It would be nice to hear about technical performance in a tech review, for example, noise floor/EIN, sample rates, distortion/THD, etc - factors that actually influence audio quality. Any chance of an addendum?
I recently tried to bundle L+R plus an additional microphone via input 1 and play them together via the audio interface (multitrack mode) to the PC via USB. It did not work, only the L+R channel is transmitted, although I heard both signals via headphones in the Zoom H5 and the leveling also worked perfectly. The necessary Windows driver was installed and displayed correctly. Does mixing 4 channels via USB not work at all? Or have I set something wrong?
Should really of mentioned that the X Y module has the 3.5mm input jack for utilising the 4 remote input sources feature. Also, potential purchasers may like to note that I have had an H5 that I purchased new 5 years ago and has seen little use, but the rubberised finish is already breaking down and becoming very tacky. Keep up the good work.
Good video. Thank you for the review. I was going to just use the H1n instead but I see the versatility with this device is worth the step up especially knowing I’ll be using my XLR mics in the future.
Can't say I ever tried using it for live set recordings so I can't really say. It's a VERY sturdy and high quality microphone though so for that I can highly recommend it :)
Ah, I have the h5 as well. Nice bit of kit. Works as a field recorder on camera. My own tuts just get recorded with my h5 sitting on a monopod (with tripod feet) right next to my chair going into Vegas Pro via USB, and, when I worked for aome local TV stations, we used my h5 as a test as master recorder (coming from the board), which worked so well the stations got some h6's with the XLR capsule.
Thinking of getting the zoom h5. I have the zoom h2n I do karaoke recording and the h2n has the mic in the front and one in the back. I think the h5 would be good because both mics are together up front. Great review thanks. 👍🏼
So, this is a 4-track recorder with multitrack capability? I'm a guitarist and vocalist so I'm wondering if I can lay down at least two separate overdubbed parts
I had the H2N and upgraded to the H5 and although I used the H2N a lot and loved it, I didn't regret the upgrade. It's a way more professional tool. My pet hate is that on my device, the XY capsule is a little noisy. I also bought the shotgun mic with I think is awesome, clean and very detailed and less noisy. I also have a stereo rode mic NT4 which despite being 15 years old had a better signal and way less noise than the XY capsule when plugged into the line in on the XY capsule, although that particular mic can be noisy if you use the orignal supplied 8mm stereo cable. Weird init. I've never heard anyone else complain about the noisy XY capsule and it's certainly not so bad that it ruins recordings, it could just be a little bad luck OR it could be that I generally use rechargeable batteries which might affect the power to the mic. I almost bought the H6 but I am glad that I didn't.
Hello, I have a question about the ussage of the h5. Do you know if it's possible do send a signal from the x/y mics to an vocorder or some other fx and than back to the h5 and record it. kinda quationed that, because i worrie about taking an external mic , when i want to record my vocorder? Thanks dor the video, mentioned averything needed, in short time. i just had that question
Hm, not sure about that, feels like you'd be creating a feedback loop by pumping a signal coming out of the H5 back into it, but I can't say I've tried before
Battle Everything if the camera has a mic port, you can connect from the line out of the zoom h5 to your camera. But i will advise you turn the mic gain of your camera down in the mic settings of your camera and control the gain from the zoom h5 because its better than the preamp of your camera
Hey that's understandable mate, it's taking me forever to make this Source animation that I plan on having here on my new TH-cam once it's complete. I've been building a city for my project and it's taken me over a year to finally piece it all together, so far it's only 30 mintues but I plan on pushing it to an hour at least. Time is everything, which the longer it takes, the better your content is. I salute to you for having so much dedication for your channel and your work, keep it up and stay smart. :)
Haven’t had the h4 but considering it’s taking me way longer to figure HOW to actually do this, I agree. Seriously, wtf? Did what it said and get one file.
Great video, quick question you said the H5 can record 4 tracks simultaneously. You mentioned the 2 XLR ports at the bottom and the top microphone, what is the other source of audio? Also, how do you manage all the sources?
This is a review, not really meant to be a full blown tutorial on how to use it :) If I was to cover every setting, how to use it, why and where, this would be a VERY long video XD
@@SurfacedStudio ok! your voice came out well, did you record with zoom h5? If yes! Would like to know Menu Settings. Actually I watched this video for Settings, I have Zoom H5 but I get noise with voice. Hope you will help.
@@SurfacedStudio I hear the hiss when the input gain is set above 4-5 when using headphones to monitor the audio. And I can hear the hiss on the recording too. Using the standard mics that come with the device.
