Portable audio recorders | Handheld recorders

Notes: Zoom H1essential - 32-Bit Float Recording for All

The World's Easiest Recorder, Just Got Easier

With the push of a button the H1essential captures perfect audio for musicians, podcasters, filmmakers, and content creators. Simply hit record and discover the power of 32-bit float.

32-Bit Float Magic

With 32-bit float recording, you never have to adjust levels. The H1essential captures every nuance of your sound ensuring high-quality audio with every take

The First Handy Recorders with Accessibility

The Essential Series was designed with Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.

Loud and Clear

The onboard X/Y microphones capture clean audio up to 120 dB SPL, equivalent to the sound of a high-performance engine.

The Perfect Practice Companion for Musicians

Musicians can use the H1essential to record every rehearsal, a great way to improve your playing. Features like overdubbing and playback-speed-adjustment are great for writing and practicing.

Sound Makes the Scene

The H1essential is great for filmmakers. Record and send audio directly to your camera or use it to record sound effects to complete your scene.

For Storytellers

Podcasters can mount the H1essential on a tripod for sit down conversations or use 'mono mode' for on-the-go interviews.

Big Features, Small Package

The H1essential has advanced features such as overdubbing, pre-record, auto record, and playback speed adjustment.

Features

32-bit float recording: perfect audio with no need to set gain
120 dB SPL 90 degree XY Mics
Records up to 96kHZ sample rate
New OLED Display
Overdubbing, auto record, pre-record and timer functions
USB Microphone Function
Audio guidance function for the blind and visually impaired
10 hours of battery life on 2 AAA Batteries or USB-C Bus power

Specs

Inputs

Built-in mic: 90 degree XY stereo format
Directionality: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: -37 dB/1 Pa at 1 kHz
Maximum sound pressure input: 120 dB SPL

MIC/LINE IN jack

Connector: Stereo mini jack
Input impedance: 2 kO or more
Plug-in power: 2.5 V

Built-in mic
90 degree XY stereo format
Directionality: Unidirectional

Outputs

PHONE / LINE OUT jack
Connector: Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: 20 mW + 20 mW(into 32O load)
Output impedance: 10 O or less
Built-in speaker Type: 20 x 30mm oval dynamic speaker
Practical maximum output: 250mW

Recorder
Recording formats:
WAV
44.1/48/96 kHz, 32-bit Float
Stereo / Mono
BWF and iXML formats supported

Recording media
4-32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification
64GB-1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification

Display
OLED: 128 x 64

USB
Connector: USB Type-C (Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.)
USB Mic: USB 2.0 High Speed
48 kHz, 24-bit
File transfer: USB 2.0 High Speed

Power

2 AAA batteries Alkaline, Lithium, or Rechargeable NiMH
AC adapter: ZOOM AD-17: DC 5 V/1 A
USB bus power is supported.

Estimated continuous operation time using batteries

Alkaline batteries: About 10 hours
NiMH batteries (800 mAh): About 9 hours
Lithium batteries: About 18 hours
Stereo recording, 48kHz/32-bit float, no headphones, Power Save 1min
These values are approximate.
Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.
They will vary greatly according to use conditions.

Power consumption: 5 W maximum
Dimensions: 53.9 mm (W) × 136.6 mm (D) × 29.0 mm (H)
Weight (including batteries): 92 g
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms