don't know about this particular product, but if you're thinking about buying a Tascam, be sure to look beyond the technical merits. They have a pretty bad reputation regarding their customer service, especially regarding Apple. See for yourself, go here and take your pick, there are a lot of angry customers regarding several Tascam products that are left unsupported: (google: apple discussions fw-1884, second link)
This is really an unfair review because you're not comparing similar models. This is like reviewing a Ford Fiesta vs. a Chevy Camero. The H1 is Zoom's most basic model, selling at $99. Tascam's is more expensive and is not exactly entry-level. The H2 is more comparable to the Tascam. The H1's sound quality is quite good and mine has not fallen apart. There are no menus because Zoom designed it to be push-button and there are adequate functions for a run-and-gun recorder.
Thanks for putting this out there, man. Most reviews talk about features and sound quality, but no one else seems to talk about practicality and ergonomics. Great review.
At the local radio station, we use the TASCAM DR-05 for recording interviews out on the street and on location. You say the TASCAM DR-05 doesn't have an XY-pattern, but look (and listen) again. If you look to the left and right mics on the side of the line-in port closely, you'll notice that there is also a mesh for incoming sound there. If you talk in the direction of the line-in port with the unit in front or under your mouth, it sounds great. There is an XY-pattern, but it's sort of hidden :)
@daanbrg Really? That's interesting. I was not aware of that on the DR-05 because I thought Tascam saved the XY feature for their DR-07mkII model that has rotating mic capsules from Stereo to XY patterns. That was supposed to be the only difference between the DR-05 and DR-07mkII, but if you say the XY pattern is also in the DR-05, then that's a great deal on that model and a rip off on the DR-07mkII.
@CineastaProductions Can you tell me how to upload files from The Zoom h1? I plugged mine in & turned on.But for some reason it does`nt pick up anything.Would you be able to explain how to upload to computer? Thanks.
The Zoom is a terrible unit. The build quality is so bad. That little power slider pops out all the time and I lost mine. Now I have no recorder. Do yourself a favor and get the Tascam.
The Zoom is a terrible unit. The build quality is so bad. That little power slider pops out all the time and I lost mine. Now I have no recorder. Do yourself a favor and get the Tascam
The DR-05 seems more like a recorder for concerts or shows. I already got one because I enjoy recording live shows. If your going to use this recorder for concerts with an external mic and preamp its good choice!
@ThreeDeadPolice As far as I can tell, you cannot overlap tracks. DR-05 does not have a multitrack mode. If it can overlap tracks, that is a function I have not discovered yet.
So do you just snap picture and capture the audio of the event or do you use the video function on the camera? If I may ask, what exactly do you do and what events do you go too? I want to do something like that, but I don't know where to go.
@baddmaddogg I use my DSLR for video and sync sound with an external audio recorder in post. I shoot concerts, parties, festivals, theater, conferences like TEDxTalks, and more. I started by doing any event that would hire me. I'd often work for peanuts, and after a couple years of slave labor, I'm able to pay the bills with this work. It's not easy, though. Check out my Channel and click on the link to my website if you want to see my stuff.
This is the comparison I was looking for. Thanks! From what I hear the audio quality is pretty comparable between the two. In my mind I would like the sturdier build with the better button layout, but I'm also not shooting the same stuff as you. I'm looking to run it separately and on a much cheaper camcorder. I'm thinking about getting the tascam and mounting it on a diy fig rig, what do you think?
@m00tmike If you don't mind the bigger size of the Tascam, then yes, that sounds good. Although, if you can afford it, I just got a Sony PCM-M10 ($230), which blows both the Tascam and the Zoom out of the water. I will do a new video of the M10 soon, but it's already a much better investment for me. It's really compact, pre-amps have the least amount of noise, it has a easy button layout, and menus are a dream.
Great review. I was torn between these two, but your video cemented it for me. For my purpose, I'm gonna go with the TASCAM. Thanks for a great vid; keep it up!
@Fa9ooly323 Yes. The headphone jack doubles as a line out, which you can connect to a 3.5mm mic jack in your camera. But beware using it with a 7D or any DSLR camera with AGC, it'll clip the audio.
@McCallamanMusic Sorry about that. I'm comparing build quality, practical use, and features - didn't want to do an audio test. It's difficult to conduct a proper audio test cuz, honestly, I can't tell the sound difference between these two recorders. Also, who knows what speakers people listening to this have. You might have the best M-Audio studio monitors, but the next guy only has his thin laptop speakers. Can't really do a true audio test on youtube. . . .and I'm too lazy.
starting at 4:20 you show your canon 7d. What are you using (equipment) to hold up the wireless mic receiver/ zoom h1/ boom mic. It must be some kind of mount, but do you know what it was?
