😊thank you so much for this... it's the: "you can do anything with anything... whatever you have use it because it's all about the content and the art" ❤️
Loved the message at the end! When you talked about the zoom h series not having the best preamps out there, I started immediately googling alternatives in another window, until you clarified the importance of the artist, not the gear, it was a great reminder!!!
I’ve had an H5 for a couple of years now. I use the XLR features with Shure 545SD mic’s, that gets plugged into my camera, to record guitar practices with my Canon 5D Mk IV. The Canon preamps are a lot noisier than the H5 so I see it as a step up. The H5 I capable, versatile and convenient so it’s the right tool for my purposes. I’ve considered an H6 or an F series device as a possible upgrade path but the H5 continues to be a very useful tool in my toolbox, so unless something else in the market can definitively push the H5 from them top spot it’s going to remain as part of my signal path for a while yet. Enjoyed your video. Well done!
Thanks so much! The H6 is only an upgrade if you need more simultaneous inputs. As for preamp and converters, the H5 and the H6 are the exact same. The F-series recorders are a step up with preamp quality. In my opinion, the best relatively affordable recorders in the world are the Sound Devices MixPre recorders. I’ve got two of those and they’re so good. Thanks for watching!
I’m not a professional so the H5 will be a part of my setup for a while to come. My use is really about listening to my practice sessions as a way to improve my playing. For this purpose I don’t need studio quality … good enough, is good enough for me. Cheers!
One thing to note on the Zoom H5. I’ve had mine since 2015. You will probably want to remove the coating as it will get very gummy, sticky, and very unpleasant to the touch. You can remove the film with Goo Gone and some elbow grease. It still works great! I’m using it currently it for voice-over work. I plug it into the wall. No batteries required.
I just bought one for very cheap. I think mine doesn't have the rubber coating on it. Or at least there is very little. They probably stopped using it after all the complaints.
I've considered various options for piano recording with budget around 200 USD total. Ended up ordering a used H5. I can invest in better mics later but even with the XY capsule it's great. Thankfully, the preamp noise is not a concern when recording such a loud instrument. Thank you for the humour and information presented in an enjoyable way. You're a kind hardworking man and it's always a pleasure to hear you.
Why thank you kindly, Vlad! And yes, the H5 will do nicely for piano recording and you can always upgrade to affordable but awesome mics such as the Line Audio CM4s later. Actually, I have a review of those mics releasing 9 hours from the time I’ve written this message. Check it out!
@@TheRecordist Hi Nathan! Thank you! I've just watched your latest video. Line Audio CM4 is amazing! Even more so considering the price. The off-axis sound quality is unbelievable good-it's some kind of Swedish handmade magic, isn't it? Alas, it's not possible to order CM4 with shipping to my country due to (as you've put it delicately in another video) current European strife. But Oktava microphones are still manufactured here. Yes, I've watched your review of MK-012-it's incredible, so rich, warm and lively sounding. With the omni capsule it can capture piano sound even better. I'll wait for an opportunity to buy a matched pair of used MK-012 or save enough for a new pair with various capsules included...perhaps the only microphones I will ever need for music and voice recording. Cheers!
@@VladK-1 oh yes. You can’t go wrong with the Oktavas. They’re special in a very unique way. So warm! That’s a pity about not being able to get CM4 mics but the Oktavas are just as good, if not better at many things. For piano, they’ll do wonderfully! Say, how did you know my name? Haha. I think I know, but I thought I’d ask anyway. Cheers!
@@TheRecordist Thanks! I've researched Oktavas a bit more and turns out MK-012 was (and still) quite popular here for concert and movie recordings...no wonder it sounds so familiar (that warmth and just a bit of compression) and, I would say, nostalgic. People make things and things make people. There is nothing better than a well-made item with history behind it, even more so if it's a used one! Regarding the secret of your name...well, it was trivial as I'm working in counterinte...nah, I'm kidding! Of course not. I'm just an intern here. Ha-ha! :) When someone calls me by name, I always want to respond in the same way. But I've noticed that in every video you call yourself different names (Tony Stark and Freddie Kruger raised my eyebrows-I swear I heard these names somewhere before). So I googled and found your page on Linked In and your website as well. Regards!
@@VladK-1 hahaha. Brilliant! I’m not trying to hide my identity or anything but I always thought it would be fun to see if anyone figured it out. Haha. I’m not into fame and spotlight. I just love audio gear! Vlad, that was such a great thing you said. “People make things and things make people.” I love that. And you’re so right! Thanks for that comment! And let me know when you get some Oktavas. I’d love to know what you think. Cheers!
Thanks a lot for this review! Your vibe is giving✨ especially, i like the last part! U can do anything with anything~ thank u for your support on the creative path! It means a lot✨
Really Damn i look n crazy detailing your did man, Gentle but n b/w some crazy reaction that's cool man 😎 happiest person what i hear ur message for zoom h5 crazy man ....keep going like this ❤
Used it recently to film an acoustic concert. Big step up from internal camera mics and liked the stereo sound. Only issue is the exterior rubber is starting to get gummy.
You really do make me laugh...and you brought your tape measure. Though not the one I suggested...you remember? The one from 1796...the barn find. Or was it a barn find? I can´t remember. Getting old myself; I suppose. I like the way you show all your gear. I personally switched from ZOOM to Tascams Portacapture X8, after my ZOOM H4N´s headphone OUT broke after 10 years + of abuse, and would have replaced it with a ZOOM F3...if I had been able to obtain one...here in Germany.
Hahaha. Yes. I remembered the tape this time! Each one has a cinema reference to it. Haha. Perhaps I’ll find a movie with a barn in 1796 for you! How do you like the Portacapture X8? I’ve heard mixed reviews. I’ve also heard mixed reviews on the F3 as well. I find them all useful and I hate to discourage anyone from a product they either already own or are looking to get. There are high-end recorders and cheap recorders, but at the end of the day, anything will do better than nothing, and with a little creativity, anything is possible! Thanks for watching!
Great review and great presentation! Loved your foreword as well. Was looking for an audio interface to record Octatrack to PC or phone, and ended up buying Zoom H5 instead. So now I have a good quality audio interface AND ability to record my own samples. Nice!
The sticky rubberized plastic coatings is a pity but one can clean it of with alcohol as I did with my Hn4 pro. I just ordered the H5 now since the switch of the Hn4 broke and that also seems to be a common problem. Repairable, yes but not so easy. I gave it away for free since it gave me a reason to upgrade and I hope it hase a better switch. (I payed an extra 10 Euro for 2 years extra warranty so 4 years in total) :)
Yes indeed! The only problem with the alcohol on the vulcanized rubber is that it creates a harder and glossier surface. No big deal. I hope you enjoy your new H5! Mine has lasted years without issue!
I still use my H5 even though it sits on the shelf next to a Zoom F4. It's very handy when you just want to head out and record and not draw a lot of attention.
I did run a little experiment at work, splitting off the signal from a couple ribbons mics on a piano into both the MixPre and H6. The difference was pretty stark in terms of noise, in some way, the built in condensers of the H6 sounded better, less noisy at least! This is an edge case that really pushes the preamps, for most anything else, the H6 is fine. I even got some pretty cool drum recordings with just the H6, 3 57's, and a Beta 52
Hey there! Cool experiment! I think the ribbons (which are notoriously extremely low output) required a ton of gain, while the electret condensers on the H6 required far less gain. That’s likely the reason but, the best sound is the sound you like the best! Nothing else matters!
@@TheRecordist I thought the MixPre was just overpriced for what it is, but that test justified the cost! Ribbons are definitely the worst case for preamps, and pianos are extremely dynamic on top of that
Hey thanks! Handheld for foley in the field? I wouldn’t use the H5 mics. Depending on the source and where I was gathering it, I would use either a 416 or an SM57 (for loud impacts) or even a little Line Audio CM4 - each on a shockmount pistol grip. Not to get too snobby, but I would probably also use one of my Sound Devices recorders for loud impacts such as gunshots, since they have analog limiters, and limiters make gunshots sound much better. I might make a video about that in the future. Thanks for the suggestion!
Just bought on in 2024. I’m disappointed that the USB is OTG rather than C but I managed to find a suitable cable. File system seems a bit archaic but it records better quality than I can play. Can’t help but think the overdub feature could be easier
Got mine out of the cubbert now when I started to get into Super-8 (Yes I know Super-8 is not crystalsync, but good enough for ambiance and outdoor sounds. Not recording dialogue). Use it with the SSH6 sterio Shotgun Mic. Just mount it on a bracket with the camera on one side and the H5 at the other… Good for recording birds and ambient sound. And yes I can testify that the coating becomes sticky. Anyway, grate video!
Nicely made recorder the H5. Thank you for the videos and I watch your channel frequently for all those useful tips and advice, I'm a total newbie on recording but having a lot of fun having followed your tutorials through on each new recorder I've had... loving a second hand H1n at present. But I find the H5 really needed 4 AA's, 2 is just too short on power. I know if your put fresh batteries in (any kind, though I find I'm using rechargeable lithium's more than others now) and just get on with recording, even with 48v phantom on with 2 external mics', I can get about 1hr to 1hr 30mins' approx., that's great. BUT, if you leave the batteries in the H5 (phantom off too), the H5 seems to drain batteries even when not on!? I've conducted 3 tests, with 3 different types of fresh batteries and after about 3 days the H5 will not turn on, flat batteries. At home I can use the AC adaptor of course. I've also noticed other users commenting on the H5's short battery life and this issue of draining batteries over a few days even when not switched on? I don't have this issue with the H1n or H2n, the batteries last for ages and I can pretty much rely on either of these recorders being ready for use even if I've not had them on for a couple of weeks. I know it's best to have backup batteries for the H5 when planning on making any recordings out and about, but has anyone else experienced this issue with the H5 just seemingly draining power when not even switched on? Other than this power issue I like the H5 in the hand and the dials and buttons have a nice solid feel, enough resistance. Though I'm not keen on the multi-jog wheel menu system, prefer some cursor buttons as the job dial can be fiddly and temperamental for making quick adjustments I find. You can get away with gloves-on operation for virtually all other functions on the H5 except for that little job dial!
Hey there. Thanks! I personally haven’t had my batteries drain inside the H5 when not being used. Have you gone into the menu and told the device what type of batteries you’re using? I wonder if that’s the problem. You can also get a power bank and supply power in the field with one of those. That would last for hours and hours. Yes. The jog wheel sucks. There are some crappy aspects to the recorder, but all in all, it’s the best bang for your buck. Maybe in the future there will be even better recorders at this price. But I have yet to see them. Thanks for watching!
What a great video. I was expecting a bare bones tech review and got so much more. I don't have a deep interest in audio technology but I subscribed anyway. Maybe I'll catch the itch!
FYI - at one point in your review, I believe you said that "AUTO REC" means setting a time for the H5 to start recording. My understanding is that it means "Recording can be started and stopped automatically in response to the input level."
Good catch! You’re absolutely right. I was wrong on that one. I don’t know why I said that. Perhaps I was confusing it with another recorder I was testing out. My apologies for the incorrect information.
@@TheRecordist The overall value of your review exceeded any minor confusion about what "AUTOREC" meant. Your review was the best thing I found to help me figure out how to use the H5. I'm happy to join the more than 1000 people who also benefitted.
