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Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder

  • Price: $199.99
  • Mail In Rebate -$20.00 (see details)
    offer ends JUN 30 '12
  • B&H # ZOH2N
  • Mfr# ZH2N

Product Highlights

  • Ultra-Portable Design
  • 5 Integrated Microphones
  • 4 Selectable Recording Patterns
  • Records to SD/SDHC Cards
  • 3.5mm I/O
  • Reference Speaker
  • 1.8" Backlit LCD Display
  • High-Speed USB 2.0
  • Battery, USB, or AC Power
  • Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 Included

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The Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder combines Zoom's years of experience in portable recording with enhanced technology and features to present a versatile device that can be used for film and broadcast applications, as well as journalism, podcasting, musical performances and rehearsals, and much more. The H2n has an unprecedented 5 microphones built in, providing you with 4 selectable recording patterns to choose from. A simple dial on top of the recorder lets you switch between traditional XY stereo, 2-channel surround, 4-channel surround, and a mid-side stereo mode. The mid-side mode allows you to adjust the width of your stereo field for terrific flexibility. When recording in RAW mode, you can even adjust the field after you've made a recording.

The H2n records to widely-available SD and SDHC flash memory cards, and supports capacities up to 32GB. A 2GB card is included so you can use the recorder right away. When using a 32GB card, you can capture up to 50 hours of CD-quality WAV files, or up to 555 hours of stereo 128kbps MP3 files. An integrated reference speaker makes it easy to review your recordings to make sure everything has been captured properly. The streamlined and intuitive interface puts critical controls right at your fingertips. The large 1.8" backlit LCD display makes it easy to navigate through system menus and monitor audio levels. The analog-type mic gain wheel lets you make precise adjustments on-the-fly.

If you'd like to connect external equipment, the H2n provides you with a 3.5mm mic/line input, allowing you to hook up your favorite microphones, instruments, and other sound sources. A 3.5mm headphone/line output makes it easy to connect headphones, portable speakers, and other devices. A remote jack lets you connect the optional wired remote to start, stop, and pause recordings, as well as add marks. It also reduces handling noise for the cleanest possible recordings. A high-speed USB 2.0 port lets you transfer recordings to your Mac or PC. You can even use the H2n as a live USB mic, terrific for VoIP chats and podcasting. Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 software is included, giving you audio editing and mastering tools to help you turn your recordings into finished masterpieces.

The H2n offers a number of versatile powering options. It offers over 20 hours of continuous operation on a pair of standard AA alkaline batteries. It can also be operated via USB bus power, or an AC adapter (sold separately). In the event of battery failure or accidental power loss, your recordings won't be lost. A data recovery function will automatically restore you data the next time the recorder is powered on, so you don't lose one-of-a-kind audio moments. Other features of the H2n include a lo-cut filter, a compressor/limiter, auto gain, pre-rec, auto-rec, a tuner and metronome, variable speed playback, key control, A-B repeat, file dividing, normalize, MP3 post-encode, marker, and surround mixer to give you useful tools for a variety of applications.

