Zoom H2 Portable Stereo Recorder Review

What better way to deliver excellent stereo recordings than with an ultra portable apparatus? Check out the applications provided by the Zoom H2 Portable Stereo Recorder. This device provides excellence in uses from musical recordings to seminar and podcast sessions. The flexibility and high standard reaches the apex of easy to use portable recorders. The quality is unsurpassed as it can record smoothly easily in the highest of stereo quality.

This portable recorder leads the way in producing supreme recordings by using a 4 mic capsule resulting in 360 degree recordings. The W -X-Y configuration allows for instantaneous audio decoding resulting in for signals working together for unequalled stereo imaging. The design permits recording from the front in a 90 degree pickup pattern or from the rear of the device in a 120 degree pickup pattern. The resolution is up to 96 kHz/24 bits accessing a WAV file or MP3 file at bit rates of up to 320kbps. If surround is desired, the user can record in a 360 degree pickup pattern with up to 48 kHz/24 bit resolution thereby converting the recording into 5.1 surround sound.

Simplicity

Just a quick push of a button begins the recording process. Merely set the levels, push record and the recording has begun. If auto start and auto gain control is desired in lieu of manual setup that is available as well in order to acquire perfect levels of recording.

Replay

With the ease of the H2’s USB port, it is simple to transfer all recordings to a home computer. Simply listen to the recording or choose to edit and share with ease. The H2 allows the recordings to be effortlessly played on a home entertainment system. The recording is accomplished by making use of a 512MB SD (secure digital) card which is included with the player. If upgrading is desired, the device can take up to a 16 GB SD card which will give up to 24 hours of recording time if the 16 bit/44.1kHz WAV format is used. With the use of the SD card, all recordings can be stored on a standalone computer. Within the H2 there is a time stamp function to easily keep track of recordings by reference. And finally, one of the best features is that the H2 has a USB Mic for recording directly to and from a computer.

The H2 Accessories

Along with the purchase of the H2 portable stereo recorder the user receives ear buds, an 1/8 inch stereo to RCA cable, a mic clip adapter, a tripod, USB cable, AC adapter and of course the 512MB SD card.

Convenience and Comfort

Weighing only 4 ounces, the H2 can slip into any pocket or hand bag. It runs on two AA batteries that allows for up to 4 hours of continuous use and with its easy to see backlit display, it is easy to use virtually anywhere, anytime.

Features of the H2 portable stereo recorder

* Built in 2.0 USB interface
* W-X-Y microphone patterns with 4 capsules allowing for front 90 degree, Rear 120 degree and 360 degree surround recording patterns
* VBR (variable bit rate) data format
* Records with WAV 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16 bit or 24 bit, MP3 to 23o kbps
* Time stamp capability and Track Marker function for Broadcast WAV Format
* 512 MB SD memory card with capacity to accommodate up to 16 GB SD memory card
* AGC (auto gain control) for faultless recording capability
* Auto start capacity
* Wind noise filter
* Chromatic guitar/bass tuner

If the ultimate in functionality and versatility is the goal, the H2 is the answer to portable digital recording needs. The face of the recorder shares with a backlit display the recording levels, time code, and file name. It also allows the user to see the remaining battery life. The LED indicators let the user see front, rear, 2 channel, or 4 channel modes and the exact recording angle of 90, 120 or 360 degrees. The face of the recorder provides transport controls that include one button recording, playback, pause, fast forward and rewind. The easy to access menu keys gives the user the ability to navigate easily through the features of the H2. Within this menu the user can set recording parameters including direction and polar pattern, access the auto start function and set the file format. The settings to use auto gain control are found here as well.

Looking at the left side of the H2, there is a 1/8 inch phone/line output for monitoring recordings and replaying. The volume, power and AC power buttons can be found here too.

On the right side, there is a plug for a 1/8 inch external stereo microphone. The slider is easy to use for setting all the gain levels. Digitizing analog is available by making use of the 1/8 inch line in plug.

The 2.0 USB port makes it easy to transfer files for storage, editing and instant playback on a personal computer. Using the handy time stamp can help in making it simple to find recordings.

All in all, the Zoom H2 is the handiest of recording gadgets on the market today. Anyone wishing to pod cast it is a must have device. Once purchased it is easy to access updates for free at the Zoom website: http://www.zoom.co.jp. The Zoom H2 portable stereo recorder makes it simple for anyone and everyone to record dazzling recordings with an array of applications. The sky is the limit to its usage with seminars, pod casting, concerts, song writing sessions and more, the best in recording quality can be expected.