Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder for Audio for Video, Music, and Podcasting, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/TRS Inputs, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered
Zoom H5 Handy Recorder
The H5 provides four tracks of simultaneous recording and, like our flagship H6, it can use all Zoom interchangeable input capsules, allowing you to choose the best microphone for every recording situation. The flexible and powerful H5 provides everything you need to create multitrack recordings, audio for video, and state-of-the-art podcasting, broadcasting and electronic newsgathering.
Features
- Mobile four channel recorder with interchangeable microphone capsules
- Large backlit LCD
- Up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
- Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad
- Analog-style gain controls for each input
- Protective “roll-bar“ type covers prevent accidental movement of gain controls
- Built-in effects, including low-cut filtering, compression and limiting
- Chromatic tuner and metronome
LOUDER
The design of the XYH-5 mic capsule allows the H5 to handle up to 140 dB SPL — equivalent to the sound of a jet aircraft from less than 200 feet away! And to keep your levels under control, the H5 offers compression and limiting.
CLEANER
The H5’s rubberized housing and shock-mounted microphones minimize vibration and handling noise, while a low-cut filter helps eliminate wind noise and other kinds of low frequency rumble.
CLEARER
The H5 utilizes the same high-quality, low-noise preamps as our flagship H6, ensuring great-sounding recordings in all sonic environments.
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recording | Stereo, 4 Channel Multitrack | Stereo plus Backup Recording, 4 Channel | Stereo plus Backup Recording, 6 Channel | Simultaneous recording on 12 tracks |
| Tracks | 4 | 4 | 6 | 12 |
| Inputs | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Separate Line Out | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight: | 281 g |
| Dimensions: | 7.77 x 4.78 x 15.29 cm; 281.23 Grams |
| Model: | H5 |
| Origin: | China |
If you can stretch to 180 (Wharehouse Deal) get this. I had the H1 which for c80 produces good quality recordings but the H5 is in another league. Solid, excellent mics, takes SD rather than Micro SD analogue dials for mic sensitivity and left right balance 6.3mm and XLR line in. We live in an age of wonders!
Simply, this device is brilliant. It’s like someone has asked a sound recordist for a wishlist of features that they would want in a hand held 4 track portable recording device.
Zoom have come along and granted every wish! There are so many features on the Zoom H5 that I couldn’t document them all, so I have just mentioned the ones that I have used in my review.
I would recommend this device to content creators who want a versatile device to add professional quality audio to their work.
I wanted a recording device to record Audio for Video and sound effects, but I found that I was using this handy little recorder for other things too.
I am interested in high quality audio, something that the Zoom H5 is very good at capturing with the included XYH-5 X/Y Stereo microphone capsule.
I would definitely say that I don’t use all of the features, but, does that matter if it does a really good job of what I need it to do?
The device feels comfortable to hold in the hand; it’s made of tough plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. It comes with a plastic foam padded carry case, which I thought was a nice touch; it fits neatly into my bag.
The Zoom H5 handy recorder is well thought out for recording sound with it’s various inputs and outputs. The capsule input is an interchangeable mic system; you can swap out the supplied stereo microphone with other capsules.
The stereo microphone capsule which comes with the Zoom H5 is shock mounted to reduce vibration. The microphones look and feel premium build with the capsule being made of metal.
The quality of the microphones certainly give a high quality recording.
The microphone capsule comes with a foam windscreen. I don’t think the foam windscreen is that good at filtering out wind noise; it works, but, I would recommend investing in ‘dead cat’ style windscreen if you’re serious about recording outdoors.
In addition to the capsule, there are two XLR inputs for Line 1 and Line 2. These inputs can also take a 1/4 inch guitar jack which is great if you are into music recording. Perfect for guitar and vocal!
I can see these inputs being great for studio and live recordings.
I love that the capsules and various inputs make the product more versatile. I also like how the gain controls for the inputs have a metal bars covering them to prevent the setting from being accidentally adjusted.
I bought the device to record Audio for video. The Zoom H5 makes this very easy with its tripod mount, which I can use to fix the device to my camera rig.