Compact Design
The compact design fits in the palm of your hand and can be taken practically anywhere. This makes it ideal for film and broadcast applications, as well as journalism, podcasting, musical performances and rehearsals, and much more
5 Internal Microphones
The H2n has 5 high-quality mic capsules, more than any other portable recorder. This unique 5-mic design enables the H2n to record with 4 selectable patterns
4 Selectable Recording Patterns
A simple dial on top of the recorder lets you switch between traditional XY stereo, 2-channel surround, 4-channel surround, and a mid-side stereo mode
Mid-Side Stereo Recording
The mid-side mode allows you to adjust the width of your stereo field for terrific flexibility, setting the perfect amount of ambient/surrounding noise. Commonly used in film and broadcast, mid-side recording combines a uni-directional mid mic that captures sound directly in front of you and a bi-directional side mic that captures sound from your left and right. By increasing or decreasing the level of the side mic, you can control the width of the stereo field. When recording in RAW mode, you can even adjust the field after you've made a recording
XY Stereo Recording
The 90° XY stereo condenser mics are arranged with the left and right mic capsules on the same axis to ensure perfect localization and eliminate phase shifting. This provides accurate depth and imaging for terrific stereo recordings
2-Channel and 4-Channel Surround
By using the mid-side and XY mics together, you can create 360° surround sound recordings in either 2-channel or 4-channel mode
SD/SDHC Recording
The H2n records to widely-available SD and SDHC flash memory cards, and supports capacities up to 32GB. A 2GB card is included so you can use the recorder right away
Multiple File Formats
Depending on your needs, you can record uncompressed WAV files at up to 24-bit/96kHz or compressed MP3 files at up to 320kbps in order to fit more hours of data on your memory card. When using a 32GB card, you can capture up to 50 hours of CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files, or up to 555 hours of stereo 128kbps MP3 files
Reference Speaker
An integrated reference speaker makes it easy to review your recordings to make sure everything has been captured properly
Intuitive Interface
The streamlined and intuitive interface puts critical controls right at your fingertips. It includes a large record button on the front panel, as well as a jog dial/transport control on one side and a volume control on the other
Analog-Type Mic Gain
The mic gain wheel allows you to set the perfect amount of gain for your application, giving you convenient tactile control, as opposed to digital volume controls which are not always as precise
Backlit LCD
The large 1.8" backlit 128 x 64 LCD display makes it easy to monitor audio levels and navigate through system menus and functions
3.5mm I/O
The 3.5mm mic/line input allows you to hook up your favorite microphones, instruments, and other sound sources. A 3.5mm headphone/line output makes it easy to connect headphones, portable speakers, and other devices
Wired Remote Control
A remote jack lets you connect the optional wired remote to start, stop, and pause recordings, as well as add marks. It also reduces handling noise for the cleanest possible recordings
High-Speed USB
A high-speed USB 2.0 port lets you transfer recordings to your Mac or PC. You can even use the H2n as a live USB mic, terrific for VoIP chats and podcasting. The H2n can also act as a high-speed USB card reader
Software Included
Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 software is included, giving you audio editing and mastering tools to help you turn your recordings into finished masterpieces
Power Options
The H2n offers over 20 hours of continuous operation on a pair of standard AA alkaline batteries. It can also be operated via USB bus power, or an AC adapter (sold separately)
Data Recovery
In the event of battery failure or accidental power loss, your recordings won't be lost. A data recovery function will automatically restore you data the next time the recorder is powered on, so you don't lose one-of-a-kind audio moments
Automatic Recording and Pre-Recording
You can set the H2n to automatically start recording at the presence of audio. The pre-recording function will always "listen" and store a few seconds of audio in a memory buffer, so if audio starts suddenly you don't miss the beginning of a recording
Automatic Gain and Lo-Cut Filter
An advanced Auto Gain Control (AGC) and lo-cut filter allow the H2n to record audio at the most appropriate level while minimizing unwanted noise without having to adjust settings. If desired, you can also adjust the gain levels manually with the mic gain wheel
Compressor/Limiter
The built-in compressor/limiter puts a cap on maximum audio levels to ensure that your recordings remain distortion-free
File Dividing, Normalization, and MP3 Post-Encode
The H2n allows you to split any recorded file right inside the unit without external editing hardware or software. The normalizing and MP3 post-encode features let you set the optimal volume level and convert WAV files into MP3s
Tuner and Metronome
A perfect tool for musicians, the H2n has a built-in tuner and metronome to keep you on pitch and on tempo
Variable Speed Playback and Key Control
You can adjust the playback speed and key of a recording, ideal for music and singing applications
A-B Repeat
The repeat function lets you repeat a chosen segment of a recording, ideal for studying or practicing music, speeches, and more
Markers and Mixing
You can set markers at important points, and also perform surround mixing right in the recorder for on-the-fly refinement
Accessories Available
The separately-available APH-2n accessory package includes a wired remote with an extension cable, a windscreen, USB AC adapter, USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded case, and a mic clip adapter so you can get even more out of your H2n
Type Hand-held stereo digital audio recorder
Recording/Reading Methods SD/SDHC card (up to 32GB supported, 2GB card included)
USB connection to PC/Mac
Recording Bit Rate WAV: 16 and 24-bit
MP3: 48 to 320kbps
Sampling Frequency WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz
MP3: 44.1kHz
Number of Channels 2 or 4, Depending on mode
Recording Time All times are for a 1GB memory card
Stereo Mode:
MP3: 17 hours 21 mins (128kbps), 6 hours 56 mins (320kbps)
WAV: 1 hour 34 mins (16-bit/44.1kHz), 1 hour 26 mins (16-bit/48kHz), 28 mins (24-bit/96kHz)
4-Channel Mode:
WAV: 47 mins (16-bit/44.1kHz), 28 mins (24-bit/48kHz)
AD/DA Conversion 24-bit, 128x oversampling
Signal Processing 32-bit
Microphone Type Mid side stereo and 90° XY stereo
SPL 120dB max
Input Gain 0 to +39dB
Connectors 1 x 3.5mm mic/line stereo input
1 x 3.5mm headphone/line stereo output
1 x Remote jack
1 x High-speed USB 2.0 port, mini-B type
Input Impedance 2k ohms
Output Impedance 10k ohms or more
Output Level -10dBm rated
20mW + 20mW phones output level @ 32 ohms
Speaker 400mW @ 8 ohms
Display 1.8" (128 x 64) Backlit LCD
Power 2 x AA or LR6 Batteries (Up to 20 hours operation)
USB or AC power (AC adapter sold separately)
Dimensions (WxDxH) 2.7 x 4.5 x 1.7" (68 x 114 x 43mm)
Weight 4.6 oz (130g) (without batteries)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
ZoomH2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder
 
