I own 3 x old Zoom H2 - for surround sound recording. but the sad truth is I rarely used it/them to full potential and I needed something that boots up faster and that I could stick in my pocket for walk for impromptu use. So I ended up looking at the Zoom H1N and the Roland R07. Larry's video has really helped me to decide more than any other vids I watched (I did check out some sound samples of course). When I started the vid I had all intentions of buying the Zoom, but after watching the comparisons I took the plunge and bought the Roland (£169 amazon) and tests with it so far tell me that this is going to get a LOT of use! Its v small, stunning and the bluetooth monitoring is something I've wanted for a while and is so easy to use. I'm not regretting this purchase at all.
I personally like the Sony better. That's the one that I decided to keep in use however, I also really like the Roland and I don't believe you can go wrong choosing either one.
Appreciate all the hard work and editing you did to make the comparisons. Which one has the quietest noise floor? Didn't really get too much silence to compare.
Thank-you Larry. This is a great video for anyone considering buying either unit. The thing that surprised me was the poor volume level of both units at anything less than 70 percent. I thought these were microphones?
Great review. The biggest thing that bums out about the Roland R-07(via USB) is that you cannot power the device and use it as an audio interface at the same time. Also powering the device solely via usb, the Roland will turn off if you are not actively tracking(recording). Rechargeable batteries 🔋 are a must. Overall the Roland is amazing.
Actually you can power it and use it as an interface at the same time. I do all the time. The "Power Supply" option in the menu when you plug it in is just if you want to use it like a normal recorder but without the batteries drainig. The PC IF setting takes power from USB still as do all the other USB modes. You can see it in the top right of the screen as it displays a plug instead of a battery icon. All the issues were fixed in firmware long ago, has none now.
Tku for the replies and your opinions with usage input. Where does the tascam dr10L rank between all 3? I like how the Dr10L has a mid auto gain setting with a digital limiter and decent lav mic. Problems w the zoom is that it auto gains up too high in silence then clips when sound is added. Purple Panda is slightly muffled. Any luck with using a Rode video maker or Giant squid lav? Sorry getting sidetracked...should be asking how the sony handles spoken word and auto gaining? Any limiters or compression? You the best...you gained a new sub 10+
I didn’t like the Tascam DR10L and I returned it. The belt clip is not very secure and the first time I used it the recorder popped off my pocket because the belt clip is not very strong. Also the DR10L sucks batteries and because they use those little AAA batteries there is not much capacity to begin with. I would go out shooting and had to carry like three sets of AAA batteries just to keep the recorder working and I just didn’t trust it because of that. It’s sounds good though. I ended up buying the Zoom F1-LP which is nice but has poor construction of the battery door and broke rendering the device inoperable. Also the preamps are sort of weak. The best combo I have found is the Sony PCM-A10 with the Rode SmartLav+ using the Rode SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS adapter.
I just wish you'd used some higher end lavalier mics. I own the Purple Panda myself and while it's a great value mic it's not great quailty. Sony makes a stereo lav mic, loving mine but most lav recorders only do mono so I'm looking for a small stereo recorder I can clip onto myself that provides the best sound and low noise with a trs input. Thanks for the review, very helpful.
@@TodayIFeelLike I'm looking to have the ability to record stereo,I have a few stereo mics like the AT8022 was well as the Sony ECM-LV1. Definitely looking for something high quality and wearable that has a replaceable battery. The Sony recorders look like they're good quality and small but the non replaceable battery means in a few years it'll be dead. I do see the battery can be replaced in the Sony A10 but doing so requires soldering skills. Thanks for the reply, great channel you have.
Bro I am confused now, why is it that both devices sound the same when you use the internal mics but when you use the camera line you have higher input on the h1n, without lava mics the roland seemed louder to me at 50% as well.
It's one of those things you wouldn't know without testing and for most people by that time it's too late they already bought the product. Anyway let me know if you have other questions. Thanks for watching and please subscribe.
@@TodayIFeelLike be better than taking a computer or cd writer. just plug that in because most want to just hear the recording and daw is kind of pricy.
The unusual design is pretty neat with the Roland. The white-trimmed Roland looks hoakey. I'd go with the full black. I think Roland was foolish not to make some in lipstick red, or other color choices. It would have been simple to do. Could have sold like hot cakes. I'm a sound engineer, and this is the first time i've head of this Roland unit. At home, I own TWO of the new TULA microphones. No interface at all. Just buttons. Yet, i find it very intimate. And they sound better on my vocals than on my Zoom. And, of course, the Tula mic is looks sexy on my videos--which I GOTTA have!
