Distorted or Empty Recordings
As you are recording, you are receiving a distorted audio that is ruining your record.
Switch on Lo Cut feature
If you are getting a distorted audio in quieter settings, you may not be using the lo cut feature of the Zoom H1 Handy Recorder. The lo cut feature allows you to filter the unwanted background noise (i.e. wind blowing outside) from your recording. To access the lo cut feature, the switch will be located on the back of the device.
Plug in Headphones
If you are still experiencing audio distortion, the built-in speaker may not be functioning properly. This would make your audio recordings sound distorted during playback. To eliminate this possibility, plug in a pair of headphones and listen to playback through them. If the playback is clear, your problem is with the speaker. Go here to find out how to replace the built in speaker. If problem persists, move on to next step.
Ensure it is Not the Speakers
Try plugging in an external microphone and taking another audio recording. If your sound is still distorted, then the issue lies with the speaker malfunctioning. Check our repair guide for step by step instructions to replace the speaker.
Record Audio on Computer
If you are still receiving audio distortion, either one or both of the built-in microphones of the device is not functioning properly. After recording a file, play it back on a computer. If the recording is not in stereo, this means that one of the two microphones is malfunctioning. If the file is present but there is no sound, then both microphones are malfunctioning and should be replaced. Check out our guide to find out how to replace the microphones.
Device Won’t Turn on
You are unable to power on your device, or it is not functioning at all.
Replace Battery
If the recorder is not turning on, you should change the battery. The Zoom H1 Handy Recorder has a known design flaw that causes it to drain the battery even while not in use. A dead battery should be the first thing checked for.
Clean Battery Terminals
If the new batteries do not have an effect, and your device continues to be non responsive, it is possible that the terminals where the batteries are placed could be corroded. If the terminals appear to have a green crust on them, try cleaning off the terminals and using the fresh batteries one more time.
Replace Terminals
If cleaning the terminals is also ineffective, it is possible that the terminals themselves are damaged and will have to be replaced. See our replacement guide for step by step directions in making this replacement.
Device Won’t Connect to Computer
When trying to record audio onto a computer the device won’t connect.
Try Another USB Cable
To ensure the problem is not with the cable itself, use another cable and attempt to connect the device again.
Try Another Device
If the device will not connect even with a new USB cord, try a working device on the same USB port. If the working device works, then the USB port on the recorder needs to be replaced. Go here for instructions.
Can’t Listen to Playback Through Headphones
Unable to listen to audio recordings with headphones plugged in.
Try Another Set
To ensure that it isn’t because of broken headphones, you should try listening to playback through another set of headphones.
Unable to Use an External Microphone
Device will not allow you to record using an external microphone.
Ensure it is not the Microphone
Test the microphone on another device to ensure that it works properly.
Line-in Port Needs Replacement
If the microphone works properly, then the line-in port needs to be replaced. Go here to view the guide to replace this port.
Recordings Being Cut Short
Audio recordings are being cut off earlier than intended.
Adjust the Bit-rate
If your recordings have been unintentionally being cut-off, the size of the file may be the issue to this problem. The recordings on the Zoom H1 Handy Recorder have a maximum file size of 2 GB. Any file larger than that will be cut off at the 2 GB marker. You can change the bit-rate by pressing the fast forward button on the time remaining screen to increase it, or pressing the reverse button on this same screen to decrease it. Decreasing it will allow you to fit more audio into the 2 GB limit, but may decrease the quality of the recording.
61 comentários
i am no longer able to erase. when trying to record, it says card full.
Scott Schwager - Responder
Scott, I'm have the same problem. Did you find a fix?
Marsa -
Hi there, i am unable to make any recording. Although i deleted all the files, it says "card is full". Do you know how to fix it? Thanks, esin.
frannyfrann -
pull out the memory card, plug it in a computer then perform a reformat on the memory card.
hope this solve your mystery
jeromepalermo -
Same problem, formatted card on computer, still getting Card Full error. And when I try to format with the recorder it says Format error and then blinks Card Access forever. Really frustrating. Just realized I didn’t record my last few weddings, because when I saw Card Full, I just pushed record again and by the timer it appeared to be recording, but no files on the card. UGHHHH.