4.7

(based on 43 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (30)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (13)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Versatile (38)
  • Easy to use (36)
  • Excellent sound (36)
  • Low distortion (26)
  • Good power output (19)

Cons

  • Poor quality construction (4)
  • Unnecessary functions (3)

Best Uses

  • Amateur recording (31)
  • Outdoor events / games (26)
  • Home studio (20)
  • Performances (20)
  • Professional recording (18)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Experienced (24), Novice (11), Professional musician (7)

Reviewed by 43 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

H2n makes a bad room sound good!

By edatlarge

from Mt. Tabor, NJ

About Me Experienced

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Compact
  • Easy To Use
  • Excellent Sound
  • Low Distortion
  • Powerful
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Poor Quality Construction

Best Uses

  • Amateur Recording
  • Events
  • Performances
  • Professional Recording

Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

H2n solved a difficult audio problem. We use this for recording audio of public board meetings with eventual transcription. The room has POOR acoustics. This device has exceptional capabilities for recording HIGH DEFINITION sound and has provided our transcriber with clear voice definition of all partisipants. Built-in microphone is just AMAZING!

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5.0

Wow!

By Al

from NYC

About Me Experienced

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Excellent Sound
  • Low Distortion
  • Versatile

Cons

  • None really

Best Uses

  • Field recording

Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

A co-worker let me borrow his original H2 to grab an interview on a red carpet event right on 42nd Street in NYC. I was amazed at how these mics picked up my interview with a band of three people so clearly amidst the crowds, taxis and bus horns. When I went to pick one up for myself I was pleased to see that the H2n had come out, and picked it up right away. It's even better! The biggest improvement over the original H2 is the gain wheel (vs. a "lo/mid/hi" gain switch). Get the accessory kit with the screw in stick handle if you're going to be in the field with this, as holding the unit itself can cause unwanted noise. Enjoy!

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5.0

Unbelievable quality and versatility

By fatalgift

from Collierville, TN

About Me Experienced

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Compact
  • Easy To Use
  • Excellent Sound
  • Low Distortion
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Plastic mounting hole

Best Uses

  • Dual recording with DSLR

Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

Have used many recording devices over the years, from Nagra recorders back in the day to the latest digital units. By far, for the money and performance, the Zoom H2N is the best item available.

When used in conjunction with a DSLR shooting video, and routing the signal out to the camera's CF and SD cards for syncing and safety, I simply start the recording process on the Zoom (one button) and let her rip (after all, it will record 48kHz/24-bit for half a day on one 16GB card). Then, even though I stop and start my video recording as I look for new shots or angles, I never have to worry about missing the audio. If I don't have video to go with the sound, I simply shoot some b-roll and cut it in. Far better to have b-roll video with the full soundtrack than a-roll video and sound that came in ten seconds after the most poignant thing of the day was said and the camera was not rolling.

I love this little guy, and for the price, can "expend" one on every major assignment and not worry about anything but the wave files on the SD card. Of course, if it survives to record another day, all the better.

