Zoom H5chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Commenters repeatedly praise the F-series preamps in the newer H5studio for delivering a much lower noise floor than the original H5, comparing favorably to the pricier Zoom F3. Several longtime users cite this upgrade as the main reason to buy.

@brotherDougE1956

I'm seeing that it has better pre amps and large capsule built in mics. Those are two good enough reasons for me to choose this over other similarly-priced recorders. I've ordered the H6 Studio to get the extra tracks. Not sure I'll ever use 'em, but only $70 more, not too bad. I also like the H6 Studio's display that is at an angle - that seems like it would be nice for desktop use. Thanks for you review and excellent production!launch

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September 18, 2025

@highstanddave

Brilliant review, thank you Curtis.\n\nI’ve had my eye on this for three weeks or so. Decided to buy one based off specs, as I’m familiar with the F3 preamps.\n\nI’ll be using mine to tape live concert audio, both with mics on a stand (see my pfp) or occasionally using those beefy 19.4 mm XY mics for tiny shows, etc. The EHX-6e capsule will come in handy for when I’ll be able to snag a board feed to make a matrix with the AUD mics in the sky.\n\nI used the H4n Pro for a while, then the F3 (sold) and most recently the H1 XLR, with the H1essential for stealthy applications…\n\nThis device easily appears to be Zoom’s finest Handy Recorder. Way better than the arguably pointless H4essential…\n\nThanks for the stellar review. Top notch!launch

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June 27, 2025

@yawningmarmot

So glad they stopped using sticky rubberized plastic and also finally upgraded the preamps. Thank you for such a detailed review, Curtis.launch

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May 12, 2025

@1001Hobbies

A couple years ago I bought an F4 recorder for the better preamps over my H4n Pro. However, the F4 is more elaborate and complex than I need for the work I do. I much rather prefer the form factor of the H4n Pro and this H5 Studio. So glad to see the F-Series preamps in this form factor now. But I won't be spending another $350 - $370 for this since I already have the better preamps. Thank you for this review. If I didn't already have the F4 I would be snatching this up. It is finally what I wished for all along.launch

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May 11, 2025

The modular top capsule system lets users swap in different mic types (XY, MS, large-diaphragm) for different recording scenarios, adding versatility for travel and varied shoots. Some wish for extension cables to further expand this flexibility.

@brotherDougE1956

I'm seeing that it has better pre amps and large capsule built in mics. Those are two good enough reasons for me to choose this over other similarly-priced recorders. I've ordered the H6 Studio to get the extra tracks. Not sure I'll ever use 'em, but only $70 more, not too bad. I also like the H6 Studio's display that is at an angle - that seems like it would be nice for desktop use. Thanks for you review and excellent production!launch

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September 18, 2025

@highstanddave

Brilliant review, thank you Curtis.\n\nI’ve had my eye on this for three weeks or so. Decided to buy one based off specs, as I’m familiar with the F3 preamps.\n\nI’ll be using mine to tape live concert audio, both with mics on a stand (see my pfp) or occasionally using those beefy 19.4 mm XY mics for tiny shows, etc. The EHX-6e capsule will come in handy for when I’ll be able to snag a board feed to make a matrix with the AUD mics in the sky.\n\nI used the H4n Pro for a while, then the F3 (sold) and most recently the H1 XLR, with the H1essential for stealthy applications…\n\nThis device easily appears to be Zoom’s finest Handy Recorder. Way better than the arguably pointless H4essential…\n\nThanks for the stellar review. Top notch!launch

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June 27, 2025

@HeathcliffBlair

It would be great if Zoom could release an extension cable for the capsule addons as they did with the H6 and other recorders. I'm sure they will. This would substantially increase the machine's versatility in a wider range of recording scenarios (I can confirm this usage for a practical fact). Also, I wonder if the new Zoom is a \"handier\" tool compared to the Tascam fr-av2. The Tascam has the benefit of physical compactness, while the Zoom seems longer and possibly heftier... but it has those great sounding XY mics, of course. They're about the same price, atm. Cheers!launch

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May 13, 2025

@fixedfocusmediaofficial

I would've been nice if the new capsules were compatible with the older system. They remade the same types of microphones but changed the connector. I realize these won't be your primary microphones but I like having the option of their capsules when I need to travel light like when I visit my aunt and uncle and it is really just a day to hang out with them but maybe there will be a cool recording I can get real quick. That's what the zoom capsules are good for. They aren't as good as external microphones but are really small and convenient while being much better than a phone. I wish they wouldn't have changed the connector.launch

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May 12, 2025

Buyers consider the H5 a strong value, especially secondhand or compared to pricier alternatives with similar preamps, praising the feature set for the price paid.

