Zoom H2 field recorder

The Zoom H2 is an inexpensive, compact field recorder that records from built-in microphones (or an external input) to an SD memory card. The unit runs for about four hours on a pair of AA alkaline batteries. An AC adapter is included. Also in the box are a carrying pouch, a stand, an adapter for a mic stand, and an RCA-to-1/8" stereo cable.

Operation is via a set of buttons for all of the most common operations. An easy-to-navigate menu system handles configuration and less-common operations.

The H2 has four microphones (two in front and two in back) set up as two stereo pairs with differing acceptance angles. Either pair may be selected individually, or the front and back pairs may be combined to pick up a stereo signal from in front of and behind the H2. Finally, a "surround" mode records simultaneously to four channels.

The H2 can record to both WAV and MP3 formats at various rates and depths. (The four-channel surround mode records only to WAV files. Presumably the intent is that you'll want to import the surround audio into some kind of encoder.) With the included 512 MB SD card the H2 can record over five hours of stereo material directly to a 192 Kb/s MP3.