Yes Roland should have done a lot with this recorder that they didn't do and I think they just weren't ready for the fact that people were going to like it as much as they did but maybe they should just come out with a new version and offer different colors and some updated features and really make it special. I think a updated version of this recorder with 32-bit float would be fantastic. Also they could offer it in lipstick red and other color choices.
Wonderfull test! Perhaps next time add a 1 second pauze between the words to bring up the noise. The Zoom noise is much stronger and the pre amp weaker compared to the Roland who is clearly the king when it comes to the sound
Great comparison. Is there an explanation concerning the lav-mic which don't work on the Roland? Otherwise, can we connect other pro Lavs (different from ME2), like Sanken, Countryman, Electrovoice, etc? Thank you
The mic that didn't work was a twist lock mic like used with Sennheiser wireless sets. It did work on the Zoom but only barely. It only have one channel of audio. The other mics you asked about I'm not sure.
Interesting comparison. Not much in it, audio quality-wise, to me. Looking at both of these devices myself as well as others like the Rode Wireless Go II. Two other big differences for me; the Roland can be monitored/ controlled via bluetooth. That is HUGE, imo, and makes it worth the extra $$. The form factor is key,too. There's no hiding a Zoom H1N. The Roland dwarves the Rode Wireless Go, for example, but at least it's a deck of cards shape, small enough to fit a breast pocket or elsewhere with some imagination & gaffer's tape.
@@TodayIFeelLike I don't think the Rode is true 32 bit floating, though . See Curtis Judd's review. Strong contender in other ways though, for sure, but I still like the live feed monitoring capability of the R7,too.Clipping isn't the only thing that can ruin audio. Scratchy clothes/breathing, random RF/background noises, etc, can't be "heard" on a meter. AFAIK, you can control the Rode's settings via the app, but no wireless live headphone monitoring. Ditto for the Zoom F2 BT, another contender. So many toys, so little $$....lol
Well it sounds like you are doing a good and thorough search just take your time and make this decision that's right for you. I will say that I have audio recorders and I have my Rode Wireless Go II kit and that stays with me all the time.
Thank you for the video, man!! I felt like the zoom was cleaner for voice only, but seems like the Roland is suffering from capturing ambient reverberation, thus making ur voice bad.
Thank you. I appreciate the amount of work you have put in this video.
Thank you I really appreciate you saying that. Thanks for watching.
I own 3 x old Zoom H2 - for surround sound recording. but the sad truth is I rarely used it/them to full potential and I needed something that boots up faster and that I could stick in my pocket for walk for impromptu use. So I ended up looking at the Zoom H1N and the Roland R07. Larry's video has really helped me to decide more than any other vids I watched (I did check out some sound samples of course). When I started the vid I had all intentions of buying the Zoom, but after watching the comparisons I took the plunge and bought the Roland (£169 amazon) and tests with it so far tell me that this is going to get a LOT of use! Its v small, stunning and the bluetooth monitoring is something I've wanted for a while and is so easy to use. I'm not regretting this purchase at all.
Thank you for the awesome detail video and comparison. I'm happy with the Roland R-07. I'm sure Zoom H1N is also good.
.
Yeah I preferred the Roland too. More expensive but sounds better.
Based on recording samples provided, the Roland is hands down the device I would chose. I also think pocketablility is better. Great video!!!
Thanks I appreciate that. Thanks for watching.
Very helpful! Thank you!
Thank you I appreciate it.
How would you compare the Roland R-07 with the Sony PCM A10? They seem to be around the same price
I personally like the Sony better. That's the one that I decided to keep in use however, I also really like the Roland and I don't believe you can go wrong choosing either one.
@@TodayIFeelLike thank you! Bought the Roland R07 and am going to try it out :)
Appreciate all the hard work and editing you did to make the comparisons. Which one has the quietest noise floor? Didn't really get too much silence to compare.
The Sony by far. That is the recorder I use regularly now.
Everything is quieter than zoom so just skip out on those. They are junk. Get one of the Tascam portables if you need a nice cheap one.
Yeah the Tascam ones are nice but they are considerably bulkier.
Very good review. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Thank-you Larry. This is a great video for anyone considering buying either unit. The thing that surprised me was the poor volume level of both units at anything less than 70 percent. I thought these were microphones?
Yeah I want to get some new recorders and see how they compare but these just keep working. Thanks for watching and please subscribe.
