Zoom H1essential

32-bit recording for all

The World’s Easiest Recorder, Just Got Easier
With the push of a button the H1essential captures perfect audio for musicians, podcasters, filmmakers, and content creators. Simply hit record and discover the power of 32-bit float. 

32-Bit Float Magic
With 32-bit float recording, you never have to adjust levels. The H1essential captures every nuance of your sound ensuring high-quality audio with every take. 

The First Handy Recorders with Accessibility
The Essential Series was designed with Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.* 

Loud and Clear
The onboard X/Y microphones capture clean audio up to 120 dB SPL, equivalent to the sound of a high-performance engine. 

The Perfect Practice Companion for Musicians
Musicians can use the H1essential to record every rehearsal, a great way to improve your playing. Features like overdubbing and playback-speed-adjustment are great for writing and practicing. 

Sound Makes the Scene
The H1essential is great for filmmakers. Record and send audio directly to your camera or use it to record sound effects to complete your scene. 

For Storytellers
Podcasters can mount the H1essential on a tripod for sit down conversations or use ‘mono mode’ for on-the-go interviews. 

Big Features, Small Package
The H1essential has advanced features such as overdubbing, pre-record, auto record, and playback speed adjustment.  

BEST-IN-CLASS 

USB Microphone
When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C Port, the H1essential can be used as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card. 

Soft Touch Controls
Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation. 

Built-In Speaker
Use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. 

Camera Friendly
Use the 3.5mm output to connect to a camera or plug in headphones to monitor audio.  

Lavalier Ready
The 3.5 mm mic/line input can be used with lavalier microphones for dialogue capture. 

Vivid OLED Screen
The high-contrast OLED screen makes it easy to navigate through the H1essential’s simple interface.

Set Markers
The H1essential has a dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording. 

High Capacity Storage
The H1essential supports SDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.

Specs
INPUTS
Built-in mic
90º XY stereo format

Directionality
Unidirectional
 
Sensitivity
–37 dB/1 Pa at 1 kHz
 
Maximum sound pressure input
120 dB SPL
MIC/LINE IN jack
Connector
Stereo mini jack
 
Input impedance
2 kΩ or more
 
Plug-in power
2.5 V
 
Built-in mic
90º XY stereo format
 
Directionality
Unidirectional
OUTPUTS
PHONE / LINE OUT jack
Connector
Stereo mini jack
 
Maximum output level
20 W + 20 W(into 32Ω load)
 
Output impedance
10 Ω or less
Built-in speaker
Type
20 x 30mm oval dynamic speaker
 
Practical maximum output
250mW
 
RECORDER
Recording formats
WAV
 
44.1/48/96 kHz32-bit Float
 
Stereo / Mono
 
BWF and iXML formats supported
Recording media
4–32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification
 
64GB–1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification
 
DISPLAY
OLED
128 x 64
 
USB
Connector
USB Type-C
 
• Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
USB Mic
USB 2.0 High Speed
 
48 kHz, 24-bit
File transfer
USB 2.0 High Speed
 
POWER
2 AA batteries
Alkaline, Lithium, or Rechargeable NiMH
AC adapter
ZOOM AD-17: DC 5 V/1 A
 
• USB bus power is supported.
 
ESTIMATED CONTINUOUS OPERATION TIME USING BATTERIES
Alkaline batteries
About 10 hours
NiMH batteries (800 mAh)
About 9 hours
Lithium batteries
About 18 hours
 
Stereo recording, 48kHz/32-bit float, no headphones, Power Save 1min
These values are approximate.
Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.
They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
POWER CONSUMPTION
5 W maximum
DIMENSIONS
53.9 mm (W) × 136.6 mm (D) × 29.0 mm (H)
WEIGHT (INCLUDING BATTERIES)
92 g