Zoom H8

55

Portable 12-Track Audio Recorder

  • Maximum recording quality: 24 bit / 96 kHz
  • X/Y-Microphone capsule XYH-6 (included)
  • Exchangeable clip-on microphones
  • Ambisonic capsule optionally available (not included)
  • 4 x Mic inputs: XLR
  • 2 x Mic / Line / Instrument inputs: XLR / TRS combo socket
  • Phantom power for the 6 internal XLR inputs: +12V/+24V/+48V
  • Gain controls and -20 dB pads in each input
  • Mic / line inputs expandable by module
  • USB port (Micro B) for use as a 12-channel and stereo audio interface for PC / Mac / iPad
  • Recording formats WAV, BWF and MP3
  • Supports SD / SDHC / SDXC cards up to 512 GB
  • Colour 2.4" LCD touchscreen (320x240) with optimizsed user interface for field recording, music recordings and podcasting
  • Built-in speaker
  • Built-in effects and chromatic tuner
  • Stereo line output: 3.5 mm jack
  • Stereo headphone output: 3.5 mm jack
  • Power supply: 4x AA batteries (not included) or USB
  • Dimensions of the H8 without microphone (W x D x H): 116.4 x 163.3 x 48.6 mm
  • XYH-6 dimensions (W x D x H): 78.9 x 60.2 x 45.2 mm
  • Weight of the H8 without microphone: 354 g
  • Weight of the XYH-6: 130 g
  • Includes XYH-6 microphone capsule and a quick guide
Available since September 2020
Item number 497555
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Integrated Stereo Microhone Yes
Recording Tracks 12
Microphone Inputs 6
48 V Phantom power Yes
Line Inputs 2
Storage Medium SD/SDHC/SDXC Card
Headphone connection Yes
Integrated Speaker Yes
Resolution max. 24 bit
Max. Sample Rate 96 kHz
Limiter Yes
Max. Memory 512
Power Feed 4x AA and USB
Weight 354 g
Included In Delivery XYH-6 Capsule, Manual
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Free of charge with this product
$299
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Ideal for large-scale projects

The H8 professional handheld audio recorder from Zoom is eminently suited to projects of a larger scale thanks to its 12-track simultaneous audio recording capability and no less than eight adjustable input channels: An interchangeable X/Y microphone capsule (XYH-6), four XLR sockets, and two XLR/TRS combo sockets. The H8 can be conveniently operated via app using its intuitive 2.4" LC touchscreen and offers the right functions for virtually every scenario, which makes it the ideal choice for all users looking for a portable, compact solution for multi-channel audio recording.

Touchscreen on the Zoom H8 audio recorder

High-performance recording technology

The H8 comes with Zoom’s interchangeable XYH-6 X/Y capsule, which comprises two rotatable unidirectional (cardioid) microphones for wider audio capture with a stereo feel as well as an easy-to-use, snap-on mechanism that allows it to be quickly replaced by another Zoom microphone module depending on the user’s requirements. This high-quality audio recorder boasts not only numerous inputs, each of which comes with a -20dB pad and phantom power supply (+24V, +48V), but also a high-performance, low-noise microphone preamp for professional-quality audio recording. The H8 supports recording in BWF-compatible WAV formats up to 24 bit/96kHz, MP3 formats up to 320kBps, and data storage on SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards with a capacity of up to 512GB. In conjunction with the included X/Y microphone, the Zoom H8 audio recorder can be continuously operated on batteries for approximately 15 hours (which may vary depending on the use scenario).

Stereo microphone with gain controller on the Zoom H8

Multi-track recording on the go

Thanks to its high-performance recording technology and eight input channels, the Zoom H8 handheld recorder makes a convincing case, especially for users who place a strong focus on high-quality multi-track recording on the go. App-based user interfaces and a whole bunch of sophisticated features will ensure outstanding results in just about every scenario, from voice recording involving multiple speakers and complex recording tasks in the field or during live performances through to simple song demo recording in the studio, making the H8 the ideal compact and reliable recording tool for all types of creators. What is more, this Zoom recorder can also be operated as a 2-in/2-out or 12-in/2-out audio interface.

Individual gain controllers for different microphones

About Zoom

Founded in 1983, the Japanese company Zoom manufactures a variety of audio equipment, including a range of portable "handy" recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines, and samplers. Over the past thirty years, the company has built a reputation for producing innovative yet affordable products based on original microchip designs. Since the Zoom-9002 (an ultra-compact multi-effects processor that can be attached to a guitar strap) was introduced in 1990, Zoom has become one of the leaders in digital audio processing.

Three apps for field recording, music production, and podcasts

The Zoom H8 comes with three app-based user interfaces that have been specifically tailored to the requirements of different recording scenarios. The Podcast app offers dedicated sound pads, for example, that allow sound effects to be launched from a selection of 13 integrated preset sounds or from the user’s own uploaded samples. The Field app provides instant access to large meter displays as well as input type and internal signal processing functions such as low-cut filter and compressor, which makes it the perfect tool for field recording and conferences. The Music app converts the touchscreen into a fully functional mixing console comprising faders, audio levels, recording functions (pre-record, overdub, etc.), and internal effects.

