Recording & Producing Music with the Zoom H8 - Review, Unboxing & Sound Test

[@reubenchng]

What else do you think I should add to the post here? www.audiomentor.com/reviews/zoom-h8-recorder/

[@yeoldfart8762]

Thanks. I used a hand held for many, many years until it died three years ago. I've missed it. I just ordered an H8 and after watching this vid I feel very good about it. Looking forward to trying it out at home and at music session this summer.

[@reubenchng]

Glad to hear that. Love to hear your music too

[@ThePainWhisperer]

Great ob on your song. I have had the H8 for about 4 months now. I haven't used it much yet, but this video has inspired me to start my creative juices flowing.

[@mindovermediastudios7045]

Yo I don't normally comment on videos but that track you made from random sounds was bangin dude. Nice job 🤙

[@erniehatt]

I just bought one of these and found this to be very heelpful thank you.

[@yeegnlougn]

Awesome EDM track at the end!!

[@reubenchng]

Glad you enjoyed that.

[@soundnomad]

I'm going to watch a good video~ The way you make music is impressive. That's cool!

[@papa.alfredo]

what I liked the best was the song! Very nice!

[@Vitalos]

Wow! I am impressed! Just ordered a Zoom H8 to record my RAV Vast (Tongue Drum) and nature sounds. :) I will also use it as an aufdio interface for my Rode Procaster. Thx for this amazing video! :)

[@reubenchng]

Your review was pretty neat too. Had to use subtitles to understand. But good stuff!

[@Bingoye]

Thank you. I just want to know if H8 could connect SMALL DIAPHRAGM Condenser MICROPHONES. You showed me that you used large diaphragm condenser microphone!

[@reubenchng]

Yes, you could connect any microphones, small or large diaphragm that uses a professional XLR connection.

[@Bingoye]

@@reubenchng thank you

[@vipajitv1799]

What the app did you use to edit voice

[@sagarbhopate]

Can we record in Mono in Zoom H8 using XYH-6 capsule ? and im not getting the Input / Menu settings in ZOOM H8 Please help me out

[@SebasSant87]

do you think the H6 gen2 is getting discontinued? I got a H6 Gen1 and dunno if upgrade to this one. Also ti seems that you're diting in premiere. If I may, you can solve the blue bands in you vid marking the start and end of your vid with I and O, then edit menu, proces ind to out. Also I could sugest use the denoise plugin in the audio tab to your voice channel. I really liked this video, whish you showed the app control. Good one! PS can you use the H8 also like an audio interface with a pc or an iPad?

[@reubenchng]

I don't think it'll be discontinued. But I don't think there's a big need to upgrade, unless you need more I/Os or want the podcast feature. Yes it was in Premiere, and I exported wrongly. Going to leave it like that, unless it bothers too many - might consider re-uploading it. Thanks for the nice suggestions. Keeping it in mind for the next vids.

[@naijaweddingchronicle8444]

Please how can I record sound from different source at a time in different input, but saved differently? Just like the zoom h6 save in different folders

[@peterosemaInnocent]

so amazing my friend

[@hzmusallatt]

Hi thanks for video which macbook year and model( macos) support zoom h8?

[@shivammishra-wl4bq]

sir can we connect our 3.5 mm aux speaker to it so that we can hear our recording from speaker ?? and where to connect it?

[@drtrumm]

Useful. Thank You!

[@HDBnB1]

How would you use this to record a signal out of an amp for example, musicians or comedians performing an open mic show. I would want to record their audio coming out of the speakers

[@reubenchng]

If i want the sound of the amp, I'd position the stereo mics a few inches away from the amp. Otherwise, i'll line out RCAs from the mixer into the stereo ins on the stereo XYH mic capsule.

[@Bingoye]

Watch your video again! May I connect the zoom h8 to my iMac computer as a mic to record? I want to use GarageBand for recording. Thanks.

[@reubenchng]

Yes you actually can

[@Bingoye]

@@reubenchng thank you so much!

