Tascam DR-05X Vs Zoom H1n samples, voice-overs

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

THIS IS HOW REVIEWS should be! Directly to the point. No intros, talking a lot and such.

[@lisabrey5344]

This is awesome. Thank you for making this! Why aren't all audio recording products doing this kind of comparison, it's way more valuable than hearing someone talk for 15 minutes about pros and cons through their own computer mic and not the actual products themselves! And with matching saucy eyebrow raises, haha. You're a freaking genius. :)

[@CineChi]

Well Thank you Lisa

[@cajunprosser3779]

Hahaha you nailed it and even mentioned the eyebrow raises :P

[@cellobanda]

The noise level (the hissing) is higher for Zoom, I would say. Tascam is more quite in terms of noise. Thank you for this review.

[@CineChi]

I do love the tascam

[@raymondwelborne4998]

Man, THIS is how a demo/comparison should be done. Each example is long enough to establish a particular use, short enough, and right next to each other to do an accurate comparison.

[@Acoustic-Rabbit-Hole]

Tascam sounds pretty smooth and less noisy. Good job for a company that's been around since they cornered the market for four-track cassette tape recorders in the 70's (and 60s). Also, to be honest, the design of the Tascam looks more sleek. The Zoom looks a little hoakey! The Zoom is a neat, compact unit, but in the end, you were going to record guitar, or some quick emergency vocals, i'd want to be recording on the Tascam!

[@TheGeekZone]

The Tascam has a much more noticeable timber in the vocals. Way deeper and smoother bass. I feel like the Tascam gives of a more natural and less sharp.

[@darwinmatulatan4486]

I prefer Tascam DR-05X because: 1. Better sound quality. 2. More features. 3. AA battery instead of AAA, much more endurance. 4. Bigger screen. 5. Sturdier plastic body compared to Zoom H1N. Trade off: 1. A little more expensive. 2. Bigger and less nice looking compared to Zoom H1N. But if it is true that Tascam DR-05X has radio interference, then it ruins everything and I better go with Zoom H1N.

[@PerfectNormal]

Does it have 2 inputs?

[@darwinmatulatan4486]

@@PerfectNormal Yes, it does

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

I think both have interference. Just put your phone on airplane mode when recording.

[@magugordonyukawaka2915]

No, Zoom has more realistic details and more natural sound

[@harryblox760]

I have the dr-05x and I can't fault it. I actually bought the Zoom before and felt that it was quite cheap feeling and the handling noise was an issue for me. The dr-05x is a decent bit of kit for the price point. Definitely worth the investment. I use it for capturing organic samples mostly, but it's own interface means you can use it as a mic when you're travelling.

[@ketokonazol]

Do you have a problem with interference?

[@tdumnxy]

I have never owned a modern digital recorder. I have no brand loyalty/bias. I could definitely hear more detail/clarity in the Zoom recordings you played. But you thought the opposite? I may buy one just for fun.

[@Vemovemo1]

Awesome vídeo, TASCAM has more rich sound and less noise all the way.

[@only_ramen]

Agreed

[@Garf-s]

I'm so glad this video found me. Thank you for making this.

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

Most interesting recorder review I have ever seen! Thank you!

[@valeriypoliakov]

Thanks for the test! The ZOOM sounds a bit better to me.

[@zantigar]

The midrange and base of the Tascam is just slightly fuller sounding than the Zoom H1n. Superb comparison - thank you so much!

[@raymondwelborne4998]

Just to mention it, I believe the Tascam has omnidirectional mics (a/b, or kinda pseudo a/b think?) and the Zoom has cartioids set up x/y. This may contribute to the timber and stereo image differences. Omnis are less susceptible to proximity effect, cartioids tend to be better for stereo imaging.

[@gtamediaproductions1]

The zoom is a bit of a brighter recording than the Tascam. That's what I am hearing.

[@NovitLog]

100%. Much more details.