Great review. The biggest thing that bums out about the Roland R-07(via USB) is that you cannot power the device and use it as an audio interface at the same time. Also powering the device solely via usb, the Roland will turn off if you are not actively tracking(recording). Rechargeable batteries 🔋 are a must. Overall the Roland is amazing.
Yeah it has its issues but I'm really excited to see what the next version looks like.
Actually you can power it and use it as an interface at the same time. I do all the time. The "Power Supply" option in the menu when you plug it in is just if you want to use it like a normal recorder but without the batteries drainig. The PC IF setting takes power from USB still as do all the other USB modes. You can see it in the top right of the screen as it displays a plug instead of a battery icon. All the issues were fixed in firmware long ago, has none now.
Having a hard time updating the roland to the latest firmware
Sorry I can't help I don't have mine anymore.
Roland: sounds better, looks better, more compact, and has Bluetooth which is very handy.
Much quieter preamps too. I love mine.
Yeah the Roland is much better than the Zoom. I recommend it.
Do they both take TRS for the microphone inputs or does the Roland need a TRRS? Maybe that's why your mic didn't record? Thanks man.
Both are standard TRS
Good review....thanks
Thank you for watching and please subscribe.
Hei, thanks for the review, but can this devices work as a usb mic? Which sound quality they can be used as usb mics?
Hmmm that's a good question but I don't know I never tested it as a USB mic.
@@TodayIFeelLike okay, thank you
It works as a USB mic(more so a limited audio interface). Very nice I use it within GarageBand.
Thanks for that clarification 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
What you think about Roland 07 for live music recording ? I have Tascam 05 but not happy with this
You will be much happier with the Roland
@@TodayIFeelLike Thank you
@@TodayIFeelLike one more thing - is possible to work with usb power / no batteries ?
Tku for the replies and your opinions with usage input. Where does the tascam dr10L rank between all 3? I like how the Dr10L has a mid auto gain setting with a digital limiter and decent lav mic. Problems w the zoom is that it auto gains up too high in silence then clips when sound is added. Purple Panda is slightly muffled. Any luck with using a Rode video maker or Giant squid lav? Sorry getting sidetracked...should be asking how the sony handles spoken word and auto gaining? Any limiters or compression? You the best...you gained a new sub 10+
I didn’t like the Tascam DR10L and I returned it. The belt clip is not very secure and the first time I used it the recorder popped off my pocket because the belt clip is not very strong. Also the DR10L sucks batteries and because they use those little AAA batteries there is not much capacity to begin with. I would go out shooting and had to carry like three sets of AAA batteries just to keep the recorder working and I just didn’t trust it because of that. It’s sounds good though. I ended up buying the Zoom F1-LP which is nice but has poor construction of the battery door and broke rendering the device inoperable. Also the preamps are sort of weak. The best combo I have found is the Sony PCM-A10 with the Rode SmartLav+ using the Rode SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS adapter.
@@TodayIFeelLike awesome tku if I pull the trigger ill make sure to use your Affiliate link and include my cart items to say thank you.
That’s awesome thank you. Let me know when you have had a chance to use it and let me know how you like it.
I just wish you'd used some higher end lavalier mics. I own the Purple Panda myself and while it's a great value mic it's not great quailty. Sony makes a stereo lav mic, loving mine but most lav recorders only do mono so I'm looking for a small stereo recorder I can clip onto myself that provides the best sound and low noise with a trs input. Thanks for the review, very helpful.
Do you want stereo or dual mono?
@@TodayIFeelLike I'm looking to have the ability to record stereo,I have a few stereo mics like the AT8022 was well as the Sony ECM-LV1. Definitely looking for something high quality and wearable that has a replaceable battery. The Sony recorders look like they're good quality and small but the non replaceable battery means in a few years it'll be dead. I do see the battery can be replaced in the Sony A10 but doing so requires soldering skills. Thanks for the reply, great channel you have.
Check out the this little guy.
amzn.to/3LrRJ3T
Also check out this one.
amzn.to/33e6KVC
Hello.
What about the tascam dr-05x ?
I don't know if buying any of them or go for a usb mic without recorder.
Bro I am confused now, why is it that both devices sound the same when you use the internal mics but when you use the camera line you have higher input on the h1n, without lava mics the roland seemed louder to me at 50% as well.
Because one has stronger preamps
It's one of those things you wouldn't know without testing and for most people by that time it's too late they already bought the product. Anyway let me know if you have other questions. Thanks for watching and please subscribe.
can you record direct into a mixer to capture live music?
I haven’t tried it but I don’t see why not.
