Zoom H2 Portable Recorder

Bestselling pocket audio recorder!

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Main Description

Zoom H2 Handheld Digital Recorder

The H2 begins with 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), interviews and podcasting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, the H2 provides amazing recording quality. And no matter what kind of recording you want to make, the H2 can effortlessly record it.

Why four mics are better than two
Recording an exceptionally realistic stereo image can be a challenge with a conventional mic pair. The H2 has dual X/Y configured stereo mics facing front and rear. This is ideal for capturing a wide and contiguous stereo image. There are two sets of mics - one pair facing the front and one pair facing the rear - allowing you to record at 90 degrees from the front or 120 degrees from the rear. You can even use both two pairs to produce a four-channel recording with 360 degrees coverage. After recording, the built-in 3D panning function gives you full control over the front/rear/left/right balance. Or use commonly available authoring software to create 5.1 surround recordings. No other portable digital recorder has this ability.

24bit/96kHz linear PCM and MP3 recording
The H2 gives you amazing versatility with its wide variety of recording formats. Choose 24bit/96kHz linear PCM (WAV files) format for the highest audio quality that surpasses CDs. Or record in MP3 format in an almost any bit rate when long recording capability and smaller file sizes are your goals. Even 4-channel, 360 degree recordings can be made in 24bit/48kHz format. Capture the fine nuances of an acoustic instrument or the realistic ambience of a venue with the H2's utterly transparent, high-resolution recording capability.

Secure Your Digital Memories
The H2 records on Secure Digital(SD)media and a 1GB SD card is included. Compact and readily available, SD memory cards are immune to vibrations and produce no mechanical noise, unlike motor-driven media such as tape or discs. The H2 can accomodate up to a 4GB card, allowing up to 6 hours of recording time using the 16bit/44.1kHz WAV format. At 128kbps MP3, you get an amazing 70 hours of stereo recording. And with the onboard USB port, you can to move your recordings to your computer and use recording software to edit the audio, create mixes, burn CDs or distribute your recordings by email or on your website. You can even move MP3 files to your H2 and use it as a music player.

BWF compatible time stamping and track markers
The H2 supports BWF(Broadcast Wave Format)used by broadcasting studios and for other professional applications. Your files can be set with timestamp information and markers(cue points)during recording. This makes playback and editing much more efficient.

Automatic recording function
You can also set the H2 to automatically start recording when audio is detected and stop when audio ceases. This allows you to capture all the important audio you want during a conference or lecture while minimizing the total recording time.

Pre-record feature means no surprises
Sometimes the audio you want to record begins suddenly. But with the H2 you'll never miss a beat. It can be set to continuously record the most recent two seconds of audio in memory. Record with the confidence that you've captured every moment.

Auto Gain Control and Low-Cut Filter
Capturing the moment with a pristine recording can be a challenge,but not with the H2. Its sophisticated Auto Gain Control(AGC)function and Low-Cut Filter means the H2 can automatically record at the right level while eliminating unwanted low frequency noise. Or, you can manually control the gain levels with the Low/Mid/High selector and then fine-tune the levels with gain control buttons on the front panel. Get clear recordings with very low noise and no distortion.

It's also a USB mic
The H2 can also function as a USB microphone, letting you record directly to your computer. Using almost any recording software, you can create a podcast with ease. And its direct monitoring feature means that you can monitor with no latency during recording.

Built-in normalizing and file splitting functions
Even without an external waveform editor or other software, you can divide a recorded file at any desired point, right on the H2. The built-in normalizing feature lets you optimize the volume level, and can even convert WAV files into MP3s. The H2 offers a post-encoding function as well.

Versatile playback modes
Choose between single-file playback, single-file repeat, all-file playback, or all-file repeat. This is great when using the H2 as an MP3 player. A-B repeat even lets you "zoom in" on a specified section of a file.

