Zoom H1essential User manual

Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2024 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
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Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

Notes about this Operation Manual
You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily.
The contents of this document and the specifications of the product could be changed without notice.
• Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
• Mac, macOS, iPadOS and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc.
• IOS a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. and affiliated companies in the USA and
other countries and is used under license.
• The microSDXC logo is a trademark of SD-3C LLC.
• USB Type-C is a trademark of the USB Implementers Forum.
• Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works
and broadcasts, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is
prohibited by law. ZOOM CORPORATION will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of
copyrights.
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Contents
Notes about this Operation Manual........................................................................................................................ 2
H1essential overview.................................................................................................................................................. 5
Achieving high audio quality throughout recording and editing......................................................................... 5
Functions of parts........................................................................................................................................................7
Overview of screens that appear........................................................................................................................... 11
Recording process..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Making preparations.................................................................................................................................................18
Inserting microSD cards........................................................................................................................................... 18
Supplying power........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Connecting input devices.........................................................................................................................................21
H1essential placement............................................................................................................................................. 22
Turning the power on/off........................................................................................................................................ 23
Setting the guide sound (first time starting up)...................................................................................................25
Setting the language shown (first time starting up)............................................................................................26
Setting the date format (first time starting up)....................................................................................................27
Setting the date and time (first time starting up)................................................................................................28
Setting the type of batteries used (first time starting up).................................................................................. 29
Preventing misoperation (HOLD function)............................................................................................................ 30
Making input settings............................................................................................................................................... 31
Switching between stereo and mono.................................................................................................................... 31
Reducing noise (Lo Cut)............................................................................................................................................33
Making output settings............................................................................................................................................ 34
Changing how the output level is adjusted.......................................................................................................... 34
Adjusting the fixed level...........................................................................................................................................36
Recording.................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Monitoring input sounds..........................................................................................................................................38
Making recording settings........................................................................................................................................39
Checking the current date/time and the name of the next recorded file........................................................52
Recording.................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Adding marks during recording.............................................................................................................................. 55
Moving the file being recorded to the Trash folder............................................................................................ 56
Playing recordings..................................................................................................................................................... 57
Playing recordings..................................................................................................................................................... 57
Selecting files for playback (File List Screen)........................................................................................................ 58
Automatically adjusting the volume during playback (normalizing)................................................................. 59
Changing the file format and exporting files........................................................................................................60
Adding/deleting marks in recorded files............................................................................................................... 62
Repeating playback of a set interval (A-B repeat)................................................................................................64
Changing the playback speed................................................................................................................................. 66
Checking file information......................................................................................................................................... 67
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Moving the file being played to the Trash folder................................................................................................ 68
Making settings for repeat playback (Repeat Setting).........................................................................................69
Managing files............................................................................................................................................................70
H1essential folder and file structure..................................................................................................................... 70
Using as a USB mic...................................................................................................................................................73
Connecting to computers, smartphones and tablets..........................................................................................73
Muting the USB mic.................................................................................................................................................. 76
Disconnecting from computers, smartphones and tablets................................................................................77
Making USB mic settings..........................................................................................................................................78
Transferring files to computers and other devices............................................................................................. 83
Connecting to computers, smartphones and tablets..........................................................................................83
Disconnecting from computers, smartphones and tablets................................................................................85