I would like to hear a little more about why you consider the H5 better than the H4n Pro since this second one theoretically fits into Zoom's PRO line even though the H5 is a level higher in the company's lineup. Thanks.
Hey there. Sorry, I didn’t see this message earlier. The H5 has a better battery life, it has switchable mic cartridges, it has a -20dB pad, it has easily accessible gain knobs. I think that’s it. But let’s be honest, there’s nothing pro about either recorder. If the Zoom product has an H in it, you can bet it has very noisy preamps. If you’re looking for great preamps that are very quiet, you’d have to move up to the F line. F8n, F6, even the F3. But none of those have built in mics. For me, I moved even higher than that and went for the Sound Devices MixPre recorders. The best preamps. Very quiet. Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordistNo problem Recorder, you must receive a lot of messages... About the F3, maybe it would come in as a complement to my setup... I make a lot of recordings of music bands with my cell phone and when I can I try to ask the DJ to plug the recorder into the sound table then I have clean audio coming from the table + ambient sound but in this case as the sound is loud and well mixed I don't know if the quality of the pre-amplifiers would be as noticeable.. Already in an audio in Studio as an example of your video I believe it is easily seen, but isn't it easy to correct in editing? A friend of mine takes a class for new actors and uses the H6 in his recordings. I'm going to ask him if he experiences a lot of noise from the preamps in his recordings. thanks.
Thanks so much for this excellent and thorough review, which has firmed up my decision to buy a Zoom H5 here in the UK. I'm lucky enough to have received a bit of arts funding to develop a new podcast and one of my mentors recommended this bit of kit. I still have my old H2 Handy recorder that I bought back in 2008 (!) when I started to learn to play banjo - and I've used that to record music lessons, band rehearsals and interviews - but I think the H5 will be great for what I want to use it for, mostly recording interviews with musicians, when out and about at events. Subscribed and will check the links.
Hey thanks so much! Well let me tell you, the H5 is a massive step up from the H2. You’ll really enjoy it, I think. Banjo eh? My favorite banjo player is Steve Martin (for obvious reasons haha). The H5 will be great for interviews and all that. You’ll love it. Thanks for subscribing!
Thank you@@TheRecordist I am a very adequate banjo player but I'm fortunate to know a lot of the very best in my work as a bluegrass and Americana promoter and agent. Canada's finest, The Slocan Ramblers, boast one of the very best around in Frank Evans - you should check 'em out! th-cam.com/video/w49h8lOXU2s/w-d-xo.html
Thanks so much for your helpful review here. I’m deciding between the H5 and a Tascam X6. I plan to use this for basic field recording as well as music. I play synths and would like to have something portable to easily record a track or two on the fly. I also have a couple of mics (EV RE20 and a Rode Videomic NTG) that were actually given to me (Score!) and I’d like to make use of them. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!
You got given an RE20? Serious score! And you’re very welcome! I have no experience with the X6 so I can’t fully comment on it. But the H5 would be able to do what you need. The preamps are a bit noisy, but for music, that’s usually not an issue. Also, you could record 4 channels at the same time on the H5. The X/Y built-in mics along with two XLR plugs. You can also get an additional cartridge that replaces the built-in mics with an additional two XLR ins so you can run four of your own mics. Or you can record line in since the XLR ins are also 1/4 inch for synths and such. Not bad for the price! Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thank you so much for your response. This is a huge help. I wondered if the pre-amp on the H5 would cause too much hiss for music. I’m still on the fence but this is all good to know. I might try to check them out in person if I can. Anyway, subscribing now! One more thing: the Tascam X6 has 32-bit float. Does that change things compared to the H5?
Thanks very much! I’m happy to have you! Best recorders for quiet nature recordings is a massive rabbit hole of info and dollars. But I’m going to answer you with my best brief answer: The best recorder for ambience is the stereo one you have with you. But if you’re looking for the best best best, then here is my answer: 1. For a compact handheld stereo recorder, look for the Sony D-100 or Sony D-10. The Sony A-10 is not bad either. But all of them are costly, and the D series ones are hard to find. eBay might be your best option there. 2. For high-end ambiences in a complete larger rig that is even more costly, I would opt for a Sound Devices MixPre 3 II or MixPre 6 II recorder. You could also go with a Zoom F6. But those recorders have no mics, so I would recommend buying a pair of good omni mics like the Clippy EM272 or LOM USI PRO mics. The latter mics are hard to find because they only run small batches and often sell out. For that reason I personally went with the Clippy ones. They’re fantastic. You’ll also need a way to hold them up. There are many options to choose from but I made my own using a Manfrotto NanoPole stand, a clamp that screws in, and a couple of thin dowels that I clamped on and spaced about 40cm apart. You can mount the Clippys on the dowel ends. I did a video about the Clippy mics. You can find that here: th-cam.com/video/1GIkMYMZhj8/w-d-xo.html You can also see my NanoPole rig in that video. I hope this answered your question! And please subscribe if you haven’t already! Cheers!
Great review! I really appreciate your in-depth analysis of the Zoom H5. However, I've had experiences with rubberised plastic coatings on various devices and have found that over time they can deteriorate, becoming sticky and attracting dust. I'm personally wary of it, and I wish manufacturers would consider other materials that offer good grip and durability without this drawback. Despite this, the Zoom H5's audio quality and versatility still make it an appealing choice for many, but for me, I'll need to look elsewhere, unfortunately.
Hey thanks! I think I did touch on that in this video. If not, I should have-since I’ve known about this problem for years. Here’s a partial fix: rubber hates humidity. It sweats and becomes sticky as the chemicals leach from the rubber. Or something like that. Anyway, there’s a way to stop the sticky. Get high % isopropyl alcohol and a cloth. Or those alcohol wipes that nurses use to clean your arm before taking blood. If you carefully wipe the surfaces (careful not to remove any writing), it will remove the stickiness and reveal a new vulcanized rubber underneath the sticky layer. The finished product will be shinier, but not sticky. I’ve done this a few times with other rubber gear and it’s worked great for me. Other than that, you’ll not find a better all-in-one recorder for that price. If you really want the best, find a Sony D-100. They’re discontinued now and about $1000 used, but still the best you can buy. Hope this helps! Cheers!
I own a H5 for about 4 years. The recording quality is great, BUT: The soft grip cover („rubberized plastic“) is terrible! It startet to become sticky quite soon and got worse and worse. Now the cover feels like being covered in honey - I can‘t use the H5 any more in this condition. Zoom was not willing to send me a new cover, just offered me a small discount on buying a new one. Never ever Zoom again!
just acquired last year 2021 due to new black version that's why the old version price less, still not use so optimal plan to use it for Foley works.. :)
Awesome stuff! I do love my Zoom H5 (well, my now quite beat-up-but-still-fairly-functional-with-one-working-XLR-input, Zoom H5...) and, I must say, the fact that you quoted the greatest film of all time at the end there, just made my day, sir! I mean, should I hit Subscribe? I could try to slice that Subscribe button in half (well, not *that* Subscribe button - *this* Subscribe button...) *sigh* "It's all in the reflexes..." Cheers and I look forward to when you shake the pillars of heaven with another upload. JR
Hahahah! Awesome comment! BTILC FTW!! It just may be the best film of all time! I’m a massive movie buff, as you may be able to tell from all my videos. Being a 70s-born latchkey kid, movies were my babysitter. Haha. I really appreciate the kind words, Jake! I hope you’ve already subscribed! Cheers!
This was the best review video I've found on Zoom H5! Would H5 be good enough if I'm looking to record songs in outdoor settings (woods, beach, wide field parks etc) with just acoustic guitar with TS cable to plug in and just the XY mic? Please let me know, this would finalize my decision to purchase the Zoom H5, thanks!
Hi there. Thanks for the question! Indeed it will do fine for your purpose, if I’m understanding it correctly. So, you’re looking at using the XY mics along with one 1/4 inch cable that goes from your electric acoustic and into the H5? So like a stereo ambience recording at the same time as your acoustic playing? If so, then yes, it’ll be perfect for that. You can record up to 4 channels simultaneously X/Y + 3/4. Let me know if this is what you mean. And thanks for the compliment! Cheers!
I had read that the H4n Pro, H5, and H6 all have the same preamps. I have an H4n Pro I got when my original H4n played hide and seek on me for several months (it was winning). Both have served me well for narrative film. My next recorder will be a Sound Devices Mix Pre, likely a 3. I met a pro sound guy who does work for ESPN and a number of others and he uses a Mix Pre 6. Of course he also had COS 11's as well, in addition to his MK 416. I can't remember what his indoor boom mic is, but it was "industry standard" as well. I am looking to move up to that level in audio but can't get it all at once. You know how that goes.
My friend, I know EXACTLY how that goes! I’m 46 and have been un-wealthy my entire life. All I ever wanted was industry standard audio gear. It has taken me many many years to even get here. I’ve had to personally buy (finance) almost all the gear I’m reviewing here. I’m about to pick up the 416 tomorrow I think. I can finally buy it because I just paid off my Godin Guitar (I reviewed that too). I’ve had to quit all vices in order to pull it off. I’m a teetotaler. Have been for 5 years now. It was the only way. The other industry standard indoor mic is the Sennheiser MKH 50. That’s an insane price. ($1500 here). Maybe next year for me. Maybe not. I love the MixPre. There’s no question that it kicks the snot out of any Zoom recorder. But you’re right about the H5 and the H4n Pro having the same preamps. The newer ones do, anyway. Thanks for watching my videos! Seems we have a lot in common!
@@TheRecordist - Ah yes, Sennheiser MKH 50. That's the one. Yes, it will be quite a while before I can justify the price on that baby. I will be retiring from my "regular" job in 12 months and will be available to do film full time. Yes, we have a lot in common. I am upgrading all my kits (audio, lighting, camera) from intermediate indie filmmaker to advanced indie filmmaker, which should also help me get more paid work. Work.....well, I guess they don't like to pay you for "having fun," but that's what it is for me. You seem to be doing the same thing with upgrading your equipment. Congratulations on the 416! Certainly the epitome of shotguns. I'll have one, one day, but not right now. I'm looking forward to your giddy review of it. Speaking of shotguns, have you found a "best" shock mount that doesn't transmit handling sounds from the pole? I'm using the one that came with my Azden SMG-1X. I have to be very judicious in not moving my hands/fingers while recording and would like something that would be better.
@@northcoaststudios yes. I’m on the fence about my next “major” purchase. It’s between the MKH 50 or a Neumann TLM 103. That won’t be for another year. I have to pay off this 416 first! Happy retirement! That should be a very exciting chapter in your life! Congrats! Now all you have to do is keep your health so you can have the adventures of a lifetime! I have several shockmount systems for my shotgun mics. I have a Røde Blimp V2 (review coming this Monday) and also a smaller Rycote pistol-grip jobby. This exact one here: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/263721-REG/Rycote_033702_Medium_Hole_Softie_Lyre.html The proper 416 review is coming next week but you can get a sneak peak at the sound on my Blimp review this Monday. I used the 416 out of frame. 😉. Cheers!
The sticky coating (if it isn’t yet - it will) can be cleaned off with IPA. 2024 I still Love my H5, in practice environmental noise in 99% of field recordings exceeds pre-amp noise by such a huge margin that the pre-amp noise is never a factor. If you have the opportunity to record in a better environment chances are you’ll carry in way more gear than just an H5 .