@fearoftigers You can connect a USB cable to your computer and the audio files will show up on a disc folder. OR you can use a MicroSD to SD card adapter and go directly into your Mac's SD card reader or if you don't have a Mac with a built in card reader, you'll have to get a 3rd party SD card to USB reader.
If I was to be recording a live concert from the crowd, which one do you think I should go with? I've watched a few videos and read a few reviews, still on the fence on both of them. Thanks
@friendshipfaction I've recorded my own band with a Zoom H1 & had great results. I honestly can't tell the difference in sound quality among all the recorders, but the real advantage of the H1 is that it's so small that no one notices it or tries to steal it. The H4N is great when you want to connect into the sound board & get ambient audio since you can record 4 tracks simultaneously. I use the H2 for band rehearsal. For concerts, stick with a Zoom.
good video...i am planning to buy tascam 05 or zoom h2.....which in ur opinion has better sound quality for guitar recording(single instrument)??? I think zoom h2 comes with ac adapter.... thanks for your time ...cheers
@josephkavalakat They both have comparable quality. Tascam has more features, better manual control, & it's cheaper. Zoom H2 is smaller, easier to use, & comes with all accessories in the box. Also has 4 track surround sound. Tascam limited to 2 stereo tracks.
For guitar, I'd recommend the Zoom H4N. It's an investment, but has so many useful features: accepts 1/4" guitar cables, tuner, 4-track recorder, computer interface, best portable recorder.
I really like the comparison you did, do you have any knowledge of the Tascam DR2D? I am looking for a audio recorder and I am stuck between the dr-05 and dr2d. The biggest think holding me back from the dr2d is the battery life I keep hearing about. Would I be better served Buying two dr-05 (same price as dr2d) with there 17 hours or getting the dr2d?
I pretty confused, there are so many pros and cons.
Quick question: I have no professional needs, I just need an external recorder+microphone to get cleaner audio. Do you think it would be possible to use one of this with a lavalier-type mic,hypercardioid pattern, used as a mounted "micro-boom", and still get reasonable sound?
(I assume you guys have the bulky boom mics for a reason, but I just want to avoid the horrible sound of the onboard mic, and make it more directional, without the bulk)
@1650million The onboard mics on these devices are amazing. Don't underestimate them. The rule of thumb to get good sound out of ANY mic is to get it as close as you can to the sound source. U are better off putting a Zoom H1 on a boom pole with a fuzzy windscreen on it & use that instead of a Lav. Lavs are the tool to use when placing on a person to capture clear dialogue.
First of all, thank you for the great review you've made. I'm a bit confused because I want to buy a handy recorder and I'll use it for environment recordings (nature, city sounds, etc). Could you please give your opinion between Zoom H2 or Tascam DR-05? Do they have a similar quality? The thing I like about the H2 is the omnidirectional pattern, but I've heard a lot of recordings with some low freq I didn't like.With the Tascam DR-05, can you rename the track name into the Tascam? Thanks.
@LucianaC83 For ambient/environment recordings, you can't go wrong with the H2, just get a RedHead windscreen.
I can't tell the difference in audio quality - they're both stellar. You get more control with the DR-05 & the ability to rename tracks on the device. I personally like the pickup pattern & 4 mic surround sound option with the H2. The H2 is smaller, dirt simple to use, and comes packaged with all necessary accessories - minus the RedHead.
Can you tell me if there is any HISS when recording voice in a quiet environment using the built-in mics?
I listened to the sample recordings of the DR-01 and DR-07 at wingfieldaudio and they had a large amount of hiss before the voice started speaking. Your response is much appreciated. Thank you!
@rbvan I didn't notice any hiss in quiet environments, although I kept the gain under 70. With all these Zoom and Tascam handy recorders, I think digital hiss will always be there at high gain levels - I just accept it and try to deal with it.
Is the thread screw on the bottom of the DR-05 a standard tripod mount? 1/4" 20?
I'm looking at the DR-05 for live band recordings as it claims it can handle 125dB before overload, where all the zooms will only handle 120dB. But the zooms are tried and tested here on YouTube so I just don't know what to do!
