UPDATE: read our Zoom H1 review.
If you can spend something more (well, let’s say at least two-three times more) I’d still recommend checking products like the Zoom H4n or the Sony ones, but if you’re looking for an affordable new handy recorder to bring with you on holiday, or simply to start experimenting with field recordings, well the time is right.
So, what’s a [easyazon_link identifier=”B003QKBVYK” locale=”US” tag=”audionewsro03-20″]Zoom H1[/easyazon_link]? A few weeks ago we heard about the upcoming, the newest entry in the Zoom Handy recorder family. Still not in the stores, but should be a matter of days. Very nice design, interesting features (X/Y mic pattern, 2GB microSD card expandable to MicroSDHC 32GB, 24/96khz, support for video cameras and external tripods). Looking at the specs, the only thing that really puts me down is the normal alkaline battery.
It would have been much better to have a USB rechargeable battery, and a bigger default memory (I guess most users will have to buy a new card soon). It’s not clear whether the recording level is automatic or also manual on the H1 (no manual yet).
More info on the Zoom H1 here.
But it’s good to have options. So please welcome the ESI Rekord-M.
It’s already available, at least in Europe (you should find it at 99 pounds/119 euro, so I guess the US price will be less than 150$).
Very light, just 38 grams! No SD card here, but an internal 4gb memory (which means more than 6 hours of uncompressed audio, and days and days of mp3 audio, it should be enough for most needs).
Cardioid directional microphones, no 24bit recording (could be good to have it as an option, but it’s a compromise that can be accepted, given the price of the unit).
The recording level is automatic (unless using external microphones, in that case you can choose between automatic and manual settings).
The ESI Rekord-M gets charged via the integrated battery directly from your computer, exactly like your iPod does. Definitely something to consider when comparing prices.
There’s a pdf manual here.
More info on the ESI Rekord-M here.
Both units have an input for external microphones, and are compatible with OS X and Windows OS computers.
That said, the specs cannot say much about the most important thing: the sound. We hope to test them in the next weeks. Stay tuned…
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I mailed Zoom regarding the analog gain settings on the Zoom H1 and was told:
“The H1 has an analog gain similar to the H4n. “
I assume therefore it is a digitally-controlled analog gain (rather than a digital gain).
more affordable field recorder is getting more varied nowadays. Checkout another one, sanyo xacti ICR-XPS01MF.
Hi, thanks for the comparison. The H1 can record at manual level and is a lot cheaper, which is a deal breaker for me. It has the mics of the H2 wihtout the XLR connectors and as seen on some YT videos does an excellent job at recording acoustic guitar which I would use it for. So I prefer the H1.
well yes, as said both are excellent products, and the H1 is hard to
beat given its price, especially for sketches and field-recordings
that don’t require ultra-pro set ups
What’s wrong with alkalines? What are you going to do with your empty built-in rechargeable away from computer? Just get some NiMH AA cells and you can always swap it with a new one or buy some alkalines from a local store. Even more, all rechargeables eventually die and finding a new battery & changing it is not an easy nor cheap job!
Thanks for the quick review. Would you know which of the recorders are smaller? I am considering to get an external recorder for my wedding videos. The best option would be to get something small so that it can be put in the pocket.