Marty Reinhardt -
I had the same problem. What I ended up doing was collecting my files that were still on my trash folder and putting them back into my zoom. Then I deleted the files from my zoom recorder instead of my computer. What also happened is that some old files that I knew I did not have in my trash anymore re-appeared in my memory card. At that point, I just changed their name into ZOOM0001 (increase number if several) and my zoom recognised them and I was able to delete them again. Went from 14min available to 1h55 thanks to that. Hope it helps!
inesmurer.hp -
the remain time is extremely low for .wav setting, even though I erased all recordings. Any thoughts on fix?
linnea - Responder
Linnea:
I'm getting same problem. Did you get any helpful information?
Thx NCS
Nat -
Hello!
Please, help me with my issue!
The device blocks/stucks during playback or recording.
- If it's at playback - starts to beep louder.
- If it's at recording - stops to record.
In both cases the operation knobs become insensitive and I have to remove the battery to restart it.
No way to use it this way.
WHAT TO DO?
Vladimir Samurkov - Responder
Hello Is anybody answering herer or not? Did Frannyfranny get hep? Where can I see this answer? Otherwise this forum is useless. I have the same problem. My gf helped me emptying the card once so I know It can be done but the problem persists and Its frickin annoying. My souultion for next time since I wont forget another time, is to remove files one by one through the device after copying to computer. NOT deleting thru computer (mac). Maybe the problem is created by the mac but anyway the problem is there.
Ola K - Responder
Hi,
I upgraded to firmware 2.1, and after that, my zoom H1 is not recognized by my windows 7 as a microphone. From the zoom H1 end, everything seems to be ok, as the <audio> text comes on the screen, and I select it, but, the computer says there is no microphone device attached.
Earlier, when I was using firmware 2.0, this problem was not there.
Aalok Srivastav - Responder
Line-in Port seems to not to be working, and I bought the Zoom H1 today. The external microphone I'm using is a Røde mosquito, which I have tested both before and after with an iPhone7 and there the Røde works just fine. I don't have time to get back to the shop where I bought it and my flight is due tomorrow. It's strange if it should be the line-in port. It's brand new. Are there any known problems using external microphones?
Holger Wendt - Responder
So crazy. I’m having the EXACT same problem. Brand new, and cant connect an external mic! Did you figure out your issue?
juliesalz -
Hi! My On/Off Button of my Zoom H1 is broken.
How can I fix this?
I hop someone can help me with it!
Thanks.
Alrik - Responder
Hi I was using my Zoom H1 normally in the Windows vista and 7 without problem, but the last time that I open the HD in those windows the main file with the records simply doesn't show any more only the other files. I try it on in the Windows 10 without problem also, the file is there.
Andre Pinho - Responder
How can I fix this problem to use the Zoom H1 in windows vista and 7?
Andre Pinho - Responder
I'm having the strangest problem.
So I just bought a Zoom H1, and a Boya lavalier mic.
The zoom picks up audio fine when I plug in a shot gun mic to the line-in. But gets absolutely no signal when I plug in the lavalier mic.
Thinking it's the lavalier mic's problem, I test it out on my mobile phone and (lo and behold) the lavalier works with the phone!
the H1 and the mic both work individually, but when you put them together, I get no signal... Any ideas?
Thanks for the help!
Terence Lee - Responder
Im having exact same problem as Terrance. Did you get it working? I also tried aux amp to zoom and no go :(
mike_020304 - Responder
Hi all
The issue I have with the H6 is that doesn’t communicate properly with my laptop due to its channel 1 says 3 on Pro Tools and I can’t get the other ones.
On the H6 everything seems fine, being able to record by itself, but when I connect it to my laptop I can’t get the other channels plus the Ch 1 is on Ch 3 on laptop.Any idea? I’m also trying to update the firmware but doesn’t recognise the file. Let me know your thoughts please!
Antonio - Responder
hello the wav file i created on the H1 won’t play on my SandDisk mp3 player and i did test another wav file i have that does work on it, but the wav file that works is 750 kbps, but the H1 wav file property is showing 1141 kbps. So i recorded with each of the bit rate settings and the wav files still show a 1141 kbps value. So i’m wondering why when i change the bit rate for a recording to the lowest level, its still showing 1141 kbps, thanks for any suggestions!
bob kennelly - Responder
my play button no longer works
preci0usss - Responder
I use zoom h1 as an usb mic on my android when i select 44.1 k its lower down my pitch and at 48 k my audio tempo speeded . What is the solution plz tell me
Saurav Musiclover - Responder
HELP!!!
My H2 next records audio for one minute exactly then recording stops….. Someone please help me correct.
