Zoom has added three new models to its lineup, the H1essential, the H4essential, and the H6essential. All three offer 32-bit float recording capabilities and streamlined feature sets.
Zoom H1essential 2-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
The H1essential Portable Recorder was designed to make audio capture easy. It features 32-bit floating point recording so you can capture audio without the need to fine tune the levels.What you need to remember with 32-bit float is the even though it has a very large dynamic range, you still need to be mindful of not overloading the microphone because its dynamic range is not anywhere near as high.
Key features
- Portable, Easy-to-Use Audio Recorder
- Musicians, Content Creators & Podcasters
- 32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed
- Onboard X/Y Mics Handle up to 120 dB
- Overdubbing & Playback Speed Adjustment
- Mono Mode for On-The-Go Interviews
- Vivid OLED Display
- Function as a USB-C Microphone
- Tripod Mountable
- Includes Windscreen, USB Cable, and Case
The H1essential is being targeted at musicians, podcasters, filmmakers, and content creators. It has built-in X/Y microphones and a 3.5mm mic/line input with plug-in power that lets you use lavalier mics. There are also functions like overdubbing, playback speed adjustment, mono mode, and auto record. It is tripod-mountable and it can also serve as a USB-C microphone and audio interface all at once while simultaneously recording to microSDXC cards up to 1TB.
The H1essential includes a furry windscreen, a USB-C cable, an AD-17 power adapter, and a padded shell case. and it retails for $99.99 USD.
Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
The Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is being targeted at burgeoning musician, indie filmmakers, and content creators. It offers four tracks of distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. It has 32-bit float recording and X/Y mics that can handle 130 dB.
Key features
- Portable, Intuitive Audio Recorder
- Musicians, Content Creators & Podcasters
- 32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed
- Onboard X/Y Mics Handle up to 130 dB
- 2 XLR-1/4″ TRS Combo Inputs with Preamps
- Onboard Mixer and Waveform Display
- Function as a 4×2 USB-C Audio Interface
- Tripod Mountable
- Compatible with BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter
The dual XLR-1/4″ combo inputs are claimed to feature low-noise and high-quality Zoom mic preamps with +48V phantom power for driving professional condenser mics. An onboard mixer is easy to use with the bright 2″ color display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real time.
The H4essential can utilize its USB-C port not only for power but also to stream up to two channels of audio to computers and smart devices, acting as a 4-in / 2-out interface.
The recorder is tripod mountable, allowing it be used in a fixed location or atop a camera via an adapter for field recording duties.
It is equipped with Accessibility Options for the visually impaired. You can navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.
It is compatible with the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, so you can use it so you can receive timecode using the UltraSync BLUE. B&H states that it doesn’t”t support timecode, but that doesn’t appear to be correct.
The Zoom H4essential 4-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is now available to pre-order for $199.99 USD.
Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
The H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is Zoom’s flagship handheld recorder. It offers six tracks of distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. It has 32-bit float recording and hot-swappable X/Y mics that can handle 135 dB.
Key features
- Flagship Handheld Audio Recorder
- Filmmakers, Musicians & Content Creators
- 32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed
- Removable X/Y Mics Handle up to 135 dB
- 4 XLR-1/4″ TRS Combo Inputs with Preamps
- Dual A/D Converters
- Onboard Mixer and Waveform Display
- Function as a 6×2 USB-C Audio Interface
- Compatible with Alternative Capsules
- Compatible with BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter
The four XLR-1/4″ combo inputs feature low-noise and high-quality Zoom mic preamps with +48V phantom power for driving professional condenser mics. An onboard mixer is easy to use with the bright 2″ color display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real time.
The H6essential can utilize its USB-C port not only for power but also to stream up to two channels of audio to computers and smart devices, acting as a 6-in / 2-out interface.
The recorder is tripod mountable, allowing it be conveniently used in a fixed location or atop a camera via an adapter for field recording duties.
It is equipped with Accessibility Options for the visually impaired. Users can avigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.
The H6essential has a removable X/Y mic capsule that can be swapped with several optional modules to fit the needs of your specific application.
XYH-6e Stereo Mic Capsule (Included)
The default capsule that comes with the H6essential adds two high-quality microphones in a X/Y stereo arrangement. This arrangement is most sensitive to audio directly in front while also capturing a clean stereo image.
SSH-6e Stereo Shotgun Capsule
The SSH-6e includes a highly-directional microphone to pick up sound in the center, as well as a bidirectional side mic to pick up sounds from the left and right. The mid-side stereo image is adjustable from mono to ultrawide stereo pickup. You can capture dialogue with the center mic, then mix in the desired amount of environmental sound captured by the side mics.
EXH-6e Input Capsule
If you need more inputs, simply plug in the EXH-6e dual XLR-1/4″ TRS combo capsule. This allows you to connect two additional microphones, instruments, or line-level sources.
Phantom power can be applied if you connect power to the USB-C port on the capsule. There is a 3.5mm jack for line- or mic-level input with plug-in power available for lavalier mics.
It is compatible with the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter so you are able to send it timecode using the UltraSync BLUE.
The Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is now available to pre-order for $299.99 USD.
