All user reviews for the Zoom H2

We use my group and myself a Zoom H2 to record our snooze now for a year and a half. Its accessible price, format "pocket" and its ease of use were key determinants in the beginning. Furthermore, we could hear some extracts made by friends at their own repeated. We were conquered.

In our opinion, the only flaw of the H2 is its too much precision in the capture of perceived, including hihat and cymbals, we generally record the battery is quite forward compared to other instruments.

For 175 € with 2GB SD card, from the perspective of working with a group to repeat to replay and analyze its benefits, the H2 is impeccable. Each instrument is perfectly separable. At the limit, it could boast of too uniform grain loadings ... but nothing as dramatic as it takes to make that tool as a tool for personal work. Do not expect to go to the studio recordings made with live ^ ^

In hindsight, we did not want to change our H2, or at most be to test the higher ranges such as the H4n to see.

Used in almost all rehearsals for 6 months to work at home, and qq lives. The sound is enough to hear all the beats and singing in our own atmosphere generally much messy and "bouncing". Were tested with a positioning of the amplifiers and a balance in real quick with everyone just for the creature, and immediately it sounds better is downright exploitable: we canvassed nicely with the result, once a Light reaper small passage just to recalibrate the stereo and redo a small equalizer. Mode "omnidirectional" exploiting the two pairs of microphone for that (record repeated) more absolutely undeniable, really qq c. not to be missed for musicians as a group.

Obviously the price has not been pro microphones, you can hear it anyway. But it remains a good thing as micro anyway to capture the amp, that's the joke in overhead as well, and not doing so bad for the bass. Never tried direct vocal mic, I think it's worth any "microphone singing" entry-level but no more.

Also note: it's cash heavy noise level, and it saturates when the digital is not immediately Niagara Falls - and fortunately for us, who have, shall we say ... peaks of musical tension as measured in decibels (scratch them to death).

In short, the risk of repeating myself, for a group that wants a tool for repeated, even a peaceful demonstration with no round is enough bonnard, why the Omni is awesome to take everyone in a room.

In addition, it is "sound card" for more broke: a good headphone, a small laptop or an EEEPC, a DI + adapter jack / mini jack, Reaper plugs qq + + asio4all chosen, and roll my chicken to "almost nothing "... (Cons with no USB charging, everything goes through battery or transformer is not the best)

I was looking for a digital recorder to make various statements sound without needing a computer at hand, mainly for the song (I can not register with me so I am forced to move away from isolating myself) but also for the field recording.

I hesitated between the H1 and H2, but it really seemed too fragile, I opted for the H2 that is affordable in light of its performance, it takes a lot of functions more or less interesting but the real plus is the possibility of varying configurations of microphones in different contexts.

Concretely, the device has 2X2 microphones that pick up sound in front and (or) the back, it opens up a lot of opportunities, especially when it comes to recording groups, Repeat '.

I mostly use the Config 2 microphones before (taken at 90 °) for 2 microphones and singing back (taken at 120 °) to capture ambient sound, the sound quality is impeccable for the price, we hear all kinds same details regarding the acquisition of sound in nature with low noise.

Management input level is fairly intuitive, it selects Low / Mid / High depending on the volume of the sound recording is then adjusted in finesse with the + / - depending on what the readout display (backlit).

Only defect of the device, the plastic shell is pretty cheap, the cover comes with the recorder is irrelevant, so I bought a silicone case which should enable the craft to survive a fall.

I use it for about three years. I've had Dictaphones, etc.. but it's not really the same thing. When he came out it was the only one in this price range with these features.
What I like most is the ease of use. The least? may be that it resets itself (date and hour) as soon as you leave the sd card, and the plastic shell that gives an impression of average quality, but it's pretty tough going anyway.

The value for money looks good to me, now you should compare with similar devices that have been around. Anyway to record ambient sounds, repetitions, or even acoustic instruments, it is great. It can also be used as a micro USB direct his computer: he has his own "sound card" inside and the result is very very correct advice to podcasters.
When plugged into USB, no need for batteries, it is powered directly via USB.

With the experience I would do this choice because it has served me well and still serves me well, especially for recording rehearsals.

I've tested this little recorder very nice and brings me pleasure bcp in its use. It has a quality recording with microphones built that will please even the picky as long as one is in a room without disturbing noise. I use it with a 6-string acoustic guitar and another 12-string, I also tested my external microphones of various brands but I returned to the unit's internal microphone. Not too hungry batteries, easily transportable, it has a drawback: the screen is small (especially for me who am Mirot) and organizing files is a bit random. In any case, I recommend this device you can connect to your PC without you begin mastering, you focus on your music, which remains the goal.
YANN tchuss ZIC

It is therefore more than two years that I'm using it for interviews, recordings of rehearsals, etc. ...

