I know it's a minor thing but the new records DO look horrendous. I was so happy to get the H4n PRO and the black version later just looks impressive. To my regular clients that don't know any better it looks "Professional". These look super plasticky.

I think the new capsules may have been designed to deal with the extended SPL range of 32-bit recording.

Not supporting the old mic capsules pretty much has me out of the Zoom ecosystem. Tascam, Tentacle and Sound Devices now... couldn't be happier.

Loved your thoughts!

Wow…..an honest review. It’s so rare nowadays. Subscribed right away ❤

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Yay! Thank you!

I agree almost 100%.

I'm trying out the H4n pro. Would you recommend the h5 or H6? What's the difference, apart from more tracks? I basically only use a mixer to record my live set or jot down ideas.

@JamesThomas01

24 күн бұрын

Don't buy an H5. After a couple of years of use with it the finish will degrade and become sticky. The only fix is to strip it all off with Isopropyl.

I fully agree that the units are hard on the eyes and that the old capsules not working is total BS. But personally, I LOVE the 32 bit float. I fully understand that many situations don't require it all, but I love the peace-of-mind it brings for the situations I regularly find myself in as a video guy. The 32 bit file sizes don't bother me, compared to the video files, they're tiny. Great video!! Thanks for sharing your take!!

@RobertHamm

6 күн бұрын

Thanks for your comment. And that's exactly what my video is supposed to do, educate people so they know what they're getting. It sounds like you already knew what you were getting when you got it, so you got it knowing the workflow. And that's exactly how I think people should buy stuff. I hope more people find my video helpful in that sense. Aside from the looks, yes, I find 32-bit float very helpful as well. I just think Zoom was really overhyping what the product does. And, although you may use 32-bit float all the time with that recorder, I know I would like the option to switch down to 24 bit from time to time. Unfortunately, that option is not there. But for a hundred bucks, you really can't go wrong. Especially if you add a lavalier or an external mic to it. Golden..

@JustinVandergaast

6 күн бұрын

@@RobertHamm I still use the original H6 regularly and would 100% recommend it to those who it will work for, you are right on, especially at the price its currently going for, its incredible value!

I got a M2 for the distortion free guarantee, but I find the work time/conversion time is a hassle. So I use my R24 at 16 bit/48khz. instead. I run a stereo track from my bands mixer, a stereo track from the built in mics at the lowest gain (they are very sensitive), and have the option of adding a stereo track from either a H2N or the M2. Having the signals going to the R24 keeps them in line/phase , and I don't have to do time correction when mixing 😉

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Exactly. People think 32bit float is the best, but they don't realize how much work has to be done on the back end. Most people should just set the levels correctly in the first place and be done with it. Cheers.

A M H N , to every single word you have said in this video !!!! Especially about the scamming ZOOM is trying to pull with this new capsule/adapter and these new 32-bit FLOAT mics/capsules ...... Not to mention the LAME quality of the 32-bit preamps with the HUGE noise floor. I have truly suggested in the ZOOM's official faceook page (From Day No1 of the presentation of the essential series) that they should create an adapter for all of us "owners of the old/previous capsules" ....... Otherwise , this whole mentlity of ZOOM trying to sell the exact same mics again and again is way too unethical for my taste. I own ZOOM H8 and i have truly appreciated your suggestion about the ZOOM F1 , since i own about 4-5 of these extra MIC capsules. Not to mention the EXTRA 6meters Cord/Adapter/Capsule that i paid almost 100$. Thank you for your whole unbiased input as well as your video.

I will say again.Its a shame you cant pop the mics into a capsule to use them with other mixers and recorders. Would be cool to try them with my 1073 for example.

Has anyone used these as a usb interface with an instrument. I'm looking at this for a synthesizer (and to record samples) but I'm not surenif it would be better to get separate devices (with a slightly higher overall cost budget-wise)

As a DJ over 12 years, I always give my booth output to the videographers so they can capture the sound from a seperate set volume from what I'm playing out of my PA system. And of course more bass baby!!! Gotta feel the thump to get dancing. But of course it helps having nice Presonus constant curvature line array tops that have 8 separate 2" drivers and a 12" midrange woofer so I can actually turn the volume down quite a bit and the sound still carries really far. And can turn the subs up on my 18s more than the tops

Finally, someone speaking sense! I have a H1n which is used for sound design, ideas and even as a sound card. I thought long and hard about H4 essential but quality wise I wasn't happy. I was about to push the button on a Tascam X6 which would have been 330 euros. In the end, I settled for a used H5 for 110 euros and buying some external capsule mics - a set of Lewitt LCT040 for the same amount of money. The H5 has the gain controls right there - a big plus for me, I need that. While 32 bit flow maybe a game changer for some not for me. Btw the preamps are still same anyway but the capsule are not - mmh go figure! Thanks for the video.

