Zoom H2essential Multi-Mic 32-Bit Float Handy Recorder

The Zoom H2essential is equipped with three internal microphones, making it suitable for various creative uses such as field recording, speech capture, musical performances, and Foley work. This device offers robust, versatile, and user-friendly recording options with surround sound capabilities, all conveniently housed in a compact design.

3 Built-In Microphones for Flexible Recording Options

The H2essential stands out as the sole Handy Recorder equipped with three internal microphones. Its capability to select various microphone patterns provides creators with unprecedented flexibility. The device includes two cardioid microphones positioned at the front and rear, along with a bidirectional microphone oriented side to side, enabling users to select the ideal pick-up pattern for each recording scenario.

You can set the pick-up pattern to either 90° or 120° stereo, or opt for mono to achieve a hyper-directional pick-up that minimizes background noise. Additionally, you have the option to record from the front, rear, or activate both sides for a surround sound experience. The recorder also supports MS Raw recording, allowing for postproduction control over the stereo image width by adjusting the mid-side levels, which is particularly effective for managing ambient noise.

Powered by 32-bit Float

With 32-bit float recording, you can eliminate concerns regarding level adjustments and concentrate on producing compelling, immersive content for your audience. The enhanced dynamic range ensures that clipping will not be an issue, while the dual A/D converters are capable of managing nearly any loud sound you encounter. Additionally, even very low-level signals can be normalized without the introduction of noise or artifacts.

The H2essential accommodates sampling rates of up to 96 kHz and, when connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device via the USB-C port, it functions as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card. This compact recorder is an excellent choice for podcasting and streaming on the go.

Applications

• Solo Musician - 90º Stereo / Rear Mic: Record in 90° stereo with the rear microphones to capture a natural stereo image.
  
  
• Ensembles -120º Stereo / Front and Rear: Using the front and rear-facing stereo 120º microphones, capture a wide, immersive sound field of the entire ensemble.
  
  
• Podcasts - Mono / Front and Rear Mics:Mono pickup reduces environmental noise for better isolation. Using the front and rear microphones, you can capture two discrete tracks.
  
  
• Streaming and Video Calls - 90º or Mono / Rear Mics: Use the H2essential as a mono or stereo USB microphone for streaming and video calls.
  
  
• Sound Design - 90º Stereo / Front + External Mic: Record audio for sound design with the front-facing stereo microphone to capture focused, detailed sounds. Add an external shotgun mic to add directional pickup with reduced background noise.
  
  
• 32-Bit Float USB Mic: Connect the H2essential to your mobile device via USB and record professional audio directly onto your phone's video. Perfect for video podcasts and live streams.
  
  
• Mid-Side Recording: Record in MS Raw and adjust the width of the stereo image in post production. This is helpful when you want to control ambient noise.
  
  

Additional Features

• The H2essential has advanced features such as a low-cut filter, prerecord, auto-record, and playback speed adjustment. A dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording.
  
  
• Add the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (available separately) to pair one or more H2essentials with your iOS device, remotely hit record, and sync timecode. 
  
  
• Add the specially designed furry windscreen (available separately) to provide wind protection when recording outdoors; the custom fit provides access to the controls while the windscreen is attached.
  
  
• Use the 3.5mm input to accommodate audio players, keyboards, and lav mics with plug-in power. You can record with the front mic and the 3.5mm input simultaneously.
  
  
• The 1.3" color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H2essential’s simple interface. The real-time waveform display lets you see your audio as it records.
  
  
• Audio is recorded to microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 2TB capacity, plenty of room for all day in the field.
  
  
• Power is supplied by two AA batteries or via the USB-C port. This includes bus-power as well as external USB battery packs.
  
  
• With both front and rear stereo recording active at 32-bit float / 48 kHz, you’ll get about 8 hours of battery life with common alkalines and about 17.5 hours with high-density lithium batteries.
  
  
• The onboard speaker allows you to listen to your recordings for quick reference and utilize the Accessibility functions.
  
  
• The H2essential is designed with accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.