Zoom H5 Handy Recorder - Earn Everyday Rewards, AfterPay Available

I previously owned a Zoom H4n and got the H5 because it is smaller, lighter and has the flexability of recording up to 4 tracks and has the interchangeable mics. The build quality is very typical Zoom, so not perfect but acceptable for the price. One thing I wish Zoom would improve on is the SD card door, it is a bit cheap and on the H5 it is the same as on my old H4n which eventually snaped off, however it was still usuable but extra care was needed. The same goes for the battery door on the back, it just feels a bit cheap and flimsy, so you'll need to take care when taking it on and off. The handling noise is acceptable on the H5 and not nearly as bad as it is on a Sony PCM D100 I once tried which needed to be used on one of those shock-mount handle grips or a ... MoreI previously owned a Zoom H4n and got the H5 because it is smaller, lighter and has the flexability of recording up to 4 tracks and has the interchangeable mics. The build quality is very typical Zoom, so not perfect but acceptable for the price. One thing I wish Zoom would improve on is the SD card door, it is a bit cheap and on the H5 it is the same as on my old H4n which eventually snaped off, however it was still usuable but extra care was needed. The same goes for the battery door on the back, it just feels a bit cheap and flimsy, so you'll need to take care when taking it on and off. The handling noise is acceptable on the H5 and not nearly as bad as it is on a Sony PCM D100 I once tried which needed to be used on one of those shock-mount handle grips or a tripod. The sound quality, noise floor, and sound stage are all decent enough on the H5, not the best but certainly not the worst - better quality will cost you much much more. I use it for field recording capturing random sounds and ambiences to use in my music, and when paired with a decent fluffy wind-shield (not the foam one that comes with the H5!) and a bit of post editing clean-up, the sounds come out great.

Bigger than H4n

So, I upgraded to the H5 mainly because of the convenience of the record level dials, however, the down side, which was not obvious from briefly looking at the product page and images, is that it is significantly larger (taller) than the H4n. For me this has several disadvantages:1. It no longer fits into the camera bag in the way that the H4n did in its supplied plastic case, upright into a lens slot, and I still have not figured out the best way to accommodate it, as it needs to lay flat like a large flash or a longer lens.2. The H4n was small enough to fit into a mans back pocket, and then run a lav mic wire up to the neck inside the shirt, same as with a wireless mic transmitter, but the H5 is much bigger...3. The case, although sturdy, has a slightly more ... MoreSo, I upgraded to the H5 mainly because of the convenience of the record level dials, however, the down side, which was not obvious from briefly looking at the product page and images, is that it is significantly larger (taller) than the H4n. For me this has several disadvantages:1. It no longer fits into the camera bag in the way that the H4n did in its supplied plastic case, upright into a lens slot, and I still have not figured out the best way to accommodate it, as it needs to lay flat like a large flash or a longer lens.2. The H4n was small enough to fit into a mans back pocket, and then run a lav mic wire up to the neck inside the shirt, same as with a wireless mic transmitter, but the H5 is much bigger...3. The case, although sturdy, has a slightly more mat finish, which, if handled while recoding, will produce a lot more sound than what the H4n would.The basic solution to 1 and 2 above, for me is to remove the XY mic capsule, and to stow it separately, and to not pack it into the supplied plastic case, but it is definitely less convenient that the H4n form factor, and it leaves the contacts open, so would be great to have covers for both. Will probably print some when I get time...I do really like the easy, quiet access to the level dials, just mind that they can be easily turned inadvertently if recording on the run.

Fantastic recorder

I’ve tried the H1, H4n and H5 - for interviewing, podcasts, singing, drumming, guitar, ambient noise - this unit is by far my favorite and go-to for just about everything.The built-in limiter and EQ controls are super accessible and useful when switching between different pitches of voices or instruments. I love being able to record from two mics and the overhead shotgun mic at the same time.The backlit screen is nice and bright when you need that feature.This is definitely going to be part of my dedicated audio setup for awhile. Great price for a powerful interface.IMPORTANT: make sure you purchase a 32GB SD because it will not accept anything larger. I went to a gig with a 64GB and wasn’t able to record. But otherwise perfect unit.

Good Versatile Recorder

This recorder is loaded with features especially when you consider the variety of interchangeable mic capsules. Great for capturing live instruments or audio for video. Better quality sound than any camera preamp. The only downside is the rubberized exterior that get sticky over time as others have pointed out, however there is a fix. Use isopropyl alcohol and a small cloth to wipe over the surface and the sticky residue will come off. It will leave the surface smooth but the annoying stickyness will be gone.

