KnowBrainer Online Store: Samson Zoom H2

Samson Zoom H2 Recorder

Features:
• W-XY mic patterns with 4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90° cardioid, Rear 120° cardioid and 360° polar patterns
• Built-in USB 2.0 interface
• Records in WAV 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit, MP3 to 320kbps and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) data formats
• Time Stamp and Track Marker functions in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF)
• 512MB SD memory card included
• Accommodates up to 4GB SD memory cards
• Auto Gain Control (AGC) for pristine recordings
• Auto Start function means you're always ready to record
• Low-cut filter eliminates wind noise
• On-board chromatic Guitar/Bass tuner

•   A clear, backlit display features recording levels, time code, file name and remaining battery life. LEDs indicate Front, Rear, 2 Channel or 4 Channel modes and the recording angle: 90°, 120° or 360°.
•   An Active Mic LED is on the front and back of the H2.
•   Transport controls include one button recording, playback and pause, fast forward and rewind.
•   Use the Menu key to enter the control menu and the cursor keys to navigate through the feature sets.
•   Within the menu, set recording parameters such as direction and polar pattern, activate the Auto Start function and set file format. And you'll find additional settings like Auto Gain Control to make sure your recordings are always pristine. And you can fine-tune your levels on the fly with the Record Level buttons on the front.

•   On the left side of the H2 is a 1/8" Phone/Line Output for monitoring and playback. Playback Volume, Power On and the AC power are located here as well.
• On the right side of the H2, you can plug in a powered 1/8" external stereo mic. Setting levels is easy with a Mic Gain slider for Low/Medium/High gain. You can also digitize analog recordings with the 1/8" Line In.
•   Use the USB 2.0 Interface to move your files to a PC or Mac for storage, editing and playback. The time stamp function is great for reference during production. And you can even use the H2 as a USB mic and record directly to your favorite digital audio software.
•   For brilliant stereo recording, and plenty of extras, there's never been a simpler or more functional solution than the H2 Handy Recorder from Zoom.

Click here for Samson's product page, which has more in-depth information as well as videos on how to use the H2.
Click here for KnowBrainer's Review of the Zoom H2.

Recorder Rating:
If you are looking for an inexpensive digital recorder for serious or even semi-serious work, we cannot recommend the H2 unless you are echo dictating. Note that unlike other digital recorders, the H2 doesn’t include playback/editing software because it is designed for another purpose.

This is the perfect recorder for anyone on a $200 budget. What we really like about this 24 bit recorder is the $200 price as compared to professional 12 bit dictation “only” $500 recorders. We also like the fact that it doubles as a decent USB voice array microphone with as much as a 3 foot range and a choice between a 120° mic spread and 90°. We recommend using the front 90° spread on 1 or 2 monitors and the 120° mic spread on 3 or more monitors. 24 bit recording is impressive. Price wise you can’t beat the H2 for recording conferences, lectures or concerts. This unit even includes a number of professional features like Time Stamp, 512 Mb internal memory (can accommodate 4 Gb SD cards), low-cut filters and can even simultaneously record with all 4 microphones (surround sound) for round table conference discussions and auto-level mic input control.