Agree that legacy Zoom mics should have been compatible with the new Zoom mics and some of the new Zooms are getting uglier than necessary. I love my three Hs, H6 and F3 and just ordered the new 32bit H1 but wish I could use the old Zoom mics in 32bit float too. When Canon changed their lens mount and made them incompatible with their new cameras I switched to Sony. (BTW I needed to darken the monitor playback level to be very dark because your transitions are blindingly bright and aggressive compared to the rest of your movie)

Working live events, 32bit has been a god send in my opinion. With my Rode mic pro it made managing solo projects much easier not having to worry if something is peaking when a person yells at random. Not everyone is big on audio (which I think is necessary) but if I have my brother or GF assisting me I’m not worried about them not knowing how to read waves and set sound as well. Great video by the way

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

I don't have a problem with 32-bit float. It's very helpful. I just think there is a lot of hype around it. I don't know how you use 32-bit float for live events. live streaming for live events requires properly set levels for your audience to hear good audio. 32-bit float doesn't help there. Maybe you meant recording live bands. as in event production, then yes. Very helpful. For me, I would prefer to set my levels, have a faster post-production workflow, and have easier scratch audio handoff to a producer/event manager than working in 32-bit float and having to post-process everything after the fact. It's not harder, it just takes longer and has bigger files and additional workflow needs. But I will set a recorder in 32-bit float when I can't monitor it or the person using it doesn't know anything about audio. That's the safest bet.

great review !

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Thanks!

I think I came looking for a video that talked about a product and I got a video talking about it's Aesthetics. the only real valid point. is about the mic that you clip on but let's be honest all the mics you ask did you have to update those too are newer than 10 years if I'm not mistake.

I'm such a newbie... I picked up the H1 Essential because I'm wanting to record bird sounds but it doesn't sound any different than my camera audio. When I use the recorder the audio is really quiet. I want to put it directly in Capcut and sync it with my video, but it's too quiet to use, and if I bump up the volume in Capcut, I start to hear white noise. How do I make it sound better? Do I need to edit it in an audio program first? What step am I missing? Or, is the H1 essential just not a good unit for what I'm doing? I really appreciate any help.

@recoblade1465

21 күн бұрын

I don't think this is the right kind of video to be asking that kind of a question there are other people that have done review videos You may wish to ask or you can try contacting Sweetwater they're actually very helpful

@RobertHamm

18 күн бұрын

The Hype around Zoom's New Essential line of recorders is confusing a lot of people. So, I understand your disappointment with the results you are describing. Every point I made in this video properly discussed why the essential line of recorders doesn't solve a problem for most people. Please watch it again to get a grasp of what I'm talking about with specific attention payed to the 32bit float and workflow parts. Notice also that my statement about the microphone capsules remains true. Zoom didn't reinvent the recorder. If they had, you would have had a better experience. As to the recording. In order to get the good sound, you need to be close to the source. For birds, getting close is difficult unless you put the recorder on a mount where the birds will be, and then go away. If the birds show up naturally, then you might get a better recording. This is how most people do it, but you can also use parabolic microphones. So, remember to get as close to the source as possible with every recording you have, and isolate any handling noise that you may present when holding the device by using a amount of some sort. As far as the workflow, 32-bit flow recording requires post-processing for the file to be useful. What you're hearing from the direct output when you bring it into your computer, the low sound you reporting, is just a proxy file. It's not the real recording. It's more difficult than that, but for simplicity sake we'll call it a proxy. The proxy will always be low, too low in fact, because zoom corporation does not let you set your levels. So, you have to do it later. 32-bit float is helpful for recovering sounds that are too quiet, or sounds that are too loud. However, you now see the problem I was talking about with workflow. There's no reason to need to post-produced your audio of bird calls. There's no sound that will be too loud there, probably not even too low, if you set your levels right in the first place. This is how people have done it for decades. The standard audio engineering workflow for sound guy on set or someone creating sound effects would be to set the levels properly record in the proper format, usually 24-bit 48k for spoken dialogue, and 24-bit 96k for sound effects. Doing that would give you a usable file immediately after recording. And, I would leave some room for post-production if you wanted to. 32 bit float recording requires additional post-production. So instead of having a good file ready to go just as you described, you now have to go and boost everything in post-production. It adds a lot of extra work to a process that would be very simple up front. There's nothing wrong with working in all 32-bit float, especially if you like large file sized and additional work and post-production. For most people, 32-bit float is not helpful. In some instances, very loud or very quiet instances or situations where the soundscape may change abruptly, 32-bit float can be very helpful. But in all of my years of working in sound before 32-bit float was ever out, I never once lost a recording due to bad sound. I always had a backup track recording on my professional recorders, including Zoom recorders. So, that's the position that I come from. My concern with this video, and why some people seem to fanboy out for Zoom, is that they're making it sound like 32 bit float recording and the new essential line of recorders are more than what they are. In fact they're not. They're just updated recorders with not even really updated specs. I don't like them, not just because they're ugly, but because I don't find them any more useful than the older ones. Combine that with the fact that they went with the cash grab for the microphones, and I just think they really phoned this one in. Good luck.

