WHAT!? 32-bit float H1essential by ZOOM!

[@iancraig]

Just got one Wayne. Great for overmodulation but poor at lifting low level sound. It brings up the noise so the preamps inside can’t be that good. Ease of use though is brilliant.

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Ian! Thanks for sharing! Bummer to hear! Seems like the price point is too good to be true... It's strange, she me Zoom products I absolutely love but others... I'll be keen to see any video you make on it!

[@iancraig]

Yes, I wasn’t happy about that! You can scream into the mic and it clips, but the magic of bringing it down is brilliant. The other end of the scale isn’t as good. I’d say noise levels are coming up almost the same way as any ordinary recording that’s gained up. Of course, any room noise and mic noise is coming up but I think the preamp is too noisy for 32 bit in all honesty. Zoom need to look at the amping of the signal because its there, right at the start of the audio chain. I was hoping for better low signal performance from it. Better systems do work more quietly than this.

[@droidzhunterz6861]

The "Essential" makes it pretty obvious that this is the cheapo versions and Zoom will make pro editions with better preamps@@iancraig

[@iancraig]

Hopefully they will. The good part though is that the other end means the end of clipping for most people! Actually, with a good strong source, the noise floor then drops away. The convenience of use is great with no messing around with l3vels.

[@theblind_guitarist1990]

@WayneRECs So it turns out that these products will be released this summer. I'm very excited. Since I'm visually impaired, now I can own a device like this with accessibility. Where a screen reader that's enabled, will read out the menus to me. Please do a sound test of the mics on one of these devices when you pick one up. I wonder how it will sound when recording music. I'm a musician and will test that out too. Crank up my Line 6 Amps, and put the amps on the high gain setting. Are you excited for these new products to launch? Finally an accessible recorder for the blind!

[@WayneRECs]

As someone who also has vision issues, I love not having gain knobs with numbers I can never see lol! Last I checked, on their website, it says they'll be shipping next month on Feb 16th.

[@cryptotrader2779]

@@WayneRECs Here in Europe the online shops expected delivery dates are all over the place. One says end of Feb, but the majority say between end of April and early May.

[@MCmotoUSA]

My H1N just recently stopped natively recording the left channel, just in time for this update! Still works with external mics, but it’s a bummer to have lost a channel from the native mics. The 32 bit float in the updated version will be perfect for motorcycle exhaust and road sounds, plus nature sounds when I’m out and about getting aerial footage. I’m going to get the cheapest of them for that purpose.

[@uruci66]

Great update. I am traveling to Albania and doing interviews while trying to be as light as possible since i am really a one man show. Getting this as an audio recorder and doing a simple set up will make this entire process easier. Thanks and all the best.

[@TheGuitarWorkshop]

Will 96k sample rate be a disadvantage?

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

No more rubber coated body which gets sticky?

[@cryptotrader2779]

100% getting the H1e the day it comes out. Love my old H1n as my "always with me" recorder that I keep in my rucksack. Everything else I use my F3 with LOM Usi's. Will probably keep my H6 and not upgrade but may sell it for the H6e. Haven't decided on that, but definitely the H1e for sure. Can't wait for that.

[@efatix]

It looks like that the Equivalent Input Noise has not changed compared to the previous generation of H-series (H4n, H5, H6): it is still -120 dBu. For that reason I prefer to buy F3. Or I'll wait for F4.

[@SamFigueroa]

My current Zoom-H1 is starting to get that weird sticky outer shell issue. Eventually something in the plastic gives up and it turns from soft touch into stick and very unpleasant to touch. I really like using the H1 to attach a lav and put it into a pocket. No longer an option if it comes out covered in lint, or would stick to a person's pockets.

[@LaVanAnderson]

My H6 has the same problem. Very annoying.

[@Wagoo]

Some H1 have the rubberised coating that goes sticky and some are completely free of it and are just smooth plastic. The H1 I bought in 2016 was rubbery like yours and went sticky.. I think newer ones had that removed, as I bought a backup H1 used and it didn't have that issue

[@LawrenceArnell]

I'm pretty hype about the H1 Essential. This is an incredible option for a simple recording setup.

