Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder User Manual

Getting Started

1. Insert two AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH rechargeable) into the battery compartment.
2. Insert an SD or SDHC card (up to 32GB) into the SD card slot on the side of the device.
3. Attach the included XYH-5 X/Y microphone capsule to the top of the H5 by aligning the capsule's connector with the H5's connector and gently pressing down until it clicks into place.
4. Turn on the H5 by holding down the power button on the side for a few seconds.
5. Select your desired recording mode (Stereo or Multitrack) using the on-screen menu and navigation buttons.
6. Adjust the input gain for each channel using the gain knobs on the front of the device. The LCD screen will display the input levels for each channel.

Recording

1. Press the record button on the front of the H5 to start recording. The record button will light up red, and the timer on the LCD screen will begin counting.
2. Monitor the input levels on the LCD screen and adjust the gain knobs as needed to ensure a proper recording level.
3. Press the record button again to stop recording. The recorded audio will be saved to the SD card in the selected format (WAV or MP3).

Playback

1. Press the Play/Pause button on the front of the H5 to play back the last recorded audio file.
2. Use the navigation buttons to select a different audio file for playback.
3. Adjust the playback volume using the volume buttons on the side of the H5.
4. Press the Play/Pause button again to pause playback.

Connecting External Devices

1. Connect external microphones or instruments to the H5 using the XLR/TRS combo inputs on the bottom of the device. Ensure that the connected devices are compatible with the H5's phantom power settings (+12V, +24V, or +48V).
2. Connect headphones or external speakers to the headphone/line out jack on the side of the H5 for monitoring or playback.
3. Connect the H5 to a computer or iPad using the included USB cable to use the H5 as an audio interface. Select the appropriate mode (Audio Interface or Card Reader) when prompted on the H5's screen.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. If the H5 is not turning on, check that the batteries are inserted correctly and have sufficient charge. Replace the batteries if necessary.
2. If the H5 is not recording or playback is distorted, check the input gain settings and adjust them as needed to ensure a proper recording level.
3. If the H5 is not recognizing the SD card, ensure that the card is properly inserted and formatted. The H5 supports SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB.
4. If the H5 is not functioning as an audio interface, ensure that the USB cable is properly connected and that the appropriate mode (Audio Interface) is selected on the H5's screen.
5. If you are experiencing issues with the interchangeable capsules, ensure that they are properly attached and securely connected to the H5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum SD card size supported by the Zoom H5?

The H5 supports SD and SDHC cards with a maximum capacity of 32GB.

Can the Zoom H5 be used as an audio interface for a computer or iPad?

Yes, the H5 can be used as a multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC, Mac, and iPad. Connect the H5 to your device using the included USB cable and select the appropriate mode (Audio Interface) when prompted on the H5's screen.

What is the maximum sound pressure input for the Zoom H5?

The H5 can handle a maximum sound pressure input of 140 dB SPL.

What type of batteries does the Zoom H5 require?

The H5 requires two AA batteries, either alkaline or NiMH rechargeable.

How long does the Zoom H5 operate on a set of batteries?

With alkaline batteries, the H5 can operate for over 15 hours.

Can I connect external microphones or instruments to the Zoom H5?

Yes, the H5 has two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and a -20dB pad.

Q: What is the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder?
A: The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is a compact and portable audio recorder that comes with a detachable stereo X/Y microphone and utilizes a system of interchangeable input capsules that allow you to choose the best mic for every situation.

Q: What are the features of the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder?
A: The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder features a system of interchangeable input capsules, a detachable stereo X/Y capsule with shockmounted mics and extended signal capacity, four tracks of simultaneous recording, records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB, up to 24-bit/96kHz 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, and requires just two standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries (over 15 hours of operation with alkaline batteries).

Q: What is the compatibility of the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder?
A: The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is compatible with all Zoom input capsules. It also has multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad with Loop Back function.

Q: What are the available capsules for the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder?
A: The available capsules for the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder include XYH-6 Large Diaphragm X/Y Mic Capsule, MSH-6 MS (Mid-Side) Mic Capsule, SGH-6 Shotgun Mic Capsule, and EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo Capsule.

Q: What is the battery life of the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder?
A: The battery life of the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is over 15 hours of operation with alkaline batteries.

Q: Is the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder made of plastic or sturdy material?
A: The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder has a slim but sturdy feel and does not have a plastic feel.

Q: Can the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder be used for podcasting?
A: Yes, the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is well-suited for podcasting, broadcasting and electronic newsgathering.

Q: What kind of cable do I need to connect the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder to a DSLR with a mic input?
A: You will need a 3.5mm stereo male to male cable to connect the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder to a DSLR with a mic input.

Q: What is the maximum SD card size that can be used with the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder?
A: The maximum SD card size that can be used with the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is 32GB.

Q: Does the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder have a good playback and is it easy for regular voice recording?
A: The playback is decent, and it is easy to use for regular voice recording.

Q: Is it possible to use a 64GB SD card with the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder?
A: Yes, if you format it externally as FAT 32, which you can do by connecting the H5 to a Mac via USB as an external drive.