If you are a video producer, musician, or journalist, you've probably heard about or used a Zoom portable audio recorder before. Zoom recorders can be used for a variety of applications, from recording lectures to producing audio for commercial video. However, not all Zoom recorders are created equal! Here is our comparison of the Zoom H1, H2n, H4nSP, H5, and H6 recorders to help you decide which is best for your needs.

The Zoom H1 recorder is the smallest of the bunch, a lightweight and super-portable recorder that is small enough to fit in your pocket, but powerful enough to record up to 24-bit broadcast-quality .WAV files with the built in XY Stereo microphone. With the H1 you can easily record song ideas, lectures, meetings, live performances and more!

Pair the H1 with a lav microphone that has a 1/8-Inch output and you're set to record interviews. You can even connect the H1 to your computer with the included USB cable to use it to record audio straight into your computer.

The H1 records onto microSD cards and comes with a 2GB card. This portable Zoom recorder does not have XLR inputs or supply phantom power, so if you would like to be able to use condenser microphones for your recording you may want to consider a Zoom H4nSP, H5 or H6.

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The H1 records onto microSD cards and comes with a 2GB card. This portable Zoom recorder does not have XLR inputs or supply phantom power, so if you would like to be able to use condenser microphones for your recording you may want to consider a Zoom H4nSP, H5 or H6.

Zoom H2n

The Zoom H2n recorder is a step up from the H1, featuring the option to switch between five built-in mic capsules for different recording scenarios, a large, clear LCD screen, fast startup time and great battery life (up to 20 hours with just two AA batteries!) These features make the H2n even more flexible and convenient to use for field recording, conducting interviews and more.

The H2n recorder gives you four recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90 degree X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel. Combining the mid-side and stereo mics gives you the ability to mix surround sound recordings, so if you're looking for more post-production capabilities in a super-portable package then the H2n may be the recorder for you!

This portable recorder uses SD/SDHC cards, records 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV format or 128kbps MP3 format, and comes with a 2GB SD card to get you started. Use the H2n's High-Speed USB 2.0 interface to transfer files to your computer where you can play back, edit or master your recordings using the includedWaveLab LE 7 software.

Like the H1, the H2n does not feature XLR inputs and phantom power so cannot be used with condenser microphones unless you purchase a special adapter or components.

High-end sound cards provide as high as 24-bit or even 32-bit audio with a sampling rate as high as 192-kHz or 384-kHz in the latest sound cards. These specifications roughly define the audio quality of the sound card, although there are other factors included such as gold-plated connectors, Electromagnetic-Interference shielding, etc. Hagibis USB External Sound Card Adapter Alloy 2 in 1 USB to 3.5mm AUX TRRS Headphone and Microphone Jack Audio Adapter Mic Stereo Sound Card for Windows, Mac, PC, Laptops, Desktops, PS4, PS5 (Grey) 4.4 out of 5 stars 664.

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Zoom H4nSP (formerly known as Zoom H4n)

The Zoom H4nSP recorder is a top pick for video producers and journalists worldwide due to its portability and powerful recording capabilities. This versatile yet still affordable multi-track recorder is our personal favorite (we use it for our demo videos!) and is recommended for DSLR filmmakers and those looking to produce high-quality live concert recordings.

Aside from it's built-in stereo microphones, the H4n features two XLR inputs (with the option to use phantom power) that can be used separately or combined with the stereo mics for 4-channel recording. The inputs allows you to use the H4n with virtually any external professional boom mic or studio condenser microphone out there, making it a popular choice for use in music production, interviews and even narrative films.

You can also use the headphone jack as a line-out to record your audio directly to your camera's SD card if you desire. If you want to have the option to use external mics (or a combination of both!) the H4nSP may be what you're looking for. However, the H5 and H6 models may be of interest for those with advanced audio experience who are looking for an easy way to record the best-quality audio in a variety of situations. Read on to find out more!