The handy recorder is powered by two AA batteries which can give more than 15 hours of recording time – great if out in the field. It can also be powered by the supplied USB cable which allows it to be used as audio interface to your PC. I wasn’t expecting to use this device as an audio interface – it’s fantastic.
It is now my go to microphone for all online meetings because the sound is crystal clear – it’s perfect for my needs.
In the box:
Zoom H5 Handy Recorder
XYH-5 X/Y Microphone capsule
Carry Case for the Handy Recorder
Foam Windscreen
Two AA batteries
USB Cable
Software Download for Cubase LE
Software Download for Wavelabs LE
To summarise, I think the sound quality of the Zoom H5 Handy recorder is exceptional for the price and would recommend it to content creators that want to up their audio game.
Needed a device for field recording, and the Zoom H5 comes highly recommended. The sound quality and versatility is outstanding.
This is a cracking recorder which I use to record bird song. I use a shotgun mic and it really pulls in the sounds., so why only 4 stars? Well my Zoom came with several manuals unfortunately all in various foreign languages. I contacted Amazon to make them aware of the problem and I understand they are ensuring this doesn’t happen with future purchases they stock.
Sound quality is superb.
Fantastic Recording device.
Great sound quality and easy to set up and use.
A superb piece of equipment, excellent sound quality, easy to set up and record audio. The included foam baffle works well and improves the audio noticeably. Fits in the hand well and is easy to position on a tripod. Would recommend highly for anybody seeking to record excellent quality audio independently on its own or for editing into visual content after recording.
Great recording quality, very low noise and easy to use.
The manual could be better, but the menu system is easy to navigate. Works well as both a stand alone recorder and as an audio interface.
Separate control of phantom power for each XLR, a plug-in power option which is handy for Lavaliers and similar.
Has a useful mono-mix option when used as an audio interface and only using a single external microphone.
This is a well thought of recorder and it does not disappoint. Coupled with Adobe audition or similar it’s a powerful duo. Batteries seem to last forever and the weird looking positioning of the mics really works.
Great quality sound and very reliable. Main complaint is any sd card over 32gb won’t work. Also it takes some getting used to.
Bought this for alternative recording at some events instead of relying on the mic attached to the camera and it’s proven to give much more clarity and warmth than I expected. Also tried out connecting some mics at another event and very happy with the results. The only minor issue is it picks up some noise through touch or motion whilst recording but that can easily be resolved by using a shock mount. Fast becoming the main recorder when outside the studio.
Better sound than I was expecting. Very easy to use. It can burn through batteries though.
The product is amazing, high quality build, good sound quality, and the battery life is good as well
Very good recorder if you’re trying to make it on your own in videography
Small, easy to use yet Proffesional
Amazing bit of kit. Small neat easy to use. Only minor grumble, it could do with a good case. The one available is below par.
OK so it’s not a small recorder. If you’re looking for a dictaphone then, although this works well, it’s not pocket sized. It does come with a hard case included though, but it would require a bag or carry case to put it into if travelling or on the move. So although it is large it fits in one hand comfortably. I has all the usual connections; headphones, line out, USB, and a remote connecter. It also has two XLR’s at the bottom. The mic capsule at the top of the device also has a Line In 3.5mm jack. The device requires 2 AA batteries (included) or you can power via USB using a power bank if you wish!
The design of the unit is sort of retro with buttons and knobs rather than just having a large screen with stylish, modern looking interface. It is simple and effective and functional which is all you want and need. You have a large GAIN dial for each XLR input as well as GAIN dial for the mic capsule at the top. You have limiters and compression settings in the menu systems that you can set for all mic inputs or just the ones you want separately.
On the back of the unit is the battery compartment and a standard tripod screw hole so you can attach this to a tripod, boom pole or a cold shoe adapter. What I have done is bought the MOVO suspension mount and connected that to a handle grip. This way there is little to none handling noise transferred to the recordings. If you hold this device in your bare hands while recording you will almost certainly have unwanted noises recorded whenever you move a finger on the body of the unit. This is true for all handheld recorders so be sure to order a shock mount too!
