Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder
Normal Price:$173.00
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Manufacturer: Zoom
Model: ZH2
Publisher: Zoom
Label: Zoom
Special Features: 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
Features for Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder:
- 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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Customer Reviews
A pocket marvel 
2008-06-20
First off, let me say the H2 is one great digital recorder. I use it predominantly for recording meetings, hearings, etc, to be transcribed later. The unit comes with a little tripod; perfect for setting up on a table in the middle of the action. I do not use an external mic, as I find the onboard mics more than adequate, especially if you are able to use the 90 degree front or 120 degree rear positions. I find the 2CH Surround great for what it's designed for, but it does tend to pick up more unwanted noise than the other positions. This is not a problem, and in some cases the 2CH Surround is your only option.
I use 2xAA 2900mAh rechargeable batteries (Vapex) which gives me approx 8.5 hours of continuous record time from one charge, recording at 160kbps MP3 - more than enough power for any day's activities. I have an 8g SDHC card on board (SanDisk), which, at the bit rate I use, all up gives me approximately 5 days record time, and the sound quality is unbelievable.
I usually have the Mic Gain slider set to High, unless I can place the Zoom fairly close to speakers. Yes, the LCD, buttons, and menu could be improved upon, but for my purposes this is terrific technology.
The one problem I have encountered, however, is with Time Stamps. To play back recordings, attaching the H2 via USB to my notebook, I use TheRecord Player by FTR, which allows me to also use a foot pedal. Although I have set the correct time, date, etc, on the H2, this does not correspond with the clock on the FTR Player. I've contacted Zoom about this problem, but as yet haven't had a response.
This unit has now replaced my trusty minidisk, but I believe it's a great leap forward, if only by virtue of the fact I can record in mp3 or wav and use these files immediately.
I'm an extremely satisfied user of the Zoom H2.
Plastic, but works 
2008-06-20
I was really excited to get this thing, but super-disappointed in the craftmanship. It's a big piece of crappy plastic, with a lame display that looks like the Timex I got for Christmas in 1975. But, it works. It records audio just fine, but the experience was just a bit disappointing.
incredible 2008-06-19
From getting into the hand held digital recorder world with the original Microtrack this one is a huge leap forward. The built in mics are very good and the removable batteries are a big plus. I have just recorded some 4 trk close up building demolition that sounds outstanding. No distortion and lots of bottom end. It's a great addition to anyone's recording gear.
Zoom H2 Handy Portable Digital Recorder Review. 2008-06-19
When coupled with digital audio software to edit recordings, this device has become indispensible. As a result, I no longer have to work with cassette tapes and DATs. That's why I love this item.
Wow! 2008-06-18
This thing is amazing. The sound quality is unbelievable for the price. I was a little reluctant to get it because of the reviews talking about how fragile it is. It's really not that fragile. It is plastic and it's not a piece of road gear you can toss around, but if handled in a reasonable manner I don't see having any problems with it. I was recording myself on acoustic guitar and singing within a few minutes of opening the box and I am blown away by the sound. If you need quick and easy recording, get one.
Pretty Amazing 2008-07-03
I bought this through Amazon, with the additional 4GB media and external media reader. It has worked great for live recording, as a computer recording interface for a laptop, and for recording from the radio (or any directly connected device). I heartily recommend this recorder. The external reader is really handy too, for speedily transferring files to your computer.
In another review, I saw that the reviewer was having trouble adjusting the input levels when the source was directly connected to the unit (other than recording through the microphone). The trick here is that, apparently by design you cannot adjust the level while the input plug is connected, so you need to disconnect the input to adjust the level, then reconnect it. Kludgey iterative process, but effective as a work-around. This may have been fixed in a software update by the time you read this.
Be sure to update the software online when you receive the unit.
Happy recording!
Excellent field recorder 2008-07-01
I'm a musician and use this to record rehearsals. It is very simple to use and provides outstanding quality once you get a feel for which settings work best in which situations. A band mate has a Zoom H2 and he is constantly fiddling with it while this thing is completely intuitive. A real bargain and I like that it doesn't have a bunch of guitar effects and other junk to complicate things.
Best Portable Recorder on the Market 2008-06-26
I play drums in several bands and found this to be a great learning tool in rehearsals. It remembers! Well better than we can, a recording tells no lies. Anyway, I rate this item the highest posssible 5 and 1/2 stars. Buy it you can't go wrong. I wish I owned shares in Zoom.....
Oh the quality, just the best, the sound even better. I recorded my 4 drum sets for comparisons to each of the sets and you could hear the slightest change of ambient sound and tone from one of my studios to the other room,Studio II. I just can't say anymore, except the built-in mic.'s are really good. Oh, this is the second one my band purchased because the first one was so great and each of us wanted our own to record the band on a whole as well. I gotta go practice!!!
Five stars for ease of use! 2008-06-25
I purchased this item for my husband who has been delighted with it from day one. He uses it to record speeches at conventions and conferences. It's incredibly easy to use and the recording is crystal clear. Would recommend without reservation.
Zoom H2 2008-06-23
I had read that this unit wasn't sturdy, but I found it sturdy enough for any reasonable use. It is so feature packed for the price point that I have no complaints. The recording quality is good enough for demo CD's and it's pretty intuitive to use.
