Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder

by Zoom

Product Features

• W-XY mic patterns with 4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90 cardioid, Rear 120 cardioid and 360 polar patterns
• Finally record 360 sound as 2ch data or 4ch data simultaneously
• Built-in USB 2.0 port for data storage
• Records in WAV 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit, MP3 to 320kbps and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) data formats
• Time Stamp and Track Marker functions in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF)

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 1.3 x 2.5 inches ; 3.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000VBH2IG
• Item model number: ZOO H2
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (593 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #3 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Portable Recorders
  • #8 in Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > Digital Voice Recorders

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

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.

Why Four Mics are Better Than Two

90° Pattern Record from the front at 90°

120° Pattern Record from the front at 120°

The H2 is the only portable recorder with 4 mic capsules on-board for 360° recording. With 4 mic capsules in a W-X/Y configuration, the audio is decoded instantly, bringing these four signals together for unparalleled stereo imaging.

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.

Push a Button...
That's all it takes to start recording! The H2 is a remarkably robust device that is incredibly easy to use. 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. It's that simple. Or use the Auto Start and Auto Gain Control functions to ensure complete capture at the right level. And if you need to fine-tune your levels on the fly, we made it easy with gain control buttons on the front panel.

Play it Back!
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.

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.

What's Life Without Accessories?
The H2 comes with earbuds, 1/8 inch stereo to RCA cable, mic clip adapter, tripod stand, USB cable, AC adapter and a 512MB SD card.

Ultimate Convenience
The H2 weighs 4 ounces and fits in your pocket for the ultimate in portability and convenience. 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.

Enjoy Your Brilliance
Brilliant stereo recording in a convenient, user-friendly package means there's never been an easier way to record high quality audio. The H2 gives everyone the power to record anything and share it with anyone, anywhere. You'll be amazed by your sound.

Features:

• W-XY mic patterns with 4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90° cardioid, Rear 120° cardioid and 360° polar patterns
• Built-in USB 2.0 interface
• Records in WAV 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit, MP3 to 320kbps and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) data formats
• Time Stamp and Track Marker functions in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF)
• 512MB SD memory card included
• Accommodates up to 16GB SD 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

H2 Handy Recorder Features at a Glance
The H2 Handy Recorder brings the ultimate in functionality and versatility to portable digital recording. A clear, backlit display features recording levels, time code, file name and remaining battery life. LEDs indicate Front, Rear, 2 Channel or 4 Channel modes and the recording angle: 90°, 120° or 360°. An Active Mic LED is on the front and back of the H2. Transport controls include one button recording, playback and pause, fast forward and rewind. Use the Menu key to enter the control menu and the cursor keys to navigate through the feature sets.

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 left side of the H2 is a 1/8" Phone/Line Output for monitoring and playback. Playback Volume, Power On and the AC power are located here as well.

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.

Please note: The Zoom H2 will not mount as a USB Drive on MAC OS X 10.5.0 Leopard unless you update to H2 Firmware version 1.2 or higher.

Choose the Right Polar Pattern for the Best Recording in any Situation

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°

Product Description

The Zoom H2 stands alone in an increasingly crowded field of handheld portable digital recorders. Its 4 onboard microphones are an industry first! With easy to navigate controls and sound quality that rivals units costing much more, the Zoom H2 Handy Recorder is an extremely capable performer capturing music, spoken word, ambient sounds from the field and anything that makes a sound. This is the perfect portable digital recorder for capturing meetings, music, or any other sound recording where you need full 360 degree coverage.Operation is easy and intuitive. One button push and youre instantly recording! The Auto Start and Auto Gain functions help ensure that youre recording levels are optimized and sound is at its fullest resolution without distortion. The 360 degree coverage of the Zoom H2 four microphone configuration makes it easy to record your meeting (place it in the middle of a conference table) or your band or string quartet and pick up ever word and every note with crystal clarity and full range sound.The H2 records to a 1GB SD media card (included) and can accommodate up to a 32GB card allowing 24 hours of recording time @ 16-bit/44.1kHz CD quality in industry standard WAV format. You can also record at 128kbps MP3 affording 280 hours of stereo recording time.With a 360 W-X/Y microphone configuration as well as optional 90 (front of the unit) and 120 (rear) the flexibility for capturing sounds from multi-directions results in amazing stereo imaging. Record at a 96K/24 bit rate will allow you to convert your recordings to 5.1 surround, but straight ahead stereo recording is just as easy!You can monitor through the included earbuds or use the 1/8 stereo jack output for hookup to your studio monitors or home stereo. Connect the Zoom H1 to a computer via the built-in USB port (USB cable included) and easily transfer your files for further editing, sweetening and sharing. The USB port also makes it possible to use the H2 as a USB microphone for direct ...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

