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Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder | 
 enlarge | Brand: Zoom
Category: Musical Instruments
List Price: $334.99
Buy New: $151.99
You Save: $183.00 (55%)
New (41) Used (2) Refurbished (2)
Avg. Customer Rating:  243 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: 4515260007479
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 238 more reviews...
 Great sound recorder January 7, 2009
The Zoom H2 produces excellent sound quality. I really like the functionality it has in connection with editing a sound clip. Don't worry about trying to start and stop the recorder precisely at the beginning and end of an event -- just turn it on and let it go. The H2 lets you divide a clip so you can easily eliminate the parts you don't want. It also allows you to convert easily to mp3 format. Renaming clips in the recorder is a bit cumbersome, but you can avoid this by connecting to your pc via the supplied usb cable and rename the files using the keyboard on the pc. If you also purchase and 8gb SD memory card, you can record over 12 hours.
Excellent recorder at a decent price! January 7, 2009
I was in the market for an R09 and stumbled upon the ZoomH2. After reading a few reviews and vising the products website I was sold. At half the price of the R09 how could I not try it out. I tried it out by recording a friends band in a small venue. I wanted to see just how well the internal mics worked. The recording turned out very good! I was shocked at how well the ZoomH2 did on its own. Then (luckily within the first 30 days of owning the product) I tried using the line-in jack with a set of my usual recording mics/batt box. To my surprise only the left channel would record. So at first I figured something in my setup had gone bad. So I tried another rig, same thing. I then tried hooking up a 3.5mm to RCA (Y-Adapter) to my stereo and again only left channel. So I had gotten a defective item right out of the box. I had first contacted the ZoomH2 support. They gave me some odd quote of parts + $27.50hr labor. I then contacted amazon who sent me a replacement overnight and paid for the return package! Now that was customer service. I have since checked the new one I got and it works perfectly! I am planning on recording another couple bands on Jan 30th so we will put it to the test again. As of now I am very satisfied with my purchase and would buy another any day!
family recordings and interviews January 6, 2009
I bought this for making family recordings.I think the grand kids open up more to this than a video camera. Easy to use if you study the directions.The recordings sound excellent. The price was great. Something like this would have been on my wish list forever because i really wanted the Sony.This has been a lot of fun i have made a lot of great recordings just make sure you have reading glass while you use it.
H2 better than H4... January 6, 2009
The H2 recorder has the same condenser mics as the H4, and has 4 of them rather than 2. The ease of use, compact size, being able to mount it on a mic stand, having its own little stand attachment as well...90, 120, and 360 degree recording, makes it so versatile. Its more basic, no 4 track, no effects etc., but if all you need is super easy, high quality recording on the fly, in many levels from wave to mp3, (for half the price of the H4), the H2 is an awesome recording tool.
The standard for digital recorder value. January 4, 2009
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder is the standard for portable digital recorders. By this I mean that it is by this recorder that others will be judged, and reviewed here, as it establishes a level of utility and economy that has heretofore been unknown, and is currently unmatched.
I purchased mine on January 3, 2009. The firmware was up-to-date.
The retail packaging is superb, beautifully designed and executed.
The included accessories are numerous and complete.
The manual is very good.
In perusing the reviews, both positive and negative, some themes emerge. First, there can be no doubt as to the extreme value and utility of this device. Second, there is a pervasive perception that the unit is cheaply made - that it is fragile, that the plastic body is delicate, and that various features such as the switches, are not long for this world. Interestingly, I cannot recall a single mention of anything actually having broken or failed! One user dropped theirs, cushioning the fall with their foot, with no damage. Many others cite cheaply made membrane pushbuttons, slide switches, and so on, without reporting an actual failure. Other complaints cite a too-small screen, and a non-intuitive, clumsy or difficult user interface.
My view is that Zoom could have certainly put the H2 in a die cast metal enclosure, with more robust switches and a larger screen - perhaps a 2.5" color, 320x240 pixel display as on the iPod classic - but I'm glad they didn't. It would certainly have driven the cost of this product to several times its current level, and may indeed have killed it altogether, in the process of severely reducing the population of the user community. The success of this product is in part due to the price-point, and the fact that it is popular, and a financial success for the manufacturer, adds to the value of the unit, in establishing a large user community, and justifying it's continued manufacturer support.
The user interface is deep, and perhaps non-intuitive for some, but it's not hard. As with many complex instruments, it just requires a little study, exploration, and practice.
The screen, though small, is pretty good! I wear glasses, my vision corrected to 20/20, and I can read all of it - right down to the legend on the level meter. As one becomes more familiar with the unit the resolution will not matter - you'll know what's there, recognize the display pattern, and use it more intuitively.
In comparisons with the Edirol and Tascam units, consider the cost difference and read the negative reviews for those units. Also note the number of reviews - far more customers, or at least reviewers, happy and otherwise, for the H2 than the others (combined).
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