@@TodayIFeelLike be better than taking a computer or cd writer. just plug that in because most want to just hear the recording and daw is kind of pricy.
@@TodayIFeelLike should work, i think
The unusual design is pretty neat with the Roland. The white-trimmed Roland looks hoakey. I'd go with the full black. I think Roland was foolish not to make some in lipstick red, or other color choices. It would have been simple to do. Could have sold like hot cakes. I'm a sound engineer, and this is the first time i've head of this Roland unit. At home, I own TWO of the new TULA microphones. No interface at all. Just buttons. Yet, i find it very intimate. And they sound better on my vocals than on my Zoom. And, of course, the Tula mic is looks sexy on my videos--which I GOTTA have!
Yes Roland should have done a lot with this recorder that they didn't do and I think they just weren't ready for the fact that people were going to like it as much as they did but maybe they should just come out with a new version and offer different colors and some updated features and really make it special. I think a updated version of this recorder with 32-bit float would be fantastic. Also they could offer it in lipstick red and other color choices.
Wonderfull test! Perhaps next time add a 1 second pauze between the words to bring up the noise. The Zoom noise is much stronger and the pre amp weaker compared to the Roland who is clearly the king when it comes to the sound
Listening to you you say that the pre amp gain of zoom is better. But listening i hear it is much less strong then the Roland. Now i am confused
Roland had much nicer pre-amps for sure
Great comparison. Is there an explanation concerning the lav-mic which don't work on the Roland? Otherwise, can we connect other pro Lavs (different from ME2), like Sanken, Countryman, Electrovoice, etc? Thank you
The mic that didn't work was a twist lock mic like used with Sennheiser wireless sets. It did work on the Zoom but only barely. It only have one channel of audio. The other mics you asked about I'm not sure.
Roland is slightly better.👍
The Zoom sounds pretty trashy to me. The Roland has a better general frequency response in either case. Probably taking stereo line in well too?
Yeah I didn't like the Zoom in comparison and I took it back.
Thanks for watching and please subscribe.
@@TodayIFeelLike I honestly can’t hear much of a difference for the price
If you can't hear the difference then I say go with the one that best fits your budget.
Interesting comparison. Not much in it, audio quality-wise, to me. Looking at both of these devices myself as well as others like the Rode Wireless Go II. Two other big differences for me; the Roland can be monitored/ controlled via bluetooth. That is HUGE, imo, and makes it worth the extra $$. The form factor is key,too. There's no hiding a Zoom H1N. The Roland dwarves the Rode Wireless Go, for example, but at least it's a deck of cards shape, small enough to fit a breast pocket or elsewhere with some imagination & gaffer's tape.
I would say go for the Rode Wireless Go II the 32 but float is awesome.
@@TodayIFeelLike I don't think the Rode is true 32 bit floating, though . See Curtis Judd's review. Strong contender in other ways though, for sure, but I still like the live feed monitoring capability of the R7,too.Clipping isn't the only thing that can ruin audio. Scratchy clothes/breathing, random RF/background noises, etc, can't be "heard" on a meter. AFAIK, you can control the Rode's settings via the app, but no wireless live headphone monitoring. Ditto for the Zoom F2 BT, another contender. So many toys, so little $$....lol
Well it sounds like you are doing a good and thorough search just take your time and make this decision that's right for you. I will say that I have audio recorders and I have my Rode Wireless Go II kit and that stays with me all the time.
I works also check out the Sony PCMA-10
amzn.to/35X2E5q
@@TodayIFeelLike Always good to get real world feedback while doing my due diligence, so thx for the vids & personal input.
I'm going to seriously disagree that price is the most important consideration in choosing a mic (or anything else).
It's not if you can afford anything you want but if you have limited resources then money is often the first consideration.
Thank you for the video, man!!
I felt like the zoom was cleaner for voice only, but seems like the Roland is suffering from capturing ambient reverberation, thus making ur voice bad.
Nice observation thanks for sharing.
👍🏼 👍🏼 👍🏼
Thank you much appreciated.
I've owned both. Roland all day. I hated the Zoom - worst portable recorder I've used
Yeah I didn't like H1n either but their other recorders are great
Roland is good for he is small and cute
Yeah the Roland is nice. Thanks for watching and please subscribe.
Roland sound is much better!!
The Gate is much better too.
I agree it sounds much better. I took the Zoom back after hearing the difference.
Roland sounds the best.
The latter is too noisy but I own that one
Roland has better preamps
I agree I like the Roland better to