Zoom H2n Handy Recorder

by Zoom

Product Features

• Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
• Key Control, A-B Repeat, File Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode, Marker and Surround Mixer
• Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner, Metronome, Variable Speed Playback
• Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 6 inches ; 15.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B005CQ2ZY6
• Item model number: H2N
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #1 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Stereo Components > CD Players & Recorders
  • #2 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Portable Recorders

Product Description

The Zoom H2N Handy Recorder is Zooms most feature-rich, high-quality portable recording device to date. Its robust, rugged, records in 4 splendid modes and easily fits in your pocket.The new design of the remarkably easy to use Zoom H2N features the best onboard microphones (theres 5 of them) Zoom has ever put into a recording device and the results are astoundingly good. Youll be able to capture pristine, studio-quality audio anywhere life takes you from band rehearsals, songwriting scenarios, journalism, podcasting, business meetings and lecturesanywhere and everywhere!Some incredible, useful audio processing features are built right into the Zoom H2N Handy Recorder helping you to capture the very best recordings possible. Theres onboard audio processing including compression/limiting for achieving the best signal to noise ratio without any nasty overs that create otherwise nasty sounding distortion; a low-cut filter to reduce inherent rumble from the sound source; a normalize function, variable speed playback, A-B repeat mode, a tuner, metronome, file dividing and surround mixer. Theres even a built-in MP3 encoder transforms your original 24-bit/96kHz WAV file into an MP3 file small enough to easily share via email or for posting on the web. Offering incredible recording versatility, the Zoom H2N allows you to record in MS (mid-side) stereo, 90-degree X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround sound. Two AA batteries (included) are youll need for over 20 hours of continuous operation. Power can also be provided by an AC adaptor, included in the optional APH-2n Accessory Pack. In addition, you can power the unit via its USB port. The controls of the H2N are logically and ergonomically positioned on each side of the unit. Theyre within easy reach so making adjustments on the fly is a snap and a click! A bright, easy to read 1.8 LCD display provides a crystal-clear readout of recording levels and all the H2Ns functions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 95 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOADED with AWESOME features for musicians and filmmakers, September 13, 2011

By 

Jeff Aski (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zoom H2n Handy Recorder (Electronics)

Length:: 6:37 Mins

I am extremely impressed with the Zoom H2N. I have owned other Zoom audio recorders: H1, H2, H4, H4N. I've also owned Tascam DR-05, DR-08, Sony PCM-M10, Edirol R44, and Fostex FR-2 LE audio recorders. I am both a musician and videographer and for the price of the H2N, it is BY FAR the most versatile audio utility device I have ever owned (until the next latest and greatest technology comes out).

As a videographer/Indie filmmaker, I got the H2N because:

*It has 20hrs of battery life - longest of all Zoom recorders to date.
*The user interface is well designed and easy to adjust during shooting. I love the analog gain wheel.
*It has a REMOTE port (remote comes with accessory pack).
*Internal mics & preamp are super crisp, amazing quality up to 96kHz/24bit Wave. Great for room tone or foley.
*Doubles as USB microphone for Skype, iChat, Logic Pro, Garageband, etc. I'll use to record voice over for my videos.
**The H2N can record both external mic input AND onboard mics at the same time in multitrack mode. Similar to Zoom H4N.

If you already own an H4N, you might still want the H2N to add to your gear. It's a different type of tool. If you absolutely need XLR inputs for everything you do, then don't bother getting the H2N. BUT if there are times when you only need to capture ambient audio, or only use a 3.5mm wireless lav or 3.5mm stereo Rode mic, then I strongly recommend the H2N. It's a better tool for those types of situations.

As a musician, I got the H2N because:
*I wanted to record my band rehearsals and some of my gigs. Put this in the middle of the room, picks up the whole band.
*Has built in Tuner, Metronome, slow playback with pitch control -- so I can learn bass lines by slowing down music.
*I use it for Logic Pro 9 to record vocals. Also makes a great mic for quick demos.
*The Zoom can convert files in the recorder. Converts 4 track to stereo, Wave to MP3, etc.

The few negatives:
-The mics are too sensitive to wind. I don't understand why they couldn't build a windscreen INTO the mic frame.
-The tripod mount is plastic and will wear out over time.
-It's a little too thick to actually put in your pocket. Definitely less portable than the older H2.

