This really is an updated modern version of the H2n. Most of the same features, but of course updated and by comparison better. I'll need to get one, but I have a fleet of H2n recorders, that all still work great, making it difficult to replace them. We often use them on film shoots with the RØDE NTG2 shotgun, because they have a battery and don't require phantom. Really great for students honing their craft! Thanks Bark. peace
i have a H2n too,...but the only thing i can find as an advantage on the new generation is to have functions like the mixer and the lo-cut-filter as a button, instead scrolling through the menu for those
@@klofisch Bark of course hates the mini and micro USB connections, which I understand. BUT my devices predate usb-c, and I still have fully functioning and quality devices with all types of connections and protocols, so I don't mind so much.
I recently purchased the Zoom H2essential recorder to use with my Osmo Pocket3 camera. I was pleased to find your video review, as there are not many videos about this new recorder yet. Your review provided some important facts that helped me get started using the recorder. I also found your review to be well-produced and informative. I appreciated the time you took to provide a detailed overview of the recorder's features and capabilities. Thank you for your contribution to the community of audio enthusiasts.
I had the original zoom h1 back in the day, i used it as a usb mic of sorts on a laptop mostly...worked great as a headphone amp/booster as well..rarely did much recording to sd card...the thing it was designed for. I'm recently rocking a zoom U24...thats the swiss army knife of interfaces...can be bus powered as well as micro usb to any old phone charger or even AA batteries...the thing rocks...2 in 4 out, but the cruncher for me, it has old style midi din plugs...its a one of a kind in that respect...i got it to record in my android phone and ipad. i love zoom stuff dude.
Thanks for the review. Really interesting. I loved the sound out of this gadget when you were recording in the untreated room. But in the studio, I hated it, it sounded as if it had a low cut and a high cut, and just a few Hz between the two...
I went out and bought one today on Black Friday sale AUD$349 to AUD $199 including tax. Not sure what that equates to in USD but it is a bargain from my point of view. I will let you know what I think of it. Cheers mate. John, Brisbane, Australia.
Just found you today and subscribed. Always loved the original H2n and I have owned an H^ and R24 interface before. This thing IS badass and will suit my desire for a small and lightweight recording bag. I don't really see why I would need anything else. Maybe an H! essential to use as a shotgun mic on my camera., But that's it.
Highly appreciate that! That’s why I was so excited for this little thing to arrive…. It cut my carry bag weight in half. Got some really good results with it on a podcast the day after this
This is pretty cool. I have an old Tascam DR44WL that I carry around when i need to do onsite stuff. Has 2 XLR inputs and a pair of XY mics on top. I sent over an AT stereo mic a while back. Id be interested in seeing if this device accepts the 1/8" trs as stereo mic input. (DO NOT turn power on, it'll blow the mic). Line in stereo is cool too, could use the saramonic wireless w this. Video was in mono but would be cool it it does actual stereo. Thanks!
No 360? What should I get if I want stereo or 5.1 front and rear pick up of my voice when I talk around with a camera or camcorder? Can you review Zoom M3? Is this H2 can mount flat on top of camera and camcorder? mount flat on top of camera?
@@ObscureMics I understand the old USB connect. I did my transfers via SD card. The record button is designed awkwardly. Just outdated overall. I fell for the hype about surround recording. But after grabbing one, realized how little, to NEVER I would even use it. I had gotten it for $60 shipped, so I might just keep it. I recently have fell back in love with the Wireless Go II system, so much over the firmware update that makes the transmitter, a pocket sized field recorder, with internal 32 bit float audio recording. I got the set, but bought an extra transmitter only off eBay for $60 to use solely as a super compact mini field recorder.
Thanks for the review! Like you, was really looking forward to an updated version. But I loved the H2N, it just needed a new interface, usb-C, and 32bit recording. Just don't understand why this new one took away the 5 microphones, and it can't record 4-tracks anymore? So it has a L/R and front/back mic setup but not a x/y and m/s? And it can't record all mics (4 tracks) simultaneously anymore? Seems like a downgrade with the mic setup from the H2-N version in that regard.
@ObscureMics Thanks! i just dont understand the new Essential setup 😂, are there actually 4 mics then, or just three? if you use the 1/8 input with a stereo mic, can youvrecord 4 trks? which in-built mics will be recorded on 4 trks ?
Interesting. I have the H2N and M2. I mostly use the H2N because the files are easier to work with, quicker workflow, at the expense of headroom. The H2N has to be quite far from the sources when doing band rehearsals to not clip even at the lowest setting. The M2 has a bad formfactor, and the time it takes to convert to Wav. is annoying. But it guarantees clip free recordings...
