09.26.07
Zoom H2 - first impressions
For one of my Podcasting projects I intend to go out and do some interviewing face-to-face so I did some digging around to find a neat pocket sized solution which would allow me to record these interviews in good quality. By chance I had decided to use the Zoom H2 unit and then a couple of hours later the Podsqod podcast for the day landed in my iTunes and lo and behold a review of the Zoom H2!
Mark Jensen at Podsqod covers quite a lot of the features of the H2 in his cast.. and I’ll probably do the same in a podcast after I’ve used to unit in anger but for now here is a brief run down:-
Features:
- W-XY mic patterns with 4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90° cardioid, Rear 120° cardioid and 360° polar patterns
- Built-in USB 2.0 interface
- Records in WAV 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit, MP3 to 320kbps and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) data formats
- Time Stamp and Track Marker functions in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF)
- 512MB SD memory card included
- Accommodates up to 4GB SD memory cards
- Auto Gain Control (AGC) for pristine recordings
- Auto Start function means you’re always ready to record
- Low-cut filter eliminates wind noise
- On-board chromatic Guitar/Bass tuner
I’ve actually gone and purchased a 4GB SD-HC card to use in the unit, becuse I’m going to be recording interviews I’m going to use the 4 channel feature; me on the front mics and my subjects on the rear. The 4 channel feature actually creates 2 x stereo WAV files, one from each mic set (F/R) and so requires twice the storage for the same amount of audio time, hence the larger capacity SD card.
I’ve done a little playing around and I have to say I’m impressed. The audio quality is very good. What it’ll be like out in the field I’m not sure but the signs are positive so far.
J.