[@Bingoye]

Do you have the video about how to use zoom as a mic for GarageBand? Thanks.

[@reubenchng]

@@Bingoye I can make one

[@Bingoye]

So great! Looking forward to it. I am using GarageBand to record when I play violin with iMac. I think the Mic of Zoom is better than that of iMac. That is why I asked your video about it.

[@1imanni1]

Great video - If I was to film a seminar which app on the H8 would I use?

[@mvekbatan6329]

Hello. Have a good time I had a question about the Zoom H8 In the music mode, when we record the sound on the memory card, the effect is recorded, but the equalization is not applied Is this part of the factory settings? Please advise. Thanks a lot

[@briandanielson2980]

Ok I got a H8 and want to do a phone interview but i have tired one but i do my Podcast introduction the stop the record button but can not go back to try a phone interview do you have to do the continius record and edit it later call and do the interview can you pause then continue with interview once you call the person you want to interview how do you pause the intro to your podcast then call someone and then resume the interview. I have a split cord and a dongle for my apple phone but maybe you can do a H8 phone intereview and how to do one with pausing as you call and then go back to the iterview Brian confused a little on how to use

[@reubenchng]

I would suggest doing edits post recording on your computer. Use the H8 as a recording device.

[@adazhou570]

Can it connect to iPhone and record video?

[@neyzendeniz]

Hi Reuben, Thank you very much for your very useful clarification. I appreciate your reply on the following issue. I am playing ney flute (a type of woodwind instrument). I am using Audient id14 mk2 and behringer tm1 condenser microphone for recording my ney flute. Can I get a better result as sound level and sound quality by using zoom h8? Thank you very much. Best regards

[@ritieneniels5335]

Hey hope you doing well, I am in the same dilemma so if you had a conclusion on that I would appreciate if you guide me. Separate mic and audio interface or h8 only?

[@zzzut]

I am considering buying a Zoom H8 to record my Hammond B3. Organ is quite hard to record. Should I rather go for a high-end instrument, although I am not going for professional results?

[@sky3gpp]

Hi, thanks for you video, really cool introduction. Just want your opinion that if h8 is good for recording drum performing? Thanks.

[@reubenchng]

hey Ronnie, I think its OK for recording drums. You might want to do a multi-mic setup though.

[@امیراحسانفر]

I just bought a xoon H8. But when I start recording in the Field space. After stopping recording, shows the full Sd card. But there is no file in it. Please help me.

[@reubenchng]

Could it be a faulty SD card? Try a different one. Sorry to hear about your audio loss.

[@ThePainWhisperer]

You might want to try to re-format the SD card in the H8.

[@michael86734]

cool im thinking to buy the h8 is it hard to use

[@reubenchng]

not hard at all. But it's a little clunky, as in it take you 5 steps to do something, whereas it can (or should be) done in only 3.

[@ebrahimsepehri5237]

hello dear zoom h8 can record mp3 formats?

[@garyclement5527]

Working with the Zoom H8- sorry the manual don’t do a good job of explaining anything. I need help understanding the file structure- I want a easy step by step understanding of how projects and files work or are recorded- It appears it’s best to name a file first before recording- but I’m missing something - created two files but both have the same file number. I’m utterly confused here.

[@reubenchng]

Agree that the manual is terrible. I guess the two files are stereo or multitracks?

[@marshallmhamad]

does that sound ambient attachment is needed for music that doesn't come with the H8?! I really want to get one of these for music but still can't decide H6 or H8 ((:

[@marshallmhamad]

also can you use H8 as a preamp before plugging into am amplifier?! to optimize the sound

[@Mr.Altavoz]

Was looking for an unpacking video , thanks my friend very useful. What USB cable do I need to power this monster? The only con I see to this device is that it seems less robust than the h6 .Love your music video. Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@reubenchng]

Thanks for the comment. It'll work with a USB A to USB micro B.