487 of 498 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as the Edirol R-09 for about half the price!, November 12, 2007

By 

JerryWithaJ (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder (Electronics)

A year ago, I wrote a lengthy comparison of the Edirol R-09 WAVE/MP3 Recorder, Black and the Zoom H4 Handy Recorder + 2GB Accessory Kit (pre-accessory kit). I wanted a high quality, easy to use recorder, so even though the H4 had all of the features of the Edirol and sold for considerably less, I kept the Edirol because it was so much easier to use.

Zoom has responded with the H2, a scaled down version of the H4 with all of the features of the R-09 and all of the controls right where you need them. The H2 even has additional features over the R-09, but they don't get in the way. For example, there's a choice of a 90 degree recording pattern, a 120 degree recording pattern, and even a surround sound option. Samsontech has some nice video demonstrations on its website.

One big complaint I've had with the Edirol is the cost of its add-on stand. Unlike the Edirol, the H2 comes with a simple stand. In addition, the H2 has a threaded hole so that it can be mounted on a standard digital camera tripod! On a separate note, it's much easier to replace batteries with the H2 than the Edirol.

Recently, I got together with friends and recorded the same live acoustic music on both the Edirol R-09 and the Zoom H2. I used Adobe Audition only to normalize both tracks (that is, equalize their loudness). The first time we played them back, I thought I detected a VERY slight preference for the Edirol, with the overall opinion of the group split between the two units. The second time we played them back, my preference was for the H2, with overall opinion continuing to be split. We all agreed that the differences were so small as to be negligible if there were any at all. The sound files can be found at [...] for those who'd like to hear for themselves. We were sitting in a circle with the recorders located next to each other on a mantle above and outside the group.

I do prefer the Edirol's control buttons to the H2's membrane and I'm not about to sell the Edirol, perhaps because I am more familiar with the Edirol and don't want to give it up just yet. Also, the Edirol R-09 is the darling of the moment. However, if I owned neither, I couldn't justify the huge bump in price of the Edirol over the H2 and would opt for the H2. When I went to a music party last weekend and knew I'd need only one recorder, I grabbed the H2.

188 of 190 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dream Come True, October 12, 2007

By 

Daniel Limbach "Reader, writer, gadget guy" (Algonquin, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Every once in a while, a product comes along that so exceeds expectations, it it almost hard to believe it is real.

I have been producing corporate marketing podcasts from a home office studio for about 2 years. A laptop computer (PC-Vista) is the "brains" of the studio. I use a couple different microphones, which produce decent results.

I also use a portable Olympus WS-320M to record interviews at trade shows and at client sites. It does a decent job. I have reviewed the Olympus on Amazon.

I like my gadgets to be small. Pocket sized is preferable. No excuse for not taking it on a trip. The H2 fits the bill, although I wouldn't carry it in my pocket. It would be OK in a suitcoat pocket, but usually it will be in a gadget bag along with a camera, videocam, batteries, memory cards, earbuds, and cables.

For my home studio, I have been looking to upgrade some of my equipment, especially my microphone (a Sony stereo electret mic), which was servicable, but not great.

