ZOOM H2N (NEXT) HANDY RECOEDER

Representing a new generation of portable recording, the H2n is Zoom’s most innovative handheld recorder to date. We’ve packed groundbreaking features into an ultra-portable device that allows you to record pristine audio anywhere you go. From film and broadcast, to journalism, podcasting, musical performance, songwriting and rehearsal, the H2n provides amazing recording quality. No matter the application, the H2n brings the very best in stereo recording to a convenient, user-friendly package that fits in your pocket. Zoom H2n Handy Recorder. The new standard in portable recording.

The H2n is the first handheld recorder to offer Mid-Side stereo recording, a technique used for and surrounding noise are crucial. Mid-Side recording combines a uni-directional Mid mic that captures sound directly in front of you and a bi-directional Side mic that captures sound from your left and right. By increasing or decreasing the level of the Side mic, you can control the width of the stereo field, which gives you incredible flexibility over your recordings. If you record in RAW mode, you can even adjust the stereo width after recording.

The H2n’s onboard 90° X/Y stereo condenser mics are arranged with the right and left mics on the same axis. This design ensures that the mics are always equidistant from the sound source for perfect localization and no phase shifting. The result is brilliant stereo recording with natural depth and accurate imaging.

Five new mic capsules provide four unique recording modes
The H2n features our best microphones yet and is the only portable recorder with five mic capsules onboard. This design enables the H2n to offer four unique recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel surround sound.

Create stunning 360° surround sound recordings
Using the H2n’s Mid-Side and X/Y mics together, you can create stunning 360° surround sound recordings. Choose between 2-channel mode, which combines the Mid-Side and X/Y mics, and 4-channel mode, which records two separate stereo files, allowing you even more post-production capability. No matter which mode you use, you’ll get perfectly balanced, surround sound recordings.

Linear PCM recording at up to 24bit/96kHz quality
The H2n supports linear PCM WAV recording at 24bit/96kHz, which far exceeds standard CD-quality. Use a high-resolution WAV format to faithfully capture the delicate reverberations of natural sounds and acoustic instruments. For web and e-mail distribution, choose one of a dozen convenient MP3 formats.

Broadcast Wave Format support
The H2n supports the Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) used for broadcasting and other professional applications. With this format, each file can have a creation date/time stamp and up to 99 track marks (cue points) to help with file management and finding desired points in recordings.

Newly designed user interface
The H2n is remarkably easy to use. With its newly designed user interface, critical controls are right at your fingertips and make studio-quality recording a breeze. The H2n also houses an arsenal of comprehensive functions, including Auto-Gain, a compressor/ limiter, Low-cut filter and more.

Special playback features aid practice
Various playback functions make the H2n ideal for music—and even language—practice. Use the Variable Speed Playback to adjust the playback speed between 50% and 150% of the original, the Key Control to adjust the pitch, and the AB Repeat function to loop a desired part. You can even use the H2n as a music player, as it supports playback of a single track or all tracks in a folder once or repeatedly. The tuner and metronome are also handy when practicing with an instrument.

Edit audio onboard
You can edit audio right on the H2n. Without connecting to a computer, you can Divide recorded files and Normalize them to maximize their volume. You can also use the MP3 encoder to convert WAV files to MP3 files.

Data recovery function protects against unexpected errors
Never again will you have to worry about losing recorded data to unexpected errors. The H2n has you covered with its new data recovery function. Whether you experience battery loss or an accidental power-down, this feature will automatically restore your data the next time the H2n is powered on.

20 hours of battery life
The H2n provides over 20 hours of continuous operation on just two standard AA alkaline batteries! This astonishing feature enhances the H2n’s flexibility and convenience. In addition, the H2n can also operate using an AC adapter, which is included in the optional APH-2n Accessory Pack.

Analog Mic Gain for precision volume control
Digital volume controls offer too much or too little gain, with no middle ground. The H2n’s analog Mic Gain wheel allows you to dial-in the perfect amount of gain for any given application.

Onboard reference speaker and stereo output
The H2n’s built-in reference speaker lets you know your recordings have been captured. With its 1/8-inch stereo output, you can also playback your recordings on your home audio system or listen to your masterpiece using your favorite pair of headphones.

32GB SDHC card support
The H2n uses SD/SDHC cards and can accommodate up to a 32GB SDHC card for over 50 hours of recording time using the 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV format. With 128kbps MP3 format, you get an incredible 555 hours of stereo recording. The H2n comes with a 2GB SD card to get you started.

LCD screen is bigger and brighter
The H2n’s 1.8-inch backlit LCD display (128 x 64 resolution) provides crystal-clear monitoring and makes it simple to navigate all of the unit’s functions.

USB 2.0 Hi-Speed allows for rapid file transfer
Use the H2n’s High-Speed USB 2.0 interface to transfer files to your Mac or PC. Once your recordings are on your computer, you can easily store, edit, playback and share your favorite creations. You can even use the H2n as a USB microphone, letting you record directly to your computer.

