Essential Information About the Zoom H1essential Portable Recorder
- 32-bit Floating Point Capture up to 96 kHz: no gain adjustment, no clipped takes.
- Built-in Accessibility with audible descriptions via headphones or speaker, multilingual.
- Clean and Detailed X/Y Capsules, supporting up to 120 dB SPL for powerful sources.
- Creative Versatility: USB microphone, overdub functions, pre-recording, auto recording, and playback speed control.
A Classic Redesigned in the "Essential" Series
The H1essential continues Zoom's line of compact portable recorders but takes a leap forward with 32-bit floating point conversion. This "Essential" generation emphasizes accessibility, easy navigation, and reliable connections while modernizing ergonomics with an OLED screen and USB-C connectivity.
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
Musicians, podcasters, and mobile videographers find a reliable field partner in it. In rehearsals, it instantly captures ideas and sessions. On shoots, it feeds the camera via line out or records rich sound effects outdoors. For interviews, the H1essential can be mounted on a tripod, switched to "mono mode," and also serve as a USB microphone for computers, iOS, or Android devices.
Features That Speed Up Your Workflow
Recording Without Gain Adjustment
The 32-bit float dynamic range captures every nuance, from whispers to loud peaks, without adjusting gain. You press record, capture, and keep the take.
Built-in Accessibility
Voice guidance navigates menus through headphones or speaker, in multiple languages, for quick and inclusive use.
Flexible and Connected Sound Capture
The X/Y microphones capture a precise stereo image. The mini-jack input accepts mic or line level, while the headphone/line output is used for monitoring, camera feed, and quick sharing.
Quick Capture Tools
Overdub, pre-recording, auto-trigger, and adjustable playback speed streamline writing, editing, and audio narration.
Technical Specifications
Audio
- Compact 32-bit / 96 kHz recorder
- No gain adjustment required thanks to 32-bit float technology
- Stereo recording and playback in WAV, BWF, or iXML formats
- Built-in stereo X/Y microphones (max level 120 dB SPL)
Functions
- Overdub, pre-recording, auto recording
- Playback speed adjustment
- Voice guidance for accessibility via speaker or headphones
- Voice interface languages: English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, Chinese
Connectivity and Storage
- Stereo mini-jack 3.5 mm mic/line input
- Stereo mini-jack 3.5 mm line/headphone output
- Supports microSDHC up to 32 GB, microSDXC up to 1 TB (cards not included)
- Functions as USB microphone with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android
Display and Controls
- OLED screen
- Built-in speaker
Power
- 2 AAA batteries (not included)
- Zoom AD-17 AC adapter (not included) or USB-C power supply
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 136.6 x 53.9 x 29 mm
- Weight: 92 g