Thank you in advance
Larry Zens - Responder
It isn’t letting me use as an interface. I have downloaded the latest H and F drivers for it and followed all the instructions to use it on the Cubase Elements LE it came with, but when I go to switch drivers, it says ‘no device’ even though it is plugged in.
Ben Baker - Responder
The H1 powers off when I insert de micro SD and it won’t turn oh with an SD inside, I cannot connect it to the computer via USB, any ideas?
Àlex Ponsa - Responder
LIKELY the H1 is turning off when you do this to protect the card & itself. You shouldn’t take the/any micro SD out or put it in with the H1 unit turned on, it’s likely you’ve damaged the sys file (H1MAIN.bin) or even the card, maybe even the H1 itself by doing this. I suggest you format the card & try again. Perhaps reinstall the H1MAIN.bin file. & this time make sure the card is in place properly BEFORE you turn it on. IF the H1MAIN.bin file is damaged, or the card is damaged; you’ll have problems for sure. Just download it & reinstall it.
Zzzz oop -
Hi, i have issues with lapel recordings when after 5 - 10 mins, the recorder will jump a small part and the whole syncing will go off. Does anyone had this issue? I had it for 2 interviews and its starting to make me scared of using it to record. Anyone?
caiyancong1990 - Responder
Has anyone had problems with: Recording in 48/24bit WAV, I press the record button, it seems to be recording, I stop the recording, go to play the file, the file number is there but the data has not been written to the card… so no audio. Perhaps it’s a card issue… I have ‘fiddled’ with it, sometimes it records, most times it doesn’t. I find the only way to be sure it’s recording is, after pressing REC, I hit the play/pause button to ‘MARK’ the record… if it marks it’s recording, if it doesn’t ‘MARK’ then it’s not recording. I’ve just upgraded to firmware 2.01 because I was having issues with it stopping recording after just 10 minutes, now since I upgraded this new problem. Any thoughts appreciated.
Zzzz oop - Responder
Hi, I´m getting troubles with the recognition of the recorder for the PC, is strange because I can use it as a USB mic, but when I choose CARD when I plug de USB, windows (8.1) keep sending the message of error to recognize the device. I tried with another PC (win 10), the same message. What could be the error? Thanks a lot
Ahmed Soria - Responder
When I hit record it appears to be working, but when I end recording and go to playback there is only a file number, there is no time info and no recording to playback.
heavenuphere - Responder
I think this might be a card error but, I formatted the card on the computer, the card swaps files (read/write) easily through the computer card reader. However when I put it in the H1; it boots, I press record it shows it is recording with the numbers ticking over, I press the record button to stop the recording then the circling time hoop continues until it eventually says CARD ACCESS & freezes. Sometimes the “hoop” lasts so long I try to turn it off… it wont turn off at the switch, so I have to pull the battery out. This only happens with this card, other cards work fine. It just perplexes me that the computer will read & write to & from the card but the H1 will not. The CARD FULL notice came up the last time I tried it, but the card was empty; I had just done a full (slow) reformat on the card using the computer. It’s a weird one. Thankfully it was only a 2Gig card, still… why would it continue to work on the computer & not the H1. Up for discussion.
Zzzz oop - Responder
Another item for discussion; the very low MP3 bit rates. What are peoples experiences with them, especially regarding editing? At the lowest bit rate (MP3 48) did you find any difficulties? I normally use .WAV 48/24bit for my files that need the higher quality that I like to make… I am experimenting with the lower bit rates now, just wondering about other peoples experiences especially at the 48 & 96 MP3 bit rates.
Zzzz oop - Responder
Anybody know a way to fast forward or rewind more efficiently? If I forget to mark every so often I will sometimes be stuck searching for a bit of audio and unless I just upload it and handle it on my computer it’s the slowest fast forward function EVER. Ideas?
T Evans - Responder
My h1n is charging when plugged into the computer but doesn’t actually connect to the computer. I’ve tried multiple USB cables and this works one with other devices.
Ryan Venora - Responder
My device isn’t turning on even when the battery is replaced. The screen says ‘hi’ then it says “no card access” for about half a second and turns off. I’m not sure what to do since the card is inside already.
Ricardo Pena - Responder
Hi, does anyone know if you can replace the outer shell of the recorder, mine was dropped, and parts of it have snapped off. Still works fine.
regards
david - Responder
So I guess i’m looking for one that doesn’t work anymore, but the outer shell I can build onto mine?
david -
Everything seems to be working fine, but when I go to playback I don’t hear a thing on either the speaker or my (good) headphones?! HELP!