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    5.0

    H2n--tiny package packs a punch

    By soyaapoo

    from Idaho

    About Me Novice

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Compact
    • Excellent Sound
    • Powerful
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Amateur Recording
      • Events
      • Home Studio
      • Performances

      Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

      Recording interviews, music, public discussions for radio broadcasts

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      5.0

      H2N Digital Recorder

      By DavidCP

      from Seattle, WA

      About Me Experienced

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Compact
      • Easy To Use
      • Excellent Sound
      • Low Distortion
      • Powerful
      • Versatile

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Professional Recording

        Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

        I bought this recorder to capture sound to accompany video shot with my Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR. This recorder seems perfect for that. Easy to set up and use, excellent microphones and choice of microphone configuration and use and REALLY GOOD sound quality.
        It is handy, as described. I can use it as a regular mic for voiceovers and so on at my desk as well as using it in the field.
        I am delighted with it.

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        5.0

        Great multifunction recorder

        By Mike – X Kodak.

        from Gig Harbor, Washington.

        About Me Experienced

        Pros

        • Compact
        • Easy To Use
        • Excellent Sound
        • Low Distortion
        • Powerful
        • Versatile

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Amateur Recording
          • Professional Recording

          Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

          Wow! Great sound. This is a very versatile recorder that is perfect for my applications. I need high quality sound to be added to slide shows and movies. This has great pickup and the multi-phased microphones really make it work in many situations. I also use the remote Mike for stereo voice overs. High quality sound added to slideshows and or video shows makes all the difference between professional versus amateur productions.

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          5.0

          Great product

          By Buddy

          from Dallas, Texas (Area)

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Compact
          • Excellent Sound
          • Low Distortion

          Cons

          • Unnecessary Functions

          Best Uses

          • Events
          • Performances
          • Professional Recording

          Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

          I used the product to record a play for extra sound for a video. I put the Zoom in a place I couldn't run cables to the camera. The sound was great in the XY mode. The stereo imaging was impressive.

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          5.0

          Great Little Recorder

          By Snoopypood

          from Grand Rapids, MI

          About Me Novice

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Compact
          • Easy To Use
          • Excellent Sound
          • Low Distortion
          • Powerful
          • Versatile

          Cons

          • None

          Best Uses

          • Amateur Recording
          • Events
          • Getting background sounds
          • Home Studio

          Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

          I use this recorder to get audio for my amateur video productions. It is great for my purpose. The unit has so much more that it can do - most of which is beyond my abilities. For my purposes, the sound quality is exceptional. The unit is easy to use. It comes with Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 audio editing software. There is no real instruction manual for the software so this is of not much use to me. Maybe those really into audio editing can find some benefit. The audio however does import easily into Final Cut Express so most of my audio editing is done there. An accessory package is available for it and it is well worth it - particularly the extension remote, stand and windsock.

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          5.0

          Zoom H2n

          By Bonn

          from Los Angeles, CA

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Compact
          • Easy To Use
          • Excellent Sound
          • Low Distortion
          • Powerful
          • Versatile

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Amateur Recording
            • Events
            • Home Studio
            • Mobile DJ
            • Performances
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

            Absolutely brilliant. Not only does in look amazingly in the new all black look but the addition of a few new features like MID-SIDE recording is a first for portable audio recorders.

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            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Cool, small portable recorder

            By bsatchfield

            from Tampa Bay, Florida

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Compact
            • Easy To Use
            • Excellent Sound
            • Versatile

            Cons

            • No belt clip

            Best Uses

            • Performances
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

            I continue to be impressed with the Zoom products. I first began using the Zoom H4n for field recordings and decided to try this smaller H2n. I use these primarily to create backup recordings to my wireless microphone systems that feed my video cameras. On occasion, during post, I'll discover some wireless interference that I didn't notice during recordings and wish I had a hard-wired back-up. What I now do is plug a second lavaliere microphone into the H2n which I have in a small mobile phone case attached to the talent like a body pack transmitter. This allows me to have a back-up recording that's hard-wired in case I need an alternate source. Works quite well and, although this model is made of a seemingly less-sturdy plastic than the H4n, I'm still impressed with its audio quality, feature set and design.

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            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            dslr companion audio

            By joel

            from St. Paul, MN

            About Me Experienced

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Versatile

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Amateur Recording
              • Events
              • Home Studio

              Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

              I bought this for dslr filmmaking. It is small enough to mount on the hotshoe of the camera. Simple to operate. I use it with a lavalier microphone for interviewing. I haven't tested the built-in mics yet. Quality seems fine. It has a mic gain dial on one side which could be improved by numbering the dial. Built-in reference speaker is useful.

