Zoom H1n as a USB Microphone

I have a Zoom H1n, which I have used for recording things on the go. But one of the features is to use it as a USB microphone, which I knew about but had not tried. This week, I tried. It was easy and worked really well. I am making a note here for future me and anyone else.

H1n right side has port for USB Micro.
H1n right side has port for USB Micro.

With Computer

  • You need a micro USB data cable.
    • USB-C converter if that is required to connect to the computer
  • Connect the H1n to computer
  • Switch on the H1n
  • It will show options to select USB access as
    • Audio I/F
    • File (SD card) access
  • Select Audio I/F
  • Select Bus Power (powered by the computer).
  • Now, on your computer, it should appear as a sound input device.
    • On the computer, select it as a default input device.
    • If you don't want it to be a system-wide default, you can choose it inside specific applications as an audio input device.
  • You are good to go.
H1n on Computer
H1n on Computer ( Ubuntu - Sound settings)

With Phone

  • You need a micro USB data cable
    • OTG cable if your Phone needs it
    • or USB-C converter if that is required to connect to the Phone
  • Connect the H1n to the Phone
  • Switch on the H1n
  • It will show options to select USB access as
    • Audio I/F
    • File (SD card) access
  • Select Audio I/F
  • Select Bus Power (powered by the Phone).
  • It will be the default sound input device on your Phone
    • You can test it by using an audio recorder
    • Tap on the H1n, and the recorder should capture a bigger audio signal
    • Tap on the Phone, and the recorder should capture a noticeably smaller signal
  • You are good to go

Since Zoom becomes the default microphone, you can use any app on Android to record. I use FOSS Audio Recorder.

Zoom recorder apps prompt for it. But by default its the microphone on android.
Zoom recorder apps prompt for it. But by default its the microphone on android.

Zoom also has Android apps for recording video - Mobile HandyShare and Audio Mobile HandyRecorder with their recorders, if you like to use them. They have functionalities like normalize, divide functions, compressor, EQ and reverb effects etc


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1 Response

  1. September 15, 2023

    […] wrote a post about how to use Zoom H1n recorder as a USB microphone, primarily for myself. I have not done any soundscapes since COVID-19, but I would like […]

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