[@TheFlashStickman]

yeah and at a price-point of only $100 that's going to be so good for indie budget filmmaking. I used the Zoom H1 original for a long time and it still holds up as a great recorder. Nice to be getting a "refresh" on an already great recorder.

[@iMakeFunWithFish]

@@TheFlashStickmanWhat a nice surprise that the price stayed at 100 bucks with all the inflation and prices going high they managed to keep it low. 👍

[@TheFlashStickman]

Right?! I'm surprised. Especially since the older models still go for around $150.@@iMakeFunWithFish

[@MHBTeleVision]

I have a hell of a question. When recording 32-bit float, does the signal "remain" 32 bit if I was to go line out into a camera?

[@rjfotovideo]

Only if your camera record 32 bit

[@joeym4090]

Hi Wayne. I learned about this new line up from you and I was wondering if you have been able to test them. I am looking to get one for my wedding videography startup. You're my audio go to guy therefore I trust your input. Speculation is there might be a pro coming up. I am wondering if the previous h4 would do, but I'm tempted of the 32 bit float. I just want it to record the mixer from the DJ so not sure if what people say about the preamps on the new ones would make a difference for this purpose. Thanks

[@PopoRamos]

Shopping for my first field recorder and I'm torn between the F3 and H4e now! Love the size and simplicity of the F3, but also want the ability to use 3.5mm and 1/4 inch without adapters 😩 Also what's up with the bluetooth dongle? LOL Should be build in on all devices

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Zoom changing the game!! Can’t believe they did this. And why didn’t they tell me??

[@WayneRECs]

Well, they needed to off load their F3 stock on someone... lol

[@draxxicek]

Apparently they did not tell anyone. They just have put it up on their Facebook page and on their website. I guess they had previous bad experience with KZbin reviews and handouts to influencers (particularly with the latest M-series, which turned out to be a mini disaster due to some initial critical reviews mentioning interference issues)

[@pureheartvisuals]

😂 Mark… they know they need you Buddy 😅

[@rjfotovideo]

Have bought H1e and it is really small compared to the old H1. Still need to do some good testing with it.

[@derickalbert]

Can I use it with iPhone using type c to lightning as we do with ik multimedia products?

[@The_Guth]

Pre ordered an H1! Not bad for the price and excited to do some content for it and some sound experiments indeed with it!👍🏼

[@shingAMarie]

Great to know wayne. I was wondering if you could do a specific test for us and I think the Internet would like it can you do a comparison between the zoom M3 that you are using now and the mkh 416?

[@paulg9038]

I use my H5 all the time and love it. The H4 Essential basically looks like a 32 bit float replacement - with a few other upgrades. Perfect.... I hope.

[@adv.rohitl.jbrasdesa2402]

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

[@yoyoamgamg6179]

Great to hear the new release from zoom with 32bit float

[@joeym4090]

Oh wow this is great news! I have owned the 2 past generation of the H1 and love them so much. I can see using the 32 bit version with a lav mic for sure and for $99 I don't think I can go wrong. I just got the DJI Mic 2s as well in hopes of 32 bit recording. Zoom comes out of nowhere with this great news and with affordable options. And like you said, it will make many people scratch theirs heads and really explore options. I guess for current H1 owners, the new one is no-brainer to have. Can't wait!

[@WayneRECs]

I think the H1essential will be the big seller this year given how popular the H1n was. I'm pretty sure it will sound better than a stand alone Mic 2 TX, but the integration of the TX with DJI cameras is a hard to beat feature. But purely 32-bit float wise, the ZOOM products will most likely sound better.

[@StandaloneVR]

Hi, does the line in of the new H1 support 32 bit? Is it stereo line in is it correct?

[@djepodjepo]

I am always confused at the line-up of Zoom. Can you explain in simple terms what the product hierarchy is? What’s the flagship and what are the other ones use cases?

[@WayneRECs]

While I don't know for sure, they seem to differentiate product lines for musicians, field recordists, filmmakers and then general content creators. But practically, I think their H Series of Handy Recorders were their main offering as they seemed to be the most popular overall.