@Mr.Pickles.Purrspective

18 күн бұрын

@@RobertHamm thank you so much for your input and thorough response. I've decided to return the H1 Essential.

@RobertHamm

18 күн бұрын

Hey, I'm making a video and replying directly to you. Thank you for the question. I believe it will help people. I call out "some people" whit short attention span, basically those that want a short answer. I'm trying to draw a line for viewers to realize that there is no one answer fits all answer. They need to actually understand the technology, and then they can make a choice that's the best answer for them at the time. I'm not talking about you, I'm talking in generality. Some people are too impatient to actually understand what it is they're doing. They're the ones that don't know what's going on. That's what I'm talking about. Again, thank you for your question and our dialogue.

I agree about new look and about old microphones. Zoom has to change "something" to make money. 32-bit float is handy as a reason to make changes = make money, but - as you said - it's not for everybody. I use 32-bit float a lot for field recordings, especially in industrial environment, I use Tascam X8 and Zoom F3, now I have new H1E for some simple situations. But - to be honest - I love my old H1n. For look, for fantasy-wave-mic-protection, for simplicity. I bought H1E, because H1n's level knob doesn't working :( - so, why not a new H1n? Yeah... 32-bit float, no knob and... USB-C, which is important today (and will be more in the future). But still, I agree with you, Robert!

I dunno I use xlr mics for the most part.

I intend to record a grand piano. Any tips are welcome ;-)

@jacksonharpemusic1866

Ай бұрын

If you're able, use X/Y mic set up pointed at the piano strings. Give yourself plenty of head room with volume.

Is 32bits a good choice for a band's rehearsal?

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

32 bit float is good for anything when you don't want to monitor and set your audio levels up front. The cost is having to edit it more in post. My advice would be to set your levels properly and record it good from the start. Smaller file, less time editing, easier to deliver and share that way. If you're worried about clipping, like the drums or something getting too loud, that could be fixed by setting your levels right in the first place. 32-bit float is an excellent tool in the toolbox, but I would not use it for a rehearsal. There's no real need to. You can just set your levels because there's no time constriction there's no real production that's happening you can just do it right in the first place. And it's not hard. People get so caught up over 32-bit float. I would use 32-bit float when recording a live band even after making properly. This is because... It's live! I can't stop the band and go fix a level on the drums if one of the mic is clipping. But, if I have a 32-bit float recording of the live performance, then I can tweak it later.

@user-bp9jo1iu2x

Ай бұрын

@@RobertHamm Thanks!

So glad you mentioned how ugly it is - do they have no pride?

which zoom in 2024 between h4 essential and h5?

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

H5

There's an opening for a third party manufacturer to make an adapter. Really no electronics involved, just wiring the contacts between one fitting and the other.

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Agreed as long as the connector isn't pattented.

i agree

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

thanks.

I’d say the reason the old mics don’t work is due to the gain knobs on each mic. That would be the “architecture” change Zoom mentions. The new recorders don’t have gain knobs. Your Sennheiser mic doesn’t have a gain knob. It’s a logical reason the old mics don’t work.

