I haven't seen many threads here regarding the Zoom H1 and it's capabilities. I was gonna bite the bullet and get a H4n but I was wondering how the H1 compares with the H4n. I understand that the H4n has the XLR inputs, etc. But for the sake of saving $150 by getting the H1, I'll also be able to afford a decent shotgun mic like the NTG-2 or the AT875R. Any suggestions?
Zoom H1
- Thread starter pmk396
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recordingwhiz
Well-known member
The AT875R is phantom power only, the NTG2 can run off batteries so it can be adapted, However with the H4 you get the 2 independent XLR w/phantom power. This gives you the opportunity to run 2 individual mics with independent levels, so YES there is very good reasons to pay the extra $150.
The H1 is great for using lavs that plug right in or some of the on-camera mics (yuk) or when you already have a micpre or small mixer that gives you the XLR/phantom feature that the H4 already has.
The H1 is great for using lavs that plug right in or some of the on-camera mics (yuk) or when you already have a micpre or small mixer that gives you the XLR/phantom feature that the H4 already has.
Can the levels be viewed and controlled on the H1, like you can on the H4n?
I appreciate the input guys, but based on what I said about getting a mic, I'm only using them (NTG-2 or AT875R) as an example. The point I was making was if I bought the H1, I'd have enough money left over to buy a decent external mic. However, if I went and bought the H4n, I'd have to hold off on getting an external mic for another while until I could afford one. Decisions, decisions, decisions....
I appreciate the input guys, but based on what I said about getting a mic, I'm only using them (NTG-2 or AT875R) as an example. The point I was making was if I bought the H1, I'd have enough money left over to buy a decent external mic. However, if I went and bought the H4n, I'd have to hold off on getting an external mic for another while until I could afford one. Decisions, decisions, decisions....
recordingwhiz
Well-known member
My recommendation is to get the H4n and save up for the mic. no matter how you look at it its the better choice and will serve you better.
once you have the H4 then you know you can pretty much use whatever mic, not so with the H1 which limits you.
not to mention you have 2 channels of independently controlled inputs with phantom.
not to mention the mic inputs on H1 are "Unbalanced" and the H4 are "Balanced"
trust me , it will be worth the wait to save up for the mic.
once you have the H4 then you know you can pretty much use whatever mic, not so with the H1 which limits you.
not to mention you have 2 channels of independently controlled inputs with phantom.
not to mention the mic inputs on H1 are "Unbalanced" and the H4 are "Balanced"
trust me , it will be worth the wait to save up for the mic.
Just in addition to my last reply, I am interested to know if anybody has experimented in using the Zoom H1 with the Rode VideoMic? I know they are cheap when both can be picked up for around $200. But I go back to my main question of either getting something like Zoom H1 w/Rode VideoMic (total $200) OR the Zoom H4n w/Audio Technica AT875R (total ~$500)??
Being a quite new to the whole world of amateur filmmaking, would I be better off starting with the cheaper option and then moving onto the more expensive option when I start to take it more seriously?
Being a quite new to the whole world of amateur filmmaking, would I be better off starting with the cheaper option and then moving onto the more expensive option when I start to take it more seriously?
here you go, some video mic sound tests. download the wav files provided in the comments to get the real tests.
http://www.danmccomb.com/posts/633/zoom-h1-sound-test-vs-h4n-recorder/
To my ears there was hardly any difference between H1 and H4N with the Rode Videomic plugged in. I got the H1 for $129 while H4N was $240 more expensive at $369 (exc. tax in Canada). I actually returned the H4N to get H1 instead.
TheJetBlack
Active member
How about the Zoom H2? Is it just as good has the H4 and better than the H1?
Hiro Nakamura
Active member
Apparently H4N is more capable than H1. It all depends what you are looking for, if you are looking for a backup audio record, like me , I use Sound Devices 442 and 302 for my documentary, I have been using H4N for my backup audio.... JUST IN CASE something ****ed from the camera side, I can save my ass by giving the director a copy of DVD from my H4N ... in this case, I think H1 would be also doing a great job. Right now I think H4N came out with a update firmware where you can adjust your line or mic level individually left and right ....
Hiro
Hiro