The Zoom H1n is ZOOM’s compact, palm-sized portable recorder engineered for solo musicians, podcasters, videographers, and sound designers who demand professional-quality audio without complexity. Its onboard stereo X/Y microphone captures phase-accurate, distortion-free sound at up to 96 kHz WAV quality, handling sources as loud as 120 dB — from whispered interviews to thunderous live performances.
Packed with workflow-enhancing tools including Auto-Record, Pre-Record, a built-in limiter, and up to 10 hours of battery life from just two AAA batteries, the H1n keeps you focused on the moment rather than the gear. Whether you clip on a lavalier via the 3.5mm plug-in power input, mount it to a camera hot shoe, or hold it in your hand, the H1n is the most versatile entry-level recorder ZOOM has ever built.
Key features
- True Stereo X/Y Onboard Mic: Dual capsules arranged at 90° deliver a tight, phase-accurate stereo image — perfect for music, ambience, speech, and live events up to 120 dB SPL.
- High-Resolution 96 kHz WAV Recording: Capture broadcast-grade audio on microSDHC cards up to 32GB, giving you hours of pristine, uncompressed recordings in the field.
- Auto-Record & Pre-Record Functions: Never miss the start of a take — Auto-Record triggers when a signal is detected, while Pre-Record buffers audio before you hit the button.
- 3.5mm Input with 2.5V Plug-In Power: Connect an external condenser lavalier, accept line-level from a mixer or wireless receiver, and power condenser mics — all from one versatile input.
- Built-In Limiter, Low-Cut Filter & Auto-Level: Three one-touch audio safeguards protect every recording from clipping, handling noise, and inconsistent input levels without slowing down your workflow.
- Up to 10-Hour Battery Life & Rugged Design: Two standard AAA batteries keep you recording all day, while the solid body and protective mic housing guard against accidental noise and physical damage on location.
Specifications
| Microphone Configuration | Onboard stereo X/Y 90° capsules |
|---|---|
| Maximum SPL | 120 dB |
| Recording Format / Sample Rate | WAV up to 96 kHz |
| Inputs | 3.5mm Mic/Line input with 2.5V plug-in power |
| Output | 3.5mm Line/Headphone output |
| Storage | microSDHC cards up to 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours (2× AAA batteries) |
| Audio Functions | Auto-Level, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter, Auto-Record, Pre-Record |
| Display | 1.25-inch monochrome backlit LCD |
| Special Features | Unlimited overdubbing, adjustable playback speed, integrated tone generator |
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect an external microphone to the Zoom H1n?
Yes. The H1n features a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input that supplies 2.5V plug-in power, making it compatible with external condenser microphones such as clip-on lavalier mics. It also accepts direct line-level connections from mixers or wireless receivers through the same input.
What is the highest audio quality the Zoom H1n can record?
The H1n records in WAV format at sample rates up to 96 kHz, delivering high-resolution, uncompressed audio. It stores recordings on microSDHC cards of up to 32GB capacity.
How does the H1n prevent accidental distortion during loud recordings?
The H1n includes a one-touch built-in limiter that automatically prevents distortion caused by sudden loud peaks or signal overloads. Its onboard stereo mic can also handle sound pressure levels up to 120 dB, and the Auto-Level function continuously adjusts the input gain to match the incoming signal.
