What is included in the Zoom APH-5 Accessory Pack?

The pack includes three main items: the RCH-5 wired remote controller, the WSU-1 hairy windscreen for wind noise reduction, and the AD-17 AC power adapter.

Is the APH-5 compatible with the Zoom H6 or H4n?

No, this specific pack is designed for the Zoom H5. While the power adapter may work with other USB-powered Zoom devices, the remote and windscreen are specifically sized for the H5 hardware.

Why would I need the wired remote controller?

The RCH-5 remote allows you to start and stop recordings without touching the device. This prevents 'handling noise' from being captured by the sensitive microphones during the start of a take.

How does the WSU-1 windscreen improve outdoor recordings?

The windscreen uses a 'hairy' outer layer to break up wind gusts, preventing them from hitting the microphone capsule directly. This reduces the low-frequency rumble often heard in outdoor field recordings.

Can I use the AD-17 adapter to charge rechargeable batteries inside the H5?

The H5 does not typically charge batteries internally via the AC adapter. The AD-17 is intended to provide direct mains power to the unit for continuous operation.

What is the typical price for the Zoom APH-5?

The accessory pack generally retails for approximately £34, though prices may vary slightly between different musical instrument and pro-audio retailers.

Does the pack include a carry case for the H5?

No, the APH-5 focuses on functional electronic and acoustic accessories rather than protective storage cases.

Is the RCH-5 remote wireless?

No, the RCH-5 is a wired remote controller. It connects via a dedicated jack on the side of the Zoom H5 to ensure zero latency and reliable operation.

Can the windscreen be used with optional Zoom capsules?

The WSU-1 is designed to fit the standard XYH-5 capsule that comes with the H5. It may fit other similarly sized capsules, but it is primarily intended for the stock microphone setup.

Is a USB cable included for the power adapter?

The AD-17 is a USB-style power adapter. Users typically use the USB cable provided with the H5 recorder or a standard compatible cable to connect the adapter to the device.

How long is the cable on the RCH-5 remote?

The cable is long enough to allow operation from a short distance, typically suitable for tripod mounting or boom pole use, though specific lengths may vary by manufacturing batch.

Does this pack improve the actual audio quality of the H5?

While it doesn't change the internal preamps, it improves capture quality by eliminating external factors like wind noise and mechanical handling noise through the windscreen and remote.

Gear article

Zoom APH-5 Accessory Pack

The Zoom APH-5 is a dedicated accessory bundle designed to expand the functionality and recording quality of the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder. It provides essential tools for field recording, including power management, wind protection, and remote operation to ensure high-fidelity captures in diverse environments.

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Overview

The Zoom APH-5 Accessory Pack is a collection of three primary tools intended to augment the Zoom H5 recorder. While the H5 is a capable standalone unit, this pack addresses common logistical challenges such as handling noise, environmental wind interference, and battery depletion during long sessions.

By grouping these specific components together, Zoom provides a cost-effective solution for users to transition from basic handheld use to more professional, stationary, or outdoor setups. The pack focuses on hardware utility rather than digital processing, ensuring that the physical recording environment is as controlled as possible.

Remote Control Functionality

A key component of the APH-5 is the RCH-5 wired remote controller. This device allows users to operate the H5 transport controls—including record, play, stop, and pause—without physically touching the recorder's chassis.

This is particularly significant for high-sensitivity recording where 'handling noise'—the sound of fingers moving against the plastic casing—might be picked up by the internal microphones. The remote also allows for setting marks and adjusting levels from a distance, which is useful when the recorder is mounted on a tripod or boom pole.

Wind Protection and Audio Quality

For outdoor field recording, the APH-5 includes the WSU-1 hairy windscreen. This accessory fits over the H5's modular microphone capsules to diffuse wind turbulence before it reaches the diaphragms.

Standard foam covers often fail in high-wind scenarios, leading to low-frequency 'rumble' or clipping. The professional-grade windscreen included in this pack is designed to maintain acoustic transparency while significantly reducing atmospheric noise, making it an essential tool for nature recording, interviews, and location sound for film.

Power Management

The inclusion of the AD-17 AC adapter (USB type) allows the Zoom H5 to be powered directly from a mains wall outlet. This is a critical addition for studio environments or long-form recording sessions, such as podcasts or multi-hour conferences, where relying solely on AA batteries would be risky. Using the adapter ensures continuous operation and eliminates the environmental impact and cost associated with disposable batteries.

Target User and Compatibility

The APH-5 is specifically tailored for owners of the Zoom H5. While Zoom offers similar packs for other recorders in their range (such as the APH-6 for the H6), the components here are sized and terminated to fit the H5's specific dimensions and inputs. It is most suitable for:

Field Recordists: Who require wind protection and remote operation.
Podcasters: Who need reliable mains power for long recording sessions.
Videographers: Who often mount the recorder on a DSLR rig and need to trigger recording remotely.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Zoom APH-5 Accessory Pack?: The pack includes three main items: the RCH-5 wired remote controller, the WSU-1 hairy windscreen for wind noise reduction, and the AD-17 AC power adapter.
Is the APH-5 compatible with the Zoom H6 or H4n?: No, this specific pack is designed for the Zoom H5. While the power adapter may work with other USB-powered Zoom devices, the remote and windscreen are specifically sized for the H5 hardware.
Why would I need the wired remote controller?: The RCH-5 remote allows you to start and stop recordings without touching the device. This prevents 'handling noise' from being captured by the sensitive microphones during the start of a take.
How does the WSU-1 windscreen improve outdoor recordings?: The windscreen uses a 'hairy' outer layer to break up wind gusts, preventing them from hitting the microphone capsule directly. This reduces the low-frequency rumble often heard in outdoor field recordings.
Can I use the AD-17 adapter to charge rechargeable batteries inside the H5?: The H5 does not typically charge batteries internally via the AC adapter. The AD-17 is intended to provide direct mains power to the unit for continuous operation.
What is the typical price for the Zoom APH-5?: The accessory pack generally retails for approximately £34, though prices may vary slightly between different musical instrument and pro-audio retailers.
Does the pack include a carry case for the H5?: No, the APH-5 focuses on functional electronic and acoustic accessories rather than protective storage cases.
Is the RCH-5 remote wireless?: No, the RCH-5 is a wired remote controller. It connects via a dedicated jack on the side of the Zoom H5 to ensure zero latency and reliable operation.
Can the windscreen be used with optional Zoom capsules?: The WSU-1 is designed to fit the standard XYH-5 capsule that comes with the H5. It may fit other similarly sized capsules, but it is primarily intended for the stock microphone setup.
Is a USB cable included for the power adapter?: The AD-17 is a USB-style power adapter. Users typically use the USB cable provided with the H5 recorder or a standard compatible cable to connect the adapter to the device.
How long is the cable on the RCH-5 remote?: The cable is long enough to allow operation from a short distance, typically suitable for tripod mounting or boom pole use, though specific lengths may vary by manufacturing batch.
Does this pack improve the actual audio quality of the H5?: While it doesn't change the internal preamps, it improves capture quality by eliminating external factors like wind noise and mechanical handling noise through the windscreen and remote.