New Zoom Essential Recorders
The recently launched Zoom Essential line has generated quite a buzz in the world of sound design, mixing, and editing. With the introduction of the H1, H4, and H6 recorders, Zoom has taken a step forward by offering 32-bit floating recording capability. This revolutionary feature eliminates the need to adjust gain levels, promising a smoother, worry-free recording process.
Zoom, known for its reputation for creating high-quality portable recorders, has once again exceeded expectations by introducing this new Essential line. With upgrades that include larger screens, USB-C ports and soft-touch blue buttons, the Essential series promises not only excellent recording quality but also greater convenience and accessibility for its users.
While some users may express reservations about the new design of this series, the improvements in technical features and functionality make this new line an exciting option for professionals and amateurs alike. With competitive pricing and an expected release date of Q2 2024, the Zoom Essential recorders are poised to make waves in the world of sound design.
Since the introduction of the Zoom F6 at NAB 2019, the sound industry has experienced a revolution in field recording. The widespread adoption of 32-bit technology has enabled impeccable dynamic range, elevating audio quality to new levels.
Zoom’s new essential products feature an angular, futuristic design in all-black tones, suggesting a discreet and elegant aesthetic. With enhanced displays, from the H1essential’s monochrome OLED to the larger color LCD units in the H4 and H6 models, the Essential series offers a modern and engaging viewing experience. These recorders operate with a single microSDXC card up to 1TB and can be powered by an AC adapter, USB-C, or batteries, offering exceptional versatility in terms of power and storage. In addition, the Essential series stands out for its commitment to accessibility, offering audible menus for visually impaired users.
H1essential
As the most basic model in the series, the H1essential is designed to be compact and versatile. With an X/Y microphone and a single 3.5 mm input, this recorder is ideal for capturing ambient sounds or enhancing audio quality in video recordings. Its compact design is complemented by a battery life of up to 10 hours, making it a reliable tool for a variety of recording situations.
This basic portable recorder is ideal for movie buffs, music lovers, and podcasters. Although it is the simplest in its series, it possesses powerful recording capabilities. Perfect for field recordings, it also functions as a USB microphone connectable to a computer. Its built-in speaker allows you to monitor recordings quickly. With 32-bit floating recording, it guarantees flawless audio without gain adjustments. 90° XY microphones capture up to 120 dB SPL. In addition, it offers up to 96 kHz sampling rate and advanced features such as overdubbing and prerecording. Its battery lasts up to 10 hours on 2 AAA batteries or USB-C power.
H4esencial
The H4essential, based on the popular H4 design, offers greater versatility with two TRS XLR-1/4″ combo inputs with preamps. This model is perfect for situations where greater flexibility in audio capture is required, such as interviews or live music recordings. With a battery life of between 9 and 20 hours, the H4essential is a reliable choice for professionals and amateurs alike.
The H4 Essential is the ideal choice for those who require additional XLR ports. Renowned for its power and compactness, the H4 has been a popular choice among audio experts and amateurs alike. Its new Essential version features a color LCD, two XLR/TRS combo inputs, and a 3.5mm jack input for Lavalier microphones. In addition, it can be paired with iOS devices for remote control. With a 32-bit floating recording, 130 dB SPL XY microphone, and up to 10 hours of battery life, the H4 Essential offers unmatched quality and versatility.
H6essential
The H6essential, the flagship of the series, stands out for its ability to handle up to six XLR-1/4″ TRS combo inputs. This model is ideal for situations where high-quality multichannel recording is required, such as film productions or live band recordings. With its rugged design and battery life of up to 18 hours, the H6essential is a must-have for any audio professional.
The H6 Essential stands out for its enhanced robustness and power. With 4 additional XLR/TRS combo inputs and 32-bit floating recording, it delivers professional recordings in all situations. Its rotary and recording controls are specially designed for quiet operation, perfect for quiet stages. It also offers Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with timecode devices, ensuring audiovisual synchronization. With an X/Y microphone capturing up to 135 dB SPL, a color LCD, and 10 hours of battery life, the H6 Essential is the perfect choice for demanding audio professionals.
Check out Zoom’s Essential Series at NAMM 2024:
The Zoom Essential line has set a milestone in the audio industry by introducing the H1, H4, and H6 recorders with 32-bit floating recording capability. These revolutionary features eliminate the need to adjust gain levels, promising a smoother recording process. While some may have reservations about the new design, the technical and functional improvements make this line exciting for professionals and amateurs alike. Competitively priced and with an expected release date of Q2 2024, the Zoom Essential recorders are poised to make their mark in the world of sound design.
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