[@mandienk2702]

I agree with you. It has a rounder sound that seems more pleasant and more cinematic without processing. The Zoom seems to have more details but at the expense of more noise. I have the impression that the Tascam produces a pre-filtered sound while the Zoom seems to produce a more raw sound. In conclusion I would say that the Zoom necessarily requires post-processing most of the time while the Tascam delivers a ready-to-use sound for the most urgent. When listening, I personally prefer the sound of the Tascam, while I have the Zoom H1n, but this may be a mistake from a technical point of view.

[@gennadysavkin4936]

Замечательный обзор! Разнообразные образцы примеров записи. Большое спасибо))

[@mandienk2702]

The Tascam has a rounder sound that seems more pleasant and more cinematic without processing. The Zoom seems to have more details but at the expense of more noise. I have the impression that the Tascam produces a pre-filtered sound while the Zoom seems to produce a more raw sound. In conclusion I would say that the Zomm necessarily requires post-processing most of the time while the Tascam delivers a ready-to-use sound for the most urgent. When listening, I personally prefer the sound of the Tascam, while I have the Zoom H1n, but this may be a mistake from a technical point of view. Thank you for this great comparison!

[@gordoguz]

I got the Tascam because of sound quality and extra functionality, like punch-in overdubbing and the chance to use it as an interface.

[@CineChi]

Yes it is great

[@goole7445]

Can't the Zoom be used as an interface as well?

[@CineChi]

@@goole7445 both can 😁

[@HAwk-bl7wc]

Well done! That is the way to do it. I do this myself :)... I hear the Zoom has far more noise, hissing per haps 4 times as much. But presents a better stereo effect ( judging the passing cars). I don't know about your gain levels but the Tascam seems outstanding sound quality...

[@McSynth]

Very useful comparison, Glad you made this !

[@CineChi]

Thank you , glad you watched it 😁

[@Bob-K-928]

Incroyable ces interférences sur le tascam, c'est rédhibitoire pour moi et c'est dommage car le son y est globalement meilleur. Merci pour ce test !!!

[@photonrabbit7011]

All the stuff I needed to hear, nice suite of tests - thank you!

[@JocanMaveric]

In my opinion, Tascam sounds better with VO, but Zoom definitely wins for atmos recordings, it has a wider stereo field and more detail.

[@Comedownandrelax]

That mean to keep sound of nature it should be zoom right?

[@lunasspecto]

I'm new to microphone tech but my impression is that the Tascam sounds more directional, if that makes sense.

[@DublawMusic]

It's an unfair comparison on the voiceover as the zoom has a cardioid capsule, he needs to be talking directly into the unit rather than towards it.

[@EdwardKilner]

Subscribed. That double mount was clearly a brilliant idea, guaranteed a valid comparison. I had seen pictures of your voice-over device but never saw a demo. Works great and was certainly a necessity when doing the comparison. Alas, I’m old and wear an in-ear hearing aid in both ears. Can’t say I heard much of a difference with either, unfortunately. Does that mean, in your opinion, their performance is about equal? I was surprised at how well they performed outdoors recording ambient. Another reviewer leaned strongly towards a Sony device, but it costs about 4x the Zoom 4 model here near Toronto. And, those dead-cat wind suppressors really made a difference. I hope you can tell that I greatly appreciated this video.

[@CineChi]

Thank you Edward , I think it's pretty much equal , with a few cons and pros on each , both great at a great price

[@wisdomtooth1799]

Tascam is the One i would go after hearing this superb comparison. Too bad for the interferance sensitive.

[@healthyfats9017]

Unbelievable. This is amazing. Thank you for this 🙂. I hope I will be getting the Zoom h1 for recs. Great video comparison!

[@mengshun]

The Tascam interference is the showstopper - the unpredictability dooms an otherwise decent kit piece. Solid review - thx!

[@CineChi]

I will try to duplicate the interference the tascam was closer to my mobile and silly me it was only about 8 inches away

[@TheBuddha4]

Thank you for the comparison video. I appreciate how you would quickly go from one device to the other. I've seen other comparisons done with long sound samples, and this does not work well.

[@sixsentsoldiers]

These are great for band rehearsals and shows. You sound good, itll sound good.

