XVive XV1-R

A New Generation of Mobile Sound Recording Designed for Speed

The Zoom H1essential embodies a modern approach to portable recording: getting straight to the result without sacrificing quality. Its core, 32-bit floating point recording, meets a concrete need for content creators, videographers, and musicians: securing takes when dynamics change quickly (interviews, ambiance, rehearsals, reporting). Combined with USB-C and ergonomics geared towards shooting (slate tone, pre-record), it positions itself as a compact tool bridging field recording and studio/computer use.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?

This model targets podcasters, videographers, journalists, audiovisual students, as well as musicians who want to capture an idea, rehearsal, or ambiance in stereo without heavy setup. Thanks to its USB-C audio interface function, it can also serve as a simple solution for voice-over, higher-quality video calls, or a small streaming setup with headphone monitoring. Its ultra-lightweight format and announced battery life of up to 12 hours make it a reliable companion for outdoor use, shoots, or travel.

Key Features: Control, Security, and Simplified Post-Production

32-bit Floating Point: A Safer Recording

32-bit floating point recording is designed to avoid unusable takes caused by poor level anticipation. In practice, this allows for more relaxed management of volume variations (voice moving away, sudden laughter, applause, transition from quiet to noisy ambiance) while keeping an editable signal during editing. This is a real comfort gain compared to traditional 24-bit workflows, where gain setting must be perfectly anticipated.

Built-in Processing for Clean Results Right from Recording

The H1essential includes essential tools to control the signal in the field: Lo-cut filter to reduce handling and wind noise, limiter to handle peaks, compressor and noise gate for a more stable voice, as well as automatic level and manual gain control depending on your workflow. To never miss a start, the 2.5-second pre-record captures just before pressing record, and auto recording triggers based on the signal.

Video-Oriented Tools: Easier Sync

For DSLR and video camera shoots, the Slate Tone Generator helps synchronize audio in post-production. The built-in speaker allows quick monitoring, while the transport and volume buttons facilitate direct handling, even during shooting. The rear 1/4-inch thread makes it easy to mount on a tripod, short boom, accessory, or camera support.

Technical specifications

Number of channels	2	Inputs	USB, Minijack, USB audio
Sampling frequency	96 kHz	Outputs	USB, Headset, Stereo jack, USB-C, 3.5 mm headphone
Max resolution	32-bits	Color	Black
Headphone outputs	Yes

Microphone configuration	90deg XY stereo	WAV file size limit	4 GB (longer recordings will be split)
Maximum sound pressure level	130 dB	AAC recording	M4A container, 24 kHz or 48 kHz, mono or stereo
Pre-record	2.5 seconds	Supported SD cards	micro SD cards up to 2 GB, SDHC cards up to 32 GB, SDXC cards up to 128 GB
WAV sampling rates	44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, or 96 kHz, mono or stereo	Dimensions (L x W x H)	163 x 55 x 29 mm
WAV formats	WAV24 (24-bit PCM), WAVF32 (32-bit floating point)	Weight	94 g