Zoom PCH-5 Protective Case for H5 Handy Recorder

I think the previous one star rating is a bit harsh. More a failure of expectations on the purchasers part than a useful review. Yes, if you need to be out recording in a heavy downpour of rain for an hour, then you may have a problem, but you would with most kit. Given the design layout of the H5 recorder, with control buttons, dials, input and output sockets and attachments on every single flat surface other than the back of the device, every flat surface of the cover has a foldaway section. Given that design constraint, it's still a good basic protective case. Every control is easy to get to, and if you do have record in a little rain, or under trees with water drips, the case will protect the device from stray drops. I also find the recorder is easier to use ... MoreI think the previous one star rating is a bit harsh. More a failure of expectations on the purchasers part than a useful review. Yes, if you need to be out recording in a heavy downpour of rain for an hour, then you may have a problem, but you would with most kit. Given the design layout of the H5 recorder, with control buttons, dials, input and output sockets and attachments on every single flat surface other than the back of the device, every flat surface of the cover has a foldaway section. Given that design constraint, it's still a good basic protective case. Every control is easy to get to, and if you do have record in a little rain, or under trees with water drips, the case will protect the device from stray drops. I also find the recorder is easier to use handheld because the fabric of the case has got much better handgrip than the smooth surface of the recorder itself. Handling noise is reduced when using the XY mic set-up because of the better grip with the case on. Certainly worth the price.

There’s no way this will keep rain out of a recorder. It fits really badly and makes it hard to access the recorder’s functions. I wouldn’t trust the meagre amount of velcro holding the belt loop together. This was a total waste of money, definitely avoid it!

Good with two caveats

Seems well-built and versatile; fits the recorder well without applying pressure anywhere that might cause long-term damage. Also isolates the onboard mics a bit from handling noise if you're holding the recorder directly.A couple of issues....1. You can't take the batteries out while the case is on. And taking this thing in and out of the case is a pain. Something that should really only have to be done once, the first time you put it on. The truly frustrating thing is, there's a velcro flap that opens to reveal the battery compartment door....it's just not wide enough to allow the door to open! Such a needless oversight.2. The cloth cover for the built-in mic is not large enough to accommodate the foam windscreen that comes with the H5, and doesn't supply ... MoreSeems well-built and versatile; fits the recorder well without applying pressure anywhere that might cause long-term damage. Also isolates the onboard mics a bit from handling noise if you're holding the recorder directly.A couple of issues....1. You can't take the batteries out while the case is on. And taking this thing in and out of the case is a pain. Something that should really only have to be done once, the first time you put it on. The truly frustrating thing is, there's a velcro flap that opens to reveal the battery compartment door....it's just not wide enough to allow the door to open! Such a needless oversight.2. The cloth cover for the built-in mic is not large enough to accommodate the foam windscreen that comes with the H5, and doesn't supply NEARLY enough protection on its own. You've got to have a windscreen of some kind under that cover, if only to provide a buffer for the normal bumping and jostling the unit will undergo, but you'll have to buy a third party windscreen if you'd like to find one that will fit.

Handy is right.

It's not enough protection to save it from a huge disaster, but enough for everyday use. It is a snug fit, but gives enough various ways to connect to a belt, pack, duty bag, field audio rig, etc., that it has proven itself useful many times over.

Perfect fit

Great case. Perfect fit and I like the materials used for this. I had a hard time when I first used it because of the metal blocker over the adjustment knobs. It was impossible to adjust but there's a sweet spoton this case made specifically for this bar to sit. Adjust that and everything will fit perfectly. Great and protective case. Love it......

Pro Protection, Con Noise

This product is well suited for DEFENSE! It provides outstanding protection for the unit and the microphone elements, especially when the foam insert is kept inside the mic hood. The major flaw with the unit comes with the design, the flaps are not compatible with shock mounting options. I use the Rycote shock mount and the bottom flap cannot be kept from rubbing on the mount, thus making unwanted noise in recordings. The top clear cover does not have any way to keep it held open when in use, so it will close and the velcro tab will make MORE noise when needing to adjust the nobs. The story is the same for the velcro closures on the left and right sides, however they are less of an issue as these flaps will cooperate with how you place them, and also, the side ... MoreThis product is well suited for DEFENSE! It provides outstanding protection for the unit and the microphone elements, especially when the foam insert is kept inside the mic hood. The major flaw with the unit comes with the design, the flaps are not compatible with shock mounting options. I use the Rycote shock mount and the bottom flap cannot be kept from rubbing on the mount, thus making unwanted noise in recordings. The top clear cover does not have any way to keep it held open when in use, so it will close and the velcro tab will make MORE noise when needing to adjust the nobs. The story is the same for the velcro closures on the left and right sides, however they are less of an issue as these flaps will cooperate with how you place them, and also, the side controls on the unit do not need to be accessed during recording as often. Good news for the microphone hood is that it can be completely removed, and holds the windscreen in well and quite naturally. Nearly all of the problems with this case can be resolved by adding MORE velcro strips to where you need flaps to stay open (underneath, and clear top mostly). All told, I enjoy the case for DEFENSE, but despise taking the chance of increased velcro and rubbing noises while recording. You may want to take it off for very important recordings, modify it as needed or consider these flaws and consider the competing cases that cost TWICE as much, they may be worth the added expense over this unit!

Zoom PCH-5 Protective Case for Zoom H5 Handy Recorder

I thought this case would have padding in it to protect it better. It does not. The plastic case that comes with the H-5 recorder protects it better than this case does. I returned it back to B&H.

[Rewarded Review] Must have for using the H5 outdoors

Since there isn't much competition, and it does what I need, I have to give it 5 starts. It did protect my H5 while out doing commercial shoots with hunting guides in some rough conditions. I had reasonable access to all the components. One thing I would have appreciated more would have been a hole to run the ECM-3 cable through so I could leave the top cover on.The only bad-ish thing is the velcro. Velcro is not your friend when out with hunting groups. I can't shame Zoom for this in that lots of bags and accessories use velcro and it's not always ideal but to play devil's advocate, it's also hard to identify better options velcro is so universal.

[Rewarded Review] So far, so good

Hey - I wish this came with some loops on either side at the top, so I could attach a strap from there and not just the bottom, but otherwise this is decent.

adds what should have been on the unit

Adds attachment points other than the 1/4 20 socket (hook/loop, belt and pole). Fits perfect (as it should) and stays locked in place, not by straps, but by pinning the "volume protection bar" in place. Only gripes are that it makes the unit bulkier, and there is no protection over the top ports if you don't have a mic or hood on.