[@jhudstudio4144]

I really like the stereo field of the zoom recorder. Seems or left right like ears. :) Thanks

[@takeshikovacs1081]

agree, especially on that test with the cars approaching and honking

[@Vaibhav-ku9xn]

Great comparison!! Did you have the Limiter turned on the h1n? Because doing that brings up the noise floor on it.

[@fostersdomain]

Excellent clear review with a pinch of humour. Love it- thank you.

[@ДаромирХристофоровичМарков]

Superb comparison, thanks! Really helped to make decision! Tascam have more resolution to my ears, i am definitely hear more "space and details"

[@2ndchanceinlife]

I like the sound that the Zoom produces. Its more like stereo sound for both left and right direction. The Tascam sounds like mono, and the left direction is weaker in volume ( or maybe its because my hearing has deteriorated ). With the wind muff on, the Tascam is great to be shielded from wind noise. With the wind muff on the Zoom, you can hear the wind a little, but not obnoxiously irritating.

[@nby149]

Amazing review. Thank you so much, I was ready to buy the Zoom because of the price and also because I know Zoom better but I never used the H1 but I am not anymore sure that I will ever use one now… I have to rethink my budget and many try to get a proper Zoom.

[@dani_da_vision]

Great content man thank you so much for this!

[@aethro]

Wonderful video thank you! I think this is moving me over to the Tascam camp as far as these two go - lower noise floor, and with the right headphones it sounds like the H1n has some kind of EQ that's cutting a bit of the higher end fidelity a bit. On the other hand, I wonder if the audio processing of the H1n with the effect mentioned is actually preferable with amateur videography? The audiophile in my chooses Tascam, the amateur film maker is still on the fence. .

[@jaymichael7815]

Superb review!! Zoom is noisier, but it seems to have more "brilliance." Tascam more resistant to fan (wind) w/windscreen. My choice = Tascam.

[@TheHeadlets]

Fantastic comparison video, thanks so much!

[@come2idlewild]

Love This…. Great Test…

[@CineChi]

I have tested both in a car journey at the same time , Video about interference to follow.

[@BLAKHARTFILM]

I posted a comment asking about interference on th H1n before I read the other comments, here. Looking forward to seeing your test. I didn't find it on your page, so could you please give us an idea when it will appear. Thanks.

[@LambertsGlas]

Super! Thank you so much!

[@maxi_moose]

Thanks for awesome review. Real great compare

[@momoka2628]

It was really helpful. Thank you!

[@TimboStash]

Fantastc review. Have you tried either of these with an acoustic guitar?

[@ElVeleroDePapel]

Cual es mejor de las dos, cual me recomiendas.

[@sixsentsoldiers]

Love the accent. Its what makes us, Us.

[@spanielgita]

Thanks for doing this

[@sambrown8636]

Did you find the tascam picks up external RF/electrical noise? I purchased a dr-07x recently but returned it the same day after noise in hotel room from WiFi routers and electrical switching crashed all across the recordings made. Apparently the tascam DR series are unshielded so needs care in urban settings...

[@soundsaarmusicstudio5821]

Awesome test. It made it easy for me to buy an audio recorder. Thank you.

[@CineChi]

You are very welcome, which one did you get ?

[@soundsaarmusicstudio5821]

@@CineChi I get Zoom H1n. On my Yamaha MSP5 in your test Zoom sounded clearer. More detail of the sounds could be heard. The Tascam sounds more calm, subdued. In my music productions, when I creating samples for sampler I need sharper, closer sounds.

[@FormusService]

Thanks! Nice video!

[@dianapugach368]

thanks for video! I love your voice

[@flbchbm]

Acoustic and rock band practice....this is a major use and you omitted it.

[@CineChi]

Oh , I'm sorry

[@nihatcagdas3974]

Hello.. You have done a detailed test, thank you.. My impression is that there is almost no bottom sound in Tascam.. Stereo separation is weak compared to Zoom, microphone sensitivity is less than Zoom.. Still, Tascam seemed to me to be of better quality, am I wrong?