WaveLab LE software included for editing and mastering
Steinberg’s WaveLab LE can be used for audio editing and professional-quality mastering. By using its precise waveform editing and high-quality processing, you can refine your recordings into finished works. Furthermore, you can freely download the “MS Decoder”, a plug-in for mid-side decoding. Use this to convert mid and side signal data into left and right signals. Using the Mid and Side faders, you can adjust the stereo image as you like.

Increase the H2n functionality with an accessory pack
The APH-2n optional accessory pack includes seven tools for use with the H2n. The remote control can be used to start, stop and pause recordings as well as to add marks. The other accessories in the pack are a windscreen that reduces wind and breath noise, a mic clip adapter for use with a mic stand, a tabletop tripod with extendable legs, a padded-shell case, an AC adapter and a USB cable.

Specifications

Using the H2n

With its multiple microphones and recording modes, the H2n can handle just about every kind of application. Here are just a few ways it can be used:

• Live recording of concerts and rehearsals, in either stereo or surround sound
• Location videography—the H2n gives you plenty of options in postproduction
• Creating audio for YouTube videos
• Generating lasting audio documents of important events
• As a USB microphone providing input to recording software

 

 

Five microphones, four ways of recording

The H2n offers not one, not two, but five built-in microphones. Two of them are arranged as an X/Y pair, while the other three are configured in an MS (“Mid-Side”) pattern. They can be used separately for X/Y or MS stereo recording, or combined to create stunning 2- or 4-channel surround sound.

Mid-Side for variable stereo width

Mid-Side recording is an incredible technique that allows you to actually adjust the width of the stereo image after it has been recorded, while maintaining perfect mono compatibility, making it especially useful for film, video and television projects.

The three microphone elements in the H2n MS mic are set directly on top of one another. One faces forward and the other two face to the side:

The H2n’s onboard MS decoder allows you to adjust the relative level of the mic elements, either during the recording process or afterwards, during post-production. As you increase the level of the Side microphones, the perceived stereo width increases as well.

X/Y for natural-sounding stereo

The X/Y technique provides a great way to cover a wide area while still capturing sound sources in the center with clarity and definition, making it perfect for all types of live stereo recording.

The H2n’s built-in X/Y microphone provides two matched unidirectional microphones set at a 90 degree angle relative to one another, optimum for most stereo recording applications.

Surround sound for lifelike realism

The H2n allows you to combine the 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.

Use 2ch mode to create a single stereo file of the combined mics, or 4ch mode to record 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 can be blended into a custom stereo track. In addition, the H2n’s MS decoding feature can be used to independently alter the level of the Side signal in both 2ch and 4ch modes.

Spatial Audio for VR

The Zoom H2n is the only handheld recorder that captures
four-channel surround sound audio. With Firmware v 2.00,
it’s perfect for the creation of 360-degree “Spatial Audio”
files, the next-generation surround sound format native to
the google JUMP Virtual Reality Platform.

Using “Spatial Audio” mode, you can create a single
four-channel, multi-track WAV file that includes Omni,
Left/Right, and Forward/Backward tracks. This Spatial Audio
file 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, the
immersive videos are ready to upload to YouTube.

Note: Viewers using the YouTube Android app on Android 
version 4.2 or higher can listen to spatial audio on
headphones (recommended) or speakers.



Additional information regarding H2n and Spatial Audio for VR:

• Recording Spatial Audio with the Zoom H2n
• Use spatial audio in 360-degree and VR videos

 

The Ins and Outs

The H2n Line In is a stereo ⅛” mini phone jack that can accept two channels of mic- and/or line-level signals. Condenser microphones requiring Plug-In Power (2.5 volts) can be connected to this jack. An analog-type Mic Gain dial allows you to manually set input level, or you can choose one of the three Auto Gain presets to automatically set the optimum recording level.

The H2n Line Out is a stereo ⅛” phone jack with dedicated volume control. Headphones can be connected to this jack for private monitoring of the input or recorded signal. There’s also a built-in speaker on the back panel for fast monophonic monitoring of the recorded signal without the need to make any connections.

The H2n USB port provides a digital output of the stereo mix and allows data to be sent to and from your computer. From there, it can be imported into editing software such as the supplied WaveLab LE. USB also enables the H2n to be used as a 4-in/2-out audio interface or as a USB microphone.

Pre-Record, Auto-Record and Data Recovery

Pre-Record
The interview started a split-second before you were ready. The conductor lifted his baton just as you were checking a cable. The talent went back on-air a moment too soon.

No problem… as long as you’re using an H2n. Its Pre-record function automatically keeps the H2n silently but continuously recording in the background, all the time, keeping the previous two seconds* when you hit RECORD.

*One second when recording in 4ch surround mode at a 96 kHz sampling rate.

 

Auto-Record
Auto-Record allows the H2n to automatically start recording when a certain level of sound is detected. As soon as an incoming signal exceeds the Start Level you’ve set, recording begins. There’s an equivalent Auto-record Stop function, too; as soon as incoming signal drops below the Stop Level you’ve set, recording ends.

