Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
It’s a simple idea: provide brilliant stereo recording in an easy-to-use, ultra-portable device. The H2 is the only portable recorder with 3 mic capsules onboard for mid-side recording. A directional mic is in the center (mid) and two directional mics (side) are positioned left and right. The audio is decoded instantly, bringing these three signals together for unparalleled stereo imaging. One button recording, gain controls on the side and an intuitive user interface mean you can always capture the moment. Set your levels, push record and go. The H2 records on Secure Digital (SD) media and a 512MB SD card is included. With a 4GB SD memory card, the H2 provides up to 2 hours recording at 96kHz, 6 hours at 44.1kHz, or up to a staggering 138 hours in MP3. Play your recordings on your home audio system with its 1/8″ stereo output or listen to your masterpiece with headphones. Or, use the H2’s USB interface to move your recordings to your Mac or PC to listen, edit and share. 512MB SD memory card included; Accommodates up to 4GB SD optional memory cards Auto Gain Control (AGC) for pristine recordings Auto Start function means you’re always ready to record Low-cut filter eliminates wind noise On-board chromatic Guitar/Bass tuner Two standard alkaline AA batteries will give you 4 hours of continuous operation and a backlit display means it’s always easy to use in any situation Pocketable – Weighs only 4 ounces
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Great Practice Tool
I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase. I took it to a band rehearsal that we were having outside, in a barn – placed it on a trampoline and let it run. I didn’t set any levels (mic gain, etc) – I just tried it out. Later, listening at home, I was amazed at the sound quality. I put the song that I needed onto the computer, then a CD, and instantly had a new practice companion. It was simple to send that same file to a bandmate via e-mail. Right now my main use of this tool is to quickly and easily record compositional ideas, to record my practice and instantly listen back for review, to send mp-3’s of compositions to musical friends for feedback, and to record band rehearsals of new songs. I’ll never be without one again.
4 Stars Easy to Use
I received the item in good working order, with just 3 days til my family reunion. We always have music there, and I wanted to able to capture it. It was super simple to get going, and I captured 2 hours without stopping. Then I was able to use the onboard editing to take out all the talking (this is the time consuming part) and made individual tracks for each song. I then moved them to my PC and made a CD for everyone that was there. If I were to change anything about it, I believe I would make the plastic case and battery door cover a little stronger. It hasn’t broken or anything, but feels like it could with a little too much pressure exerted.
5 Stars Delivers as Expected!
I knew what I wanted when I ordered this product. A handy (pun unintended) and easy to use audio recorder. This product delivers on both accounts. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear the audio quality. For the price you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better.
4 Stars Versatile and solid portable recorder
I got this primarily as a tool for songwriting. It’s dead simple to just start recording whenever I need to. I’ve also used it to record a friend’s live gig (small venue) and the recording turned out great…everyone in the band was impressed with the sound.
I’ve used it outdoors and using the included windscreen really helps.
I have used the H2 as a USB interface for a Toshiba Netbook running Reaper. I didn’t use it as a USB mic though – instead, I plugged my guitar into a Sansamp GT2 and then into the H2’s linein. I monitored through the H2’s headphone jack. The H2 works great as a basic USB interface, probably just as well as any decent inexpensive USB interface. It sure beats using the onboard soundcard.
I’ve also used it as an mp3 player on trips.
So all in all you get a lot of bang for your buck with this little device!
1 Star Poor quality recorder
I purchased this after reading many favorable reviews online and it seemed like a good unit for the price. After trying to use it I promptly returned it. I do sound for concerts and wanted a recorder to connect to the sound board to record shows. I have used a minidisc recorder to do this but wanted something that would easily inferface with my computer. I tried recording on the H2 using the line in jack and recording from a line out or tape out my Mackie sound board. No matter how I set the levels the recording on the H2 was very distorted. I played with the record levels and the AGC and limiter functions and tried recording from several different audio sources and always got a very distorted signal. I have used my minidisc for the same application for many years and have never had a problem and have always got very clean, good quality sound. The problem with my H2 was that the gain on the mic and line inputs appear to be the same and are meant for a mic level signal, which caused any line level signal to overdrive the preamp. When I tried connecting the mic input instead of the line in, it sounded exactly the same. Recording from the internal mics seemes to work fine. I have worked with professional sound equipment for many years, and while I didn’t expect fantastic performance, I expected at least as good as my 8 year old Sony portable minidisc recorder that cost 129 dollars.
The H2 has a nice menu set up and the instructions are very easy to follow but if you want good line level recordings, look for something else.
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