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
It's a simple idea: provide brilliant stereo recording in an easy-to-use, ultra-portable device. Now everyone can record pristine audio in an infinite variety of applications. From seminars and conferences, to electronic news gathering (ENG) and podcasting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, the H2 provides amazing recording quality. And no matter what kind of music you perform or the instrument you play, the H2 can effortlessly record it in high-quality stereo.
But the H2 doesn't stop there. For maximum flexibility, you can record from the front of the H2 in a 90° pickup pattern or the rear of the H2 in a 120° pickup pattern at up to 96 kHz/24-bit resolution as a WAV file, or as an MP3 file at bitrates up to 320 kbps. Additionally, you can record in a 360° pickup pattern at up to 48kHz/24-bit resolution which will allow you to convert your recordings to 5.1 Surround.
The H2 records on Secure Digital (SD) media and a 512MB SD card is included. The unit can accommodate up to a 16GB SD card, allowing up to 24 hours of total recording time using the 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV format. At 128kbps MP3, you get an amazing 280 hours of stereo recording. Store your recordings on a PC or Mac with its USB 2.0 interface. And you can use its time stamping function for reference during production. Or use the H2 as a USB Mic for recording directly to a computer.
Within the menu, set recording parameters such as direction and polar pattern, activate the Auto Start function and set file format. And you'll find additional settings like Auto Gain Control to make sure your recordings are always pristine. And you can fine-tune your levels on the fly with the Record Level buttons on the front.
On the right side of the H2, you can plug in a powered 1/8" external stereo mic. Setting levels is easy with a Mic Gain slider for Low/Medium/High gain. You can also digitize analog recordings with the 1/8" Line In.
Use the USB 2.0 Interface to move your files to a PC or Mac for storage, editing and playback. The time stamp function is great for reference during production. And you can even use the H2 as a USB mic and record directly to your favorite digital audio software.
For brilliant stereo recording, and plenty of extras, there's never been a simpler or more functional solution than the H2 Handy Recorder from Zoom.
Choose the Right Polar Pattern for the Best Recording in any Situation
|
90° Pattern
Record from the front at 90° | 
120° Pattern
Record from the front at 120° |
Record your band rehearsals in 360° brilliant stereo.
|
90° Pattern
Record from the front at 90° |
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder Accessories
Sandisk 4GB Secure Digital SD HC Memory Card (SDSDB-4096, BULK, No Reader)
Sandisk 4GB Secure Digital SD HC Memory Card(SDSDB-4096, bulk) & BlueProton USB 2.0 Card Reader Writer (Blue)
Transcend TS8GSDHC6 8GB SDHC card (SD 2.0 SPD Class 6)
Transcend TS4GSDHC6 4GB SDHC card (SD 2.0 SPD Class 6)
Transcend 16GB SDHC CARD (SD 2.0 SPD CLASS 6) with Compact Card Reader
SanDisk 2GB SD Memory Card (SDSDB-2048, Bulk Package)
Audio-Technica ATR-35S Lavalier Microphone
Kingston 4 GB SDHC Class 4 Flash Memory Card SD4/4GB
DMS 6-in-1 USB 2.0 High Speed Memory Card Reader Writer for SD SDHC MiniSD MiniSDHC MMC rsMMC
Sandisk 8GB SD Memory Card (SDSDB-8192, Bulk Package)
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder Reviews
Shopping and reading reviews and trying to get a handle on (1) what was available, (2) what fit my needs, and (3) what fit my budget. But I threw caution to the wind and snapped up the eBay special. So, I've found a field recorder that does everything I needed it to do (record my band practice and live performances), quickly and easily (I can't imagine it could be easier, except to increase the size of the screen), and within my budget (less than $200). Everything else is very good to great quality. You can now open Windows Explorer, navigate to the H2, select your folder (by default FOLDER 01). Editing is also a snap. In the box -.
Next, my budget -. My Windows XP laptop immediately recognized the H2. The headphones are, in a word, junk. I am a full-time systems analyst, a part-time musician and a full-on gadget geek. The first two, what is available and what are my needs -.
This is fun to use in a live recording situation, and with a good pair of headphone (NOT the ones supplied) you can get a sense of surround sound on playback. NOTE - There are a number of problems reported using a non-compatible card - "clicks" and "pops" on the recording, sometimes the unit crashes. NOTE - Before you start, go to the Zoom web site and get the latest firmware update (mine was delivered with 1.30; 1.40 was available at the time of this review). The list is long, and surprisingly enough, although the manual states a maximum of 2GB (or a 4GB SDHC), it can take up to a 32GB (). NOTE - There is a great review, with examples, on the O'Reilly Digital Media site, written by Mark Nelson. Default recording quality is the highest quality WAV - I think I can record about 10 minutes on a 512MB card. Tweaking could happen later, after I had a chance to get the basic operation nailed down.