No worries. Yes, each capsule has very specific use cases as the microphones are different for each. The best resources for the exact details are on the official zoom website here: www.zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-h5-handy-recorder
can i use it to record my vocals on Rode NT1A? I mean will the quality of preamps appropriate? I want to record vocals without computer so that the sound of fans can be eliminated.
Can I record both audio simultaneously and get 2 different separate files of audio from each input? I'm trying to get this or Tascam DR44WL or Zoom H4N Pro.
Alvyn K Augustine Get the Tascam DR-44WL and Zoom H5. The DR-44WL has an WiFi connectivity and micro card up to 128GB. The Zoom H5 doesn’t have the WiFi connectivity and micro card is only to 32GB but has interchangeable microphone capsules. They are both very well recorders. It’s like “The Tale of Two Cities”, one has or does the other one doesn’t have and visa-versa. As I live in Luxembourg I have ordered both of the models from an music store, Stage Music, www.stagemusic.lu I has been two weeks since I ordered so I am hopeful when they arrive to the store, I will get notified which I will go to purchase them. After that I need to purchase a couple of accessories for the H5. I do wish you the best of your decision which one the models to go for or like me, get them both
@@musicguitarman1963 I will say "only" 32 GB isn't a problem. Stereo CD-quality audio is roughly 10 MB/minute, 100 min/GB so 3200 min - well over 50 hours (of stereo) - for a 32GB card. So, 25+ hours of 4-track recording. That's, realistically, enough for a two-day music festival on one card. For film/video work you'd offload your audio with your dailies. The Zoom h5 actually comes with a "mere" 2GB card, and that's actually the one I've had in there since day one!
Sir, I have a very important question. Can I record my audio from Samson q2u as an mp3 file into Zoom H5? In other words, can I record my audio without using computer if I have Samson q2u and Zoom H5? I do not want to use PC to record it as I have windows 10, and it has bugs accommodating the microphones. Please help?
The Zoom H5 comes with a microphone attachment so I'm not sure why you'd want to use a separate microphone like the Samson Q2U on top of that. But I think the XLR inputs from the Q2U could be fed into the H5 as well if that's what you wanted - haven't tried it though, I don't own a Q2U
@@SurfacedStudio Sir, the quality of Samson Q2U is way better than the microphone attachment in Zoom H5. Do you think the quality of sound coming from Zoom H5 is decent for Voice-over and narration? Please reply.
Does the H5 allow full control of phantom power PER mic? Ie, can I turn on phantom power only on Mic 1 (condenser mic) but off for mic 2 (dynamic mic)??
Yeah, love the H5 :) I haven't had much stickiness issues, but then again it's in a pretty clean environment all the time - the material could be a bit smoother though to prevent that
The audio quality might be more impacted by a rather bad recording space (small square room) and the TH-cam audio compression. Personally I really like the quality I get from this mic - but everyone has different expectations and preferences :)
Pardon my French but why the fuck does nobody review how the quality is when you're recording via line in, for example if you want to record a jam session conducted on a synth and a groovebox? Seriously, am I really the only one who doesn't give a shit about the microphones, and who only want a portable device to record via line in?
Maybe no-one else (at least on TH-cam) is using it that way? Might have more luck looking for blog post reviews as those tend to be more focused on musicians IMO
What button did you push at 6:28 to extend the microphone like that - I cant find that option on my unit?
It would be nice to hear about technical performance in a tech review, for example, noise floor/EIN, sample rates, distortion/THD, etc - factors that actually influence audio quality. Any chance of an addendum?
This is the best review of this device I've seen. Every important detail was covered.
Aw shucks! Glad to hear you found the video useful though :)
your reviews are very professional, thank you
Thank you for the comment! 😀
Very helpful video. Thanks for doing this
You’re welcome!
Thank you for your great biceps and review.
Haha, you're welcome :D
The zoom h5 seems to be a legend, I'm on the edge of getting one atm xD
I'm no longer on the edge of buying one, I got one lol
:D You won't regret it! It's an awesome mic/recorder, I still use it all the time!
Hi wondering if you get a hiss when monitoring with headphones? I've got one and it hisses when monitoring but not in the files :/
I recently tried to bundle L+R plus an additional microphone via input 1 and play them together via the audio interface (multitrack mode) to the PC via USB. It did not work, only the L+R channel is transmitted, although I heard both signals via headphones in the Zoom H5 and the leveling also worked perfectly. The necessary Windows driver was installed and displayed correctly. Does mixing 4 channels via USB not work at all? Or have I set something wrong?
