ZOOM H5 Studio Handy Recorder

Inserting microSD cards

Supported recording media:

• micro SDHC memory cards
• micro SDXC memory cards

We recommend using microSD cards that have been confirmed to work with this product.
See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com/help/h5studio).

• Always turn the power off before inserting or removing a microSD card.
• To remove a microSD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out. Be careful not to let the microSD card fly out.

Turning the power on

Take the following precautions to prevent breakdown and leakage when using batteries.

• Do not use batteries if their covers are coming off or their exteriors are damaged.
• Do not mix batteries of different types or made by different manufacturers.
• Do not use new and old batteries together.
• Remove dead batteries as soon as possible. Remove batteries when not using them for a long time.

A dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17) or a commercially-available portable USB battery can also be used.

Making settings when first turned on

Accessibility setting

A function that enables setting audio guidance and beep sounds is included to assist users with vision impairments.
Adjust the volume by turning the (VOLUME dial) on the left side.

Language setting

Press  to return to the previous screen.

Date format setting

The year, month and day will be used in recording file names in the order set here.

Date and time settings

• Select a setting item and confirm.
• Change the value and confirm.
• After setting all the items, select “OK” to complete setting the date and time.

Battery type setting

Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown accurately.
We recommend running SD card tests on microSD cards after purchasing them new or using them with a different device.

A quick test can check the performance of a microSD card in a short time (about 30 seconds) regard-less of its capacity. A full test will check the entire microSD card, so the amount of time required depends on its capacity (about 1.5 hours for 64 GB).
After testing completes,  can be pressed to return quickly to the Home Screen from any other screen.

After settings are complete, the Home Screen will open.

Home Screen

Turn  to show the Menu Bar at the top of the screen.

Press and hold when the Home Screen is open to immediately turn on/off the guide sound.

Preparing to record

Connecting equipment

Enabling tracks for recording

The indicator will light red, showing it is ready to record.

Selecting the recording mode
Press    to select the recording mode.

• When 32bit Float is selected, audio files will not be clipped.
• When 16/24bit Fixed is selected, the data size of recorded files will be smaller, but recording levels must be adjusted to prevent clipping.

Making input settings

• Turn to show the menu bar and select
• Select for the  mic. Select or for INPUT 1 or 2.

The following procedure is for setting the low cut function.
Other settings can be made the same way ( →  “ ■ Input settings”).

 can be pressed to return quickly to the Home Screen (from most screens).

Input settings

Setting items	MIC	INPUT1/2	Explanation
Mic/Line		○	Set according to the connected device. Mic: Use when a microphone is connected Line: Use when connecting line-level equipment, including mixers and keyboards
+48V On/Off		○	Set this to On when condenser mics are connected.
Low Cut	○	○	This can reduce wind noise and vocal pops.
Advanced Limiter	○	○	By detecting the maximum level in advance, this limiter is optimized to prevent distortion.
Mono Mix	○		This mixes sound from an XY mic to mono.
Plugin Power	○		Set this to On when a mic that is compatible withplug-in power is connected to the MIC/LINE IN jack on the XY mic.
1&2 Link		○	When set to “Stereo”, a stereo file will be recorded withINPUT 1 as L and INPUT 2 as R.
1&2 Gain Knob Link		○	When On, the levels of INPUT 1 and 2 can be adjusted together using only the INPUT 1 GAIN knob.
LR Gain Knob Link	○		When Off, the XY mic L and R levels can be adjusted separately using the two left and right MIC GAIN knobs.

Do not supply phantom power to devices that are not compatible with it. Doing so could damage those devices.

Tips to improve recording sound quality
If the H5studio is placed directly on a table, reflected sound can interfere with recording and reduce clarity. We recommend using a tripod, for example, to distance it from the table. Placing something like a handkerchief can also be effective in reducing sound reflected from a table.

Adjusting the volume

• Adjusting levels will affect the monitored sound and the recording data.
• When 16/24bit Fixed is selected, adjust them so that the level meters are around –12 dB at maximum volume. Clipping indicators will light if recording levels reach 0 dB.
• Levels can be adjusted even when recording by using 

Adjusting the monitoring volume

Recording

• The indicator will light red when recording starts.
• This stops recording.