Support for plug-in power type external mics
The input jack for external stereo mics supports plug-in power, letting you select suitable equipment for any situation. A stereo line input for analog sources such as cassette tapes or LP records is also provided.

Tuner & metronome enhance practice sessions
The H2 has a number of useful tools that will be welcomed by musicians. The built-in tuner allows you to quickly check the pitch of a vocalist or tune an instrument. The onboard metronome can serve as a click-track during recording.

Intuitive design
Thanks to its simple and logical user interface, the H2 is easy to use from the moment you pick it up. Most functions can be controlled with one hand. The backlit 128x64 pixel LCD makes navigating the graphical menus quick and easy. You can check level meters and time elapsed, check the battery status and remaining recording time at a glance.

Four hours of continuous operation
The low-power circuitry in the H2 makes it possible to run the unit continuously for about 4 hours on two AA alkaline batteries. For longer sessions, simply plug in the supplied AC adapter. When using the unit as an SD card reader or USB mic, it will operate on USB bus power.

What's in the Box?

Zoom H2 Portable Stereo Recorder
Windshield
Earphones
AC Adaptor
USB Cable
Desktop Stand
Mic clip adaptor
Stereo 3.5mmjack -> 2x Phono Cable
1GB SD Card and Case
Documentation

Reviews

Rating

I bought the H2 after hearing recordings from the H4 which sounded amazing. I already have a Zoom R16 therefore I didn't need the multitrack functionality but loved the idea of a field recorder with such a high-quality mic set up and for the price, the mics themselves were a great addition to my home set-up.
Zoom certainly know how to cram featrures into small devices. The function to record from two seconds before you hit record is great for not missing the start of interesting things to record and the different mic configurations mad an interesting difference when used appropriately and against type.
One fairly major design flaw, which I find very baffling is that the analogue recording level is clumsily set at low medium and high with no further room to alter (you can alter it digitally but this won't remove analogue distortion where that level is too high). The device is perfectly placed to make recordings of live shows however on low the clipping in a small room creates unusable recordings. The wind shield helps and you can eq past the muffling later as you would whenever you use the shield but I would have thought that full control over the input level would be essential to make this the perfect bootlegging machine. One of my reasons for buying was to create a better sound recording for flip films where clipping is terrible at high volumes.
If you want to make great recordings at home to mix on the computer or field recordings where the volume isn't to oppressive, the H2 is perfect. If you are looking for something to replace an old walkman style tape recorder for recording loud live performances, you may need to look elsewhere.

Mr. PAUL Maher > read review

I bought the H2 after hearing recordings from the H4 which sounded amazing. I already have a Zoom R16 therefore I didn't need the multitrack functionality but loved the idea of a field recorder with such a high-quality mic set up and for the price, the mics themselves were a great addition to my home set-up.
Zoom certainly know how to cram featrures into small devices. The function to record from two seconds before you hit record is great for not missing the start of interesting things to record and the different mic configurations mad an interesting difference when used appropriately and against type.
One fairly major design flaw, which I find very baffling is that the analogue recording level is clumsily set at low medium and high with no further room to alter (you can alter it digitally but this won't remove analogue distortion where that level is too high). The device is perfectly placed to make recordings of live shows however on low the clipping in a small room creates unusable recordings. The wind shield helps and you can eq past the muffling later as you would whenever you use the shield but I would have thought that full control over the input level would be essential to make this the perfect bootlegging machine. One of my reasons for buying was to create a better sound recording for flip films where clipping is terrible at high volumes.
If you want to make great recordings at home to mix on the computer or field recordings where the volume isn't to oppressive, the H2 is perfect. If you are looking for something to replace an old walkman style tape recorder for recording loud live performances, you may need to look elsewhere.
Rating

Excellent piece of kit very easy to use and Ideal for interviews as you can simply leave the H2 on a table and chat away. This means that the interviewee feels far less intimidated and relaxed, no Mic shoved up their nose.
In a concert situation the unit is perfect for live sound recording and small enough not to be unwieldy
Love it

