Product details
Zoom H2 ESSENTIAL
The Zoom H2 Essential is a versatile portable recorder, perfect for capturing professional-quality sound. With its built-in microphones, it adapts to various setups with options for mono, 90° stereo, 120° stereo, and 360° surround recording. Recording in 32-bit float format and supporting up to 96 kHz ensures impeccable audio reproduction. It can also be used as a USB microphone for your podcasts or videos, featuring an intuitive interface in French, multi-platform compatibility, and advanced functions—all in a compact and lightweight design.
Portable Recorder Zoom H2 Essential
Key Features of the Zoom H2 Essential:
- 360° Surround Recording: Offers multiple directional options.
- High-Quality Recording Support: WAV 32-bit float format up to 96 kHz.
- 1.3” Color LCD Screen: User-friendly interface available in French.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works as a USB microphone for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- 3.5 mm Mini-Jack Input: Supports external microphones.
- Remote Control Capability: Via optional Bluetooth adapter BTA-1.
- MicroSDHC/microSDXC Support: Records on cards up to 1 TB.
- Pre-recording and Auto-recording Functions: For added convenience.
- Audio Navigation: Accessible for visually impaired users.
- Simultaneous Micro/Line Input Recording: Alongside stereo front recording.
Technical Specifications of the Zoom H2 Essential:
- 4-Track Digital Recorder: 2 stereo tracks.
- Surround, Mono, Stereo 90° or 120°, and RAW Recording Options.
- Recording Formats: WAV 32-bit, 44.1/48/96 kHz.
- Stereo Headphone Output: 3.5 mm mini-jack.
- High-Speed USB Type-C Port: Compatible with Mac, PC, Android, and iOS.
- Audio Interface: 4 inputs/2 outputs at 24 or 32 bits.
- Dimensions: 60 x 44 x 97 mm.
- Weight: 170 g.
- Powered by 2 LR6 Batteries: Up to 20 hours of battery life.
- Mono Control Speaker: 250 mW/8O.
360° Surround Recording
The Zoom H2 Essential stands out for its ability to capture 360° surround sound. With its built-in microphones, it allows users to select different directivity modes (mono, 90° stereo, or 120°), providing unique flexibility for any situation. This feature makes it an ideal choice for content creators looking to record in varied environments, whether it's concerts, podcasts, or interviews.
The Zoom H2 Essential also offers the option to choose between front or rear recording, providing exceptional versatility. The 360° surround sound capture ensures complete audio immersion, which is particularly useful for recording dynamic environments where every sound angle matters. The sound quality is precise and enveloping, guaranteeing professional recordings.
Furthermore, with the ability to record in MS Raw format, users can adjust the stereo image width during post-production, offering even more control over the quality and balance of the recorded sound. This feature is perfect for sound engineers or creators seeking maximum flexibility in audio processing.
High-Quality Recording Formats
The Zoom H2 Essential allows for recording in WAV 32-bit float format, ensuring exceptional sound quality. By combining this high resolution with sampling rates up to 96 kHz, the device captures even the subtlest nuances of sound with impressive accuracy. This makes the recorder an essential tool for sound professionals.
Recording in 32-bit float eliminates the need for manual gain adjustments, reducing the risk of distortion. This feature makes the H2 Essential particularly useful in environments where sound levels can vary significantly, such as during live performances or events. You can focus on your recording without worry.
Support for microSDHC/microSDXC cards up to 1 TB offers impressive storage capacity for extended recording sessions. Whether you're working on a musical project or a documentary, you won’t have to worry about running out of space while recording.
Compatibility with Multiple Devices
The Zoom H2 Essential is designed to fit a wide range of configurations. It can be used as a USB microphone for PCs and Macs, as well as iOS and Android smartphones. This versatility allows for use in podcasts, videos, or even live streaming sessions, all while simultaneously recording to an SD card.
Its compatibility with multiple platforms makes it a versatile tool for content creators. By connecting via its USB Type-C port, it can also serve as a card reader for quick file transfers. This feature optimizes workflow, especially when working on multiple projects at once.
As an audio interface, the Zoom H2 Essential provides access to 4 inputs and 2 outputs, with sound quality up to 96 kHz. This allows for studio recordings while enabling 48 kHz recording during simultaneous internal use, ensuring greater flexibility.
Intuitive Color LCD Screen
The Zoom H2 Essential features a 1.3” color LCD screen designed for an intuitive user experience. The screen displays waveforms in real time, facilitating tracking and analysis of recordings. This enables users to instantly adjust settings and optimize audio quality with ease.
Navigation through menus is straightforward, with a fully French interface. For visually impaired users, audio navigation is also available, making the product accessible to a broader audience. The controls are clear and ergonomic, providing quick and efficient handling.
The clarity of the interface and ease of use make this recorder a perfect tool for both professionals and amateurs. Whether you’re a novice podcaster or an experienced sound engineer, the LCD screen offers complete control over your recordings.
Recording with External Microphones
The Zoom H2 Essential has a 3.5 mm mini-jack input, allowing you to connect lavalier microphones or other external devices. This feature is particularly useful for interviews or recordings that require additional microphones. The device accepts plug-in powered microphones, enhancing its versatility.
Simultaneous recording of the micro/line input with front stereo provides unmatched flexibility. This functionality is essential for capturing different sound sources in a single take. You can record a main subject while capturing the surrounding sound environment.
Additionally, the Zoom H2 Essential is compatible with the optional Bluetooth adapter BTA-1, allowing remote control via an iOS smartphone. This feature is ideal for remote recordings or when you need to adjust settings without being close to the device.
Advanced Options for Total Control
The Zoom H2 Essential offers numerous advanced features such as pre-recording, auto-recording, and playback speed adjustment. These options provide total control over the recording process, ensuring you never miss an important moment. These automatic features simplify sound capture, even in unpredictable environments.
The built-in low-cut filter eliminates unwanted noise, such as low frequencies or background sounds. This significantly enhances sound quality, especially in outdoor recording conditions or noisy environments. You achieve clear, clean recordings without interference.
The Zoom H2 Essential also provides customization options during post-production, thanks to its RAW format recording. This allows professionals to adjust audio settings according to their specific needs, ensuring maximum flexibility during audio processing.