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              5.0

              Handy and Dandy

              By Stan the man

              from Ypsilanti, Michigan

              About Me Novice

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Excellent Sound
              • Low Distortion
              • Powerful
              • Versatile

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Amateur Recording
                • Events
                • Recording meetings

                Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                This recorder arrived promptly, and in time to be taken from Michigan to Pennsylvania for a trial run in recording a board meeting, the purpose for which I had bought it. We met and recorded for 13 hours on February 18! The installation/set up took place right before the meeting started and was easy and intuitive. Of course the sound is the best part. Thank you for offering an excellent product. I will next be recording a Sunday morning church service...with confidence.

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                Great Audio

                By Nicholasdk

                from South Africa

                About Me Experienced

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use
                • Excellent Sound
                • Low Distortion
                • Powerful
                • Versatile

                Cons

                • Plastic

                Best Uses

                • Amateur Recording
                • Events
                • Performances

                Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                Perfect little recorder for on location audio. Quality is great and the menu is fast & intuitive. The battery power is endless. The 2 channel surround sound also simplifies life when looking to add a little extra dimensions to my videos without over complicating my workflow. The only gripe I have with the H2n is the plastic construction which makes it feel cheap.

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                love it!

                By Mile High Musician

                from Denver, CO

                About Me Professional Musician

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Excellent Sound
                • Powerful
                • Versatile

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Amateur Recording
                  • Home Studio
                  • Performances
                  • Professional Recording

                  Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                  I've used it to record solo flute, and the sound is incredible for a hand-held device!! My only complaint so far is that it's a little difficult to navigate the files(uh, without reading the directions anyway)to find edit and erase. But I haven't played with it too much so far because I've been so amazed with the sound quality of the recording. The actual playback sound is ok for a quick listen, but played through earphones or a stereo is awesome!!

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                  (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Fruit of the Zoom

                  By JR

                  from Gualala, California

                  About Me Professional Musician

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Excellent Sound
                  • Low Distortion
                  • Powerful
                  • Versatile

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Home Studio
                    • Performances
                    • Professional Recording

                    Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                    I had read nothing but good reviews about the Zoom H2 series Handy Recorder. Preferring to order directly from a person, I called B&H directly and spoke to a very friendly and capable salesman who asked if I'd looked at the H2n, Zoom's latest entry in the field. Two hours later I called back to order the H2n.Two days later I was ready to send the unit back. Although in hindsight the manual adequately explained unit functionality, it failed to explain some very basic concepts (like which directional mics were involved in the various settings!) and how one might actually use the equipment. It wasn't until I'd watched a "general usage" YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh8tCoqTWW0&feature=related that most of my questions were put to rest; the unit worked up to expectations; and I was ready to order the accessory kit. Recommendations:- The manual is essential but tiny. Go to the Zoom website and download a pdf. copy.- Don't count on technical support from Zoom. I could find no way to contact them on their website.- Review how to use the unit on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh8tCoqTWW0&feature=related - Unfortunately, unlike the H2 (I bought the H2n primarily because of the incredible difference in battery life.) accessories aren't included with the H2n. Even more unfortunately, you can't buy the accessories separately. But the remote unit itself is worth the cost.

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                    (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Nice tool, but not for me

                    By fishwrapcomix

                    from Minnesota

                    About Me Experienced

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Low Distortion
                    • Versatile

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Amateur Recording
                      • Events
                      • Performances

                      Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                      Nicely made piece of gear, but not exactly what I needed, ended up returning it and trading up to the Sony PCM-D50, a very nice field recorder.

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Feature-packed, musician-friendly record

                      By MelodyMatters

                      from Boston, MA

                      About Me Experienced

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Excellent Sound
                      • Low Distortion
                      • Powerful
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Amateur Recording
                        • Events
                        • Home Studio
                        • Performances

                        Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                        I got this after much Internet research, and have been very, very pleased with it. While the H2n is obviously good for many types of audio recordings, I got it for one purpose only: recording club concerts. I've been using a Kodak Zi8/Sony ECM-DS70P mic combo for the past couple of years for this with much success (combined with the right editing tools), but I've been wanting to upgrade my kit for a little while now. Since there is still nothing that replaces the Zi8/Sony combo for convenience and pocketbility, I thought split the video/audio recording funcions, with the emphasis on good, clear audio in even the most poundingly loud venues. The H2n has so far easily handled rock club sound volumes easily, and without my having to turn on its limiter functions: all I did was turn down the Mic Gain to its lowest setting and I was good. I should emphasize that the B&H specs list only touch upon what this device can do, so it would do you well to download the H2n manual from Zoom's site if you really want to know what this thing can do.

