ZOOM H1 Digital Recorder - Help!
Hi everyone! I’m recording my first set with the Zoom H1 recorder I just purchased below:
This may be a silly question, but if I plug the recorder into my DJM900 mixer with cables, do you know if it picks up live noises in the background such as people talking, or can I get it to record the tracks from the mixer without any background noise?
Thank you so much in advance.
Techno Temptress
Based on what I have read, if you have the cable plugged into the input and you have selected that input as the recording source, it should record only from that source.
At least I sure hope that’s how it works, because I’m buying one very soon for the same purpose.
Be careful with clipping.
I had to run the H1 through a small mixer to attenuate the signal because the Pioneer mixer output was too hot.
And adjusting the levels on the H1 didn’t do anything.
Thank you! I’m getting a boggy sound…
Thank you both so much for your response. It seems like it is recording from the mixer only, which is what I want. The problem now is that when I transfer the set to my iTunes, it sounds very boggy and the bass is rattly. Any idea why I can’t get a clear sound? I’m staying out of the reds and playing at low volumes. Could it be just the quality of the recording device?
Thank you in advance! I really appreciate the help.
Oh hi! I can help with this! I have a Tascam recorder with similar issues. The problem lies with the fact that while they sell the line input as such, it isn’t TRUE line input, but a hybrid that can sort of work between line and mic levels. This means that line outputs on mixers, which run hot, just put out too much juice to be able to get a reasonable level.
To fix this, I had to buy an attenuator, which I got from ebay. It’s pretty much a box with resistors running through it, but it works great, just means more wires!
Another way to solve it is to buy a better recorder, but they jump from sub-£100 to around £200.
I can get some pictures of how it’s set up if it helps.
Thank you so much Happydan! I will definitely purchase this and see if it helps! 
Would this work as an attenuator?
Would the below device help me? I’m looking for something to use asap and the link from eBay wouldn’t arrive until June…
Thank you!!
I don’t know. It doesn’t have the specs.
this is what I used. I ran the mixer into this and then the output to the H1.
You can listen to what you are recording live on the H1 by plugging in headphones while recording. You would have heard the boggy bass and started over.
Cables
Do you have pictures of how it is set up? Thanks!
From what I understood, the problem is too much trim on the channels of the mixer. People generally think all record out outputs on mixer are always 0db but it’s only IF you keep your channel inputs below the first yellow led. Now, we all know the problem with dj’s redlining the DJM mixers because, “hey, they are digital and have so much headroom” and so you get too hot input into your recorder.
Great, thanks! Where does the cord from the attenuator go into on the back of the mixer?
Can you use the booth out instead of the rec out? The booth out volume is generally adjustable.
Yes you can but I don’t see much recorders with VU meters that can tell you how to adjust your volume (how will you know if it’s too low?)
Yes, but that’s a disadvantage. The whole point of the REC out is that it’s a stable output, unaffected by changes other than on channels. You’re better off zeroing the input on the recorder and making sure your gain staging is done properly.
rec out.
Agreed, but when in a bind and waiting on a delivery it may help.
never tried the booth out because it’s always being used for monitors