Zoom H2n: Introduction

The Zoom H2n is the workhorse of portable recorders. Watch this video to learn all about the H2n's features and functionalities.

Hi everyone, this is John from Zoom and I'm here to introduce you to our H2n handy recorder.

The H2n Handy Recorder is the only portable recording device with five built-in microphones and four different recording modes: X/Y, Mid-Side, 2-channel surround and 4-channel surround. With its multiple microphones and recording modes, the H2n can handle just about every kind of application.

The H2n has a pair of built-in X/Y and mid-side microphones. The X/Y recording technique lets you cover a wide area in live settings, while still capturing sound sources in the center with clarity and definition. With Mid-Side recording, you can adjust the width of the stereo image after it’s been recorded, while maintaining perfect mono compatibility. This recording mode is especially useful for film, video and television projects.

You can also use the H2n to combine signals from both the X/Y and MS microphones in order to create surround sound recordings of everything you hear—not just those sounds coming from in front of you, but from all directions.

2-channel mode lets you create a single stereo file of the combined mics. And 4-channel mode records the signal from the H2n's X/Y mics onto one stereo track and signal from the MS mics onto another. The resulting pair of tracks can then be routed to separate speakers for an immersive listening experience or blended into a custom stereo track. In addition, you can use the H2n's MS decoding feature to independently alter the level of the Side signal in both 2ch and 4ch modes.

You can connect a pair of external microphones or line level signal to the H2n's ⅛” Input jack which will bypass the on-board microphones. Lavalier microphones requiring Plug-In Power (2.5 volts) can be connected to and powered by this jack.

The H2n mounts directly to a tripod. You can also mount it to a mic stand with a Zoom MA-2 Tripod to Mic Stand Adapter...or to a DSLR with a Zoom HS-1 hot shoe mount adapter.

The Zoom H2n is the only handheld recorder that captures four-channel surround sound audio. With Firmware v 2.0, it’s perfect for creating 360-degree “Spatial Audio” files, the next-generation surround sound format native to the Google Jump Virtual Reality Platform. After recording the Spatial Audio file, it is then ready to be combined with 360-degree VR videos recorded with the google JUMP compatible camera rig (such as the GoPro Odyssey or Ricoh Theta). Once completed, you can upload your immersive videos to YouTube.

The line/headphone output is a stereo ⅛" phone jack with a dedicated volume control. Here, you can connect headphones for private monitoring. There's also a built-in speaker for fast monophonic monitoring of the recorded signal without the need for connections.

The USB port also allows the H2n to be used as a 2-in/2-out audio interface and USB microphone, as well as an SD card reader. The H2n can accept SD cards up to 32GB.

The H2n can record WAV formats up to 96 kHz/24-bit as well as a variety of MP3 bit rates.
The auto gain function sets input gain automatically to prevent overload and distortion. Alternatively, the input level can be set manually.

The H2n has several compression and limiting presets which can be used to control fluctuations in level, acting like an automatic volume control.

The H2n also includes a built-in low cut filter to eliminate pops, wind noise, blowing, and other kinds of low frequency rumble.

[TalesFromTheScript]

Am the proud owner of two of these splendid units, which I use for recording audio books in the studio, as well as out and about for field recordings, and audio for video... and of course they are so portable that I can keep one to hand to "jot" down audio musings and journal snippets. I can only wholeheartedly recommend these wonderful and quite gorgeously designed units. If you're thinking about buying one, just do it - you will not be disappointed!

[MovieExplainerMalayalam]

Hi, i recently brought h2n from see it i could see a steel or aluminum thread like substance through the mic near line in.
Is that normal? Or its a faulty one?

[UMBR.]

Love this mic. Great for recording atmospheres and foley/found sounds for my music.

[DavidSmith-mjzz]

This gadget really shines when used for chamber music or classroom use. Positioning is critical; anywhere in a direct line in front of a bass drum and you hear nothing else, experimentation to understand the acoustics of your room is essential but given the price the quality is decent. If your recorder is on a chair that vibrates in sympathy with a bass guitar, the recording will suffer in quality. It is points like this that one has to be very careful.

When recording a video on an Iphone this is a fantastic way to have a back-up recording. At 16 bit recording you get more than half an hour of recording, if one was going to criticise it is only this point that one sees the age of the product. Quick--changing an SD card during a concert is not impossible. The SD cards can only be a maximum of 32 Gb.. Maybe they should revise that so that it takes larger USB keys or records directly onto an external SSD.

Apart from that point you are getting a lot of bang for your bucks and recording school classes, duos, string quartets are ideal situations for this gadget.

[aarongardiner]

It has been used several times and loved.

[TanyaOwens]

Wish you spent some time discussing how to use as an audio interface. There really isn't much documentation on this.

[alialmatar]

tank you very much My Brather for this video
Is it possible to connect the recording microphone to the camera

[matteodalcol]

Hi! I have a question...I want to record a classical guitar in a church, what is more recommended H1n, H2n or H4n pro? I saw a lot of videos talking about it but still I've not understand witch is better for this purpose...I hope in a quick reply🙏 thank you!

[loverosakam]

Hi, I bought my H2N about a week and find that it would capture the background noise which are quite serious, unexpected!!! And then I set my H2N to MS and turn the voice gain to mono, it's the 'S= +6 to S= -24 to MONO', set it to MONO, actually, you may choose S= -10. And remember to use the backside, the side without screen, to capture the sound source. I think the design may suitable for someone works as a monitor to check the sound level. 

@Edward Gray, I've also bought a Sony ECM-CS3, when I plug the mic into H2N, there's an information says that line-in is working, but I found that there is no sound come from the Sony mic? Please give me some advices, thanks.

May be my Sony mic is broken? :P Checking...

[andreabernacca]

Which mode do you recommend to use to record a piano?

[richardc.]

Can I connect H2n Line out to Sony A7RII camera's mic-in? What setting on the volume and gain is recommended? Thanks!

[FadelSoliman]

Hi I am not aware of microphones and I bought it to record an audio book with it, it will be placed on a table infront of me and I do not want it to collect surrounding sounds as there is a baby in the house .
So PLEASE give me the best settings regarding which channels to use and which gain input etc...

[emmakliu]

If you use external mics, you bypass onboard mics...so, if I already have mic(s) that's USB and/or 3.5 mm minijack connected, I can't use this unit to function as an additional mic?

[balazsszentesi]

Is this a good pair with zoom U-24 adapter if you want to use XLR mics with your H2N? Connectiing by usb.
Thanks in advance

[werkingit]

two questions. Do you have to use batteries and also why only 32 g for SD card?

[sujithcalicut]

Planning to buy a Zoom H2N recorder. Can I attach a Audio Technica ATR6550x Condenser Shotgun Microphone which has a TRS pin and uses a inline battery?

[mikeneeson]

can you use h2n to record from midi disc player to android tablet

[GamingPoliz]

Will this be a good idea for recording a class in a medium size classroom, (approx.30 students)

[Merseyjuke]

When you have recorded an audio file and play it back, should you be able to hear it without being attached to the computer ? If so what is the sequence to hear a recording direct from an unattached H2n ? or can I only hear it through earphones ?

[technoisbeautiful]

Is there any possibility to export the markers that I put during recording? I'd like to import them to a DAW ( Reaper or Bitwig) for further editing and not chopping them inside the H2n?