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

I think you have a really great idea there. I would disagree that the gain knobs would impact 32-bit float, because that's the point of "Float". Float records regardless of a gain setting. That's another story. So I don't think that would be the reason the old mics don't work. Zoom corporation doesn't want the old mics to work because it's the revenue stream. Microphones are like lenses for cameras - they last forever. You get a good lens, it'll transition countless bodies. You get a good microphone, you can use it for the lifetime of your career and even hand it down to your posterity. Recorders on the other hand, often are updated with technology. So, zoom corporation choosing to switch to 32-bit float AND implement a no gain setting workflow means that they created a new mount for the microphones so the consumer would have to buy it. They've got over a decade on these previous microphone capsules and they're looking to make more money. That's what they're doing. They could have just as usually used the same amount, or created an adapter for the previous mic capsules. There's no reason that the microphone capsule can't work with 32-bit float recording. Take Tascam for example, you still set your game on the microphone even when recording in 32-bit float. Why you might ask? Good question. It's because the 32-bit float architecture is really a proxy file, although I'm not sure proxy is the correct word for it but I don't know what the right word for it would be right now, and that proxy file is a gain setting. That game setting is what is read by any device capable of reading the 32-bit file as a starting point. That's where the original waveform will show up and programs that can't read 32-bit float. That way the audio can still do something for the user. It's not until you actually get into a program that can access the full 32-bit float file properly where you will actually see your true recording setting. Things programs like audacity, Adobe audition, you know the ones. So, it's kind of like auto gain while you're monitoring until you get to fully access the signal back at the office. 32-bit float is great. It provides a no compromise recording solution if you have to get it and you can't miss it. But it also has a lot of workflow things that come along with it. Which is all the more puzzling to me as to why Zoom would have done this with their new microphone capsules. They would have had much better success offering a product that used the legacy microphone capsules with new and improved features from the updated microphone capsules. They would have also built a lot of brand loyalty. But they didn't. And that's a choice made by a company, not an audio engineer. I can't see any audio engineer agreeing to making people spend more money when Zoom already had good microphone capsules. It's just about the dollars.

I 1000% agree when you say it's ugly, thank God I'm not the only one. Zoom needs to fire whoever designed their product since the G11 G6 lineup released. Everything after G11 is just designed as absolute monstrosity. The G11, G6, B6, G2Four series, the new Multistomp+ series, and now the new H series all have those diagonal lines whatever design, and fake carbon texture which makes it looks cheap 😂 and don't get me started on those ugly LCD you get on the new Multistomp+. I absolutely love the software and specs behind all of Zoom's product, but lately the design is such a bummer to be even considered professional gear.

Totally agree, new ones look ugly not professional. I'm considering purchasing all mic mods + F1. 32 bit it's a marketing strategy for people who don't know about leveling, in fact Sonic Scoop, grammy winning engineer talks about why 24 bit is too much even for nowadays purposes, at the end of the day most people works in a true 12 bit dynamic range!!

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Yeah, and thanks for your comment. That bitrate discussion was mostly to point out that people have two options: get the earlier 24bit recorders and capsules at a great discount right now, or pay more and get 32bit. 32-bit recording has real benefits, but in a consumer world, it's mostly a buzzword. Did you know that the H1 essential won't even let you record and anything other than 32-bit? That's crazy. Let's say you needed to deliver a file quickly for some reason. Let's say you were on a job and you had to give the producer your recordings so they could listen to them. You wouldn't give him 32-bit recordings! The likelihood is they wouldn't be able to preview them. 32-bit recordings won't play and your phone's music app, you need some form of editing tool to play back 32-bit recordings. So the fact that the H1 essential won't even give you a 24-bit option is ridiculous. It's unfortunate that people just don't pay attention to what's actually being said, or promoted. They have so much loyalty to a brand that does not care about them that they just completely ignore basic facts. But I could say that about all walks of life. Cheers.

The new capsule for the zoom H6 essential means that the company want to kill all the old accessory to push customers for a New market of 32 bit float . A still use my F1 with many capsules and it's a great recoder for 24 bits - 96 khz. I also notice that the new zoom essentials séries looks like a plastic toys with an outdated screen !! Compared to the tascam x6/x8 screen !!

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

I completely agree. Thanks for your comment.

@zfyhwcm

25 күн бұрын

Hi, I am not an audio person and wanted a budget recorder + mic for filmmaking purposes (SFX + voiceover/dialogue). Initially I was looking at the H1n and then got pulled into the Essential series 32 bit float hype. I finally found the F1-SP (shotgun mic version) interesting and was also looking at getting an additional XY mic capsule. I would like to hear both of your recommendations for my options- - F1 + SGH-6 (mono shotgun mic) + X/Y capsule - so I could interchangeably use the mic capsules according to my needs. - H4n Pro (do it all recorder + mic) is the audio quality and noise levels better than the H1n, only then would it make sense as I do not intend to use external mics through the XLR inputs. - H1n (do it all recorder + mic) Many Thanks!

