Zoom H1n Review for Filmmakers - Impressive Sound Effects Recorder

I own the H1N, The Tascam DR5, the DR40, the DR680MK2 6 track, the Zoom Q2N and the Q8. The audio I see in most of the H1N must be pretty processed, as the best I can get it to sound is with not using the mics and just doing LIne inputs from external sources. The Tascam unit mics are better, but must not be handled or noise enters. I would prefer either the Tascam dr7 and the DR40 for this on camera work with their adjustable mics. I use all of my recorders as line in only with external mixers and nice pro grade mics and get great results. I have enjoyed my Q2N and 730P Q8. I will upgrade my Q8 to the 4K model soon. The view finder is a must.

Great review for this zoom h1n Curtis!!!
Is the zoom h1n good for birds sounds in the forrest and in the open field?

Hey! I’m hoping you’ll reply to my comment if you read this. I’m looking for a handy recorder to record lectures for my university classes. For a bit of context, the classes I’ll be taking are usually held in lecture halls that can seat 200-300, and classrooms that can seat anywhere between 50-100. The rooms vary in size but that’s generally how big they would be.

Do you have any input on whether this recorder will be a good fit for recording lectures? I’ve been on the fence about which recorder to get, I’m leaning more towards this device since I’ve heard such great things about it. My other choice is the Sony ICD-UX570 although I haven’t really looked too much into any Sony recorders (if you have any input on which Sony recorder you would recommend for lectures that would be great as well!)

Budget wise I can purchase the Zoom H1N for about $170 which I don’t really mind. My overall budget is around $200.


I’m really glad I found your video, it’s great and very helpful that you’ve included audio recorded through the device. Theres virtually no videos of people doing this with the recorders that they’re reviewing so it’s been hard for me to figure out what sounds good and what doesn’t.

any hints or tips, when using this item to record a full band inside my house so I can get a decent idea of how my band sounds ?

Great video and im a total noob when it comes to audio recording but how does this hold up vs recording with a premium phone? i mainly want to create new sounds for my Roland Sampler and was thinking about hitting various objects with sticks/pencils etc to create my own library of sounds. I can get this H1N for 56 euro's new and the pack with the case etc for 68 euro. What should i do and whats the next best option besides the H1N if you dont mind me asking?

With all those crappy microphones for video that are flooding the market these days, packed with features but crazy sibilant and with frequency responses that would look like the Rocky Mountains, something like the Zoom H1n is incredible value. Sounds way better than it should for the price. Thanks for the demonstration!

So, if I wanted to eliminate the 2 main disadvantages of not being able to record super loud sounds & having lots of handling noise, what sort of recorder should I get instead?

i hope so much that you will review the H essential's soon

Wow, amazing video and very detailed! I have this microphone and am still unsure how to best use it. What settings did you have on when recording this video? (bit, Hz, etc) and did you have to work on it after recording?

I returned a DR07X after having it twenty minutes due to interference issues. So I bought an H1N to replace it. I need a filming set up I can fit in a backpack and this seemed like a good fit.

is this good for lectures recording from a distance of 10-20 ft ?, kind of small classroom, so the professor doesn't use a mic, basically I'd be recording his natural voice directly.

It surprise me that still there isn’t a better device in the same range of price and size.

The new ones from Tascam and Zoom that have 32bits are still a lot bigger

Excellent job on this review from beginning to end in all aspects, from the inclusion of the initial text summary and complete detailed description of all functions, to the studio and location production values (nice studio lighting w/black background) as well as them being great live examples and samples of the H1n's abilities and output. I just scrolled through the comments and it looks like I'm not alone in my opinion, but this was the first review of yours that I've seen, so even though you don't need any more compliments I've already finished. Thanks for the info.

Great video, Curtis. Thanks. Looks like a useful tool for me.

excellent review as usual... thank you...

An amazing review once again. Thanks Curtis. A question to anyone that has it: Have you tried recording a loud gig/concert indoors? Will I have to go under 3, so will face the digital attenuation thing? Would the limiter help? (that was like 3 questions, I know) Thanks! ❤

youre my go to channel now. thanks for the content. i was hoping you'd talk about the PreAmp for Lav mics. fingers crossed hoping you'd find this comment and reply @curtisjudd

Quick question: Will I still get 24bit 48khz audio when I connect the Rode VideoMic Go ii to it? And should I just conenct it via 3.5mm jack or (rode videomic go ii's) usb c to the (zoom h1n's) micro usb ?

