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Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder | 
 enlarge | Brand: Zoom
Category: Musical Instruments
List Price: $334.99
Buy New: $159.00
You Save: $175.99 (53%)
New (45) Used (2) Refurbished (2)
Avg. Customer Rating:  213 reviews
Sales Rank: 1
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 10.5 x 6.5 x 3.6
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
MPN: H2
Model: ZOO H2
UPC: 884354007478
EAN: 0884354007478
ASIN: B000VBH2IG
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 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) |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
It's a simple idea: provide brilliant stereo recording in an easy-to-use, ultra-portable device. The H2 is the only portable recorder with 3 mic capsules onboard for mid-side recording. A directional mic is in the center (mid) and two directional mics (side) are positioned left and right. The audio is decoded instantly, bringing these three signals together for unparalleled stereo imaging. 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. The H2 records on Secure Digital (SD) media and a 512MB SD card is included. With a 4GB SD memory card, the H2 provides up to 2 hours recording at 96kHz, 6 hours at 44.1kHz, or up to a staggering 138 hours in MP3. 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. 512MB SD memory card included; Accommodates up to 4GB SD optional 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 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 Pocketable - Weighs only 4 ounces
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
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90 Pattern
Record from the front at 90 | 
120 Pattern
Record from the front at 120 | Record your band rehearsals in 360 brilliant stereo.
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90 Pattern
Record from the front at 90 |
| Customer Reviews: Read 208 more reviews...
 Very Handy Indeed! November 19, 2008
First of all, you need to know that for the price point this is a very good recorder. In particular the 4 channel record (which then has to be reduced to a 2 channel mix within the recorder) has a very honest sonic quality. It's not high end, but it's very good. If you record in 4 channel with the desire to get it onto your computer or CD you have to mix the 4 to 2 on the recorder, which requires enough memory. That is significant if you're doing longer recordings as you'll need a larger SD chip. I am using a 2 gig chip and it has handled up to a 40 minute recording for mix to 2 channel so far with room to spare. I recorded outdoors at a soccer game (kids) and it has the sound of a Public Radio documentary. You can hear the leaves rustling under feet and voices ringing in the distance and the sound really has that 3D quality and reality to it. If you're going to record demos, say with a vocal and guitar, you'll have to play with your distances. I find I have to get the mike pretty close to my mouth or the guitar wipes out the vocal. There is a direct in if you want to just record your guitar or keyboard. Recording a band works well but the acoustics of the room have a huge impact on how it turns out (which is to be expected). For some reason, to my ears, it's not quite as honest in a larger indoor setting, but it's still very good. DRAWBACKS? When I first took it out of the box, it was so lightweight that it seems sort of flimsy, hard to take seriously. And a fall from any real distance would probably do it in (I'm not looking to find that out for sure.) It's not weighty like a good stage mic, but it does the job for what I need. I'm not sure it would hold up sonic wise to what a pro would expect for film or TV work. Probably not. But I could be wrong about that depending on the sitchy. It has no case, so I bought a shaving kit at the local store that holds the recorder and all the parts. Works great. I simply can't afford the higher end stuff, so I'm thankful this was available and that it sounds as good as it does for the price. PEACE TO YOU!
 Great value November 18, 2008
I was interested in a recorder to do interviews in the field and was entirely unsatisfied with other smaller and less expensive recorders manufactured by Olympus and Sony. Then I came across reviews for the Zoom H2.
The Zoom H2 was of interest because the online reviews indicated it was a good recorder for musicians. I'd found the other recorders I'd tried resulted in tinny voice tones, not fully recording voices in lower ranges. It was my hope that the Zoom H2 would do as well for voice interviews as for music.
What a find! It performed as advertised and allows the user to select the fidelity easily. With a small amount of practice and attentiveness, it's easy to use. Wonderful to be able to choose to record in MP3 format (84, 56, 64, 88, or 96 kbps) or WAV format (44.1kHz, 48 kHz or 96 kHz (with a choice of 16 or 24 bit for each)). Also great to be able to select a microphone mode that picks up sound from both sides of the recorder. I also like that the H2 provides a choice of 10 folders in which to put recording.
The Zoom H2 comes with everything one needs to get going and more, including a small stand, a screw-in hand grip which can be mounted on a stand, plug-in power source, USB cable, stereo Y cable, 512 MB card, wind screen, and simple carrying bag. Everything I need for in-the-field interviews (including extra batteries) fits into a medium-sized digital camera bag which is small enough to take everywhere.
I got a 4 Gig Sandisc card (which allows for 3+ hours of recording at 44.1kHz, 16 bit) and some rechargeable nicad batteries and a charger. Copying the recorded files from the Sandisc card is quick and easy.
Based on others' concerns about the H2's construction, I've been especially careful opening and closing the door for the memory card, screwing in the stand and handgrip, and storing the H2 when not in use. But, it travelled with me to Europe and back with no problems and produced fine interviews while there.
The $175 cost is a bargain.
Zoom Recorder November 17, 2008
The Zoom recorder is an incredible product. The quality of the recording is amazing!!! This is a purchase I should have made long ago. Again Amazon had the best price in town and I recieved it fast and in perfect condition.
Phenominal November 13, 2008
I use the H2 to record my band's practice sessions and so far it is one fine piece of equipment. Easy to operate and the sound quality just blew us away. I am using Audacity ( shareware) to tweak the results a bit and the end result is fabulous. I just last night recorded in 4 channel and those results were the best yet. Highly recommended.
Portable Recorder November 11, 2008
If Your recording needs are portable & stereo, this is for you . . . transfer your audio to computer and sync with your music, video, or presentations. Awesome!
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