Topic: Zoom H1 XLR 32bit Handy Recorder announced on Aug. 8 2024

[Niels]

[Aug. 8, 2024 - Heading updated with the now known name of the recorder]

It looks like Zoom will announce yet another 32bit portable recorder on August 8.

They are currently running a teaser on Instagram - which is my only Social Media source of information and hype, so it may well be plastered everywhere without me knowing.
Hope this link works: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-I-s7bozIB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Currently there is only a short teaser video clip with the date 08. 08. 24 and the text: Go-Anywhere, Record-Anything.

The video shows what looks like a small form factor recorder with a 32bit sticker and two locking XLR inputs. Screen dump below.

Anyone care to share speculations or maybe even knowledge of what to expect?

I am personally hoping for something with F3 preamps, XLR stereo input as well as 3.5mm stereo jack input (4ch total).

It is difficult for me to see where such a new device could fit into Zoom's current jungle of recorders?
On their homepage today I count 9 "Handy" recorders (H series). 5-6 "Field" recorders (F series). 3 "MicTrack" recorders (M series). 2 portable podcast recorder/mixers (P series).
All battery operated portable recording devices.
And they have many more recording capable units in their current catalogue.

[Sebastian]

This indeed looks like one of their "Handy" recorders. None of their current "H" line recorders can record to 32-bit float as far as I know (forgive me if I'm wrong, they have just too many different recorders to keep track of). So 32-bit might be the big selling point on this, maybe (hopefully!) paired with quieter amps. I guess it is targeted at musicians who want to record their performances without being able to monitor recording levels. Could be a nice "set and forget" device for them. For everybody else (including us tapers), there are probably better and/or smaller options.

[justme]

A quick image adjustment to reveal some details.

[SMsound]

Looks like a bigger uglier F3...   Doesn't appear to have builtin mics.

Now if they had a smaller version of the F3 (drop the metal cage we're all cutting off) or the ability to add an extra 2 channels as mentioned above, that would be interesting...

[tim in jersey]

I'm hoping it won't be horrendoursly ugly.

[Sebastian]

Now if they had a smaller version of the F3 (drop the metal cage we're all cutting off) or the ability to add an extra 2 channels as mentioned above, that would be interesting...

Exactly! Or replace the full-size XLRs with mini-XLRs!

[Ozpeter]

This indeed looks like one of their "Handy" recorders. None of their current "H" line recorders can record to 32-bit float as far as I know (forgive me if I'm wrong, they have just too many different recorders to keep track of)....

Zoom H1essential, H4essential, H6essential - all 32 bit float but reviewers have reservations about the analog side.

[Ozpeter]

XLR Inputs at the top looks ergonomically good to me.  Clear marking of inputs 1 & 2 implies that's all there is.  Maybe it's an XLR version of the H1 series.

[Chilly Brioschi]

I'm hoping it won't be horrendoursly ugly.

It seems to have a 32-Bit Float Inside! label on it, so I think the pooch has already been...

[justme]

XLR Inputs at the top looks ergonomically good to me.  Clear marking of inputs 1 & 2 implies that's all there is.  Maybe it's an XLR version of the H1 series.

Yes it looks like a H1 Essential but with XLR inputs.

Wonder if that’s why the R is visible in the naming scheme?
“Zoom H1XLR”?

[Niels]

Yes, a Handy recorder it is, apparently.

Not what I had hoped for given the alleged lower quality of the Pre-amp of the current Essentials 32bit models.

Anyway, tomorrow is not far away and the NDA’s of the internet reviewers will expire.

[justme]

It appears I guess right.
Googled my name guessing and got a hit.

https://x.com/tonphone/status/1812021596317745429

[SMsound]

I don't get it -- looks like a bigger clunkier F3 with noisier preamps?  It it designed to hit lower pricepoint or why would anyone want this?

[goodcooker]

^ because it has a cyber truck vibe to it?

[Niels]

...It it designed to hit lower pricepoint or why would anyone want this?

According to this person on youtube, who claims to be in-the-know, it will retail for less than $120.
https://youtu.be/JR1FhJ2wpy0?si=lNyTAL1Vrnv8nh1P