Zoom Handy Recorder H8 User manual

You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
Operation Manual
Handy Recorder
H8
© 2020 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and registered
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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 specications of the product could be changed without notice.
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◎macOS and iPadOS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
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used under license by Zoom Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names are the property of their re-
spective companies.
◎Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of
their respective companies.
• All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identication purposes only and are
not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
• 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 prohib-
ited by law. Zoom Corporation will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.

Contents
Notes about this Operation Manual ……………………… 2
H8 overview …………………………………………………………… 5
H8 apps ……………………………………………………………………… 5
Functions of parts …………………………………………………… 8
Mic capsule overview …………………………………………… 12
Touchscreen operation overview ………………………… 13
Making preparations …………………………………………… 16
Supplying power …………………………………………………… 16
Inserting SD cards ………………………………………………… 17
Turning the power on/off ……………………………………… 18
Preventing misoperation (HOLD function) ………… 18
Setting the display language
(rst time starting up) ………………………………………… 19
Setting the date and time (rst time starting up) 19
Connecting…………………………………………………………… 20
Connection examples …………………………………………… 20
Connecting/disconnecting the XY mic ……………… 21
Connecting mics, instruments, mixers
and other equipment ………………………………………… 23
Making input and output settings ……………………… 25
Making settings for input tracks ………………………… 25
Setting the headphone output level …………………… 40
Adjusting connected equipment levels
(playing test tones) …………………………………………… 41
Recording with the FIELD app ……………………………… 43
Display overview …………………………………………………… 43
Recording………………………………………………………………… 45
Playing recordings ………………………………………………… 47
Recording automatically ……………………………………… 48
Capturing audio before recording starts
(pre-recording) …………………………………………………… 52
Enabling the sound marker function …………………… 53
Recording L/R tracks …………………………………………… 54
Recording with the MUSIC app …………………………… 56
Display overview …………………………………………………… 56
Creating new projects …………………………………………… 58
Opening existing projects……………………………………… 60
Recording………………………………………………………………… 61
Playing recordings ………………………………………………… 63
Using effects…………………………………………………………… 64
Using the metronome …………………………………………… 65
Assigning les to tracks………………………………………… 70
Recording additional les……………………………………… 73
Mixing projects ……………………………………………………… 75
Recording with the PODCAST app ……………………… 78
Display overview …………………………………………………… 78
Recording………………………………………………………………… 80
Playing recordings ………………………………………………… 81
Using sound pads ………………………………………………… 83
Making recording settings …………………………………… 86
Using effects ……………………………………………………… 89
Selecting tracks and patch memories
to use effects ……………………………………………………… 89
Adjusting effect parameters ………………………………… 93
Making patch memory settings …………………………… 94
Managing projects ……………………………………………… 98
Folder and le structure………………………………………… 98
Managing projects ………………………………………………… 99
Using as an audio interface ……………………………… 104
Connecting the H8 with a computer
or iOS/iPadOS device ……………………………………… 104
Disconnecting from a computer
or iOS/iPadOS device ……………………………………… 106
Making audio interface settings ……………………… 107
Managing SD cards …………………………………………… 109
Checking SD card information…………………………… 109
Testing SD card performance …………………………… 110
Formatting SD cards …………………………………………… 112
Using as a card reader ……………………………………… 113
Connecting the H8 with a computer ………………… 113
Disconnecting a computer from the H8…………… 113
3

Using the tuner ………………………………………………… 114
Tuning guitars ……………………………………………………… 114
Changing the tuner type……………………………………… 115
Setting the standard pitch of the tuner …………… 116
Using at tunings ………………………………………………… 117
Using Guitar Lab ……………………………………………… 119
Connecting Guitar Lab………………………………………… 119
Disconnecting Guitar Lab…………………………………… 119
Setting the date and time ………………………………… 120
Setting the date and time …………………………………… 120
Setting the date format ……………………………………… 121
Setting the battery type …………………………………… 123
Setting how marks are added when
recording/playing ……………………………………………… 124
Making display settings …………………………………… 125
Setting the display brightness …………………………… 125
Setting the display backlight……………………………… 126
Operating from an iOS/iPadOS device ……………… 128
Connecting an iOS/iPadOS device …………………… 128
Disconnecting from an iOS/iPadOS device……… 129
Setting the language shown……………………………… 130
Restoring default setting values ……………………… 131
Managing the rmware …………………………………… 132
Checking the rmware versions………………………… 132
Updating the rmware………………………………………… 132
Appendix …………………………………………………………… 133
Troubleshooting…………………………………………………… 133
Specications …………………………………………………… 135
4