[@KenTeel]

The next time that I need to record a chef chopping vegetables, or a bartender pouring drinks, I'll be sure to get one of these recorders.

[@CineChi]

It will do the job well 😜

[@paulotav2]

thks for posting!

I own a Zoom H1n, in your tests, I Thought Zoom was more Brilliant. And some times didn't captured all sounds Tascam got.

[@totoroutes5389]

Which mic has less noise? And Which preamp has less noise?

[@takeshikovacs1081]

to me Tascam sounds muffled, Zoom sound is more rich with a deeper bass and better stereo, great test by the way, thanks for doing it !

[@redlab3488]

Tascam has got a more natural sound, the zoom h1n, which I've got for recording my singing lesson, adds a resonance which is very annoying. You can clearly hear that at 1:50.

[@dcc-00]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@CineChi]

You are welcome, welcome welcome

[@yokalepodcast]

J'adore le début 😄😄😄

[@JT7POV]

For those who ride a motorbike and don't want to feel the wind but the engine of their motorbike, what is better between the two?

[@raahensalophotography]

Nice comparison 👍

[@Mike-lu1pt]

Does your DR-05X have any white noise when recording silence? Any white noise on the line out when the unit is on and has earbuds plugged in? My unit has these issues and was wondering if others have it too, maybe it's normal, idk.

[@juhaaavalaakso455]

How long H1n can record using aaa Ni-MH from full to zero? How about Tascam? Is H1n good recording audio from room where are many people around (like family birthday) or is it too direction oriented? I have been trying to find audio recorder using aa/aaa batteries, very long recording time and could record many people at the same time. There are so many products to compare pros and cons. I have eyes on my H1n it sounds and feels better but dont know what to buy. Searching and comparing week now these haha. Sony has some models but I dont like battery that cannot be replaced. Great review btw thanks!

[@wahabdilawar]

Very nice video. I use a Zoom H1N recorder and I am more than satisfied with it BUT I would like to use the Tascam also...you know why...🙂 Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@CineChi]

Thank you 😊

[@marianpavlik6352]

Exactly after 10 years I am going to change Tascam DR-05 (not X version) for Zoom H1n. For years Tascam served OK, I did a lot of concert recordings (am a concert reviewer) and interviews with jazz musicians. However, this years a problem appeared, Tascam just sometimes is not able to save my recording which a a fatal failure. Why have I decided for Zoom now? I agree that Tascam may have a bit better sound quality. However, Zoom H1n looks OK in reviews, is smaller than Tascam and also cheaper. Very important matter - Zoom is interference resistant compared to Tascam. It has happened many times that my Tascam picked up the interference form a mobile phone. That really annoyed me. So, let's see how my new Zoom will work, I am going to pick it up today.

[@Soul_In_Tears777]

Hello. Have you received your Zoom H1n? What can you say about it in comparison to Tascam.

[@LeftiBassist]

Thank you, this is an outstanding review. I've been looking at these two for recording my in-house bass practice. I've read issues regarding the build quality of the Zoom H1n. With your tests I preferred the sound quality of the Tascam. Can anyone confirm the build issues of the Zoom? Again, thank you for a great review!

[@Chemnitzer]

What do you exactly mean as "build quality"? :) Well yes, the H1n has problems with rattling buttons on the body sides - headphones volume rocker in my case. I was also choosing between the R-05X and the H1n and I eventually acquired the Zoom, because of its better stereo reproduction (clearly audible in this video; plus I already had a recorder with A/B configuration, so I was tempter by X/Y ;) ), then I was also unable to find, how serious the RFI problem with the Tascam is. The buttons can be easily silenced with an adhesive tape when needed, the RFI is incurable.

[@danielvelizotani9779]

which is better for recording college lectures?

[@Soldier247]

zoom is bassier and less clear, tascam is vice-versa so ultimately depends on what you like and your work

[@sambrown8636]

I gotta say the Zoom sounds more natural and clear (not so muffled sounding) - I know others talk about noise, well yeah but I hear it as just room around and air. I just like the quality of the zoom sound better :) I guess it's about tone as much as anything. Nice video, thanks :) both are lovely amazing machines!