One question so if I have a USB-C to lightning cable can I just plug the USB-C cable into the Zoom H2 essential and then the lightning cable to my iPhone then go into the menu USB and select file transfer and I can transfer the files to my phone
I think most purchasers would be mainly interested in using it for stereo recordings, given its wide range of options in that respect, but you only tested it in mono, using the controls on the top to vary the pickup pattern. But you did say that the weather did not encourage outdoor testing! I also was puzzled why you used it mostly with the screen and controls facing away from you. There is no difference in the mics pointing each way. The idea is that you use it with the controls towards you, and press the front or back pickup (or both) according to whether you are recording yourself (back) or someone else (front). The sound will be the same from the front or the back. Lastly the sound was very thin, and I wonder whether you had the low cut filter turned on, possibly unintentionally?
Low cut was not on. I think my distance from the mic was a little further in studio than in the office. I personally heard a slight difference in front and rear mic, and prefer the front.
If you want to be intimately close or if you want to hear the room in the recording if you're far away. Better to get a wireless mic with lavs and sync in post.
@@ObscureMics Thank you so much! So, I would need to create a surround mix later in post. I believe the old Zoom H2n could record live on all four channels.
Thanks for reviewing this one. I have one question, if you don't mind; the plugin power jack, is it only mono, or can it be stereo. My shotgun mic is stereo, and needs the plugin power. Thanks,
Now that's a seriously in-your-face mic contraption. You're ready for the next step earthquake. 😆 So the Front is on the back, with the Marker button? Practical.
As soon as I s a w the Bluetooth adapter slot I quit watching. Zoom can f off not including it and taking up space by not incorporating it into the main board and in doing so probably had room for a second input like a 1/8" which would have sold me even at 199. Corporate shmucks........suck it. Thanks for the review, saved me time.
Lol.. you want to open it soooo bad, you went to your local library and opening. Not waiting for home. 😉 What is weird, I would call where the controls are the front side... I would get mixed up quite a bit in the beginning... 😀
@@ObscureMics The front and rear mics are identical. The controls should face the user and then just turn on the mics you want to use with the buttons on top which face in the appropriate direction.
Their devices give bad sound. Their customer service and sales give no sound at all Zoom is a real disaster. I have the H2n. It even records a drum salvo when I touch my headphones or the cable. You have to hold it on a very weak elastic band without connecting cables to not hear contact sounds. - Then I have the Zoom H6. Almost never used. I took it out of its original packaging a month ago. Then it stuck to my fingers like a pot of honey. The entire rubber coating is sticky. So I can't sell it and upgrade it to 32 bit. - I have emailed zoom many times. But they simply don't answer and no service. I think I'll just send them an invoice for my damage via a lawyer. If they don't respond, a bailiff and then debt collection. Maybe they will respond there. Never again Zoom
![Звукозапись без пафоса [Что нужно для начала]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jCPErrCesZc/mqdefault.jpg)
![Звукозапись без пафоса [Что нужно для начала]](/img/tr.png)
I like that volume dial,this is the thing that never shouldn’t be changed
Agreed
Never shouldn’t or should never or never should.
I think they meant never should have shouldn’t nevered
This really is an updated modern version of the H2n. Most of the same features, but of course updated and by comparison better. I'll need to get one, but I have a fleet of H2n recorders, that all still work great, making it difficult to replace them. We often use them on film shoots with the RØDE NTG2 shotgun, because they have a battery and don't require phantom. Really great for students honing their craft! Thanks Bark. peace
i have a H2n too,...but the only thing i can find as an advantage on the new generation is to have functions like the mixer and the lo-cut-filter as a button, instead scrolling through the menu for those
@@klofisch Bark of course hates the mini and micro USB connections, which I understand. BUT my devices predate usb-c, and I still have fully functioning and quality devices with all types of connections and protocols, so I don't mind so much.
Thanks, it arrived this morning and tested it at a concert in Berlin, it’s amazing
Great video !
That’s awesome!! Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed the concert!
I recently purchased the Zoom H2essential recorder to use with my Osmo Pocket3 camera. I was pleased to find your video review, as there are not many videos about this new recorder yet. Your review provided some important facts that helped me get started using the recorder. I also found your review to be well-produced and informative. I appreciated the time you took to provide a detailed overview of the recorder's features and capabilities. Thank you for your contribution to the community of audio enthusiasts.
Super cool of you to say so. Thanks for watching
I have one question maybe you'll have the answer.When connecting this device to a DSLR via the 3.5mm output.Do you use the audio interface mode.
I had the original zoom h1 back in the day, i used it as a usb mic of sorts on a laptop mostly...worked great as a headphone amp/booster as well..rarely did much recording to sd card...the thing it was designed for. I'm recently rocking a zoom U24...thats the swiss army knife of interfaces...can be bus powered as well as micro usb to any old phone charger or even AA batteries...the thing rocks...2 in 4 out, but the cruncher for me, it has old style midi din plugs...its a one of a kind in that respect...i got it to record in my android phone and ipad. i love zoom stuff dude.