Data Recovery
The H2n’s Data Recovery feature automatically repairs corrupted files—something that can happen if power is interrupted during recording or if an SD card is removed during a writing or editing procedure.

Onboard effects

The H2n provides an arsenal of effects that allow you to add polish to your recordings and compensate for any problems or limitations in the acoustics of the recording environment.

Compression and limiting can be used to control fluctuations in level, acting like an automatic volume control. The main difference between the two is that a limiter reduces louder sounds more severely.

A low-cut filter removes signal below a designated frequency. This is useful for eliminating pops, wind noise, blowing, and other kinds of low frequency rumble such as transmitted resonance from an onstage mic stand.

There’s also an onboard metronome and chromatic / guitar / bass tuner. In addition, playback can be looped and the playback speed varied without pitch change (or vice versa) to facilitate phrase training.

 

File types supported

 

 

The H2n can record audio in two different basic file types: WAV and MP3. The main difference between the two is that WAV files are uncompressed; that is, they contain all the recorded signal without any data being removed. The WAV files recorded by the H2n can be either 16- or 24-bit, with sampling rates of 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz, and are automatically time-stamped, making them Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) compliant—especially important when recording audio for video since it allows for precise synchronization in post-production.

MP3 recordings are compressed, which means that some unnecessary data is removed prior to storage, making them much smaller than WAV files, and thus much easier to upload and download. Some MP3 files exhibit a slight loss of audio fidelity as compared with the original signal; however, this is not noticeable in all circumstances.

The H2n allows you to easily convert WAV files to MP3 format and you can use its internal mixer to mix down the pair of stereo files created in 4ch surround to stereo, with independent control over each track’s level and panning.

Battery life and recording times

 

 

 

The H2n requires just 2 AA batteries—either alkaline or rechargeable NiMH. Battery life when using alkaline batteries is more than 20 hours, even during continuous recording. Alternatively, you can use an optional AD-17 AC adapter, which allows you to power the H2n from any standard wall socket.

The H2n records directly to SD cards. It supports standard SD and SDHC cards, up to 32 gigabytes. The chart below shows maximum recording time with different file formats and card sizes.

 

STEREO MODE

 

4 CHANNEL MODE

 

*The maximum file size is 2 GB.
* Recording times are approximations. Actual times may differ according to recording conditions.

Using the H2n as an audio interface

The H2n’s USB port allows it to send and receive digital data and to act as a 4-input / 2-output audio interface (enabling you to use it as a USB microphone). Simply connect the H2n to your laptop or desktop computer via USB, launch your favorite DAW or use the included WaveLab LE software, and start laying down your tracks.

 

 

State of the art editing with every recorder

The Zoom H2n comes with free download licenses for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software and WaveLab LE audio editing software, providing not just the ability to capture superior audio in every box, but to do spectacular things with it.

Take your recordings to a more professional level. Steinberg’s powerful and state-of-the-art audio software used by creators around the world now comes with every Zoom Handy Recorder purchase.

Currently shipping with:
Cubase LE8 for Mac OS X 10.9/10.10 and Windows 7/8/8.1
Wavelab LE9 for Mac OS X 10.10/10.11 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10

For information on license activation and upgrades, visit our Steinberg Software support page.

Features at a glance

• Five built-in microphones and four recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, and both 2-channel and 4-channel surround
• Analog-type input gain control
• Auto Gain provides three preset recording levels
• Stereo ⅛” Mic/Line In mini phone jack with Plug-in power (2.5V)
• Stereo ⅛” Phone/Line Output jack with dedicated volume control
• Built-in reference speaker for fast monitoring
• Large 1.8 inch backlit LCD display
• Records directly to SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB
• Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
• Auto-record and Pre-record features
• WAV to MP3 conversion
• Internal mixdown: four-track surround to stereo
• Up to 99 marks per recording
• Built-in effects, including compression/limiting and low-cut filtering
• Onboard MS decoding
• Normalize and Divide functions
• Chromatic tuner and metronome
• Loop playback with user-defined start and stop points
• Variable playback speed, from 50% to 150% for phrase training
• Variable pitch without affecting playback speed
• USB port for data exchange to and from computer and use as a USB microphone
• 4-in/2-out USB audio interface for PC/Mac computers
• SD card reader function
• Data recovery function automatically saves data if power fails or card is removed
• Mounts directly to tripod or DSLR
• Runs on only 2 standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries, or AC adapter (AD-17, USB to AC type)
• Over 20 hours of operation with 2 AA alkaline batteries

 

 

Accessories

Here’s what comes included with the H2n:

• Operation manual
• 2 AA batteries
• Steinberg Cubase LE and WaveLab LE editing software

Optional H2n accessories:

• WSU-1 universal hairy windscreen
• HS-1 hot shoe mount
• MA-2 tripod to mic stand adapter for Handy Recorders
• APH-2n accessory package includes remote control with extension cable, windscreen, AD-17 AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case, and a mic clip adapter.