Zoom H2 bargain deal...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000VBH2IG/macintoucwebsite/ref=nosim#

About half price... HIGHLY recommended.

I've got one; love it!

WOW that's a great price for one of these. This was a big seller for Zoom.

I've had one since they came out and it's an outstanding value! I have a 16-gig card in it and record myself in WAV format most nights. I plug it into the aux in in my car on the way home to critique new songs and tweeks. You can plug it into the PC for transfer, or just pop the card out and plug it in instead.
Very versatile and of top quality.
Of course you can load MP3s for playback during break or just to listen.
You can record via stereo line-in, as I do, or with external mics, or the built-in mics.
DonM

Don,

How do you hook it up at the job?

Thanks,
zuki

It depends. Right now, I'm using a mixer most of the time so I run the outputs of the keyboard and the vocal harmonizer into channels on the mixer.
Then I plug the tape outputs from the mixer into the stereo line input on the Zoom.
When I had a PSR S900, I recorded from the headphone output directly into the line in on the Zoom. Both work great.
DonM

Really nice little unit. Recorded an impromptu fundraising concert with a 5 piece (me, included) last week. Almost goo enough to issue as a C/D for additional fundraising.

Like it better than the more expensive unit.

R.

One advantage of these things is a folder system for files... You don't use it just for recording. Put break music in one folder, and use it for, well, you know!

Then change to another folder to record into. It also time-stamps audio, so if you've got a whole heap of files, and you want to look up something from ten days ago, there is the date stamp to help sort them out.

Auto recording is cool, too. Put it into permanent record, hook up to your keyboard mixer. It will turn itself on when you start playing, and turn itself off when you stop... (and timestamp). Never miss a good idea again from not having the red light on (great for songwriters).

This is my favorite purchase for this year...

Thanx for the info Russ...I'll be getting one for a personal Xmas present........will be a great tool for recording parts of the Louisiana Jam in January 18.19.20.21 when we go down to see Don M.

Ummm, just found mine in a mike drawer in my 'studio'. I'd forgotten what a nice little unit this is. Nothing like rediscovering 'toys'.

chas

Chas... learn about that 'auto-record' feature. It's a life saver in the studio, if you forget to hit 'Record' on the main recorder while you are rehearsing a part. Sometimes those early tries have a 'something' you lose later on. Record at 24/96 (or whatever your DAW is running at) and it's a snap to fly the take in if it has that 'something' you can't do twice...

I leave mine permanently hooked up to the mixer's RCA outs. No need to fire up the big dog if I'm just jamming, and I know I've always got a 'safety' if the big dog flakes out during a session.

This thing is ANYTHING but a toy...!

What about the H4? For less than $100 more, it has usb, phantom power, etc. Is it worth the upgrade from the H2 - 'cause I plan to pick up on either this week.

Thanks!

Zuki.., I know a guy who upgraded to the H4. He works with a Church choir.., and said he loved both units, but felt the money spent was well worth the upgrade (or at least to him it was)

The H4 is $229!!!

WELL worth it. X pattern Mikes, Has Phantom Power for condenser Mike and XLR inputs, is a computer interface,Comes with Cubase,
4 tracks.

Well worth the $60 extra.

IM wondering what the follow up is since the MAP policy has been eliminated on the units,

Newer is not necessarily better....do your homework & see whats better for YOUR needs.

good luck



[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-23-2008).]

H4 is 4 tracks for overdubs ONLY... (and VERY limited ability - no punch in/out, top to bottom one take only). H2 can record in 4 track surround, but not overdub.

H2 is a computer interface also (exactly the same specs), and instead of the one X-Y configuration, you get TWO different sets of mikes, one at 90º and one at 120º (plus you can run both at the same time for either two track stereo front and back - good for putting it in the middle of a bunch of guys jamming, or in four track surround, good for effects work, field recording, interviews, etc.)

But yes, the H4 has XLR inputs, but the gain is a little noisy, IMO. I used an H4 prior to the H2. I believe the H2 is the better deal, and put my money into it...

If you are looking for a REAL four tracker, you need to look elsewhere than the H4, IMO

Also..., you have to keep in mind that these devices aren't to replace nor give the full functions of a high end or even mid range mutlti-track recorder. These are "on spot and on sight field recorders". For what they're designed to do.., these little recording devices become very useful tools in the field, studio, or even in gig sessions.

If you're wanting a more (mult-track) like operation then there's something like the Boss Micro BR. Very small, portable, built in stereo mics, and did I mention "very small". I know a few people that have these and absolutely love them.

Thanks Diki,

I'll go for the 2 since I already have an 8 track digital recorder Should be fun to fool with at the gig.

Zuki why not record directing into your pa800 MP3 card I used to do it all the time.

Can't take that PA800 around with you in your pocket, Donny...

I'll do that too. Just trying to help the economy

Besides, I don't like that big red flashing R in the screen when I'm playing live.

http://www.rolandus.com/go/r-09hr_contest/


as an alternative take a good look at this.
good demo video...

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-24-2008).]