So testing it out I found the quality is awesome. When processing the audio (using Audacity mainly) I found by adding a low noise filter (which was hardly needed for most recordings but I always do this anyway) and amplifying the recording it produced extremely professional results. The best I’ve ever been able to achieve from a portable recorder in any case! I have done a lot of vocal speech testing and man does this sound good! You won’t be disappointed I’m sure! I also did some sound effects samples and ambient recording samples. It handled everything with ease and was able to reproduce the sound just as I heard it. I am very happy with it. It is also very good with batteries. The same ones I put in when I opened it are still in there now! And I’ve used this for a good few hours! Just WOW. That’s where Tascam could learn a few things as their recorders are known for bad battery life. But no problem with the Zoom H5!
Recommended – YES Sir-Re Bob!
I needed this to record organ music. Easy to use and incredible sound quality. Software that comes with it essential.
Would have liked a sdhc card included.
Batteries last well.
From collecting sound to using as a pre-amp, this thing has done a great job in the short time I have had it. I have connected 3.5 lavaliers, xlr cables and straight to the camera and the sound is great. The 3 dials also make it so much easier to balance the input. Loving using it.
Arrived with no English instructions! As others have said on this page. Sent back as not happy to refer to a PDF online. Now buying from Zoom UK so hopefully sorted. But looked and sounded great when testing
Super product. Replaced my old zoom. Excellent features and very easy to use.
Great quality audio. Easy to use. Rugged and dependable. Gives you confidence where other recorders give you the willies.
Really nice Sound Recorder, arrived quickly… Yet to use its full potential ye
Overall I’m very pleased with the Zoom. I love the simplicity of the controls, I love that I can use it as an audio interface on my Mac, and the built in mics sound good when recording as long as the source is loud enough so that mic noise isn’t an issue.
Have been using this commercially for a month or so now and absolutely love it. It’s amazing how crisp and clear the audio is form this device!
I use this to record notes, podcasts, location samples. Literally everything outside of the studio. Have to suggest this as a purchase, even when competing with the H6 due to the price and weight difference.
Really good quality portable recording device, with 2 preamps for additional mics. Starts up in seconds and offers very respectable quality. It can also function as a USB audio interface when connected to a computer.
Since making YouTube videos in 2009, I have used a range of mics, from the Saramonic 3.5mm External Mic to the Rode Video Go Mic. I’ve already used this mic for lots of different videos, including reviews for Amazon. I haven’t used it yet for film-making, however, I have used for it for interviews.
Even though I’ve used it a lot, I fell I’ve only touched on the things you can do with this product.
Pros
Can record up to 140dBSPL (120dB Front row at a rock concert)
Two XLR inputs (great for recording interviews where multiple mics need to be recorded at the same time)
Can use as a USB microphone (don’t need to transfer the files)
Can disconnect the mics for other accessories, never used this (great for people who need to switch between types of mics quickly on the move
Can record backup files (12dB quieter if recording was too loud)
Built in tuner to tune range of instruments (never used) (Menu-Tool-Tuner)
Cons
Manual claims the mic can take SD cards up to 32GB (could be higher)
Record button isn’t clicky, can result is accidently not recording (maybe to avoid making noise during recording)
Wish I could connect the mic to my smartphone
No NFC, Bluetooth or Wifi
No built in storage
Had problems recording with a MAC while connect to USB
Had playback issues with built in speaker
Design – Front
Two crossing directional mics
LCD Backlight Display (128×64)
Track buttons
Stop button
Play/pause button
Record button with light indicator
Back button
Forward button
Design – Left
Line out jack port
Phone jack port
Volume up and down button
Mini USB port – used for transferring files or recording as a USB Mic (get onto later)
Power/hold switch (hold mode disables any buttons from being accidentally pressed during recording – never used it, I do see how it could be useful)
Design – Right
Remote jack port (remote was included, never needed it and used it)
Scroll up and down button
Menu button
One SD card port
Design – Bottom
Two XLR inputs
Design – Back
Built in speaker
Tripod screw mount
Compartment to access batteries
Overall – 5/5
Truly the best microphone I’ve ever used. Still has plenty of missing features I’d like to have it in, however, does exactly what it is made to do very well. Never come across a mic that performances as well as this does. The great built quality will hopefully mean I won’t need to upgrade for several years. For professionals, you may want to look at the Zoom H6, but for keen amateour or semi professional filmmakers, videographers and musicians this is an excellent mic to go with.