[@glitter_pile]

This is such a good video! The song you made out of random stuff around the house is incredible. I've been trying to record a band with the Zoom H8, but no matter how low I turn the gain inputs (well under -12db on the meters), pads on, I'm still getting constant digital clipping on everything that's close mic'd. X/Y and overheads have no clipping. Just the close-mic'd stuff: (

[@reubenchng]

Mm, that could be a limitation for the onboard mics. Not designed to take such high SPL i suppose.

[@glitter_pile]

@@reubenchng Thanks for getting back! I saw one very loud band made a great live, close mic'd recording with an H6, so presumably it could be done with an H8? But if the inputs simply can't take a SM57 micing an amp, Zoom handy recorders would be pretty useless to anyone hoping to track live bands: P

[@glitter_pile]

Just looked up the SPL headroom for the H8, and it is supposedly 140dbs. The loudest live rock band on record in the world (Manowar) measured at 139dbs.

[@reubenchng]

@@glitter_pile I'm sure it can do that.

[@123windyron]

Good interview thankyou.

[@NikCan66]

Excellent review

[@Jyotirmayshuva]

Well I have a knob question. I received Zoom H8 along with 256 SD cards and other accessories. I can't understand should I go for 512GB card or 256GB would be enough for a whole day shot hence I have no idea about the minimum file size of H8.

[@reubenchng]

Good question actually. Well, let's do some math. Assuming you record a stereo recording at 24 bit, 48KHz, that would roughly be 288 KB per second. So per minute of recording is 17.28MB. Assuming you record a full day of 8 hours. That will give us 480 minutes in total. 480 mins X 17.28MB = 8294.4 MB (8.3GB) And let's say instead of a stereo file (2 channels) you do a multitrack of 8 channels. We take 8.3GB and multiply it by 4, giving us 33.2GB 256GB seems more than enough for me.

[@Jyotirmayshuva]

That's a very clear and detailed explanation. Thanks for your answer, now I can work with it peacefully!

[@ThePainWhisperer]

@@reubenchng You for got to divide the totals by zero. :)

[@maheshplink]

Hi, nice video - can the H8 be paired with zoom Q8 for multi track, audio + video live recording.

[@reubenchng]

Well you could use the H8 as a multi track device - then output audio into the inputs on the Q8

[@persiaguitar]

Nice video I watched the whole now may I ask a question . I play guitar all alone with an audio interface Motu4 Can this also replace my home audio interface Motu4 as well?

[@reubenchng]

It will replace it. But, the Motu4 has better pre-amps and higher quality audio components. Zoom products work - but they are usually for the budget conscious.

[@persiaguitar]

@@reubenchng If I record a guitar with zoom H8 attached Mic compared to recording the same with my rode mic connected to Motu4 my zoom H8 will be lower quality?

[@planetablog5504]

Nice vídeo brother

[@Edrev]

Hi Let me know what is the software you use to mix or edit these sounds you make

[@reubenchng]

Logic Pro

[@Edrev]

@@reubenchng thanks

[@andybrixner.]

Hi! is it possible to use the h8 zoom native microphone at the same time as condenser Mic?

[@VisionPointMedia]

Yes.

[@griffrocktv]

Can you record multitracks using only the xy microphone?

[@griffrocktv]

How do you assign xy microphone channel to different tracks?

[@reubenchng]

@@griffrocktv You can't. They are tied to one stereo channel afaik. You can however, split the channels into mono tracks in post.

[@griffrocktv]

Thanks for your speedy reply and good job with your review of the H8! I find it very disappointing that a recording unit with so many capabilities, doesn’t even have the basic ability to make a multitrack recording with the on-board mic. It’s sad that its elaborate design doesn’t allow the ability to simply route the input signal. This forces the young singer/songwriter, whom just spent all their money on the recorder, to have to spend more money for an external mic, mic stand and a laptop/DAW, just to have the ability to create a demo track. Granted, it can be used as an interface with pre-amp, but again, you still need a DAW. I hate to be negative about such a fine product, but the H8 appears to be great for podcasts and multitracking, when accompanied by multiple microphones, but doesn’t seem very practical for the singer/songwriter on the go!