Excellent information. Just subscribed to your channel. Would you consider this recorder a valid choice for recording class lectures? And is it compatible with a Mac/Mac mini? If not, can you offer any suggestions...Thanks
Hi there. Thanks very much! To answer your question, the Zoom H5 is far more than you’d need for class lectures. The Zoom H1n is much cheaper and will do the job wonderfully. Unless you’re looking to plug in an external XLR mic. You can see my review of the H1n here: th-cam.com/video/2TE0QlC5OFI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=WWJw89wa_Ejwkbt7 Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thank you very much for your suggestion. Your reviews are quite informative and hilarious. I also came across the H4 essential. Would you have a preference between the H1n or the H4 essential for my purposes of recording class lectures depending on the size of the room?
@@zblanch2629 hi. No worries. The H1n is all you’ll need. Anything more is a waste of money. The H4 essential is a 32 bit recorder that requires a bit of knowledge to work with and it won’t record in mp3. Class lectures can get long, so being able to record in mp3 format will give you hours on a small card. The H1n is all you’ll need.
Great video and review. This video made med buy a Zoom H5. :) A question: All the front buttons on the H5 (L, R, 1, 2 etc.) does have a physical "click" sound when pressed - except from the rec-button, that doesn´t have any physical sound. This triggers my "OCD" and I wonder if your H5 has a "clicking" sounding rec-button, or if it is as it supposed to be with mine. :)
Hey. Thanks! You know, I had to take out my H5 to see if mine is the same and it is! The record button is the only non-clicky button! I know why they did that, it’s to minimize handling noise when starting and stopping the recording. But strange they didn’t do that for all the buttons. So, you’re not alone! Haha. Sorry about that!
I have an H5 and use it fairly often. I've had it for about 2 years or so, and I will use it a lot for a while while I am working on a project, and then won't use it for a few months. Today, March 14th, I made five recordings of saying "Ahhhhhhh" for about 20 seconds, trying to get sounds similar to the background unicorn horse "Ahhh" sounds in the "Esper Photo Analysis" scene in the first Blade Runner movie. A friend of mine and I sort of sang the "Ahhhh" part, and it came out sounding funny, which is what we wanted. So, an interesting thing happened to the recordings when I transferred them and played them on my relatively new M1 Mac Mini. A little jingle was added to the end. It is the first time I have transferred Zoom H5 sounds to my new Mac Mini. I haven't been able to figure out where the jingle sound is coming from. Is this a new feature???
Hmm. Not that I know of. Mine doesn’t chime when I transfer the files. Some recorders will chime to let you know that recording has started and stopped but I don’t recall if the H5 has that. I’ll have to check mine, allow me to get back to it to find out. I’m not currently in my studio.
@@TheRecordist ok…. I would really appreciate it. It’s a very short melody, and it sounds like a phone notification. We both had iPhones with us but we didn’t use them at all during this recording process. Zoom has no idea what it might be.
13:40 This happened to my H4n Pro, it got really sticky disgusting lol I cleaned it really well with isopropyl alcohol and removed all the sticky rubber off the plastic. That solved the sticky issue, but now the mics pick up every little touch on the recorder 🤣🤣 But at least it doesn't look like a dead mouse anymore.
Hahaha. Yes indeed. That’s the sucky part of these recorders. Actually, there are a lot of sucky parts of these recorders, but enough good to make it worth it. Thanks for the great comment!
I would go with the Zoom H5. I’m not a fan of Tascam. They have interference issues. Like RF interference. They’re also very noisy. The H5 is also not premium but it’s far better made than the Tascam 60d. But that’s just my opinion. Your mileage may vary. Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thanx bro,I already have one H5, and wanted to confirm if my purchase was good enough from a veteran in the field. I m new in the field 👌🙏
@@birajadas293 oh yes. We’ll rest assured. You made a good purchase. Of course, there are far better recorders out there than the Zoom H-series. The Zoom F-series are fantastic. And you can then go higher into Sound Devices MixPre line and on up. But for a beginning field recorder, you’re doing well! I started portable field recording on the original Zoom H1. The H5 is way better than the H1. So you’re good! Cheers!
Hey there. The H5 and the H6 have the exact same preamps. The H6 comes with a slightly better stereo mic cartridge, but you can also purchase the H6 cartridge and use it on the H5. So, other than the extra inputs, the quality remains the same. Hope this helps!
Lot's of respect for the quality of video you produce! I really enjoy watching and listening to you! I'm thinking about buying the H5 for motorcycle sound recording, what do you think? Have a great day!
Thanks so much! As for motorcycle recording, I think it would be fabulous --but if you're talking about recording while it's in motion, you need serious wind protection. A wind muff won't suffice. You'll need to mount it in a blimp. You can buy them (they're expensive), or you can make one using a cage of some sort plus nylon stockings and fake fur (fun fur). There are plenty of cool designs out there on TH-cam or Google. 3D printing is an option too. You can contrive of a way to mount the H5 in a Rode Blimp, but it is pretty massive. Either way, there are many options out there for that. For recording idling and revving and all the other fun stuff, the H5 will do wonderfully. Thanks for watching!
@@TheRecordist Thank you very much for this extensive response! It finally convinced me and I just picked it up today at the store. I'm going to try around with it and see what's possible. I also thought it might be an option to have it inside a fanny pack behind my back. If everything fails I'll reconsider my options regarding the blimp. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, it helps a lot!
Considering getting one of these for captured random sound events. One problem I found starting out is Recording Acuity.. My ears are old and battered with years of attending very loud audio events. YET my hearing so far has been way beyond my recording (cheapo stuff).. only now its dawning on me that all my listening experience is complicated.. and if I want to reproduce what I can hear I need to do multi track recordings with mics all around me at different angles..does this model allow for a variety of add on mics capable of doing specialist tasks?? Just subscribed to you mate..
Hey thanks! Yes. You can add two external mics to the already included XY stereo capsule for a total of 4 mics at one time. It’s great for sources that are not incredibly quiet because the preamps are a little nosy for super quiet things. But other than that, it’s the best cheap recorder for these applications. Cheers!
Hello Hello, i really hope you still reply to comments my mans, im on the edge of my seat about to buy an H5 for motovlog use but im curious if i should use the F series instead? I;m after the best sound quality bu between the H5 and which ever F series you suggest i need to know! Please help me sir. Thanks for your time, also your channel is such high quality you do a great job, great voice, great editing, great feel awesome stuff, thanks again.
Hey there. Thanks for the compliments! I try to always respond to comments. As long as I get notified. The F series are far far better recorders than the H series. But the F series do not come with built in mics. You would need to purchase additional microphones to go with the recorder. If you can afford it, this is what I would do. But first, what will you be recording? I want to be able to make a proper suggestion for you.
@@TheRecordist thanks so much for your swift reply. I idea behind this mic is to record my motobike exhuast mainly. Obviously the use of a cat and usually wind reduction techniques. What mic would I pair with it? Thanks again!! 💪
@@HairyCactusActual hey. Well, if you’re recording loud sounds like your exhaust, then I might suggest dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 - and also wind protection like a blimp or even a dead cat. But since you’re not recording quiet sounds. The H5 might be fine for you. The preamps in the H5 are a bit noisy. But that’s not an issue for louder sounds. Quiet sounds like the ambience of a forest is where you might hear hiss, but not for what you’re after. The H5 and a really good dead cat might do you just fine.
@@TheRecordist ye awesome man thanks so much. Would you still suggest the zoom f2 over the H5 for this application? If yes, what mic would you pair with it. I really appreciate your continued help mate. I'll tag you in my first upload (will be from my motovlog account mind you but I'll mention who I am)
@@TheRecordist Hey I have a question I hope you can answer! Looking to buy a Zoom H5, but was wondering if they still use that rubber material that eventually gets sticky. I know the Zoom H6 all Black was updated to all plastic, but could not find any info on the Zoom H5. Do you happen to know? Thanks!
Great review, filled with many reminders of why this remains a great device for numerous purposes. My biggest beef is the menu wheel, which I manage to flip to one side or the other when I mean to press straight down to confirm a certain setting. I'm really enjoying your channel and learning a lot. Expect you'll be blasting past 1000 subscribers soon.
Thanks so much! Yes. It’s a good little device. There are better, of course, but the H5 is hard to beat in terms of price. I still love mine. Thanks for watching!
I’ve just bought one. When it powered up it shows Firmware 2.20 and not 2.10. Have Zoom added another update without advertising it? I’m looking forward to using it and have already ordered a case and official accessory pack.
My wife wants to record the cat's plethora of meows and noises. I am looking for something that will be convenient, but record it in good quality. would something like this work? Or any other suggestions
Well, it depends on how much you’re willing to spend. But generally, yes. The Zoom H5 will work just fine. Just make sure not to handhold it. Try to mount it somehow. Or get a shockmount. Because you’ll also hear your handling noises. Actually a Zoom H1n will likely do just as good. Just make sure to keep the mic gain below 5.5 and increase the volume in post. Both the H1n and the H5 have noisy preamps above 5.5. If you want to go really high-end, let me know. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Hi again! Yes. I think the stereo capsule is fantastic for live performances-especially when you have other musicians spread upon the stage. For practice it can work also, but if you wanted a more concentrated mono channel for your vocals, I would suggest adding a dedicated mic like the Shure SM57 or 58. I compared them here: th-cam.com/video/DZKV7GfOSjo/w-d-xo.html But a separate mic is absolutely not necessary at all. The h5 would do you well indeed. You might also consider an even cheaper version which is the Zoom H1N to get you started, but it doesn’t have the music functions that the H5 has, like the tuner and metronome. I hope this helps!
Hahaha. I know the feeling! Well, if you want to grow with your recorder (get better external mics, etc) then go with the H5. But if you don’t care about that and you’ll never use it for anything outside of the built-in mics, then go for the H1n. The audio quality is better on the H5, and so is the build. It’s also better for handling noises. It can also record 4 channels simultaneously. Hope this helps!
Hey there. I would use any padded bag available. Unfortunately, the way the H series are designed, it’s impossible to put them in a sound bag like the Orca or K-Tek bags, so I would try to find a nice padded case to keep it in, and then bring it out when needed. The Orca OR-67 hard shell case is a nice one. And it’s made for sound people. Expensive but really nice. Hope this helps!
Hey I have a question I hope you can answer! Looking to buy a Zoom H5, but was wondering if they still use that rubber material that eventually gets sticky. I know the Zoom H6 all Black was updated to all plastic, but could not find any info on the Zoom H5. Do you happen to know? Thanks!
Hey. Well, as far as I’m aware, the H5 still uses that rubber that gets all sticky. It can be fixed with isopropyl alcohol but it then becomes a bit shiny. I have not heard of any changes in the original H5 materials. Sorry about that!
So sorry. I responded to you in another of your comments. Try Zoom support. I only use Mac. And have completely lost touch with how windows works. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
love your presentation thank you. I own the H5 and the H8. Short film and documentary are my interests. The H8 has definitely quieter pre-amps (Check out Curtis Judd review) My mic for dialogue ie the Sennheiser MKE600 (Love it) Thanks again for your reviews. Pat Hegarty Cork Ireland.
Hey Pat! The H8 has quieter preamps? That’s fantastic! The preamps are a bit of a downfall of the H-series recorders but they’re not THAT bad. I can easily mitigate them in post. If your setup is working well for you then that’s all you need. The rest is just GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)! Haha. Thanks for watching!
