Building upon the success of the multi-mic H2n, Zoom is announcing the H2essential, a compact Handy Recorder with three internal microphones for multiple pickup options and multi-channel surround sound capture. With nine ways to record, the H2essential offers creators greater flexibility for capturing sound and provides a useful recording utility for numerous applications, including musician and ensemble recording, interviews, podcasts, streaming, sound design, and immersive field recording.
The main attraction here is the addition of 32-bit float recording. This useful feature ensures you never have to worry about setting levels, as 32-bit float provides enormous headroom. This means that not only will loud signals never clip the A/D converter, but low-level signals can also be easily normalized without introducing noise and artifacts, a useful function for getting audio up to the LUFS needed for modern streaming platforms. Dual A/D converters have your back and offer up to 96 kHz sampling rates.
When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device via USB-C, the H2essential also acts as a standalone USB microphone while being able to simultaneously record to SD card. This makes the H2essential a great fit for on-the-go podcasting or streaming to your mobile device. The recorder supports SDXC cards up to a 1TB capacity, enough room for all-day field recording.
The H2essential is the only Handy Recorder with three internal microphones. The recorder features two cardioid mics facing front and rear and one bi-directional mic facing side to side, providing the ability to choose the perfect pickup pattern for any application. You can choose 90 or 120° stereo; or choose mono for a hyper-directional pickup for reduced background noise. Then you can choose to record from the front, rear, or activate both sides for surround sound capture.
With the new MS Raw recording feature, you can now control the width of the stereo image in postproduction by adjusting the mid-side levels in post. This is an excellent way to control ambient noise. Further useful functions for enhancing versatility and convenience include an Auto Gain feature, a limiter, a low-cut filter, prerecord, auto record, and playback speed adjustment.
Available separately, the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter can be used to pair one or more H2essentials with your iOS device for remote control and timecode synchronization. This is a vital function for those intending to use the H2essential in conjunction with video, such as weddings, interviews, creative content, and more serious video shoots.
Like the H2n, the H2essential includes a 3.5mm input with plug-in power to accommodate audio players, keyboards, and lav mics. You can record with the front mic and the 3.5mm input simultaneously. The recorder also includes a special windscreen for wind protection during outdoor use. The custom fit of the windscreen provides easy access to the controls when mounted.
The 1.3” color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate the H2essential’s intuitive interface. The real-time waveform display lets you see your audio as you record it. The H2essential also sports vital accessibility functions, such as an onboard speaker for quick references, and menu navigation designed with the blind and visually impaired in mind. You can navigate with audible descriptions via headphones or the integrated speaker. Available languages include English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, and Chinese.
Finally, battery life is always of concern for recorders, and the H2essential offers options for battery power via two AA batteries, an AD-17 AC adapter (sold separately), or USB-C power. With the USB-C port, you can enjoy extra-long battery life through external USB battery packs or smart devices. With both front and rear stereo recording active at 32-bit float / 48 kHz, you’ll get about eight hours of battery life with common alkalines and about 17.5 hours with high-density lithium batteries.
For more information about the new Zoom H2essential, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all of your comments and questions.
