Zoom H1 Review For YouTubers, Videographers in 2022

As the age old saying goes “Good things come in small packages”, well after this Zoom H1 Review, this couldn’t be more true, even in 2022.

One such product that falls into this category is the pocketable Zoom H1 Handy Recorder. In this article I will share my thoughts and opinions after using this product for the past 5 months. Hopefully this Zoom H1 review will give you what you need to make an informed choice for yourself. Lets get stuck in!

Zoom H1 Review for Videographers, YouTubers in 2022

What is the Zoom H1 Recorder?

In a nutshell the Zoom H1 is a digital audio recorder with a built in stereo microphone. It can record at several different qualities and records onto a micro SD card. It also has inputs for allowing it to record from external microphones.

The Zoom H1 is really small, smaller than most smartphones. It can fit in the shoe mount of a DSLR or mirrorless ILC, becoming a much higher quality sound source for the already high image quality. It can also be used to record anything you could pretty much think of from podcasts, music, presentations, YouTube videos and more.

Why I chose the Zoom H1 Recorder

I will proudly admit that I am a gear geek. I justify that aspect of my life, though, with making sure I’m not getting something new simply because it’s the newest thing or because it looks cool. What I base my decisions on is that a piece of gear should make my life easier as a creator while giving me better results.

So here are my top 5 reasons why I choose the Zoom H1 Recorder:

• Great for recording podcasts, presentations and music
• It can easily be adapted into a lavalier microphone setup 
• Doubles up as a great handheld microphone with a cheap windscreen
• Can be used with a boom pole and shock mount for video making
• It delivers superior sound quality when compared to inbuilt microphones on DSLR’s

Another thing I liked about the H1 was how easy it was to set up and use. Being small, it is also light weight which made it ideal for always having in my camera bag. I never have to think about packing it as it’s always in there ready to go.

What you get in the Package

When you order the Zoom H1 from an authorized dealer like Amazon or any number of audio, video, or music shops, you get all the basics needed to insure you are up and running mere minutes from opening the package.

Setting up the Zoom H1 Recorder out of the box.

Setting up the Zoom H1 was beyond easy in my experience. I inserted the battery and the microSD card, turned it on with the toggle switch on the lower side next to the Micro USB port and I was ready to record. From there I pressed the record button which started recording my first test. Simples!

There are also physical controls (as opposed to virtual) for adjusting the input levels from either the built in mic or the line in, and for creating mark points in the recording, as well as the basic playback controls. The LCD display is easy to see and figure out what it’s telling you.

The microSD card included can be replaced with a greater capacity card if you plan on recording longer sessions, the Zoom H1 Recorder supports up to 32GB microSD cards. Depending on the recording mode, that means over a day and half of continuous recording capability.

Using the Zoom H1 for different recording uses

Podcasts, YouTube videos and music recording: Being the size of a large Snickers bar, I could easily hold it in my hand and record a conversation or podcast. But I found it was best suited mounted on to a tripod, light stand, shoe mount or a boom pole. Joe Rogan and Dodie Clark use this recorder for the above purpose just to name a few.

Here is a cool video I came across that is an effective but affordable podcasting setup.

One thing I had to be aware of was being sure not to fidget too much because the mic sensitivity would pick up all my handling noises. Using the small tripod in the accessory kit was a great way to get around that issue. Just set it down somewhere near the action or conversation.

Outdoor recording: In outdoor recording sessions, the wind sock in the kit was also very handy. The one I use makes it look like you’re playing with a baby Wookie, but it cuts out that annoying “woosh” sound of windy days. Even indoors, strong air currents from fans or office ventilation systems can cause a small amount of wind noise, so the wind sock is useful there, too.

Lavalier recording: Another great feature of this recorder is that it can add in a external source via the mini plug input. That allows me to use a wireless or wired lavalier mic in situations where that is a necessary method. The input level is also adjustable. Setting this up was really straight forward and the H1 easily fits into a pocket for recording on the move.

Playback after recording is also simple. I plugged in my Audio Technica ATH-M50X which gave me the best results for what I would expect for playback on other devices. In addition, the line out allows for plugging in to any other amplification or recording unit.

Sound quality of the Zoom H1

I’ve alluded to it already, but the quality of the recording is absolutely superb. The Zoom H1 records Broadcast WAV (BWF) at 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit and also records MP3 from 48 to 320kbps. So, any user has the ability to maximize either recording time or recording quality.

What does that mean in the real world? Basically, I can record in high enough quality to process it into a commercially viable product. Or, I can record an entire product show and post it internally for a company.

Podcasters and YouTubers have many options for balancing recording time and quality. If I need a little more recording time, I can just knock down one level and still maintain a recording quality that is almost broadcast quality.

Battery Life Of the Zoom H1 Recorder

While doing my Zoom H1 review, the battery life was very good in my experience. For a product of this price I was expecting a lot less, but I was glad to be wrong. On a typical day I would get 10 hours or recording time which was more than enough to record a podcast or get a few takes when recording on my guitar.

If you pick the accessory pack when purchasing it, you will get an USB adapter which you can use to power the Zoom H1 via A/C.

Best accessories for the Zoom H1 Recorder

The accessory pack most often sold with the Zoom H1 is the APH-1 and includes these useful items:

• Foam Windscreen
• AC adapter (USB type) and USB cable
• Adjustable tripod stand
• Padded-shell case
• Mic clip adapter

The foam windscreen will reduce the occurrence of wind, breath sounds and popping noises in your recordings, as well as keep the H1’s X/Y mics clean. Get clearer audio for your field recordings, dialogue takes, podcasts, and more. I prefer the hairy looking wind screens, I think they work better, but this one was good for more situations.

Having the USB cable with A/C adapter also enables you to connect your H1 to any Mac or PC computer for file transfer, editing, or posting. I could also supply it with constant power if recording super long sessions.

As I mentioned above the Zoom H1 works really well when combined with a tripod. The tripod in the kit I got was pretty good, but more some extra control I would recommend getting a Joby GorillaPod or similar octopus style tripod.

Final thoughts

If this Zoom H1 review tells you anything at all, I hope it’s that this product can be used for a wide range of uses. Aesop was right, good things are available in small packages. The versatility of this recorder will likely open up new doors of thought for you concerning how to incorporate digital audio recording into your repertoire of amazing capabilities.

Whether a YouTuber, podcaster, teacher, musician, or corporate worker, this low cost, high quality Zoom H1 recorder is a power audio tool that I would highly recommend!

Hopefully this Zoom H1 Review gave you some knowledge!

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