Zoom H1 Pak Portable Digital Recorder With Accessories Bundle and Headphones

by Zoom

Product Features

• Stereo X/Y mic configuration captures perfect stereo images
• Same frequency and SPL handling as popular Zoom H2
• Records Broadcast WAV (BWF) at 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
• Records MP3 from 48 to 320kbps for maximum recording time
• Included accessories: Professional Closed Cup Headphones, Windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB Cable, Adjustable Tripod Stand, Padded-shell Case and a Mic Clip Adapter

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 10.2 x 14.5 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B003VWC83Q
• Item model number: H1 PAK
• Batteries: 1 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #600 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #12 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Portable Recorders

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Brilliant Stereo Recording. Now in your pocket.

Combining powerful recording capability with elegance and simplicity, the H1 Handy Recorder is Zoom's smallest, most affordable recorder ever. The H1 Handy Recorder features Zoom's renowned recording technology and studio-quality microphones in their easiest, most portable device ever.

This special package includes:

• Professional Closed Cup Headphones
• Windscreen
• AC adapter (USB type)
• USB Cable
• Adjustable Tripod Stand
• Padded-shell Case
• Mic Clip Adapter

Now Zoom recording technology is available to everyone. And with an infinite variety of applications, you'll want to take your H1 everywhere. From musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals to seminars, conferences, journalism or capturing audio for video, the H1 gives you clean, clear stereo sound effortlessly.

Zoom H1 Portable Digital Recorder Features:

• Stereo X/Y mic configuration captures perfect stereo images
• Same frequency and SPL handling as popular Zoom H2
• Records Broadcast WAV (BWF) at 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
• Records MP3 from 48 to 320kbps for maximum recording time
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
• Built-in reference speaker
• Includes 2GB microSD memory card and 1 AA battery
• One AA size battery allows 10 hours operation
• Accommodates up to 32GB microSDHC memory cards
• Track marker function
• Low cut filter
• Built-in mounting joint for tripod mount
• 1/8 inch external mic input
• Stereo 1/8 inch line output
• Auto record level

H1 Features at a glance:
The H1 Handy Recorder puts all its functions at your fingertips. No menus! Its backlit display features recording levels, file format, time elapsed, remaining battery life and recording time.
Its intuitive transport puts all the controls on the side with no menus on the screen. A large record button gives you complete control. Playback and pause, marker, forward and rewind buttons are all accessible by your thumb. Volume for playback and monitoring can be adjusted using your index finger.

On the back, you'll find a single AA battery compartment, a tripod mount, low cut filter, auto level setting and recording format selectable switches. There's also convenient mount for a strap or lanyard clip.
All the transport controls are on right side of the H1 and you can adjust recording levels on the fly. A 1/8 inch stereo line input is located on this side and its USB port is also accessible here as is its power on and hold switch.

On the left side, you can replace your microSD card by folding down the rubberized door. There's also a 1/8 inch stereo line/headphone output with adjustable volume control for monitoring playback. The built-in reference speaker is on the bottom of the unit.

What sets Zoom apart?
Like all Zoom recorders, the H1's onboard microphones are configured in an X/Y pattern, for stunning stereo imaging. Because both mics are arranged on the same axis, they are equidistant from the sound source for perfect localization and no phase shifting. The result is great stereo recordings with natural depth and accurate imaging.

Under your thumb…
With its newly designed user interface, the H1 is also our easiest recorder to use. All its functions are at your fingertips, such as track marker, auto record, low cut filter, level and volume controls with on-board buttons…No menus required!

Intuitive controls make it easy to capture the audio you need with ease. But it still provides the versatility you've come to expect from Zoom. So you get total recording format flexibility from 16-bit/44.1 kHz to 24-bit/96 kHz WAV, or MP3 from 48 kbps to 320 kbps and enough tools onboard to make impeccable recordings.