Hi there! For professional use? That’s an easy one for me (but expensive). The Sound Devices MixPre II series. That’s super high-end. You can watch my review here: th-cam.com/video/mH_n1I2T_54/w-d-xo.html A small step down would be the Zoom F6 and then, depending on what you need it to do, the Zoom F3. But I’d need to know how many inputs you’d need and as well as what kind of mics you’ll be running. Cheers!
Well, I need it for my documentaries. As a starting documentarist I need a sound recording device that will capture the sound from the talking documentaries mostly done outside in a noisy area, because it is related to travel. I intend to use it also for interviews and sound recording for sound design of all my videos cause I love to do everything by myself. So first criteria it must be small and easy (portable). I choose all my gear by this first criteria. Second it must have a good sound quality. And it must be versatile as I've mentioned above for many uses. And It must be Zoom :)) Cause I like how they're build. Thanks!
@@transunicorn well, the Zoom F3 is low cost, very small and portable, takes either two XLR inputs or a stereo 3.5mm input, is a zoom, and is good quality. It doesn’t come with any built in microphones. So that’s a drawback. Just in case you didn’t know, Sound Devices makes the very best recorders on earth. They’re what are used in Hollywood movies. Zoom is not the same quality. But the Sound Devices recorders are complicated to learn. If you need built in mics plus XLR ins, then maybe the Zoom H5 is best for you.
I have Zoom H5 and i don't like it is very hissy. I will sell it next week but don't know what to take as a replacement. I mostly record asmr nature ambient sounds. What would you suggest to get instead of H5? Thx
Oh yes. For quiet ASMR and nature, the H5 is not the greatest. It has a lot of self noise. As for recommendations, if budget isn’t an issue then I fully recommend the Sound Devices MixPre 3 II. Easily the best recorder in its class. Here’s a review I did on it: th-cam.com/video/mH_n1I2T_54/w-d-xo.html If you want to go cheaper, I hear great things about the Zoom F3. Generally the F-Series of Zoom recorders are good-just not the F1 or F2. Hope this helps!
Had one as my first recorder, used it for couple of times with built in mics for nature recordings, later on used barebone Clippy's. Didnt quite eke out everything it had, sold it couple of months ago at very little loss. When researching for it, I was considering to start with H1n, but wasnt sure how usable it would be and if Id be disappointed with its self noise all too soon. Now I can easily say that either H1n or Sony PCM-D100(which was in stock at that moment but cost 650-something euros compared to 222 euros for H5) would have been wiser choice for me. It would be either barebones handheld with 3.5mm input with Clippy's(H1n) or Rolls Royce(D100) of handhelds with its built in mics. My H5 didnt see that much use due to it being imho not the best carry-around recorder for the size-performance/quality it offered and I believe H1n would be much better as always-on-me kind of recorder. PCM-D100 would be bigger than H1n , but it wouldnt require any bulky external mics for a long time before Id grow out of them and would perfectly make-do for me with its built mics. Now theres Zoom F3 and Ive been thinking - should I get that one and use it with my 3.5mm Clippy's(I would have to buy two pieces of Rode VXLR+)? I like its supposedly clean preamps, small size and somewhat ruggedised built. At the same time, I havent seen it in real life and from pictures and videos it looks ugly, if I might, where H1n looks kind of stylish and modern(especially for the money), the F3 does not. Also, F3 lacks 3.5mm and I dont understand why Zoom chose to ommit it? Or maybe I should better get H1n, use the hell out of it with my Clippy's and then, only then upgrade to MixPre?! I reckon H1n even with Clippy's and mini tripod would be much more portable than my H5 was and a bit less cumbersome to carry around than H5 and F3 as well, with the same setup+mic rail and some mic holders(which I might not bother with when using with H1n). Then again, F3 is quite modular'ish and one can get creative in finding ways of making its setup more portable and H series-like even with high quality mics. Hmm, yeah, first world problems 😂!
Haha. First world problems indeed! The D100 sure is the Rolls Royce of compact recorders. There’s no doubt about that whatsoever. The H1n will do, but honestly, for quiet ambiences, you could do a lot better. Yes, it’s compact, but it doesn’t have the best preamps. Not the worst, but not the best. An F3 with Clippy XLR mics (not adapted 3.5mm) would be much more quiet and high end. But less compact. The mics in the H1N are not great and by plugging in a set of stereo Clippy mics, you’re instantly getting way better results, but for ultra quiet ambiences, you will still get a bit of preamp hiss. My advice is either go D100 and have a fully operational high/end recorder instantly. Or an F3 and purchase XLR Clippy mics. But if you’re not doing super quiet ambiences, then the H1n and the Clippy 3.5mm will do just fine. I hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist yeah, D100 would make sense, tho not currently available anywhere I looked from usual suspects in EU. And one that I found in Asia during vacation was close to 900 euros, needless to say that my internal deal hunter was not impressed by such price. I have seen some neat and tidy, quick'ish deployment-ready F3 setups, so might just go with that. Still, cheapie H1n remains a temptation, by the looks of it not as crazy of a gear freak as you are, but sometimes just cant help myself :D
@@rrreger haha. I know what you mean! The D100s are expensive. This is true. They don’t make them anymore so finding one is like winning a prize… that you have to pay a lot for. Haha. The H1n is nowhere close to the quality of a D100, however, it will do the job and it won’t feel bad to buy. Like I say, the H1n has been used for certain sound FX in many movies. You’d be surprised. Anyone can do anything with anything. Good luck!
The rubberised plastic is a deal-breaker for me and should be for everyone. It's been known for over 25 years that it will not last. In chemistry the death sentence stands on using it. Thanks for the warning.
Yes indeed. Though, people have been known to use alcohol and a cloth to remove the sticky rubber and reveal the vulcanized rubber underneath. This, of course, will also remove any writing. It’s too bad, eh?
@@TheRecordist I'm a chemist. Believe me: it's more the scrubbing than the alcohol that gets rid of the polyurethane. And if you cannot, or do not want to, take apart the device than you'll have to scrub very, very hard between the knobs. That's hard and might break the device, alcohol will get into the device etc. Hence: chemists advise companies to *NOT EVER* use that awful stuff, yet they still do. The only remedy is that we consumers communicate that we didn't buy product so and so _because_ of the rubberisation. Pity, but that's how it is. Thanks for your excellent review BTW.
Hi! Does anybody know if i can record the tracks separately? I mean, if i download the recorded tracks on my computer i Will get 4 tracks so i can mix them?
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
😊thank you so much for this... it's the:
"you can do anything with anything... whatever you have use it because it's all about the content and the art" ❤️
Hi Bernadette! Sounds like the person who said that is a smart cookie! 😉
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!
Loved the message at the end! When you talked about the zoom h series not having the best preamps out there, I started immediately googling alternatives in another window, until you clarified the importance of the artist, not the gear, it was a great reminder!!!
That’s fabulous! And it’s so true! You can do anything with anything! You got it! Cheers!
I’ve had an H5 for a couple of years now. I use the XLR features with Shure 545SD mic’s, that gets plugged into my camera, to record guitar practices with my Canon 5D Mk IV. The Canon preamps are a lot noisier than the H5 so I see it as a step up. The H5 I capable, versatile and convenient so it’s the right tool for my purposes. I’ve considered an H6 or an F series device as a possible upgrade path but the H5 continues to be a very useful tool in my toolbox, so unless something else in the market can definitively push the H5 from them top spot it’s going to remain as part of my signal path for a while yet. Enjoyed your video. Well done!
Thanks so much! The H6 is only an upgrade if you need more simultaneous inputs. As for preamp and converters, the H5 and the H6 are the exact same. The F-series recorders are a step up with preamp quality.
In my opinion, the best relatively affordable recorders in the world are the Sound Devices MixPre recorders. I’ve got two of those and they’re so good.
Thanks for watching!
I’m not a professional so the H5 will be a part of my setup for a while to come. My use is really about listening to my practice sessions as a way to improve my playing. For this purpose I don’t need studio quality … good enough, is good enough for me. Cheers!
Only one thing better than a thorough, clear, review - a thorough, clear, review with a fart gag. I salute you.
Hahahaha. Woo hoo! Cheers!
One thing to note on the Zoom H5. I’ve had mine since 2015. You will probably want to remove the coating as it will get very gummy, sticky, and very unpleasant to the touch. You can remove the film with Goo Gone and some elbow grease.
It still works great! I’m using it currently it for voice-over work. I plug it into the wall. No batteries required.
Excellent! And yes. The sticky problem. Didn’t I mention that in the video? I think I did. Either way, good tip!
I just bought one for very cheap. I think mine doesn't have the rubber coating on it. Or at least there is very little. They probably stopped using it after all the complaints.
Hi! Zoom H5 is still good in 2024 ! Just bought it new for 100USD!
Oh yes! It’s still good even now! And that’s an insanely good price!
@Tom-yq8qy that’s a good question.
i think i might land one for $75
Where did you get one so cheap????
I’ve been using mine for 10 years. It gets the job done.
It sure does!
If it becomes icky sticky you can usually clean it off with some isopropyl alcohol. It looses the rubbery feel but it beats the icky stickiness.
Yes. You’re absolutely right.
Was having a bad day… then saw “The Time Preservation Society” posted 🥳
Hahahaha. Well I’m glad I could help brighten your day just a little bit! Thanks for always watching and commenting!
I really do like the way you do your video! The sense of humor, the video quality and the Sound, or course!
Thanks a lot for this!!!
Oh thank you very much! I appreciate the kind comment! Cheers!
I've considered various options for piano recording with budget around 200 USD total. Ended up ordering a used H5. I can invest in better mics later but even with the XY capsule it's great. Thankfully, the preamp noise is not a concern when recording such a loud instrument.
Thank you for the humour and information presented in an enjoyable way. You're a kind hardworking man and it's always a pleasure to hear you.
Why thank you kindly, Vlad! And yes, the H5 will do nicely for piano recording and you can always upgrade to affordable but awesome mics such as the Line Audio CM4s later. Actually, I have a review of those mics releasing 9 hours from the time I’ve written this message. Check it out!
@@TheRecordist Hi Nathan! Thank you! I've just watched your latest video. Line Audio CM4 is amazing! Even more so considering the price. The off-axis sound quality is unbelievable good-it's some kind of Swedish handmade magic, isn't it?
Alas, it's not possible to order CM4 with shipping to my country due to (as you've put it delicately in another video) current European strife. But Oktava microphones are still manufactured here. Yes, I've watched your review of MK-012-it's incredible, so rich, warm and lively sounding. With the omni capsule it can capture piano sound even better. I'll wait for an opportunity to buy a matched pair of used MK-012 or save enough for a new pair with various capsules included...perhaps the only microphones I will ever need for music and voice recording. Cheers!
@@VladK-1 oh yes. You can’t go wrong with the Oktavas. They’re special in a very unique way. So warm!
That’s a pity about not being able to get CM4 mics but the Oktavas are just as good, if not better at many things. For piano, they’ll do wonderfully!
Say, how did you know my name? Haha. I think I know, but I thought I’d ask anyway. Cheers!
@@TheRecordist Thanks! I've researched Oktavas a bit more and turns out MK-012 was (and still) quite popular here for concert and movie recordings...no wonder it sounds so familiar (that warmth and just a bit of compression) and, I would say, nostalgic. People make things and things make people. There is nothing better than a well-made item with history behind it, even more so if it's a used one!
