Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Audio Recorder

The Zoom H5 is a portable handheld audio recorder designed for recording music, podcasts, interviews, sound effects, and audio for video. It combines a detachable stereo microphone capsule with two XLR/TRS combo inputs, giving creators a compact way to capture built-in and external sources. Recordings are made directly to SD or SDHC media for a self-contained workflow away from a computer.

This recorder suits videographers, podcasters, musicians, field recordists, and content creators who need flexible microphone connections in a battery-powered format. The included XYH-5 X/Y capsule captures stereo sound while Inputs 1 and 2 accept microphones, wireless receivers, mixers, and line-level equipment. Dedicated gain controls help make level adjustments quickly during a recording session.

The H5 supports WAV recording up to 24-bit/96 kHz in Stereo File mode, along with MP3 recording at 44.1 kHz. Its XYH-5 capsule is rated for sound-pressure levels up to 140 dB SPL, making it suitable for a wide range of quiet and loud sources when levels are set appropriately. Low-cut filtering, compression, and limiting provide practical tools for managing challenging recording conditions.

Zoom's interchangeable capsule system allows the microphone section to be changed without replacing the recorder. The included XYH-5 capsule uses directional microphones in an X/Y arrangement and incorporates shock mounting to help reduce vibration and handling noise. Backup Record can create a duplicate L/R recording at 12 dB lower gain when using supported WAV settings.

The H5 can also serve as a USB audio interface for computer-based recording and streaming workflows. It offers 4-in/2-out multitrack interface operation and 2-in/2-out stereo interface operation, with Loop Back functionality for compatible setups. Optional Zoom capsules and accessories provide a path to adapt the recorder for shotgun, mid-side, stereo shotgun, or additional XLR/TRS input applications.

Key Features

• Interchangeable Capsule System: Swap compatible Zoom input capsules to suit different recording tasks.
• Included XYH-5 Capsule: Captures directional X/Y stereo sound with shock-mounted microphones.
• Two Combo Inputs: Connect XLR microphones, 1/4-inch TRS sources, receivers, or mixers.
• Selectable Phantom Power: Supplies +12, +24, or +48 V independently to Inputs 1 and 2.
• Backup Record Function: Creates lower-level L/R safety tracks for supported WAV recordings.
• USB Audio Interface: Adds stereo or multitrack computer recording capability via USB.

Design & Installation

The H5 uses a compact handheld design with a rubberized housing and a detachable microphone capsule. Its backlit 128 x 64 LCD provides recording and menu information, while dedicated gain knobs are provided for the two XLR/TRS combo inputs. The XYH-5 capsule incorporates shock-mounted microphones to help minimize handling and vibration noise.

For portable recording, insert a supported SD or SDHC card, connect microphones or line-level devices as needed, set input gain, and monitor through the separate headphone output. The Line Out can feed a camera or other device while headphones are used for monitoring. Power the recorder with two AA batteries, USB bus power, or the optional Zoom AD-17 DC 5V power adapter.