Great field recorder. Excellent quality sound production. To get the most out of this, link in with Youtube tutorials.
Build quality: absolutely superb. Seriously, if you’ve only been exposed to the likes of the Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-05 then prepare to be taken aback by the step-up in quality here. Everything from the analogue dials with their metal guard bars, to the rubberized finish (great to grip) and the solidity of buttons and sockets speaks to the effort that has gone into making this a device that isn’t going to fall apart any time soon. The speaker is a decent size and perfectly adequate for hearing initial playback. Even the battery compartment is well made, with a firm click to the cover (no rattling) and a ribbon to ease battery removal – small points, but often seemingly overlooked by some manufacturers.
By way of contrast, I purchased a Tascam DR-22 (not a cheap item in itself) and the build quality was awful – line out socket faulty, generally flimsy feel and loose buttons. The speaker is so small as to be pointless, making the headphone problem more of one. I sent that straight back to Amazon for a refund, looked at the Zoom H5 of a work colleague and ordered that immediately.
In the box: as well as 2GB SD card (upgrade to a 32GB at once, and that’s the maximum so don’t be tempted to use a 64GB or 128GB as you’ll lose recordings if you do) and USB cable (great to power the device from a portable power slab by the way) you get a windscreen, a couple of batteries and a hard case. The windscreen is a really cheap foam thing and worth throwing away to be honest, buy a decent ‘furry; one instead and you won’t regret it. The hard case is adequate, but investing in a bigger case with custom/diced foam is a good idea so you can carry other mic capsules, power supply, xlr cables and external mics etc. Here’s a good tip: don’t throw away the little bit of foam inside that hard case, keep it and use it to protect the delicate mic capsule (see photo) if you are storing this in the supplied case. You also get a copy of Cubase LE and Wavelab software, not on disc so don’t panic when you cannot find them, there are download codes in the box.
My final tip would be, unless you are looking to invest in additional mic capsules anyway, not to get the Zoom H6 if you aren’t going to be using those six channels. The H5 is every bit as good, in my never humble opinion, as well as being smaller, lighter, better shaped in the hand and newer of course. Save your money and by this, you will not be disappointed…
I like the versatility of this recorder very much. It is a nice size and very easy to use. The only negative that I would note is that it is let down a little by the quality of the monitoring speaker, but not surprisingly as this is quite a small unit, with correspondingly small speaker- and frankly, its good enough for monitoring purposes. In addition, it is very well built and certainly able to take the robust handling that such a unit is going to get in the field. The interchangeability of the mics is for me a big plus. I have used this now for over a month and like it better every time I use it. It faithfully captures sound from low bass to high treble. I am not sure how a professional will view this, but for the keen amateur like myself, this is a great unit at a realistic price.
What an impressive and versatile bit of recording kit the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is. Very simple to use, ingeniously and thoughtfully set up as to be user-friendly to an ageing, non-tech-savvy buffer like me, I used this initially just to record me playing the guitar. I’ve since used it for live music recordings, band practice sessions, etc. The recording quality is high quality, low noise, but also good at picking up the ambiance of a room – it’s not a ‘sterile’ recording experience. I have yet to synch it up with a video recorder, but shall do so. At a shade under 300, this is a genuine bargain. If you want a more technically detailed review, I suggest you look elsewhere, but from a layman point of view, there is much to like and appreciate in this recorder. Great battery life, too.To think that The Beatles recorded ‘Sgt Pepper’ on four-track – what would Sir George Martin and the Fab Four made of this?
This recorder is what i needed, professional quality. I’m a busy live musician, play in different kind of bands, go to a lot of jam sessions. Wanted to get a recorder to keep some ‘one time only’ music that was being played sometimes. Being a musician, I want to hear every little tone detail. The past weeks I have been using the H5 and the sound quality is by far the best I’ve heard from any portable recorder.
I am no audio expert so I approached this with a lot of trepidation. I wanted better audio recording to go with video recordings of interviews. This is perfect, just plug and play, accept the default settings and off you go. Over time I am sure I will meddle but for now, it works just the way I need it to.
