Zoom H2 Digital Recorder used in Botswana

From SPARK

Brief Summary

I was very impressed by the many features, low cost, and ease of use of the Zoom H2 digital recorder. I am making it the cornerstone of my portable recording package and the thing I intend to train nationals on.

Introduction

Some of the features about the Zoom H2 are:

● It has four microphones on it, in stereo pairs. For me, this means that I can have a lead singer on one side and the choir on the other and mix between them after I finish the recording.

● Runs on AA batteries.

● Records to SD media, up to an 8 GB card.

● Records to WAV or a variety of MP3 formats (including VBR).

● Features built-in editing controls, such as limiting and compression.

● You can plug it into a computer and it becomes a USB microphone (or an external hard drive, depending on your needs).

● At $200, it's about the same price as a minidisc, and with the falling price of SD cards, the cards are about the same price as minidiscs on a MB per MB count (though the SD cards are a lot smaller). Easier to use than a minidisc, too.

● A Zoom H2 can easily replace the audio to USB converter, mixing board, and microphone setup I learned in the past.

● It's about the size of a large deck of cards; I regularly put it in my pocket when going out, just in case I come upon someone playing music.

Key Factors

Ease of use, many good features (see above).

What Was Done

I had it with me at an event here in Botswana, where I was unexpectedly called up to perform. I handed the device to the person next to me and taught her how to use it, then got up to perform.

Results

Training period: 30 seconds to a passable recording.

Helpful Information from the Author

By: SPARK Volunteer 1, based on a report written by the user.

Date entered: March 10, 2008

Date range of story: Early 2008

Location: Botswana