Topic: New Zoom HxEssential recorders

[Gutbucket]

Because dynamic range is the difference between EIN and input clipping level, maximum dynamic range into a recorder will be achieved when using minimal input gain, essentially line-in at "unity gain", although the concept of unity gain doesn't apply directly to a device where the output is a recorded file.  Unity gain means the level of the output signal is equal to the level of the input signal. 

The test above is the opposite of that.  Essentially indicating the worst possible dynamic range achievable through each recorder, very much dependent on how much gain is available.

[Rairun]

Because that dynamic range measurement is calculated at the maximum input gain setting of each recorder, it's entirely dependent on how much input gain the recorder provides.  The greater the gain, the lower the dynamic range will tend to be.  It would only be a relevant comparative measure if made at some equivalent input gain for all recorders.  As it is, it doesn't make sense as a basis of comparison.  See note 3-

"The dynamic range figure at the maximum available gain setting alone should not be interpreted as an indicator for the performance of a recorder because these numbers will of course depend on the individual maximum gain of the various recorders (a higher maximum gain tend to result in a lower dynamic range figure)."

And because the EIN is calculated at the highest gain setting as well, this chart isn't very useful for tapers who record louder shows (or use external preamps) either. Even recorders generally considered "bad" (like the Zoom H1) are sometimes better than "better" recorders (like the Roland R-05, which on that chart is ranked higher than the SONY PCM-M10, for example) at different settings. I recall the Zoom H1 has an EIN of -99dBu at unity gain, while the Roland R-05 sits at around -96dBu also at unity. The R-05 beats the H1 at the +3dB to +13B gain range, then the H1 beats the Roland at +13dB, and then the Roland beats the H1 for anything above +14dB. You wouldn't be able to tell any of this from this chart.

[carpa]

Thank you very much @Gutbucket for your explanation! Now I get it...in fact the Zoom H5 has a 55 db gain while F6 has 75. Don't know if it makes for a 20 bd greater dynamic range at te same - let's say - 55 dbs of gain, but anyway a significantly better value...

[Ozpeter]

To me, the "Essentials" model name conveys "basics" rather than "it's essential to own one."  Which of these Zoom wished to convey I don't know.

[detroit lightning]

Anyone give these a shot? I suppose I'm still curious...

[thebigredone]

Anyone give these a shot? I suppose I'm still curious...

H1E a couple of weeks ago at a small gig in Manchester. Using SP-BMC-12 > SP-SPSB-10.

Let it load for a few seconds before playing.

https://mega.nz/file/Ss0VkQob#U-uO05ZEyOXpS68TNCW7F9YNgCX0VRdPi9pH3s0GYBE

[fanofjam]

... Not a lot of reason to buy Sound Devices anymore for the hobbyist if these sound halfway decent.

Except for quality, workmanship, durability, materials of construction, design, customer support, country of origin, and knowing it will still be functioning 20 years later.  Otherwise, agreed. 

[jj69]

I'm a bit late to the party on these new smaller 32bit recorders.  Just wondering if anyone has tried the H1 Essential at an amplified rock show and compared its quality to a Sony PCM-A10? 

I've always wanted a tiny 32 bit option, but I don't know if I can give up the Bluetooth remote, which I believe the Essential models do not offer? 

[jj69]

Does anyone know if there is a way to adjust the input level gain on the H1 Essential?  If not, how does it work?  Is it automatic level control? 

[Ozpeter]

It's a 32 bit float recorder so level setting is not necessary.  Record first, set level in DAW later or, if it has it, by using inbuilt normalise and export functions.

[Dan33185]

After using the Zoom H4E a few times, I am having mixed feelings. I enjoy the idea of hitting record and not having to worry about monitoring it (especially when recording from a SBD), so that's great. But, as others have stated, with Zoom products there seems to a higher than normal self noise (hissing in my case). I am unsure of what I will do with my H4E, the way I am thinking is if I use a 16/24 Bit recorder, I tend to set my levels in the middle so as to avoid clipping. But, that also introduces noise when adding gain in post, so I'm not sure there would be a difference. I have until the middle of Nov. to return it, so I'm going to try to do some comparing in exact same situations, so we'll see.

