Zoom H2n Handy Recorder

The Zoom H2n portable handheld recorder is an exceptional tool for capturing the rich sound of musical ensembles and audio for virtual reality applications. Featuring an integrated 5-mic array, it allows users to record high-resolution stereo or surround sound audio effortlessly. With the H2n, you can produce engaging music tracks and create immersive soundscapes with ease.

Similar to other models in the H-Series, such as the H5 and H6, the H2n can be conveniently held in hand, mounted on a microphone stand or tripod, or attached to a camera (with a separate shoe mount). Its multichannel recording capabilities and durable, travel-friendly design make it an ideal choice for YouTube content creators, musicians, sound recordists, and various other professionals.

Equipped with a long-lasting battery and support for Spatial Audio, the H2n is perfectly suited for tracking live performances, recording sound effects and ambient noise, or producing audio for 360° VR videos. It can provide plug-in power for a lavalier condenser microphone and accept direct line-level connections from mixers or wireless receivers. With features like selectable auto-recording and pre-recording, you can be assured that you will never miss the beginning of a recording session.

Onboard 5-Mic Array for Customizable Audio Pickup

The H2n features an integrated five-microphone array that enables authentic stereo or surround sound recording without the need for external microphones. The built-in microphones consist of two arranged in an X/Y configuration, while the remaining three are set up in a mid-side arrangement. These microphones can be utilized independently for X/Y or mid-side stereo recording, or they can be combined to produce either 2-channel or 4-channel surround sound. A convenient dial located on the top of the grille allows for easy switching among the four recording modes.

Stereo/Surround Record Modes

The X/Y mode employs two matched unidirectional microphones positioned at a 90° angle to one another, facilitating clear and phase-accurate audio capture with a focused stereo image. In contrast, the MS mode utilizes one microphone facing forward and two microphones oriented to the sides, allowing for the simultaneous recording of direct sound and ambient noise while ensuring excellent compatibility between stereo and mono formats. The internal MS decoder of the H2n enables users to adjust the relative levels of the microphone elements both prior to and following the recording, thereby allowing for manipulation of the perceived stereo width.

Utilize the 2ch mode to generate a single stereo file that combines the outputs of the microphones, or opt for the 4ch mode to record the output from the H2n's X/Y microphones onto one stereo track while capturing the MS microphones on a separate track. This configuration allows for the resulting tracks to be directed to distinct speakers for a more immersive listening experience or to be mixed into a customized stereo track. Furthermore, the H2n's MS decoding capability permits independent adjustment of the Side signal level in both 2ch and 4ch modes.

Spatial Audio for VR

By utilizing Spatial Audio mode, it is possible to generate a singular 4-channel, multi-track WAV file that encompasses omni, left/right, and forward/backward tracks. This Spatial Audio file is subsequently prepared for integration with 360° VR videos captured using a Google Jump-compatible camera rig, such as the GoPro Odyssey or Ricoh Theta. Upon completion, the immersive videos will be ready for upload to YouTube.

3.5mm Microphone/Line Input with Plug-In Power

The H2n is equipped with a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input that provides 2.5V plug-in power, allowing for the connection of an external condenser microphone, such as a clip-on lavalier, which ensures clear and precise close-miked speech reproduction. When an external source is connected to the 3.5mm jack, it automatically disables the onboard X/Y stereo microphone, eliminating the need for menu-based input selection. Additionally, the 3.5mm input is compatible with line-level signals, enabling the integration of a wireless microphone receiver's output into the H2n.

SD Card Recording and Audio Interface Functionality

Enhance portability by recording directly onto a separately available SD/SDHC card, which can support capacities of up to 32GB. A 4GB card can provide more than three hours of 4-channel recording at a resolution of 16-bit / 44.1 kHz, utilizing the BWF-compliant WAV format to ensure uncompressed audio quality and compatibility with industry standards.

Alternatively, the H2n can function as a USB microphone or as a 4-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface, supporting up to 16-bit / 48 kHz. The USB port also allows the H2n to serve as a card reader, facilitating rapid file transfers.

3.5mm Output for Hookup to a Camera or Headphones

The 3.5mm line/headphone mini-jack output is equipped with a specific volume control, allowing it to connect to your camera or DSLR, as well as to a set of headphones. Additionally, the H2n includes a built-in monophonic speaker on its rear, facilitating the review of recordings to ensure that all content has been accurately captured.

Powered via AA Batteries or AC Adapter

Power the H2n via two AA batteries, or plug it into a wall outlet with an AD-17 AC adapter (available separately). Alkaline batteries can keep the H2n recording at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution for up to 20 hours. When using the H2n as an audio interface, USB bus powering is possible.

Rugged and Portable, Handheld or Mounted

The durable, ergonomic body lends itself naturally to being handheld. Should you need to mount it on a mic stand or tripod, a threaded hole on the back of the H2n obviates the need for stand adapters. Obtain a hot shoe adapter (available separately) to attach the H2n directly to a DSLR.

Signal Processing Adds Sonic Polish

The onboard effects of the H2n enable users to enhance their recordings and address typical issues or constraints related to the acoustics of the recording space. Compression serves to manage variations in audio levels, while the limiter functions to avert distortion by regulating input signals that are excessively high. Additionally, the selectable low-cut filter effectively diminishes signals below 80 Hz, which is beneficial for mitigating pops, wind noise, breath sounds, and other forms of low-frequency rumble, including vibrations transmitted from an onstage microphone stand.

Musician-Friendly Features

The onboard metronome and tuner functions are helpful when recording musicians. Also, since you can loop playback and adjust pitch and speed independently, the H2n is an ideal tool for phrase training. Insert up to 99 marks per recording to create locate points, split files into smaller chunks, and normalize files for maximum gain.

Special Recording Functions

The H2n is equipped with various recording functions that help ensure you do not inadvertently miss the beginning of a performance. Its pre-record feature retains the previous two seconds of audio (or one second in 4-channel mode at 96 kHz) each time the record button is pressed, thereby guaranteeing that the start of an exceptional take is never lost. Additionally, the auto-record function can initiate recording automatically upon detecting a user-defined sound level, making it particularly useful for voice-activated scenarios. Furthermore, the H2n includes a Data Recovery feature that automatically restores corrupted files, which may occur if there is a power interruption during recording or if an SD card is removed while writing or editing.

Streamlined Controls and Clear Display

Day or night, view vital information such as audio levels, recording time, battery status, and more on the 1.8" monochrome backlit LCD. Transport controls, menu navigation buttons, and analog-style mic gain are presented nearby for access to all the H2n's operations and functions. If you don't wish to manually set the input level, choose one of the three Auto Gain presets to automatically set the optimum recording level.

Supports External Remote Control

Use the wired remote (available separately in the APH-2n accessory pack) to control the transport and add marks at a distance while eliminating handling noise