If you are a musician, indie filmmaker, or event videographer and you want better audio for your projects, GET THE ZOOM H2N. You also definitely need the purchase the Accessory Pack.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excelent sound quality!, September 16, 2011

By 

Dave - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zoom H2n Handy Recorder (Electronics)

The sound quality is EXCELLENT with all of the XY and MS Mic settings.

The display is good, Navigation is fairly logical, and it has lots of excellent software features for editing/manipulating/converting the audio, right inside the H2n unit (without external computer).

It is very fast/easy to turn on and start a new recording. You will never miss that special musical performance, baby's first words, bird call, etc.
Time/date stamping makes it easy to match up sound recordings with photos/movies, taken at the same day/time.

The H2n would be worth the price if you only used it as a high quality electret condenser studio mic/USB to computer interface, for recording with Logic Audio or Garage Band. Add the 2/4 channel SD card recording capability, and it is an amazing value!

My only (small) gripe is with the Jog wheel.
When you press it down to select something, it has to be centered (not tilted in either direction) or you can not push it down. This makes it more difficult to use than it needs to be. Might become easier with use/practice.
Owners manual is ok, but could be a little better, with a some more information about, and recommendations for how to use, the many features.

Recorded some live performances (including my own) at the local Coffee shop, last night.
Vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, Saxophones, piano, all sounded superb when played back through my Mackie HR824's back in the studio. Not a hint of noise or distortion.

Very glad I purchased the H2n, it is the best portable/field recorder I have had the pleasure to use (and I have used quite a few in the last 40 years).

Edit #1:
I have had this for 3 months, and have mostly gotten used to the jog wheal.
It is a bit easy to accidentally press/move it, so use the Power ON/OFF/LOCK slider to keep that from being a problem, if you are going to put it in your pocket or otherwise be handling it, during use.

The internal mics are very sensitive, with the gain turned up.
I have recorded acoustic piano, quiet ambient sounds like crickets/birds, as well as acoustic jazz, acoustic guitar, spoken word and other low volume sources (sometimes from across the room), with excellent S/N and sound quality.
I have also recorded moderately loud performances up close, with equally good results.
After many fine recordings made, in a variety of situations, with my H2n, I could not be more pleased with the ease of use and high quality results.
I am a recording eng., electronic tech and musician with 30 years experience.
The quality of the sound captured is phenomenal. At the current price, this is an amazing value.

Don't forget to buy a windscreen for use in breezy outdoor conditions.
The large foam one at radio shack for a few dollars, or the Rode Dead Kitten Windscreen available on Amazon, better sound quality but 10X more expensive.
Rode Dead Kitten Windscreen
Rode Dead Kitten Windscreen

Or this one from Zoom, that is half the price of the Rode:
Zoom H4n Furryhead Windscreen Black

and another more powerful one from Zoom for a few buck more:
Zoom H4n Furryhead Extreme Foam Core Windscreen Black
Zoom H4n Furryhead Extreme Foam Core Windscreen Black

Edit #2:
I have purchased the Sewell USB SoundBox 7.1 USB for listening to the 4channel recordings on my Apple MacMini or MacBook computer.
Sewell USB SoundBox 7.1 USB Sound Card

It is the same unit as the Vantec USB External 7.1 Channel Audio Adapter:
Vantec USB External 7.1 Channel Audio Adapter (Black)

This device, (which is the size of a deck of cards and runs off of USB power) gives me better sound quality than the computers built in hardware.
It also allows me to assign each of the H2n 4 channels (after transfer to computer) to a separate analog output so I can use two stereo amps with 4 speakers, to listen in Quad, surround sound.
I am currently using Logic Audio software for editing and playback because it's good, and it supports multi channel output for playback.

Happy Trails...
Dave

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First impressions, September 3, 2011

By 

R. Baumann (NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Zoom H2n Handy Recorder (Electronics)

I've had a Zoom H2 for about 4 years and found that it has done all that we needed. It is used for my wife's vocal and instrumental practices and for recording some performances. It has also been used to record music for a "limited distribution" CD. Good quality and fairly easy to use.

After hundreds of hours of use and abuse, and some recent minor problems, I decided to try the new H2n. It is much easier to use, and the first recordings are fine.

Will follow up after more use.