[@henrykg]

I also like Zoom more. Have to check samples because Tascam sounds “better“ without postprocessing, but I think this is some software trick.

[@sergeprovost]

When the cars are passing i hear at high volume a more tunnel sound like if the mic is at the end of a pipe with the zoom. The tascam have a more authentik sound.

[@Chemnitzer]

Do you mean 6:50 ? I have no idea, what is a problem here, but the Zoom sounds strange in these recordings, just like an acoustic feedback was nearly occurring for some reason. My H1n produces excellent recordings, clear and very naturally sounding, with excellent stereo reproduction. One can have some reservations as far as the build quality is concerned, there are issues with the limiter etc., but otherwise the sound quality is really great.

[@aleMARG]

Hello, The audio comparison is processed?

[@cellobanda]

Didn't you improve the audio samples (voice). I mean, are these files raw?

[@CineChi]

Raw no editing

[@cellobanda]

@@CineChi thank you! Nice review. I bought DR-05X based on your review, mostly.

[@stevethomas8151]

Are both set at the same levels? Wav and sample rates

[@EpicFilmReel]

which one would you go for?

[@talkingSkunk]

Thank you for so many specific tests with good controls! I liked the fact they were recorded side by side simultaneously. Is there any way to fix the interference on Tascom? Also, Zoom seems to catch more bass, which sounds better than Tascom?

[@CineChi]

I believe it was cus of my phone , it was in my pocket only about 10 inches away from tascam (14) from zoom. I am in the process of doing an interference test video around the house, car, and mobile, we will see how they compare. I have had interference on both units 🤔.

[@burnedmemory]

@@CineChi all tascams has the same issue and that's so bad, i hope they can fix it, tascam is great only in indoors but thinking of recording nature, it'll be a bad idea

[@nulla9601]

Tascam is the clear winner here imo. The Zoom is just way sharper which isn't nice to listen to

[@BLAKHARTFILM]

Thank you for this side-by-side comparison. I found the Zoom to have clearer, crisper sound. That, however may be due to hearing problems. After reading some comments and reviews, my biggest concern is that the H1n has a tendency to pick up interference from electronic devices such as PC's. Have you or your viewers had any issues with that?

[@Chemnitzer]

I think, Tascam recorders are known of the radio interference problem. :) And from this very film I think, the Zoom H1n offers much more pronounced and natural stereo effect reproduction than the Tascam.

[@BLAKHARTFILM]

@@Chemnitzer Thanks. I just bought a Zoom but haven't used it yet. Time will tell if there are anny issues.

[@Chemnitzer]

@@BLAKHARTFILM I was choosing between the Tascam DR-05X and Zoom H1n for quite a long time - and I eventually bought the Zoom. Mostly because I think its stereo effect is more natural, then I already own a recorder with A/B mic configuration, so I decided to buy an X/Y one. :) I was also unable to find out, how serious the RFI problem of the Tascam is, i.e. what is the probability, the interference occurs in real life. Eventually, I'm a little bit disappointed with the H1n. Yes, it records really great sound, it is pretty convenient to use, but it also has numerous issues like rattling buttons (headphones volume rocker in my case), it's very prone to handling noise due to very lightweight body, limiter is useless (increasing noise floor by 12 dB when turned on with the recording level set above approx. 5.5) and the useful recording level range is limited to the 5.5-10 (noise floor increases by 12 dB too when the level is set under 5.5). Fortunately, I usually use the level around 8, so with some care it works fine for me. And a foam wind shield or a deadcat is just obligatory, often even indoors. :)

[@BLAKHARTFILM]

@@Chemnitzer Thanks for the reply and the info. Mine did not come with a deadcat. Guess I should have ordered one with it.