Great review you've just sold it for me thanks 👍
Glad you liked it! This is a fantastic recorder (and USB mic)
Yes the H5 is really nice sounding. It's also what people buy a lot from Sweet Water when they buy the Audio-Technica AT-8022 stereo mic.
You plug it into your camera as well or just keep it external?
Damn those intro lines blew my mind
I hope it didn't make your ears bleed XD
Should really of mentioned that the X Y module has the 3.5mm input jack for utilising the 4 remote input sources feature. Also, potential purchasers may like to note that I have had an H5 that I purchased new 5 years ago and has seen little use, but the rubberised finish is already breaking down and becoming very tacky. Keep up the good work.
Amazing device and worth buying
I'd second that :D I've been using this for a long time and it's rock solid still!
You can also plug your smart lav directly into the zoom H5. Also make sure you have the latest firmware.
Does the H5 have 1/4 inch inputs?
Good video. Thank you for the review. I was going to just use the H1n instead but I see the versatility with this device is worth the step up especially knowing I’ll be using my XLR mics in the future.
This one is definitely a step up from the H1N (and the H2N) :) I've been really happy with this one for years now
Nice video... Am, going to buy one for record live sets and use the xlr inputs as its great for loude signals??? Turn the gains down??
Can't say I ever tried using it for live set recordings so I can't really say. It's a VERY sturdy and high quality microphone though so for that I can highly recommend it :)
Gratz on 300k subs
Ah, I have the h5 as well. Nice bit of kit. Works as a field recorder on camera. My own tuts just get recorded with my h5 sitting on a monopod (with tripod feet) right next to my chair going into Vegas Pro via USB, and, when I worked for aome local TV stations, we used my h5 as a test as master recorder (coming from the board), which worked so well the stations got some h6's with the XLR capsule.
Thinking of getting the zoom h5. I have the zoom h2n I do karaoke recording and the h2n has the mic in the front and one in the back. I think the h5 would be good because both mics are together up front. Great review thanks. 👍🏼
Thank you for the great content. I'm definitely considering it.
No worries at all :) I - personally - really like it, still the main recorder I use besides the Blue Yeti
So, this is a 4-track recorder with multitrack capability? I'm a guitarist and vocalist so I'm wondering if I can lay down at least two separate overdubbed parts
Your much better off with the zoom h4n pro which has 4 separate tracks and all the effects for guitar bass and vocals.
I had the H2N and upgraded to the H5 and although I used the H2N a lot and loved it, I didn't regret the upgrade. It's a way more professional tool.
My pet hate is that on my device, the XY capsule is a little noisy. I also bought the shotgun mic with I think is awesome, clean and very detailed and less noisy.
I also have a stereo rode mic NT4 which despite being 15 years old had a better signal and way less noise than the XY capsule when plugged into the line in on the XY capsule, although that particular mic can be noisy if you use the orignal supplied 8mm stereo cable. Weird init.
I've never heard anyone else complain about the noisy XY capsule and it's certainly not so bad that it ruins recordings, it could just be a little bad luck OR it could be that I generally use rechargeable batteries which might affect the power to the mic.
I almost bought the H6 but I am glad that I didn't.
what is different in houdini indie and houdini fx version? please reply please
Great review! Definitely considering this option!
Thank you :D Glad you liked the video!
@@SurfacedStudio Yezzr!
Hello, I have a question about the ussage of the h5. Do you know if it's possible do send a signal from the x/y mics to an vocorder or some other fx and than back to the h5 and record it. kinda quationed that, because i worrie about taking an external mic , when i want to record my vocorder? Thanks dor the video, mentioned averything needed, in short time. i just had that question
Hm, not sure about that, feels like you'd be creating a feedback loop by pumping a signal coming out of the H5 back into it, but I can't say I've tried before
Great review!
Just ordered on based on this review..just have one question: Will the usb charge rechargeable batteries?
Thank you, glad to hear you found it helpful! The USB does not charge batteries, but you won't need batteries while connected via USB :)
Great review. Very helpful.
Glad you got something useful out of it :)
When I input an electric guitar, How do I access guitar effects on the h5 ?
What do you mean with ‘guitar effects’? This is not a guitar pre-amp if that’s what you’re looking for
@@SurfacedStudio I mean just at the bare minimum, does it have an overdrive effect when inputting an electric guitar directly
What makes you think it would?
