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

[Dan33185]

I ended up going with the H4, seems to be a bit more to it than the H1XLR, and for 50 bucks more, why not?

[TheJez]

There is a quick start manual available:
https://zoomcorp.com/en/jp/handy-recorders/handheld-recorders/h1-xlr/H1XLR-support/

[rastasean]

Interesting product - yet another handy recorder from zoom. At least it's not very large, because it's not all that attractive and looks like plastic.
I do like the option to adjust levels with its mixer and that it has 3.5mm mic in.

Doesn't look like it can record any bit depth except 32 bit.

[Ozpeter]

The Zoom H1 XLR manual is now online and that confirms that it can create either 16 bit or 24 bit files from the 32 bit float originals, while normalising at the same time.  Or it can normalise while retaining 32 bit float.  The original files are retained of course.  So no, it does not record in non-32 bit float but it can provide other formats via internal processing - best of both worlds methinks.

[TheJez]

I'm really beginning to like this recorder as a potential replacement for my slowly breaking down Edirol R09-HR. I'd very much would have liked to have the input stage quality of the F3, but I really dislike the form factor of the F3 for my  purposes. This H1 XLR seems to server that purpose better.
I'm very much looking forward for it's release on October 1st and the hands-on reviews.

I was a bit surprised about the button layout on the front (see attachement), with the 'marker' and 'trashcan' buttons right next to each other! Not that I'm planning to put markers in while taping, but if one would want to, it seems like a risky operation.  . Bless the hold-switch!

[Ozpeter]

Heh!  I have been ploughing my way through the manual and I decided to hop back here to report on a very neat feature which is very relevant to the preceding post - namely that the trashcan icon means exactly that.  Files are not deleted when you use it but are moved to a trash folder.  So you can't accidentally delete a file.  That helps make the facility which it has to trash the file currently being recorded to be perfectly safe.  There is of course a facility to empty the trash can, but you wouldn't do that lightly. 

There is also a neat feature which disables the playback volume control, replacing it with a fixed output level which you can set using a tone yourself.  Dead handy when using other equipment off the line out socket.

[TheJez]

Files are not deleted when you use it but are moved to a trash folder.  So you can't accidentally delete a file.

That is true, so you won't lose your recording made so far. However, it does stop the recording too. So besides the 'normal' stop button, there is another button (right next to the 'marker' button) that also stops recording... I think I personally would have designed it differently, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. Fortunately the hold button's there to protect me...

[Ozpeter]

Call me crazy but I have ordered one from Amazon Japan.  Well, I guess I don't have to explain gear lust to you good people.  For me, it will be a final fling I think.  I hardly ever record anything these days!  And I am trying to downsize for total retirement.  So I will keep one recorder with built in mics, and this new one for XLR connectivity, and that will be that.

[rastasean]

No explanation or justification necessary, Ozpeter.

Is the order a preorder or should you be receiving it this month?

The price is appealing and its form factor looks better than the F3, but I never saw one of those in person.

I think it's probably best there are no internal mics, since it would 100% recording handling noises.

[Ozpeter]

It is due here on Thursday - we shall see... due to certain commitments it will take me a few days to upload a review to YouTube, but of course I will post first impressions here asap.

[TheJez]

Wow, I'm looking forward for your hands-on experiences! I am a bit surprised if it would arrive so soon, as the zoom webshop tells the devices will be available from October 1st... I really hope you'll receive it sooner, though!

[Ozpeter]

Some people in Japan are reviewing theirs on YouTube although I don't think they have actually used it meaningfully yet.  I think the release date given by Zoom relates to countries outside Japan.

[PineappleWhiteOwl]

Looking forward to your review OzPeter!

[Ozpeter]

Hmmm.  No charged yet, not sent yet, and listed as 'temporarily out of stock, place order and we will email you when stock arrives' or words to that effect.  Watch This Space...

[Ozpeter]

https://youtu.be/ZumIuht7GZ0?si=L8XcNa44egfEjaoX

Towards the end of this review there are some sound samples - which I have only listened to with the audio muted but the visuals look like the audio might be interesting.  (How can one listen to something with the audio muted? Well, it's complicated.... )