Very good quality and extremely versatile, particularly if you add the shotgun/mid-side and channel expander modules.
I reckon it gives about the best performance up to four-track that you can expect from a handheld.
Despite what ‘anonymous’ – who writes the identical review for every other Zoom recorder – says, the H5 is probably the 4 track hand-held recorder of choice, or at least a strong contender, in its price range. And unlike ‘anonymous’, who, at his blogsite seems to review by anecdote and ‘received opinion’ rather than hands-on testing, I bought this recorder, use this recorder and like this recorder.
Before buying, I read a dozen test reviews from trade mags, properly independent bloggers and user comments, all of whom compared and recommended this product, albeit some with small, helpful, practical and honest criticisms.
The unit is very well made with a nice soft-touch rubber feel, a downside of course is that it can be a hair/dust magnet but it’s not as bad as I first expected. The dials to control the gain are a nice addition, and the support bar along the top stops the dials from moving around if you’re transporting the device.
The screen is nice and bright with the backlight on, and the menu is very easy to understand and now easier to navigate than on previous models due to the small control knob on the right side of the unit.
Battery life has been exceptional, I’m still on my first pair and it’s been on for many hours over the last few months, and is still giving me 2/3 bars.
The real winner here is the audio quality though. The X/Y mic produces beautiful stereo sound with minimal noise. I haven’t personally tried the other microphones that you can attach to this, but I’ve read good things about those too. When using an external phantom powered microphone, the sound quality remains solid and it had no problems giving 48v to my Rode NTG-1 shotgun microphone.
The unit also comes with a 2GB SD card which will at least help you to get the unit up and running straight away, a nice inclusion.
Overall I would say this is a very well featured and priced unit and I plan on using it for many years to come, I’ll update this post if I come across any issues.
This gives me far better sound than a DSLR can ever record, with a back-up recorded onto the Zoom. I have the zoom mounted on a tripod, and use the ssh-6 shotgun microphone capsule to capture my voice. This switches in and really makes the Zoom H5 a very flexible tool. To create isolation from the floor, I also bought an inexpensive shock-mount to place between the Zoom and tripod. It works very well.
The battery life is great, and the menu system makes this easy to use. Uncharacteristically these days for electronic kit, it comes with a full instruction manual in print form (you can also download it as PDF from Zoom’s website, to put on your phone when you are out and about) – and the manual is in clear English.
This is a great product that I have already recommended to business contacts.
You’ll need some time to understand the folders organisation: the more you use it, the faster you’ll control it! The rubber end is great, and no doubt it’s way more solid than the Tascam. Until now, I never had to post-produce any of the audios…that says a lot about this recorder!
The battery life is also plausible: in case you have bigger requirements just go for some Eneloops and a good charger! Totally recommended: stop comparing options, Zoom has the most awesome recorders you can find in 2015!
After much research and gratefully received advice, I arrived at the Zoom H5. To say I’m impressed is an understatement, This has been like like replacing a Nokia 1100 with an iPhone 6 Plus. I am staggered at not only the difference in quality, but the myriad of on-board options for connecting different kit. My shooting is transformed. And likewise how I now perceive camera choices.
Regards build, the unit oozes quality. Metal and industrial grade rubber with every port you’ll need in just about every scenario. Interchangeable mic’s, well supported firmware and a comprehensive controls. The best 200 I’ve spent in a long time.
The zoom H5 has been a helpful piece of kit. I use it as an audio back up, I don’t use the microphone provided as I had a rode ntg 4+ to plug in and use. It was easy to set up and use.
Comparing this with my Edirol R-09 from 5+ years ago, the Zoom captures a more detailed range of frequencies for sounds directly in front of the recorder, though is less detailed for sounds entering from the sides. In this respect it might be slightly more forward focused than you may expect.
Recording a band, instruments to the side are weaker compared to the Edirol, something to bear in mind. The noise/hiss level of the Edirol is much louder and of a higher pitch, the Zoom’s noise level is quieter and of a lower frequency – which blends into the sound of instruments so much so that it disappears (the noise of the Edirol however is always audible above instruments, and cannot be successfully filtered out without affecting the higher frequencies of instruments).
