Zoom H1n Handy Recorder

The H1n handy recorder is just what I needed, Super simple and easy to use. Has great recording quality choices. I use mine for recording song writing ideas (acoustic guitar and vocals). I mounted it to a low camera tripod so it's perfect while sitting. I am very impressed with it.

I use this product to record jam tracks for my lap steel guitar and my Stratocaster! Very easy to use and it's easy to record a whole song because it has unlimited overdubs .

I have a ZOOM iQ5 that has to be run through an iPad. It still works. But, my iPad is old and out of date [Apple no longer supports it]. The newer iPads are replacing the 'lightning connector' with the more universal USB-C. I didn't want to deal with having to buy a new iPad and trying to find a compatible attachable mic. So, I went With the ZOOM h1n which an all in one unit and is overall much easier to use. The h1n doesn't have adjustable stereo separation range like the iQ5/iPad set up had. But, for my needs, the h1n takes a lot of the hassle out of recording.

I used this H1n to record a live band jam, and it worked as I had hoped. No clipping because you can set the volume level using the volume dial. Sounds nice and warm. Definitely better than the mic on a cell phone or digital camera. I set the volume dial to about 3.5 to 4, and didn't even need to use the auto-level feature or the limiter. Later on, I can just normalize the levels to about -1 dB with a program like Audacity (free), etc. I also like that when in a hurry to record, turning the unit on is simple if you remember the process. Just slide down and hold the setting dial (which has a little groove if you can't see it or have trouble reading without glasses) for a couple of seconds, then release. Then wait a few seconds for it to initialize (LED screen will light up), then push on the red record button. I also like that this gadget can fit in your pocket. Some of the other recorders out there are bulkier.

I have used to record my synthesizer and my guitar by placing it by my speakers or guitar amp. I am amazed at the sound quality and ease of use. I can record myself playing, offload the MP3s via USB and share with friends and family very easily. Battery life is pretty good. I was reluctant to record because I didn't want to have to mess with editing or music production. I like to just play. I am really happy with the sound quality, no weird compression or clipping. Picks up reverb trails but seems to keep out any background noise really well. I do not detect any noise from the device itself. No problems with 60 cycle hum, it actually records less than my ears pick up off the amp from my single coils.

Record with guitar and bass Works great