@squarefrog Tripod mount is on the back of the device next to the battery compartment. For live band recordings, the Zoom H2 is better than the Tascam DR-05. There are 4 mics in the H2, Tascam only has 2. You can place the H2 in the middle of your gig or rehearsal and get surround sound. H2 is the cheapest and best unit that is both compact and powerful. You also get a lot of extra accessories in the box that you won't get with the Tascam.
@CineastaProductions Thanks for the reply. I've used the H2 but it suffers from clipping as it only has 3 analogue attenuation settings. I know the Tascam DR-07 has more analog attenuation so just wondered if the DR-05 would be as good.
I'm only going to use this to record very loud music so the H2 isn't right for me. Plus it's more expensive than both the DR-05 & DR-07!
its obvius that the tascam is better in layout but im still happy with my H1
yohiyoyo1 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
don't know about this particular product, but if you're thinking about buying a Tascam, be sure to look beyond the technical merits. They have a pretty bad reputation regarding their customer service, especially regarding Apple. See for yourself, go here and take your pick, there are a lot of angry customers regarding several Tascam products that are left unsupported: (google: apple discussions fw-1884, second link)
intentionsmusic 2 weeks ago
Awesome review, bud!
thanks
DoctorPalmaDDS 3 weeks ago
This is really an unfair review because you're not comparing similar models. This is like reviewing a Ford Fiesta vs. a Chevy Camero. The H1 is Zoom's most basic model, selling at $99. Tascam's is more expensive and is not exactly entry-level. The H2 is more comparable to the Tascam. The H1's sound quality is quite good and mine has not fallen apart. There are no menus because Zoom designed it to be push-button and there are adequate functions for a run-and-gun recorder.
sickphil71 1 month ago
Thanks for putting this out there, man. Most reviews talk about features and sound quality, but no one else seems to talk about practicality and ergonomics. Great review.
patbollin 2 months ago
At the local radio station, we use the TASCAM DR-05 for recording interviews out on the street and on location. You say the TASCAM DR-05 doesn't have an XY-pattern, but look (and listen) again. If you look to the left and right mics on the side of the line-in port closely, you'll notice that there is also a mesh for incoming sound there. If you talk in the direction of the line-in port with the unit in front or under your mouth, it sounds great. There is an XY-pattern, but it's sort of hidden :)
daanbrg 2 months ago
@daanbrg Really? That's interesting. I was not aware of that on the DR-05 because I thought Tascam saved the XY feature for their DR-07mkII model that has rotating mic capsules from Stereo to XY patterns. That was supposed to be the only difference between the DR-05 and DR-07mkII, but if you say the XY pattern is also in the DR-05, then that's a great deal on that model and a rip off on the DR-07mkII.
CineastaProductions 2 months ago
@CineastaProductions Can you tell me how to upload files from The Zoom h1? I plugged mine in & turned on.But for some reason it does`nt pick up anything.Would you be able to explain how to upload to computer? Thanks.
stiehlreddog 2 weeks ago
@stiehlreddog That's strange. I'm not sure why your computer is not reading it. Maybe try a micro SD card reader? That's what I use.
CineastaProductions 1 week ago
@CineastaProductions Thanks for responding.Not sure how to use that.Not that computer smart.
stiehlreddog 1 week ago
Now that's how an unboxing is done!
Kaijisss 3 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The Zoom is a terrible unit. The build quality is so bad. That little power slider pops out all the time and I lost mine. Now I have no recorder. Do yourself a favor and get the Tascam.
ckahle33 3 months ago
The Zoom is a terrible unit. The build quality is so bad. That little power slider pops out all the time and I lost mine. Now I have no recorder. Do yourself a favor and get the Tascam
ckahle33 3 months ago
Excellent review-
PERIZ99 3 months ago
NIcely done. Size difference immaterial in hand-held mode. Too bad we did not get a demonstration of the actual sound/recording differences.
MySetDancer1 4 months ago
The DR-05 seems more like a recorder for concerts or shows. I already got one because I enjoy recording live shows. If your going to use this recorder for concerts with an external mic and preamp its good choice!
kissslipknotnirvana 5 months ago
I was gunna get the H1 but went with the H4n, and it seems most of the zoom units take forever to boot up.
SonicOrbStudios 5 months ago
The dr-07 can overlap tracks btw
dudebro27 5 months ago
Where do I get your mount?? The one you had with just the tascam/h1
dudebro27 5 months ago
Could you tell me where did you buy your audio rig multi-hotshoe (pardon my English, I don't really know what's it called).
Rangefinder2008 5 months ago
@Rangefinder2008 The hotshoe is called a J-Rod J-Cube. I bought it at B&H Photo for $80. Pretty expensive if you ask me.
