Zoom H5

I work as a radio producer and I wanted to get my own gear to do some independent productions. I haven't had the chance to explore every possibility with the H5 but I've tried it in both field and studio like environments and it's a well built device with tons of functions and nice sound. It has a rugged feel to it and fits well in my normally sized hand.

The x/y capsule that comes bundled does a good job, the preamps are pretty silent and it captures details very well. But, as with all condenser mics, it's very sensitive to wind and p-pops, so foam/fur windscreen is a must. The shock mounts on the x/y capsule works well and brings the handling noise down.

I've tried the H5 with a Sennheiser ME64, a hot condenser mic, and it works beautifully - the noise floor is almost gone.

The battery-life, the possibility to pair it with up to 2-4 external mics, the durable construction and the reasonable price makes it a good buy!

On the other hand, with an even lower noise-floor - the H5 would be even more versatile when it comes to external mic options.

As the title says this is a great entry-level recorder. This is my first recorder and it serves me well. It's handy to have with me and be able to whip it out if I hear something I like. I have used the H4n and the H5 is superior. The H5 has gain-knobs instead of buttons like the H4n (you hear the clicks when push them). The removable microphone capsules is also neat, you can buy an XLR-capsule so you have a totalt of 4 inputs.

The only gripe I have with it is that it has a bit of a noisy preamp, nothing extreme though. I'm studying audio-production right now and I'm becoming more and more nit-picky. At the end if the day, you get what you pay for. All and all I think it's a great recorder!

Love this recorder, I get a better feeling for this then my H6 recorder.
LOVE the fact the XLR plugs are in the bottom of the unit and not sticking out from the sides as the do in the H6
Menu display I feel are also more updated, even feels better then the H6 zoom that looks like its running om Win 95 style. very old boring Japanese look.

BUT THE NUMBER ONE REASON I WILL RETURN THIS ......
The HOLD function on the H5 Pro ONLY locks the buttons, NOT the gain dials.. And that is to me a absolute must to lock the dials
That means you can set all up with perfect levels and start your interview, only to discover later that the dials have moved and your recording are either clipped and useless, or so low its useless.
MAJOR MISTAKE by Zoom on this recorder.

Even my cheaper Zoom F1 locks the dials with Hold selector

I will give it a week more to see it its even possible to use on the field as intended, such as in pocket or bag while interviewing.