Secure your digital memories.
The H1 records on microSD cards and comes with a 2GB card. Using a 32 GB microSD card allows over 50 hours of recording time at 16-bit/44.1 kHz. MicroSD cards were specifically designed for the ever-evolving mobile technology market. Approximately the size of a fingernail, the microSD card is a significant advance in technology and its size and capacity are a major reason why the H1 is able to deliver so much recording technology in such a small package.

Share the love.
With its Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port, the H1 allows for fast transfer of your audio files to your computer. Listen, edit and share with your fans on your Mac or PC. It also includes a reference speaker to ensure your recordings are being captured as you desire.

Musicians - Shorten the Learning Curve
With stereo recording so precise and so easy, musicians will love the H1. An indispensible part of any serious musician's arsenal, the H1 makes recording rehearsals and practice sessions easier than ever. And the best part is, because your performance is captured with crystal clear audio, you can really critique your own playing, and get better.

Songwriters - More Hit Wonders
Isn't it time you heard your masterpieces in beautiful stereo that rivals a professional recording studio? Zoom knows you're the creative type, not an engineer. That's why Zoom made the H1 so easy to setup and navigate. So you can keep the inspiration going. Your most creative ideas can now be recorded and shared with your co-writers anywhere and at anytime the music hits you. Just be sure you have your H1 on at all times!

Bands - On the Road, On the Run.
There are so many applications for your band and the H1. Start with learning new songs. If you're the guy who teaches the songs, record each part on an H1 and email it to the members of your band. If you're the one who books the band, you band needs to get heard. And everyone in the group needs to hear their performance to get better. The H1 makes capturing your performance easy, even when you're cranking out high SPLs.

Video and Film Professionals - Indie Shoots That Don't Sound Indie.
With DSLR cameras that shoot incredible HD video, the need for a better audio solution has emerged. The H1 will easily shoe mount on top of a video or DSLR camera. And because it has a standard 1/4-20 mount on the bottom, you can place the H1 anywhere on your rig. Use the stereo output jack to connect directly to the audio input on your camera, or bring the audio into your editing suite using the USB connection. The H1 is the perfect entry point for those getting started with dual source shooting.

Journalism - Scoop Central…
These days, a journalist needs the ablility to capture broadcast ready interviews whenever or wherever they occur. Imagine being able to spontaneously capture the kind of audio your producer needs and send it remotely via email. That's what the H1 provides. It's literally a recording studio in your pocket! And the files are Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) so your producer has time and date stamping as well as any markers you set for total editing ease.

Business - Content Management
Whether it's a sales meeting, training conference or a seminar, the ability to capture and distribute the content is a big part of the ROI when you do events. Use the H1 to record your content for your company website or distribute it by email to your peers. Edit and turn it into a podcast. The possibilities are endless. Whatever the use, the H1 is perfect for legal, business and medical field use.

Accessorize the size…
Everything you need to get started recording is included. Your H1 comes with an AA battery for 10 hours of operation and a 2 GB microSD card.

Product Description

The zoom h1 pack comes bundled with everything you need right out of the box. included are a pair of professional closed cup headphones, windscreen, ac adapter (usb type), usb cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and a mic clip adapter as well! combining powerful recording capability with elegance and simplicity, the h1 handy recorder is zoom's smallest, most affordable recorder ever. the h1 handy recorder features zoom’s renowned recording technology and studio-quality microphones in their easiest, most portable device ever. now zoom recording technology is available to everyone. and with an infinite variety of applications, you’ll want to take your h1 everywhere. the h1 gives you clean, clear stereo sound effortlessly. the h1 handy recorder puts all its functions at your fingertips. no menus! its backlit display features recording levels, file format, time elapsed, remaining battery life and recording time. its intuitive transport puts all the controls on the side with no menus on the screen. a large record button gives you complete control. playback and pause, marker, forward and rewind buttons are all accessible by your thumb. volume for playback and monitoring can be adjusted using your index finger. on the back, you’ll find a single aa battery compartment, a tripod mount, low cut filter, auto level setting and recording format selectable switches. there’s also convenient mount for a strap or lanyard clip. all the transport controls are on right side of the h1 and you can adjust recording levels on the fly. a 1/8 inch stereo line input is located on this side and its usb port is also accessible here as is its power on and hold switch. on the left side, you can replace your microsd card by folding down the rubberized door. there’s also a 1/8 inch stereo line/headphone output with adjustable volume control for monitoring playback. the built-in reference speaker is on the bottom of the unit.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice, even nicer with the added extras, great price, me Likey..., September 10, 2010