Regarding the secret of your name...well, it was trivial as I'm working in counterinte...nah, I'm kidding! Of course not. I'm just an intern here. Ha-ha! :)
When someone calls me by name, I always want to respond in the same way. But I've noticed that in every video you call yourself different names (Tony Stark and Freddie Kruger raised my eyebrows-I swear I heard these names somewhere before). So I googled and found your page on Linked In and your website as well. Regards!
@@VladK-1 hahaha. Brilliant! I’m not trying to hide my identity or anything but I always thought it would be fun to see if anyone figured it out. Haha. I’m not into fame and spotlight. I just love audio gear!
Vlad, that was such a great thing you said. “People make things and things make people.” I love that. And you’re so right!
Thanks for that comment! And let me know when you get some Oktavas. I’d love to know what you think. Cheers!
Showing all your hardware info (Intro)...you are the Best
Haha. Thanks! Cheers!
Thanks a lot for this review! Your vibe is giving✨ especially, i like the last part! U can do anything with anything~ thank u for your support on the creative path! It means a lot✨
Hey thanks so much for the wonderful comment! I really appreciate that! Cheers!
Maan, Your channel is awesome! You just got one subscriber more here!🎉❤😊
Hey thanks so much! That’s so wonderful to hear! And thanks for subscribing!
I love the mixture of humor and information. I look forward to your videos.
Thanks so much! Sometimes I don’t know what I’m going to say or do. Haha. Thanks for watching, John!
ਬਹੁਤ ਹੀ ਵਧੀਆ ਰੀਵੀਊ ❤
V.Good Review ❤
Thanks!
Great video! Really like the whole setup and colors in your composition here. Also your personality is awesome xD
Hey thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to tell me that! Cheers!
Really Damn i look n crazy detailing your did man, Gentle but n b/w some crazy reaction that's cool man 😎 happiest person what i hear ur message for zoom h5 crazy man ....keep going like this ❤
Hey thanks very much!
Like your style and frankness, man. Go on!
Haha. Thanks so much!
Tested yesterday and this thing sounds great! Thanks for another helpful review
Great to hear! I hope you get years of great use out of it! Thanks for watching!
Used it recently to film an acoustic concert. Big step up from internal camera mics and liked the stereo sound. Only issue is the exterior rubber is starting to get gummy.
Ah yes. This can be somewhat repaired. Isopropyl alcohol will remove the stickiness, however, the result is a kind of harder semigloss shell.
@@TheRecordist Thanks. I'll give that a try. I might even try drinking some alcohol. :p
You really do make me laugh...and you brought your tape measure. Though not the one I suggested...you remember? The one from 1796...the barn find. Or was it a barn find? I can´t remember. Getting old myself; I suppose. I like the way you show all your gear. I personally switched from ZOOM to Tascams Portacapture X8, after my ZOOM H4N´s headphone OUT broke after 10 years + of abuse, and would have replaced it with a ZOOM F3...if I had been able to obtain one...here in Germany.
Hahaha. Yes. I remembered the tape this time! Each one has a cinema reference to it. Haha. Perhaps I’ll find a movie with a barn in 1796 for you!
How do you like the Portacapture X8? I’ve heard mixed reviews. I’ve also heard mixed reviews on the F3 as well.
I find them all useful and I hate to discourage anyone from a product they either already own or are looking to get. There are high-end recorders and cheap recorders, but at the end of the day, anything will do better than nothing, and with a little creativity, anything is possible!
Thanks for watching!
I subscribed right away hearing the "bleep bloops"
Hahahaha! Thanks so much! Cheers!
Great review and great presentation! Loved your foreword as well.
Was looking for an audio interface to record Octatrack to PC or phone, and ended up buying Zoom H5 instead. So now I have a good quality audio interface AND ability to record my own samples. Nice!
Fantastic! Thanks for watching! Cheers!
The sticky rubberized plastic coatings is a pity but one can clean it of with alcohol as I did with my Hn4 pro. I just ordered the H5 now since the switch of the Hn4 broke and that also seems to be a common problem. Repairable, yes but not so easy. I gave it away for free since it gave me a reason to upgrade and I hope it hase a better switch. (I payed an extra 10 Euro for 2 years extra warranty so 4 years in total) :)
Yes indeed! The only problem with the alcohol on the vulcanized rubber is that it creates a harder and glossier surface. No big deal.
I hope you enjoy your new H5! Mine has lasted years without issue!
Awesome review but the Big Trouble in Little China quote at the end just earned you a subscribe sir.
Hahahaha. Well thank you very much! Cheers!
I still use my H5 even though it sits on the shelf next to a Zoom F4. It's very handy when you just want to head out and record and not draw a lot of attention.
Exactly! Just throw it in a bag and bam! It’s a great little piece of gear!
I did run a little experiment at work, splitting off the signal from a couple ribbons mics on a piano into both the MixPre and H6. The difference was pretty stark in terms of noise, in some way, the built in condensers of the H6 sounded better, less noisy at least!
This is an edge case that really pushes the preamps, for most anything else, the H6 is fine. I even got some pretty cool drum recordings with just the H6, 3 57's, and a Beta 52
Hey there! Cool experiment! I think the ribbons (which are notoriously extremely low output) required a ton of gain, while the electret condensers on the H6 required far less gain. That’s likely the reason but, the best sound is the sound you like the best! Nothing else matters!
@@TheRecordist I thought the MixPre was just overpriced for what it is, but that test justified the cost! Ribbons are definitely the worst case for preamps, and pianos are extremely dynamic on top of that
Thanks for the story, bearing it all!
Haha. Thanks so much!
Very informative review! I'd love to see you make a video on a handheld rig set up for recording impacts or foley in the field.
Hey thanks! Handheld for foley in the field? I wouldn’t use the H5 mics. Depending on the source and where I was gathering it, I would use either a 416 or an SM57 (for loud impacts) or even a little Line Audio CM4 - each on a shockmount pistol grip.
Not to get too snobby, but I would probably also use one of my Sound Devices recorders for loud impacts such as gunshots, since they have analog limiters, and limiters make gunshots sound much better.
I might make a video about that in the future. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for the info. Your channel is highly underrated, keep it up brother!
Just bought on in 2024. I’m disappointed that the USB is OTG rather than C but I managed to find a suitable cable. File system seems a bit archaic but it records better quality than I can play. Can’t help but think the overdub feature could be easier
Haha. Yes. The whole thing feels like a Tandy TRS-180 computer from 1985. Hahaha. But it does the job!
Got mine out of the cubbert now when I started to get into Super-8 (Yes I know Super-8 is not crystalsync, but good enough for ambiance and outdoor sounds. Not recording dialogue). Use it with the SSH6 sterio Shotgun Mic. Just mount it on a bracket with the camera on one side and the H5 at the other… Good for recording birds and ambient sound. And yes I can testify that the coating becomes sticky.
Anyway, grate video!
Very nice! I haven’t seen super 8 in a while! Fascinating! Thanks for watching!
Nicely made recorder the H5. Thank you for the videos and I watch your channel frequently for all those useful tips and advice, I'm a total newbie on recording but having a lot of fun having followed your tutorials through on each new recorder I've had... loving a second hand H1n at present. But I find the H5 really needed 4 AA's, 2 is just too short on power. I know if your put fresh batteries in (any kind, though I find I'm using rechargeable lithium's more than others now) and just get on with recording, even with 48v phantom on with 2 external mics', I can get about 1hr to 1hr 30mins' approx., that's great. BUT, if you leave the batteries in the H5 (phantom off too), the H5 seems to drain batteries even when not on!?
I've conducted 3 tests, with 3 different types of fresh batteries and after about 3 days the H5 will not turn on, flat batteries.
At home I can use the AC adaptor of course. I've also noticed other users commenting on the H5's short battery life and this issue of draining batteries over a few days even when not switched on? I don't have this issue with the H1n or H2n, the batteries last for ages and I can pretty much rely on either of these recorders being ready for use even if I've not had them on for a couple of weeks.
I know it's best to have backup batteries for the H5 when planning on making any recordings out and about, but has anyone else experienced this issue with the H5 just seemingly draining power when not even switched on?
Other than this power issue I like the H5 in the hand and the dials and buttons have a nice solid feel, enough resistance. Though I'm not keen on the multi-jog wheel menu system, prefer some cursor buttons as the job dial can be fiddly and temperamental for making quick adjustments I find. You can get away with gloves-on operation for virtually all other functions on the H5 except for that little job dial!
Hey there. Thanks!
I personally haven’t had my batteries drain inside the H5 when not being used. Have you gone into the menu and told the device what type of batteries you’re using? I wonder if that’s the problem.
You can also get a power bank and supply power in the field with one of those. That would last for hours and hours.
Yes. The jog wheel sucks. There are some crappy aspects to the recorder, but all in all, it’s the best bang for your buck. Maybe in the future there will be even better recorders at this price. But I have yet to see them.
Thanks for watching!
I'm a musician and singer but much less of a recording buff. This video is very good for those with experience previously, but not for me!
Hmm. I understand. However, this is a recording channel. Best of luck on the musician and singer channels!
What a great video. I was expecting a bare bones tech review and got so much more. I don't have a deep interest in audio technology but I subscribed anyway. Maybe I'll catch the itch!
Hey thanks so much! I hope you get the itch! It’s an awesome world! Cheers!
FYI - at one point in your review, I believe you said that "AUTO REC" means setting a time for the H5 to start recording. My understanding is that it means "Recording can be started and stopped automatically in response to the input level."
Good catch! You’re absolutely right. I was wrong on that one. I don’t know why I said that. Perhaps I was confusing it with another recorder I was testing out. My apologies for the incorrect information.
@@TheRecordist The overall value of your review exceeded any minor confusion about what "AUTOREC" meant. Your review was the best thing I found to help me figure out how to use the H5. I'm happy to join the more than 1000 people who also benefitted.
@@cbebutuoy well thank you very much! Cheers!
I would like to hear a little more about why you consider the H5 better than the H4n Pro since this second one theoretically fits into Zoom's PRO line even though the H5 is a level higher in the company's lineup. Thanks.
Hey there. Sorry, I didn’t see this message earlier.
The H5 has a better battery life, it has switchable mic cartridges, it has a -20dB pad, it has easily accessible gain knobs. I think that’s it.
But let’s be honest, there’s nothing pro about either recorder. If the Zoom product has an H in it, you can bet it has very noisy preamps. If you’re looking for great preamps that are very quiet, you’d have to move up to the F line. F8n, F6, even the F3. But none of those have built in mics.
For me, I moved even higher than that and went for the Sound Devices MixPre recorders. The best preamps. Very quiet.
Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordistNo problem Recorder, you must receive a lot of messages... About the F3, maybe it would come in as a complement to my setup... I make a lot of recordings of music bands with my cell phone and when I can I try to ask the DJ to plug the recorder into the sound table then I have clean audio coming from the table + ambient sound but in this case as the sound is loud and well mixed I don't know if the quality of the pre-amplifiers would be as noticeable.. Already in an audio in Studio as an example of your video I believe it is easily seen, but isn't it easy to correct in editing? A friend of mine takes a class for new actors and uses the H6 in his recordings. I'm going to ask him if he experiences a lot of noise from the preamps in his recordings. thanks.
