A Look at Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
May 11th, 2010
Zoom H2 is at the same time a very simple and a very powerful recording device capable of producing excellent quality recordings.
The major feature of Zoom H2 Handy Recorder is its 4 mic capsules. These 4 mics in W-XY configuration allows for recording from the front for 90° cardioid, from rear for 120° cardioid, and in 360° polar patterns. With 4 mic capsules in a W-X/Y configuration, the audio is decoded instantly, bringing these four signals together for unparalleled stereo imaging. The built-in 3D panning function allows finishing touch on the recording by providing control over the front/rear/left/right balance. Or you can use commonly available authoring software to create 5.1 surround recordings.
Zoom H2 Recorder can record in many recording formats. To get the highest audio quality that surpasses CDs, opt for 24bit/96kHz linear PCM (WAV files) format. Or, if you want long recording capability while keeping the file size small, you can choose to record in MP3 format. Even 4-channel, 360° recordings can be made in 24bit/48kHz format. Capture the fine nuances of an acoustic instrument or the realistic ambiance of a venue with the H2′s utterly transparent, high-resolution recording capability.
Zoom H2 Recorder also record into SD cards. The unit can accommodate up to a 16GB SD card though, which allows up to 24 hours of total recording time using the 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV format. You can even get an amazing 280 hours of stereo recording if you record at 128 kbps MP3. The H2 also has a USB 2.0 interface, allowing you to connect the device to a PC or Mac and move your recordings there for further processing. You can also use the H2 Recorder as a USB Mic for recording directly to a computer. And, direct playback on Zoom H2 is also possible. Various play-back options are available including single-file playback, single-file repeat, all-file playback, and all-file repeat.
Physically, H2 Recorder is equipped with a back-lit screen to display important recording information. LEDs indicate Front, Rear, 2 Channel or 4 Channel modes and the recording angle: 90°, 120° or 360°. There are also LEDs to indicate the active mics. The control mechanisms include single button recording, playback-pause, fast forward and rewind. In order to record, you only need to push the record button. One button recording, gain controls on the side and an intuitive user interface allow you to always capture the moment. Adjust your levels, push the record button and go. That’s all. Or, you can use Auto Start and Auto Gain Control features to accomplish complete capture at the correct level. For power, Zoom H2 has a low-power circuitry so it can run continuously for about 4 hours only on two AA alkaline batteries. In order to do longer sessions, you can power the device using the AC adapter. If you use the unit as SD card reader or as USB mic, it can operate on USB bus power. The device is very portable, weighing only approximately 4 ounces.
So, with Zoom H2 Handy Recorder anyone can record excellent audio in an wide variety of applications. From seminars and conferences, to electronic news gathering (ENG) and podcasting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, Zoom H2 provides amazing recording quality. And no matter what kind of music you perform or the instrument you play, the H2 Recorder can effortlessly record it in high-quality stereo.
Categories: MP3 Player
