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Started April 23rd, 2024 · 7 replies · Latest reply by one_brain_cell 1 day, 17 hours ago
I'm contemplating another recorder for my field recording.
For two reasons :
1) The H5 is a bit bulky, more of a "needs a dedicated space in the bag" and not a "can slip in the pocket casually" deal. As it needs the protection case as the mic capsules aren't protected much.
2) It's a bit more expensive than id like for a sort of "lengthy unattended recording", a "can leave in nature or up a tree".
With the Zoom H1n being 60€ now, I'm contemplating getting it as a sacrificial recorder, or for getting two angles (There's a total solar eclipse in 2026, I'm thinking getting like several locations of crowd, wildlife, ETC.. to be a thing, having multiple recorders at different locations would be cool.
I could get a second hand Zoom H2n with accessories for 100€
The H1n new is 60€ (second hand they're like 50€ lol) +15 for the accessories kit (wind shield, box).
I'm intrigued by the H2n for the Surround aspect, and it looks like a sturdy form factor.
The H2n is apparently double the weight of the H1n, but I doubt id be bothered by it.
Any opinions on it all? Is the Surround recording a useful thing, or is it kind of a nice idea but not practical / not useful to anybody (kind of like 3D TVs) etc...
How would surround sound uploads be handled by Freesound? (Is Multi-Track WAV a thing Freesound can handle or would it need to be two mirror uploads?)
Then there's the Zoom H3-VR but I recall hearing an audio comparison and the H2 sounding better. Then it's a Circle pattern vs Sphere, so not an apple to apple comparison, maybe with VR becoming a thing maybe it's a significant difference there in immersion?
IDK, what are your thoughts ? ^^
dit you see this:
https://www.zoom-europe.com/en/field-recorders/zoom-f1-sp-msh-6-bundle-uk-version
great for omni in low budget
user @dibko is using this set
https://freesound.org/search/?q=zoom+msh&f=username%3A%22dibko%22
his recordings sound great
recorder weight 120gr without battery and MSH mic
I hadn't considered it. Thanks for pointing it out!
Seem neat! Owning an H5 already id just need the MSH-6
Though that seems like a Mid side setup (though a compact and practical one!)
When it comes to omni, I'm considering getting a Omni Capsule for my Rode NT5's,
I'm more questioning the use case of a 4channel surround or VR audio, and if it's worth it.
And how >2 channel audio would work with Freesound? (Mirror uploads, or if it can handle multitrack wav)
To answer myself a bit.
I downloaded this 3d sound by Gladkiy https://freesound.org/people/gladkiy/sounds/458625/
And upon importing it in audacity it was indeed 4 mono channels of wav, so freesound does support multitrack wav.
Then it's all over the same question of if surround or even 3d sound is worth the investment. I'm not sure who uses it, and I presume a 360 camera/visual element is important when it comes to that sort of experience.
Perhaps a mono omni is sufficient when it comes to preserving a soundscape of a location (what birds, how much human noise etc...)
Hi Sadiquecat,
I have used both an H1 and an H2n.
The H2n is superb. I've used mine for the last 10 years and I leave it in my backpack permanently because the AA rechargeable batteries last absolutely ages. About 20 hours from a full charge allegedly. I always tape a spare set of AA's but I've hardly ever had to change batteries on a job.
The Zoom H2n is good and tough, but buy a protective case for it and you won't have to worry.
I had A Zoom H1 for a short time but the battery connector broke. You can still power an H1 or and H2n with an externall power bank, just like you would a mobile phone, but the real joy of these recorders is they seemingly go forever on very little battery!
Would I buy a Zoom H1n? No because they now require AAA batteries. I want all my recorders to run on AA's, its so much less hassle that way. So I'd recommend an Zoom H2n.
The most rubbish thing about both units? The plastic 3/4 thread. I can't believe how stupid Zoom were in doing that. The previous model, the Zoom H2 has a metal thread, so does the H4n, H5 and H6. Why did they go plastic? You lose so much functionality when that thread gets ruined!
I think even the Zoom H2 has a 360 recording facility (I'm only 60% sure on that)!
But yeah, thread issue aside, I don't leave home without the H2n!
Hey one_brain_cell,
Weirdly enough the AA, is a major point I hadn't considered. Adding AAA to my checklist/backpack is just another thing to worry about.
The plastic thread is a nuisance indeed! I'll probably have a gorilla pod with quick release permanently fixed.
The H2 can indeed do 360audio. I'm not familiar with all 360audio patterns. Here it seems like it's a 4channel stereo, forward backward left right.
I'm eying one second hand
How's the signal to noise? What kinds of things are you comfortable recording and what would be too noisy?
Thanks!
Yes, having to carry and keep charged different types of battery is a major pain, its one more thing you don’t need taking up your time in the field. I would much rather source a second-hand H1 or H2 for less money and more compatibility.
A colleague swapped me his silver Zoom H2 a few years ago, and even though the LCD screen is much smaller than the H2n, its still a great recorder. I can’t say that I notice too much issue with signal to noise; sure there’s a noise floor, but its not as bad as say, an XLR mic plugged into an H4n.
I use the H1, H2 and H2n for recording interviews and wild-track. Lately for interviews I’ve been using XLR mics into a H4n with a fathead providing a -20db gain boost in the middle, which makes up for the weak preamps on the H4n, but it can be a faff to set up when the interviewee is already itching to get away, so sometimes I’ll have to gauge their readiness with which mic to use.
Too noisy for a Zoom H2 would be an indoor concert. I’ve never had much luck with that, or any situation that goes from being very quiet to very loud!
However I think what’s more effective than any setting or gadget on a recorder is the person operating it. If they can read the environment, eliminate or minimise any nasty sounds e.g. buzzing fridges, buses going by, police sirens, people on scooters, screaming kids or even have the nous to find a better location or postpone to a quieter day than that’s worth its weight in gold. Also, wear headphones always. I know people who don’t and are very bullish about it, and it drives me up the wall!