ZoomH2n Handy Recorder with MS Microphone (Japan Import)

If you are trying to decide if you should buy this Zoom unit, or another model or brand, then read other reviews. But I can tell you quickly that I have this and the Tascam DR-05 and I use both, for different situations. This unit is great for recording piano recitals and similar gigs. I put it 10-20 inches from the piano, on a mic stand. The recording comes through clean and crisp. It rarely clips, though you have to make sure you set the input level properly (and do some test recordings). The Tascam is better for directional sources and outdoors (and to reject other noises such as cars and traffic), but for piano recording, the Tascam sounds more muffled. Also this zoom unit is slightly more immune to RF noises (such as under a sports stadium, where you have sodium lamps arcing RF) than the Tascam. The RF noise comes through as a horrible buzz that you can't easily remove in post. Though both are not perfect and to get the best sound, sometimes I have resorted to wrapping the recorder in aluminum foil (leaving a hole for the mics). It's sad, i know. But when you are at home and processing the recordings, you will be glad you went the extra mile.Now, for why you came here, this Zoom recorder is sold by Amazon Japan. There is another one just like it on this website that is sold by Amazon USA. I bought both. They are the identical products, except one is $109 and the other is $175 as of this writing. The buttons and menus are in English. The quick start guide is in Japanese but I don't bother with it. The product is easy to use and you should at some point download the full manual and read it at lease once to understand the finer features of this recorder. Its easy enough to find on the Zoom website. The recorders are both made in Japan, so I can see why the Japanese one is cheaper.So I highly recommend buying this unit if you are looking for an inexpensive recorder to record music on stage or in a room, and you do want to pick up some ambient sounds to make the recording more authentic (audience clapping, etc).

I’m unable to fathom how this device can be shipped with no charger, batteries, cables or anything else!!!!!This is appalling! I can’t even test it!

Gift for my Dad. He loves it and still using!

perfect!

good

This microphone has been the work horse for our audio production. Doing video with DSLR Sony cameras - our audio quality has significantly improved in post editing - using two of these microphone we can adjusted the two audios together in post giving us a great overall sound, especially when doing video work for live band performances. I hope to try to use one of Zoom's new models soon but for the price, this is a great mic. The quality of the sound is unmatched for the price.