Overdubbing...............................................................................................................................................................86
Managing microSD cards......................................................................................................................................... 89
Formatting microSD cards....................................................................................................................................... 89
Testing microSD cards..............................................................................................................................................90
Deleting files in the Trash folder............................................................................................................................ 94
Making various settings........................................................................................................................................... 95
Setting the language shown.................................................................................................................................... 95
Setting the date and time........................................................................................................................................96
Setting the date format............................................................................................................................................98
Setting the display brightness...............................................................................................................................100
Setting display power saving.................................................................................................................................101
Dimming the display while recording..................................................................................................................103
Setting the type of batteries used........................................................................................................................105
Setting the time until the power turns off automatically.................................................................................107
Using the guide sound accessibility feature.......................................................................................................109
Setting the guide sound (Accessibility)................................................................................................................ 109
Setting the guide sound volume.......................................................................................................................... 111
Checking guide sound information......................................................................................................................112
Installing guide sounds.......................................................................................................................................... 113
Restoring the factory default state...................................................................................................................... 114
Managing the firmware..........................................................................................................................................115
Checking the firmware versions........................................................................................................................... 115
Updating the firmware........................................................................................................................................... 116
Checking the latest information for the H1essential........................................................................................ 117
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................................118
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................................118
H1essential metadata list...................................................................................................................................... 120
Specifications........................................................................................................................................................... 124
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H1essential overview
Achieving high audio quality throughout recording and
editing
With support for 32-bit float WAV files, the H1essential can maintain the highest audio quality from
recording through editing in a DAW or other software.
32-bit float WAV file overview
32-bit float WAV files have the following advantages over conventional 16/24-bit WAV files.
Due to these advantages, the audio quality of recording can be maintained afterward when editing in a
DAW or other software.
Resolution advantage
32-bit float WAV files have the advantage of being able to maintain high resolution even at low volumes. As
a result, quiet sounds can be made louder when editing after recording without degrading their quality.
■ 16/24-bit WAV
Volume raised
Resolution is low
■ 32-bit float WAV
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Volume raised
Resolution is high
Clipping advantage
If a waveform sounds clipped when output from the H1essential or in a DAW, it can be edited after
recording to lower its volume and restore an unclipped waveform because the data in the 32-bit float WAV
file itself is not clipped.
■ 16/24-bit WAV
Clipped recording Still clipped
Volume lowered
■ 32-bit float WAV
Clipped recording Not clipped
Volume lowered
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Functions of parts
Top and bottom
■ Top ■ Bottom
❶Built-in XY mic
This stereo mic has two crossing directional mics. This mic can record three-dimensional sound with
natural depth and width.
❷Display
This shows various types of information.
❸STEREO/MONO/operation button
When the Home Screen is open, this switches the audio recording format between stereo and mono.
When any screen other than the Home Screen is open, this has the function of the icon shown at the
bottom of the display. (→ Operation button overview)
❹LO CUT/operation button
When the Home Screen is open, this changes the LO CUT setting.
When any screen other than the Home Screen is open, this has the function of the icon shown at the
bottom of the display. (→ Operation button overview)
❺Trash/operation button
When the Home Screen is open, this moves the recorded file to the trash.
When the Playback Screen is open, this moves the playing file to the trash.
When any screen other than the Home Screen or Playback Screen is open, this has the function of the
icon shown at the bottom of the display. (→ Operation button overview)
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❻MARKER/operation button
When the Home Screen is open, this adds a mark to the recording.
When any screen other than the Home Screen is open, this has the function of the icon shown at the
bottom of the display. (→ Operation button overview)
❼STOP button
When the Home Screen is open, pressing and holding this will show the current time and the next file.
When recording, this will stop recording.
When the Playback Screen is open, this stops playback. Pressing this again when stopped will return to
the Home Screen (from most screens).
❽REW button
This moves to the beginning of the file.
If pressed near the beginning of a file, this will open the File List Screen where files can be selected. (→
Selecting files for playback (File List Screen))
If there are marks between the current playback position and the beginning, this will move to the
nearest mark.
Press and hold to search backward.
❾REC button and indicator
This starts and stops recording.
The indicator lights during recording.
❿PLAY/PAUSE button
This starts and pauses playback.
When operating as a USB mic, this turns muting on/off. (→ Muting the USB mic)
When the File List Screen is open, this opens the Playback Screen for the selected file.
⓫FF button
This opens the File List Screen where files can be selected. (→ Selecting files for playback (File List
Screen))
If there are marks between the current playback position and the end, this will move to the nearest
mark.
When playing back or paused, this moves to the next mark. If there is no mark, this opens the File List
Screen.
Press and hold to search forward.
⓬Speaker
Sound is output here during file playback.
If headphones are connected to the PHONE/LINE OUT jack, sound will not be output from the speaker.
⓭Tripod mounting threads
This can be used to attach the H1essential to a tripod, for example.
⓮Battery cover
Open this when installing or removing AAA batteries. (→ Installing batteries)
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■Operation button overview
When operation icons appear at the bottom of the display on the Menu Screen, Playback Screen, Playback
Options Screen and other screens, press the operation keys directly below the operation icons to select or
confirm items on screen.

