You can change the speed without altering the pitch. Auto-Record, Pre-Record and Self-Time functions- You can set your H1n up in advance, then forget about it. These are great stress-reducing functions for the over-tasked multitasker. Tone generator- This nice little feature means it’s easier than ever to calibrate your H1n and camera audio levels. Improved LCD screen - The new H1n LCD screen is 1.25” in size and features a much more readable monochrome black-and-white display as compared to the more muddled black-tan display of the H1. Buttons. The buttons are now at the front, making it much easy to operate. In the H1 they are mostly on the side.

[@danielbiniaz4857]

@@SamuelSotiega thank you for the detailed reply. In your opinion is this worth getting to record separate audio while riding a motorcycle? I have a GoPro which will record video but the audio is horrible. I bought a Purple Panda Mic which I have connected but getting the right placement in my helmet is also difficult. This is why I’m looking at using the Zoom to record a separate audio track for my videos

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@danielbiniaz4857 what you are trying to do makes perfect sense. Many times myself, instead of using a wireless mic, I connect a lavalier mic to my H1N and get the talent to have the recorder in their pocket, or even myself talking to camera. This little recorder gives you a lot of functionality. Plus, it will last you for years, so the investment, over time, will turn out to be tiny in comparison to how many times you will use it

[@hugocaffarel6091]

Very good video ! Thanks

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that you found it helpful!

[@maciejlechpaczkowski8717]

thx for you info ....

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@bvrbvs]

Just ordered and had similar issue in the city or phone nextby

[@SamuelSotiega]

Return it asap, if you can! Trust me, it won't get better. The internal wires that connect the mics to the board are not shielded so this will happen all the time. This is a hardware issue, not software not no amount of firmware updates can sort this out. I really hope you can pack it and send it back....

[@jonpatchmodular]

I've been obsessively looking at reviews for the Tascam. Could a potential solution be to make a makeshift Farafay Cage to block any electromagnetic interference? I don't know, but I'm probably getting the Zoom, rattly buttons and all. EDIT: That's what the russian dudes did, I mean what the heck Tascam

[@SamuelSotiega]

I use the zoom in almost every video in one way or another. As a matter of fact, I used it today for some binaural recording. Great little camera. Just use a small rubber band on the H1N and the rattling will be fine. That I what I do and the job is done. I'd stay as far away from the Tascam as possible.

[@mukisabogal6248]

Good to know! Thank you Samuel

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad the review has been helpful to you!

[@vonblack7322]

Great work.Thank you

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that you liked it!

[@jorm1010]

Mister you saved me, no cap.

[@SamuelSotiega]

hahaha, glad the video was helpful!

[@TheGoddon]

Dude the prices are poles apart in my country.

[@SamuelSotiega]

You’ll have to find a compromise somewhere…

[@Stefan_Heinrich]

what are those binaural ear mics?

[@SamuelSotiega]

Where are you based? Europe or USA? I can give you some link/s if you are in Europe. I can’t find them in amazon USA. They are Soundman OKM II

[@mattibeag1385]

Is the same issue occurring with the Tascam DR05X?

[@SamuelSotiega]

Yes, they both share the same internal components. My advice is, stay away from the low end tascams.

[@mattibeag1385]

@@SamuelSotiega perhaps you ended up with an defected batch? In this video comparison there seems to be no difference between Zoom H1N and Tascam DR07X in terms of interference, although conditions were different. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3mYY6ajit2EmJY

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@mattibeag1385 trust me Matti, it is not a defective batch. Tascan did not or has not shielded the wires that connect the microphones to the board, so it picks up all sorts of interferences. A total mess and a shambolic way to put together a sound recorder. There are many videos about this. You can read some of the comments in this video. There is even a video on KZbin of some Russian opening up a Tascam and shielding the wires with tin foil (holy shit, I kid you not). I give you my honest and unbiased opinion, but if you still feel you want to give it a go and buy one, it might works with your workflow, who knows. Make sure wherever you buy it from have a a return policy (amazon is 30 days) for when/if you decide to return it.