Slide  toward HOLD to prevent misoperation when recording.

Using the Recording Screen

MARK	This adds a marker for cueing during playback.
OUTPUT	This sets line output.
DISPLAY	Home Screen display can be set to “Level meters only”, “Wave- forms only” or “Level meters and waveforms”.
TRASH	This stops recording and movesthe file to the trash.
	This pauses and resumes recording.Markers are added when recording is resumed.

Playing recordings

This starts playback.

Using the Playback Screen

To use the mixer, turn the  dial during playback to select faders.

Mixer settings will be saved automatically in each playback file.
Press  to stop playback and return to the Home Screen.

Showing the 2D code for online help

Select Help from the SYSTEM menu to show a 2D code.
Use a smartphone to scan it and access detailed documents related to the product.

zoomcorp.com/help/h5studio

Functions of parts

Front

1.  XY mic capsule (XYH-5s)
   This stereo mic has two crossing directional mics. This mic can record three-dimensional sound with natural depth and width.
2. REC mode button/indicator
   Select 16/24bit Fixed or 32bit Float for recording files.
3. MIC GAIN knobs
   Use these to adjust the MIC input levels.
4. Display
   This shows various types of information.
5. INPUT 1/2 GAIN knobs
   Use these to adjust the input levels of INPUT 1 and 2.
6.  Track buttons and status indicators Press a track button, lighting its status indicator red, to enable that track for recording.
7. Other buttons

STOP button	This stops recording and playback.
PLAY/PAUSE button	This starts and pauses play-back of recorded files.
REC button and indicator	This starts recording. The indicator lights during recording. Press when recording to stop recording.
REW button	Press during playback or when paused to move to the previous file, the beginning of the file, or the previous marker. Press and hold to search backward.
FF button	Press during playback or when paused to move to the next file or the next marker. Press and hold to search forward.

Left side

1.  LINE OUT jack
   This outputs sound to a connected device.
2. Headphone jack
   This can output sound to headphones.
3. VOLUME dial
   Use this to adjust the volume output from the speaker and headphones.
4. POWER/HOLD switch
   Use this to turn the power on/off and to disable button operation.

Right side

1. microSD card slot
   Insert a microSD card here.
2. Selection dial
   Use this to select items.
3. ENTER button
   Press this to confirm items.
4. REMOTE connector
   The following functions become possible if a ZOOM BTA-1 or another dedicated adapter (sold separately) is connected here.
   • Wirelessly control the H5studio from an iPhone/iPad using the ZOOM Handy Control & Sync app.
   • Record timecode in H5studio files by connecting an UltraSync BLUE made by ATOMOS/Timecode Systems.
5. USB port (Type-C)
   Connect this to a computer, smartphone or tablet to use audio interface and file transfer functions.
   This supports operation on USB bus power.
   Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
6. MIC/LINE IN jack
   If an external mic or line device is con-nected here, it can be used to record instead of the XY mic. This can also pro-vide plug-in power to mics that require it.

Bottom end

1.  INPUT 1 and 2 jacks
   Connect mics and instruments to these. These support XLR and 1/4-inch phone (TRS) plugs.
2. Strap hole
   Use this to attach a strap.

Rear

1. Tripod socket
   Use this for mounting on a tripod.
2. Battery cover
   Open this when installing and removing AA batteries.
3. Speaker
   This outputs sound during file playback. If headphones are connected to the Headphone jack, sound will not be out-put from the speaker.

Other functions

USB functions

•  Audio interface
  Connected to a computer, smartphone or tablet, this can be used as a 2-in/2-out or 4-in/2-out audio interface.
  A driver must be installed to connect with Windows computers. The latest driver can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com/help/h5studio).
• File transfer
  By connecting with a computer, smartphone or tablet, files on the microSD card can be checked and moved.

