Portable Recorder

The Zoom H1 Essential is the new standard in portable recorders. Introduced during the 2024 NAMM Show, it offers exceptional audio quality, advanced features and an intuitive design, all in a portable and affordable form factor. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, filmmaker, or content creator, this is the recorder for you.

ARTICLE N° 92773
  • Zoom H1 Essential
  • Stand-alone digital recorder
  • Sampling: 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
  • Resolution: 32-bit floating point
  • Channels: 2 inputs / 2 outputs
  • Integrated microphones: 2
  • Directivity: Unidirectional
  • Configuration: XY torque 90°
  • Sensitivity: -37 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
  • Max pressure: 120 dB SPL
  • Recording media:
  • MicroSDHC (4 GB ➜ 32 GB)
  • MicroSDXC (64 GB ➜ 1 TB)
  • 0.96" (128x64) monochrome OLED screen
  • Connections:
  • Mic / Line In: Ø3.5 mm TRS mini jack
  • 2.5V power supply supported
  • Line Out/Phone outputs: Ø3.5 mm TRS mini jack
  • USB-C
  • Integrated speaker: 1 W
  • Power supply: 2x 1.5 V AAA batteries / Via USB Bus / DC 5 V/1 A adapter (ZOOM AD-17, sold separately)
  • Battery life: ≈ 10 hours
  • Dimensions: 137 × 54 × 29 mm
  • Weight: 92 g
The H1essential is equipped with 32-bit floating point technology, which captures sound with unparalleled precision and dynamics. This will allow you to record extremely high volume levels without fear of distortion or loss of information.

Zoom makes it the first portable recorder in the world to be designed with accessibility for blind and visually impaired people!
Navigation in the menu is facilitated by audio descriptions via the integrated speaker or headphones, in 6 different languages: English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.

The H1 Essential's built-in X/Y microphones capture clear, detailed audio in any situation. They are capable of handling sound pressure levels of up to 120 dB SPL, making them perfect for recording concerts, interviews or speeches.

Zoom has integrated many advanced features, such as overdub, loop recording, pre-recording and playback speed adjustment. It is also compatible with lavalier microphones.
Number of ways
 2
Compatibility
 Android, Windows, MacOS, Apple iOS
Audio format
 Wav, MP3
Memory type
 Micro SD / SDHC / SDXC card
Max sampling frequency
 96
Maximum resolution
 32 bit
Integrated stereo microphone
 Yes
Micro input
 Yes, Yes
Media player
 micro SDXC, micro SDHC
Headphone output
 Yes
Analog output
 3.5 mm TRS mini-Jack
USB port
 Yes
Power supply
 Battery(ies), Via USB bus, Power adapter (sold separately)
Weight
 92 g
With its exceptional audio quality, advanced features and intuitive design, all in a portable form factor, the Zoom H1 Essential Recorder is the ultimate new portable recorder for musicians, podcasters, filmmakers and content creators:

- Musicians can use it to record their rehearsals, musical ideas or even live performances. The overdub and playback speed adjustment features are especially useful for writing and practicing.

- Ideal for filmmakers looking for a portable and reliable recorder, it can be connected directly to a camera and will record clear, crisp sound for all types of films or videos.

- Podcasters will find particular interest in the H1 Essential for recording their interviews, discussions or narrations. The mono recording feature is ideal for single-guest interviews, and the H1essential can be mounted on a tripod for added stability.

Spotlight on

For more than 30 years, Zoom has been a well-known brand for its effects pedals and its numerous audio/video recording solutions, such as the Zoom H4N Pro or Zoom H1N. To go further, the Zoom R24 multitrack recorder / interface / controller / sampler or the Zoom R8 8-track SD recorder, sampler and USB interface will make you happy. Zoom also offers effects pedals: Zoom G6 Guitar Multi-Effects & Amp Simulator, Zoom B3X Bass Effects and Amp Simulator and Zoom A3 Pre Amp Acoustic Guitar Effects, to name a few. With such a diverse range of gear for every type of musician, a Zoom product can play a role in every stage of your ever-evolving musical career.