Announced: Zoom H1 – the cheap starting model

31.08.2010

During the Frankfurt Music Fair, Zoom introduced its latest product, the Zoom H1. It's a clear-cut starting model and will be available for phenomenal 99 euros (inkl. VAT). Unfortunately, the first items are planned to be purchasable only from mid-September. (Information from manufacturer on 28/7/2010). But we could alreadly collect some pictures and frame data.

Addition from 10/08/10: First test report in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (German newspaper) – Conclusion further below

 

The Zoom H1 is called a pocket recorder and is supposed to be very compact (we have no specific dimensions information). The microphone capsules are put to a X/Y position, as you can see on the pictures. Recordings are saved to microSD/microSDHC cards. The recorder is operated by one AAA battery which shall allow a recording time of approx. 10 hours. After consulting the distributor, we can confirm that workmanship and haptics are really good (Quote: „The quality of workmanship is good, the prototype had very good haptics, not comparable to H2 or H4n, no rubberised body.“ [transl.])

Zoom says that the same recording technology has been used for the H1 as for the Zoom H4n. Therefore, also recordings with a dissolution of up to 24 bit/96 kHz are possible. External audio sources and microphones are adjustable, just as headphones and booster. A switchable low cut filter, an auto-adjustment of recording level and a time stamp feature, they are all integrated in the new device.

Included in delivery of the Zoom H1 are: a 2GB microSD card and an AAA battery. For additional 29.90 euros, an accessory kit will be available. This set includes a windscreen, a mic stand clip adapter, an adjustable desktop tripod, a soft case, an AC adapter (USB type) and a USB cable (see below)

 

The first optic impression of the H1 pleases us a lot. The price is surprisingly low. If the small Zoom H1 comes with the same recording technology and, consequently, the same recording quality as in the H4n, this new recorder could become a very good investment.

We will know more for sure after our first tests. As soon as a Zoom H1 is available, we will start the first test recordings and then report our impressions to you.

 

Here is a first product video:

Click here to get to the website of the manufacturer (Samson), giving more information in English: http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=2053&brandID=4

Probably available from mid-September. You can preorder this device online here. Those who preorder will receive a neoprene bag for free.

 

ZOOM H1 Review in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) on 10.8.10

Herr Tunze from the FAZ (German newspaper) belongs to those rare lucky devils which could hold a Zoom H1 pre-models in their hands (according to the manufacturer there are only 3 devices that were given to different press offices). In his article, he describes the Zoom H1 as followed. Quote [translated]: "With its plastic body the H1 appears rather simple, …, but what the little fellow must be able to do, he can do.“ Moreover it says: „The manufacturer hasn't promised too much, the little gadget offers astoundingly clear recordings with immense attention to detail, natural sound character, a nice, broad stereo panorama and very low hissing.“