@@SurfacedStudio The Simple fact that the h4 did..
th-cam.com/video/7i0Gwyov5dY/w-d-xo.html
Daam ! where is the Sampel audio rec of Zoom H5 ? i need to hear that...then only it make sense.
The entire video is recorded with it :D
I have a question, can the H5 record the audio straight into the camera (A6500) without having to sync it in post?
Battle Everything if the camera has a mic port, you can connect from the line out of the zoom h5 to your camera. But i will advise you turn the mic gain of your camera down in the mic settings of your camera and control the gain from the zoom h5 because its better than the preamp of your camera
This is great! You should do more product reviews!
Make some more Mocha tuts :) As a Mocha user, I still learn from the things you have to say about it. Congrats on the subs! Cheers.
There will be more Mocha in the future :) It just takes a long time to make more videos and I got a list as long as Santa :D
Hey that's understandable mate, it's taking me forever to make this Source animation that I plan on having here on my new TH-cam once it's complete. I've been building a city for my project and it's taken me over a year to finally piece it all together, so far it's only 30 mintues but I plan on pushing it to an hour at least. Time is everything, which the longer it takes, the better your content is. I salute to you for having so much dedication for your channel and your work, keep it up and stay smart. :)
who made your shirt... awesome video brotha
Hahaha, thank you! I made them myself (with a designer who can actually draw) and sell them online :)
Am I the only one that finds the multi track recording on the H-5 to be a lot more complicated and tedious than it was on the H4n?
Haven’t had the h4 but considering it’s taking me way longer to figure HOW to actually do this, I agree.
Seriously, wtf? Did what it said and get one file.
Great video, quick question you said the H5 can record 4 tracks simultaneously. You mentioned the 2 XLR ports at the bottom and the top microphone, what is the other source of audio? Also, how do you manage all the sources?
Brandon Krieger you can also add a 3.5 microphone jack at the capsule
you didn't tell the settings, how can it be in depth review! which one is good low cut or limiter? kHz?db? in/out?
This is a review, not really meant to be a full blown tutorial on how to use it :) If I was to cover every setting, how to use it, why and where, this would be a VERY long video XD
@@SurfacedStudio ok! your voice came out well, did you record with zoom h5? If yes! Would like to know Menu Settings. Actually I watched this video for Settings, I have Zoom H5 but I get noise with voice. Hope you will help.
Hey there, wondering how good this device would work for recording audio for music, such as vocal samples and signing etc.
Will work just fine for vocals, it’s a pretty high quality recorder and lots of options for mic attachments
can we use zoom h5 for Facebook live? will he be affected by audio interference??
You can use it as a USB microphone without a problem :) Audio interference depends on your cables and what else you got going on
Do you find it has quite a bit of hiss?
No, mine has none at all. Might be your cable or connection?
@@SurfacedStudio I hear the hiss when the input gain is set above 4-5 when using headphones to monitor the audio. And I can hear the hiss on the recording too. Using the standard mics that come with the device.
Is it good for recording in outdoor settings, such as a busy street with many people?
Since you're able to change the capsule to anything you want you can use it in tons of different settings and scenarios to get great audio
@@SurfacedStudio Awesome thank you. Are there specific kinds of capsules for different settings? If so do you have another video on it?
No worries. Yes, each capsule has very specific use cases as the microphones are different for each. The best resources for the exact details are on the official zoom website here: www.zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-h5-handy-recorder
can i use it to record my vocals on Rode NT1A? I mean will the quality of preamps appropriate? I want to record vocals without computer so that the sound of fans can be eliminated.
I don't own a Rode NT1A so I can't comment on the quality of the preamps. Might be worth checking out a few online reviews :)
Really comprehensive thank you!
Glad to hear you liked it!
Can I record both audio simultaneously and get 2 different separate files of audio from each input? I'm trying to get this or Tascam DR44WL or Zoom H4N Pro.
KazeKanajima Yes, you can. You would change the recording mode from "stereo" to "multi-track."
But what do you think I should get? H4N Pro or H5? I'm a film maker myself. Both devices looks appealing. I'm used to the H4N.
Alvyn K Augustine Get the Tascam DR-44WL and Zoom H5. The DR-44WL has an WiFi connectivity and micro card up to 128GB. The Zoom H5 doesn’t have the WiFi connectivity and micro card is only to 32GB but has interchangeable microphone capsules. They are both very well recorders. It’s like “The Tale of Two Cities”, one has or does the other one doesn’t have and visa-versa. As I live in Luxembourg I have ordered both of the models from an music store, Stage Music, www.stagemusic.lu
I has been two weeks since I ordered so I am hopeful when they arrive to the store, I will get notified which I will go to purchase them. After that I need to purchase a couple of accessories for the H5.