On the sophisticated end, I was considering things like a mixer-board, mic pre-amp, and a capacitor mic (like a formal studio would use). A USB interface to my computer was essential.

I also wanted a better voice recorder. The Olympus did its job fairly well, but it was almost too small, and fairly limited in what it could do. It will remain a backup device which I will not hesitate to use if the need arises.

I looked at the Edirol R-09 and the MicroTrack 2496. Each had their positives and their limitations, which are well documented. I was just about to pull the trigger on the Zoom H4, but I am glad I waited for the H2 to come out. The H4 is great for serious musicians who need 4 channels, but the H2 is the better choice for podcasting and any voice recording. The H2 is no slouch for recording music, either. Just not as flexible with imputs and outputs. The H2 looks killer, too.

In a nutshell (after my long pre-ramble), the Samson Zoom H2 is one of the best gadgets I have ever bought (and I have lots and of electronics).

It is:

1) An outstanding Field Recorder
2) A fantastic USB audio interface (I can record directly into my computer)
3) A surprisingly good microphone for my mini-studio

I am adding an omnidirectional stereo lav mic setup so I can do face-to-face interviews.

I could simply place the H2 on a table and record the conversation in 2-channel surround (records from the front and back of the device), but I'd rather place the mics closer to the face. The clip-on mics will do the trick, and we have 10 feet of cord between us, which should work well if we are sitting or standing.

When using the H2 with my computer, I record through it directly onto the computer. No need to copy files from the SD card to the computer. Audacity is nicer to use for recording, then relying on the small meters on the H2's screen.

Quality

The recording quality really surprised me. Notable improvement over the Olympus, and much better than my Sony Mic through my SoundStation USB audio interface. Cleaner sound, and much less susceptable to clippping.

Recommendations

1) Don't record using the Hi sensitivity setting unless the sound you need to record is very faint. It picks up all the ambient noise, and has a bit of hiss. Mid sensitivity is very clean. Lo can be used for especially loud environments.

2) Get a couple 2GB SD cards. They are actually cheaper than a single 4GB card. A 2GB card record 94 minutes in CD-quality stereo, and 23 hours of 192kbps MP3 files. The H2 can take an 8GB SDHC card if you really need it. I prefer not to put too many recordings on one card, unless I have a computer nearby to dump it to.

3) Use NiMH rechargable batteries. 2 AA batteries go for about 4 hours. Have a small wall charger with 4 AA slots and you will be golden. You can always buy alkalines if you need batteries in a pinch.

4) Get an external mic. You can set the H2 down when recording, which will eliminate handling noise. Electret mics are fairly inexpensive. You can also use a plug-in power mic with the H2. As long as it has a 1/8" plug, you can probably use it.

5) Stay away from the Auto Gain Control feature and other sound processors on the H2. Better to tweak the sounf in your computer's sound program (DAW), such as Audacity, Cubebase, SoundForge, etc. Just make sure your levels aren't clipping or are not too low, and you will have a good file to work with.

6) Experiment. Get to know the settings and features. This puppy will do a lot of tricks, so don't treat it like a point-and-shoot camera (although you could if you want to - it's that simple).

Good luck!

191 of 199 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much better and easier to operate than the Zoom H4, August 28, 2007

By 

A. Bish (central PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I borrowed a Zoom H4 from a friend and found it extremely frustrating to use. The owners manual was just gibberish to me. I could not make heads or tails of the instructions. It was a totally frustrating experience and I was ready to give up on making a CD, and ready to go back to making old fashioned cassette tape recordings.

I took a chance on the Zoom H2 and am not sorry. All the head aches of the H4 have been addressed with the H2. This machine is much easier to use. I'm using it to record live string music and it does a wonderful job. Sounds great! I'm not an egg head geek or a computer expert nor am I a professional sound recording engineer, and I am very comfortable using this machine.

Zoom must have listened to everything people were complaining about the H4 when they designed the H2.