When looking at what film and video production gear to invest in to increase the quality of your projects, audio gear is never a bad option. That’s mostly because audio is usually the last option for most videographers and all of you new-age content creators.
Zoom has proven to be a reliable manufacturer of audio-for-video gear, as the company’s portable recording solutions are a good mix of quality and affordability. This latest handy recorder option from Zoom is set to be the company’s most powerful one yet.
Featuring a pair of oversized 19.4mm condenser microphones—the largest ever on a Zoom portable recorder—as well as some impressive quality and useability specs, this new H5studio should be a top option for recording audio on the run.
The Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder
Featuring 32-bit float recording and an X/Y stereo microphone array with large 19.4mm capsules, the H5studio is set to deliver an extended frequency response for detailed, natural sound reproduction for all types of video projects and audio needs.
At the heart of this new H5studio is a pair of oversized 19.4mm condenser microphones—the largest ever on a Zoom portable recorder. These capsules will be able to provide a wider frequency response and greater sensitivity, offering unmatched detail and richness in every recording.
Plus, with the ability to handle sound pressure levels up to 140 dB, the H5studio will be able to excel at capturing everything from quiet dialogue to loud live performances without distortion. An increased microphone surface area will also result in a more natural stereo image and enhanced spatial depth, which should give your recordings a professional edge.
Professional Audio Quality Recording
This new H5studio Handy Recorder is set to be equipped with Zoom's popular F-series microphone preamps which should help deliver ultralow noise performance with an equivalent input noise rating of -127 dBu EIN and an impressive 132 dB of dynamic range.
These preamps, when combined with dual analog-to-digital converters and 32-bit float recording, will further allow the H5studio to capture the full spectrum of sound without clipping or distortion—even during sudden volume spikes, which happen often on video shoots.
Plus, unlike other traditional recorders that require constant gain adjustments, this H5studio model will offer a safety net through its 32-bit float architecture, preserving headroom and detail even in unpredictable conditions. There’s also some nice dedicated gain knobs that let users fine-tune levels on the fly, saving time in postproduction.
Price and Availability
The Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder is available for preorder now with units expected to start shipping here in mid-April 2025. Here are the full specs and purchase options.
- Music, Podcasts, Video, Field Recording
- Large-Diameter X/Y Stereo Microphone
- Record 4-Tracks + Stereo Mix
- 32-Bit Float and 16-/24-Bit Modes
- Rates up to 192 kHz, Color LCD Screen
- 2 XLR/TRS Combo Inputs with 48V Phantom
- F-Series Preamps with -127 dB EIN
- Compatible with Zoom Capsule System 3.0
- 4-In / 2-Out USB Audio Interface
- 9 Hours on 2 AA Batteries, USB-C Power
Zoom H5studio 4-Track Handy Recorder with 32-Bit Float Recording
The Zoom H5studio Handy Recorder is a 4-track portable recording solution designed for videographers and content creators who need high-quality audio capture on the go.
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