Connecting a dedicated wireless adapter (BTA-1)

• ZOOM Handy Control & Sync app for iPhone/iPad
  The H5studio can be controlled wirelessly from an iPhone/iPad.

UltraSync BLUE
The UltraSync BLUE made by ATOMOS/Timecode Systems transmits timecode, which is received by both the H5studio and the video camera, resulting in timecode being recorded in the data for both the audio and the video.
The timecode is transmitted and received by Bluetooth.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Resolution
Sound is not output or the volume is very low	Confirm that a cable is connected properly to the headphone or line output. If sound is not output even when a cable is connected properly, wires in the cable might be broken. Replace the headphones or cable.
	Confirm that the headphone volume and line output level are not toolow.
	Confirm that the cables connecting the other device and the INPUT 1/2 jacks or MIC/LINE IN jack are connected properly. If sound is not output even when cables are connected properly, wires in the cables might be broken. Replace the cables.
	Enable the MIC or INPUT 1/2 tracks. Use the  to adjust the input volume. Check the mic/line settings.
	Check the mic orientation and the volume setting of the connected equipment.
	Supply phantom power to condenser mics.
	Supply plugin power to mics that use it.
	Check the mixer settings during playback. Sound will not be output if faders are lowered or tracks are muted.
Monitored sound is distorted	If monitoring at a high volume, use the     to lower the output volume.
	Use the   to adjust the input volume. Check the mic/line settings.
“MIC INPUT OVERLOAD!” or “INPUT 1 (2) OVERLOAD!” appears	The input sound is too loud. Increase the distance between the mic and the sound source or lower the volume of the connected device.
	Wind can also cause loud noises to be input. We recommend using the low cut setting to reduce noise if air is blown directly at the mic, for example, when recording outdoors or when the mic is near the mouth of a speaker. We also recommend putting on a windscreen (sold separately).
Recording is not possible	Enable the MIC or INPUT 1/2 tracks.
	Confirm that the microSD card has open space.
	Confirm that a microSD card is loaded properly in the card slot.

Problem	Resolution
The recorded sound breaks up	Use the card testing function on the unit and use a card that passes the test.See the Operation Manual for details.
	We recommend using microSD cards that have been confirmed towork with this product.See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com/help/h5studio).
Not recognized when connected to a computer by USB	Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.Charging cables cannot be used for data transmission.
Date and time become reset	If power is not supplied by an AC adapter or batteries for a long time, and the power supply for date and time retention becomes depleted, data stored in the unit will be reset.If the Set Date/Time Screen appears during startup, set them again.
Operation is not possible	Confirm that          is not set to HOLD.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
iPad and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc.
The iPhone trademark is used under license from Aiphone Co., Ltd. UltraSync BLUE is a trademark of ATOMOS/Timecode Systems Limited. The Bluetooth® word mark and logo are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and these marks are used under license by ZOOM CORPORATION. The microSDXC logo is a trademark of SD-3C LLC. USB Type-C is a trademark of the USB Implementers Forum.
Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners. Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works and broadcasts, without per-mission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohibited by law. ZOOM CORPORATION will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.
The illustrations and display screens in this document could differ from the actual product.

ZOOM CORPORATION
4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
zoomcorp.com

Quick Tour
Software and documents related to this product can be viewed on the following website.

zoomcorp.com/help/h5studio
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
© 2025 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
This manual might be needed in the future, so be sure to keep it somewhere that is easy to access. The contents of this manual and the specifications of the product could be changed without notice. Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

FAQ

• Q: How can I check the performance of a microSD card?
  A: You can perform a quick test (about 30 seconds) or a full test (about 1.5 hours for 64 GB) to check the performance of the microSD card. Visit the ZOOM website for detailed instructions.
• Q: What should I do if I encounter issues with battery usage?
  A: If you encounter issues with battery usage, ensure you are using compatible batteries and follow the recommended precautions.
  Do not mix different battery types or use new and old batteries together.

Documents / Resources

ZOOM H5 Studio Handy Recorder [pdf] User Guide H5, H5 Studio Handy Recorder, Studio Handy Recorder, Handy Recorder, Recorder

References

• User Manual