I'll be brief. I make short audio documentaries and I also do field recording.
Mostly I will use this for audio documentary work.
Build quality: This is the weak point. The device itself is thin plastic. the battery compartment door and the micro-sd compartment door are very thin plastic.
With careful use you can avoid handling noise. A youtube reviewer has recommended getting a seperate shockmount which gives better access to the battery compartment- I may do this.
Where this device excels is versatility. In my case I often don't use my main M/S microphone as I'm afraid of damage or theft. This device gives the same functionality with slightly lower sound quality and I will have no fear using it.
It weighs virtually nothing, the included foam windshield is fine for indoor use- where I do much of my audio doc work. I have a generic version of a softie for more demanding wind conditions. I haven't tried it, but it looks like the device might fit in a wind blimp, if needed.
The sound quality is very good, perfectly usable, the 32bit audio is great. The editing app is limited but versatile, you can adjust the stereo field width after recording (a raw 32bit file is also recorded at time of recording).
Thomann helpfully include AA batteries to get you started.
The one omission from Zoom (imho) is a USB-C cable, I know they're cheap and ubiquitous but it would be helpful to be able to connect and go straight away as you need to connect the device not only to transfer data but also to adjust various settings (time/date)
All in all, a recommended recorder- I'm not using it on a camera, I'm using it attached to a mini tripod or handle for on-the -go interviews and recording the ambience and details in environments where I make my work.
Recommended
