Zoom H1 experience

[Ron Hunter]

I just received a Zoom H1 and I'm playing around with it to learn what it can do. It seems to me that the Zoom's recorded audio is surprisingly weak in amplitude (volume), and I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this.

The Basic Filmmaker (TBF) has a great video that demonstrates how varying the Zoom's input level impacts hiss and distortion in the recorded audio. In his video he uses a lav mic and experiments with Zoom input levels from 25 through 95 (I think that is the range). You can hear him very well for all of those levels. In my tests with Zoom H1 and lav mic (Audio Technica ATR3350) the audio is very weak until the Zoom input level gets to around 65.

I understand that everyone has a different situation (mic, mic placement, background noise, room acoustics, etc). I also understand that TBF may have added gain in post-production so that all input levels were audible, but adding gain in post will increase everything in the audio clip including hiss/distortion.

I want to get this right for an upcoming interview I plan to shoot, so I'm curious about others' experience with the Zoom H1 and a lav mic. Do you use a weak Zoom input level and bump the audio in post?

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Ron, sorry that I can't help with your questions but have you tried playing around with the Zoom output file in something like Audacity?

[Ron Hunter]

Thanks John. Yes I have played with the files in Audacity and the "WaveLab LE 7" that is shipped with the Zoom. Either program will allow me to increase gain, thereby making the volume louder.

I just wasn't sure if others had the same experience. For example, is the audio in my testing weak due to my microphone? I guess the best way to know is to find another microphone to test with.

[momoffduty]

hpharley90 (Richard) just posted a photo of the Zoom H1. He may be able to help you. See this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=104&t=12618&start=15

[hpharley90]

Thanks John. Yes I have played with the files in Audacity and the "WaveLab LE 7" that is shipped with the Zoom. Either program will allow me to increase gain, thereby making the volume louder.

I just wasn't sure if others had the same experience. For example, is the audio in my testing weak due to my microphone? I guess the best way to know is to find another microphone to test with.

Yes Ron I just picked up the H1 maybe 2 weeks ago. I have only used the H1's microphones. My levels are set at Auto Levels "on".
They record fine for me so far.
The playback volume on the unit itself is something to be desired. I can barely hear it.
But as you said about bringing into WaveLab LE 7 I see no problems.
With my limited use with the H1 my only complaint is the playback volume on the unit itself.

[Ron Hunter]

Thanks! I should probably just shoot some video with the H1 and see how things work out in post.