Zoom today unveiled the new H8, in their words “the most adaptable handy recorder ever made”. Let’s see what else they have to say about this Star Wars-style mobile powerhouse (and yes, this is already on our “must-check” list!)…
The H8’s ingenious color touchscreen interface presents a radical, yet intuitive “3-way” app workflow navigation like on your smartphone. So, whether you’re recording music, sound effects in the field, or professional podcasts, the H8 adapts instantly to the feature set required for the job.
Under its hood the H8 features all of Zoom’s industry-leading audio fidelity, legendary transparent preamps, and overall dependable performance. With four XLR and two XLR/TRS combo jacks and 4 capsule inputs, the H8 can record up to 12 tracks simultaneously, and you can quickly and easily adjust input type, lo-cut, EQ, compression, limiter, noise gate, and more. For podcasters, the H8 features four Sound Pads to activate sound effects such as laughter and applause. You can choose from 13 prerecorded sounds or download your own sound effects from your SD-card. The H8’s updated Capsule System 2.0* provides even more flexibility with brand new, high-end, mic and input attachments, as well as offering flawless backwards compatibility with the H6’s capsules.(*Capsule System 2.0 available Q3.)
The Apps
The Podcast App
The PODCAST App makes high-production quality simple. With dedicated Sound Pads, use the touch screen to trigger sound effects, music beds and more. Choose from 13 high quality sounds or load your own via an SD card.
(The Podcast App accommodates up to 4 mics and two Sound Pad channels.)
The Music App
The MUSIC App puts all the important controls at your fingertips: audio levels, faders, metering and more. With 10 inputs and 12 tracks, capturing a large group is easy. Mix, overdub, and enhance your recordings with EQ and compression. Connect to Zoom’s Guitar Lab via USB to access an endless assortment of amps and effects.
The Field App
The FIELD App is ideal for location sound, sound design, conferences, and more. It gives you instant access to large meters for every track, so you can make sure your recordings never clip. Adjust input type, lo-cut, compress, limiter, noise gate, and other key settings.
The Mic Capsule
The H8 comes with the Zoom XYH-6 microphone. This capsule provides two matched high-quality unidirectional mics, for capturing signal directly in front of the recorder. With the Zoom mic capsule system you can easily swap capsules to ensure you’re always using the right mic for the job.
The Capsule System
Zoom’s Capsule System 2.0 allows up to 4 channels of audio to be added to the H8’s capsule connection, creating new ways to expand your recording capabilities
• Combination XY / AB Mic
XAH-8
The XAH-8 capsule delivers pristine stereo recordings. Easily rotate the capsules from a tight XY pattern to a wide AB pattern to enhance the stereo image of your recordings.
• Ambisonic Mic
VRH-8
The VRH-8 is an Ambisonic mic capsule that utilizes four condenser microphones to deliver immersive 360 audio recordings. A built-in accelerometer helps ensure the capsule is always perfectly aligned, while the on-board Ambisonic decoder automatically handles the necessary conversions, saving you time in post-production.
• Expander Capsule
EXH-8
The EXH-8 capsule provides 4 additional XLR inputs, giving you a total of 10. Each additional input has a dedicated gain knob and pad switch. You can even use your favorite condenser microphones—just connect a power source to the EXH-8 capsule to supply phantom power.
Remote Control
You can monitor level meters and hit REC,PLAY, and STOP in each H8 application mode. Just insert the BTA-1 to your H8 and connect to your iOS device. (*BTA-1 sold separately.)
Inputs & Outputs
H8 offers 4 XLR inputs with dedicated pad switches and gain control. 2 additional XLR/TRS combo jacks with Hi-Z switches allow you to capture line level signals, microphones, or directly record electric guitars and basses.
Monitor tracks using the built-in 1/8” headphone output or connect directly to your camera using the dedicated stereo line output.
Multi-Channel Audio Interface
The H8 is a powerful USB audio interface. Connect via USB to your PC, Mac, iPad or tablet for up to 12 channels of simultaneous recording.
Recording Time & File Formats
Get more than 20 hours of recording time from just 4 AA batteries. Or record forever with the optional AD-17 adapter.
The H8 records BWF-compliant WAV and MP3 files in any of the following formats:
44.1 kHz / 16 bit 44.1 kHz / 24 bit 48 kHz / 16 bit
48 kHz / 24 bit 96 kHz / 16 bit 96 kHz / 24 bit
State-of-the-Art Editing
The Zoom H8 comes with a free download license for Cubase LE and Steinberg’s WaveLab Cast software. WaveLab Cast helps you to finalize your project with a wide range of comprehensive editing, mixing, and refinement tools.
• Podcasting
WaveLab Cast connects you directly with podcast directories, such as Spreaker or Podbean*.You can
upload episodes quickly, plus directly create and publish RSS feeds.
• Audio for Video
Import your video file and WaveLab Cast will automatically extract the audio. You can use the editing tools to lower
unwanted noise, change levels and remove loud sibilants. Metering options allow you to build new tracks, fade-in
your music, use EQ and compression. Re-attach the audio to the video file using WaveLab Cast’s export functions.
• Field Recording
WaveLab Cast supports up to 96 KHz audio quality and includes a high-end re-sampler. RestoreRig
removes noise and unwanted sounds. You can assemble new files using the snap functions and
crossfade options. Once you’re done, export your sound files in any popular audio format.
(For information on license activation and upgrades, visit our Steinberg Software support page.)
Price (MSRP)
520,84 Euro incl. 16% VAT/ £ 506,99 incl. 20%
US price not available yet, we’ll update the article as soon as the info becomes available.
Availability
August 2020
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