There are a lot of recorders out there, and almost all could fit my needs - provide a recording of my band at practices and occasional live shows. DISCLOSURE - I am NOT an audiophile, nor a sound engineer. I do not judge quality using the supplied headphones. I didn't think there could be worse sounding pair of headphones out there than the Apple supplied iPod buds. Price Paid -. I've suffered none of these.
Average price early November 2008 was about $180. All available recorders could deliver at least that much. Using it -. Overall, my rating is a solid 4, maybe 4 ½ (if Amazon would let you). Sound Quality -. Each time you stop a recording, the file is saved. It also had to be simple to use - ready to go, right out of the box. Unit Quality -.
Well, here they are - they definitely fall into the "WHY BOTHER" bin. The manufacturer's warranty of 1 year should be enough. I couldn't ask for, nor at this price, expect more from the H2. Copy/Move them off the H2. While I do not totally disagree, the reasoning behind the two push method is sound - check levels before you start. Almost all recorders start at $300 and go up from there. That seemed to eliminate some recorders - a lot of "steep learning curve" comments peppered online reviews. I thought it was too good to be true.
I did two things - switched recording quality to 256 MP3, and swapped in a Kingston 2GB SD card. NOTE - Again, some complaints about deleting or playing back files on the unit. I either use a pair of Sennheiser PX-100s to do quiet, laptop editing, or a Logitech X230 speaker system to listen. Make sure you plug in a pair of headphones. I use Audacity to edit my recordings.
These are hardly top-shelf, but a nice pair of headphones and 2.1 speakers. Your recordings are there. I need glasses to see what I am doing. You can only playback the current file. NOTE - you MUST record in WAV format in order to record in surround sound, ie - both front and rear mic pairs. There are some negative comments about the START RECORDING process. Overall -. Everything else is set to default.
I have had no need to playback anything but the most recent recording (to check sound quality and operation), and I have only deleted a file from the unit once, only to prove it can be done. I would have rather gotten it from Amazon (great return policy) or Sweetwater (same on the returns, plus they extended the warranty to 2 years). I have set the file quality to 256MB MP3 (a step below full 320 quality, and a couple steps up from 128 "CD" quality). Select STORAGE. At this price point, I can't imagine Zoom being able to do both. There are A LOT of complaints about the quality of the unit, specifically the case. Although the reviews here on Amazon were great, that was the review that sold me on the H2.
I handle the unit carefully, using a quality mic stand to hold it, and packing it away in a small foam lined case, with all the accessories, when done. Other Functions -. When you first plug it in, the H2 asks (in very tiny text) "STORAGE" or "AUDIO IF". Then I found a music retailer on eBay, selling them for $160 delivered. NOT RECOMMENDED. Turn the H2 on.
But amazingly, at less than $200 ($180). The case is made of a light, seemingly cheap plastic. Before you spring for a bigger card, make sure you go out to the Zoom site and check the list of compatible SD cards. Well, in order to playback anything but the most recent recording, or to delete a recording, you have to Menu Dive. I wanted nothing more than to get a "good" recording of an event to document the sound of the band at that time; record practices so I could edit the songs down and create CDs so practice could continue at home; record live performances, to make sure we were getting a good mix for our audience.
The recordings exhibit a nice stereo separation; outstanding considering the microphones are enclosed in a 3 inch wide enclosure, pointing at either a 90 or 120 degree separation. Menu diving is a little problematic - the screen is SMALL, and the text is SMALLER. Playback is simple - press the PLAY/PAUSE button.
Some believe that a single push should do the trick. Hitting record again will create a new file. Use the supplied USB cord to plug it into your PC. Do a Google search for it (ZOOM H2 REVIEW O'REILLY"). I have not used any of the other functions - metronome, tuner, file editing, etc. The unit, without batteries, is VERY LIGHT and CHEAP FEELING. I have been looking at field recorders for a few months.
I bring a spare card in case I am on the road and run out of room (hasn't happened yet). I typically use the front 90 degree mics. The recordings, to my ear, sound VERY GOOD, almost GREAT. They were one of the few big name online music retailers that carried Zoom, and the H2. I wouldn't even call it a problem. I charged up 6 "AA" batteries (it takes two), and took it to band practice. It takes two pushes of the RECORD button to start recording - first one puts the unit into "MONITOR" so you can check recording levels, and the RECORD light flashes; the second push starts the recording and the RECORD light turns to a steady glow.
I really didn't want to spend more than $200 for something that was nothing more than a practice tool. It cannot possibly be easier to use. Playback/Editing -. In order to play back other recordings, you have to menu dive. they are there.
