Zoom H5 4-channel Handy Recorder

The Zoom H5 4-Channel Handy Recorder front panel is ergonomically arranged with its most essential and commonly used controls—transport buttons for record, play/pause, stop, back, and forward operations, individual record-arm buttons that double as mute switches during playback, and large gain knobs. For added safety, a hold switch disables all front-panel buttons to prevent accidental operation during recording. Day or night, view vital information such as audio levels, recording time, battery status, and more on the large, monochrome backlit LCD.

Instant Access to Gain Adjustments

Each Zoom H5 4-Channel Handy Recorder input has its own dedicated gain control knob, located beneath a protective bar that prevents accidental movement during handling. There’s no track selection or button pressing required to optimize your recording levels; just turn the dials (clearly labeled from 0 to 10) anytime you need to adjust the gain. If your XLR-1/4″ input source is so loud that you need even less gain than the preamps provide at the “0” setting, use the menu system to activate the -20 dB pad (selectable per input).

Interchangeable Stereo Microphone Capsule

Leave your external mics at home and travel light. The Zoom H5 4-Channel Handy Recorder is outfitted with Zoom’s XYH-5 interchangeable stereo microphone that provides clear, phase-accurate capture in a classic 90° X/Y configuration for a tight stereo image. The matched unidirectional condensers are housed within a specially designed shock mount that employs rugged external mic wires and rubberized material to minimize vibration and handling noise. With nothing more than the H5, you’re set to record speech, practice sessions, concerts, or ambient and environmental sounds, even ear-rattling ones up to 140 dB!

2-Channel Microphone/Line Inputs

Equipped with two XLR-1/4″ combo inputs and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input, the Zoom H5 4-Channel Handy Recorder can accommodate condenser microphones, +4 dB balanced line-level sources, or signals from unbalanced instruments with active electronics. Turn on 12, 24, or 48 VDC phantom power to the XLR jacks, or 2.5V plug-in power to the mini jack. Whether you plan on recording studio condenser mics, a stereo feed from a mixer or wireless receiver, or a lavalier mic for an interview, the H5’s preamps (identical to those found in the H6) are ready to deliver low-noise (-120 dB EIN) performance.

If you happen to set up external microphones in a mid-side configuration, the integrated MS decoder allows adjustment to the perceived width of the stereo image, which is beneficial for sound design, broadcasting, or general stereo-to-mono compatibility.

Special Recording Functions

The Zoom H5 4-Channel Handy Recorder offers selectable recording functions designed to prevent you from accidentally missing the start of a performance. By keeping the previous two seconds of audio whenever you press the record button, the pre-record option ensures that you’ll never cut off the beginning of a great take. Auto-record can automatically start recording when a user-set sound level is detected, making it great for voice-activated recording.

A backup record enables the Zoom H5 4-Channel Handy Recorder to automatically record a duplicate set of stereo tracks with 12 dB less input gain. Even if your original track is distorted, chances are the backup version will be fine!

Supports External Remote Control

Use the RCH-5 remote (available separately) to control the transport and arm tracks, and adjust the volume at a distance while eliminating handling noise.

Includes Audio Software

The Zoom H5 4-Channel Handy Recorder comes with free download licenses for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software and WaveLab LE audio editing software, representing a complete audio production toolkit.