[@Chemnitzer]

@@BLAKHARTFILM There's an accessories set, Zoom SPH-1n, with a foam windshield, a very nice dedicated hard case for the recorder and an AC adaptor (there was also an earlier APH-1n, which also additionally included a small table tripod and a mic stand adaptor). The Zoom WSU-1 deadcat - also listed as a compatible accessory - is, in turn, very big for the H1n and I think something smaller would be more convenient.

[@muppetpaster]

Zoom is little more crisp....Ir Tascam a tad muffled... It would be good to show/layout settings beforehand.... Also, nowadays the Zoom is half the price of the Tascam....

[@Dailysparrow]

i really like the tescam microphones but the interferance is a deal breaker

[@Ed1-Green-Wizard.]

I like the TASCAM DR-5X a bit more than the ZOOM H1n. The lower tones are better recorded by the TASCAM. The are more sensitive,. but the record-level can be turned very low. The microfones can handel sound up to 125 dB, without deforming the sound ! I like the bigger size of the TASCAM, becouse i think the parts inside will be a bit bigger and stronger. I think that will give a bettrer sound, and make the device longer lasting. You can record a lot more on the 128 Gb SD-card then on a 32 Gb SD-card ! You can also use the TASCAM as an interface between an analoge audio-set, and your Digital computer, without needing a 'Driver-program' ! (AD/DA-Converter, with a max sample-rate of 96 kHz - 24 bit) I hope the microfones are as good as the mic's on the 'ROLAND R-07', witch i had before, but i sadly lost it. (I was realy surprised by the detailed, and very 'Realistic-Surround-Sound'' picked up by those 2 mic's !) But a new ROLAND R-07 costs +/- 249,- euro's, and the TASCAM DR-05X is now available for 105,- euro's ! The ZOOM H1n is cheaper but i think the TASCAM sounds better, and is a bit more professional. Edwin.

[@ketokonazol]

Yes but does tascam have interference problems?

[@concreteman1330]

I prefer the tascam one

[@Luke-ep7zk]

The tascam picks up more details than the room.

[@ReinQuest]

The thing I have trouble with is that the Tascam in every review I watch has an audio interference that I can’t figure where it comes from. I feel like I got lucky with the Zoom. It’s not perfect but it is more resistant to the interference.

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

Actually, on sets, everyone turns their phones to airplane mode. No mic or recorder is perfect against interference, no matter if it is made out of aluminium (case), cables etc.

[@ReinQuest]

@@WEHAVETHISDREAM correct, it’ll never be perfect. Some devices are better shielded or don’t have internals that are unintentionally conductive. Airplane mode isn’t enough when we film. If it’s not part of the set, it’s shut down fully. The Tascam recorders I watched in many reviews recorded side by side with other units. They always seemed to be effected when the other recorder didn’t. Could be simply both recorders just too close I guess. 🤷‍♀️ I don’t have the time to do my own testing.

[@clintongallagher]

ALMOST PERFECT REVIEW: GRADE: C Tell them what you're going to tell them (failed) Tell them. (excellent) Tell them what you told them. (marginal) I needed to hear about --*USABILITY*-- not just the audio quality. Many of these devices are so arcane and difficult to actually use. Its not worth the iota of qualitative difference if the device has shitty documentation and FUBAR controls.

[@2021philyou]

excellent! thank you!

[@Qoow8e1deDgikQ9m3ZG]

AB and XY are not the same if you record then closely .... it cannot be compared together

[@emil_lieur]

The zoom is very sensitive microphone

[@liviaseveronicco444]

Ótimo vídeo! Parabéns pelo trabalho. #brasileira

[@Berlin-bl9bi]

you cannot get results by having the mics into different directions. one is focused the other one set on wide. bad compared. sorry.

[@starshipgraffiti]

The o5x sounds cheap

[@fureyize]

I regret buying the Zoom. Too noisy. I wish I had seen this video before I bought it.

[@devinbreeding5412]

Zoom gave you and American accent. 😆

[@joelarredondo6609]

I think Tascam DR-05X is bether than Zoom

[@Nullllus]

Damn the Tascam sounds a bit nicer but I really like close XY configuration of the Zoom. Spaced out XY sounds weird.