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Zoom H1N Recorder

Recording Operations

Quick Start Recording

Standard Recording Process

  1. Power On: Slide switch to ON position
  2. Check Levels: Speak/play into microphone, watch input meters
  3. Set Recording Level: Use Up/Down arrows to adjust input gain
  4. Position Microphone: Point toward sound source
  5. Press Record: Red button to start recording
  6. Monitor: Watch levels and remaining time/space
  7. Press Stop: Square button to end recording
  8. Playback: Triangle button to review recording

Input Level Setting

  • Target Levels: Peaks around -12 dB to -6 dB (avoid hitting 0 dB)
  • Gain Adjustment: Use Up/Down arrows while monitoring
  • Auto Level: Available in menu for automatic gain control
  • Limiter: Can be enabled to prevent clipping

 

Recording Modes

Stereo Mode (Default)

  • Usage: General recording, music, ambient sound
  • File Format: WAV or MP3 stereo
  • Microphone: Both left and right mics active
  • Best For: Musical performances, environmental recording

MS (Mid-Side) Mode

  • Usage: Advanced stereo imaging
  • Adjustable Width: Control stereo spread in post-production
  • File Format: Dual mono WAV files
  • Best For: Professional music recording, sound design

Menu System and Settings

Recording Settings

File Format Options

  1. Menu → REC Format
  2. WAV Options:
    • 96kHz/24-bit: Highest quality, largest files
    • 48kHz/24-bit: Professional standard
    • 44.1kHz/16-bit: CD quality (recommended for most uses)
  3. MP3 Options:
    • 320kbps: Near CD quality, smaller files
    • 128kbps: Good quality, very small files
    • VBR: Variable bit rate for optimal size/quality balance

Recording Features

  • Pre-Record: Menu → Pre REC → 2 seconds (captures 2 seconds before pressing record)
  • Auto Record: Starts recording when sound detected
  • Backup Record: Records two files simultaneously at different levels
  • Loop Record: Overwrites oldest files when card is full

 

Playback Settings

Playback Controls

  • Speed: Menu → Play Speed (50% to 150% without pitch change)
  • EQ: Menu → Play EQ (Low Cut, Vocal, or custom settings)
  • Repeat: A-B repeat for specific sections
  • Skip: Jump between files or markers

File Management

  • Delete: Menu → File → Delete
  • Divide: Split long recordings into separate files
  • Normalize: Adjust levels of recorded files
  • Trim: Remove unwanted sections from beginning/end