Zoom H8 Portable Recorder - 12 Tracks, 6 Inputs, Stereo Microphones.


Brand: Zoom
Model Number: H8

Zoom H8 12-Track Portable Recorder User Manual

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
  2. Recording with the Zoom H8
  3. Using the Touchscreen Interface
  4. Customized Applications
  5. Using the Zoom H8 as an Audio Interface
  6. Troubleshooting Tips
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Getting Started

  1. Insert 4 AA alkaline batteries into the battery compartment or connect the H8 to a power source using a micro USB cable.
  2. Insert an SD, SDHC, or SDXC card (up to 512GB) into the card slot.
  3. Power on the Zoom H8 by pressing and holding the power button.

2. Recording with the Zoom H8

  1. Connect microphones or line-level devices to the H8's inputs. Inputs A and B can also accept signals directly from a guitar or bass.
  2. Adjust the input gain for each channel using the dedicated gain knobs.
  3. Press the record button to start recording. Press it again to stop recording.

3. Using the Touchscreen Interface

The H8's color touchscreen interface offers three customized applications for field recording, music, and podcasting. To switch between applications, tap the "Apps" button on the home screen and select the desired application.

4. Customized Applications

  1. Field App: Ideal for location sound, sound design, and conferences. Provides instant access to large meters for every track and adjustable input settings.
  2. Music App: Offers audio levels, faders, metering, and more for recording and mixing music. Connect to Zoom's Guitar Lab via USB for additional amps and effects.
  3. Podcast App: Simplifies podcast production with dedicated Sound Pads for triggering sound effects and music beds. Accommodates up to 4 mics and two Sound Pad channels.

5. Using the Zoom H8 as an Audio Interface

  1. Connect the H8 to your PC, Mac, or iPad using a micro USB cable.
  2. Select "Audio Interface" from the USB menu on the H8.
  3. Choose between Stereo Mix mode (for live streaming or video conferencing) or Multitrack mode (for recording individual tracks to a DAW).
  4. Open your preferred recording software or streaming platform and start recording or streaming.

6. Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Ensure the H8 is powered on and batteries are properly inserted.
  2. Check that an SD card is inserted and has sufficient available space.
  3. Make sure all connections are secure, including microphones and cables.
  4. Adjust input gain levels to avoid clipping or distortion.
  5. For audio interface mode, ensure the ASIO driver is installed on Windows computers. No driver is required for Mac or iPad.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q: How long does the H8 operate on 4 AA alkaline batteries?
    A: The H8 can operate for over 20 hours on 4 AA alkaline batteries.
  2. Q: Can I use my own sound effects with the Podcast App's Sound Pads?
    A: Yes, you can load your own sounds onto an SD card and trigger them using the Sound Pads in the Podcast App.
  3. Q: What is the maximum SD card capacity for the H8?
    A: The H8 supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards up to 512GB.
  4. Q: Can I use the H8 with an iPad?
    A: Yes, the H8 can be connected to an iPad using the iPad Camera Connection Kit or USB Lightning adapter.
  5. Q: What are the compatible microphone capsules for the H8?
    A: The H8 is compatible with the Zoom XYH-6, XYH-5, MSH-6, SGH-6, SSH-6, and EXH-6 capsules.

FAQ [continued]

Q: How many simultaneous recording tracks can the Zoom H8 handle?
A: The Zoom H8 can handle up to 12 simultaneous recording tracks.

Q: What kind of inputs and outputs does the Zoom H8 have?
A: The Zoom H8 has 4 XLR inputs with dedicated pad switches and gain control, 2 additional XLR/TRS combo jacks with Hi-Z switches, a built-in 1/8” headphone output for monitoring tracks, and a dedicated stereo line output for connecting directly to a camera.

Q: Can the Zoom H8 be used as a USB audio interface?
A: Yes, the Zoom H8 can be used as a powerful USB audio interface. It can connect via USB to a PC, Mac, iPad or tablet for up to 12 channels of simultaneous recording.

Q: Does the Zoom H8 have customized applications for different recording needs?
A: Yes, the Zoom H8 has three distinct interfaces for field recording, music, and podcasting. Each interface is designed to adapt to your project’s specific needs.

Q: What kind of microphone capsules does the Zoom H8 come with?
A: The Zoom H8 comes with a XYH-6 microphone capsule that provides two matched high-quality unidirectional mics for capturing signal directly in front of the recorder. Additionally, it is compatible with other Zoom mic capsules such as the XYH-5, MSH-6, SGH-6, SSH-6, and EXH-6.

Q: How long can the Zoom H8 operate on battery power?
A: The Zoom H8 can operate for over 20 hours on 4 AA alkaline batteries.

Q: Can you overdub tracks with the Zoom H8?
A: Yes, you can overdub with the Zoom H8.

Q: Is it possible to output audio via USB to a computer for live streaming while using the Zoom H8 in podcast mode?
A: Yes, it is possible to output audio via USB to a computer for live streaming while using the Zoom H8 in podcast mode.

Q: Can the Zoom H8 be powered over USB?
A: Yes, the Zoom H8 can be powered by its built-in USB port. It can also be powered by 4 AA batteries for remote usage.

Q: What are the different input capsules available for the Zoom H8?
A: The Zoom H8 has a Capsule System 2.0 that allows up to 4 channels of audio to be added. Available input capsules include XAH-8 for pristine stereo recordings, VRH-8 for immersive 360 audio recordings, and EXH-8 for 4 additional XLR inputs.
User Guide (PDF)
User Guide (PDF)		User Manual (PDF)
User Manual (PDF)


Specifications

BrandZoom
ManufacturerZoom
Model NumberH8
CategoryMusical Instruments > Studio Recording Equipment > Portable Recorders
ASINB08C5NH1LR
Customer Reviews4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 546 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank#9,507 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #20 in Portable Studio Recorders
Product Dimensions4 x 6.5 x 2 inches; 0.01 ounces
Type of itemElectronics
Item model numberH8
Item Weight0.01 ounces
Batteries4 AA batteries required.
Date First AvailableJune 25, 2020
Weight0.01 ounces
Dimensions4 x 6.5 x 2 inches; 0.01 ounces
First AvailableJune 25, 2020



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