@brotherDougE1956

I'm seeing that it has better pre amps and large capsule built in mics. Those are two good enough reasons for me to choose this over other similarly-priced recorders. I've ordered the H6 Studio to get the extra tracks. Not sure I'll ever use 'em, but only $70 more, not too bad. I also like the H6 Studio's display that is at an angle - that seems like it would be nice for desktop use. Thanks for you review and excellent production!launch

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September 18, 2025

@1001Hobbies

A couple years ago I bought an F4 recorder for the better preamps over my H4n Pro. However, the F4 is more elaborate and complex than I need for the work I do. I much rather prefer the form factor of the H4n Pro and this H5 Studio. So glad to see the F-Series preamps in this form factor now. But I won't be spending another $350 - $370 for this since I already have the better preamps. Thank you for this review. If I didn't already have the F4 I would be snatching this up. It is finally what I wished for all along.launch

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May 11, 2025

@notoyriousvisuals

I have been a Zoom guy since the H4N but this device is different. In using it with different mics and even the XY capsule it has started to grow on me. It's meant for on the go and I think a lot of people are over thinking it. I mean at $350.00 plus it is this hard plastic which in hand is terrible. If you have steady hands more power too you but paired with a hand grip situation this device ready for on the go folly, any kind of mic can be used, and if you are a wedding videographer you can connect to any situation. It's not the Tascam FR-AV2 so don't even compare the two. \nAlthough I did find it better to operate the menus better on the older devices, and so it's taking sometime to get use too. Zoom at $350 with tax pushing $400 it should as least come with the hard case , I keep the H5 in my everyday bag without a case ( from Zoom a case could be release any day now and it has already taken some scratches ). I do like that the memory card door is very secure but mirco SD makes me nervous. There enough talk about 32 bit recording and it was nice of them to throw in 24 bit and 16 bit for those old heads like to do everything manually. \nThe F3 should have came with combo xlr &1/4 that would made that device prefect, which leads me to think the reasoning with this device with a few more bells and whistles. \nAll in all it's a good pick up. \nAlso I do have a Tascam FR AV2 for sell.launch

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April 17, 2025

@VladK-1

I've considered various options for piano recording with budget around 200 USD total. Ended up ordering a used H5. I can invest in better mics later but even with the XY capsule it's great. Thankfully, the preamp noise is not a concern when recording such a loud instrument.\nThank you for the humour and information presented in an enjoyable way. You're a kind hardworking man and it's always a pleasure to hear you.launch

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January 9, 2023

Users value that the H5 works as a standalone field recorder, USB microphone, and audio interface, covering many use cases without buying separate gear. This flexibility is cited as a key reason for long-term ownership.

@Gongtopia

A great review. I’ve had mine for a week and am still getting to know it. I’m a longtime H6 user and this is everything that the Essential Series failed to be. I bought a TASCAM X8 two years ago because ZOOM was lagging behind and didn’t have anything comparable to offer. I love the X8 and have taken it everywhere with me. The touch screen is the thing, and the iPhone app is still miles above the ZOOM one. That said, I do like having physical dials on the H5Studio and especially the changeable mic and accessory capsules. Both the X8 and the H5S have their place and will get a lot of use in my everyday work.launch

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April 14, 2025

@MosEisleySpacePort1138

Thanks so much for your helpful review here. I’m deciding between the H5 and a Tascam X6. I plan to use this for basic field recording as well as music. I play synths and would like to have something portable to easily record a track or two on the fly. I also have a couple of mics (EV RE20 and a Rode Videomic NTG) that were actually given to me (Score!) and I’d like to make use of them. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!launch