Using the exchangeable internal xy mics, noise floor is noticeable, around -61dB; using a Rode NT3 into one of the XLR inputs you really hear the pre-amp quality, noise-floor drops to around -72db, very clean! These measurements will depend on gain, the internal xy mics were set on 8/10 gain, the Rode 5.5/10, in both cases the output of recorded instruments was equal (the the Rode requiring less gain, it’s a fairly ‘hot’ mic which helps). The NT3 can either use a 9v battery or phantom power. When I’m using a music-interface via mains power, I choose to use the Rode phantom powered, but with the Zoom I use the Rode’s 9v battery option (the Rode battery will last around 400hrs). Phantom power from any unit with just 2xAA’s isn’t going to last long, just more than an hour in fact! – hence I’d advise using an XLR mic that has a battery option. If you just use the Zooms xy mics, the AA batteries last for 12-14hrs.
I was kind of expecting very low noise level from the internal mics, they are good at this price point (-I doubt you would get much better, the Tascam DR-44WL mics I believe have lower noise – though it is of a higher frequency), in anycase if you want the next step up in quality just use the XLR inputs – then you really hear the quality of the H5 pre-amps, they are very good indeed! To get even lower noise from XLR you’d need to enter a different level (and size) of recorder – Sound Devices.
If you want quality you’ll already know that with any recorder you’ll be using XLR mics (not internal mics), so between the Zoom and the Tascam which would I choose? – without doubt the Zoom H5.
With a quality XLR mic and quality cable, the 96kHz sample rate then becomes worthwhile (96 is overkill for internal mics).
The internal Zoom mics are really ok, just as good as the Tascam (though have a different angle of sensitivity, and a deeper tighter sound), in fact they can withstand 140db before they distort! …and if you haven’t already seen the mic unit is different to that supplied with H6. The H6 unit is more focused and in many ways less sensitive – and can sound muddled with loud volumes. The supplied H5 mic capsules do produce more noise/hiss but are also more sensitive, so when the gain of the supplied H5 and H6 units are matched I’d say the H5 units are better/more sensitive, in anycase it’s your choice, they are swappable
….though as I say to get the next level in clean quality use an XLR mic!! – preferably self-powered.
The Zoom’s gain dials are great, step-less, smooth, quick to adjust, no clicking! The record LED, and selected mics LEDs, are the size of a pin head, so not distracting to other people/musicians (the Tascam are not so discrete). The LEDs flicker when clipping. Well thought out.
The Tascam DR-44WL at this price is probably it’s competition – it’s mics from what I have heard pick up more sounds from the side than the Zoom, though are not a strong, tight or detailed in the centre. In this respect the Zoom can help reduce unwanted peripheral sounds, but the mics do need to be pointed at the source for best results (not with the unit standing upright! – as I have seen with some tests).
One word of warning, I was picking very very deep sub-sonic booms on the Zoom, which I’d never recorded before, at first I thought these were vibrations through the floor, but it turned out the mics are very very very sensitive to wind – I mean if someone walks past the mics 4 feet away the mic will produce a rumbly boom that clips the levels – it’s that loud!
Using the lo-cut filter in the Zoom doesn’t help, the wind effect on the mics just too strong. The low-cut does reduce extraneous noises, table / floor thumping, but I wish the low-cut started lower! – at 80hz it’s already eating into frequencies you want to keep; the Tascam DR-70D starts at 48Hz. Basically a low-cut at very low freqs is useful to remove almost inaudible but strong frequencies that our ears don’t normally hear. ZOOM if you are listening can you implement a lower low-cut filter than 80hz – in the next firmware update? – start the low-cut filter at 48Hz, or at least at 70Hz.
Handling noise (when using the xy mics) is fairly high, much louder than the Edirol. This is despite the Zoom’s rubberised casing, and shock absorbing mics.
The supplied massive foam mic cover solves this problem, but it’s massive (and ugly) – no way can it fit in the hard case.
The Zoom produce great results with care, centrally placed subjects and in totally still (no wind) environments, plus of course it offers input of pro XLR mics …plug a Rode in and you’ll be recording pro-level results from a very small unit.
I’m going to order a Rycote windjammer for those xy mics though!