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 WindscreenOr this one from Zoom, that is half the price of the Rode:
Zoom H4n Furryhead Windscreen Blackand 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 BlackEdit #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 CardIt 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