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 Review
Product Description
The Zoom H2 is a must-have for anybody doing podcasting to almost any type of mobile recording situation.Anaffordable2-track recorder using a 4-mic capsule configuration and digital signal processing, the H2 allows a variety of polar patterns and even supports 5.1 surround sound. Record at 96kHz, 48kHz, 44.1kHz or MP3. Archive files to your computer using the USB port. Use as a USB mic to record your guitar or vocals directly to computer. ATime stampfeature facilitates production. The H2 has an approximate 4-hour running time on 2 AA alkaline batteries. It includes earbuds, stereo adapter cable, mic clip adapter, tripod stand, USB cable, AC adapter and a 512MB SD card. Now the Zoom H2 can accept up to a 16 GB SD cards with the latest firmware installed. Have an older version? Update easily and for free at Zoom's website, www.zoom.co.jp.Click here for listing of compatible SD cards!Who Needs the H2 Handy Recorder from Zoom? Everyone who craves brilliant stereo recordings.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.Zoom H2 FeaturesW-XY mic patterns with 4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90° cardioid, Rear 120° cardioid and 360° polar patternsFinally record 360° sound as 2ch data or 4ch data simultaneouslyBuilt-in USB 2.
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 Details
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
Electronics: 0 pages
Publisher: Zoom
Label: Zoom
Studio: Zoom
Average Customer Review: based on 424 reviews
Sales Rank in Electronics: #1
Special Features
The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder puts pro-quality audio literally in the palm of your hand! The followup to Zoom?s super-successful H4, the H2 Handy Recorder gives you an amazingly versatile tool for capturing top-notch 2-track audio. Its internal 4-mic capsule allows for several different polar patterns which, combined with its signal-processing capabilities, give the H2 the ability to record 4-channel data that can be authored into 5.1 surround! With a USB interface, external mic In, and time stamp
Comment: So far i have absolutely no complaints about this product. The sound quality is beautiful and its super easy to use. Id say a great product for the price without having to spend $400.00 :)
Customer Rating:
Summary: Best recorder for music/audio I ever own 2010-03-09
Comment: I had this Zoom H2 for more than 3 years now and I totally agree with the quality recordings and transferring/ making a CD out of your recording but the better part I like are the capabilities to make folders and files of your recordings so you just go to a folder/file to go to your favorites or if you practice with your friends/group for several days you can just go to a particular session and replay that session which could be located in a folder or in a file in one particular folder. Zoom H2 can make your create 10 different folders and an unlimited files in each folder. The music session you have in a muscial group can also be saved in an mp3 format. I think this is the best music recorder there is at this price.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Very good product 2010-03-08
Comment: We have used Zoom H2 to record piano songs played by our daughter. The quality of the recording was very good. It is very easy to transfer our recordings to our computer. We are very satisfied with this recording device.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Disappointed. 2010-03-06
Comment: I bought this because my daughter's piano teacher had told us to get a voice recorder, I picked this one based on the good comments and its price, for some reason, I always think that you get what you pay for. It was proven wrong this time though, had to return it for a refund. Here are the reasons:
1. No built-in speaker, you have to listen to the recording via the earphones or by downloading it to your computer.
2. Little hard to operate, I am pretty good at using those so-call gadgets since I am the one who uses them all the time in the family, but I found this one not as intuitively designed as some other items I have used. Plus the display is a little too small.
3. Seems a little fragile, made out of plastic.
After we returned it, we used our flip camcorder that I had bought a few years before, it served its purpose, plus you also got the video too.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fun to use after I get a working one 2010-03-03
Comment: First off, I'm not a professional, but like to play bluegrass with friends and wanted to get a recorder to hear how we sounded on recorded medium. The first Zoom H2 I received didn't work (record) straight out of the box. The unit would turn on and I could scroll the menu, but none of the recording lights worked, and no sound when I attempted to record (thinking maybe the lights were just bad. Contacted Amazon that day and had a new one on the way that day. Received within 7 days. This one so far has worked great. I haven't had the time, yet, to try all the settings to see which is best for recording in the environment we play, but the recordings so far have been clear and without distortion. There was some minor background noise, but there was also other activity going on in the area, so this could have been a factor there. I've not had enough time to evaluate the battery life, but was able to record a constant 3 hour picking without problem. From what I plan on using the H2 for, it is all I need to record non-professional gatherings. So far it's easily worth the money I paid.