Long ago I used a portable MD electret microphone with a plug on it, but pretty good, not practical to retrieve the data later.

Subsequently it was plugged into the microphone MacBook practice for audio processing in Logic because I came directly, but there is more congestion.

Better, yeah, I'm tempted by the H2 seen the good reviews, buying at the same time the silicone shell in case, because the reviews were talking about cheap plastic.

Not having been dropped, having found a tiny aluminum briefcase (if a catalog offers a camera numériqe rotten but delivered in a suitcase, say YES!) In which the foam is made for a camera = same size as the H2 (yay!) it is transported properly.

With the accessories is the class, we can keep the stuff by hand, like a microphone recorder integrated with the windshield is perfect for interviews in all circumstances (we sometimes see on TV with journalists an H2!), and with little support for that stand up for nickel is placed on a table and record a meeting or a rehearsal.

The great thing is the presence of the two stereo microphones! By choosing the right recording mode and placing it well, we can rectify the balance after the fact of a rehearsal, just to lower the mixer and mount keyboards (routine, what!), Etc. ...

No really I love this stuff, for the price there is absolutely nothing to say, the quality is by appointment, personally I record to WAV (3 hours with a 2GB SD) and I turn systematically COMP1 story having a small compression already at the base. Then the DS is in the Mac Logic, salaries ...

Tiny flat, and yet it's normal since using supposedly "pro", we actually have to start in only press REC once because we are able to adjust REC PAUSE to gain! As with the MD you will say, but it looks so much like a dictaphone It must therefore be used to watch as the seconds to say "it's good, it saves!

To hear a little of what I did, please listen to my interview with a fellow singer here: http://www.wat.tv/audio/asphodel-extraits-sebfm-y543_2g1kt_.html

Special mention for the silicone shell, very well studied because no need to remove to change batteries (2xLR6 = standard practice!) Or remove the SD

Congratulations to zoom for this product, I hope to keep long seen its performance and compactness.

I would do this considering my choice without hesitation use

I use the Zoom H2 recorder as regularly witnessed repeated my rock band, occasionally recording of concerts, plays, or voices. I have since January 2009.

Overall I am very satisfied. The sound quality is good, for a sweet price. The major drawback for me is the poor quality of assembly: the plastic does not take very long, despite the protection provided. Another (small) default, battery life is not great, but since they are LR6, one can have a stock ... or connect the H2 area.

A report that integrated treatment (compressor, limiter ...) does not really interest me, so I am not commenting on this point. Getting started is easy, the object can be transported anywhere and very light (sometimes too much, fortunately, the rubber cover prevents slipping!), The sound is good. I use it more in terms of high volume, and it behaves well. Sometimes a few microphones saturation, but this is rare. At low volume levels, we can meet the blast, but the wave file will remain fully usable.

In short, it's a product I recommend a small cheap device to record anywhere without the fuss and with good sound.

I have the opportunity to use this device for 2 years and I love to use it for various situations: recordings of repetition of musical groups, interviews (well I made one) and taken to its equipment demos.
I never used this product to competitors, knowing that this model is getting old and that the latest models must be better led, I think. However it should be noted that the H2 is a true gas plant, I do not think I have gone around the beast, but the key for me being able to record simply and quickly, so I went around to these functions only and it suits me. I love the SD card feature is génialissime, I bought a 2 GB card and I'm really wide for large recordings. At the time I thought it was rather expensive to buy but now I think there are ways to find opportunity in not too expensive.
I totally regret not my investment because at every opportunity I serve.

I use it for 2 years, mainly to record rehearsals and work the songs.
It's still great practice, one branch, one that cares the middle of the studio and go!

Settings:

* The input gain is easily adjusted according to 3 presets (low / medium / high) and we can refine it in the menus.

* We choose the recording mode: front, rear or both (in a single file or two in order to rebalance the stuff by hand later). But use "repeat" it's hard to balance the front and rear, each transplanting a little sound from the other because we are in a small environment with sounds that turn.

* A lot of other more advanced settings are possible, but the menu navigation is not great and I did not really useful anyway.

* It can serve as an audio interface for recording directly to PC. Never tested but it may be useful for some.

Sound:

* I'm no expert but for me it highly enough. A little behind and treatment was sound about right. We could even use it to put zics on the net. Everything depends on the use to which it wishes to make.

