Zoom H2 mini-review
I don’t see devices like the Zoom H2 replacing standard studio recording. Not by a longshot. In fact, the main goal of the H2 is simple stereo recording. There are no multitracking features. It’s possible to bypass the internal microphones, but the input IS a 1/8th inch mike input and a 1/8 inch line in jack. So…. you’re not going to get a professional hi quality input. This is more of a consumer device.
The sound quality beats personal dictaphones, tape or digital that I’ve heard by a longshot. The built in microphones don’t seem to have the “sparkle” that the H4 mikes have. (My perception.) I also don’t think the gain is quite as high as the H4 provides. The device has built in normalization.
Before I get too far, I should mention what comes with the H2.
To start out with, you get a 512MB SD card, the H2 itself, a power adapter, a bag to carry it, a mic stand adapter (which is also compatible with the H4 and available for separate purchase), a small table stand for the mic, ear buds, usb cable and 1/8″ to rca jack cable. All in all it’s a nice array of addons. I made most use of the table stand which is a tripod of sorts.
It is made out of plastic (the case at least.) So, it does feel like you want to be careful with it. Realistically I wouldn’t toss a studio mike across a room, neither would I do that with this. The battery case is in back, nice and simple to get batteries in. The SD card slot is on the bottom and is somewhat easier to deal with than that of the H4. I was a bit concerned of breaking the SD slot cover though.
Navigation of the menu-ing in this device is fairly easy. There are an AWFUL lot of things in the menu though. I can’t help but wonder if there couldn’t be hot-buttons to some of the more useful options – like the USB-storage for instance.
Navigating wasn’t a problem, just tedious at times.
One nice feature is that this can keep the current date for proper date stamping of your recordings.
Basic recording is as easy as turning it on, and pressing the record button twice. You do that and you’re live. If you want to play with different mic choices you can scroll through the 4 choices before pressing the record button. There is ample feedback when the device is in “ready” mode (blinking red light) and when you’re recording (solid red light.) The various microphone options are as follows: front pair/back pair/surround mix (combine front and back pair/surround separate (two separate stereo files, one for front and one for back.) The front mic pair is a 90 degree stereo pair, the back is a 120 degree stereo pair. My preferred setting was the surround mix, although you should use this as a tool based on WHAT you’re recording.
I really like this as a small/cheap end portable recorder. (Love the small size and carry bag.) You really feel like you could carry this anywhere easily. If I was choosing between this and the H4 I’d still go with the H4 for the multitrack and for the 1/4″/XLR inputs that the H4 has. If I had the money for both though, I think I could find the niche use for this device.
I should note that I’ve purchased the mic adapter for my H4. It’s a simple cylinder that goes from small- large diameter and has a tripod thread on one end. I wish they had packaged something like this when the H4 came out. I’ve struggled for some time with good ways of placing it.
It is the low end of the price and quality spectrum when compared with the edirol and other zoom offerings, but I think the Zoom H2 has a good niche. Overall I think this is a useful piece of equipment.
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