The New Zoom H2n Rewrites the Book on Portable Recording
The Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Portable Digital Audio Recorder combines Zoom's years of experience in portable recording with enhanced technology and features to present a versatile device that can be used for film and broadcast applications, as well as journalism, podcasting, musical performances and rehearsals, and much more. The H2n has an unprecedented 5 microphones built in, providing you with 4 selectable recording patterns to choose from. A simple dial on top of the recorder lets you switch between traditional XY stereo, 2-channel surround, 4-channel surround, and a mid-side stereo mode. The mid-side mode allows you to adjust the width of your stereo field for terrific flexibility. When recording in RAW mode, you can even adjust the field after you've made a recording.
Recording Capabilities
The H2n records to widely-available SD and SDHC flash memory cards, and supports capacities up to 32GB. A 2GB card is included so you can use the recorder right away. When using a 32GB card, you can capture up to 50 hours of CD-quality WAV files, or up to 555 hours of stereo 128kbps MP3 files. An integrated reference speaker makes it easy to review your recordings to make sure everything has been captured properly. The streamlined and intuitive interface puts critical controls right at your fingertips. The large 1.8" backlit LCD display makes it easy to navigate through system menus and monitor audio levels. The analog-type mic gain wheel lets you make precise adjustments on-the-fly.
Connectivity Options
If you'd like to connect external equipment, the H2n provides you with a 3.5mm mic/line input, allowing you to hook up your favorite microphones, instruments, and other sound sources. A 3.5mm headphone/line output makes it easy to connect headphones, portable speakers, and other devices. A remote jack lets you connect the optional wired remote to start, stop, and pause recordings, as well as add marks. It also reduces handling noise for the cleanest possible recordings. A high-speed USB 2.0 port lets you transfer recordings to your Mac or PC. You can even use the H2n as a live USB mic, terrific for VoIP chats and podcasting. An activation card for Steinberg's WaveLab LE 7 software is included, and once downloaded, it will give you audio editing and mastering tools to help you turn your recordings into finished masterpieces.
Powering Options
The H2n offers a number of versatile powering options. It offers over 20 hours of continuous operation on a pair of standard AA alkaline batteries. It can also be operated via USB bus power, or an AC adapter (sold separately). In the event of battery failure or accidental power loss, your recordings won't be lost. A data recovery function will automatically restore your data the next time the recorder is powered on, so you don't lose one-of-a-kind audio moments. Other features of the H2n include a lo-cut filter, a compressor/limiter, auto gain, pre-rec, auto-rec, a tuner and metronome, variable speed playback, key control, A-B repeat, file dividing, normalize, MP3 post-encode, marker, and surround mixer to give you useful tools for a variety of applications.
Key Features
- Compact Design: The compact design fits in the palm of your hand and can be taken practically anywhere. This makes it ideal for film and broadcast applications, as well as journalism, podcasting, musical performances and rehearsals, and much more.
- 5 Internal Microphones: The H2n has 5 high-quality mic capsules, more than any other portable recorder. This unique 5-mic design enables the H2n to record with 4 selectable patterns.
- 4 Selectable Recording Patterns: A simple dial on top of the recorder lets you switch between traditional XY stereo, 2-channel surround, 4-channel surround, and a mid-side stereo mode.
- Mid-Side Stereo Recording: The mid-side mode allows you to adjust the width of your stereo field for terrific flexibility, setting the perfect amount of ambient/surrounding noise.
- XY Stereo Recording: The 90° XY stereo condenser mics are arranged with the left and right mic capsules on the same axis to ensure perfect localization and eliminate phase shifting.
- 2-Channel and 4-Channel Surround: By using the mid-side and XY mics together, you can create 360 surround sound recordings in either 2-channel or 4-channel mode.
- SD/SDHC Recording: The H2n records to widely-available SD and SDHC flash memory cards, and supports capacities up to 32GB.
- Multiple File Formats: Depending on your needs, you can record uncompressed WAV files at up to 24-bit/96kHz or compressed MP3 files at up to 320kbps.
- Reference Speaker: An integrated reference speaker makes it easy to review your recordings to make sure everything has been captured properly.
- Intuitive Interface: The streamlined and intuitive interface puts critical controls right at your fingertips.
- Analog-Type Mic Gain: The mic gain wheel allows you to set the perfect amount of gain for your application.
- Backlit LCD: The large 1.8" backlit LCD display makes it easy to monitor audio levels and navigate through system menus and functions.
- 3.5mm I/O: The 3.5mm mic/line input allows you to hook up your favorite microphones, instruments, and other sound sources.
- Wired Remote Control: A remote jack lets you connect the optional wired remote to start, stop, and pause recordings.
- High-Speed USB: A high-speed USB 2.0 port lets you transfer recordings to your Mac or PC.
- Software Included: Activation card with Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 software is included.
- Power Options: The H2n offers over 20 hours of continuous operation on a pair of standard AA alkaline batteries.
- Data Recovery: In the event of battery failure or accidental power loss, your recordings won't be lost.
- Automatic Recording and Pre-Recording: You can set the H2n to automatically start recording at the presence of audio.
- Automatic Gain and Lo-Cut Filter: An advanced Auto Gain Control (AGC) and lo-cut filter allow the H2n to record audio at the most appropriate level.
- Compressor/Limiter: The built-in compressor/limiter puts a cap on maximum audio levels to ensure that your recordings remain distortion-free.
- File Dividing, Normalization, and MP3 Post-Encode: The H2n allows you to split any recorded file right inside the unit.
- Tuner and Metronome: A perfect tool for musicians, the H2n has a built-in tuner and metronome.
- Variable Speed Playback and Key Control: You can adjust the playback speed and key of a recording.
- A-B Repeat: The repeat function lets you repeat a chosen segment of a recording.
- Markers and Mixing: You can set markers at important points, and also perform surround mixing right in the recorder.
- Accessories Available: The separately-available APH-2n accessory package includes various useful items.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Hand-held stereo digital audio recorder
- Recording/Reading Methods: SD/SDHC card (up to 32GB supported, 2GB card included), USB connection to PC/Mac
- Recording Bit Rate: WAV 16 and 24-bit, MP3 48 to 320kbps
- Sampling Frequency: WAV 44.1/48/96kHz, MP3 44.1kHz
- Number of Channels: 2 or 4, depending on mode
- Recording Time: All times are for a 1GB memory card
- AD/DA Conversion: 24-bit, 128x oversampling
- Signal Processing: 32-bit
- Microphone Type: Mid side stereo and 90° XY stereo
- SPL: 120dB max
- Input Gain: 0 to +39dB
- Connectors: 1 x 3.5mm mic/line stereo input, 1 x 3.5mm headphone/line stereo output, 1 x Remote jack, 1 x High-speed USB 2.0 port, mini-B type
- Input Impedance: 2k ohms
- Output Impedance: 10k ohms or more
- Output Level: -10dBm rated, 20mW + 20mW phones output level 32 ohms
- Speaker: 400mW 8 ohms
- Display: 1.8" (128 x 64) Backlit LCD
- Power: 2 x AA or LR6 Batteries (Up to 20 hours operation), USB or AC power (AC adapter sold separately)
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 2.7 x 4.5 x 1.7" (68 x 114 x 43mm)
- Weight: 4.6 oz (130g) (without batteries)