I love it too. I own the p4, and have owned a slew of their other devices and I’m always happy with them for the most part
Thanks for the review. Really interesting. I loved the sound out of this gadget when you were recording in the untreated room. But in the studio, I hated it, it sounded as if it had a low cut and a high cut, and just a few Hz between the two...
Yeah I think the sound was best in the office and I am not sure why.
That's really cool. As much as I love the R4 I wish you can record to SD in Audio interface mode. I'm glad you can do that with this!
R4 was exciting…but yeah I moved on because it was clearly more of a music tool
No use for one at this point, but I knew I’d enjoy and learn from the video regardless. Glad you like it so much!
Did a members only podcast with it today with what I perceive as great success
My biggest gripe with the original H2 is the boot time. Much as I love my F2, it doesn't have its own mics. This looks very, very interesting.
This boots up very quickly
So you may turn on/off the front /rear mic during the recording but for changing the angle you need to turn off the recording first?
Man that sounds great and is exactly what I want. Will keep my H6 though.
I’m enjoying it
I went out and bought one today on Black Friday sale AUD$349 to AUD $199 including tax. Not sure what that equates to in USD but it is a bargain from my point of view. I will let you know what I think of it. Cheers mate. John, Brisbane, Australia.
Just found you today and subscribed. Always loved the original H2n and I have owned an H^ and R24 interface before. This thing IS badass and will suit my desire for a small and lightweight recording bag. I don't really see why I would need anything else. Maybe an H! essential to use as a shotgun mic on my camera., But that's it.
Highly appreciate that! That’s why I was so excited for this little thing to arrive…. It cut my carry bag weight in half. Got some really good results with it on a podcast the day after this
This is pretty cool. I have an old Tascam DR44WL that I carry around when i need to do onsite stuff. Has 2 XLR inputs and a pair of XY mics on top. I sent over an AT stereo mic a while back. Id be interested in seeing if this device accepts the 1/8" trs as stereo mic input. (DO NOT turn power on, it'll blow the mic). Line in stereo is cool too, could use the saramonic wireless w this. Video was in mono but would be cool it it does actual stereo. Thanks!
Ooooo good idea to do the Sony mic with this
Can you record with the screen off? I would like to record with some EMF microphones that are very sensitive to the interference noise LCDs makes.
Sadly not that I can find
No 360? What should I get if I want stereo or 5.1 front and rear pick up of my voice when I talk around with a camera or camcorder? Can you review Zoom M3? Is this H2 can mount flat on top of camera and camcorder?
mount flat on top of camera?
ANYTHING is better than this H2n that I got all excited about, ordered, tried to like..and now on sale via Mercari LOL! back to the video.
What dont you like about it? I definitely cant do the old usb connection
@@ObscureMics I understand the old USB connect. I did my transfers via SD card. The record button is designed awkwardly. Just outdated overall. I fell for the hype about surround recording. But after grabbing one, realized how little, to NEVER I would even use it. I had gotten it for $60 shipped, so I might just keep it.
I recently have fell back in love with the Wireless Go II system, so much over the firmware update that makes the transmitter, a pocket sized field recorder, with internal 32 bit float audio recording. I got the set, but bought an extra transmitter only off eBay for $60 to use solely as a super compact mini field recorder.
Excellent video! Thanks
Thanks for watching
Thanks for the review! Like you, was really looking forward to an updated version. But I loved the H2N, it just needed a new interface, usb-C, and 32bit recording. Just don't understand why this new one took away the 5 microphones, and it can't record 4-tracks anymore? So it has a L/R and front/back mic setup but not a x/y and m/s? And it can't record all mics (4 tracks) simultaneously anymore? Seems like a downgrade with the mic setup from the H2-N version in that regard.
You can record the mid side and front and back as 4 tracks. But yeah no xy. Thanks for watching
@ObscureMics Thanks! i just dont understand the new Essential setup 😂, are there actually 4 mics then, or just three? if you use the 1/8 input with a stereo mic, can youvrecord 4 trks? which in-built mics will be recorded on 4 trks ?
The front/back mic is one capsule but dual sided, so technically 4 tracks can be recorded with mid, side, front, back. Then you got the mic line in
Interesting. I have the H2N and M2. I mostly use the H2N because the files are easier to work with, quicker workflow, at the expense of headroom. The H2N has to be quite far from the sources when doing band rehearsals to not clip even at the lowest setting. The M2 has a bad formfactor, and the time it takes to convert to Wav. is annoying. But it guarantees clip free recordings...
I think this will fit the bill really well for band rehearsals
Can you;disable the screen light?
