Supporting review page

Zoom H5 Portable Recorder for Audio & Music - 4-Track, Stereo Mics, XLR/TRS Inputs.

The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is a compact and portable audio recorder designed for creators who need professional-quality audio. It comes with a detachable stereo X/Y microphone and…

Brand: ZoomModel: H5Price reference: $249.99Rating: 4.6/5 from 1101 reviews

Product review summary

This page is intentionally secondary to the manual page and exists to provide review-oriented context.

The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is a compact and portable device that allows creators to produce professional-quality audio. It features a detachable stereo X/Y microphone and interchangeable input capsules that can be easily swapped out depending on the situation. The H5 is perfect for live concert and rehearsal recording, audio for video, podcasting, broadcasting, and electronic newsgathering. It can record up to four tracks simultaneously and directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB. The device has two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors, each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad. It is powered by just two standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries and can run for over 15 hours with alkaline batteries.

Pro:
- Interchangeable input capsules
- Detachable stereo X/Y capsule with shockmounted mics
- Four tracks of simultaneous recording
- Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB
- Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors
- Runs on two AA batteries
- Records at up to 24-bit/96kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats

Cons:
- Weird folder structure
- Backup recording feature only available for attached mic
- Rubber-like finish can become sticky over time

Overall, the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is an excellent piece of audio equipment that performs superbly in a small, affordable package. The device has great battery life, real rotary input knobs, and can even record a second backup track at lower levels in case the main track over-modulates. However, the folder structure can be confusing, and the backup recording feature is limited to the attached mic. The rubber-like finish can also become sticky over time. Despite these minor drawbacks, the H5 is an exceptional tool for creators looking to produce high-quality audio.

FAQ

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.

Source documents

Official manuals and related source files discovered for this product.

Specifications

Structured product details pulled from the latest available product data.

BrandZoom
ManufacturerZoom
Model NumberH5
CategoryElectronics > Musical Instruments > Studio Recording Equipment > Multitrack Recorders > Digital
Weight4.1 ounces
Dimensions9.1 x 3.4 x 6.6 inches
First AvailableJune 23, 2014
Product Dimensions9.1 x 3.4 x 6.6 inches
Item Weight4.1 ounces
ASINB00KCXMBES
Item model numberH5
Batteries2 Lithium Polymer batteries required.
Customer Reviews4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,101 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank#10,563 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #6 in Digital Multitrack Recorders
Is Discontinued By ManufacturerNo
Date First AvailableJune 23, 2014
Compatible DevicesLaptop
Hardware InterfaceUnknown
Microphone Form FactorBuilt-In
FormatWAV
Headphones Jack3.5 millimeters
Number of Batteries2 Lithium Polymer batteries required.
Product Dimensions1.7"D x 2.6"W x 5.3"H
Memory Storage Capacity32 GB
Item Weight115 Grams