■ Menu Screen example
❶Operation icons
The icons shown depend on the screen.
❷Operation button ( )
This returns to the previous screen.
❸Operation button ( )
This selects the item above.
❹Operation button ( )
This selects the item below.
❺Operation button ( )
This confirms the selected item.

Other operation icons will appear. They are explained in the procedures for each item.

■ Note about the abbreviation of procedures in this operation manual
In this operation manual, procedures that include pressing operation buttons to conduct operations use
icons and are abbreviated as follows.
Example: Use the operation buttons that correspond to / to select “Rec Settings” and use
the operation key that corresponds to to confirm the selected item.
Abbreviation: Use / to select “Rec Settings” and press to confirm.
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Left and right sides
■ Left side
■ Right side
❶PHONE/LINE OUT jack
Use this stereo mini jack to output sound to headphones or a connected device.
❷VOLUME
This adjusts the output to the built-in speaker, headphones or connected device.
❸POWER/HOLD switch
Use this to turn the power on/off and to disable button operation.
❹microSD card slot
Insert a microSD card here.
❺MENU button
Press this to open the Menu Screen.
When a screen other than the Menu Screen or Playback Options Screen is open, this returns to the
Home Screen.
When the Playback Options Screen is open, this returns to the Playback Screen.
❻USB port (Type-C)
Connect this to a computer, smartphone or tablet to use file transfer functions and to use the
H1essential as a USB mic.
Operation on USB bus power is supported.
❼MIC/LINE IN jack (supports plug-in power)
A connected mic can be used to record.
Mics that require plug-in power can be used with this jack.
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Overview of screens that appear
In this section, we explain the screens shown on the display of the H1essential.
Home Screen
This screen appears on the display when the H1essential power is turned on. This shows the state of the
H1essential, including recording status and input signal waveforms.
When recording starts, the name of the file being recorded is shown at the top of the screen.
❶Status icon
The recording status is shown by an icon.
• Stopped
• Recording
❷Available recording time / recorded time
This shows the available recording time when recording is paused and the current elapsed recording
time when recording.
❸LO CUT indicator
This shows the LO CUT setting. Nothing will be shown when this is set to OFF. (→ Reducing noise (Lo
Cut))
❹Remaining battery charge
This is shown when operating on batteries. When the remaining battery charge becomes low, replace
the batteries (→ Installing batteries) or connect an AC adapter (→ Connecting an AC adapter) or
portable battery (→ Using other power sources).
❺Waveform display
This shows the waveforms of signals input into the H1essential.
Waveforms for both the L and R channels will be shown when stereo. A waveform that mixes the L and
R channels will be shown when mono. (→ Switching between stereo and mono)
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HINT
When a screen other than the Home Screen is open, press to return to the Home Screen. This
function is useful when you want to return to the Home Screen quickly from various setting screens. (Moving
to the Home Screen is not possible from some screens.)
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Playback Screen
When the Home Screen is open, pressing to start playback will open this screen on the display.
This shows playback conditions of the selected file, including the playback time and waveform.
When playback starts, the name of the file being played is shown at the top of the screen.
❶Status icon
The playback status is shown by an icon.
• Playing back
• Paused
• Searching backward
• Searching forward
❷Playback time
This shows the elapsed time since the start of playback.
❸File length
This shows the length of the file currently playing.
❹Stereo/mono indicator
“STEREO” will be shown when the file was recorded in stereo mode and “MONO” will be shown when
recorded in mono.
❺Remaining battery charge
This is shown when operating on batteries. When the remaining battery charge becomes low, replace
the batteries (→ Installing batteries) or connect an AC adapter (→ Connecting an AC adapter) or
portable battery (→ Using other power sources).
❻Waveform display
This shows the waveform of the file being played. The colors are reversed for the part of the waveform
that has already been played.
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The positions of marks can also be checked. (→ Adding marks during recording, Adding/deleting marks
in recorded files)
❼Mark bar
This shows a mark added to the file being played back.
❽
This opens the Playback Options Screen where the following can be done.
•Automatically adjusting the volume during playback (normalizing)
•Changing the file format and exporting files
•Adding/deleting marks in recorded files
•Repeating playback of a set interval (A-B repeat)
•Changing the playback speed
•Checking file information
•Moving the file being played to the Trash folder
❾
This moves the file playback position back 3 seconds.
❿
This moves the file playback position forward 10 seconds.
⓫
Use this to move the file being played to the Trash folder. (→ Moving the file being played to the Trash
folder)
HINT
Press when playback is stopped to return to the Home Screen.
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Playback Options Screen
Use this screen to make settings related to playback.
When the Playback Screen is open, press to open this.
❶File/option name
This shows the name of the selected file.
This shows the playback option when one is selected.
❷Playback option items
This shows setting items and setting values, for example.
❸Operation icons
Press operation buttons below the corresponding operation icons on the display to select option items
and confirm selected items. (→ Operation button overview)
❹Remaining battery charge
This is shown when operating on batteries. When the remaining battery charge becomes low, replace
the batteries (→ Installing batteries) or connect an AC adapter (→ Connecting an AC adapter) or
portable battery (→ Using other power sources).
❺Scrollbar
This will appear when a list has more items than will fit on the display.
HINT
Press to return to the Playback Screen.
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Menu Screen
Make recording, playback, system and repeat playback settings, use the overdub and USB functions, and
manage SD cards on this screen.
When the Home Screen is open, press to open this.
❶Menu title
❷Menu items
This shows setting items and setting values, for example.
❸Operation icons
Press operation buttons below the corresponding operation icons on the display to select menu items
and confirm selected items. (→ Operation button overview)
❹Remaining battery charge
This is shown when operating on batteries. When the remaining battery charge becomes low, replace
the batteries (→ Installing batteries) or connect an AC adapter (→ Connecting an AC adapter) or
portable battery (→ Using other power sources).
❺Scrollbar
This will appear when a list has more items than will fit on the display.