**Note: Zoom used to sell the H4n with an included microphone clip and AC adapter power supply - their new H4nSP package does not include these accessories though they can be purchased separately.**

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Zoom H5

The Zoom H5 recorder features two XLR inputs just like the H4n, with the added ability to switch out the mic capsules at the top according to your needs. This is a nice option for situations where the built-in stereo XY mics might not be the best-suited for the situation. You can quickly and easily swap out these capsules like you would the lenses of a camera, rather than having to invest in additional microphones and lug around extra gear for shoots.

Each input on the H5 has its own dedicated gain control knob with a protective bar that prevents accidental movement during handling. By using the stereo line out (with dedicated volume control) along with the separate headphone out, you can easily route audio to your DSLR while monitoring over headphones - a feature that's not available with the H4nSP as mentioned earlier.

The H5 is a very powerful multi-track recorder which will surely bring your production abilities to the next level. However f you're looking for more than two XLR inputs for external mics, you may want to consider upgrading to Zoom's new flagship model, the legendary H6 recorder.

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Zoom H6

The Zoom H6 recorder takes portable recording to the next level with 4 XLR/TRS inputs, plus interchangeable mic capsules that let you optimize your recording setup for any situation. The Zoom H6 has the highest price of the recorders reviewed here, but it comes with advanced recording capabilities that put this professional recording interface a cut above the others.

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The H6 comes with two mic capsules (XY and Mid-Side) and you can also purchase the optional Zoom SGH-6 Shotgun or EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo capsules. All 6 inputs have dedicated gain input control knobs with -20dB pads to prevent unwanted distortion, and you can connect either external microphones or line-level devices to record up to 6 tracks at once!

Use the H6 as a multi-channel USB audio interface for your computer or iPad and you've got a portable recording studio at your fingertips! The H6 also features a large, full-color LCD screen (the other models reviewed here have one-color displays). It records 44.1kHz/16-bit WAV or 128kbps MP3 files onto SD cards and comes with a 2GB SD card, four AA batteries, Cubase LE software, a foam windscreen and a carrying case.

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Hopefully this review will help you choose the perfect Zoom portable recorder for your needs. If you're looking to save big on essential accessories like memory cards and headphones, be sure to check out our hand-picked Zoom recorder bundles!

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The Zoom L-12 is a multichannel mixer, audio interface and recorder. And it can do all of this at the same time!

The build quality is well made despite being all plastic. The knobs, buttons, and fader feel solid enough to last. See below for a list of all the gear I used to make this video.

The number one feature of the L-12 that impresses me most is its ability to both record to the SD card (multi-channel) while also being an audio interface, sending multi-channel audio to your computer at the very same time. Most mixers with built in recorders or even recorders that are also interfaces, make you choose which function you want to use, not allowing you to do both at the same time.

Currently, the only other device I have used that allows this ability is the MixPre series from Sound Devices. For the price point of this mixer, this is a huge advantage and for me it’s the biggest selling point.

On the back of the L-12 you have an on/off switch which is not a trivial addition. Other mixers I’ve reviewed do not include a switch and must be unplugged in order to power off. And when you turn off the Zoom L-12, your settings are written to the SD card so that next time you turn it back on, you begin where you left off.

Other options include a USB thumb drive for loading and off-loading settings. You also have a switch that makes the L-12 compatible with iOS devices. I didn’t get to test this out but that’s a nice feature to have. The Zoom connects to a computer via bidirectional USB2.0 which is fast enough to send 14 separate audio channels as well as bring back 4 channels of audio from the computer. The device records to SD cards both SDHC and SDXC with a built in tester to let you know if your SD card will work with the L-12. There’s also a control input that allows for the connection of devices such as a foot pedal but this is something more for musicians than podcasters. And finally you get a a Kensington Security Slot for connecting a lock so that you can walk away from your device if using it in public.

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You get eight combo (XLR/Line-in) inputs which provide you with the ability to connect up to eight microphones, each with its own preamp with 60db of gain. Channels one and two have Hi-Z power while three through eight provide a pad (-20db) for line in inputs. All channels provide 48 volts of phantom power for condenser microphones. And the preamps themselves are nice. I can easily power a dynamic mic like the Sennhieser e835 (as heard in the video), using ~75% of the gain. After this point, it sounds like the preamps might introduce a little bit of noise but overall they are clean.