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July 15, 2024

@davidaylsworth8964

I’ve had an H5 for a couple of years now. I use the XLR features with Shure 545SD mic’s, that gets plugged into my camera, to record guitar practices with my Canon 5D Mk IV. The Canon preamps are a lot noisier than the H5 so I see it as a step up. The H5 I capable, versatile and convenient so it’s the right tool for my purposes. I’ve considered an H6 or an F series device as a possible upgrade path but the H5 continues to be a very useful tool in my toolbox, so unless something else in the market can definitively push the H5 from them top spot it’s going to remain as part of my signal path for a while yet. Enjoyed your video. Well done!launch

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November 26, 2023

@limbosystem

I appreciate the thorough review! I've had an H5 for a while now and was wondering if I should move on to something else. I love the H5 because it functions as a stand alone recorder, a USB mic, and an audio interface. It does everything I need it to do (usually pretty well!) and to replace it in all of these use cases I'd need to buy a lot of gear and spend a lot of cash. Think I'll stick with the H5 unless I hit the lottery or something.launch

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October 5, 2022

The device's dual-ADC 32-bit float capability lets users record without worrying about clipping, since files can be normalized afterward with no overload risk. Commenters explain this gives much more forgiving gain-staging than older 24/16-bit recording.

@brotherDougE1956

I'm seeing that it has better pre amps and large capsule built in mics. Those are two good enough reasons for me to choose this over other similarly-priced recorders. I've ordered the H6 Studio to get the extra tracks. Not sure I'll ever use 'em, but only $70 more, not too bad. I also like the H6 Studio's display that is at an angle - that seems like it would be nice for desktop use. Thanks for you review and excellent production!launch

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September 18, 2025

@Ozpeter

Great summary. But you did seem to skate over the 32 bit float thing. The circuit diagram in the full manual shows that the audio passes through the converters right at the start and everything you do to the audio happens in the digital domain, gain controls included. At the output end of the circuit you can store the audio in a 24 bit (or 16) \"bucket\" or in a 32 bit float bucket. But the 24 bit bucket can easily overflow if you don't use the gain controls and limiter to hopefully prevent that happening. But the 32 bit float bucket has, in effect, infinite capacity, so you can't overload it even with the gains on 10 when recording an earthquake. So the only point in using the 24 bit option is if you don't plan to do any editing with the files and you want to use them as is. Otherwise, use 33 bit float and save yourself a whole lot of worry.launch

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April 24, 2025

@Ozpeter

Thanks for this early review. I can add some stuff which I don't think you mentioned.\n\nThese days, saying that a device is \"32 bit float capable\" no longer means anything, as it has emerged in recent weeks that some lower-end devices simply use a single 24 bit analog to digital converter, and write the output to a 32 bit float file. And then it's sold as a 32 bit float recorder, and customers don't realise it's not the real thing. The key thing is whether the device has dual converters, in the well known setup of one handling loud stuff and the other quieter stuff, and writing the output to meaningful 32 bit float, with a wider dynamic range than 24 bit audio (or 24 bit audio written to 32 bit float files). The good news is that all the inputs and attached mics use dual ADCs in the H5Studio device. It's the real thing.\n\nThe device is fully MS stereo capable - you can record an MS pair connected to the bottom inputs as L/R or as 'raw' MS. And I'm sure that also applies when using the MS mics that can replace the supplied XY mics.\r\n\r\nGain knobs will affect the monitored sound AND the recording data. Often they don't affect the actual recording in recent devices. BUT - they are not preamp gain controls. They operate after the ADCs. Digital gain is what they do. When using 32 bit float, you can set them stupidly high and get an apparently horribly overcooked recording. But you can normalise afterwards and there's no clipping. However, if you do that when it's set to 24 or 16 bit recording, those bits can't handle the available gain. So just like with olde worlde devices, you have to ensure that 24 or 16 bit recordings peak only to about -12dB. In fact, you should be able to set the gain quite low so that the recording looks undercooked, and add digital gain in the DAW - which is, on the face of it, the same as using the digital gain in the device.\r\n\r\nThere seems to be an optional limiter for input and for output too (eg when feeding a camera). And a third one for the mix of the inputs. This is also in the digital realm and that has implications for gain setting, I suspect. \r\n\r\nFiles are automatically saved at regular intervals during recording. If the power is interrupted or another problem occurs during recording, an affected file can be restored to normal by playing it with the H5studio.\r\n\r\nPlayback can be normalized on the fly.\r\n\r\nThe alternative modules that fit on the top support 32 bit float.\r\n\r\nThe supplied mics can handle 140dB SPL. That's... loud. XLR connectors are measured at -127 dBu EIN. That's... quiet. (As you said).\r\n\n\n\nAll in all this device will sell like hot cakes. But people have to temper their expectations concerning handling noise. The mic module for this device weighs about half that of the original H5 module, even with the much bigger mics. It's very hard to effectively isolate the mics from handling noise - compare the size of the suspensions you can buy for normal mics - it's a laws of physics problem. Users of such gear must simply train themselves in how to avoid handing noise in the first place.launch

