Zoom H2n

Best budget microphone

I was using Zoom H5. After sold H5, I bought this one and I LOVE IT. You don't need to buy extra zoom microphones. H2N has XY and MS microphone.

Unbeatable at this price.

If you need ample possibilities, spacial sound and ease of use - this thing is unbeatable. At 96kHz / 24 bits it sounds crisp and clear, relatively low noise, and gives a great sense of space. It doesn't provide the strongest, or widest stereo effect (though You can play around with the settings and effectively widen the soundstage both while recording or in post) but it does give a realistic sense of 3 dimensional space. Perfect for cityscapes, parking lots, noisy clanky environments, afterwards when you listen back to the recordings, it really feels as if you're transported back to that space, the simpler, stereo 2 channel handhelds don't qite deliver the same effect. It also does well in nature, though you will need a windscreen, as without it it's going to be unusable, unless there is nearly zero wind. Out of all modes, at this point I like the 2 channel surround the best, as you can adjust the stereo imaging, and it's a bit less cumbersome than having multiple files and a slightly odd format in the end. Tried recording guitar and drums with it as well, works great, though it really shone with wind instruments, namely alto sax. Also has an extremely handy limiter and compressor built in. I only wish you could manually adjust the compression and limiter levels, as there are only three options on each one, but the options at hand are good enough, especially the limiter. Oh and there's a low cut as well, very handy. Overall, very happy with this, stellar quality for the price, loads of options, do recommend.

Perfect for this price range

I will explain each sub-rating I have.

Total: 5 stars because it is fantastic at what it sets out to do; be a relatively inexpensive yet capable and feature-rich field recorder.

Features: 5 stars because of the impressive quantity and quality of features in such a small package. The various recording modes are useful in a variety of scenarios and I was particularly impressed by the spatial audio recording. I used it to record audio for a 360-video project.

I have knocked one star off the Sound and Quality ratings because these are not as good as the more expensive zoom recorders however they are still very good for this price range.

Sound Quality is Awesome

Best few pounds I’ve ever spent. Easy to use. Totally portable. Sound quality is superb! I would recommend and have recommended!

10/10

Great all-round device.

Does exactly what you need it to.

Nice design, and also robust good build quality

Excellent microphones

The plastic case is a little cheap feeling, but that's literally the only complaint. The Mid / Side and X / Y sound quality is genuinely amazing. I read reviews saying how good this unit was, but after taking delivery it really is hard to overstate just how impressive the sound reproduction is. The capsules are obviously very good quality, and with so many possible configurations, including the astonishing spatial settings, I have to wonder how on earth they've managed to squeeze so much in. One minor gripe would be the accessories kit costing so much extra for what could've very easily been included; with the USB cable, carry-case and pop-shield being the only things which are noticeable by their absence. Other than that this is both a must-have gadget for the budding field-recordist, and a really useful songwriting and rehearsal room recorder for bands and solo artists alike. But it's the ability to use it as an audio input and output device via USB which really makes this a serious contender for 'the only mic you'll need award' among Podcasters and YouTubers, looking for a detailed professional stereo sound indoors and outside. Simply put, get one. You'll love it.

Really good

A really good recorder that I've been using for recordings inside and outside. The fact that can be used with batteries is such an useful thing. You can also use with via USB as an audio interface on your PC. Been using it for a few years for streaming.

Brought to record from mixer and occasionally use as audio interface.

As for using with "rec out" everything works fine, just have to adjust levels on my zoom h2n. Unpleasant surprise was that it splits files to 1 hour duration so you have to concat them manually after recording. Lucky splits are made with no gap so it's not a big problem.

Audio interface. Have not tested it yet because MINI USB out and no wire in package. Seriously mini b usb! I lost last cable of this type in 2007.

As for sound quality it's perfect for my unprofessional ear.

Speaking about materials knobs and handling it'a also a bit disappointing. You buy a professional device but in low price category but get something that left much to be desired even for domestic equipment standards.

Totally recomended

We record with this in our band rehearsal and it is amazing!!!

Great product quality/price

Perfect for recording ideas at home

I'm using the H2n mostly to record guitar and voice at my house and I'm very satisfied with the sound quality and the easy handling. I'm also using it as a microphone connected to my computer which allows me to record track over track directly in Pro tools or Adobe Audition. The 360º recording option is impressive and gives you immersive soundtracks.