[@JenJen33]

Omg I had tascam dr 40x and I had exactly same problem. I had that noise

[@SamuelSotiega]

I’ve only ever had that interference noise in that spot in the video. What conditions or environment were you in that got you the interference?

[@luisdent]

what binaural mics are those?

[@SamuelSotiega]

They are the Soundman OKM II Classic A3 Binaural In-Ear Microphones and mic kit includes Rycote Windjammers, which are a must if you do outdoors recording. They are super sensitive, which can be both good and a pain, pick your side!! I hope this is helpful.

[@tr1co0]

What would you recommend between the H1n and H2n?

[@SamuelSotiega]

How do you in intend to use the recorder? What sort of filming you do? I have and use the H1N but that’s because it suits better what I do.

[@tr1co0]

@@SamuelSotiega I’m looking for something to primarily record nature and various sounds to sample for music production

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@tr1co0 have you considered the DR40X from Tascam? I also own one and it gives you AB and XY stereo recording. I have a video review for it too. It is a little bigger than the DR07X but infinitely more reliable without interferences... would that be too big fur you?

[@nottingham_ChrisAllison]

mm.. I never shake mine whilst I'm recording I have to say.. lol

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for watching. Most people wouldn’t, but guaranteed there will be some who would.

[@shansmith5493]

So u like rhe tascum

[@r.utrera7891]

In its category, very few recorder brands and models can compete with the Zoom h1n.

[@SamuelSotiega]

You are right! The truth is that limited in what it does, it does it well. And that is what you want from a recorder. You can.t fault it, other than the little clicking noise, which you can easily fix by using a small rubber band, which is what I do.

[@auroranamex5886]

I knew what was coming...

[@SamuelSotiega]

Good or bad?

[@christopherconkright1317]

bigger though? I looked at the zoom for the size

[@SamuelSotiega]

Not sure I understand what you mean….

[@christopherconkright1317]

@@SamuelSotiega The way you talked at the beginning i thought you would say the H1 was unusable... I wanted something small i could put on my belt for a lav mic recorder. I have the H6 but its to big to carry. I was looking at the H1 for this reason but by the end it seemed like it might work for me.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@christopherconkright1317 I own and use a H1N pretty much in every filming outdoors. Honestly, it is reliable and does what it is supposed to do very well. I just put a small black rubber band on the recorder to “clip” the volume rocker in place (but not too tense that messes with it) and that clicking sound is gone. In terms of using it, it has never failed me once. If you buy it, just make sure you put a little tape around the analogue wheel when using it as it can be easily moved if you put the recorder in a pocket.

[@yuetyee0415]

If I were to record playing from a grand piano in a small room, would you recommend this Zoom recorder also. I hope the noise from the air conditioning won’t be recorded. Thanks.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I would imagine the H1N would do a really good job. Make sure you position it correctly so you get the best sound out of the piano. The XY is ideal as you get good “centered” stereo. If there is aircon, you have two options, getting it turned off during the performance, or (and it is the less ideal of the two) make sure you record silence for a few seconds before or after (you will record the aircon as it sounds in the background) so when you loaded in your post software you can apply noise reduction/removal and the program knows what sound it needs to remove. I hope this is helpful.

[@yuetyee0415]

@@SamuelSotiega thanks a lot, now i am reconsidering and am looking at H5.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@yuetyee0415 the H5 is a good recorder. If you ever use XLR or 1/4inch mics, it is solid and reliable. I own a H6 and I have never had a problem. I would advise you to pay attention to the input noise of the H5 (just as the H6) is around -120.7 dbu so you need to make sure that is ok with you. Ideally you would want it around -130. Maybe a small preamp like a fethead or similar might be useful. I did a review of the Tascam DR40X and talked about this and provided a purchase link for one type/brand of preamp that is around $30. That is, of course, if -120dbu is not good enough for you.

[@marcdeckard7064]

Who shakes their recorder while they are recording? A small piece of foam in the battery compartment will stop the rattling.