Perhaps a younger man's eyes would have an easier time. The H2 comes with everything I needed to get started - table stand, microphone stand adapter, 512MB SD card, USB cable, AC power adapter, headphones, and carry bag. I've learned to get use to it. Not a big problem. I can now record hours on the H2. SD card. For less than $200, a field recorder that seemed to be capable of better than "good" recordings, and easy to use out of the box.
And, about those headphones. I had the Kingston lying around, and it was on the list. But, to me, if Zoom made a design decision to ease up on the case quality in order to deliver more functions and a better sound, I say it's a fair compromise. Playback is better done, for me, on a PC with a decent set of speakers; I would rather move the files from the H2 to a PC, or copy, check and make sure the copies are good, and then format the card. OK - this is where it gets sticky. eBay threw in a 10% off coupon - I got mine for about $145. Then I stumbled upon the H2 - reading about it in a Sweetwater catalog.
I could hear the vocals better on the Zoom than at the show. I've recorded several live shows with it as well as some in-home recording. I even recorded one loud rock & roll show where I could barely make out the vocals. THe quality is unbelievable. Definitely demo worthy. The Zoom recorded everything clearly. The Zoom H2 is a dream come true.
STOP. One needs to be careful. just. Fool-proof is good. And do not expect that a one-piece, all-in-one microphone/recorder is going to do the job that a pair of good XLR microphones on a boom with a high-quality DAT or flash-memory recorder like a Marantz 660 can do. There is no warning. It is all those thingswith limitations.
The H2 is surprisingly good for its price, but it is not "professional grade." I will use it to record rehearsals and as back-up for my main recording system. So I ordered the Zoom H2, which appeared to be compact, simple, capable, and high-fidelity. I have had recordings stop mid-way through a performance for a variety of reasons, none of which are pleasing to my colleagues in the band, nor to me. It will work just great on NiMH batteries until they.
There are many uses this device can have, and it is remarkably capable. You are better off to just let it keep recording than to try to pause it during breaks between numbers unless you can see it, as the pause button and the "record/stop" button are directly adjacent to one-another (can you hear the voice of experience here). Just don't expect too much from it, because if you do you will be disappointed. I play in a community band numbering over seventy musicians. So if you want to be sure you have enough power, make sure your batteries are fully-charged each time you use the H2, or use fresh alkalines (and set it for them) each time you use it. Since I have to be in the band playing my trumpet while making the recordings, I am always looking for a way to make the reecording process easier and better. I also am the band's recording technician.
I have had devices that could not take the output of a group as big (i.e., LOUD) as ours. Do not use the "touch" method of controlling it in a critical situation. Setting up multiple microphones and wiring the system is a pain. dead.
(I've got way too many discs laying around). That's asking too much in a small unit). The switches work well and, unlike some others, I like the record mode stand-by before recording. I do post-ops in Sound Forge with simple normalization, a taste of high-end EQ, and a touch of reverb. I'm moving up from a Sony MZ-N707 Walkman digital recorder that uses mini-discs. For simplicity, recording quality, portability, and price, this is a steal.
No more digital-analog-digital mess. I record using a digital Sony ECM-MS957 stereo condenser mic. I'd always struggled with a weak, bodiless keyboard sound and now have a rich, full sound with good dynamics. I record all rehearsals is a tight fitting room with some acoustic damping. I like the folders for organization. (The H2 will do normalization, but I haven't tried it).
I record my acoustic trio (piano, bass, and drums) and the same rhythm section with three horns. Amazing for a recorder of this size. (I don't know about the H2 internal mics. The most striking thing about the sound in how great the piano sounds and overall balance. I've had it about 6 months. The Zoom H2 recorder is a great little digital recorder and can produce near CD quality recordings.
Cymbals have some ring, the drums a real presence, and the bass has nice body. I record at very low volume and have experienced no peaking or blur. I haven't figured out how to put in useful track marks. The buttons and menus are much nicer than that Sony mini-disc clutter. It's a real advantage to record to the digital memory chip and download digitally via USB to my PC. Unfortunately you have to go out of record mode to get in and out of stand-by.
I record WAV files at 48kHz/24 bit (about 4 hours recording time with 4 GB disc) and its way better than the 1kHz default setting.
He highly recommended it. My wife and I purchased one for some audio projects we are working on. We are astounded with the sound quality. To my ear, it sounds like the sort of quality we have gotten when renting studio time and we own if for the cost of a few hours. If you are looking for a high-quality, portable recording unit this is an excellent choice. The fellow who does corporate video and audio at work purchased an H2 recently. We have been using it instead of the bulky gear that he was using (this unit is about the size of normal microphone).