CineastaProductions 5 months ago
can you over lap tracks?
ThreeDeadPolice 5 months ago
@ThreeDeadPolice As far as I can tell, you cannot overlap tracks. DR-05 does not have a multitrack mode. If it can overlap tracks, that is a function I have not discovered yet.
CineastaProductions 5 months ago
@CineastaProductions balls
ThreeDeadPolice 4 months ago
how about a sound quality review on a sound device !!!?
ConnerCarter 7 months ago 2
So do you just snap picture and capture the audio of the event or do you use the video function on the camera? If I may ask, what exactly do you do and what events do you go too? I want to do something like that, but I don't know where to go.
baddmaddogg 7 months ago
@baddmaddogg I use my DSLR for video and sync sound with an external audio recorder in post. I shoot concerts, parties, festivals, theater, conferences like TEDxTalks, and more. I started by doing any event that would hire me. I'd often work for peanuts, and after a couple years of slave labor, I'm able to pay the bills with this work. It's not easy, though. Check out my Channel and click on the link to my website if you want to see my stuff.
CineastaProductions 7 months ago 2
This is the comparison I was looking for. Thanks! From what I hear the audio quality is pretty comparable between the two. In my mind I would like the sturdier build with the better button layout, but I'm also not shooting the same stuff as you. I'm looking to run it separately and on a much cheaper camcorder. I'm thinking about getting the tascam and mounting it on a diy fig rig, what do you think?
m00tmike 8 months ago
@m00tmike If you don't mind the bigger size of the Tascam, then yes, that sounds good. Although, if you can afford it, I just got a Sony PCM-M10 ($230), which blows both the Tascam and the Zoom out of the water. I will do a new video of the M10 soon, but it's already a much better investment for me. It's really compact, pre-amps have the least amount of noise, it has a easy button layout, and menus are a dream.
CineastaProductions 8 months ago
Great review. I was torn between these two, but your video cemented it for me. For my purpose, I'm gonna go with the TASCAM. Thanks for a great vid; keep it up!
Ghumdul 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
great review!
LJtutorials 8 months ago
Can you connect the H1 directly to the camera so that you don't have to sync it later?
thank you
Fa9ooly323 9 months ago
@Fa9ooly323 Yes. The headphone jack doubles as a line out, which you can connect to a 3.5mm mic jack in your camera. But beware using it with a 7D or any DSLR camera with AGC, it'll clip the audio.
CineastaProductions 9 months ago
I don't understand how we can figure out which one is better without being able to hear comparisons between the two :S
McCallamanMusic 9 months ago
@McCallamanMusic Sorry about that. I'm comparing build quality, practical use, and features - didn't want to do an audio test. It's difficult to conduct a proper audio test cuz, honestly, I can't tell the sound difference between these two recorders. Also, who knows what speakers people listening to this have. You might have the best M-Audio studio monitors, but the next guy only has his thin laptop speakers. Can't really do a true audio test on youtube. . . .and I'm too lazy.
CineastaProductions 9 months ago
@CineastaProductions The sound difference between these two is actually quite obvious, even on youtube.
orsations 8 months ago
starting at 4:20 you show your canon 7d. What are you using (equipment) to hold up the wireless mic receiver/ zoom h1/ boom mic. It must be some kind of mount, but do you know what it was?
somenun 9 months ago
@somenun It's a J-Rod accessory shoe adapter. Sells for $80 at camera/video stores. Very sturdy, highly recommended.
CineastaProductions 9 months ago
Great video, thanks. One question - how do you transfer data to a Mac? Can you use USB or does it have to be on SD card?
fearoftigers 10 months ago
@fearoftigers You can connect a USB cable to your computer and the audio files will show up on a disc folder. OR you can use a MicroSD to SD card adapter and go directly into your Mac's SD card reader or if you don't have a Mac with a built in card reader, you'll have to get a 3rd party SD card to USB reader.
CineastaProductions 10 months ago
If I was to be recording a live concert from the crowd, which one do you think I should go with? I've watched a few videos and read a few reviews, still on the fence on both of them. Thanks
friendshipfaction 10 months ago
@friendshipfaction I've recorded my own band with a Zoom H1 & had great results. I honestly can't tell the difference in sound quality among all the recorders, but the real advantage of the H1 is that it's so small that no one notices it or tries to steal it. The H4N is great when you want to connect into the sound board & get ambient audio since you can record 4 tracks simultaneously. I use the H2 for band rehearsal. For concerts, stick with a Zoom.
