Anyone experience of the Zoom H2 handy recorder?

[Roobubba]

Hi all,

I'm thinking (tentatively at this stage) of getting a suitable device for recording band practices, as the mics I have can't cope with the volume, and it's a faff to set up the laptop to record whereas a small handheld recorder would be much simpler to use on the go.

Does anyone have experience of this unit, or suggestions for a suitable alternative?

Cheers!

Roo

[Denim n Leather]

I use a Tascam DR-1, but they are probably very similar.

It works great. I set it on a music stand on the far side of the wall, set the input level and leave it alone. It can get 2hrs of stereo 24/44.1 WAV audio on a 2GB card.

[Denim n Leather]

Here's a jam we recorded X.Mas weekend using the DR-1.

http://www.soundclick.com/util/getplayer.m3u?id=8533955&q=hi

[Roobubba]

Thanks for that, it sounds really clear!! Have you found any problems with very high bass levels going into it? That's the main problem I'm facing at the minute so want to make sure any solution I end up with can cope with the very high noise levels!

Cheers,

Roo

[Denim n Leather]

It sounds incredibly clean.

I have yet to find a situation where I've clipped the mics. I usually run the volume at "2" and it gives me a good -12dBU signal going into the recorder. This way I know I'm getting most of the 24 bit resolution and still have room before clipping.

The USB capability makes dragging the files off of the DR-1 and onto my computer a snap. I can do edits and tweak the overall level using a DAW or Soundforge.

I'm not exaggerating when I say the DR-1 is one of the best gear investments I've made.

[Twinfan]

I use a Zoom H4, that's what recorded the audio on our MySpace at a gig.  Works brilliantly, dead easy to just plug and play  :)

www.myspace.com/doppelgangerrock

[gwEm]

One of the guys I was touring with last week swore by this recorder - said it got him a great sound at practice.

[FELINEGUITARS]

http://reviews.cnet.com/voice-recorders/zoom-h2/4505-11314_7-32792828.html?tag=mncol;lst

[38thBeatle]

I have a Tascam GT-R1 ( similar to Ben's). Great machine-dead easy to use and to set up. Well worth the money.

[dave_mc]

i hear it works best with telecasters.

[Alex]

I have an Olympus LS-10 and love it. It gives a very precise tonal picture of the highs, but other units do sound warmer with more bass.

[Dr. Vic]

I have a H4n and it works great, it's an all-in-one-everything-I-need-high-quality-package  :)

[tomjackson]

I asked something similar a while ago but have decided to go for something with video now.  The Zoom Q3 is basically a H2 with video which is handy for doing youtube clips as well as decent audio clips.  There are less audio functions than the H2 but I believe the quality and ability to handle high spl's is the same.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXv8qnr8nI

Also, now this is coming out at the same RRP (£199), I think the Q3 might go down in price soon.

http://www.alesis.com/videotrack

[gordiji]

roobubba, i just bought a tascam drd2 (280€) after posting a similar thread a few weeks ago to enable tech
                 dummies like me record.38th beatle said he was pleased with his which lead me to look at the tascams.
                 It's great and i've posted my first try on the players section . It's easy to use and gives an accurate
                 reproduction of what comes out of your amp which is what i was after.I've stuck to mp3 to maximise
                 record time without buying a bigger card. The internal mic's work fine although the serious reviewers
                 recommend external's. For band practice, sharing pick up sounds and being able to listen to yourself
                 critically as learning tool they're perfect. Tascam and olympus(ls 10) were the final choice for me
                 after looking at all the reviews of all the brands in this price range (150- 300 quid)   
                   

[Roobubba]

Thanks, everyone (except dave)! :)

Think I need to talk to Mr Bank Manager now :)

Roo