Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

Introduction

The Zoom H1 Handy Recorder is a compact and portable digital audio recorder designed for high-quality stereo recording. It features Zoom's renowned recording technology and studio-quality X/Y microphones, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from musical performances and rehearsals to seminars, conferences, journalism, and capturing audio for video. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your H1 recorder.

Product Overview

The H1 Handy Recorder is designed for ease of use, with all essential functions accessible directly on the device without navigating complex menus. Its compact size allows for easy portability.

Figure 1: Front view of the Zoom H1 recorder, showing the X/Y microphones and display.

Figure 2: Side view of the Zoom H1, highlighting the transport controls, 1/8 inch external mic input, USB port, and power/hold switch.

Figure 3: Back view of the Zoom H1, showing the single AA battery compartment, tripod mount, low cut filter, auto level setting, and recording format switches.

Setup

1. Battery Installation: Open the battery compartment on the back of the unit. Insert one AA battery, ensuring correct polarity. The H1 can operate for approximately 10 hours on a single AA battery.
2. MicroSD Card Insertion: Locate the microSD card slot on the left side of the unit, behind a rubberized door. Insert the provided 2GB microSD card or a compatible microSDHC card (up to 32GB) until it clicks into place.
3. Power On: Slide the power switch located on the right side of the unit to the 'ON' position. The backlit display will illuminate.
4. Initial Settings:
   • Recording Format: Use the switch on the back to select your desired recording format (WAV or MP3). WAV offers higher quality (up to 24-bit/96 kHz) while MP3 provides longer recording times (48 to 320 kbps).
   • Low Cut Filter: Activate the low cut filter switch on the back to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise, such as wind or rumble.
   • Auto Level: Enable the auto level setting on the back for automatic adjustment of recording levels. For music recording, it is generally recommended to turn this off and adjust levels manually.
5. Hold Function: After configuring settings, slide the power switch to the 'HOLD' position to prevent accidental button presses during recording or transport.

Operation

Recording Audio

• Monitoring Levels: Before recording, observe the recording levels on the backlit display. Adjust the input level dial on the right side of the unit to ensure levels do not peak into the red, which indicates clipping and distortion.
• Starting Recording: Press the large red 'REC' button to begin recording. The REC/PEAK indicator light will illuminate.
• Stopping Recording: Press the 'STOP' button to end the recording. The file will be saved to the microSD card.
• Track Marker: During recording, press the 'MARKER' button to add a marker to the audio file, making it easier to locate specific points during playback or editing.
• External Microphone Input: Connect an external microphone to the 1/8 inch external mic input on the right side for alternative recording options.

Playback

• Playing Files: Use the 'PLAY/PAUSE' button to start or pause playback. Use the 'FORWARD' and 'REWIND' buttons to navigate through files or fast-forward/rewind within a file.
• Volume Adjustment: Adjust the playback volume using the volume controls on the left side of the unit.
• Monitoring Playback: Listen to your recordings through the built-in reference speaker located on the bottom of the unit, or connect headphones to the 1/8 inch stereo line/headphone output on the left side for private monitoring.

Connecting to a Computer

• Connect the H1 to your computer using a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 cable. The device will appear as a removable storage device, allowing you to easily transfer audio files for editing, sharing, or backup.

Applications

The Zoom H1 is versatile and can be used in various scenarios:

• Musicians: Ideal for recording rehearsals, songwriting sessions, and live performances with crystal clear audio.
• Filmmakers: Excellent for capturing high-quality audio for video, especially with DSLR cameras, and can be easily mounted on a tripod or camera shoe.
• Journalists: Perfect for recording interviews and field audio, with Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) support for time and date stamping.
• Business Professionals: Useful for recording meetings, conferences, and seminars for content management and distribution.

Note: No official product videos from the seller were available for embedding in this manual.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the device.
• Battery Care: Remove the AA battery if the unit will not be used for an extended period to prevent battery leakage.
• Storage: Store the H1 in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• MicroSD Card: Periodically back up your recordings from the microSD card to a computer to prevent data loss. Format the card regularly within the device to maintain optimal performance.

Troubleshooting

For more detailed troubleshooting, please refer to the official user manual available for download from the Zoom website.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Please note that this product is a Japanese version and comes with No US Warranty. For support and further information, please refer to the official Zoom website or the comprehensive user manual (PDF) provided with the product or available for download.

Official User Manual (PDF): Download Here