Bandrew Scott

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Zoom H1essential Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/KCpCjQ1_jNU
Specs: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/handheld-recorders/handheld-recorders/h1essential/

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the Zoom H1e. This is very similar to it's predecessors the H1 and H1n, but it introduces 32-bit floating point which means you are theoretically unable to distort your converters; although you can still distort the microphone capsules if you're recording something very loud. The mic does suffer from wind/plosive issues, handling noise rejection isn't great, and the preamps are a bit noisy. But for $100 I think it offers a pretty utilitarian device that has a lot of bang for your buck.

Buy the Zoom H1e(Affiliate Links)
Amazon: https://geni.us/zoomh1e
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/h1e

Specs:

  • Internal Mic: 90-deg XY, Sensitivity: -37dB, Max SPL: 120dB

  • 3.5mm Input Impedance: 2k-ohms,

  • 3.5mm Input power: 2.5v

  • Bit Depth: 32-bit float (SD), 16-bit (USB)

  • Sampling Rate: 44.1/48/96khz

  • Storage /  microSDHC: 4GB-32GB, microSDXC: 64GB-1TB

As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure 
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:36 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:51 - Specifications
02:08 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:28 - Plosive Test (Dead Cat Demo)
03:04 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:26 - Background Noise Test 
03:40 - Keyboard Recording Demo
03:51 - Untreated Room Test
04:11 - Shock Rejection Test
04:27 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:41 - Handling Noise Rejection Demo
05:08 - 32-Bit Floating Point Demo / Test
05:58 - Lo Cut Filter Demo
06:39 - External Mic Demo
07:14 - ASMR Test
07:40 - H1e vs. Original H1
08:58 - USB Mic Comparison
09:57 - Intro to Comparison
10:27 - Zoom h1 Comparison
10:55 - Zoom h1n Comparison
11:36 - Zoom h6 comparison
12:13 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
12:45 - Music Test
14:39 - Pros & Cons
17:21 - Overall Thoughts
18:10   - Recommendation