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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/199676
mander - Posted - 02/15/2011: 07:37:53
Hi All!
Long short(ish) I'm putting together a volunteer radio drama program. I'm trying to balance out numerous concerns. I need to be able to record voices speaking and singing, music and sound effects. The Zoom H2 has the portability I need, but I'm wondering about the sound quality. I'm getting mixed signals between sales people.
I would prefer to buy just one mic, however, I'm wondering if I need two, one to stay at home and one for the road, and if so, if the Zoom H2 is the right mic for that or not.
This question also spills out into the "what's the right audio program to buy" but I don't know if that's too much to ask for one question. I also wasn't sure if this belonged here or under the sales topic.
Your expertise appreciated!
Thanks!
Edited by - mander on 02/15/2011 07:39:21
banjomikey - Posted - 02/15/2011: 07:51:00
I'm a fan of the H2. It works pretty well for voice or music and has more than enough features for me. You can easily plug it into a sound board, or just use the built in mics.
msujc - Posted - 02/15/2011: 09:46:42
I have the H4 which I have liked very well. It records to sd card which makes it easy to transfer to a computer. It also has two built in condenser mic for stereo recording and the ability to hook up to two mics with xlr inputs and it provides phantom power. It runs of of an ac adapter or two AA batteries. I am actually thinking about listing it in the classifieds because recently purchased a larger multitracker and really don't use it. In fact I only used it about 5 times in total. I recorded live performances as well as practice sessions. let me know if your interested and I'll list it with additional details.
Lonesome Will - Posted - 02/15/2011: 09:51:03
I have an H4. Fantastic little recorder. Has stereo mics built in or you can plug in external mics. Great sound Quality. I think the H2 is similar just doesent have some of the bells and whistles like track mixing. The small navigational screen takes some getting used too.
jbalch - Posted - 02/15/2011: 09:52:11
I just got an advance copy of a new CD recorded on a Zoom h2. The project includes recent field recordings of live Gospel music in various settings. It really sounds amazing.
It was produced for Spring Fed Records by Bruce Nemrov & Jack Pearson. It is not on their website yet...but you might be able to find it here soon for reference: artscenterofcc.com/Spring-fed/Catalog.html
Stuart Bowen - Posted - 02/15/2011: 10:48:47
The Zoom H2 has a lot of features that don't get discussed much and I think a lot of people assume there's not much to the H2 simply because it costs less than a single decent mic. It actually has 4 high quality condenser mics built in. 2 are front facing in a 90 degree XY stereo pattern and two are rear facing with 120 degree XY stereo pattern. You can select just the front 2 (normal stereo use), just the rear 2 (wider coverage) or use all 4 mics in 4 channel mode. Use the 4 channel mode in the middle of a jam circle and get good coverage from all directions with the ability to transfer the 4 tracks to a DAW to tinker with the mix parameters. Recordings can be made directly to WAV files for CD quality. A 4 GB SD card will record about 4 hours of CD quality (44.1 at 16 bits) stereo or 2 hours of CD quality 4 channels. You can also select up to 24 bit at 96Khz for higher than CD quality recordings and various levels of MP3 for lower quality recordings. I won't attempt to detail all the features and built in effects because I don't need or use them all, but I'd recommend downloading the free users manual if you'd like to know more. I've been using mine for several years now and I've never been disappointed. Initially I didn't like the plastic used in construction but even that has held up well under pretty tough use.
quote:
Originally posted by mander
Hi All!
Long short(ish) I'm putting together a volunteer radio drama program. I'm trying to balance out numerous concerns. I need to be able to record voices speaking and singing, music and sound effects. The Zoom H2 has the portability I need, but I'm wondering about the sound quality. I'm getting mixed signals between sales people.
I would prefer to buy just one mic, however, I'm wondering if I need two, one to stay at home and one for the road, and if so, if the Zoom H2 is the right mic for that or not.
This question also spills out into the "what's the right audio program to buy" but I don't know if that's too much to ask for one question. I also wasn't sure if this belonged here or under the sales topic.
Your expertise appreciated!
Thanks!
Alan Friend - Posted - 02/15/2011: 19:49:49
I've been using the Zoom H2 for about 2 years since it was recommended here at BHO. It's fantasic. My only problem is that it's hard to see the display, however keeping the backlit feature on while using it helps a lot.
Alan
mander - Posted - 02/16/2011: 06:09:41
Thanks!
All very helpful info.
I appreciate your time and expertise!
Enjoy!
Mander
JIMBO53 - Posted - 02/16/2011: 13:12:58
Have my ZOOM H2 and love it. Once you get through that learning curve, you'll be amazed by the quality you can get. Some upgrades I can pass along:
1) I used an old AC adaptor as a donor and cut the 12v cord as long as I could. Then spliced it into the one I used for my H2 doubling the length. Much easier to use this way if you're recording a jam session. Never have to worry about batteries when recording indoors.
2) I went on the H2 website and downloaded and printed the manual on 8.5x11" paper, zoom.co.jp/archive/English_Manual/E_H2.pdf 3 hole punched it and put it in a 3 ring binder. MUCH easier to read, and I takes notes in the margins as I work with it.
3) I bought a cheap camera tripod at Target and use it for live recordings. The little plastic stand that came with it isn't good for anything but tabletop recording.
3) I got a a 4GB SanDisk card at Walmart for $8.00 and use the included 512MB card as a backup
4) I carry everything, including tripod, a small set of headphones to listen to the replay, in a small camera case I found at Goodwill for $2.00
5) Next time you go hear a band, check with them-alot of bands allow live recording-also check with the venue. The H2 does a great job with this-those tiny mics are amazingly sensitive.
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