When comparing Zoom H1 [$99.99 USD+] vs Korg SOS [$158 USD+], the Slant community recommends Korg SOS [$158 USD+] for most people. In the question“What are the best portable field recorders?” Korg SOS [$158 USD+] is ranked 5th while Zoom H1 [$99.99 USD+] is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Korg SOS [$158 USD+] is:
Korg have attempted to keep things simple for the user, so selecting inputs is something the recorder does automatically, by scanning for a connection. For similar reasons, inserting a headphone jack disconnects the on‑board speaker, and there's an automatic input‑gain facility and a limiter, so you can maximise input levels.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Can use AC or USB bus power instead of batteries
With the optional AC adapter, you can record for prolonged periods of time without worrying about the battery level.
Pro Comes bundled with WaveLab LE from Steinberg
So you can start to produce and edit your recording right out of the box.
Pro Works as a USB audio interface
The H1 also functions as a USB audio interface, letting you record directly to either a Mac or PC.
Pro Easy access switches for lo-cut, auto-level and file formats
On the back of recorder you can find switches for lo-cut, auto-level and file formats.
Pro Really compact
It is small enough to fit in your pocket.
Pro Stereo X/Y microphone pattern
Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder.
Pro Monitor via headphones
Pro Screen illuminates
So you can use it in the dark.
Pro Can use as an external mic for a camera
You can buy a DSLR mount and the input minijack can be found on the side of recorder.
Pro Easy to use
It does not have a lot of features that could complicate things and turned face up it has a single button - record.
Pro Mark audio
You can set marks in recordings for use later in editing.
Pro Input level adjust
You can adjust level of incoming signal.
Pro An external microphone can be used
Minijack connection for an external microphone can be found on the side.
Pro Lasts up to 10h on one AA battery
10 hours of continuous recording can be attained with a single AA alkaline battery.
Pro Different bundles may include extra accessories
A windscreen, a mic stand clip adapter, an adjustable desktop tripod, a soft case, an AC adapter (USB type) and a USB cable.
Pro Can record wav and mp3
The H1 can record linear PCM (WAV) files at 24-bit/96 kHz and MP3 format to maximize the recording time.
Pro Simplified use
Korg have attempted to keep things simple for the user, so selecting inputs is something the recorder does automatically, by scanning for a connection. For similar reasons, inserting a headphone jack disconnects the on‑board speaker, and there's an automatic input‑gain facility and a limiter, so you can maximise input levels.
Pro Built-in effects
The effects and processors are very usable, and are a definite asset: when you're trying to build an idea quickly, having to mess around with settings just to get something half‑decent can be a huge distraction, so being able to dial up a good cab emulation or a reasonably convincing tremolo preset is great.
Pro Unlimited overdubbing
What it does is provide a timing grid, and anything recorded is saved relative to the rest of the song's audio tracks, enabling the user to layer idea upon idea (hence the name) ready for mixing in your DAW later. At the same time, a mixed version of all the tracks is saved separately, making it quite possible to complete a mix in the box itself.
Pro 4.5v DC input
For connecting an optional mains power supply
Pro Increase playback speed without affecting pitch
It's even possible to increase playback speed (without affecting pitch) to 150 percent and reduce it to just 25 — although overdubbing is only possible over slowed-down, rather than sped‑up, audio, presumably to avoid deterioration of quality when slowing it back down to normal speed.
Pro Touchscreen display
Means that many settings and levels can be adjusted using nothing more than a finger move.
Pro Omnidirectional microphone
Pro Pocket‑sized
Pro Ulimited tracks
Pro Ability to loop
There are several A/B looping settings, to help performers get things right before committing each part to the mix