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April 14, 2025

@sixstringbuzz

Mine just arrived to replace my original H5. Really looking forward to the 32 bit float for situations where I don't have a lot of times to set levels, as well as the (finally) upgraded preamps! Immediately, I'm noticing that the handling noise on the H5Studio is excessive. To the point that I can't see ever being able to use it truly handheld. With the original H5, as long as I didn't move my fingers along the case too much, I could hold the recorder without creating handling noise. With the H5Studio, the thin plastic body (it honestly feels really fragile) makes little handling creaks all the time. I'm guessing that's why you used the tripod in this video and I'll have to find something similar for sure.launch

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April 10, 2025

Reviewers note the built-in XY mics sound great on acoustic instruments and vocals, with one noting the new unit's noise test 'annihilated' the original H5. Multiple users express satisfaction with audio quality straight out of the box.

@brotherDougE1956

I'm seeing that it has better pre amps and large capsule built in mics. Those are two good enough reasons for me to choose this over other similarly-priced recorders. I've ordered the H6 Studio to get the extra tracks. Not sure I'll ever use 'em, but only $70 more, not too bad. I also like the H6 Studio's display that is at an angle - that seems like it would be nice for desktop use. Thanks for you review and excellent production!launch

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September 18, 2025

@dylanlalondemusic

Holy Jeez bud, listen to Jonny Radio over here 😂 Good rundown of the new unit. Man, that SM7B noise test absolutely annihilated the OG H5. Damn! Guitar sounded pretty good through the XY, maybe still a touch woofy and chaotic but that could just be the guitar/placement.. Still pretty good for onboard mics though. Would love to see a hit detailing exactly which features are missing from the H5 that you think would have been best to bring forward to the refresh/update.launch

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April 14, 2025

@VladK-1

I've considered various options for piano recording with budget around 200 USD total. Ended up ordering a used H5. I can invest in better mics later but even with the XY capsule it's great. Thankfully, the preamp noise is not a concern when recording such a loud instrument.\nThank you for the humour and information presented in an enjoyable way. You're a kind hardworking man and it's always a pleasure to hear you.launch

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January 9, 2023

@TheStupidcomment

Great review, helped me decide which recorder to buy, I went with the H5. Your cons are all on-point, Zoom should take heed!\nEdit: I've had the H5 in my hands for a day and I'm very happy with it. I was worried as in the past Zoom products have been kind of cheap and plasticy, especially the guitar effects, but the H5 feels like a premium product. The standard x-y mic is great and I'm really thinking about getting the mid-side mic also. I literally stuck the H5 in front of my acoustic guitar as I sat on the floor cross-legged and the sound was fantastic, so after some experimentation with mic position I expect the sound to be even better. The lack of both count-down and count-up is annoying! One feature which would be lovely would be the ability to turn around the display, as when you are recording yourself it's upside down. But that's a very minor issue. The H5 is packed with features, if anyone is sitting on the fence as to get this or not, go for it you won't regret it.launch

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July 1, 2015

One user highlights that the device does support 48V phantom power for XLR mics despite retailer staff and some reviews failing to mention it clearly, calling this an important but under-discussed feature.

@mebombu

I wish people talked about it's phantom power more. I had talked to a Best Buy employee and a Guitar Center employee, and they both said it does NOT have phantom power capabilities. Now, all of these youtubers are saying it does... But it's an after thought. This is something that should be brought to light much more because for me it was one of the big reasons I want one, and it may be that way for others too. In many reviews, including this one, and even on Zoom's own website, the fact that this can provide 48v phantom power is barely ever said. Other than that, great video. Gave me lots of info. I'm going to pick one up tomorrow.launch

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September 26, 2018