The new Zoom H2essential Multi-Mic Handy Recorder is a compact design (almost pocketable) that offers 9 ways to record music, interviews, podcasts, conferences, ambience streaming and video calls with clip free 32-bit float audio. Users can even record in MS-Raw (mid-side), which enables creative stereo width adjustments in post production, after recording. The H2essential features a 3.5mm stereo input for connecting line sources or a lavalier mic, a built-in mixer, a headphone output, an onboard speaker and a color LCD display which shows the waveform of all tracks while recording.
The Zoom H2essential is the only Handy Recorder with three internal microphones. With the ability to select different mic patterns, it gives creators more options than ever before. With two cardioid mics facing front and rear and a bi-directional mic facing side to side, the H2essential allows users to choose the perfect pick-up pattern for every recording - 90º or 120º stereo, or mono for a hyper directional pickup, reducing background noise - and then choose to record from the front, rear, or activate both sides for surround sound pickup.
Recordings are in 32-bit float up to 96kHz ensuring high-quality audio without the need to set gains, which is perfect when recording unpredictable sources. The H2essential supports SDXC cards up to 2TB. Users can also connect the H2essential to a mobile device via USB-C and record professional audio directly to the video file being recorded. Perfect also for video podcasts and live streams. And the H2essential has advanced features such as a low cut filter, pre-record, auto record, and playback speed adjustment.
The specially designed windscreen for the H2essential provides wind protection when recording outdoors. It is sold separately with the H2essential Accessory Pack. The custom fit gives access to controls while the windscreen is attached. The 3.5mm input can accommodate audio players, keyboards, and lavalier microphones with plug-in power. Users can record with the front mic and the 3.5mm input simultaneously. The built-in mixer allows to adjust each track's audio level.
The color LCD screen in the H2essential makes it easy to navigate through the simple interface, while the real-time waveform display lets you confidently see the audio as it records, while monitoring the signal through the 3.5mm headphone output for headphones. An onboard speaker also allows users to listen to recordings for quick reference. There is a dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording, which can be quickly checked after the recording.
With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, users can even pair one or more H2essential units with an iOS device to hit record remotely and sync timecode. The H2essential is also designed with accessibility for the blind and visually impaired in mind. When navigating the menu, audible instructions are output via the built-in speaker or headphones. And it's possible to connect the H2essential via USB-C to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device and use it as an USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card. The Zoom H2essential can be powered by two AA batteries or via the USB-C port. This includes bus-power as well as external USB battery packs.
The Zoom H2essential recorder is scheduled to become available globally in October 2024, and retails for USD 169.99, or EUR €189.00.
www.zoomcorp.co