How did you manage to reduce the noise in the H1N? I am testing it with Limiter on and Lo Cut at 160. I noticed the noise in a quiet room. Your video doesn't seem to have a lot of hiss noise.

I just found a handy device made for the zoom h1n to avoid the thread from stripping. I think it was on dricksfilmproduction

Its like a little thing that screws in the back of the zoom with 3 point connection. Nothing worst Than having a stripped screw on the zoom

Great review thanks!

hi! can I record both with the xy mic and an external one at the same time?

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Hi, great review ! What budget lavalier microphone do you recommend for this recorder so that it is a reliable option ? Internet is full of conflicting tests and results. There is some incredible amount of noise in some tests even with microphones like Deity V.lav.
Maybe it's better to look at some ordinary trs-models, like Saramonic SR-M1 ? Or some other models like for wireless systems ? Maybe all the problems in these switches and phantom power ? So far, there is a feeling that something is wrong with the 3.5mm input of Zoom H1n.

Hello Curtis, who knows when ZOOM will update it with 32 bit float...

What alternative would you suggest to this that has a backup audio track? I’m looking for something portable that I can keep on me at all times. I have the h8 and Tascam dr-40x. I want to mainly use it for the times I need to shoot something from my phone where I don’t have the luxury of having the whole kit with me

Very informative, thanks!

i’m a content creator asmr specially for unpacking. I’ve only had $100 budget for microphone. Recently i considering between zoom h1n, deity v mic d4 and rode go videomic 2. Can you give me some mic recommendation for that range?

Hey Everyone!!!

Question.🚨🚨🚨🚨

Can you record the onboard microphones on the left channel and an aux input on the Right channel?

2 separate inputs with independent gain control.

Thanks in advance.

I own a the 1st series of this H1. 1 single constrain: if you leave the battery in it will consume it to 0 even in 1 day. Is that available to the new one too?

I have the H1. I like that it uses a AA battery. They are obtainable everywhere. But make sure one of your ass pockets is loaded with spares!
I was on a windy harbour recording gulls and a tiny fishing boat. I see why you have a foam screen under the hairy one.
The Zoom H1 is better than screwing around with a cassette recorder and a bagful of 'C' cells.

Thanks for the great review! By the way, I've question, If I already have Zoom H6, should I get Zoom H1n? I really interested in H1n because of the size and price :)

This is on sale for 80$ at the link in the description for anyone interested.

Does anyone know if this can be used as a PC sound card interface? I'm torn between this on CL or a Tascam DR22WL but insist whichever be able to interface as a sound card as well.

Really excellent, comprehensive, and extremely well made video. Thanks very much.

This was a great review and, as a novice, I learned a lot from it! I wonder if you have reviewed and could recommend any similar recorders that would be better for recording dialogue. Thanks

Thanks for a very detailed and useful video.

Awesome review!! I’ve been using Zoom forever, recorded numerous live performances with it, it was always with me, in my guitar case... Just got the upgraded version, it’s a must for serious musicians and filmmakers. Cheers

How do I transfer the better h1n audio to a video of our Band rehersal?

Zoom in company H is for handy what is the n for?

Your videos are get right to the point everyone. Amazing.

You said the Zoom H1n wasn't your favorite voice recording device. What is your favorite? I'm sure you have a video on it but couldn't find it. Thanks for your great reviews and tutorials.

Hi can you use this without a camera , just by itself to record Audio

thanks. I just have an option to buy and old h4n for 100$ or new h1n for 81$.
I am now confused.

I wish you spoke on the overdubbing

Why can't you put a Higher Then 32 MB Micro SD card in it?!

Thanks for the review!

As always, great review Curits. Thanks!

You just saved me 150€ with this review. An honest look at the product that made me complitely reassured that I can get this instead of investing in a much more expensive device, unitl I really feel I need to upgrade. Thanks!