[@djepodjepo]

ok thanks, appreciate the response @@WayneRECs

[@Kellysnorthshore]

Ha, I was on the website looking to see if there are firmware updates for the M3 and F3 just yesterday! Thanks for the heads up! Checking them out now. Sad that they changed the mount for the capsules. I still have the Zoom H8 with the stereo shotgun mic and the x/y...

[@WayneRECs]

Yeah, I guess all the old capsules are now obsolete! I'll be interested though in seeing what other products ZOOM comes out with that will accept the new style capsules.

[@apislapis]

Wow. The H1 Essential interests me. It's a nice compromise between size, price and 32bit float sound quality. I have a H1n and an Olympus LS-P1 which take up little room in a camera bag for travel videoing. My 2007 Edirol R-09HR which my wife bought me for my Music Tech degree ceased being an option about 3 years ago when the display started to fail and the rubberised outer casing went all sticky. Many thanks Wayne for pointing out this announcement.

[@shingAMarie]

Wayne, I wanted to ask you an audio question that I can’t seem to find an answer to. I’ve seen countless amounts of videos on processing audio for dialogue with equalization compression reverb, etc. But I still can’t find a way to imitate the way they do it making it natural sounding in big budget films. For example, in this latest video that you did your audio sounds crystal clear , nothing is wrong with it at all but I want to know what you could do to make it sound like it is in a film. I know it’s supposed to sound like it is in a room but even though it needs to sound like it is in a room is not supposed to sound very echoey and with a lot of River. understandI feel like they’re able to place it specially in a scene without making it equally and full of reverb. I get the equalization component, of course but like I said, you have a question clear recording in this video, but how would you put it ““ in the room to make it sound like they make it sound in films if that makes any sense because I have exhausted so much research and I cannot find the answer

[@WayneRECs]

While I don't work in the film industry, there's a lot of work behind the scenes to make sound happen. A cool resource is Allen over on the SoundSpeeds YT channel. He's a pro boom op and has some cool insights. With regards to how I record audio, the treatment of the room is the most important step. A good sounding room can make a huge difference. That means a lot of sound absorption materials (that can be mixed with sound dispersion). This is how to tame reverb or room reflections. That echoy sound is mostly when your voice reflects or bounces off of hard surfaces (walls, tables, floors, desks etc). Directly your voice towards some kind of sound absorption (even an Audimute Sound Blanket) can help with the first point of reflection. Mic placement is probably the next most important element to good sound. Getting a mic closer to the sound source (i.e. a speaker's mouth) will almost always provide the cleanest audio. Additionally, understanding that what the mic "hears" is different from what a person in the room hears can help too. So aside from the spatial relation to the sound source, positioning your mic so that it's areas of rejection are towards potentially unwanted noise is something that's sometimes overlooked. My thoughts are that the more you can do before you actually record, the better the sound will be (and the easier it will be to work with in post).

[@shingAMarie]

@@WayneRECs right and I’m not even really talking about the recording process. I am just assuming that everything is recorded properly and the sound has no issues like echoes reverbs, external noises, etc. It’s just the processing after that that I am interested in and I can’t really seem to imitate it. And I did visit that channel that you referred and the techniques are good, but I still can’t really find anything about processing and post to make it sound with the way they do it’s almost like it’s a hidden secret or something. But does it at least make sense? Like, for example, just take your audio in this video. Can you tell the difference between your audio and the way, your audio would sound in a film tone wise?

[@IamDJFTR]

I was very excited to hear about this. I just ordered my H1 Essential so I can use for my specific use: plug into my controllers & turntables to record DJ mixes in the studio or out at events.

[@WayneRECs]

Yeah, it sounds like the H1essential is going to be super useful in a bunch of situations!

[@IamDJFTR]

@@WayneRECs yeah, definitely excited. I already do have a 32 fit recorder, I have the tascam portacapture x8. Got it for on the go podcast recording, and recording audio for weddings, like vocals and such. Did not use for controller hook up because I’d be heartbroken to lose that over a spilled corona at a club. the H1 essential is much less emotional & financial damage to replace lol.

[@moizter]

yup saw it last night and pre-ordered😂

[@henriqueteixeira4603]

Finally what I was waiting for. Do you have any information regarding an eventually Zoom h5essential? Keep up the excelent work and Sound 🤘

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

Yeah, they skipped over the H5? Why would they do that?