Good man speaking a real stuff. not these pitching sellers around.
Thanks! Yes my channel is just straight honest stuff. I don’t have the energy to sell anything these days. Haha. Cheers!
Thanks so much for this excellent and thorough review, which has firmed up my decision to buy a Zoom H5 here in the UK. I'm lucky enough to have received a bit of arts funding to develop a new podcast and one of my mentors recommended this bit of kit. I still have my old H2 Handy recorder that I bought back in 2008 (!) when I started to learn to play banjo - and I've used that to record music lessons, band rehearsals and interviews - but I think the H5 will be great for what I want to use it for, mostly recording interviews with musicians, when out and about at events. Subscribed and will check the links.
Hey thanks so much! Well let me tell you, the H5 is a massive step up from the H2. You’ll really enjoy it, I think. Banjo eh? My favorite banjo player is Steve Martin (for obvious reasons haha).
The H5 will be great for interviews and all that. You’ll love it. Thanks for subscribing!
Thank you@@TheRecordist I am a very adequate banjo player but I'm fortunate to know a lot of the very best in my work as a bluegrass and Americana promoter and agent. Canada's finest, The Slocan Ramblers, boast one of the very best around in Frank Evans - you should check 'em out! th-cam.com/video/w49h8lOXU2s/w-d-xo.html
@@TrueNorthMusic oh that’s awesome! I love that music! Thanks for this!
Thanks so much for your helpful review here. I’m deciding between the H5 and a Tascam X6. I plan to use this for basic field recording as well as music. I play synths and would like to have something portable to easily record a track or two on the fly. I also have a couple of mics (EV RE20 and a Rode Videomic NTG) that were actually given to me (Score!) and I’d like to make use of them. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!
You got given an RE20? Serious score!
And you’re very welcome! I have no experience with the X6 so I can’t fully comment on it. But the H5 would be able to do what you need. The preamps are a bit noisy, but for music, that’s usually not an issue.
Also, you could record 4 channels at the same time on the H5. The X/Y built-in mics along with two XLR plugs. You can also get an additional cartridge that replaces the built-in mics with an additional two XLR ins so you can run four of your own mics. Or you can record line in since the XLR ins are also 1/4 inch for synths and such. Not bad for the price!
Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thank you so much for your response. This is a huge help. I wondered if the pre-amp on the H5 would cause too much hiss for music. I’m still on the fence but this is all good to know. I might try to check them out in person if I can. Anyway, subscribing now!
One more thing: the Tascam X6 has 32-bit float. Does that change things compared to the H5?
Great review! Thank you very much!🙏🏽🙌🏾
You’re welcome! Cheers!
What recorders are well suited for quiet nature recordings if not this one? I am happy to have found your channel!
Thanks very much! I’m happy to have you!
Best recorders for quiet nature recordings is a massive rabbit hole of info and dollars. But I’m going to answer you with my best brief answer:
The best recorder for ambience is the stereo one you have with you. But if you’re looking for the best best best, then here is my answer:
1. For a compact handheld stereo recorder, look for the Sony D-100 or Sony D-10. The Sony A-10 is not bad either. But all of them are costly, and the D series ones are hard to find. eBay might be your best option there.
2. For high-end ambiences in a complete larger rig that is even more costly, I would opt for a Sound Devices MixPre 3 II or MixPre 6 II recorder. You could also go with a Zoom F6. But those recorders have no mics, so I would recommend buying a pair of good omni mics like the Clippy EM272 or LOM USI PRO mics. The latter mics are hard to find because they only run small batches and often sell out. For that reason I personally went with the Clippy ones. They’re fantastic. You’ll also need a way to hold them up. There are many options to choose from but I made my own using a Manfrotto NanoPole stand, a clamp that screws in, and a couple of thin dowels that I clamped on and spaced about 40cm apart. You can mount the Clippys on the dowel ends.
I did a video about the Clippy mics. You can find that here:
th-cam.com/video/1GIkMYMZhj8/w-d-xo.html
You can also see my NanoPole rig in that video.
I hope this answered your question! And please subscribe if you haven’t already! Cheers!
@@TheRecordist Awesome response and very much appreciated!
Great review! I really appreciate your in-depth analysis of the Zoom H5. However, I've had experiences with rubberised plastic coatings on various devices and have found that over time they can deteriorate, becoming sticky and attracting dust. I'm personally wary of it, and I wish manufacturers would consider other materials that offer good grip and durability without this drawback. Despite this, the Zoom H5's audio quality and versatility still make it an appealing choice for many, but for me, I'll need to look elsewhere, unfortunately.
Hey thanks! I think I did touch on that in this video. If not, I should have-since I’ve known about this problem for years.
Here’s a partial fix: rubber hates humidity. It sweats and becomes sticky as the chemicals leach from the rubber. Or something like that.
Anyway, there’s a way to stop the sticky. Get high % isopropyl alcohol and a cloth. Or those alcohol wipes that nurses use to clean your arm before taking blood. If you carefully wipe the surfaces (careful not to remove any writing), it will remove the stickiness and reveal a new vulcanized rubber underneath the sticky layer. The finished product will be shinier, but not sticky.
I’ve done this a few times with other rubber gear and it’s worked great for me.
Other than that, you’ll not find a better all-in-one recorder for that price. If you really want the best, find a Sony D-100. They’re discontinued now and about $1000 used, but still the best you can buy.
Hope this helps! Cheers!
I own a H5 for about 4 years. The recording quality is great, BUT: The soft grip cover („rubberized plastic“) is terrible! It startet to become sticky quite soon and got worse and worse. Now the cover feels like being covered in honey - I can‘t use the H5 any more in this condition. Zoom was not willing to send me a new cover, just offered me a small discount on buying a new one. Never ever Zoom again!
@@e.h.9990 well, that's not true. Just buy some rubbing alcohol. I just did it yesterday with my Zoom H5 and it worked great.
@@SimonAZ Indeed I did clean mine as well, works fine.
just acquired last year 2021 due to new black version that's why the old version price less, still not use so optimal plan to use it for Foley works.. :)
I hope you get great use out of it! Thanks for watching!
excellent video. thank you.
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the awesome review!
You're very welcome!
Awesome stuff!
I do love my Zoom H5 (well, my now quite beat-up-but-still-fairly-functional-with-one-working-XLR-input, Zoom H5...) and, I must say, the fact that you quoted the greatest film of all time at the end there, just made my day, sir!
I mean, should I hit Subscribe? I could try to slice that Subscribe button in half (well, not *that* Subscribe button - *this* Subscribe button...)
*sigh*
"It's all in the reflexes..."
Cheers and I look forward to when you shake the pillars of heaven with another upload.
JR
Hahahah! Awesome comment! BTILC FTW!!
It just may be the best film of all time! I’m a massive movie buff, as you may be able to tell from all my videos. Being a 70s-born latchkey kid, movies were my babysitter. Haha.
I really appreciate the kind words, Jake! I hope you’ve already subscribed! Cheers!
This was the best review video I've found on Zoom H5!
Would H5 be good enough if I'm looking to record songs in outdoor settings (woods, beach, wide field parks etc) with just acoustic guitar with TS cable to plug in and just the XY mic?
Please let me know, this would finalize my decision to purchase the Zoom H5, thanks!
Hi there. Thanks for the question!
Indeed it will do fine for your purpose, if I’m understanding it correctly. So, you’re looking at using the XY mics along with one 1/4 inch cable that goes from your electric acoustic and into the H5? So like a stereo ambience recording at the same time as your acoustic playing? If so, then yes, it’ll be perfect for that. You can record up to 4 channels simultaneously X/Y + 3/4.
Let me know if this is what you mean. And thanks for the compliment! Cheers!
@@TheRecordist Yes, that is what I was asking about. Thank you!
@@hipalwayshop cheers!
I had read that the H4n Pro, H5, and H6 all have the same preamps. I have an H4n Pro I got when my original H4n played hide and seek on me for several months (it was winning). Both have served me well for narrative film. My next recorder will be a Sound Devices Mix Pre, likely a 3. I met a pro sound guy who does work for ESPN and a number of others and he uses a Mix Pre 6. Of course he also had COS 11's as well, in addition to his MK 416. I can't remember what his indoor boom mic is, but it was "industry standard" as well. I am looking to move up to that level in audio but can't get it all at once. You know how that goes.
My friend, I know EXACTLY how that goes! I’m 46 and have been un-wealthy my entire life. All I ever wanted was industry standard audio gear. It has taken me many many years to even get here. I’ve had to personally buy (finance) almost all the gear I’m reviewing here. I’m about to pick up the 416 tomorrow I think. I can finally buy it because I just paid off my Godin Guitar (I reviewed that too).
I’ve had to quit all vices in order to pull it off. I’m a teetotaler. Have been for 5 years now. It was the only way.
The other industry standard indoor mic is the Sennheiser MKH 50. That’s an insane price. ($1500 here). Maybe next year for me. Maybe not.
I love the MixPre. There’s no question that it kicks the snot out of any Zoom recorder. But you’re right about the H5 and the H4n Pro having the same preamps. The newer ones do, anyway.
Thanks for watching my videos! Seems we have a lot in common!
@@TheRecordist - Ah yes, Sennheiser MKH 50. That's the one. Yes, it will be quite a while before I can justify the price on that baby.
I will be retiring from my "regular" job in 12 months and will be available to do film full time. Yes, we have a lot in common. I am upgrading all my kits (audio, lighting, camera) from intermediate indie filmmaker to advanced indie filmmaker, which should also help me get more paid work. Work.....well, I guess they don't like to pay you for "having fun," but that's what it is for me. You seem to be doing the same thing with upgrading your equipment.
Congratulations on the 416! Certainly the epitome of shotguns. I'll have one, one day, but not right now. I'm looking forward to your giddy review of it. Speaking of shotguns, have you found a "best" shock mount that doesn't transmit handling sounds from the pole? I'm using the one that came with my Azden SMG-1X. I have to be very judicious in not moving my hands/fingers while recording and would like something that would be better.
@@northcoaststudios yes. I’m on the fence about my next “major” purchase. It’s between the MKH 50 or a Neumann TLM 103. That won’t be for another year. I have to pay off this 416 first!
Happy retirement! That should be a very exciting chapter in your life! Congrats! Now all you have to do is keep your health so you can have the adventures of a lifetime!
I have several shockmount systems for my shotgun mics. I have a Røde Blimp V2 (review coming this Monday) and also a smaller Rycote pistol-grip jobby. This exact one here: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/263721-REG/Rycote_033702_Medium_Hole_Softie_Lyre.html
The proper 416 review is coming next week but you can get a sneak peak at the sound on my Blimp review this Monday. I used the 416 out of frame. 😉.
Cheers!
@@TheRecordist - Thank you, and thanks for the info. Looking forward to the reviews.
@@northcoaststudios much appreciated!
The sticky coating (if it isn’t yet - it will) can be cleaned off with IPA.
2024 I still Love my H5, in practice environmental noise in 99% of field recordings exceeds pre-amp noise by such a huge margin that the pre-amp noise is never a factor.
If you have the opportunity to record in a better environment chances are you’ll carry in way more gear than just an H5 .
You’re probably exactly right!
@@TheRecordist 🤣
Excellent information. Just subscribed to your channel. Would you consider this recorder a valid choice for recording class lectures? And is it compatible with a Mac/Mac mini? If not, can you offer any suggestions...Thanks
Hi there. Thanks very much!
