Zoom has announced the H8 audio recorder, price tag $399.99, which boasts eight channels of audio input and can record up to 12 channels.
Aimed at location recording and podcasting, the Zoom H8 portable handheld recorder lets you record up to eight simultaneous input signals.
Using Zoom’s Capsule System 2.0, the H8 can add up to four channels of audio to be added to its capsule connection, creating new ways to expand your recording capabilities via new capsules that are sold separately:
- XAH-8: The XAH-8 capsule delivers pristine stereo recordings via its two condenser microphones. Easily rotate the capsules from a tight X/Y pattern to a wide AB pattern to enhance the stereo image of your recordings.
- VRH-8: The VRH-8 is an Ambisonic mic capsule that utilises four condenser microphones to deliver immersive 360-audio recordings. A built-in accelerometer helps ensure the capsule is always perfectly aligned, while the onboard Ambisonic decoder automatically handles the necessary conversions, saving you time in post-production.
- EXH-8: The EXH-8 capsule provides four additional XLR inputs, giving you a total of 10. Each additional input has a dedicated gain knob and pad switch. You can even use your favourite condenser microphones—just connect a power source to the EXH-8 capsule to supply phantom power.
It also features a 2.4-inch colour touchscreen LCD and can act as a digital audio interface for your computer.
The Zoom H8 uses a series of three apps in order to modify the device to suit your workflow for podcasting, music production or location recording. Essentially, the Zoom H8 is then three devices in one.
Other features include swappable X/Y stereo mic capsules, dual 1/4-inch XLR inputs.