Using Zoom H5 for Quartet

P

pmarc

Member
Recording my quartet in my home office. The tough part is that the volume indicator is too rough for accuracy for the whole band when setting up. I've tried playing back on headphones to test settings but it didn't cut it.

Its awkward and time-consuming to remove the sd card and stick it into in a computer for a test playback. What solution is there?

Complicating this... I may want to do it different. Mic'ing the drums and sending vocals (1), piano and bass direct to the H5. 4 tracks total. This is a small recording room so maybe the spillover from drums will be a problem...? In any event as in the first scenario I'll have to test the sound input before recording.

Please, anyone experienced doing this what's my best choice? I'm not a sound engineer. Just a musician.
 
I have a Zoom H5 and I find the recording level meter more than precise enough. Maybe there's something with your process that could be adjusted. It sounds like you're currently recording the whole band into the stereo mics. That can be done, but it will take experimentation with positioning the mic and instruments. It should be possible to listen to the recording on speakers directly from the H5 with the right cable.
 
bouldersoundguy said:
I have a Zoom H5 and I find the recording level meter more than precise enough. Maybe there's something with your process that could be adjusted. It sounds like you're currently recording the whole band into the stereo mics. That can be done, but it will take experimentation with positioning the mic and instruments. It should be possible to listen to the recording on speakers directly from the H5 with the right cable.
Click to expand...
Thanx. I assume run a cable from the H5 XLR/quarter inch output to a self-powered speaker for playback?
 
The XLR/TRS connectors are inputs, not outputs. I believe there's a 3.5mm (1/8") line output in addition to the headphone output. The correct adapter will get that to a powered speaker (2 would be better).
 
Got correct cabling. Now I cant navigate to a previously recorded file to test with spkr. The Recorder's menu doesn't seem to match the user manual.

I get as far as PROJECT / ZOOM0001 -- correct file but there's no MULTI / STEREO OPTION and no ZOOM0001.wav
 
Check the SD card in a computer and see if the file is there. IF not, then you haven't got a recorded file for some reason. Selecting the Multi/stereo option is done prior to recording. It tells the H5 whether to record individual files for inputs, or a simple stereo file. It doesn't have anything to do with playback.

If you plan on having each track separate, then you need to choose Multi when setting up the project. That way you get 4 individual mono files rather than one stereo.

Here's a quick and easy start sheet.

 
Damn. Wrong file! Finally found it. Thanx.

So separate tracks need connecting direct, no?

That's a very good schematic you sent. Thanx.
 
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Yes, if you record through the combo inputs, they will appear as separate files. They will be separate mono tracks while the mic gets recorded onto a single stereo track.

There's an accessory that replaces mic module. It has a pair of XLR inputs so you can have four independent mics.
 
TalismanRich said:
Check the SD card in a computer and see if the file is there. IF not, then you haven't got a recorded file for some reason. Selecting the Multi/stereo option is done prior to recording. It tells the H5 whether to record individual files for inputs, or a simple stereo file. It doesn't have anything to do with playback.

If you plan on having each track separate, then you need to choose Multi when setting up the project. That way you get 4 individual mono files rather than one stereo.

Here's a quick and easy start sheet.

Click to expand...
 
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