H8 overview
H8 apps
The H8 includes three recording apps designed for different types of recording.
FIELD app
Use this when eld recording with the XY mic.
This app is also good for capturing sound for movies and videos as well as recording live concerts, for exam-
ple, using external mics.
Use example
5

MUSIC app
Use this when making music. In addition to punch-in/out functions for vocals and instruments, this app can
also mix down multiple tracks with level and panning settings.
Use example
6

PODCAST app
This app is good for preparing audio materials for podcasts as well as live streaming.
Sound pads can be used to play jingles and special effects, for example, with a single touch.
Use example
7

Functions of parts
█Front
❷ Mic track button
❶ Mic input volume L/R
❸ PAD switch 1
❹ Input volume 1/3/A
❺ Hi-Z switch A
❸ PAD switches 3/4
❻ Touchscreen
❼ Mic capsule
❸ PAD switch 2
❽ Track buttons/indicators
1/2/3/4/A/B
❹ Input volume 2/4/B
❾ STOP/HOME button
PLAY/PAUSE button
REC button
❺ Hi-Z switch B
❶ Mic input volume L/R
Use to adjust the mic input volume.
❷ Mic track button
This turns the mic track on and off.
❸ PAD switches 1–4
These attenuate (reduce) the input signals of equipment connected to inputs 1–4 by 20 dB.
Set PAD switches to–20dB when connecting line level equipment.
❹ Input volume knobs 1/2/3/4/A/B
Use to adjust input volumes.
❺ Hi-Z switches A/B
Use to switch the impedances of inputs A/B.
Set Hi-Z switches to Hi-Z when connecting a guitar or bass guitar.
❻ Touchscreen
This shows various types of information and allows touch control of unit settings and other features.
❼ Mic capsule
This can be swapped for different applications.
8

❽ Track buttons/indicators 1/2/3/4/A/B
These turn input tracks on and off.
They also light red and green to show track status. They blink rapidly when input sound levels are high.
❾ STOP/HOME button
Press to stop le playback and to open the Home Screen or the top screen of an app.
PLAY/PAUSE button
Press to start/pause playback of recorded les.
REC button
Press to start recording.
█Left side █Right side
Lock release
buttons
❶ Input 1
❷ Input A
❸ Input 3
❹ SD card slot
❺ MIC/LINE IN jack
(supports plug-in power)
❶ Input 2
❷ Input B
❸ Input 4
❶ Inputs 1/2
Connect mics and keyboards to these. These support XLR Plug connectors.
❷ Inputs A/B
Connect mics, keyboards and guitars to these. These support XLR and 1/4-inch phone (unbalanced) plugs.
❸ Inputs 3/4
Connect mics and keyboards to these. These support XLR Plug connectors.
❹ SD card slot
The H8 supports cards that conform to SD, SDHC or SDXC specications.
❺ MIC/LINE IN input 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.
❻ Speaker
Sound is output here during project playback.
❻ Speaker
9

█ Bottom
❶ Power/HOLD switch
❷ REMOTE connector
❸ USB (Micro-B) port
❹ LINE OUT jack
❺ Strap attachment holes
❻ PHONE OUT jack
❶ Power/HOLD switch
Use this to turn the power ON/OFF and to disable button operation.
❷ REMOTE connector
Connect a BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter here. This enables operation of the H8 from an iOS/
iPadOS device using a dedicated controller app.
❸ USB (Micro-B) port
Connect this to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device to use the H8 as an audio interface or card reader.
By using Guitar Lab on a computer, you can also manage patches and edit and add effects, for example.
A dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17) can also be connected here to use AC power.
❹ LINE OUT jack
This can output sound to a connected device.
❺ Strap attachment holes
Use these to attach a strap.
❻ PHONE OUT jack
This can output sound to headphones.
10

█Back
❶ Mic connector cap attachment points
❷ Tripod mounting threads
❸ Battery compartment cover
❶ Mic connector cap attachment points
Use these when attaching a mic connector cap.
❷ Tripod mounting threads
Use these screw threads to attach a tripod (not included).
❸ Battery compartment cover
Remove when installing or removing batteries.
11