HINT
When the Menu Screen is open, press to return to the Home Screen. This function is useful when you
want to return to the Home Screen quickly from various setting screens. (Moving to the Home Screen is not
possible from some screens.)
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Recording process
Recording follows the process shown below.
• Load a microSD card (→ Inserting microSD cards)
• Prepare the power (→ Installing batteries, Connecting an AC adapter)
• Turn the power on (→ Turning the power on)
• Make settings related to input (→ Making input settings)
• Make settings related to recording (→ Making recording settings)
• Press to start recording and press or to stop
recording (→ Recording)
• Press to start playback and press to stop (→ Playing
recordings)
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Making preparations
Inserting microSD cards
1. When the power is off, open the microSD card slot cover, and insert a microSD card with the logo
facing up all the way into the slot.
To remove a microSD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.
2. Close the microSD card slot cover.
NOTE
• Always make certain that the power is off when inserting or removing a microSD card. Inserting or
removing a card while the power is on could result in data loss.
• When inserting a microSD card, be sure to insert the correct end with the top side up.
• Recording and playback are not possible when a microSD card is not loaded in the H1essential.
• Always format microSD cards in order to maximize their performance after purchasing them new or
using them with a different device. (→ Formatting microSD cards)
• A message will open when a card that has not been used with the H1essential before is loaded in it.
The SD Card Screen will be shown. Then, test the SD card. (→ Testing microSD cards)
• The following types of recording media are supported.
- microSDHC: 4 GB – 32 GB
- microSDXC: 64 GB – 1 TB
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Supplying power
The H1essential can operate using batteries or a power supply connected to the USB port (AC adapter, USB
bus power or portable battery).
Power from a power supply connected to the USB port will be used before batteries.

Installing batteries
Use 2 AA batteries when operating the H1essential on battery power.
1. When the power is off, push the latch down to open the battery cover.
2. Install 2 AAA batteries.
3. Replace the battery cover.
NOTE
• Use only one type of battery (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) at a time.
• Set the type of battery used correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be shown
accurately. (→ Setting the type of batteries used)
• If the batteries run out of charge, turn the power off immediately and install new batteries. The battery
charge will always be shown when operating on battery power.
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Connecting an AC adapter
Connect the cable of a dedicated AC adapter (AD-17) to the USB port (Type-C) and connect the adapter to
an outlet.
Using other power sources
By connecting the USB port (Type-C) to a computer, the H1essential can be operated using USB bus power.
Moreover, it can also be powered by a 5V portable battery (commercially-available).
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