Mr Leeland Creech > read review

Excellent piece of kit very easy to use and Ideal for interviews as you can simply leave the H2 on a table and chat away. This means that the interviewee feels far less intimidated and relaxed, no Mic shoved up their nose.
In a concert situation the unit is perfect for live sound recording and small enough not to be unwieldy
Love it
Rating

On the positive side the sound quality is good and it comes with plenty of accessories. However, the buttons and file menu are not intuitive and bit fiddly to use. Also the major problem for me (and perhaps I should have researched this better before ordering it) was the absence of an in-built speaker to review recordings. You need to replay recordings through separate external speakers or through a headphone.

Mr. Martin Wilson > read review

On the positive side the sound quality is good and it comes with plenty of accessories. However, the buttons and file menu are not intuitive and bit fiddly to use. Also the major problem for me (and perhaps I should have researched this better before ordering it) was the absence of an in-built speaker to review recordings. You need to replay recordings through separate external speakers or through a headphone.
Rating

Great service from Andertons. Arrived exactly as stated, and worked straight out of the box. I use it for recording my guitar lessons and practice, downloading the files onto my PC and use Audacity to review. The recordings are very clear. The Zoom H2 is easy to use, and the additional goodies (USB cable, stand, silicon case, 4GB card, power adapter) make this great value.

Mr J Gray > read review

Great service from Andertons. Arrived exactly as stated, and worked straight out of the box. I use it for recording my guitar lessons and practice, downloading the files onto my PC and use Audacity to review. The recordings are very clear. The Zoom H2 is easy to use, and the additional goodies (USB cable, stand, silicon case, 4GB card, power adapter) make this great value.
Rating

No problems with the order. Delivered when told it would be. The H2 worked straight out of the box. Very impressed. Have used it with various open source recording software (audacity etc..) and had good results. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend both Andertons and the H2 to others.

Mr. Clive Chapman > read review

No problems with the order. Delivered when told it would be. The H2 worked straight out of the box. Very impressed. Have used it with various open source recording software (audacity etc..) and had good results. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend both Andertons and the H2 to others.
Rating

This is a great product for live recording, band rehearsals ro just laying down some riffs or vocals to listen to later. It's a lot smaller than I thought, but the controls are easy to use after a little instruction. It's very easy to playback through via a headphones, via a stereo phone to a hi-fi, speakers or mixing desk. Song transfer is standard usb.

Mr. Peter Carter > read review

This is a great product for live recording, band rehearsals ro just laying down some riffs or vocals to listen to later. It's a lot smaller than I thought, but the controls are easy to use after a little instruction. It's very easy to playback through via a headphones, via a stereo phone to a hi-fi, speakers or mixing desk. Song transfer is standard usb.
Rating

This is my first purchase of an audio recorder so cannot provide a comparison with other devices. However, I spent a long time reviewing the alternatives and the Zoom H2 appeared to be a good choice, and I'm very happy that I went for the Zoom H2. It's good value and the sound recordings are great. Very easy to use and to upload files to PC. It's also nice for a gadget to come with everything you need, USB cable, mains adaptor, ear phones, etc and the special offer of a free 4Gb SD card included was a bonus.

Mr. Stuart K > read review

This is my first purchase of an audio recorder so cannot provide a comparison with other devices. However, I spent a long time reviewing the alternatives and the Zoom H2 appeared to be a good choice, and I'm very happy that I went for the Zoom H2. It's good value and the sound recordings are great. Very easy to use and to upload files to PC. It's also nice for a gadget to come with everything you need, USB cable, mains adaptor, ear phones, etc and the special offer of a free 4Gb SD card included was a bonus.
Rating

I am a techno-dunce so am pleased to report that this machine is very easy to operate. I wanted something I could use suddenly and quickly that made high quality recordings, and this certainly does the job both for instrumental music and ambient sounds. The display is a little small which is my only criticism - those of us using reading glasses have to find them to read it, but otherwise its great.