By 

SeBo "seb6000" (IND, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zoom H1 Pak Portable Digital Recorder With Accessories Bundle and Headphones (Electronics)

Zoom H1 with accessory Pack:

Note: I see that Amazon is selling this complete system around $20 cheaper if you buy the recorder and Accessory pack separately...

Amazon is very slow getting this product in stock, so I got tired of waiting and ordered it from a company out of Colorado on ebay at about the same price, and they also included a 2GB micro SD card & micro SD adapter kit with case, in it. I'm usually a BIG hold-out though when it comes to buying from Amazon as the selling merchant because of their easy return policy, but I really wanted this item and was tired of waiting for Amazon to supply it... anyways I got mine today.

The Zoom H1 is a very nice and very reasonably priced recorder. The added accessories kit is a very good option and I'm glad it was offered in this type of packaging. This thing will probably last me for quite some time. I've owned a few of the older analog mini cassette recorders like the ones made by Sony, but this is my 1st digital recorder. I was waiting on a very good quality device, that was stereo and low in price (compared to its quality).

So the ZOOM H1 with accessory pack, came with:

Zoom H1 recorder,
1 AA Battery
mini tripod,
Windscreen,
Mic clip adapter,
A/C adapter,
USB Cable,
Padded shell case,
set of cheap Tascam headphones with 1/8-1/4 stereo adapter plug,
my shipment included a Micro SD card (2GB) and Micro SD card adapter,
1/8" to 1/8" stereo line-In cable,
RCA (L/R) to 1/8" stereo cable,
Manual & paperwork...

I loaded the battery and micro SD card and the H1 opened a data input screen for programming the date, time, and such. This went very fast and was very easy to program. I then removed the battery to see if I have to redo this after every battery load up, and it remembered the settings, but does a quick SD card check at start up. TO power on the device you need to hold the power switch to the down position for a few seconds (located on the bottom right side of H1), and the screen will digitally greet you. The screen also displays some very nice messaging back to the user.

Next I reviewed the various buttons on the recorder, like on the very bottom there's a small speaker used to monitor playback with, but it's very very weak weak, so don't expect much from it. The monitor speaker works for a quick listen, but again u will need to use headsets or connect it up with the USB or line cables for best playback quality (or pull the SD card and slot it in the computer). On the backside I set the 3 buttons to my settings... (Low cut: ON, Auto level: ON, Format: MP3). On the right side I increased input recording level to 85% & on the left side I set the volume out level to 75%.

One thing I noticed (reading the manual 1st would prob... help), when I tried the REV/FF during playback is if I let off the button right away it would go to the very end or start like complete rewind. But I figured out that you need to hold these buttons done to do skips and short moves.

Then I hit the record button on the face of the Zoom H1 and did a quick recording in front of the HDTV set for 15 seconds. Then I stopped and hit the playback button on the right side, again the small monitor speaker is very weak, so I plugged in the provided headset and the quality was very good. One thing I noticed right away about this recorder is that its very sensitive. When holding it while recording it picks up everything, your movements, bumps, pressing the record, start, or stop buttons... the movement noises are picked up (maybe the input volume is set to high, I will play with that later) whatever... and it seems to have a very high freq... pitch to it, (it would be nice if this thing came with a remote and had built-in bluetooth, so we could use wireless bluetooth speaker/mic headset, that would be nice). So I opened the accessory pack and added the windscreen and tripod and that helped, but still a very sensitive item. You can hear everything during playback.

