The Essential Buy!

Posted on Jul 18, 2024 by Pro Moviemaker

The latest 32-bit float technology is a major milestone in audio and Zoom’s latest series of Essential recorders all have it inside

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If there is one breakthrough that is sparking a revolution in capturing incredible audio, it’s 32-bit float. This allows clip-free recording without the need to set gain levels, bringing unlimited flexibility to raise and lower audio volume in post without impacting sound quality.

To make this essential tech available to as many filmmakers as possible, the three latest products from audio giant Zoom all have it built-in. The flagship H6essential, popular H4essential and super-compact H1essential all use 32-bit float to capture every nuance of sound, ensuring quality audio with every take. And you never need worry about setting levels.

That’s one of the reasons that all three of these recorders have been nominated in the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards, where working filmmakers all vote for their favourite equipment. Getting perfect audio is always essential when producing captivating videos.

At the top of the range, the H6essential is a recording powerhouse with six tracks of 32-bit float recording and dual AD converters. It gives unprecedented quality and unmatched versatility, even for visually impaired users. The Essential series is made with accessible menus featuring audible descriptions through a built-in speaker or headphones. Pick English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.

The four XLR/TRS combo inputs feature ultra-clean Zoom preamps, and included X/Y microphones can capture up to 135dB SPL, equivalent to a jet taking off. That’s because the H6essential’s 3.0 capsule system has been updated to support 32-bit float. All six tracks can be recorded to an SD card and simultaneously output through the USB-C port to PC, Mac, iOS and Android devices. Hit the Mixer button and audio levels can be adjusted separately, and monitored through industry-standard waveforms on the full-colour LCD screen.

By adding the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, the H6essential can pair with an iOS device to start recording, adjust the mix, enable viewing of waveforms and change settings remotely. It even pairs with Bluetooth timecode devices.

The controls have been designed to allow for silent operation, and there is a line output to connect to a camera plus a headphone output to monitor your audio. And it offers all this for just £285.

If you don’t need all those features, then the £189 Zoom H4essential is ideal. It has four track 32-bit float recording, advanced X/Y mics and two XLR/TRS inputs featuring Zoom’s ultra-clean preamps that support phantom power and +4dBu professional line level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to 130dB SPL, equivalent to a rock concert.

Like its big brother, the H4essential allows streaming in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. And when connected to a PC, Mac, iOS or Android device using the USB-C port, the H4essential can be used as a four-in/ two-out audio interface. A built-in mixer means you can adjust each track’s levels using the waveform display. It is also compatible with the optional BTA-1 to use via Bluetooth.

For those on location, the XLR inputs can capture on-set dialogue, while the onboard X/Y microphones are perfect for ambience.

If all you need is a simple recorder with the benefits of 32-bit float, the H1essential captures perfect audio simply at the push of a button. Onboard X/Y microphones get clean audio up to 120dB SP L; send this audio directly to the camera or use the device to record sound effects. Mount it on a mini tripod for sit-down conversations or use mono mode for on-the-go interviews.

Just because it’s small and easy to use doesn’t mean it lacks the tech. The H1essential offers overdubbing, pre-record, auto record and playback speed adjustment. It can be used as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SDXC card.

The 3.5mm mic/line input can be used with lav mics for dialogue capture and the 3.5mm output can connect to a camera or headphones to monitor audio. It even has a dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording – and all for just £95. Zoom’s latest range really is the Essential buy for all filmmakers who value top-quality audio.