Below the gain/trim knob, each microphone channel includes one-knob compression. This does a really nice job of preventing clipping while also helping to maintain a consistent audio level. Important to note that as you raise the compression you’ll also raise the gain because the compressor includes make-up gain. So as you increase the amount of compression, I found that about more than half way was a nice balance for preventing peaking, you’ll want to decrease your gain in order to maintain the same level and gain staging as when you are not using any compression.

When gain staging my microphone, I was satisfied with my peaks bouncing up to -20 to -18db. This produced a clean signal with plenty of headroom and I was able to raise this to loudness standards in post without introducing any unwanted noise.

With this digital mixer, your channel stops actually represent six different custom setups. In addition to the master mix, you get five custom setups which allow you to create five different “scenes” that can all be routed to their own output. For podcasters this means that you can create up to five different mix-minus setups! The setup is a little different than using aux-sends on an analog mixer but the result is the same. See the video for how to achieve a mix-minus setup on the L-12 or refer to my complete guide for setting up a mix-minus on any mixer with an aux/fx send. Each of these channels also includes the ability to setup a custom EQ.

The five separate headphone outputs also replace another piece of gear that podcasters with multiple people in studio often use, a headphone amplifier. Each of the five headphone outputs on the L-12 has it’s own gain knob so each person connected to one of the five outputs can control the level of audio going to their own headphones. The headphone preamps are also clean (without added noise) unlike the Zoom F8 that I have which has one headphone output and creates noise when turned up higher than 75%. I was happy to hear that the L-12 headphone preamps were clean and allowed me hear exactly the audio that was going into the mixer.

Each channel also includes a mute button. However, this does not work the way I’d want it to. The mute only follows through to the master mix. So when you press mute on any channel, the individual tracks being recorded to the SD card as well as the audio going out of the USB is not affected by the mute. Because of this the mute has little value, at least to me.

Channels 9/10 can be used as a USB return. The L-12 will bring audio back from your computer with it’s own fader control or this channel along with 11/12 can be used as a line-in, stereo input. As of this review, channel 11/12 can also be set to return audio via USB but in my tests this did not work on a Mac. Hopefully this and the mute buttons will be updated in future firmware updates. It would also be nice if I could see the audio levels on the LCD display for each track that is being recorded to the SD card.

The control knob in the recorder section allows you to press it in and create a marker in your audio, unfortunately it doesn’t seem to translate to your recorded files or in your recording software. The markers are stored in a project file on the SD card and you can move between each marker inside the interface of the recorder only.

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As with any multichannel interface, when using with Skype, only channel one will be able to interface with Skype. In order to get around this and have Skype receive all channels from the mixer, you must setup an additional piece of software such as Audio Hijack so that you can pass the audio through an intermediate stage that will gather all channels into a single output for Skype.

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If you’re looking for a multichannel audio interface, the Zoom L-12 is a device I would seriously consider. The addition of a recorder built-in really makes this device worth the price. The recorder provides you with the ability to record a backup which for me is critical in any recording setup. Other mixers that provide you with this many aux sends (most only go up to 4) cost just as much as the L-12 and don’t provide as much functionality.

Gear used to make this video*:

• Zoom L-12 http://podhelp.me/zoomL12BH
• Sony a6500: http://podhelp.me/a6500BodyBH
• Sony 28mm F2 lens http://bit.ly/sonyfe28f2BH
• Tokina 11-16mm lens http://podhelp.me/tokina11-16CanonAPSCBH
• SD Card http://podhelp.me/trans32gbC10Ultim60…
• Aspen Mics Stereo Lav mic kit http://amzn.to/2j66TDL
• Sennheiser e835 microphone http://podhelp.me/SennE825BH

PICTURE PROFILE: PP7: S-Log2

EDITED AND GRADED: Adobe Premiere Pro CC using Lumetri Color Presets (tweaked to my liking).

*all links should be considered affiliate links. I encourage you to shop around for the best prices at the time you are viewing this. You can read my ethics statement via https://thepodcastersstudio.com/ethics. Thanks!