With the H8, Zoom shows an audio recorder that offers three functions in one compact device: field recorder, audio interface, and podcast system
The Zoom H6 is one of the most popular field recorders. Up to 6 channels via extension capsule, great sound quality, and super compact. Can you still top that? Zoom says yes with the brand new H8 and puts its H6 on steroids. Visually, the H8 looks like an alien spaceship and offers a lot in a small form factor. The interface is designed to be used as field recorder, music recording, or podcasting system in one device.
H8 features 4 XLR inputs with dedicated pad switches + gain control and 2 additional XLR/TRS combo jacks with Hi-Z switches allow you to capture line-level signals, microphones, or directly record electric guitars and basses. Monitor tracks using the built-in 1/8” headphone output or connect directly to your camera using the dedicated stereo line output
3 Apps, Each For The Perfect Task
The H8 is not just an inflated H6 field recorder but a completely different device. It includes an app-driven interface where you can choose exactly in which area you want to use the device. Podcast app including the ability to trigger sound effects, Music App & Field App including lo-cut, compression, limiter, noise gate… So a device for all cases
Zoom Capsule System 2.0
H8 also comes with a capsule, the Zoom XYH-6 microphone. This capsule provides two matched high-quality unidirectional mics, for capturing signal directly in front of the recorder. With the Zoom mic capsule system you can easily swap capsules to ensure you’re always using the right mic for the job. But there is also an update for the smart capsule system.
Zoom’s Capsule System 2.0 allows up to 4 channels of audio to be added to the H8’s capsule connection, creating new ways to expand your recording capabilities. New capsules are:
- XAH-8: delivers pristine stereo recordings. Easily rotate the capsules from a tight XY pattern to a wide AB pattern to enhance the stereo image of your recordings.
- VRH-8: an Ambisonic mic capsule that utilizes four condenser microphones to deliver immersive 360 audio recordings.
- EXH-8: The EXH-8 capsule provides 4 additional XLR inputs, giving you a total of 10.
Multi-Channel Audio Interface
Like the H6, the new Zoom H8 is also a powerful USB audio interface with up to 12 channels of simultaneous recording for PC, Mac, iPad, and any other tablet. Unfortunately, Zoom uses a micro-USB and not a USB-C connector.
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