The Zoom H5 Handy Recorder is a portable digital audio recorder used to capture high-quality sound for interviews, podcasts, filmmaking, field reporting, and music. It features a detachable stereo microphone capsule, two XLR/TRS combination inputs for external microphones, and the ability to record up to four tracks simultaneously. Its compact design makes it useful for recording both indoors and on location.
To record, users can capture sound directly through the H5's built-in stereo microphone capsule or connect external microphones using XLR or ¼-inch cables. Recording levels are adjusted using physical gain controls, while the display provides access to recording settings and audio monitoring. Audio is saved to an SD or SDHC memory card and can be transferred to a computer for editing.
Compatible Equipment & Software
The Zoom H5 works with compatible XLR and ¼-inch microphones, headphones, SD/SDHC memory cards, and interchangeable Zoom microphone capsules. Its XLR inputs provide selectable phantom power for compatible condenser microphones. Recorded audio can be edited using applications such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, and GarageBand.
Before You Begin
Turn down recording and headphone levels before connecting equipment or beginning a recording. Start headphone monitoring at a low volume to protect your hearing. Keep liquids away from the recorder and avoid pulling on connected cables.
Securely attach the microphone capsule and check that the memory card has sufficient storage and the batteries have adequate power. Always perform a short test recording to check microphone placement, input levels, and background noise before beginning an important session.
New to audio recording? Start with the stereo microphone capsule to practice adjusting input gain, monitoring sound levels, and recording to an SD card.
