The Zoom H2 is a digital recorder, with two stereo mics capable of recording up to 24bits /96 kHz wav. But it’s also an audio interface which is automatically recognized by your computer. Note that in this mode, the audio capacities are reduced to 16 bits/48kHz. Therefore, the Zoom H2 transforms itself into a USB Mic...

In recorder mode, the Zoom H2 can be configured to run in mono, stereo, and also in 4 channel mode through its two integrated stereo mics. The manual shows the different possible types of applications and how to position the H2 depending on the chosen mode. It’s important to note that in 4-channel mode, the sampling frequency can’t go beyond 48 kHz. Besides wav format, the H2 lets you record directly into mp3. In this format, the Zoom can go up to 320 kb/s, in 44,1 kHz maximum. Another limit: you can’t record in mp3 when in 4-channel mode.

In addition to it’s recording capabilities, the H2 has quite a few audio editing tools, such as normalization, divider, track marker, time stamp, mp3 encoding, repeat playback, low-cut filter, compressor/limiter. Even though it’s pretty complete, I would still recommend editing audio on a computer because the H2’s screen is rather small and the its display settings are limited. Other than the aforementioned tools dedicated to audio treatment and recording, the device has a metronome and a tuner. The latter lets you choose between guitar or bass tuning and also open tunings. You can also choose the frequency of you’re reference pitch (A from 435 Hz to 445 Hz). This precise tuner comes in handy right before recording an acoustic guitar for example. This helps you avoid recording an out of tune guitar.

Surround

The Zoom H2 lets you record from the mics in the front and in the rear. This comes in handy when you have multiple sources, like during a rehearsal, when you need to record in 360 degrees. Plus, the H2 completes this feature with a mic positioning tool in 3D called 3D Pan.

Note that in 4 channel mode, the H2 creates two files (F) for the front and (R) for the rear. It’s therefore easy to adjust an ambiance recording while taking into account the limitations of the place… this is important!