CineastaProductions 10 months ago
good video...i am planning to buy tascam 05 or zoom h2.....which in ur opinion has better sound quality for guitar recording(single instrument)??? I think zoom h2 comes with ac adapter.... thanks for your time ...cheers
josephkavalakat 10 months ago
@josephkavalakat They both have comparable quality. Tascam has more features, better manual control, & it's cheaper. Zoom H2 is smaller, easier to use, & comes with all accessories in the box. Also has 4 track surround sound. Tascam limited to 2 stereo tracks.
For guitar, I'd recommend the Zoom H4N. It's an investment, but has so many useful features: accepts 1/4" guitar cables, tuner, 4-track recorder, computer interface, best portable recorder.
CineastaProductions 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I really like the comparison you did, do you have any knowledge of the Tascam DR2D? I am looking for a audio recorder and I am stuck between the dr-05 and dr2d. The biggest think holding me back from the dr2d is the battery life I keep hearing about. Would I be better served Buying two dr-05 (same price as dr2d) with there 17 hours or getting the dr2d?
I pretty confused, there are so many pros and cons.
Thanks in advanced.
Altissimo15 10 months ago
That was a very good overview, thank you.
Quick question: I have no professional needs, I just need an external recorder+microphone to get cleaner audio. Do you think it would be possible to use one of this with a lavalier-type mic,hypercardioid pattern, used as a mounted "micro-boom", and still get reasonable sound?
(I assume you guys have the bulky boom mics for a reason, but I just want to avoid the horrible sound of the onboard mic, and make it more directional, without the bulk)
1650million 10 months ago
@1650million The onboard mics on these devices are amazing. Don't underestimate them. The rule of thumb to get good sound out of ANY mic is to get it as close as you can to the sound source. U are better off putting a Zoom H1 on a boom pole with a fuzzy windscreen on it & use that instead of a Lav. Lavs are the tool to use when placing on a person to capture clear dialogue.
CineastaProductions 10 months ago
First of all, thank you for the great review you've made. I'm a bit confused because I want to buy a handy recorder and I'll use it for environment recordings (nature, city sounds, etc). Could you please give your opinion between Zoom H2 or Tascam DR-05? Do they have a similar quality? The thing I like about the H2 is the omnidirectional pattern, but I've heard a lot of recordings with some low freq I didn't like.With the Tascam DR-05, can you rename the track name into the Tascam? Thanks.
LucianaC83 11 months ago
@LucianaC83 For ambient/environment recordings, you can't go wrong with the H2, just get a RedHead windscreen.
I can't tell the difference in audio quality - they're both stellar. You get more control with the DR-05 & the ability to rename tracks on the device. I personally like the pickup pattern & 4 mic surround sound option with the H2. The H2 is smaller, dirt simple to use, and comes packaged with all necessary accessories - minus the RedHead.
CineastaProductions 11 months ago
Can you tell me if there is any HISS when recording voice in a quiet environment using the built-in mics?
I listened to the sample recordings of the DR-01 and DR-07 at wingfieldaudio and they had a large amount of hiss before the voice started speaking. Your response is much appreciated. Thank you!
rbvan 11 months ago
@rbvan I didn't notice any hiss in quiet environments, although I kept the gain under 70. With all these Zoom and Tascam handy recorders, I think digital hiss will always be there at high gain levels - I just accept it and try to deal with it.
CineastaProductions 11 months ago
Is the thread screw on the bottom of the DR-05 a standard tripod mount? 1/4" 20?
I'm looking at the DR-05 for live band recordings as it claims it can handle 125dB before overload, where all the zooms will only handle 120dB. But the zooms are tried and tested here on YouTube so I just don't know what to do!
squarefrog 11 months ago
@squarefrog Tripod mount is on the back of the device next to the battery compartment. For live band recordings, the Zoom H2 is better than the Tascam DR-05. There are 4 mics in the H2, Tascam only has 2. You can place the H2 in the middle of your gig or rehearsal and get surround sound. H2 is the cheapest and best unit that is both compact and powerful. You also get a lot of extra accessories in the box that you won't get with the Tascam.
CineastaProductions 11 months ago
@CineastaProductions Thanks for the reply. I've used the H2 but it suffers from clipping as it only has 3 analogue attenuation settings. I know the Tascam DR-07 has more analog attenuation so just wondered if the DR-05 would be as good.
I'm only going to use this to record very loud music so the H2 isn't right for me. Plus it's more expensive than both the DR-05 & DR-07!
squarefrog 11 months ago