Zoom H2n

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.

I use the Zoom for 2 purposes:

- recording guitar and bass at home directly from my amp
- recording our band

Warning: I did not have any experience concerning recording music before, so this review might be helpful for you if you are a beginner too and are looking for equipment with easy and beginner friendly handling. I am someone who does not like too Play around with technical devices and many Options, I just want the thing to work and to record my stuff in the most convenient way.

Home recording works really good. Recording guitar seems to be easier than recording bass. Perfect for saving your song ideas for later. Sounds great and works much better for me than recording with a PC. Turn on your amp, press recording button, play your riffs, that's how I like it!

Band recordings sound very good as well, especially at lower volumes. Had some problems recording a very loud and muddy sounding stoner band, no problems at all recording a rock/pop cover band playing at lower volumes. I had some problems with muddy recordings, but i think that was because the band sound was quite muddy too. Hi Hat tends too be too loud, but we still need to experience with the perfect recording Position. Sound quality of bass guitar and bass drum could be better, but both are audible. Overall perfect for holding on to your song ideas, but of course not good enough for professional recordings.

Handling: Deleting data directly from the H2n can be annoying, because you have to open some menues. Some sort of erase button would be good. I did not use a lot of the functions like bass cut/boost etc., I just used Stereo and Surround and the Gain buttun to regulate the Signal strength. So the H2n has a lot of functions, but if you don't want to use them you don't have to and get a good Sound anyway. Some buttons seem to be a bit shaky, but no problems up to now. Recommended!