To delete a recording, just hit the delete button on the bottom right side, then verify it by pushing the red record button on the face of the Zoom H1. I haven't tried the USB connection, line-in, or line-out yet (headphones used as line-out), but its probably much like all the other small electronic devices, so I wont pester the peeps with it but these are nice options to have on such a reasonably priced recorder.

Overall for me: the price was right, especially with the options kit and included SD card kit. I will use this thing for everything, recording my music sessions, or out playing in the world environments... It will take some getting use to on its sensitivity, but I will adapt. So for me... its a keeper!

More Zoom H1 Specs (amazon doesnt do URLs): [...]


Zoom H1 Portable Digital Recorder Features:

* Stereo X/Y mic configuration captures perfect stereo images
* Same frequency and SPL handling as popular Zoom H2
* Records Broadcast WAV (BWF) at 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
* Records MP3 from 48 to 320kbps for maximum recording time
* Hi-Speed USB 2.0 port
* Built-in reference speaker
* Includes 2GB microSD memory card and 1 AA battery
* One AA size battery allows 10 hours operation
* Accommodates up to 32GB microSDHC memory cards
* Track marker function
* Low cut filter
* Built-in mounting joint for tripod mount
* 1/8 inch external mic input
* Stereo 1/8 inch line output
* Auto record level


enjoy :)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant value for speakers, musicians, interviewers...the list goes on..., January 14, 2011

By 

M. M. Jackson (St. Petersburg, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zoom H1 Pak Portable Digital Recorder With Accessories Bundle and Headphones (Electronics)

I bought one of these to:

- Record myself playing trumpet/harmonica/singing

- Conduct interviews

- record speakers and speaking engagements

- ???

and it has performed brilliantly.

On that strength, I recommended this to a friend who is a Mary Kay director who does CD's for training, motivation and support for her sales associates. On that end, it has been brilliant. You can plop it in front of a guest speaker (one mic pointed toward the speaker and the other "mostly" towards the audience") and you get a clear, crisp and brilliant recording that is easy to listen to and not encumbered by hiss, distortion or other technological distractions. Not only that, but it is "Non-Technical Person" APPROVED. Very easy to use. If you can pull a file off of a pen drive, you can use this recorder 100%.

For audience recordings:

- ALWAYS leave the "Auto Level" switch (on the back) ON. This will adjust the recording levels for when "someone in the back" asks a question (turning the sensitivity UP) and then automatically turn it back DOWN when the speaker starts up again.

- ** If the speaker is on a PA (meaning talking into a microphone and sound system) **: you are generally good. If you are making a CD, set it to "WAV" (slider on the back), and then use the << (rewind) or >> (fast forward) buttons when you turn it on (before starting to record) to set it to "44 / 16" mode. Any setting will burn to CD via iTunes (recommended method) just fine, but on the "44 / 16" setting it is the exact format a CD uses. Literally, drop it in and burn.

- ** If the speaker is NOT on a PA (just them talking to the room unassisted) ** : if you are going to have audience noise, clapping, etc. you will want to put the recorder NEARER to the speaker. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP THAT AUTO-LEVEL SWITCH on the back of the unit ON.

Other than that, unless you want to edit clips, just drop the file or files from the recorder into iTunes (delete any "test" recordings you don't want), make a playlist (plus sign at the bottom left of the iTunes window), drag that particular recording or recordings onto it and then press "burn playlist" to write it to a CD. Just about that easy.


Accessories:

These are life savers:

- The tripod lets you put it on a desk, near enough to your mouth, and record an audio training or what-have-you with ease. Put on the foam cover for this, because if you don't, P's and F's and T's can sometimes break up and sound bad. With the foam cover, you sound pure rich, natural and distortion-free, even if you speak into it at close range.

- The foam cover (above) protects you when you speak closely into it, or when you are outdoors in any kind of slight breeze or wind. For heavier breeze or wind, you need a RedHead protector (google it).

- The microphone handle accessory is a God-send as well: will allow you to record a speaker standing up with ease if you have a mic stand (they are cheap and invaluable). Remember, closer to the speaker if they are not using an amplified PA/microphone/speakers.