To answer your question, the Zoom H5 is far more than you’d need for class lectures. The Zoom H1n is much cheaper and will do the job wonderfully. Unless you’re looking to plug in an external XLR mic.
You can see my review of the H1n here: th-cam.com/video/2TE0QlC5OFI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=WWJw89wa_Ejwkbt7
Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thank you very much for your suggestion. Your reviews are quite informative and hilarious. I also came across the H4 essential. Would you have a preference between the H1n or the H4 essential for my purposes of recording class lectures depending on the size of the room?
@@zblanch2629 hi. No worries. The H1n is all you’ll need. Anything more is a waste of money. The H4 essential is a 32 bit recorder that requires a bit of knowledge to work with and it won’t record in mp3.
Class lectures can get long, so being able to record in mp3 format will give you hours on a small card. The H1n is all you’ll need.
@@TheRecordist Thank you very much for the information. Appreciate it!!!
@@zblanch2629 no prob. Happy to help!
Hey man, this was super helpful; thanks! I hope your channel continues to grow :)
I really appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
Very good video, thanks
Hey thanks! And you’re very welcome! Cheers!
Great video and review. This video made med buy a Zoom H5. :)
A question:
All the front buttons on the H5 (L, R, 1, 2 etc.) does have a physical "click" sound when pressed - except from the rec-button, that doesn´t have any physical sound. This triggers my "OCD" and I wonder if your H5 has a "clicking" sounding rec-button, or if it is as it supposed to be with mine. :)
Hey. Thanks!
You know, I had to take out my H5 to see if mine is the same and it is! The record button is the only non-clicky button!
I know why they did that, it’s to minimize handling noise when starting and stopping the recording. But strange they didn’t do that for all the buttons.
So, you’re not alone! Haha. Sorry about that!
Thank you for taking the time to check it out. :)
@@TheRecordist
9:55....subscribed. instantly.
Hahahahah! A fellow fart enthusiast! Hahaha. Cheers!
I think the zoom stereo Mics sound better than both the NT1A and the shure.
That’s what’s great about people, we’re all different and can contribute differing perspectives! Thanks for watching!
Love this ...Thanks!!
You’re welcome!
I really thank you for this video. Great review, nice and helpful
You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching!
Thank you Good review
Thanks for watching!
I have an H5 and use it fairly often. I've had it for about 2 years or so, and I will use it a lot for a while while I am working on a project, and then won't use it for a few months. Today, March 14th, I made five recordings of saying "Ahhhhhhh" for about 20 seconds, trying to get sounds similar to the background unicorn horse "Ahhh" sounds in the "Esper Photo Analysis" scene in the first Blade Runner movie. A friend of mine and I sort of sang the "Ahhhh" part, and it came out sounding funny, which is what we wanted. So, an interesting thing happened to the recordings when I transferred them and played them on my relatively new M1 Mac Mini. A little jingle was added to the end. It is the first time I have transferred Zoom H5 sounds to my new Mac Mini. I haven't been able to figure out where the jingle sound is coming from. Is this a new feature???
Hmm. Not that I know of. Mine doesn’t chime when I transfer the files. Some recorders will chime to let you know that recording has started and stopped but I don’t recall if the H5 has that. I’ll have to check mine, allow me to get back to it to find out. I’m not currently in my studio.
@@TheRecordist ok…. I would really appreciate it. It’s a very short melody, and it sounds like a phone notification. We both had iPhones with us but we didn’t use them at all during this recording process. Zoom has no idea what it might be.
Great review!
Thanks so much!
13:40 This happened to my H4n Pro, it got really sticky disgusting lol I cleaned it really well with isopropyl alcohol and removed all the sticky rubber off the plastic. That solved the sticky issue, but now the mics pick up every little touch on the recorder 🤣🤣 But at least it doesn't look like a dead mouse anymore.
Hahaha. Yes indeed. That’s the sucky part of these recorders. Actually, there are a lot of sucky parts of these recorders, but enough good to make it worth it.
Thanks for the great comment!
If compared: which one would u suggest for field recording: zoom h5 or Tascam 60d markIII
I would go with the Zoom H5. I’m not a fan of Tascam. They have interference issues. Like RF interference. They’re also very noisy. The H5 is also not premium but it’s far better made than the Tascam 60d.
But that’s just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.
Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thanx bro,I already have one H5, and wanted to confirm if my purchase was good enough from a veteran in the field.
I m new in the field 👌🙏
@@birajadas293 oh yes. We’ll rest assured. You made a good purchase. Of course, there are far better recorders out there than the Zoom H-series. The Zoom F-series are fantastic. And you can then go higher into Sound Devices MixPre line and on up.
But for a beginning field recorder, you’re doing well! I started portable field recording on the original Zoom H1. The H5 is way better than the H1. So you’re good!
Cheers!
Great vid. 👍 Thanks bud.
Hey thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!
Is H6 all black worse than H5? I see a lot of coverage for the 5 but not the 6, despite the 6 being cheaper now.
Hey there. The H5 and the H6 have the exact same preamps. The H6 comes with a slightly better stereo mic cartridge, but you can also purchase the H6 cartridge and use it on the H5. So, other than the extra inputs, the quality remains the same.
Hope this helps!
Lot's of respect for the quality of video you produce! I really enjoy watching and listening to you! I'm thinking about buying the H5 for motorcycle sound recording, what do you think? Have a great day!
Thanks so much! As for motorcycle recording, I think it would be fabulous --but if you're talking about recording while it's in motion, you need serious wind protection. A wind muff won't suffice. You'll need to mount it in a blimp. You can buy them (they're expensive), or you can make one using a cage of some sort plus nylon stockings and fake fur (fun fur). There are plenty of cool designs out there on TH-cam or Google. 3D printing is an option too.
You can contrive of a way to mount the H5 in a Rode Blimp, but it is pretty massive. Either way, there are many options out there for that.
For recording idling and revving and all the other fun stuff, the H5 will do wonderfully.
Thanks for watching!
@@TheRecordist Thank you very much for this extensive response! It finally convinced me and I just picked it up today at the store. I'm going to try around with it and see what's possible. I also thought it might be an option to have it inside a fanny pack behind my back. If everything fails I'll reconsider my options regarding the blimp.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, it helps a lot!
@@R6-POV hey no problem at all! Congrats on your new purchase! I wish you much luck!
Great video, Thanks
Hey thanks so much! And thanks for watching!
Thank you for this great video!
You’re very welcome!
Thanks! But You didn't mention the f3 zoom. Isn't that a good option in the $300 range?
Oops. Sorry about that. Yes indeed. The F3 is a fantastic small 32 bit recorder!
Considering getting one of these for captured random sound events. One problem I found starting out is Recording Acuity.. My ears are old and battered with years of attending very loud audio events.
YET my hearing so far has been way beyond my recording (cheapo stuff).. only now its dawning on me that all my listening experience is complicated.. and if I want to reproduce what I can hear I need to do multi track recordings with mics all around me at different angles..does this model allow for a variety of add on mics capable of doing specialist tasks?? Just subscribed to you mate..
Hey thanks!
Yes. You can add two external mics to the already included XY stereo capsule for a total of 4 mics at one time. It’s great for sources that are not incredibly quiet because the preamps are a little nosy for super quiet things. But other than that, it’s the best cheap recorder for these applications. Cheers!
Thanks for the review. Do you think the H5 would be good enough for field interviews for a podcast or also to so do voiceover work for a podcast?
Oh yes. It would work just fine. But you will need an external XLR microphone. Just a Shure SM58 would be a great choice for what you’re doing.
@@TheRecordist Thanks so much for the prompt feedback.
@@randyspears9827 anytime!
Hello Hello, i really hope you still reply to comments my mans, im on the edge of my seat about to buy an H5 for motovlog use but im curious if i should use the F series instead? I;m after the best sound quality bu between the H5 and which ever F series you suggest i need to know! Please help me sir. Thanks for your time, also your channel is such high quality you do a great job, great voice, great editing, great feel awesome stuff, thanks again.
Hey there. Thanks for the compliments! I try to always respond to comments. As long as I get notified.
The F series are far far better recorders than the H series. But the F series do not come with built in mics. You would need to purchase additional microphones to go with the recorder. If you can afford it, this is what I would do.
But first, what will you be recording? I want to be able to make a proper suggestion for you.
@@TheRecordist thanks so much for your swift reply. I idea behind this mic is to record my motobike exhuast mainly. Obviously the use of a cat and usually wind reduction techniques.
What mic would I pair with it?
Thanks again!! 💪
@@HairyCactusActual hey. Well, if you’re recording loud sounds like your exhaust, then I might suggest dynamic mics like the Shure SM57 - and also wind protection like a blimp or even a dead cat.
But since you’re not recording quiet sounds. The H5 might be fine for you. The preamps in the H5 are a bit noisy. But that’s not an issue for louder sounds. Quiet sounds like the ambience of a forest is where you might hear hiss, but not for what you’re after.
The H5 and a really good dead cat might do you just fine.
@@TheRecordist ye awesome man thanks so much. Would you still suggest the zoom f2 over the H5 for this application? If yes, what mic would you pair with it.
I really appreciate your continued help mate. I'll tag you in my first upload (will be from my motovlog account mind you but I'll mention who I am)
@@TheRecordist Hey I have a question I hope you can answer! Looking to buy a Zoom H5, but was wondering if they still use that rubber material that eventually gets sticky. I know the Zoom H6 all Black was updated to all plastic, but could not find any info on the Zoom H5. Do you happen to know? Thanks!
What would you say is better.. the ZOOM F1 field recorder versus the Zoom H5... i am looking at second hand versions
The H5 is much better. The F1 allows only a single lav mic and is low quality if you ask me. Hope this helps!
Great review, filled with many reminders of why this remains a great device for numerous purposes.
My biggest beef is the menu wheel, which I manage to flip to one side or the other when I mean to press straight down to confirm a certain setting.
I'm really enjoying your channel and learning a lot. Expect you'll be blasting past 1000 subscribers soon.
Thanks so much! Yes. It’s a good little device. There are better, of course, but the H5 is hard to beat in terms of price. I still love mine. Thanks for watching!
I’ve just bought one. When it powered up it shows Firmware 2.20 and not 2.10. Have Zoom added another update without advertising it? I’m looking forward to using it and have already ordered a case and official accessory pack.
Hey. No. You’re on the newest firmware. There’s a mistake with their online publication and the version numbers. You’re good to go!
My wife wants to record the cat's plethora of meows and noises. I am looking for something that will be convenient, but record it in good quality. would something like this work? Or any other suggestions
Well, it depends on how much you’re willing to spend. But generally, yes. The Zoom H5 will work just fine. Just make sure not to handhold it. Try to mount it somehow. Or get a shockmount. Because you’ll also hear your handling noises. Actually a Zoom H1n will likely do just as good. Just make sure to keep the mic gain below 5.5 and increase the volume in post. Both the H1n and the H5 have noisy preamps above 5.5. If you want to go really high-end, let me know. Hope this helps. Cheers!