Ms. Sarah Deere-Jones > read review

I am a techno-dunce so am pleased to report that this machine is very easy to operate. I wanted something I could use suddenly and quickly that made high quality recordings, and this certainly does the job both for instrumental music and ambient sounds. The display is a little small which is my only criticism - those of us using reading glasses have to find them to read it, but otherwise its great.
Rating

Very pleased. Very intuitive with easy to follow instructions and was put to good use almost immediately. A great product and good value too!

Mr. Tony Miles > read review

Very pleased. Very intuitive with easy to follow instructions and was put to good use almost immediately. A great product and good value too!
Rating

I needed a really simple method of recording rehearsals and band gigs. The Zoom H2 is just that. The fact that it will also convert WAV. files to smaller mp3 files is a real plus. I can send these via email to band members. The quality is pretty impressive for something so compact. It picks up bass as well as the high notes and playback through decent speakers produces a really good result. If you wanted a real high-end result you would have to spend a lot more. But this really does do what it says it does. Great little tool, easy to use, compact, excellent results and at a good price.

Mr D England > read review

I needed a really simple method of recording rehearsals and band gigs. The Zoom H2 is just that. The fact that it will also convert WAV. files to smaller mp3 files is a real plus. I can send these via email to band members. The quality is pretty impressive for something so compact. It picks up bass as well as the high notes and playback through decent speakers produces a really good result. If you wanted a real high-end result you would have to spend a lot more. But this really does do what it says it does. Great little tool, easy to use, compact, excellent results and at a good price.
Rating

Once upon a time, as all good stories and reviews should begin, nearly 2 decades ago there were portable audio recorders which used cassette tape.
Audio cassettes were cheap and easily available but
had several drawbacks including tape hiss
and a time consuming/battery draining fast-forward or rewind access mechanism.
I had a reasonable audio cassette recorder, not the best but certainly not the worst.
I managed to make some respectable field recordings with it, both of wildlife and of people, music and ambient sounds.
With dextrous editing afterwards to remove starting/stopping noises I captured some sonic gems including a frog croaking by an urban garden pool and a robin singing a few feet away from me.
With the greatest care there was always that (faint) hiss.
With the advent of DAT (digital audio tape) the equipment was always out of my price range. Later on minidisc became available but I had/have reservations about the lossy format.
My cassette decks had all expired from overwork and old age and my old portable cassette recorder was becoming increasingly mechanically noisy, so a few months ago I purchased a Zoom HD2 portable stereo recorder from
Andertons. When it arrived the next day I made a quick recording of acoustic guitar to ensure it worked,
flicked through the pretty articulate manual, and then placed it in a draw awaiting it’s first proper mission.
11th December the Djembe (West African drumming) group I joined in the summer had a seasonal bash in the community centre where we meet,
with the long suffering Joe and Jolene Public that live nearby invited.
As well as some excellent drumming there were a couple of performances by musicians (including fiddle, electric bass, solo djembe, and various acoustic guitars including 12-string plus some unamplified singing)
I sat in the front row and recorded proceedings with the HD2 held in my left hand (small enough and light enough to avoid any muscular strain afterwards)
A mike stand attachment was thoughtfully provided with the machine, but the community centre has a wooden floor and I suspected that held in a mike stand without a suspension cradle thingy there might be some unwanted vibration through the floor.
In the heat of the moment and the darkness I had forgotten where the level selector switch was (on the right hand side of the machine) but the middle setting coped well with all the instruments and vocals.
During the drumming I retreated further back in the hall to pull back the recording levels and ease my ears, but it still recorded fine.
A few days later it was time to get the .wav files onto the p.c. with a view to burning discs for the various performers and myself
A bit of trepidation as I inserted the included USB link cable, but following the clear manual instructions I soon had the music files on the p.c.
The sound was good on the low-fi p.c. speaker system
and when I’d run off the CDRs I took them to check out
on a decent hi-fi system.
Well good. especially the 12-string guitar
Still unexplored, but there for when I wish to experiment
is the 4-channel recording option (a download is needed to process that),
MP3 option (I prefer 44.1 but MP3 files do have their uses
and a lot of people don’t notice the difference it must be said)
plus impressive looking onboard editing
As well as mike stand adaptor, and USB link lead the HD2 came with wall wart to save battery power,
phono link cable, mini headphones, little transit pouch
and a foam wind shield
oh and a 2GB memory card. (about a CDR’s worth of recording time in quality stereo)
I see from the shopping page it now comes with a 4GB card, and an extra carrycase.
I’m very impressed and pleased with this bit of kit and would commend it to anyone, amateur recordist or professional who is looking for
a portable and versatile audio recording device.