[@paulgero]

Excellent...been waiting for that H6 Essential!

[@jer3006]

I do have the H1n and, if there is an H1n Essential I would trade up. I just can't remember the difference in the H1 and the H1n, maybe none. Guess I better research that before spending the money. I also have the F3 so maybe I don't need an H1n upgrade. A bit of confusion here for me.

[@ollebrandt]

Wow, The H1E is not that much more expensive than the H1n.... Well, now I am getting acquisitive....... Thank you so much, Wayne😜

[@corazoninmaculado77]

Ohhh boy I can´t wait for the H6essential to come out... here in Spain... I am all in. I own an H1n, I sold today my H6 and I still have the H8 but I will get my hands on the H6essential... 32 bit float... are you kidding me?... I guess we don´t have to worry anymore about ¨Gain¨right?... for the dynamic mics... please let me know if I am wrong. THanks for the video.

[@cryptotrader2779]

Right. No more gain settings. Press record and you're done.

[@tempemm]

I have an old h4n so would this h1 essential be a good upgrade?

[@rjfotovideo]

Not really, but if you need 32 bit then H4e could be a upgrade

[@HansWalkNTours]

Great news. Excited to get that h1 essential

[@OutNAboutWithBrad]

I've just discovered field recording, I really hope the H1 E. will plug directly into DJI products and record onto the original DJI file.

[@WayneRECs]

Historically, I've been able to connect my ZOOM M3 to my DJI Action 4 with a single USB-C cable which allowed the M3 to record internally and send a digital signal to the Action 4. I think the Essentials will be the same. Alternatively, you can always run a 3.5mm TRS out the ZOOM into an adapter to a DJI camera (but it's not as slick lol).

[@scottgibson6022]

Say Wayne, I just watched a video ad for curvapen. That's your voice, isn't it?

[@WayneRECs]

Good ears!

[@thepixelwriter]

Intrested in H1essential.

[@jariperho]

My only concern is the build quality. Their MicTrak line up has been getting some very poor reviews due to RF interference and low quality parts.

[@AcousticBoris]

I believe those RF interference issues were resolved

[@Kellysnorthshore]

@@AcousticBoris I have no RF issues with my M3.

[@Ozpeter]

Sadly the initial KZbin reviews which lead to the withdrawal of the MicTracks and their re-launch months later are still up, and still affecting sales, I suspect. That is probably why my Zoom M2 was on sale for around the price of the H1N. The H1essential offers an input socket, which of course is essential (!) for many users, but otherwise it seems a downgrade from the M2 in terms of most features and preamp quality. Potential purchasers need to consider what they really need and shop around for street prices.

[@jariperho]

Seems I was wrong about the build quality. The real issue turned out to be those poor preamps. The reviews are not good which is a bummer.

[@enriquemartin8655]

Thank you for your presentation. I also have the M3 based on your recommendation. Totally satisfied with it. When I first the news on FB, I thought it was the usual prank. I see it's not. I am curious about the NEW H6, I've had the original for YEARS. I used it with the GH-6. I think it was a great combo. I now have the PORTACAP X8, I love it. will see about the H6when it comes out.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks! I think it will be super interesting to see these new Hessentials in real world applications!

[@andrewmason8691]

Great news. I loved my H6, but bought the Tascam X8 for 32 bit float. I hate the build and menu system of the X8. Very pleased to hear what Zoom is doing now.

[@WayneRECs]

I'm assuming the navigation on the H6essential will be similar to the H6. I was really close to pulling the trigger on the Tascam X8 or X6 but the user interface was a big turn off for me.

[@calandrella57]

If H6e will have the same Preamp of old H6... there will be no story Vs. X6/X8. These last win at low hands!

[@scottgibson6022]

What about the Zoom R4?

[@WayneRECs]

I think the R4 had a very specific use case in mind aimed at musicians. The Handy recorders feel like they have a wider appeal. That said, the R4 did feel like an odd release.

