Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder for Audio for Video, Music, and Podcasting, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/TRS Inputs, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered

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I'm afraid Similar units like Tascam won't be a big of a difference in that manner as an alternative. I read manuals before using a product, but I was slightly confused by the multi or stereo recording functionality - however, following the instructions fixed this immediately. All of them remained working and in good condition when I sold them, and this one is the best of the bunch so far.

The XYH-5 interchangeable capsule is equipped with two unidirectional condenser microphones arranged at a 90° angle. One of the great steps Zoom have taken is to provide physical level controls, rather than limit you to a menu-driven approach. Along with the optional HS-1 hot-shoe mount, this is another sign that Zoom is including increasing numbers of features aimed at videographers, as well as for its traditional market of sound recordists. The answer is yes; there’s now a pad on the combi inputs, so you can run a reasonable level into the device without problems.One highly recommendable option is that you can set the Zoom to make a ‘back-up’ copy of every recording, which will be made at a level 12dB lower than your main recording. Zoom’s H4 has been hugely popular, and with the H5 it seems its few shortcomings have been ironed out. I’m fond of my old H4, but it’s not without shortcomings: the lack of a pad on the ‘combi’ jacks has often made it impossible to record line-level signals without distortion; while the mics may be OK, they’re not stellar; and handling noise can be an issue. Since the Zoom-9002 (an ultra-compact multi-effects processor that can be attached to a guitar strap) was introduced in 1990, Zoom has become one of the leaders in digital audio processing.

so you might, say, use the X-Ys for a general front balance but plug up a pair of lapel or handheld mikes for interviewer and interviewee.If that is not exactly what you need however you can purchase any of the optional capsules that are easy to get up and running. But you can now connect the mini-USB socket direct to your computer and pull the files directly across that way. The H5 has fewer on-board I/O connections than the H6, and is more affordable — so have they just given the H4N a makeover, or is this really a new and improved unit?

This is mighty handy for a temporary mix before the tracks are exported to a larger program where a post-production soundtrack can be constructed. All of this balance revealed itself as a crucial point and is exactly where I decided to bank on it, with tremendous satisfaction!The H4n has a not dissimilar built-in pair of X/Y stereo condenser mics on the front, but these can’t be removed. A Line Out with adjustable volume allows you to send audio from the H5 to the input of a camera or other device without the need for an attenuator cable. This makes a big difference, as being able to control levels quickly and easily is essential in situations where you need to make adjustments on the fly. External microphone signals are processed by powerful microphone preamplifiers, which offer an equivalent input noise of -120dB, freely selectable phantom power (12, 24, or 48V), and -20dB pad.