- The case is really good for keeping this relatively delicate product safe. All the money was poured into the mics and the recording electronics, not the case. It is not necessarily durable enough to smash under heavy weight in a bag somewhere, but the case will help that to some degree.

- The power supply keeps you going if batteries die.

- The cable allows you to transfer files right from the device. Usually would just use it like a camera card and plug it right into your computer, but this allows greater flexibility.


Final notes:

I highly recommend spending the ten bucks on an 8 GB (eight gigabyte) card. This will yield you many more hours of recording time and more flexibility. More space than that is not always necessary, but for about ten bucks you cannot beat an 8gb card right now.

The headphones in the kit are bulky and lousy, but oh well...they are roughly "free" all told.

If you need to edit your recording (fade in at the beginning or fade out at the end, cut out segments you don't want or mistakes made, etc.) then go ahead and download the free "Audacity" program and teach yourself how to use it by reading the user manual. It's free, powerful yet simple and once you LEARN it, you will LOVE it. It's worth your time. Or if you are big-time enough, hire someone on eLance or Rentacoder to do it for you. HIGH POWERED!!


FINAL NOTE FOR LIVE CONCERT RECORDING:

Other than that, I wish to say that I have now recorded live music with this thing (even bassy high-end PA and concert venue stuff) and it sounds phenomenal. I used to have a Sound Professionals rig with a DAT recorder, battery box and capsule microphones...naturally sounded great. But this is definitely comparable without the fuss of wires and rigging.

When you are recording a concert, you set the auto-levels to OFF and typically I am adjusting the levels (read the manual on how to do this) down to about 25. That seems to be the safest setting overall to prevent clipping or overloading (red light blinking rapidly when this happens) in your live music recording. I have recorded singers on a PA, live rock, orchestra over PA and various other amped and acoustic settings and they all come out really nice. This baby is where it's AT for me! :D Very happy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars H1 is an A1 Purchase, April 24, 2011

By 

Robert J Lesko - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zoom H1 Pak Portable Digital Recorder With Accessories Bundle and Headphones (Electronics)

Bought this 2-months ago, mainly to record our band practices since we were "breaking-in" a new guitarist. I was blown away by the quality of the recordings. I placed the recorder in the corner of the room and set the mp3 record quality to 192kbs to keep the file size manageable. Amazing quality with no fuss!
I also used it to record church services, since I play bass on the church worship team. It wasn't quite as successful there since it picked up all the coughing, sneezing, kids crying and a bit of an echo in the large sanctuary. Yesterday, during a church practice, I set it to record in wav format and plugged it into the sound board to record direct to the line in jack. Unfortunately, it only recorded on the left channel but I'm not sure if this is due to the recorder or the sound board. Even though it was mono, the quality was great with no echo or background noise since the on-stage mics were the only input. I will use it to record the Easter Service this morning and have no doubt that I'll be pleased with the results.
There has not been any indication of any battery life problems, and the unit is extremely easy to use. I'm over 65 and didn't have any problem with the technology. I will say that the manual is printed so small that I had to use a jeweler's loupe to read it. I ended up downloading a pdf version and read it from the computer so I could easily enlarge the directions & diagrams.
The accessory pack is a must have addition. I'm happy with the Nady headphones that came with mine. The tripod & usb cable are invaluable. I also recommend purchasing an 8GB micro SD card - you'll get at least 5-hours recording time in wav format and at least 10 times more in any mp3 format.
I agree with other reviewers that the auto level function is not very useful for recording live music. It will take a little tinkering to get your input level set correctly for each situation but its easy enough and well worth the effort. Once the files are downloaded to the computer, you can easily tweak the sounds to your preference. The original files sound great but you might want to use a sound editor to reduce the bass or bring up the trebles. Both Nero & Roxio have sound editors built in as do most other audio software programs.
Conclusion is it feels a little "chintzy" but if you handle it with care and keep it in the hard shell carrying case that came with the accessory pack, it should last a long time and give you "A1" recordings.