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 |
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Customer Reviews: Read 175 more reviews...
 perfect when using line in input October 6, 2008
ahmed (saudi arabia)
perfect when using line in input.
but when using the input mics it's good and very sensetive but not clear as it should be.
try to use amplifire or mixer with good mic like (shure beta 58a) and guarranteed it will be perfect.
College student/teacher gives it 5 STARS! October 5, 2008
Thomas A. Langford (Charlotte, NC)
The Zoom H2 is an excellent product for someone wanting a high quality recording with a low budget. It is easy to use and only took me a little time to read the manual and play with the settings to figure it out. The sound is great. It is very portable and ready to record in no time. Just be aware the batteries die quickly so use the power adaptor. I use the Zoom to record my own personal practice and lessons as well as recording ensembles I play in. In both cases it increaces my progress. This is an excellent buy for the money!!
Great value for the money! October 3, 2008
Dennis Macpherson (New Kent, VA USA)
The H2 is very easy to use and sounds great. I use it to record my guitar and the band, then copy the tracks to my PC. Battery life is excellent (40+ hours on two AA's). It has features I haven't even explored yet. I love it.
 Zoom H2 October 2, 2008
M. Keith (SC)
I was not sure how good this unit was when I bought it. WOW was I surprised.The audio is exactly what you hear live! I love the results of the recording. I only wish that the batteries would last longer then they do. But over all I am very please with the functions of the H2.
An amazing little product October 1, 2008
J. C. Gabriel (NJ USA)
I purchased the Zoom in August 2008 because a friend had recently bought one. My Sony Minidisc which I had for years was becoming unreliable for recording so I had to make a change. I checked out as many reviews as I could find and found very few negative comments -- most of these were minor.
I have used the zoom four times so far to record live performances of bands that I play in -- both indoors and outdoors. I've also experimented with it by downloading from and uploading to my PC.
The Zoom is easier to work with than the Sony; plus, I don't need any external equipment like a microphone or cable. The battery life is reasonably good. I also bought the 4-gig memory card for it so I never have to worry about running out of space.
Recording is simple and straightforward and, tho the screen is small, the menu is readable, and the on-screen directions as well as the instruction book are helpful. There are features I haven't used yet but I'm sure I will as I continue to find applications.
I record live music, upload to my computer, which recognizes the Zoom as an external drive, and then use a program called Audacity to process and edit the recorded .wav file. Using Sonic's "Record Now", I make an audio CD. The clarity and quality are terrific and the built-in microphones do a great job. For the money, you can't beat this as far as I'm concerned.
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