[@ShuAbLe]

How many Inputs buses does it show in DAW?

[@ShuAbLe]

I have the Roland R-26 hand recorder, it has options for 4 mics, (two internals and two externals) but it only has a stereo input in DAW, the recording comes in only two channels, so I can't use it in its full capabilities. I have to choose if I want the intertals or externals mics to work, the pre-amp is so bad the externals mics have a lot of hiss and are unusable, its usefull only with internal mics. I'm was very desapointed with this. I'm looking for another one to buy and I'm afraid to get desapointed again.

[@scourneene]

Is it possible to live stream through it?

[@reubenchng]

No it doesn't connect directly to the internet, if that's what you're asking. You still need a computer.

[@scourneene]

@@reubenchngthanks, yes I understand I need a computer just curious if I can live stream with the H6.

[@reubenchng]

@@scourneene Yes, you can of course! Use it like a sound card

[@speedychamp01]

i have this tool its ok ..but for make music with pc use zoom l12 mixer . w7 64 bit make problem driver zoom h8

[@woodenfifes]

Can I add fx to music tracks after recording and if so, how do i do this...I have tried and no success. Many Thanks Davy

[@reubenchng]

I suggest you add them using a DAW. Suggest not to do mixing on the device.

[@vjnellorian2751]

Is worked for making flims

[@sautsitumorangkpk]

THANKS MATE ..

[@danielchlau]

Thanks for the wonderful review. May I know is it safe to buy on Amazon and have it shipped to Malaysia?

[@reubenchng]

It is - but you might have to pay extra customs duties.

[@danielchlau]

@@reubenchng thanks. Almost got it on Amazon. But checked with Malaysia dealer. I was told the warranty will not be valid in Malaysia.

[@reubenchng]

@@danielchlau I see, thanks for sharing that

[@awesomecharlesandre3692]

Thanks! What midi software was that in your video?

[@reubenchng]

That was Logic Pro!

[@TheZeebop2007]

Thanks!

[@abellodenonna1]

Hi! Is it possibile to add Ducking to lower music when i speak and to use it at 48kHz? :)

[@reubenchng]

I'm not aware of any ducking feature available on the H8 directly at this time.

[@Ahmadsyar]

Happy Chinese New Year

[@reubenchng]

Happy break for you!

[@Ridwanhadipranoto]

what music software do you use? and, is H8 enough for acoustic recording?

[@reubenchng]

I use Logic Pro. Depends on your definition of enough. For occasional acoustic guitar recordings as a hobby? Yes. To record acoustic instruments with the intention of releasing a commercial album? I'll prefer getting dedicated mics for the job.

[@Alvaraikos]

To me, this is a better and practice option to the Rode Caster Pro console...!!!

[@AygunYilmaz]

13:30 AT2035 14:05 H8

[@michaelmoore1434]

I need to know does it overdub better than h6?

[@reubenchng]

fairly similar

[@sutv6754]

excellent! Thank you.

[@arnold2603]

how many db did you normalize into? (sorry, english is not my native language)

[@reubenchng]

I normalized to -0.3db

cool track :)

[@serg3123]

Hash 8, I thought my English accent bad. Now I feel better

[@reubenchng]

Glad to make you feel better. Now, I'm gonna go get some hashbrowns

[@vutrieuanh8176]

thanks u

[@bensonchiang]

Kamen Rider H8. 😂

[@reubenchng]

now that you say it....

[@trevormadsen]

Why do you pronounce H like "hech"?!!

[@reubenchng]

Because I'm Malaaysian

[@wgaule]

This is what happens when stupid people try to be smart.

[@mojo6112]

Excellent review

[@reubenchng]

Thanks for the comment