Patrick - Responder
I just bought a new SD card, and the recorder will not format it, and says “card access”. Any thoughts on why this would be? thanks
sally - Responder
My h1n isn't making any sound when I try to play back a recording. The file is there and the time is counting but no sound.
Brienna Matson - Responder
Zoom h1 can start but it is stuck on “Hold”, even when the slide switch isn’t set on hold…
Any help would be welcome !
ehlàbas ma - Responder
hi - i am having the same problem and haven’t found any other information - did you find a solution?
Dan Coyles -
Well, not really but it’s working again now. I opened it, try to fix the switch without any improvements…I just put it on a shelf for like 2 months and half, then i tried again and it worked. I did add a cheap dehumidifier in my appartment, so the ambient air was dry, it could have helped. I think it was stuck on hold because i left it for hours in a wet tent under the sun, during summer 2021. I’d suggest : do nothing, let it rest a while (several weeks) in a dry room without any big temperature variations. Might work again someday…
ehlàbas ma -
My H1 Zoom will not record. battery is good. unit does turn on. Help! I never had this problem with the H1 Zoom which I have used for a few years now
Stan Cohen - Responder
i have tried to use my zoom h1 for the first time in years - i have powered on and it seems to be permanently on ‘hold’ when it shouldn’t be, regardless of what i press etc. can anyone please help?
Dan Coyles - Responder
When I turn on the recorder, the display shows “format press rec”. When I press rec, it says”error no card” even though the memory is there. Can this be fixed?
Tor - Responder
You could reinstall the firmware. Didn’t fix mine (different issue) but maybe it will help yours…
ehlàbas ma -
When I turn on my H1n now, for some reason it does not show the USB or SD card interface screen. It goes directly to the SD card, even if I have a micro usb cable connected to my computer.
Bill Thibeault - Responder
I just spent over $40 for an SD card and when I power-up the unit I get and “invalid SD card” notice. What the !&&*???
Bill Edwards - Responder
Well, my H-1 is working again, it was stuck on hold for months (after I left it in a tent exposed to the summer sun) and now it’s fine…About SD cards : mine is using a ScanDisk Ultra 8 Gb, maybe yours is too powerful for the device ? just guessing…
ehlàbas ma - Responder
I thought that might be the case but the semi-helpful instructions don’t mention the gig size…one would think they’d mention that considering the expense of these things! Thanks!
Bill Edwards -
I seem to only have a static sound coming through with my recording when my H1n I'd connected to my Samsung s10e phone. By itself or connected to the computer is crystal clear. Help?!?!?!
Aaron Campbell - Responder
My H1N keeps posting unable to complete files. What can I do?
garymcintire - Responder
Hi just got one of these trying to load a wav file for playback on a gig. File is on sd card but doesn’t want to play on device. Beginning to thin negative thoughts
teresa connor - Responder
Can't you use a loop station ? Some are cheaper than a Zoom recorder I think... With the microphones activated , I would expect feedback noises near amplifiers.
Edit : be that as it may, I would say your file isn't properly installed. Try to record something, go to the recorder file directory, then replace the recording with your file, using the same name as the recording, see if that works ?
ehlàbas ma - Responder
Thanks! this worked. What a shlep.
teresa connor -
Trying to upload mp3 and wav files from a recording onto the h1n for backtracks for a gig. Very dissapointed that they are not being read by the device. Tried to format the card, tried mp3 and wav, tried saving the files in different locations. When I try and playback on the device it says that no files are present. SO disappointed! HELP
teresa connor - Responder
I only hear a short version of my recording when I use the Zoom H1n as an external mike for my android phonr.
shasha29 - Responder
Getting no SD card message..card is installed..32mb micro sdhc
.
Ronnie h Taylor - Responder
Hello there,
I'm trying to use my rode videomicro with the zoom h1n, but it doesn't seem to be working. I tried different cables but it's still not working. I can use the videomicro to record on my phone with no issues. Am I missing something?
Fatima Al-Othman - Responder
It looks as though replies on this thread are extremely rare. But here goes:
My H4N has recorded correctly through the built-in mics for many years – until yesterday. Now, irrespective of file recording format, rec level, and all other variables, the machine records nothing but loud white noise. It's happened very suddenly, after a session of recording with an external microphone. Those recordings were fine, but now recording with the internal mics is impossible. Has anyone else experienced this, and is there a remedy?
Carn Marth - Responder