Connections and slot for SD cards on the side of the Zoom H8

55 Customer ratings

4.7 / 5

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38 Reviews

j
Very pleased
jodolittle 13.11.2020
I've only had this for a couple of weeks so cant testify for its durability but so far, I couldnt be happier with this unit. It does everything I want accept have a DSLR camera option (which would have been nice). So far havent noticed any loss in the all-round abilities of the recorder, tried it with both Field recordings and with music and its done the job very well, though it also depends on the mics one uses too. I love the multitrack feature. Navigation is pretty straight forward too, which is a big plus for instruction-phobes like me.

Coming back to this after some more usage, the only issue I've struck with the unit is the touch screen control. Its small and sometimes takes a few attempts before it picks up the touch of my fingers. Maybe that's the fault of the hard worn calluses on the ends of my fingers after years of playing guitars but it can be annoying when you just want to set things up and get to work!

Now several months in after first buying this unit and still very happy with it, in general. However, the touchscreen is a real pain to make fine adjustments to volume, etc. So dont expect to do much on that. Also, strange thing seems to happen when I have it plugged in via usb to the mains supply and I connect a phantom large diaphram mic as well as any other phantom 48v mic - seems that the large diaphram drains a little too much power sometimes and the H8 just shuts down unexpectedly. Lost some work that way.

Another con is the USB power connection. Like all these damned usb connections, the one on the H8 is quite easy to damage. Fortunately, I can still power it and connect it to my computer but I do have to angle the cable now as the connection has been worn through usage over the months since I got this unit. While I am still discovering just what the H8 can do, it is disappointing that the people who design these things insist on putting stupid ports that are susceptible to breakage or wear.
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Excellent recorder!
EdEditz 19.08.2022
I use this in my little home studio to do DAW-less multitrack recordings with my synthesizers and this works very well. Shame it doesn't do 32 bit floating, but you can't have everything right? The built in microphones are really good but I would advise to get a dead-cat with it to cancel out wind noises if you want to record outside. The one for the H6 fits this one too as they use the same modules. I also got the extra 4 channel add-on module and with that, this is a 10 channel beast of a recorder. Ideal for a home studio or video production setup.
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An excellent audio recorder for those who want to capture the vibe of the moment without having to care too much about tweeking
alexpls 15.02.2023
I bought this tool for recording our band's studio sessions, but also for taking it outdoors to our busking missions. This little thing does everything I ever wanted from a recording device.

I am not the type of guy who likes to spend too much time in tweaking knobs. I prefer having a recording tool/gear that is reliable enough and easy to set up in a matter of minutes. Over the years, I have found out that the most important thing of a recording session is to be able to capture the vibe of the moment and not to get lost in the endless parameters that recording gear usually offers these days. I apply the same KISS principle (Keep-It-Simple-Stupid) with my guitar gear. Just a good cranked-up amp (Princeton) that I can control with my volume knob. This way I can focus on my music and not my sound.

My vocal/lyrics buddy loves this tool because it is very small and unnoticeable, so it doesn't affect the chill vibe that we like to replicate during our recording sessions. He uses a vocal monitor which we send via XLR to the ZOOM H-8.

I usually go with the standard recording settings for every channel unless there's something that really bothers me. I want to have a crystal clear sound coming out of the amps with no effects. As with food, having great quality ingredients is the most important thing. The only thing I usually do during editing is chopping and level mastering. Only in special occasions I add some after effect. The results are very impressive, I didn't expect such a high quality sound captured by the H8. I also use a lot the Zoom XYH-6 microphone capsule for mixing room sound (just a tiny 10% maybe) and it does pretty good too.

Bottom line is that it has been almost 2 years since I bought the ZOOM and I am not just happy with it, I love it. If I had to choose again I would definitely go for the same item. I would recommend this item to anybody who cares about simplicity and being spontaneous. I don't want to talk about the podcast or film making capabilities of the ZOOM H8 because I haven't been using it too much but for sure it will not disappoint you. This little buddy ROCKS!
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pocket monster studio
igor bezget 11.08.2023
it is a great multitrack recording machine that you can carry in the pocket... as musician composer and music producer i am recording music and working with musicians all over the world... at some point it became inevitable to complete an air travel friendly studio equipment and ZOOM H8 became a core of it...

with 6 XLR channels and 2 channels through a stereo override of a capsule microphone you can record 8 tracks without modifying the machine... it works well as a recorder and as a sound card... when running on batteries you can literally do recordings anywhere... as a soundcard with computer it becomes a powerful production tool... i was using it some times even as an improvised mixer for the small music performances... the A/D conversion and preamps on channels are working well and create a sharp but warm sound... maybe there could be more options for outputs and better way how to store tracks as a recorder but all in all it is unbelievable what you can do with this pocket monster studio...

there are also other features on ZOOM H8 but i was using it only to record music so i can not say nothing about other features

here are some examples of music that was recorded and produced with ZOOM H8




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