Bruce Erde > read review

Once upon a time, as all good stories and reviews should begin, nearly 2 decades ago there were portable audio recorders which used cassette tape.
Audio cassettes were cheap and easily available but
had several drawbacks including tape hiss
and a time consuming/battery draining fast-forward or rewind access mechanism.
I had a reasonable audio cassette recorder, not the best but certainly not the worst.
I managed to make some respectable field recordings with it, both of wildlife and of people, music and ambient sounds.
With dextrous editing afterwards to remove starting/stopping noises I captured some sonic gems including a frog croaking by an urban garden pool and a robin singing a few feet away from me.
With the greatest care there was always that (faint) hiss.
With the advent of DAT (digital audio tape) the equipment was always out of my price range. Later on minidisc became available but I had/have reservations about the lossy format.
My cassette decks had all expired from overwork and old age and my old portable cassette recorder was becoming increasingly mechanically noisy, so a few months ago I purchased a Zoom HD2 portable stereo recorder from
Andertons. When it arrived the next day I made a quick recording of acoustic guitar to ensure it worked,
flicked through the pretty articulate manual, and then placed it in a draw awaiting it’s first proper mission.
11th December the Djembe (West African drumming) group I joined in the summer had a seasonal bash in the community centre where we meet,
with the long suffering Joe and Jolene Public that live nearby invited.
As well as some excellent drumming there were a couple of performances by musicians (including fiddle, electric bass, solo djembe, and various acoustic guitars including 12-string plus some unamplified singing)
I sat in the front row and recorded proceedings with the HD2 held in my left hand (small enough and light enough to avoid any muscular strain afterwards)
A mike stand attachment was thoughtfully provided with the machine, but the community centre has a wooden floor and I suspected that held in a mike stand without a suspension cradle thingy there might be some unwanted vibration through the floor.
In the heat of the moment and the darkness I had forgotten where the level selector switch was (on the right hand side of the machine) but the middle setting coped well with all the instruments and vocals.
During the drumming I retreated further back in the hall to pull back the recording levels and ease my ears, but it still recorded fine.
A few days later it was time to get the .wav files onto the p.c. with a view to burning discs for the various performers and myself
A bit of trepidation as I inserted the included USB link cable, but following the clear manual instructions I soon had the music files on the p.c.
The sound was good on the low-fi p.c. speaker system
and when I’d run off the CDRs I took them to check out
on a decent hi-fi system.
Well good. especially the 12-string guitar
Still unexplored, but there for when I wish to experiment
is the 4-channel recording option (a download is needed to process that),
MP3 option (I prefer 44.1 but MP3 files do have their uses
and a lot of people don’t notice the difference it must be said)
plus impressive looking onboard editing
As well as mike stand adaptor, and USB link lead the HD2 came with wall wart to save battery power,
phono link cable, mini headphones, little transit pouch
and a foam wind shield
oh and a 2GB memory card. (about a CDR’s worth of recording time in quality stereo)
I see from the shopping page it now comes with a 4GB card, and an extra carrycase.
I’m very impressed and pleased with this bit of kit and would commend it to anyone, amateur recordist or professional who is looking for
a portable and versatile audio recording device.