Great Handy Recorder, But Not as Audio Interface

I have used my Zoom H5 for a year now, most for guitar & keyboard recordings, and I love it.Only one complain is, when used as an USB audio interface, Zoom H5 fails, which damages the recording. I contacted Zoom, and they actually were awared of the desig issuen, "the preamp cannot handle......"So forget about the audio interface function, if you are serious about the sound quality.Overall, it's a great standalone handy recorder

Great recorder in the fine line of Zoom products

This recorder is a nice upgrade from the Zoom H4n. The Mic Pre's are better and is just as easy to use as it's predecessor. Zoom didn't compromise in this upgrade and the audio quality is slightly more noticeable for the better. The detachable condenser mics are a plus, where you can use other snap-on microphones for a variety of other purposes including a shotgun microphone. The bar over the gain knobs eliminate the the chance of accidental raising or lowering of the recording level. So whether you use this H5 for Film making, Podcasting, or anything else you can imagine, you can't go wrong.

Great stereo recorder, but multi-track....

This is advertised as a mult-track recorder. Multi-track recording is very challenging using the on-board mic system. I was able to record multiple tracks, once, after following a video on You Tube. Subsequently, I tried several times more (20 or so) and was unsuccessful. I have an old Zoom H4, and this process was very intuitive and simple. Zoom should advertise this (H5) as a Stereo Recorder with multi-track capabilities. It's capabilities as a stereo recorder are not in doubt; but as a multi-track recorder, I would look elsewhere.

It's a workhorse!

Having owned the Zoom H1 and older Tascam models, this was a move up in my field recording game. Not without its faults but the H5 is a solid recording device that I always have with me. For the money and flexibility of options, I do think this is a solid choice and am very happy with my H5. Just know what it can do well and plan around what I consider to be fairly minor limitations. I have since picked up a second H5 for my drop rig recordings.Pros:Easy to useLong battery lifeInterchangeable capsules2 XLR inputsAbility to use mics with 3.5mm connection via the XY capsuleGenerally great results with proper levels and knowing its limitationsCons:noise can be present in quiet ambient recordings (not detrimental but can be noticeable).32GB SD card ... MoreHaving owned the Zoom H1 and older Tascam models, this was a move up in my field recording game. Not without its faults but the H5 is a solid recording device that I always have with me. For the money and flexibility of options, I do think this is a solid choice and am very happy with my H5. Just know what it can do well and plan around what I consider to be fairly minor limitations. I have since picked up a second H5 for my drop rig recordings.Pros:Easy to useLong battery lifeInterchangeable capsules2 XLR inputsAbility to use mics with 3.5mm connection via the XY capsuleGenerally great results with proper levels and knowing its limitationsCons:noise can be present in quiet ambient recordings (not detrimental but can be noticeable).32GB SD card limitation - generally not an issue but for drop rig field recordings that can last a few days (via external battery pack), you might want to keep this in mind.

Nice but noisy if you handle while recording

Compared to the Tascam DR-05, this recorder is VERY sensitive to ANY handling while recording... so much so, that you cant touch the unit while recording or itll pick up even a finger slide over the case. The Tascam DR-05 is way less sensitive, but still records excellent. ZOOM REALLY needs to isolate the mics better. Also, the mics that ship with the unit can NOT be moved in/out. You have to buy another mic unit to attach to the recorder for other options. Its a nice upgrade feature to be able to buy mics that attach to the unit, but PRICY, especially the $150 stereo shotgun mic. No, I havent tried that one yet. Best to mount the unit on a tripod while recording and use the remote control so no handling noise will be transmitted to the mics. Also, a fuzzy Dead Cat ... MoreCompared to the Tascam DR-05, this recorder is VERY sensitive to ANY handling while recording... so much so, that you cant touch the unit while recording or itll pick up even a finger slide over the case. The Tascam DR-05 is way less sensitive, but still records excellent. ZOOM REALLY needs to isolate the mics better. Also, the mics that ship with the unit can NOT be moved in/out. You have to buy another mic unit to attach to the recorder for other options. Its a nice upgrade feature to be able to buy mics that attach to the unit, but PRICY, especially the $150 stereo shotgun mic. No, I havent tried that one yet. Best to mount the unit on a tripod while recording and use the remote control so no handling noise will be transmitted to the mics. Also, a fuzzy Dead Cat wind protector for the mics will be needed if used outside with any wind blowing. Sort of DISAPPOINTED the mics pick up too much of the handling noise. There is a GAIN control on the mic unit, but if you turn it down, the mics are more deaf, but the recorder still picks up the handling noise. You can remove the mics and connect a $90+ cable to remote the mics. Still, a nice featured recorder. Your results may vary if you handle the unit in any way while recording.

Solid, portable, quiet recorder

If you're looking to capture really clean stereo recordings of anything from quiet landscapes to the roar of downtown traffic, this is an excellent choice. I chose this over the H6 due to its slightly smaller footprint. This is so small and lightweight I can fit it easily into a number of pockets in my various cases or even slide it into a jacket pocket. Of course, this has the functionality to do more (i.e. modular mics, stereo input on capsule allowing for more mics to be used). I like that I've got the option to capture a stereo recording of the ambience via the capsule and plug two additional mics (i.e. lavaliers, boom etc) for a more direct, up-close recording of my subject. The included dead cat works great and eliminates wind noise even on the windiest of days.