[unidentified]

After using the Zoom H4E a few times, I am having mixed feelings. I enjoy the idea of hitting record and not having to worry about monitoring it (especially when recording from a SBD), so that's great. But, as others have stated, with Zoom products there seems to a higher than normal self noise (hissing in my case). I am unsure of what I will do with my H4E, the way I am thinking is if I use a 16/24 Bit recorder, I tend to set my levels in the middle so as to avoid clipping. But, that also introduces noise when adding gain in post, so I'm not sure there would be a difference. I have until the middle of Nov. to return it, so I'm going to try to do some comparing in exact same situations, so we'll see.

Consider returning it and getting a Zoom F series device with floating 32 bit.  Apparently, Zoom's F series recorders have much quieter pre-amps than the H series products.  The pre-amps on my Zoom F3s are extremely quiet to say the least.

[Dan33185]

After using the Zoom H4E a few times, I am having mixed feelings. I enjoy the idea of hitting record and not having to worry about monitoring it (especially when recording from a SBD), so that's great. But, as others have stated, with Zoom products there seems to a higher than normal self noise (hissing in my case). I am unsure of what I will do with my H4E, the way I am thinking is if I use a 16/24 Bit recorder, I tend to set my levels in the middle so as to avoid clipping. But, that also introduces noise when adding gain in post, so I'm not sure there would be a difference. I have until the middle of Nov. to return it, so I'm going to try to do some comparing in exact same situations, so we'll see.

Consider returning it and getting a Zoom F series device with floating 32 bit.  Apparently, Zoom's F series recorders have much quieter pre-amps than the H series products.  The pre-amps on my Zoom F3s are extremely quiet to say the least.

I've seen that as well, which I may end up doing. I bought the H4E through Sweetwater and am paying monthly over 3 years (6 bucks a month or so), whereas the Zoom F3, I see one on Amazon that is used for 240, but I'd have to pay up front for that. So, I just to figure out if I can swing it. I also like the internal mics on the H4E that may be useful in the odd situation that may pop up.

EDIT- Looks like from this, the F3 also does not have a TRS/XLR combo, which is a drawback as well.

[unidentified]

After using the Zoom H4E a few times, I am having mixed feelings. I enjoy the idea of hitting record and not having to worry about monitoring it (especially when recording from a SBD), so that's great. But, as others have stated, with Zoom products there seems to a higher than normal self noise (hissing in my case). I am unsure of what I will do with my H4E, the way I am thinking is if I use a 16/24 Bit recorder, I tend to set my levels in the middle so as to avoid clipping. But, that also introduces noise when adding gain in post, so I'm not sure there would be a difference. I have until the middle of Nov. to return it, so I'm going to try to do some comparing in exact same situations, so we'll see.

Consider returning it and getting a Zoom F series device with floating 32 bit.  Apparently, Zoom's F series recorders have much quieter pre-amps than the H series products.  The pre-amps on my Zoom F3s are extremely quiet to say the least.

I've seen that as well, which I may end up doing. I bought the H4E through Sweetwater and am paying monthly over 3 years (6 bucks a month or so), whereas the Zoom F3, I see one on Amazon that is used for 240, but I'd have to pay up front for that. So, I just to figure out if I can swing it. I also like the internal mics on the H4E that may be useful in the odd situation that may pop up.

EDIT- Looks like from this, the F3 also does not have a TRS/XLR combo, which is a drawback as well.

Friends tell me from experience that combined inputs are more prone to failure.  Adapters are cheap and easy -- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D7CBLDQP/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A365FTAOJVAORC&psc=1

[TheJez]

EDIT- Looks like from this, the F3 also does not have a TRS/XLR combo, which is a drawback as well.

If that's a requirement for you, then the new Tascam FR-AV2 might be an option. Apparently a pre-amp as clean as the F3, but with the TRS/XLR combo (and 3.5mm input too). It is a bit more expensive than the F3, though...