Zoom H1 Essential Portable Recorder, Black (10012067)

Features
USB-C connection and simultaneous recording
AI-based noise reduction clarifies sound
Overdubbing and pre-recording features
Works as a USB microphone for PC and mobile devices
32-bit float technology covers a wide dynamic range

The Zoom H1essential is a portable recorder with built-in X/Y stereo microphones and 32-bit float recording. The recorder is suitable for music practice, podcasts, video production, and sound design. The 32-bit float technology covers a wide dynamic range, so gain adjustment is not needed. The built-in microphones record sound up to a 120 dB SPL sound pressure level. The H1essential also functions as a USB microphone for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices via a USB-C connection.

32-bit float recording

32-bit float recording preserves sound details in both quiet and loud recordings without distortion. Sound levels do not need to be adjusted before recording, so you can start recording by pressing a single button.

Built-in X/Y microphones

Directional X/Y microphones are set in a 90° stereo configuration and record sound up to a 120 dB SPL sound pressure level. The 3.5 mm microphone/line input also allows the use of external microphones, such as lavalier microphones. Plug-in power supply (2.5 V) is supported.

USB microphone and simultaneous recording

Through the USB-C connection, the H1essential works as a USB microphone for computers or mobile devices while simultaneously recording to an SD card. This is suitable for video podcasts, live streaming, and situations where backup recording is desired.

AI-based noise reduction

AI noise reduction removes continuous background noise and reduces hiss. This feature enables clear sound quality even in noisy environments. The feature requires a free V2 firmware update.

Advanced features

The recorder includes overdubbing, pre-recording, automatic recording, and playback speed adjustment. A dedicated mark button sets reference points during recording. The black-and-white OLED display (128 x 64) shows a clear user interface. The accessibility feature verbally describes menus through the speaker or headphones in seven languages.

Power and storage

The device operates on two AAA batteries, USB-C bus power, or an external USB battery pack. Battery life is approximately 10 hours during 2-channel 48 kHz / 32-bit float recording. The H1essential supports microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 1 TB capacity. Recording is possible in WAV (32-bit float) and MP3 formats (128/256/320 kbps, requires V2 firmware).

Features

• Portable recorder with built-in X/Y stereo microphones
• 32-bit float recording, no gain adjustment needed
• Microphone sound pressure level tolerance: 120 dB SPL
• Microphone configuration: 90° X/Y stereo, directional
• Microphone sensitivity: -37 dB (1 kHz, 1 Pa)
• 3.5 mm microphone/line input (lavalier microphones, external microphones)
• Plug-in power supply (2.5 V)
• 3.5 mm headphone/line output (20 mW + 20 mW, 32 Ω)
• Built-in speaker (1 W / 8 Ω, mono)
• Sampling frequencies: 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
• Recording formats: WAV 32-bit float mono/stereo (BWF and iXML)
• MP3 recording support: 128 / 256 / 320 kbps (requires V2 firmware)
• USB-C microphone/sound card: 2 inputs / 2 outputs (48 kHz, 24-bit)
• Simultaneous recording to SD card during USB use
• Compatibility: PC, Mac, iOS, Android
• AI noise reduction (requires V2 firmware)
• Overdubbing, pre-recording, automatic recording, playback speed adjustment
• Mark button for setting reference points
• Black-and-white OLED display (0.96", 128 x 64)
• Accessibility feature: voice guidance of menus in 7 languages
• Quiet soft touch controls
• Memory card support: microSDHC 4–32 GB, microSDXC 64 GB – 1 TB
• Power supply: 2 x AAA batteries, USB-C bus power, or external USB battery pack
• Battery life: approximately 10 hours (2 channels, 48 kHz / 32-bit float)
• USB connection: USB Type-C (USB 2.0 High Speed)