I believe that WAS in the settings. Not 100%. I’ll have to break mine out when I get home
One question so if I have a USB-C to lightning cable can I just plug the USB-C cable into the Zoom H2 essential and then the lightning cable to my iPhone then go into the menu USB and select file transfer and I can transfer the files to my phone
Since it’s powered by batteries….you should be able to do just that. I’ll check on that later too
Should work. I’ll check later
Should work. I’ll check later
No 360? What should I get if I want stereo or 5.1 front and rear pick up of my voice when I talk around with a camera or camcorder?
This will do the trick I just accidentally rendered the video in mono
about time to an upgrade! my tascam d40 has taken it like a champ but its about time to change it
Oldie but a goodie
I keep checking for availability of this one everyday and still can’t find it anywhere for sale yet. I’m totally impatient haha. Thanks for the video.
Links in description….sold out?
@ I’m in the uk so seems we are still waiting haha
@EQAVOX Ahhh bummer
Although you picked 90/120 at 11:48, the sound was in mono...
Sadly it was. I’ll probably do a follow up video just demonstrating the mid side mics. Completely forgot my editing preset was in mono
I think most purchasers would be mainly interested in using it for stereo recordings, given its wide range of options in that respect, but you only tested it in mono, using the controls on the top to vary the pickup pattern. But you did say that the weather did not encourage outdoor testing! I also was puzzled why you used it mostly with the screen and controls facing away from you. There is no difference in the mics pointing each way. The idea is that you use it with the controls towards you, and press the front or back pickup (or both) according to whether you are recording yourself (back) or someone else (front). The sound will be the same from the front or the back. Lastly the sound was very thin, and I wonder whether you had the low cut filter turned on, possibly unintentionally?
Low cut was not on. I think my distance from the mic was a little further in studio than in the office. I personally heard a slight difference in front and rear mic, and prefer the front.
Would be good for field interviews for two person interview style podcasts!
If you want to be intimately close or if you want to hear the room in the recording if you're far away. Better to get a wireless mic with lavs and sync in post.
Hi! Quick question-Is it no longer possible to record four channels with the new Zoom H2 Essential?
You can do multitrack and record them all separately
@@ObscureMics Thank you so much! So, I would need to create a surround mix later in post. I believe the old Zoom H2n could record live on all four channels.
Scarlet 3rd gen 2i2 or UA Volt 2. I am using android. Pixel 7 pro and various other androids galaxy tab s4 ect
Really can’t go wrong with either. I’d go volt myself
Thanks for reviewing this one. I have one question, if you don't mind; the plugin power jack, is it only mono, or can it be stereo. My shotgun mic is stereo, and needs the plugin power. Thanks,
I plan to find out and do a short, as I recently got a stereo mic
According to the manual it can be stereo or mono from menu option
@@ObscureMics That is fantastic.
Now that's a seriously in-your-face mic contraption.
You're ready for the next step earthquake.
😆
So the Front is on the back, with the Marker button? Practical.
Yeah probably the worst thing about it. Some claim the front and rear mic have no sound difference but I found the front mic to sound better
Its a professional dictaphone, but dont let that dissuade anyone. I have the very first generation they made.
As soon as I s a w the Bluetooth adapter slot I quit watching. Zoom can f off not including it and taking up space by not incorporating it into the main board and in doing so probably had room for a second input like a 1/8" which would have sold me even at 199. Corporate shmucks........suck it. Thanks for the review, saved me time.
Welcome. Thanks for watching
Hahaha “Blueteeth”
Lol.. you want to open it soooo bad, you went to your local library and opening. Not waiting for home. 😉 What is weird, I would call where the controls are the front side... I would get mixed up quite a bit in the beginning... 😀
The front mic being at the rear is my least favorite thing
@@ObscureMics Maybe they can fix this on a firmware update.
@@ObscureMics The front and rear mics are identical. The controls should face the user and then just turn on the mics you want to use with the buttons on top which face in the appropriate direction.
The previous version of this is so good, I bought two of them. Oh, and they have mini USB, not micro USB.
Always get those 2 confused
Their devices give bad sound. Their customer service and sales give no sound at all
Zoom is a real disaster. I have the H2n. It even records a drum salvo when I touch my headphones or the cable. You have to hold it on a very weak elastic band without connecting cables to not hear contact sounds. - Then I have the Zoom H6. Almost never used. I took it out of its original packaging a month ago. Then it stuck to my fingers like a pot of honey. The entire rubber coating is sticky. So I can't sell it and upgrade it to 32 bit. - I have emailed zoom many times. But they simply don't answer and no service. I think I'll just send them an invoice for my damage via a lawyer. If they don't respond, a bailiff and then debt collection. Maybe they will respond there. Never again Zoom
That’s not good