I do wish you the best of your decision which one the models to go for or like me, get them both
@@musicguitarman1963 I will say "only" 32 GB isn't a problem. Stereo CD-quality audio is roughly 10 MB/minute, 100 min/GB so 3200 min - well over 50 hours (of stereo) - for a 32GB card. So, 25+ hours of 4-track recording. That's, realistically, enough for a two-day music festival on one card. For film/video work you'd offload your audio with your dailies.
The Zoom h5 actually comes with a "mere" 2GB card, and that's actually the one I've had in there since day one!
Hitfilm University Very true and very correct! I understand your analyzing this clearly. You also could look into H6
Sir, I have a very important question. Can I record my audio from Samson q2u as an mp3 file into Zoom H5? In other words, can I record my audio without using computer if I have Samson q2u and Zoom H5? I do not want to use PC to record it as I have windows 10, and it has bugs accommodating the microphones. Please help?
The Zoom H5 comes with a microphone attachment so I'm not sure why you'd want to use a separate microphone like the Samson Q2U on top of that. But I think the XLR inputs from the Q2U could be fed into the H5 as well if that's what you wanted - haven't tried it though, I don't own a Q2U
@@SurfacedStudio Sir, the quality of Samson Q2U is way better than the microphone attachment in Zoom H5. Do you think the quality of sound coming from Zoom H5 is decent for Voice-over and narration? Please reply.
in some part in the middle something went wrong about recording also you forgot to show your setup.
Thanks! That was so clear
Glad to hear you liked it!
Does the H5 allow full control of phantom power PER mic? Ie, can I turn on phantom power only on Mic 1 (condenser mic) but off for mic 2 (dynamic mic)??
Tony Babarino yes in the settings you can customize which input source you want to use phantom power and which you don’t want
Can someone tell me if you can use a mobile phone as an audio recorder? I mean with some rode shotgun microphone or something like that
Check out the RODE SmartLav th-cam.com/video/K9FMA4cRuNM/w-d-xo.html (lots of similar / alternatives exist too)
Hey bud! I watch just about every video. Do you think you could do a tutorial on how to make the Ghostbusters proton stream effect?
Cool review
I use *ZOOM H2* for my recordings
Great review! Thanks & God Bless! :)
You're welcome :) Thanks for the comment!
Is this good for recording quiet sounds?
Yes, as long as you record them in a quiet environment :)
@@SurfacedStudio And what about recording in outdoor settings with lots of people? IE: a festival
Can't say i ever tried. But you can simply change the recording capsule to something that fits your need/situation and you should be good to go!
Zoom H5 is an awesome recorder. The only gripe I have right now is it becomes sticky over time. tried alcohol but it becomes sticky again :(
Yeah, love the H5 :) I haven't had much stickiness issues, but then again it's in a pretty clean environment all the time - the material could be a bit smoother though to prevent that
My complaint, is the fact it doesn't have a rechargeable battery built in.
Does the Zoom H5 come with the cable for line in, or do you have to buy that separately?
Do you think you can do a tutorial on how to colorize a black and white video?
Thanks! :)
Noice 👌
bro try this 3D Tutorial - Create Stereoscopic 3D Videos for TH-cam using Adobe Premier
In this video, I find the audio from the 5D mic better than the Rode, which sounds muffled.
U haven't got a clue what your talking about....u need to get ur ears checked 😂😂
It’s not you, it’s definitely the navigation switch XD
Glad to hear it’s (likely) not (just) my fat fingers! :D
@@SurfacedStudio btw thanks for the video, very informative for new h5 users like me.
Still worth it in 2021!
:D
Thanks but have you Whatsup
Nine!
:D
I think the audio from that boom mic is terrible. Not what I'd expect for $300+.
The audio quality might be more impacted by a rather bad recording space (small square room) and the TH-cam audio compression. Personally I really like the quality I get from this mic - but everyone has different expectations and preferences :)
Pardon my French but why the fuck does nobody review how the quality is when you're recording via line in, for example if you want to record a jam session conducted on a synth and a groovebox? Seriously, am I really the only one who doesn't give a shit about the microphones, and who only want a portable device to record via line in?
Maybe no-one else (at least on TH-cam) is using it that way? Might have more luck looking for blog post reviews as those tend to be more focused on musicians IMO
I've got a Zoom H4 which I use for recording live sessions in a jazz club, and it's great.