Zoom H8 12-Track Handy Recorder — 12-track portable recorder with 6 XLR inputs, 2.4" touchscreen and Podcast / Field / Music apps
Zoom H8 12-Track Handy Recorder A portable recorder for podcasts, location shoots and music recording. It records up to 12 tracks simultaneously (Field app) at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz, with 4 XLR inputs plus 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs that support Hi-Z for guitar and bass. Every input has its own gain knob; inputs 1–4 have a -20 dB pad and individually switchable +24V / +48V phantom power. It comes with the XYH-6 XY stereo mic capsule, and capsules can be swapped to suit the job. The 2.4" color touchscreen offers 3 apps: Podcast (with Sound Pads), Field (large meters, filters, compressor, limiter) and Music (mixer with EQ). It works as a USB audio interface with up to 12 in / 2 out, and runs on 4 AA batteries or USB power. Official Thai Warranty
Key Features
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Up to 12 Simultaneous Tracks — Includes the mic capsule, inputs 1–4, A, B, backup tracks and an LR mix track
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6 XLR Inputs — 4 XLR and 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with Hi-Z for guitar and bass; every input has its own gain knob, and inputs 1–4 have a -20 dB pad
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Per-Channel Phantom Power — Choose +24V or +48V, switchable on each input
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2.4" Color Touchscreen — Easy to use, with apps to choose from for each type of work
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Podcast App — Supports 4 mics plus 2-channel Sound Pads with 13 built-in sounds, and you can load your own sounds from the SD card
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Field App — Large per-track meters with adjustable Lo-cut, Compressor, Limiter and Noise Gate
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Music App — Records 8 tracks, up to 10 inputs with the EXH-8 capsule, with built-in EQ, Compressor and tuner
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Interchangeable Mic Capsules — Comes with the XYH-6 and works with optional capsules such as the XAH-8, VRH-8 (Ambisonic) and EXH-8, which adds 4 more XLR inputs
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USB Audio Interface — Up to 12 in / 2 out, works with PC, Mac and iPad
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Full Recording Features — Auto Record, Pre-Record and Backup Record (records backup tracks at the same time)
Best For
- Podcasts and multi-person talk shows
- Location shoots, documentaries and field recording
- Recording bands, rehearsals and live performances
- Anyone who wants a portable recorder that doubles as a multichannel audio interface
Specifications
| Brand |
Zoom |
| Model |
H8 |
| Recording Tracks |
Up to 12 tracks simultaneously |
| Inputs |
XLR × 4 (Input 1–4), XLR/TRS Combo × 2 (Input A/B with Hi-Z), mic capsule port |
| Phantom Power |
+24V / +48V, switchable per input |
| Pad |
-20 dB (inputs 1–4) |
| Included Capsule |
XYH-6 — XY stereo Cardioid with 3.5mm Mic/Line In |
| Recording Format |
WAV 16 / 24-bit, 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz (BWF), MP3 128 / 192 / 320 kbps |
| Media |
SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Display |
2.4" color LCD touchscreen, 320 × 240 |
| Effects |
Lo-cut, Compressor, Limiter, tuner |
| USB Audio Interface |
Multitrack 12 in / 2 out (up to 96 kHz / 24-bit), Stereo Mix 2 in / 2 out |
| USB Port |
USB Micro-B |
| Outputs |
3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm Line Out, 400 mW built-in speaker |
| Remote |
iOS app via Zoom BTA-1 (sold separately) |
| Power |
4 × AA batteries, USB Bus Power, Zoom AD-17 adapter (sold separately) |
| Battery Life |
Approx. 10 hours (alkaline batteries, XY mic at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit) |
| Dimensions |
116.4 × 163.3 × 48.6 mm |
| Weight |
354 g (body) / XYH-6 capsule 130 g |
In the Box
- Zoom H8 recorder × 1
- XYH-6 XY stereo mic capsule × 1
- Quick Guide × 1
* AA batteries, SD card, power adapter and BTA-1 not included
FAQ
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Q: Does the H8 record in 32-bit Float?
A: No. The H8 records at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz, so levels need to be set before recording. However, every input has its own gain knob, and the Backup Record function helps protect against clipping. If you need 32-bit Float, choose the Zoom H6essential or another essential model.
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Q: How many mics can I use at once?
A: You can connect 6 XLR mics at once (Input 1–4 and A/B), plus the mic capsule on top. Swapping to the EXH-8 capsule adds 4 more XLR inputs.
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Q: Can I plug in a guitar?
A: Yes. Input A/B are XLR/TRS combo jacks with a Hi-Z switch for connecting guitar or bass directly, and the Music app has a built-in tuner.
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Q: Can it be used as an audio interface?
A: Yes. Connect via USB to a PC, Mac or iPad to use it as an audio interface with up to 12 in / 2 out. Use a USB cable that supports data transfer, not a charge-only cable.
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Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: It runs on 4 AA batteries, lasting about 10 hours using the XY mic at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit. Using multiple inputs with phantom power reduces this. For long sessions, the AD-17 adapter or USB power is recommended.
Zoom H8 12-Track Handy Recorder — 12-track portable recorder, 24-bit / 96 kHz, 6 XLR inputs, +24V / +48V phantom, Hi-Z for guitar, 2.4" touchscreen, Podcast / Field / Music apps, interchangeable mic capsules, 12 in / 2 out audio interface, AA battery power. Official Thai Warranty