All In the tests

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Out of all the digital recorders that have come out recently, the Zoom H2 is definitely one of the best sellers at the moment. It’s sold at a very affordable price (around 199 euros), but does the Zoom H2 live up to all of our modern day expectations?

In this all-computer era, we would naturally wonder if buying a portable recorder is really necessary or useful. But our home studios are becoming so cluttered that transporting the computer means disconnecting a lot of stuff and bringing along the audio card/interface, mics, compressors, etc. …basically a lot of hassle. Plus, recordings made with these type of recorders are usually more for capturing or reminding than for definitive recordings. Only nature ambiance recordings, for example, could be usable in the studio later on. A recording device will never replace a professional studio.

Having said and accepted this, you have to admit that a portable recorder is quite practical. Plus, they often use WAV or MP3 formats (and not a proprietary format), which will make your recordings easier to use on your computer gear.

Out of the Box

The least that can be said about the H2, after having opened the (nice looking) box, is that it’s well equipped. It not only comes with a handy tripod stand which attaches to the underside of the device, but also a mic clip adapter, (also attachable, letting you take device in hand or attach it to a mic stand), a 512 Mb SD memory stick, a cover, AC adapter, a windshield cover, stereo headphones, a RCA/mini jack cable to plug the H2 into hi-fi equipment, and a paper manual. As for the latter, the manual is 91 pages long and very complete and detailed with lots of recording tips, visuals and diagrams which really help show how it works.