The H1essential is Zoom's most streamlined handy recorder, built around 32-bit float technology that eliminates the need to set recording levels. Just press record and the dual A/D converters capture everything cleanly, whether you're tracking a whisper-quiet acoustic set or a loud rehearsal room. The onboard X/Y stereo mics handle up to 120 dB SPL.

It doubles as a USB microphone for your computer or phone, records to SD cards up to 1TB, and runs about 10 hours on two AAA batteries. Features like pre-record, overdub, and auto-record round out a remarkably capable little device. If you need dependable audio without fussing over gain staging, this is it.