Freesound Forums

I've been using Freesound for years and really appreciate all the great files available. I finally figured out how to operate my paypal account and bought a shirt. I know it is just a drop in the bucket, but it's how I can support the site at this point. I'm also considering getting this so I can contribute more sounds that I create:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/699403-REG/Zoom_H1_H1_Ultra_Portable_Digital_Audio.html

I'd love to buy something that is top of the line, but I only have a pauper's budget. Any opinions on the above item?

There are a number of users here who contribute sounds from the H1. Listen to those and see if it will meet your needs. The best recorder is the one you're using, right?

Im using a Zoom H1, its perfect for field recording and the quality is still great.

They dont call it 'Handy' for nothing

Hello,

All I can say really is reinforce what was said already. In all the recordings I have made with the Zoom H1 I never had any problem: the noise level is so low I can't her it and the sounds I record sound just like they did for real (stereo spread included).
I cannot at this time imagine a situation when I would need anything better than the H1 for my recordings.

I would say as a watch out, that if you are planning to record outside and there is even a slight breeze you will get wind noise. But I believe this is true when recording with any unshielded microphone and is not a problem of the H1 itself.
The solution for this is a wind shield. If you plan to record outside you really should get one. There is an accessories kit for the H1. It probably works cheaper if you buy it together with the recorder as you may get a deal.

Another thing that you will get is 'hand noise' or 'handling noise' if you are holding the recorder and make the slightest movement. Again, this is not a problem of the H1 but a fact of life that if you touch a microphone you get noise.
So you need a really steady hand when recording (this is possible with practice and I have done it many times).
For longer recordings it is best to place the recorder on a surface instead of holding it.
Again, the accessories kit offers both a tripod and a handle for the H1, which solves the 'handling noise' problem.

Finally, I would say that there is a lot that you can record with cheap webmics and still sound decent. So, if your first projects involve banging pots and pans in the kitchen or recording squeaky doors, you may only need a laptop and a webmic.

Good luck with your recordings and please share them in Freesound.

The screw-in handle works splendid, I use it with a glove and handling noise is significantly reduced when changing position whilst recording.

I bought the H1 and the kit as a bundle on an ebay store. I got a terrific deal, it was really cheap; i even got an extra memory card thrown in.

The only problem I have with the H1 is card reading issues. A lot of the time is says "no memory card" so i have to restart the device, quite annoying. It happened with the college devices as well, so I know its not just mine thats faulty. I think the card slot is badly manufactured, but at least it stays in there. Otherwise, its a perfect little recorder. Great value for money.

I never had card issues with mine.

AlienXXX wrote:
I never had card issues with mine.

Strange, I guess im just unlucky then :/

Or you're lucky