Zoom H8 Portable Handy Recorder

I am using this, daily basis for 1 year now. I love the set. Amazing recording system; no loss and crystal clear. I used sound recording by H8 in my cine clips; it sounds great. All I need to process the sound by my Yamaha mixer and send through line to H8 for recording; no need of computer.But I have a problem with the C-MOS battery now. Every time turn on, I have to change setting of date and time. That's a minor issue. I searched for buying EXH-8 attachment, but not available around the world; discouraged. Great for music also.

Amazing!!

I have no regret investing in the H8. It has surpassed all expectations. If I was being super picky, I would have looked for a carrying strap and a windscreen for the mic to have been includedbut that just me being picky. Im waiting on my tripod to arrive. I do voiceover workand can now do them when Im away from studio. I can now record my own ambient sounds and sound effects for my various special projects. It has already paid for itself 3 times over. For those who are serious about music and sound production.this is a great tool to have. FIVE STARS HANDS DOWN!!

Disapointed

As a musician I expected that the H8 would allow me to record multiple takes to separate files, very much in the same way as the H6 does. However, when using the Music app, you either end up with a very long single file containing all your tracks and takes or worst, if you were not aware of the change (I wasn’t) the recorder will write on top of the previous recordings.The sound. effects do tot seem to work at all. The touch screen, although nice, is has a very “clumsy’ feel which makes some features (as typing project names) very difficult.The Bluetooth remote app ( for which you need the optional $30 Bluetooth adaptor) is a joke. I rather use the old wired remote.Recording quality is good, same as the H6. Many inputs (if you need them) and other features ... MoreAs a musician I expected that the H8 would allow me to record multiple takes to separate files, very much in the same way as the H6 does. However, when using the Music app, you either end up with a very long single file containing all your tracks and takes or worst, if you were not aware of the change (I wasn’t) the recorder will write on top of the previous recordings.The sound. effects do tot seem to work at all. The touch screen, although nice, is has a very “clumsy’ feel which makes some features (as typing project names) very difficult.The Bluetooth remote app ( for which you need the optional $30 Bluetooth adaptor) is a joke. I rather use the old wired remote.Recording quality is good, same as the H6. Many inputs (if you need them) and other features that may be useful for other users but not so much for a classical musician.The H8 comes with only an XY capsule, no USB cable, no carrying case and no printed manual (all these, plus a mide side capsule, are included with the H6 which costs $100 less)After waiting so long for this update, I’m rather disappointed and will go back to the H6)

Downgrade from H6 to H8... and ZERO tech support

The H6 cost $100 more than the previous model and it comes with capsule and no hard case, and no printed manual.There are some advantages if you need the extra inputs I guess, but for most probably those are unnecessary.The bluetoth adaptor (which I though was a great idea) works only with the remote control App (which is junk). Having bluetooth and not being able to use a BT headpohone or send files wirelesly to your computer is absolutely nonsense.The H8 is rather bulky and weird looking, definitely not something I would carry in my pocket.The color screen is nice, however the UI is somehow weird a bit clumsy. With the H6 you could record several takes on the same track without much fuzz. However, with the new interface on the H8 is not that simple and you ... MoreThe H6 cost $100 more than the previous model and it comes with capsule and no hard case, and no printed manual.There are some advantages if you need the extra inputs I guess, but for most probably those are unnecessary.The bluetoth adaptor (which I though was a great idea) works only with the remote control App (which is junk). Having bluetooth and not being able to use a BT headpohone or send files wirelesly to your computer is absolutely nonsense.The H8 is rather bulky and weird looking, definitely not something I would carry in my pocket.The color screen is nice, however the UI is somehow weird a bit clumsy. With the H6 you could record several takes on the same track without much fuzz. However, with the new interface on the H8 is not that simple and you need to do quite a bit of extra navigation to do so, which is very inconvenient during rehearsals.Calls to technical support go unanswered asoutelyh forever. I've contact Zoom Support by phone, email, Facebook, Instagram dozens of times... and I am still waiting for a response. For me a company is as good as the support they provide...I regret I upgraded' to the new model. Unless you desperately need the extra inputs, I would not recommend this product at all. And based on their support, I would not recommend any zoom product anyway.