Mic capsule overview
120
120
RL RL
90° 120°
The H8 includes a mic capsule (XY mic).
The XY mic capsule has two crossing directional mics. By rotating the individual mics, the width of audio capture
can be switched from 90º to 120º.
Features:
Since these mics have large diaphragms, they can record a range of frequencies from low to high with good
stereo placement while capturing sounds in the center clearly.
Providing a three-dimensional sound with natural depth and width, this technique is ideal for recording when you
want to capture a specic sound source that is nearby or at a medium distance.
Use examples: solo performances, chamber music, live rehearsals, eld recording
NOTE
The XY mic has a MIC/LINE IN input jack that can be used to connect an external mic or line-level device. This
jack can also provide plug-in power to mics that use it. ( →page 27)
12

Touchscreen operation overview
Tap, swipe and slide on the H8 touchscreen to make settings and select functions to adjust.
Home Screen
This appears on the touchscreen when the H8 power is turned on.
From the Home Screen, three recording applications, various settings screens and other functions can be
launched.
Swipe to
change
• Tap the icon to launch the FIELD app.
• Tap the icon to launch the MUSIC app.
• Tap the icon to launch the PODCAST app.
• Tap other icons to launch various settings screens, for example.
HINT
Press to return to the Home Screen.
13

Operations on various screens
Tap, swipe and slide to operate the touchscreen.
Slide
(move while touching)
Swipe
(touch and ick)
Tap
(touch a selection item)
Character Input Screen overview
Cursor movement button
Cursor movement button
Text input box
Keyboard
14

Tap ↑
Tap 123Tap ABC
NOTE
The following characters can be used in project names.
(space) ! # $ ' ( ) + , - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ; = @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ ] ^ _ ` a b c d e
f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z { } ~
15

Making preparations
Supplying power
Using batteries
Open while
pressing up
1. Turn the power off and then remove the battery cover.
2. Install the batteries.
3. Replace the battery cover.
NOTE
• Use alkaline batteries, rechargeable NiMH batteries or lithium batteries.
• If the battery indicator becomes empty, turn the power off immediately and install new batteries.
• To enable accurate display of remaining battery charge, set the battery type using Home Screen > SYSTEM >
Battery. ( →“Setting the battery type” on page 123)
Using an AC adapter
1. Connect the cable of the dedicated ZOOM AD-17 AC adapter to the USB port.
2. Plug the dedicated AC adapter into an outlet.
HINT
• A 5V mobile battery (commercially-available) can also be connected.
• When connected to a computer, power can be supplied by USB.
16

Inserting SD cards
SD card slot on
lower left side
1. Turn the power off and then open the SD card slot cover.
2. Insert the SD card into the SD card slot.
To remove an SD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.
NOTE
• Always turn the power off before inserting or removing an SD card.
Inserting or removing a card while the power is on could result in data loss.
• When inserting an SD card, be sure to insert the correct end with the top side up as shown.
• If an SD card is not loaded, recording and playback are not possible.
• After purchasing a new SD card, always format it using the H8 to maximize performance.
(→“Formatting SD cards” on page 112)
17

Turning the power on/off
Turning the power on
1. Slide toward .
Turning the power off
1. Keep sliding toward until the ZOOM logo appears.
NOTE
• If “No Card!” appears on the display, conrm that an SD card is inserted properly.
• If “Card Protected!” appears on the display, the SD card write-protection is enabled. Slide the lock switch on
the SD card to disable write-protection.
• If “Invalid SD Card!” appears on the display, the card is not formatted correctly. Format the card or use a differ-
ent card. ( →“Formatting SD cards” on page 112)
Preventing misoperation (HOLD function)
In order to prevent misoperation, the HOLD function can be used to disable operation of the H8 buttons and
touchscreen.
1. Slide to HOLD.
█Deactivating the hold function
Slide back to the middle.
18

Setting the display language (rst time starting up)
The rst time you turn the power on after purchase, set the touchscreen display language when the LANGUAGE
Screen opens.
1. Tap the language you want to set.
HINT
The display language can be changed later using Home Screen > Language. ( →“Setting the language shown”
on page 130)
Setting the date and time (rst time starting up)
When the Set Date/Time Screen opens after the LANGUAGE Screen, set the date and time.
1. Swipe the date and time items to set them.
2. Tap Enter.
HINT
The date and time setting can be changed later using Home Screen > SYSTEM > Date/Time > Set Date/Time.
(→“Setting the date and time” on page 120)
19

Connecting
Connection examples
Video recording (using the FIELD app to record audio)
Shotgun
mic
Lavalier mic
Receiver Receiver Ambient micAmbient mic
Band recording in a studio (using the MUSIC app to record audio)
Vocal mic
Drum mic
Electric bass
Keyboard
Electric guitar
20