Zoom H1n and Zoom H1E - Quick self noise and external microphone tests

Please wear headphones for the best listening experience.
Update: For a slightly more in-depth H1E modification, please watch • Zoom H1 Essential inbu...
Recording levels I use for binaural recordings on the Zoom H1n are 5.5 and playback volume is nearly always 50% or less on a PC/Laptop, so that the audio sounds natural.
I think the Zoom H1E will perhaps on playback, for binaural audio, will need to be reduced a little more than 50%, as the external binaural microphone (Primo EM272) device seems quite sensitive, and most likely to be a great addition to my binaural audio setups. I didn't experience any self noise with the addition with the external microphone, or it's built in mics. No amplification or normalising was used in this demo, simply the raw files from the recorders were used.

[@EQAVOX]

Big fan of the "AAAAAAAAA" test. Thanks for the comparison too.

[@sr3d-microphones]

I do this test for all the mics after they’ve been constructed, they are tested against another capsule and are placed in pots that are 1db within each other so I can create selected pairs. The first test uses a 1000khz tone

[@EQAVOX]

That's some amazing attention to detail in testing there I have to say. Really impressive :o @@sr3d-microphones

[@joe9893]

Even though you stopped with your old channel, you’re still a natural with ASMR. Your understanding of audio makes it even better.

[@sr3d-microphones]

Thank you Joe. Though I’m not an expert in audio, there are many things about it I do not know, though I think I’m doing ok with binaural concepts! Thank you very much for your comment 😊

[@lookingforsounds]

Cool, thanks. Your mics sound very nice. Must grab one of them sometime this year.

[@stingylizard]

This is awesome👍

[@sr3d-microphones]

Check out my latest video on the replacement capsules in the H1E! the clock test says everything about the existing original capsules in the device

[@stingylizard]

@@sr3d-microphones Thanks-We just did,amazing difference! Replacing the capsules make the essential what it already should be. Our H1E just asked us to do the upgrade but we had to explain that our skills are limited right now,maybe later. It's busy sulking...

[@sr3d-microphones]

@@stingylizard Well, here's an option, if you don't mind posting it to me and pay for the capsules and a bit for my time and post back to you, knowing that it's all down to you and no more warranty etc etc For me, it was quite an easy task, and I reckon the more I do, the better I would get, I think it's a bloody fantastic mod myself, the option is there if you're brave enough! And if anyone else is interested, ping me an email over at [e-mail]

[@stingylizard]

@@sr3d-microphones It IS a bloody good mod,almost ridiculous it's so good. What your doing,your approach to mics just makes so much sense -- we've enjoyed "learnin'". Absolutely,yes ...thanks for info

[@HollywoodweddingfilmsGREECE]

THANK you for your video ..... Do you think it is possible to raise the INPUT LEVELS (Gain Levels) , somehow ? (i am not talking about the output levels which can be adjusted) Thank you for your time.

[@sr3d-microphones]

Only by swapping the Primo EM272 for a more sensitive microphone on the external input, as omnidirectional would be a waste of time on the unit itself. I have found a more sensitive capsule and I am still experimenting with that, but it is ‘louder’ (more gain) than the primo or zoom originals.

[@m.b.9330]

Thank You very much for this test! In my opinion - H1 essential generates much more self noice, than H1n and that i have also found. I bought both of them and was trying to test... Maybe there is an influence depending on the relatively lower gain level in the middle of scale in the case of H1n... but listening to my amateur recordings - H1n still represents better sound quality and i can cutt off all the unnecessary background sounds, which are very good heard in H1e. Thanks a lot!

[@sr3d-microphones]

I will probably do another test, one where i boost the levels a bit so that any noise is easier to hear, but not to boost it so much that it deliberately add noise. I am also thinking about talking the H1E apart, and see if I can replace their standard capsules with Primo EM272, as they are considerably more sensitive! Wish me luck! ha!

[@m.b.9330]

@@sr3d-microphones Yes, i wish You luck! But replacing the original capsules is actually building a completely differend recorder... I am waiting for the shipment with DIY set of two EM272 capsules, i am very curious how it will sound in my case... But for now i think about returning the H1e... especially, that now the prices of H1n are at half price of H1e...

[@sr3d-microphones]

@@m.b.9330Have you purchased one of my kits? And.. the Zoom website has the H1n B-stock at 58.50 euros right now www.zoom-europe.com/en/handy-recorders/zoom-h1n

[@m.b.9330]

@@sr3d-microphones I bought two capsules, wire and a mini jack at microbooster. Actually in Poland H1n cost about 56-58 euro. Regards!

[@sr3d-microphones]

@@m.b.9330 That’s a good price for a non b-stock. And have you checked the prices for my primo lav mics? And I have a SR3D binaural DIY kit too Check out www.sr3d.co.uk for other binaural bits and bobs