Would you recommend the H5 for a classical singer recording of practice and performance? ❤
Hi again! Yes. I think the stereo capsule is fantastic for live performances-especially when you have other musicians spread upon the stage. For practice it can work also, but if you wanted a more concentrated mono channel for your vocals, I would suggest adding a dedicated mic like the Shure SM57 or 58. I compared them here: th-cam.com/video/DZKV7GfOSjo/w-d-xo.html
But a separate mic is absolutely not necessary at all. The h5 would do you well indeed. You might also consider an even cheaper version which is the Zoom H1N to get you started, but it doesn’t have the music functions that the H5 has, like the tuner and metronome.
I hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Wow thank you so much for your detailed and professional advice! I appreciate it so much. 🥰💕
@@healingpowerofGod no problem! Any time, Bernadette! Good luck!
Now im really torn between h1n or h5 help me haha
Hahaha. I know the feeling! Well, if you want to grow with your recorder (get better external mics, etc) then go with the H5. But if you don’t care about that and you’ll never use it for anything outside of the built-in mics, then go for the H1n.
The audio quality is better on the H5, and so is the build. It’s also better for handling noises. It can also record 4 channels simultaneously.
Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thanks! I will go with H5 then as i am using this on my YT review channel.
What field bag would you use with the H4, H5, or H6 units? TIA
Hey there. I would use any padded bag available. Unfortunately, the way the H series are designed, it’s impossible to put them in a sound bag like the Orca or K-Tek bags, so I would try to find a nice padded case to keep it in, and then bring it out when needed.
The Orca OR-67 hard shell case is a nice one. And it’s made for sound people. Expensive but really nice.
Hope this helps!
Awesome content. Just subscribed
Thanks, Danny! I really appreciate it!
Hey I have a question I hope you can answer! Looking to buy a Zoom H5, but was wondering if they still use that rubber material that eventually gets sticky. I know the Zoom H6 all Black was updated to all plastic, but could not find any info on the Zoom H5. Do you happen to know? Thanks!
Hey. Well, as far as I’m aware, the H5 still uses that rubber that gets all sticky. It can be fixed with isopropyl alcohol but it then becomes a bit shiny. I have not heard of any changes in the original H5 materials. Sorry about that!
Any suggestion: my zoom h5 not recognised by my windows 7 pc as card reader / if😇
So sorry. I responded to you in another of your comments. Try Zoom support. I only use Mac. And have completely lost touch with how windows works. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.
Hello, what about Sony PCM D10?
Another great little recorder!
@@TheRecordist PCM D10 is neither little nor affordable - it costs 500 bucks, but feedback from users is not that good
love your presentation thank you. I own the H5 and the H8. Short film and documentary are my interests. The H8 has definitely quieter pre-amps (Check out Curtis Judd review) My mic for dialogue ie the Sennheiser MKE600 (Love it) Thanks again for your reviews. Pat Hegarty Cork Ireland.
Hey Pat! The H8 has quieter preamps? That’s fantastic! The preamps are a bit of a downfall of the H-series recorders but they’re not THAT bad. I can easily mitigate them in post.
If your setup is working well for you then that’s all you need. The rest is just GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)! Haha. Thanks for watching!
Commenting for the algo. Good informative and funny video
Hey thanks so much! I appreciate it!
Hi! Which recorder will you advice for a professional use of making documentaries?
Hi there! For professional use? That’s an easy one for me (but expensive). The Sound Devices MixPre II series. That’s super high-end. You can watch my review here: th-cam.com/video/mH_n1I2T_54/w-d-xo.html
A small step down would be the Zoom F6 and then, depending on what you need it to do, the Zoom F3. But I’d need to know how many inputs you’d need and as well as what kind of mics you’ll be running.
Cheers!
Well, I need it for my documentaries. As a starting documentarist I need a sound recording device that will capture the sound from the talking documentaries mostly done outside in a noisy area, because it is related to travel. I intend to use it also for interviews and sound recording for sound design of all my videos cause I love to do everything by myself. So first criteria it must be small and easy (portable). I choose all my gear by this first criteria. Second it must have a good sound quality. And it must be versatile as I've mentioned above for many uses. And It must be Zoom :)) Cause I like how they're build. Thanks!
@@transunicorn well, the Zoom F3 is low cost, very small and portable, takes either two XLR inputs or a stereo 3.5mm input, is a zoom, and is good quality. It doesn’t come with any built in microphones. So that’s a drawback.
Just in case you didn’t know, Sound Devices makes the very best recorders on earth. They’re what are used in Hollywood movies. Zoom is not the same quality. But the Sound Devices recorders are complicated to learn.
If you need built in mics plus XLR ins, then maybe the Zoom H5 is best for you.
I have Zoom H5 and i don't like it is very hissy. I will sell it next week but don't know what to take as a replacement. I mostly record asmr nature ambient sounds. What would you suggest to get instead of H5? Thx
Oh yes. For quiet ASMR and nature, the H5 is not the greatest. It has a lot of self noise.
As for recommendations, if budget isn’t an issue then I fully recommend the Sound Devices MixPre 3 II. Easily the best recorder in its class. Here’s a review I did on it: th-cam.com/video/mH_n1I2T_54/w-d-xo.html
If you want to go cheaper, I hear great things about the Zoom F3. Generally the F-Series of Zoom recorders are good-just not the F1 or F2.
Hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist Thx! I will check your recommendations now.
@@NVK85 cheers!
I just ordered one for 160 eur, which is around 160$. That's half the price.
Woo hoo! Congrats! Great price!
is it normal that the recording button has no "click" in opposite to all other buttons?
Yes. I think it’s normal so that the unit itself doesn’t make noise when you push record. Especially helpful with the pre-record function.
We have similar taste in rechargeable batteries, those are a bargain 😂🎉
Oh. Haha. Awesome!
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В России тоже популярный и до сих пор актульный. Если это было не так, то его сняли бы с производства)
Точно! Это отличное устройство для начала полевой записи. Спасибо за просмотр моего видео!
(I used google translate for this one. Haha)
"Zoom H5: smaller, cheaper and lighter than a Tandy TRS-80". Now that's a tagline I can get behind.
TRS-80 for the win! Woo hoo! My family had that exact computer back in the 1900s. Hahah.
@@TheRecordist I was a Commodore Vic -20 user who 'graduated' to the Commodore 64. It was truly a magical time.
@@OrenArieli oh yes. I had a commodore 64. Haha. We are old. Haha. Blows my mind!
@@TheRecordist I'd prefer to say we're "experienced in the ways of the world"...but old is just as accurate.
@@OrenArieli precisely!
17:10 subbed
Thanks so much!
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Cheers! ❤️
how long can I record for? im recording a dj set
That depends on the size of micro SD card, and if you’re recording as MP3 or wav (44.1 - 96kHz). Potentially many hours.
Just discovered this channel today … and I love it! Subscribe ✅😎
Hey thanks so much, Christoph!
Had one as my first recorder, used it for couple of times with built in mics for nature recordings, later on used barebone Clippy's. Didnt quite eke out everything it had, sold it couple of months ago at very little loss. When researching for it, I was considering to start with H1n, but wasnt sure how usable it would be and if Id be disappointed with its self noise all too soon. Now I can easily say that either H1n or Sony PCM-D100(which was in stock at that moment but cost 650-something euros compared to 222 euros for H5) would have been wiser choice for me. It would be either barebones handheld with 3.5mm input with Clippy's(H1n) or Rolls Royce(D100) of handhelds with its built in mics.
My H5 didnt see that much use due to it being imho not the best carry-around recorder for the size-performance/quality it offered and I believe H1n would be much better as always-on-me kind of recorder. PCM-D100 would be bigger than H1n , but it wouldnt require any bulky external mics for a long time before Id grow out of them and would perfectly make-do for me with its built mics.
Now theres Zoom F3 and Ive been thinking - should I get that one and use it with my 3.5mm Clippy's(I would have to buy two pieces of Rode VXLR+)? I like its supposedly clean preamps, small size and somewhat ruggedised built. At the same time, I havent seen it in real life and from pictures and videos it looks ugly, if I might, where H1n looks kind of stylish and modern(especially for the money), the F3 does not. Also, F3 lacks 3.5mm and I dont understand why Zoom chose to ommit it? Or maybe I should better get H1n, use the hell out of it with my Clippy's and then, only then upgrade to MixPre?!
I reckon H1n even with Clippy's and mini tripod would be much more portable than my H5 was and a bit less cumbersome to carry around than H5 and F3 as well, with the same setup+mic rail and some mic holders(which I might not bother with when using with H1n). Then again, F3 is quite modular'ish and one can get creative in finding ways of making its setup more portable and H series-like even with high quality mics.
Hmm, yeah, first world problems 😂!
Haha. First world problems indeed!
The D100 sure is the Rolls Royce of compact recorders. There’s no doubt about that whatsoever.
The H1n will do, but honestly, for quiet ambiences, you could do a lot better. Yes, it’s compact, but it doesn’t have the best preamps. Not the worst, but not the best.
An F3 with Clippy XLR mics (not adapted 3.5mm) would be much more quiet and high end. But less compact.
The mics in the H1N are not great and by plugging in a set of stereo Clippy mics, you’re instantly getting way better results, but for ultra quiet ambiences, you will still get a bit of preamp hiss.
My advice is either go D100 and have a fully operational high/end recorder instantly. Or an F3 and purchase XLR Clippy mics. But if you’re not doing super quiet ambiences, then the H1n and the Clippy 3.5mm will do just fine.
I hope this helps!
@@TheRecordist yeah, D100 would make sense, tho not currently available anywhere I looked from usual suspects in EU. And one that I found in Asia during vacation was close to 900 euros, needless to say that my internal deal hunter was not impressed by such price. I have seen some neat and tidy, quick'ish deployment-ready F3 setups, so might just go with that. Still, cheapie H1n remains a temptation, by the looks of it not as crazy of a gear freak as you are, but sometimes just cant help myself :D
@@rrreger haha. I know what you mean! The D100s are expensive. This is true. They don’t make them anymore so finding one is like winning a prize… that you have to pay a lot for. Haha.
The H1n is nowhere close to the quality of a D100, however, it will do the job and it won’t feel bad to buy. Like I say, the H1n has been used for certain sound FX in many movies. You’d be surprised. Anyone can do anything with anything. Good luck!
The rubberised plastic is a deal-breaker for me and should be for everyone. It's been known for over 25 years that it will not last. In chemistry the death sentence stands on using it. Thanks for the warning.
Yes indeed. Though, people have been known to use alcohol and a cloth to remove the sticky rubber and reveal the vulcanized rubber underneath. This, of course, will also remove any writing. It’s too bad, eh?
@@TheRecordist I'm a chemist. Believe me: it's more the scrubbing than the alcohol that gets rid of the polyurethane. And if you cannot, or do not want to, take apart the device than you'll have to scrub very, very hard between the knobs. That's hard and might break the device, alcohol will get into the device etc. Hence: chemists advise companies to *NOT EVER* use that awful stuff, yet they still do. The only remedy is that we consumers communicate that we didn't buy product so and so _because_ of the rubberisation. Pity, but that's how it is. Thanks for your excellent review BTW.
Hi! Does anybody know if i can record the tracks separately? I mean, if i download the recorded tracks on my computer i Will get 4 tracks so i can mix them?
Hey! Yes you can. They are four separate tracks but they look like two stereo tracks. You just need to split them in your DAW.
@@TheRecordist thank you very much man. Salute from Argentina
@@nicolasruggiero you’re very welcome! Cheers from Canada!