[@SamuelSotiega]

It’s not the battery but the volume rocker. And you might/ probably not shake your recorder, but you might find yourself in a situation where you are recording in bumpy terrain or shaky hands (handheld) and that noise could (would) make it in the recording. It is easily fixed, you just use a small rubber band around the recorder that stops the volume rocker from rattling without pushing it down enough to randomly turn up or down the volume. But still, a shameful quality gaffe that they could easily design better. The H1N recorder is still great and I use it often.

[@marcdeckard7064]

@@SamuelSotiega I just shook mine and it took a lot to make it makes any noise but then again it is new. Perhaps with use it will become more noisy. Ideally they sould have put very viscous high temperature grease around the pivot point of the rocker switch.

[@marcdeckard7064]

Have you tried a small piece of Scotch tape over the switch?

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@marcdeckard7064 I totally agree they could have done something so this doesn’t happen. I reached out to zoom at the time about this and they told me they are aware it is a design flaw down to the materials/components used in order to keep the price as low as possible.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@marcdeckard7064 too sticky. Plus it can left residue. I got a rubber band from the postman one day and that is what I use. Inexpensive, easy to put on and take off if I want (mine always is on) and if you get a black rubber band, you won’t even notice it is there. But it has to be a small tubber band!

[@Noxxys]

Nice video! It's funny how you pronounce WAV like waf :D

[@SamuelSotiega]

I know!

[@benmobi]

Yeah, inserting a micro SD card is VERY confusing. Incidentally, the fact you have to "press the record button twice" is INTENTIONAL and a benefit. Press once for Stand by mode, in order to set your input levels properly. Then press record to start. Really confusing, I know.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Glad that you found it useful!

[@DeanBurnettJr.]

Alien freakuancies are interfering.

[@SamuelSotiega]

It could well be! Holy Smokes! I hadn’t thought about that before!! 😂😂

[@keremk]

i like tascam, maybe some batches has got that problem. Hopefully mine doesn’t get the interference. Tascam sounds much better than zoom and ab + xy option is great. Ps: i will be recording in nature out from the city most of the time. Fingers crossed 🤞.

[@SamuelSotiega]

I am glad that you know exactly what you want and what you need from a recorder, that is a huge step in the right direction. In regards to the DR07X, I have also had issues in parks and open spaces with it, totally randomly to be honest. As a matter of fact, the very first time I turned it on for testing was at a park and I was greeted with those interferences which made me think right away Woah!! It is something that I am at a loss with. Beware of it. I wanted to like this recorder because of its AB stereo recording but in all honestly, I want a recorder I can use, whenever, whatever. The DR07X is not that recorder. I hope you don't encounter the same issues. Run your own tests, if you can, while you are still in the return window. I reached out to Tascam about this issue and this is what they told me "Both the DR-05x and DR-07X use the exact same Mic transducers and we have no reports from any users worldwide on the issue you report. In an open atmosphere, they can be several environmental factors that could give rise to such a symptoms-as such, these are unavoidable when making recordings in the field." I know this is not an issue from a batch, there are many reports mentioning this problem. This is an inherent issue of the internal components. Basically, they are very low quality (to put it mildly). Tascam will never say that, admit to that or disclose that. Why would they? On the other hand, so far I have been testing the Tascam DR40X (amzn.to/33h7o22) and it has been proven solid. The only interference I have got so far is at the same spot where the DR07X behaved so badly in the video, but the level of interference was nowhere near as bad. You might want to consider upgrading to that one and get some reassurance. I will be putting up a review on the DR40X soon so look out for that.

[@keremk]

Samuel Sotiega Thanks for your response, i will def look for those issues when i have it, you think our cellphones also create that problem? maybe i will switch it off to airplane mode. Because on amazon i’ve seen some bad reviews about zoom h1n too, it’s weak, get broken, stops working suddenly and couple of interference problems. Anways i’ll put my comment when i have it. Thanks for the video.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@keremk I had my phone on airplane mode and notifications off. The level of interference that you saw in the video is not due to phone or phones. It is because the internal components and microphones are of very poor quality. I won't sugar-coat to you, it is what it is, unfortunately. As I said, I wanted to like the recorder, but the word disappointment is an understatement. My advice, upgrade to other a DR40X (amzn.to/33h7o22) or a H4N Pro (amzn.to/3cKQZ8R). You'll pay a little more but you get a product that will last you for years. I still use sometimes my old H4N and it has been more than 10 years since I bought it!

