Zoom H2 Handy Recorder - Portable Digital Recorder

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

We have used our H2 for over a year now (bought it at SA Christmas 2009. The Great thing about this unit is what should be most important for all of us, the sound. We have used the H2 for Band/Orchestra to Rock. The sound is always a big thumbs up. When we first started using the H2, we compared the H2 to a few other friends recordings of the same performance (them using equip costing up to a grand) and the H2 sounded identical, perhaps if you scope the two, there may be a diff, but not to the human ear.The battery life, size and ease of use for recording/playback WHILE ONLY USING THE UNIT us also great. I wish ZOOM would have put a small speaker on the unit.My only complaint is the way the H2 interfaces with computers. Though we always figure it out, the procedure for downloading is often different from one computer to another. And on Window 7, take an asprin before hand, it will give you a headache, the insructions do not apply, You gotta' wing it! But when you weigh the sound quality vs. the difficulty of downloading, the sound wins every time.

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

I write original material and I can quickly get something down to listen to and let the band listen to so adjustments, and editing can be done. Easier and quicker than heading for the home studio.

The H2 isn't bad to look at but I suppose there could have been given a little more consideration to the appearance. Bottom line I really don't care as long as it works and sounds good. It fits that bill very well

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

I'm a novice player who has purchased and tried several recording devices from portable to multi-track deck to PC USB interfaces. My main goal was to record impromptu sessions and practice runs to be able to hear how it sounds or to play back and jam along with on another instrument. My ratings are based on how I use it and how easy it is to use. I literally took this out of the box, put batteries in, changed the microphone selection and started recording in less than ten minutes, and never opened the manual! Comes with a power supply instead of getting robbed for another $25 like many devices, but also runs on batteries and can be slipped into a shirt pocket for transport and use anywhere. It's lightweight, due in part to mostly plastic construction, but seems like it will hold up. There aren't any moving parts to worry about. Just be careful where you place it so you don't step on it. Has a convenient threaded insert so you can adapt it to a stand, something some others I've looked at don't have at twice the price. I'm not sure how this stacks up for recording quality against the other devices I have for recording (because I can't seem to make any of them work easily), but this device sounds great to me on playback. It captures the ambience of the session very well. I use it in 360 degree surround mode an set it in the middle of the band on the floor. Best of all, it's a simple, intuitive interface that just works and I didn't even have to read the manual to get started. It has a surprising number of features when you DO read the manual. This is the first of five devices I've tried that didn't get thrown back in the box in frustration. It does exactly what I need at a reasonable cost and without having to become a programmer. Thank you, Zoom!

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

I use mine all the time, one of those pieces of gear you keep finding new applications for. Foe example: I recently made a trip to the Philippines, and offered to do a live recording of a church band. I set up the band for a live mix, placed the H2 smack in the middle, and hit record. That night I mixed it on my PC (adding a bit of eq, compression, etc) and gave them a CD the next day. Low mudget but effective live recording on the road! I also use the line in, for example, taking the phone out from my Yamaha MO6, and plugging it into the H2, to record those spontaneous jams at midnight that you just don't feel like firing up Cubase for. One more fun application - recording live concerts from HD TV (i.e., paladia channel). I have recorded many bands and have my own live mp3 collection of stuff you cannot buy in the store! Also, my school has used it to record classroom lectures / conferences, it will pick op the speaker and the audience Q&A time using the 4 mics. The sounds quality is excellent, and the many options (from 64bit mp3s to 48khz wav) give you lots of time/quality options. A great investment, you will use it alot.

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

Fantastic unit, have used this unit on the road to record various sounds for recording.
Easy to use, great quality that rivals my Studio
Mic's.
Only thing I have had go wrong is the Brown hand
handle (the option thats included that screws in
the base) come apart right at the tip. Its two
pieces glued together that WILL come apart so be careful if your holding the Mic with it. Stress
test it first, I superglued it back together and its fine.
I also use the H2 as a Mixdown unit in a Studio
with an Analog board output.

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

For years I would use a cassette recorder to lay down chords to play over. Then I was using the Tascam US-122 which is overkill for simple things. But this Zoom H2 is just perfect for personal practice, and probably much more. I love this thing! I do wish that the display was a bit bigger and that you could control the backlighting.

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

My guitarist in my band initially made fun of me for buying this thing, but he (along with the rest of us) now swear by it. It has been so useful even just simply letting it record an entire practice to work on things like tone/effects for a new song, pointing out mistakes, etc. Plus we also use it when we are in the writing process and just sitting down in someone's living room. Some of the best features in my opinion are that it runs with an AC power adapter OR batteries; you can get instant playback when needed; and directional microphones. We simply attach it on an unused mic stand in the middle of the room and jam away.

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

Easy to use. Versatile. Lots of neat accessories. Quick to set up. Portable and light.

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

The only thing I have to say about this unit is that it is the greatest invention ever. I've used it for so many projects, from song writing sessions, to rehearsals, live performances, studio work, recording random sounds in the field, recording non-downloadable files from a computer...the list goes on and on. Anyone who doesn't have this thing should get one IMMEDIATELY, it will change your life.

Comments about Zoom H2 Portable Digital Recorder:

I do sound for a Worship ministry, and we travel to different churches. I normally set it up in the back of the room, and it captures everything, clearly. I sometimes think that this captures sound better than my mixes.