Weaknesses:

* Already, it is plastic and not breathing strength. The SD card door is already broken home (thank you my friend who I lent it ). That said I did not have other worries than this, and it's not very penalizing.

* If you use it plugged in, like me, do not forget to turn it off before unplugging it, otherwise you lose the recording made. Or have to put batteries in to be sure.

* Not at all convenient for listening, the functions of fast forward / reverse is probably the worst I've seen and are on the verge of unusable.
Edit: I am advised that it is possible to update the firmware and it's worth the effort. I may therefore change this (and others?) After upd.

Conclusion:

For the low price, quality is more than adequate for my use. I had not tried other models before so I could not compare, but I probably would do the same choice.

There's already a lot of opinions here, but I saw that in asking others if you have any specific questions feel free to ask.

I use it for a year now.

Negatives:
The autonomy of the H2 is limited to 3 hours.
System folder from a good intention but it quickly mess with the filenames STE001.mp3, STE001.wav, STE002.wav etc. ... There is a possibility to rename files but it is long.
The wide opening angle is both a positive (for surround sound) and negative. For my purposes (recording sounds in the street or at home), it is quite difficiel to obtain a precise sound, especially when there are other noise (I would have liked a cardioid function but ...)

Positives:
Its mobility (requires 2 batteries and saves to SD card), its overall sound quality. This is not very high end but you can get good recordings. For example, I made this video: http://www.myspace.com/video/migoucorporation/improvisation-piano/106723194 I placed the microphone inside the piano, opened the hood (the video is also on youtube but less clear good quality audio).

Just to reiterate very clearly that the converter input line of this gear are of exceptional quality (see articles in Sound Designer for example).
All this is really true! As long as you put a good mic preamp input and microphones that come with it, the results are absolutely remarkable. So of course if you like me more than fifty years, you must buy more glasses to read the instructions on the screen although a bit small, but trust in these recording conditions, it is worth all the top models end ...

https://www.sounddesigners.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=4179&highlight=zoom+h2





& %&%&%&% quality converters line inputs

I use it for only 4 months and I'm really pleased.

I used to primarily for recording acoustic music rehearsals and sometimes catches her.
I was using before ambient mics (connected to a mini disc or a mixer), it was often slow to settle or to install a rendering often much less clean.

I find the record really well, the sound is restored, there is little or no interference, the device is lightweight, simple to set and yet it offers many possibilities in terms of settings: sound at 90 °, 120 °, fi, "double" stereo, mono, wav, mp3, can cut a track, change its format, pre-registration, pre-adjustment by type of record ... and more!
Another advantage: it is not bulky

The value for money is really excellent, I purchased 200 € new and I think he will follow me for a while!

I would do this choice without hesitation.

For those who hesitate, who needs to listen before buying, I suggest you listen to a little sound that I simply register with the H2. The mixed tracks have not been retouched or very little, the sound is the one that picked up the microphone, this can give you a taste of what it offers: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v = X_ooQhno5TU

(Originally written by nono_sax/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
- How long have you been using it?

One week.

- Which feature do you like the most / the least?

The most: size.

The least: crosstalk.

- Did you try any other models before buying it?

No

- How would you rate its value for money?

Excellent.

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

Certainly.

The only disadvantage is the front/back crosstalk.

Most of the signal from the back reaches the front mics and vice versa.

I haven't found the right setting.

What good is four channels?

If anyone has information that might help me, I'd be most grateful...

(Originally written by FredDup/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
I bought an H4 almost one year ago and after reading the reviews about the H2 I bought it too.

I liked the difference in size: I was disappointed by the size of the H4 but very satisfied with the sound quality of the recordings I made with it. Considering the price, I hesitated a bit.

The H2 is much smaller and easier to hide for concert recordings.

I had big expectations regarding the mic input, I bought an old Sony mic to record concerts. The sound of the first recordings using the H2 was exciting. It was not the case with the small Sony mic, which worked much better with my Minidisc player (not enough lows with the H2!).

But I'm very happy with it, the sound with the integrated mic is very good.

I like most of all the surround mode. But I've been testing the H2 for only one week.

I've noticed several nice surprises with respect to the H4: files with hour and date. Easy setting of recording levels (which I miss on th H4). The forward and backward buttons (used for almost all settings...) allow you to set everything, even while you're recording.

I haven't compared recordings made with both devices.

I will keep them both: the H2 doesn't allow multitrack recording but its size, configuration (W mode is great for ensembles; 360° is also good), and easy settings are great for mobile recordings.