Zoom H8 Handy Recorder

Zoom H8 Handy Recorder Summary

The Zoom H8 Handy Recorder is the ultimate handheld recording device. Suitable for a huge range of applications such as recording live event, bands or meetings, the H8 can simultaneously record 12 tracks. There’s a bright, colourful and intuitive LCD touchscreen that gives you quick access to all your key and important settings such as input type, limiter, compression and more. Zoom has equipped the H8 with three app-driven modes that instantly set up the recorder for podcasting, recording music or field-recording, each with their own specific settings and features. The kit comes with an impressive X/Y H6 stereo microphone, but with Zoom’s Capsule System 2.0, you also have an array of different capsules (separately available) compatible with the H8 that offer limitless potential.

Features at a glance

• 12 Simultaneous recording tracks
• Recording modes for podcast, music, in-field
• A dedicated gain control knob
• Compatible with Zoom X/Y stereo mic capsules
• Four XLR Mic inputs with pads and +48V
• Two XLR-1/4" Mic/Line/Hi-Z Inputs
• A simple and easy-to-use colour touchscreen
• 3.5mm Line & Headphone Outputs
• Built-in compressor and low-cut filter
• Use as a 12-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface
• Powered by 4 AA batteries, AC or USB
• Supports SDXC Cards up to 512GB
• Stereo Safety Track Recording
• Rugged and portable for both handheld or mounted use

Extended Zoom H8 Handy Recorder Key Features:
Input System
The Zoom H8 unit itself comes with the X/Y H6 stereo microphone capsule that’s equipped with two unidirectional microphones which without the need for any other microphones, allows you to record impressively clear and clean audio recordings - That’s speech, rehearsals or pretty much anything you want to record, up to 136dB.

The Zoom Capsule System 2.0 that’s used in the Zoon H8 allows you to use up to four audio channels which in turn enables a huge range of different and expressive recording options. Zoom offers a range of different capsules that will produce different tones and feel to your recordings. Three new separately available capsules include the XAH-8; This capsule is designed to capture the clearest and cleanest stereo recordings through its two condenser microphones which can be rotated from a tight X/Y pattern to a wide AB pattern for an enhanced stereo image.

The VRH-8 is ambisonic microphone capsule which uses four condenser microphones that produce immersive 360-degree audio. It’s equipped with an accelerometer that helps you accurately align the capsule, and the built-in Ambisonic decoder will automatically control any conversions that might occur. Finally, there’s the EXH-8 capsule which provides four additional XLR inputs (equally in a total ten), each of which has its own dedicated gain control and pad switch and allows you to use your own phantom-powered microphone (simply connect a power source to the EXH-8 capsule).

Intuitive Touchscreen System
The Zoom H8 has been designed for ease-of-use and simplicity, whilst capturing and producing the highest level of audio quality. The 2.4” colour LCD touchscreen is not only intuitive and easy to navigate, but there are also three app-driven modes that are optimised for recording podcasts, music and in-field work that are easily accessible. The podcast app makes it easy to record high-quality audio and gives you 13 pre-loaded sounds to enhance your discussion all at the touch of the dedicated sound pads, but if they’re not enough, you can easily use your own sound effects and music via SD card slot.

The Music App, designed for those recording music in a studio environment. It has important functions that are needed to make your music recording and mixing easy and efficient. The bright LCD shows its importance here, by clearly displaying meters from your input/output levels and faders for sound-level balancing. Using this mode gives you up to 10 tracks which means you can easily record and band in the studio or at rehearsal. In addition, you can add or remove EQ or compression, as well as there being an overdub feature that allows you to record over tracks.

And then there’s the Field App. This is designed specifically for portable recording applications such as for location sound, meetings, live events etc. Using this mode, you able to utilise all the microphone inputs and your chosen capsule, whilst being given access to large meters for every track used whilst enables you to check for clipping on the bright LCD. You’re also able to quickly change key settings such as your input type, limiter, compression and more. And with a pre-record setting, you’ll be sure not to miss any audio.

What's in the box

• 1 x Zoom H8 Handy Recorder
• 1 x Zoom XYH-6 - X/Y Microphone Capsule
• 4 x AA Batteries
• 1 x Download License for Steinberg Cubase LE
• 1 x Download License for Steinberg WaveLab Cast