[@keremk]

Hi Samuel Sotiega respect ✊ to your experience and, I got my tascam dr-07x today and did some recordings with it no problems so far. i uploaded the video with the comparison Sony A 6000. i like Tascam brand alot so i wanted to give it a shot. i’ll go around to a busy place and try out again.

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@keremk I would love to see that. Please keep me posted because I returned the DR07X but would want to know if the same issue is replicated elsewhere. I had issues in city parks and as you saw, city streets. Just remember, it is the stereo internal mics that cause the problems. Like I said, keep me posted!!!!

[@emrahoguz4551]

seems like Tascam is a good one to catch interference

[@SamuelSotiega]

You bet!!

[@emrahoguz4551]

@@SamuelSotiega i have been looking for a recorder with a/b mic placement, and seriously considering tascam but seems it is totally unusable. moreover interference problem exist for other recorders in the same series. thanks for this video once more!

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@emrahoguz4551 i have been using the Tascam DR40X and have been very happy with. I did a review of it some time ago which you might find useful. If you want AB stereo recording in the is sort of “under $200” budget range, I can recommend it. I own one so I am not selling you smoke. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHTKpqyeopyaqZo

[@4pointsofsuccess]

H1n has problems with USB connect to Windows.

[@ang1480]

you have to download the driver and use specifically a data cable

[@SamuelSotiega]

I agree, but sometimes it just won't connect. It can be a little temperamental. I usually tarnsfer the data with a card reader

[@fdhoyos]

This video (not in english yet, but easy to follow) shows a very interesting fix for the Tascam, it requires some basic disassembly. I ended up selling my unit but I guess it's worth a try for those who want to keep it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHOakqarlLGshKM

[@SamuelSotiega]

You might be asking too much for the average person. Honestly, when you buy equipment, you expect it to work. But as you say, for someone who feels strongly about keeping it... Personally, I would always recommend return the tascam or not to buy it. Which is a shame because if it didn’t have this issue, it would be brilliant.

[@musicnote-co-kr]

Wiered review.. I ve used alots and lots times ising 05 and 07x and 40x. Yours seems not normal condition. 07x is very good recording system and no strange noise ever. Anyway Thanks foe share your experience.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately I gave up on the 07X and got the DR40X and been happy ever since...

[@JackOnSkates]

Have you considered maybe you're just being haunted? (joke)

[@SamuelSotiega]

Holy cow!! I never thought about that!! 😄

[@faroukr]

ironically it was a little hard to hear you.

[@SamuelSotiega]

Thanks for your comment! This actually was my first real KZbin video for this channel so I kept the volume at broadcast standard levels (my background). Since then I have learned that you can set the levels a fair bit higher for KZbin/ computer playback so the recent videos have a higher volume. Glad that you were still able to hear me though!! 👍

[@faroukr]

@@SamuelSotiega It was a very helpful video thank you!

[@SamuelSotiega]

@@faroukr glad you found it helpful.

[@olesyaklimenko2596]

Russians have already fixed a Tascam DR-05x with the same problem. Watch video with subtitles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHOakqarlLGshKM

[@SamuelSotiega]

Yeah, I had seen that video. Pretty self-explanatory why these Tascam recorders are unreliable crap. The DR40X though, which I also reviewed in a separate video, is much more reliable. To the honest, for a recorder under $200 you should not be expected to open it up and do Tascam’s job in order to be able to use it without interferences. The Russians showed without a shadow of a doubt what the problem is and in my opinion, it is embarrassing for a company and brand with so much history like Tascam to put out products of such low quality. Shame on them.

[@jopkeltt8788]

Dr 07x

[@SamuelSotiega]

?

[@blackimp4987]

can it be a faulty device?

[@SamuelSotiega]

No, the tascam internal components are cheap and that is why it sucks…

[@Intimatycal]

bruh that interference.. what a flaw

[@SamuelSotiega]

I know!