Designed with creative professionals in mind, the latest addition to Zoom’s range of portable handheld recorders delivers some impressive specifications. Despite its compact size, the H5studio is equipped with the largest mics used on a Handy-series device, offers 32-bit floating point recording and supports sample rates up to 192kHz.
The device is capable of recording up to six tracks at once (four individual tracks along with a summed stereo mix), and comes equipped with a pair of locking XLR/TRS inputs that are capable of providing +48V phantom power and accepting +4dBu line-level signals, and a 3.5mm stereo jack that offers plug-in power. The onboard 19.4mm mics are the largest of any Handy Recorder devices to date, and are capable of withstanding SPLs up to 140dB.
Preamp duties are taken care of by Zoom’s F-Series design which, paired with the 32-bit floating point capability, allow for a dynamic range measurement of 132dB. The H5studio still supports 16- and 24-bit formats, too, and comes equipped with physical gain controls in an effort to offer users the best of both worlds; the inputs are also kitted out with look-ahead limiters designed to help prevent distortion. In addition to the X-Y mic attachment, the recorder can be fitted with Zoom’s optional SSH-6e, EXH-6e and WLM-1 attachments, which offer a shotgun-style mic, additional mic/line inputs and a dual-channel wireless mic system, respectively.
The H5studio also includes accessibility features for blind and visually impaired users: it’s possible to navigate the device’s menu with audible descriptions, which can be played back via the headphone output or the built-in speakers. In addition to being powered via USB or an AC/DC adapter, the device will operate for up to 15 hours on four AA alkaline batteries.
Pricing & Availability
The H5studio is available now, priced at $369.99£329 including VAT / €399.
zoomcorp.com/en/gb/handheld-recorders/handheld-recorders/h5studio
