Zoom H2n Review – The Handy Portable Audio Recorder Reviewed
Zoom H2n Review – The Handy Portable Audio Recorder Reviewed
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Well, are you searching for a portable recorder that can be projected at any position?

Please keep reading my Zoom H2n review to find out why this Portable Audio Recorder is what you are looking for.

With advanced technology, you can record sound or music in any position you put it.

Zoom H2N will provide you with the convenience you have been looking for.

If you need a handy stereo recorder, no other brands can give you the powerful features found in this convenient unit.

Zoom H2n Features

Multiple Microphone Modes

Zoom H2N handy recorder uses Mid-Side and X/Y microphone patterns and signaling so it can record sounds all around you.

It has this auto mic gain controller that can check the stability of your sound to assure the high-stereo quality. You can also set the level and effects of your masterpiece as you go.

This Zoom H2-N recorder has a low-cut filter to ensure a minimal wind and hissing noise from your background, so you get clear audio in the recording.

Also, it has an onboard bass tuner to eliminate any unwanted noise for high-stereo quality.

So, you can even record a rehearsal without the mess up effect of the bass.

As you can see in the pic below, the mic mode selector is conveniently located on the top of the unit.

Zoom-H2n microphone mode switch

Long Recording Time

With a 16-bit/44.1kHz format of your recording, you can store up to 16 GB of audio, and you can also have a record running for a whole day. If you use an MP3 format, you will be stunned for it can work up to 280 hours straight.

Plus, you can do playback of music with the use of 1/8” stereo inputs for your headphones, or you can use the free earbuds that come with this package.

It has a USB 2.0 jack so you can directly archive your pieces into your computer.

You may also use the H2n’s USB Mic to do so. The recorder has a time stamping function to know the hours spend in a particular tape.

Portable and Light

The mini Zoom H2 handy portable stereo recorder is packed up with all the features needed for intensified use.

It has backlit LCD for a more convenient way of seeing the features and menus of the gadget.

With the use of this backlit display, you will be notified of the level, time, file name and remaining power supply of your device.

With the active LED light for your mic, you will know if you are recording or not.

zoom h2n handy recorder mic gain dial

Zoom H4n vs H2n vs H1

Here is the comparison of H4N and H2N models.

Coming soon!

Specifications

  • Recording modes – Stereo X/Y, Stereo MS, 2-channel surround, 4-channel surround
  • Provided microphone(s) – X/Y, MS
  • Number of external inputs – 2
  • Plug-in power (2.5 V) – Yes
  • Recording media – SD/SDHC, up to 32 GB
  • Auto-Record, Pre-Record, tuner, metronome, compression/limiting, variable playback pitch/speed – Yes
  • USB audio interface in/out – 2/2
  • Weight – 130 grams

Zoom H2N Reviews From Customers

If you check out the Zoom H2N reviews, you will see that it has garnered quite a bit of a mixed response since its release into the international markets.

A lot of knowledgeable users have deemed it to be an excellent addition to any musician’s collection of tools. This small, yet powerful device has sensitive sound recorder features that can pick up on the tiniest of details.

Like many small devices, though, the H2n unit suffers rather lousy praise from some users for having unimpressive durability. The remote port and long battery life, somewhat make up for these issues.

In my research, I found that buyers find the H2N recorder as one of the best recorders for the price available.

Users describe it as one of the most versatile utility devices ever to own, from doing live recordings to recording anything from band rehearsals to natural soundscaping and even using it as a microphone for Skype, iChat, Logic Pro, etc.

Users love how easy and well designed the user interface is, as well as how easy it is to adjust it during shooting or recording. Buyers say that it takes a maximum of 10 minutes to figure out the whole device.

During my research, I found that the five built-in microphones can fascinate anyone from a musician, filmmaker, and videographer. Customers were specific of the quality of sound as well as the number of recording modes available with X/Y, Mid – Side, 2-channel and 4 –channel surround sound recordings.

The battery life has been described as amazing, the longest of all Zoom recorders up to date. You can record for up to 20 hours of content straight with no problem. You can put up to 32GB of data in both SD and SDHC cards. Users report that Class 10 cards from SanDisk (SanDisk 32GB Ultra Class 10 SDHC UHS-I ) and Sony (Sony 32GB Class 10 UHS-1 SDHC up to 70MB/s Memory Card SF32UY2) work perfectly with the recorder.

Buyers love the option of the Zoom APH2n accessory pack that comes with the recorder. The bundle offers you great versatility with some gadgets and the option for a tripod is a great touch. Although the tripod mount is plastic, it might wear out over a more extended period of time. I found that the Amazon Basic Lightweight Tripod WT0352G has been a better choice for customers as it offers a better use than the previously mentioned.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Easy to use
The device is straightforward to use, whether you are familiar with other Zoom products or you are buying your first, the instructions are clear and take little time to know the ins and outs completely.

Great battery life
The battery has a compartment for 2 standard AA batteries that can hold up to 20 hours of non-stop recording, perfect for long projects.

Multiple Microphones
The X/Y microphone recording provides a 90-degree angle relative to one another, combined with the Mid-Side mics, it captures signals to provide 2 or 4 channel 360-degree surround sound recording.

Versatility
The device is extremely versatile, you can record anything from ambient sounds, live band practices, live concerts, voice over’s, etc. The microphone is USB port compatible, allowing you to export files to your PC or MAC and you can use it as a USB microphone for Skype and other communication software. Did you know you can use it as a stereo field recorder to record the sounds of your backyard and then sell them?

Excellent sound quality
The ZOOM H2n can record in low-quality mp3 formats up to 24-bit / 96kHz WAV audio files, giving you excellent sound quality.

Lots of features
The microphone Holds features such as auto-record, pre-record, tuner, metronome, variable playback pitch/speed. The device can convert 4 files in the recorder, converts 4 tracks to stereo recording and wave to mp3.

Cons

Sensitive to wind
The microphone is a bit too sensitive to wind. If you are planning to use the H2N outdoors, you should consider also getting a windscreen like Zoom WSU-1 or HUANOR HN-14.

Cheap plastic tripod mount
The tripod that comes with the accessory pack is made of cheap plastic and lacks durability. If you are planning on mounting the microphone, consider getting the Amazon Basic Lightweight Tripod.

Problematic access to SD card slot
The SD card slot is flimsy, and after a few months, it might break. When mounted to a tripod, the slot is inaccessible. Connecting the microphone to your PC or MAC with the USB cable for file transfer is a better solution than relying on the durability of the slot.

No power-saving mode
The Zoom H2n audio recorder has no power-saving mode feature, and although the battery is excellent and can last up to 20 hours, no dedicated work mode preserves the battery life when the device is idle.

zoom h2n ejecting sc memory card

Additional Accessories

If you need accessories for your H2n recorder, you should check out the accessory package APH-2n.

It includes:

  • wired remote control with an extension cable
  • windscreen
  • USB AC adapter
  • USB cable
  • tripod stand
  • padded shell case
  • mic clip adapter

Conclusion

I hope my Zoom H2N handy recorder review gave you some insight into this overall impressive device for the price you are paying.

Loaded with impressive features, the ways you can use Zoom H2N recorder are fantastic. Easy to use and small enough to take it anywhere you want. You can record for hours in the best quality, and the battery will still be fine.

The 4 recording modes and five available microphones let you choose any setting you want and record anything from live concerts to podcasts to ambient sound. This microphone exactly does what you need it to do.

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