[@AcousticBoris]

Yeah, I saw the news yesterday and I am ALL IN on the H6. It’s funny to me though that a screen is even needed. If I were a manufacturer making a 32 bit recorder, I would basically make it a sturdy metal housing with combo inputs and a very basic control system. (Something akin to the Centrance Mixerface) No screen needed. It’s 32 bit. Fix it all in post.

[@WayneRECs]

Yeah, one of the reasons I really like the M3 is that there is no screen to power and all it's functions are accessible with button presses. The H6essential body seems to be inline with the H6 so maybe this time they thought getting rid of gain knobs would be ok, but removing the screen would be way to dramatic lol!

[@DroseMr]

Have 2 mic 2 dji kits ,zoom h1,h2,2f3s and 1 m3 mic track.all the recorders i have. I need to learn to use them . 32 bit is weird to me because i have to press 2 record buttons. The thing i cant stand w the dji or m3 is i cant use blue sync to time code to the ninja wich i dont know how to sync in post anyway😂i can clip 32bit when i crank it i think. Love the vid and info. Sorry bout my ramble. Means alot.Thank You!🎉

[@ILLAILLS]

Grabbed the H8 in November 😂😂 I’m mad

[@argy-ji2zf]

H6 essential in my short list !

[@MrHamit64]

Depending on it's guts i would get the H6.

[@Wagoo]

I've been looking to upgrade my H1 for years. It's ridiculous to call this an H1, it's nearly twice as big and no mic cage to carry easily in your pocket. I just want the H1 form factor but with very high quality mics/preamps (and yeah fine 32-bit and SDXC card support). I'm happy paying H6 prices for an H1 that is purely an upgrade in recording quality and NOT a bloat in the form factor As for the larger recorders.. yeah cool for the applications where a larger size is appropriate those seem fine. But the H1 niche has been completely abandoned, and it's so frustrating

[@JeffBourke]

This is SMART!!!!!

[@Kellysnorthshore]

I have to call BS on the new mounts! They have been upgraded for 32bit. Mics are mics, just a cash grab.

[@Kellysnorthshore]

I just checked them out on Zoom. The H6 is ugly (first Impression) but then I went to B&H to see pricing, ITs only $299! Take that Tascam! If the preamps are solid, Well played Zoom Well Played! I also like the Accessibility features for people who are visually impaired!

[@WayneRECs]

Price wise, this lineup is hard to beat. Looks wise, it seems like they tried to stay inline with the previous models body style/shape. I think we're just so used to seeing gain knobs, that the H6essential looks weird with the button layout... but it's slowly growing on me lol!

[@Kellysnorthshore]

@@WayneRECs That said, they mentioned that the dials are so quiet that you can make adjustments during a recording that the mic will not pick it up. If the buttons and dials are that quiet that's great for podcasters, field recording they are not going to touch it. So all good.

[@Kellysnorthshore]

@@WayneRECs The more I think about it, keeping the buttons and dials is good. The Tascam x8 as far as I know, if the screen goes down it doesn't work! People want these units to be as bomb proof as possible.

[@davidpossien3061]

What dials? ​@@Kellysnorthshore

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

@@davidpossien3061 right! what dials are they referring to?

[@iamshake7778]

H1 😃

[@janusdk]

"Audio guidance function for the blind and visually impaired". Interesting.

[@WayneRECs]

It's like they made it for future me lol!

[@davidpossien3061]

Only the visually impared would buy the new H6. Has a face only a mother could love.

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

Can these features be silenced as an option? I'm not sure I'd want the thing talking to me. Could be annoying,

[@janusdk]

@@WalterDavidRiffmon Dont't know, but I certainly expect that.

[@rigocornejo6003]

No bluetooth or wifi transfer, still with external triple a or doble a batteries, the put some makeup and a new trick nothing really new.

[@NoCoverCharge]

You can get Bluetooth thingy to go with it

[@720military]

I watched your videos for the last past 2 years, I feel like I can walk to your studio pick a mic and a camera and create my own youtube channel using those 2 pieces of equipment because at the end of the day people watch gear produts 1 time and then forget about it, is 32 bit flow and video 10 bit necessary in 2024? The answers is no! 720 is very watchable small files easy to edit and faster to produce.

[@Old-School-Liberal]

Zoom is a cheap brand

[@Kitakueigo]

What do you recommend instead?