                        I've only had this now for a couple of weeks so I'm still experimenting with it. I had this Nikon Coolpix P7000 camera kicking around, one of the *very* few non-DLSR with a mic input and OK-enough video in dim lighting, so I've been temporarily using that with the H2n via a geeky bracket setup (a "Smith-Victor TR56" combined with swivel shoe mount/adapter similar to the "VariZoom VZ-Shoe" B&H carries), as well as using a 3.5 mm male-male cable I had lying around to connect the H2n's line out Nikon's mic jack (I later got a Whirlwind WHH4NL cable for this -- it's shorter and provides -25 db attenuation.) The mic-in on the Nikon has always been fussy, so this combo produces a hissy audio track with the Nikon's video, but that is meant to be use only as a reference track to make syncing in the audio from the H2n simpler during the editing process. As far as editing goes, the frequency response of the H2n in loud venues has been stellar, at least in its default "Mid-side" (MS) mode (look it up). The frequency response peaks at about 190 Hz, with a nice gradual slope to just beyond 20k Hz, and very slight slope in the opposite direction to sub bass. This just means you need very little EQ'ing to come up with a smooth, linear, final audio result.

                        As I type this, I have 5 videos posted on Youtube using the H2n along with the P7000. I still consider them to be test videos, but they should give you a good idea of the H2n's capabilities. Just go to YouTube and do a seach with the keywords "Melodymatters H2n". I included some info about the recording process in the descriptions.

                        My only complaints about the H2n is that the hatch for the SD card looks like I might break it if I'm not careful, and that the screen display goes from too bright to too dark in dim venues -- I wish there was a low-light display option.

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                        5.0

                        Stupid simple to use - amazing audio

                        By torch

                        from Fort Kent, Maine

                        About Me Experienced

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Use
                        • Excellent Sound
                        • Versatile

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Amateur Recording
                          • Home Studio
                          • Professional Recording

                          Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                          Use for recording of oral history as well as recording voice tracks for radio spots. Excellent sensitivity, tonal qualities and battery life. There are so many things I want to do with this now. This may be the very best investment I have made in a very long time.

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                          4.0

                          A very handy Gadget!

                          By Davidki

                          from Lebanon Tennessee

                          About Me Experienced

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Versatile

                          Cons

                          • Poor Quality Construction
                          • Very Low playback volume
                          • Weak

                          Best Uses

                          • Events
                          • Performances

                          Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                          Nice product, a bit cheap feeling for the money and the playback volume of the play back is very low.. that should be improved..

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                          4.0

                          Can't beat it for the price

                          By drdon

                          from Redwood City, CA

                          About Me Professional Musician

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Easy To Use
                          • Excellent Sound
                          • Low Distortion
                          • Versatile

                          Cons

                          • Plastic construction

                          Best Uses

                          • Amateur Recording
                          • Performances
                          • Professional Recording

                          Comments about Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder:

                          The best recorder is the one you have with you. The H2n is easy to carry around. More importantly, the sound for the price is stunning.

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                          Accessory Packages

                          Zoom -  APH-2n Accessory Package for H2n Handy Recorder
                          • Price: $39.99
                           

                          Batteries & Power

                          Varta -  High-Energy 1.5 V AA E91 Alkaline Battery - 4 Pk
                          • Price: $1.23
                           
                          Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
                            • Original: $13.99
                            • Save: $1.40
                          • Price: $12.59
                           

                          Cables

                          Pro Co Sound -  Mono Mini Male to XLR Female Cable - 5
                          • Price: $14.29
                           

                          Media

                          Lexar -  4GB Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card
                            • Original: $6.95
                            • Save: $0.69
                          • Price: $6.26
                           

                          Headphones

                          Audio-Technica -  ATH-M2X Headphone
                          • Price: $19.99
                           

                          Wind Protection

                          WindTech -  MM-51 Mic-Muff Fitted Fur Windscreen
                          • Price: $24.95
                           

                          Cases & Protection

                          Zoom -  Tourtek Q Case
                          • Price: $9.00
                           
                          View all Accessories

                          What's in the Box

                          Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder
                          • 2GB SD Card
                          • 2 x AA Batteries
                          • Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 Software
                          • 1-Year Limited Warranty
                           
                           
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