Zoom has premiered the H5 Handy Recorder, the next edition in a lineup of several high-fidelity portable audio and video products. Similar to the H6 flagship that was announced last summer, the H5 employs a system of interchangeable input capsules, allowing the right microphone to be used for the right situation. In addition to being fully compatible with all Zoom input capsules, the H5 comes with a new X/Y stereo capsule, featuring extended signal capacity—up to 140 dB SPL—and shockmounted microphones for reduced handling noise.
The H5 allows four tracks of simultaneous recording directly to SD cards up to 32 gigabytes in a variety of MP3 and BWF-compliant WAV file formats, including 24-bit / 96k high-resolution audio. With the use of an optional adapter, it can be mounted directly to a DSLR or camcorder and requires just 2 AA alkaline batteries claims to power the unit for more than 15 hours. Dual XLR/TRS combo jacks enable the connection of external microphones or line-level devices. Each input has its own dedicated gain control and pad, as well as phantom power in three different voltages.
Features:
» System of interchangeable input capsules — Compatible with all Zoom input capsules
» Includes detachable X/Y capsule (XYH-5) with extended signal capacity and shockmounted mics for reduced handling noise
» Four-track simultaneous recording
» Large backlit LCD display
» Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32GB
» Up to 24-bit/96kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
» Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors each with selectable phantom power and -20dB pad
» Analog-style gain controls for each input
» Protective “roll-bar” type covers prevent accidental movement of gain controls
» Plug-in power (2.5 volts)
» Built-in effects, including low-cut filtering, compression and limiting
» Chromatic tuner and metronome
» Auto-record, Pre-record and Backup-record functions mean that you’ll never miss that perfect take
» MS decoding
» Multitrack to stereo internal mixdown
» Normalize, Divide and Trim editing
» Voice memo and up to 99 marks per recording
» A/B loop playback
» Variable playback speed and variable pitch without affecting playback speed
» Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad with loop back function
» Mountable directly to DSLR or camcorder with optional HS-01 Hot Shoe Mount adapter
» Uses two standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries
» Over 15 hours of claimed operation with alkaline batteries
Additional features include a stereo Line Out for connection to camcorders; a headphone jack and built-in speaker; onboard effects, metronome and chromatic tuner; adjustable playback speed and pitch correction; and Pre-record, Auto-record and Backup-record functions. A USB port enables data transfer to and from editing software and allows the H5 to serve as a multichannel audio interface for computers and iPads.
Zoom’s H5 will be available sometime in June for $269.