I think everyone needs to use 32-bit themselves to realise that it's over-rated and not needed 95% of the time. Also the huge file size is annoying. Unfortunately Zoom has used the 32-bit gimmick to release a new line-up with the same noisy af pre-amps from 2014 (EIN -120 dBu).

@RobertHamm

27 күн бұрын

Thanks for your comment. That's my whole point. People won't understand until they start working with it. If they have never worked with audio before, then this first introduction will set them up for bigger file sizes and longer workflows. 32bit float has it's good uses, but it's not the default standard. Cheers.

They look absolutely fugly. I didn't get the impression they are discontinuing the other ranges though.

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment. I made that statement based on the fact that the older versions are heavily discounted right now. For example, click one of the Amazon links. As of the video, all units were on some sort of sale. I mentioned the H6, but the H1n was on sale for $69! That's cheap. That's a tacticany brands use to get rid of stock before discontinuing a product.

Robert, might they be going more high end on the mic caps ? Use your old mic on the xlr's. 24 bit sound isn't dead, so use what you have and enjoy it ! Mic modeling is changing the industry right now. Old equipment people are not doing well. Their hardware is being replaced. Buy one mic and have 8 models and sounds to pick from. Look for the best sound and be happy when you get it !

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Hello. And thank you for your comment. Yes, I agree. They might actually be updating the microphone capsules that they produce. I have no problem with that. My point was that the reason the old microphone capsules are not compatible with the new recorders is a bunch of garbage. The idea that 32-bit float recording requires a better microphone is silly. It makes no sense. Microphones are pieces of equipment that stand the test of time. They don't need to be updated because you're because a recording technology improves. No one updated the sure SM-57 when we stop recording on quarter inch tracks, reel to reel, cassette tapes, or to CD and other digital technologies. That makes no sense. That was my point.

@lamasteve6905

Ай бұрын

Are you on Zoom's engineering team. XLR's are good but different. Might there be a reason ?

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Seriously? Do you know anything about microphones? Have you ever used one? Why do you think that microphone technology has not really changed over the past 100 years? You don't even know the difference between signal acquisition and signal conversion. The problem is not with the microphones for Zoom or anyone else. The problem is not with the recording format. That means Zoom has no reason to say that it's an issue with 32-bit float and there microphone capsules because if that was the case, then that would be true for any microphone plugged into 32-bit recorders, especially there's. And that's not the case. That's not true. You can plug whatever microphone you want into the Zoom recorder using 32-bit or 16-bit or 24-bit and it will work the way it's supposed to. It's a cash grab. Your analogy shows you know very little about microphones. This is the fact. Let me make it very easy for you to understand: do you need to get new tires on your car because you put a new engine in it? No. That's stupid. That's exactly what Zoom has done. Zoom has made a new sound processing engine, which isn't actually new, and Tascam was able to do it without requiring new microphones, sound devices was able to do it without requiring new microphones, but now you Believe the hype that since Zoom came up with a their version of 32-bit recording, you have to buy more expensive microphone capsules. Slow clap for you buddy. You're a winner.

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

XLRs are different? Are you stupid or something? No they aren't. They simply have a different connector. It's three wires for all mics, ground, hot, and shield. If you have a stereo mic, add another hot. If you don't want a balanced connection, get rid of the shield. There's nothing different about the microphones other than the connection they use to connect to the recording device. That connection could be anything you want it to be, spaghettiOs and beef noodles too! It does not matter. XLR, quarter inch, 1/8 inch, RCA.. you could basically use any of those.

@lamasteve6905

Ай бұрын

Robert, what about an adapter ? From mic's you have to stereo XLR's into the Zoom ? Them 32 bit might just work. They already have an extender for the mic adapter ! All The Best !@@RobertHamm

zoom scam

Greed.

Such a flawed opinion. You don’t know as much as you think.

@RobertHamm

Ай бұрын

Really? So, you think you can use the old mic capsules on the new recorders? You have to have 32bit float? Interesting. I don't think you watched the video. You're a bit of a dumbass.

@stingylizard

Ай бұрын

​@@RobertHammYou're both hilarious👍