Ease to use for one man band video creators

First of all- Touch screen(!)Let me just tap here and there and setup everything in one minute...Support up to 12 channels- are you kidding me? I can record an orchestra with this.Locked 6 XLRs, high quality 24bit files, quick menu and also very intuitive (maybe it’s because I’m not a pro sound man..)Supports the new microphones from zoom.BT device disappointed because it’s support just to turn on/off audio tracks and start/stop recording.. the levels was so complicated for you control from the app? (Maybe update in the future so that..)The spider looks at first was a little strange and threatening, but after a few days you found this alien very useful. Just plug your cable wherever it comes from (left/right/up/down..)Every plug support 48v phantom ... MoreFirst of all- Touch screen(!)Let me just tap here and there and setup everything in one minute...Support up to 12 channels- are you kidding me? I can record an orchestra with this.Locked 6 XLRs, high quality 24bit files, quick menu and also very intuitive (maybe it’s because I’m not a pro sound man..)Supports the new microphones from zoom.BT device disappointed because it’s support just to turn on/off audio tracks and start/stop recording.. the levels was so complicated for you control from the app? (Maybe update in the future so that..)The spider looks at first was a little strange and threatening, but after a few days you found this alien very useful. Just plug your cable wherever it comes from (left/right/up/down..)Every plug support 48v phantom power.After all of this (I’ll be fine if my finger once in 10years will sweat..that’s one of the reasons I comes to shooting day with clothes..)Who are those people who sweating in the fingers anyway?!)Zoom H6.. it was very nice to meet you.Mr. H8...Welcome Aboard!ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE MONEY!

Even better than I expected

I have used this amazing recorder to make podcast shows, radio adverts, acapella hymn recordings, and voiceovers for animated shows. And it has been a loyal and very capable all-rounder.I won't bother you with the pros, cause we would be here all day. So I'll just list some of the cons:1. It doesn't come with a deadcat/wind-blocker for the XY capsule.2. I wish it had some built in storage, even just a little bit. For those days when one disasterly forget to bring a card.3. The playback process.... doesn't always seem to work. Maybe it shall be fixed with a firmware update. But then again, I rarely ever need to playback anything.I love this recorder. Its pros/strengths far out-weigh the cons I gave above.

Evolution? Revolution? What is it really?

Announced on July 2020, the H8 seemed to bring a revolution - Zoom packed in it almost every dream a recording geek can imagine pushing technology to the edge. After playing with it for 3 days, I have to admit that while it's a great piece of gear, fulfilling the promise, there is still room for improvement.Touch screen is not sensitive enough to handle those tiny controls, and it sometimes takes a few trials to hit the right spot. The selection of SD over MicroSD and MicroUSB over Type-C in late 2020 is rather odd decision, the absence of a USB cable in the box is also an odd strategy, the need to drill down every single parameter is tiring after awhile, an option to have a USB loopback while in a recorder mode could be nice and together with that - a Mix-Minus ... MoreAnnounced on July 2020, the H8 seemed to bring a revolution - Zoom packed in it almost every dream a recording geek can imagine pushing technology to the edge. After playing with it for 3 days, I have to admit that while it's a great piece of gear, fulfilling the promise, there is still room for improvement.Touch screen is not sensitive enough to handle those tiny controls, and it sometimes takes a few trials to hit the right spot. The selection of SD over MicroSD and MicroUSB over Type-C in late 2020 is rather odd decision, the absence of a USB cable in the box is also an odd strategy, the need to drill down every single parameter is tiring after awhile, an option to have a USB loopback while in a recorder mode could be nice and together with that - a Mix-Minus support could make it the perfect Super-Recorder, but... you can't win them all and I feel non of these is adeal breaker. I do hope we can see some improvements with a new firmware in the near future and that device will have a longer lifecycle than usual, cause it has a potential.

Great recorder!

I've known of Zoom recording devices for a while, but once I discovered this unit, I ordered it instantly. I have been using a Tascam DR-07 for mobile recordings for a few years now, but to see portable units with XLR inputs was not something I knew about until I discovered the Zoom H8. I had not been really looking for a new digital recorder until recently, so I am happy I discovered this!I have done several test recordings with this unit in the first 24 hours i have had it. I'm super tech savvy, so the H8 was super simple to setup and use, but I think that even less tech savvy people will have no issues getting this up and running. The mic capsule included with the unit is a solid condenser style mic that picks up a lot in it's surroundings. It's a solid choice ... MoreI've known of Zoom recording devices for a while, but once I discovered this unit, I ordered it instantly. I have been using a Tascam DR-07 for mobile recordings for a few years now, but to see portable units with XLR inputs was not something I knew about until I discovered the Zoom H8. I had not been really looking for a new digital recorder until recently, so I am happy I discovered this!I have done several test recordings with this unit in the first 24 hours i have had it. I'm super tech savvy, so the H8 was super simple to setup and use, but I think that even less tech savvy people will have no issues getting this up and running. The mic capsule included with the unit is a solid condenser style mic that picks up a lot in it's surroundings. It's a solid choice for general recordings. But the XLR inputs are where H8 shines.With 4 XLR inputs and 2 XLR-1/4 combo inputs, this unit is loaded with options. And with the Capsule 2.0 system, you can purchase not only other mics, but an additional unit to add more XLR inputs. I was able to connect a Shure Sm58 and a Seinhausser MKE 600 shotgun mic to the unit and record them onto individual tracks along with the XYH Capsule mic. The shotgun mic requires phantom power, which the H8 has for all inputs.Everything worked flawlessly. The clarity and quality is amazing from the pre-amps. You have a couple options for compression and limiters inside the unit, but moving the tracks to a PC hard drive to edit in a DAW was the option I made, and after applying my plugins and doing a little mixing, everything sounds amazing. It's as high quality as my Focusrite 18i20 is. That's something I find impressive for a portable battery powered device. Our technology has come a long way since my first digital recorder!I've read reviews from others saying they dislike look of the unit. While it can be a little odd at first glance, the design serves it's purpose. Especially if you plan on using it for a multi-mic pod cast session. Place in the middle of the tale, plug in, and go. To me, the design is fine. It performs well and does what I need it to, and if the look is really a concern to you, with longer XLR cables and the ability to mount it to a tripod or stand, it can easily be out of site if need be. I personally have no issues with the design or how it looks. The lighter plastic it is amde of can be a concern if it gets dropped, however. I thought a heavier plastic or even a metal chassis would have been better, but at this price point, I can't complain.I will say, the micro USB connector over USB-C is an odd choice for a unit manufactured in 2020-2021. To me, this is not a deal breaker. I have all types of USB cables on hand for all sorts of situations in my cable bag.I love the fact that you can run it on a USB port bus power as well. So if you have a computer near by, or a USB power bank, you can power the unit just by plugging in the USB cable. The other impressive feature with this is, as long as you have 4 AA batteries installed, there is no interruption with your recordings if you remove the USB cord. And once you plug a USB cord in, it automatically uses the USB bus power over the batteries. Very useful to save on the AA batteries if you USB ports nearby, but can quickly go mobile and unplug the USB cable if you are on the go.An odd issue I experienced that is worth mentioning. If you use this unit to close to a Wi-Fi router, you will get an audible recording of the Wi-Fi's radio signal. I was not sure at first what this odd noise was when I was editing the recorded tracks in my DAW, but I later discovered the noise got louder/weaker as I moved the unit around my desk. When i got right next to the router, the sound was loud and clear in my headphones and in the recordings. So keep the unit a good distance from wireless routers.So far I am very pleased with this recorder. I'll be trying it with my GoPro this weekend in some longer recording sessions to sync it's audio with the GoPro video in my editor.

Great update to reliable tool

By price, this is the best portable recorder and podcasting solution I have ever used. It looks large and feels slightly oversized for portable recording but then, when you consider what it can do, it feels absolutely tiny.The H8 fits in with mid-range camera gear in terms of sturdiness - if you are recording where travel may abuse it - get a case. Quick start-up, touch screen was a little finicky but easy to get oriented to - card formatting was a little messy too. All together the setup was quick, easy, intuitive, and trouble-free.Field recording was easy - bundles I already had worked well enough. I especially appreciate the cover on the expansion port. Great quality with the mic capsule. Be aware, while handling it directly, there is some case noise. Try to ... MoreBy price, this is the best portable recorder and podcasting solution I have ever used. It looks large and feels slightly oversized for portable recording but then, when you consider what it can do, it feels absolutely tiny.The H8 fits in with mid-range camera gear in terms of sturdiness - if you are recording where travel may abuse it - get a case. Quick start-up, touch screen was a little finicky but easy to get oriented to - card formatting was a little messy too. All together the setup was quick, easy, intuitive, and trouble-free.Field recording was easy - bundles I already had worked well enough. I especially appreciate the cover on the expansion port. Great quality with the mic capsule. Be aware, while handling it directly, there is some case noise. Try to set-up a hands-free situation.Music app is fun - I will have to explore the potential later.Podcasting is impressive. The sound pads were fun and I look forward to customizing them. Sound Pads can be adjusted level-wise but it is for all of them so I need to adjust my custom sounds before loading them. Sounds also need to be in .wave and match your show recording bitrate. They also disable input 3&4. I could use more headphone outputs rather than carrying another piece of gear but I suppose that means more intrusion points.I also used it for a multi-channel audio interface. I have some things to learn before that works as I want. Great little audio multi-tool!

Wow

The zoom H8 is everything I never knew I needed. I use to record all my audio through my cameras and never thought anything of it. After recording the first audio clip and hearing just how clean the audio was, I was instantly blown away. All this time I?ve been missing out on top quality audio and I never knew it. I use the H8 for everything I can possibly imagine when it comes to audio. The interface is easy to use and very responsive. Overall this is an amazing recorder.