#16
|
||||
|
||||
These are especially critical when recording in an uncontrolled environment, like concerts and recitals. I probably (OK, I do) look dorky wearing headphones at a recital, but it really helps to get the optimal recording level, and adjust for differences in dynamics of pieces and performers. You may be 15-20 feet away from your recorder in these instances, and you need long cords or extensions. Zoom's remote comes with an extension that gives you extra distance.
|
#17
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Roland's Edirol R09HR or R-05 seem worthy of consideration. The R-05 is less expensive, but I don't think it has that handy remote. However, like the Zoom H2, you should be able to just set it down and record without a tripod. For myself, I took a leap of faith and pre-ordered the Zoom H1 mostly because I like the price (although Amazon has a pretty good deal on the H2). |
#18
|
||||
|
||||
Cuyler, we'll need a full review, of course. Hope it fits your needs perfectly!
cotten |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
I've used the discontinued H4 and own an H2. I found the interface for the H4 to be frustratingly overcomplicated. Meanwhile the H2 was easy to use and yes even comes with its own little removable stand and microphone handle. I you want to use a mic stand/boom the latter is good to have.
As for using the H2 as a plug-in USB-type device to record in realtime I'd advise against it. You have to download a special ASIO driver for it and it almost completely messed up my PC's audio card settings. I think it's better to just record with the unit as a standalone and import the raw tracks to your editing software via USB. The real beauty of these Zoom recorders after all is that they're portable and - provided the space you're recording in is ideally suited to for recording cleanly - produce reasonably good quality. Good enough for youtube certainly though I'm not sure about for CD quality though I'd hazard a guess that a few of the AGF CD submissions were done with Zooms. |
#20
|
|||
|
|||
I just ordered an H2 today. Hope to get it in time to try the line inputs to record the church service this weekend. (Its my turn to run audio).
I also have a video shoot on Saturday and will set it up as a backup audio source....
__________________
Kopp Trail Boss - Kopp L—02 - Collings C10 Custom - Gibson J-200 Jr - Halcyon 000 - Larrivee 00-70 |
#21
|
|||
|
|||
So whats the Ext Mic jack for on my H2?
__________________
Steve |
#22
|
||||
|
||||
I suppose you already know the answer to that, and that you already know that the H4N has two mic jacks that will accept either XLR or 1/4". If you're happy with your H2, I certainly won't try to talk you out of it. It's a fine recorder. But I wouldn't expect it to do what the H4N can, and the extra flexibility of the H2's big brother is what attracted me to it.
Here's a blurb from the H4N's web site. Quote:
cotten |
#23
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
If you can get your feed from a headphone output or aux out that has a level control you'll be OK, but if the line out is at a fixed level you'll need an attenuator between the source and the H2. You can get a lot of useful nitty gritty details on using the H2 successfully in this thread: http://www.2090.org/zoom/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=9745 Fran
__________________
E ho`okani pila kakou ma Kaleponi Slack Key in California - www.kaleponi.com My YouTube clips The Homebrewed Music Blog |
#24
|
|||
|
|||
|
#25
|
|||
|
|||
H4n for the win!!! The best little portable recorder i've ever had
|
#26
|
|||
|
|||
Portable Recorders
Aloha,
Great advice here. Since you're a beginning acoustic guitar recordist here, perhaps you should check out the new Zoom H-1 when it arrives in a couple weeks. It's simple and under $100. But you should check out the others mentioned AND other brands so you can appreciate and learn the differences among them. For point and record, the H1 or H2 would be a decent place to start cheaply. However, IME, all portable recorders still have serious limitations at this point, but they're getting better. And they are great for capturing moments like concerts and parties, and for getting into recording your guitar as a newbie. There are pros & cons, as with everything. You'll either think they're great or not such a great value, depending on your goals and uses, and what you choose. There is also a huge difference in the quality of manufacturing - Sony's vs. Zooms for example, IMO. Cons: Crappy preamps (the "sonic" killer for me in terms of being satisfied with the sound), difficult to read & complicated menus (even still w/ the H4n), inability by most to handle two balanced X-L-R or 1/4" cables for better condenser mics (except the H4n), problems being read by more than a few computers, unprofessional (unlike studio quality) final product quality no matter what processing you do on a DAW, etc. As mentioned, there is also a problem w/ hyper-sensitive "line" modes. Sometimes difficult to quickly determine the recording levels on the Zooms. It all depends on your the uses, purposes, goals & ears and knowledge of how to use portables. Pros: Very handy & portable, simple 'point and record' for H1 & 2, surprisingly good sounding built-in mics, ability to drag files to your computer and share quickly, ability to capture spontaneous events and music. Among the Zooms, the H4n gives you all the monitoring options you'd need. I was at a great music party last Sunday evening at which the bass player captured the night with his Zoom Q3. But the party was outside on a lanai and the video failed to deal with the shadows & uneven light. The music sounded OK for live, reflecting the weird mix of equipment, acoustic/electric and styles. It captured all the wind noise as well. If I were to choose among the Zooms you inquired about, I'd wait to hear the new, very afforable H-1. But for the best recording options and sound, the H4n provides the most options among the Zooms. I would probably get one of the Sony's if I cared more about portable recording. The differences between them and the Zoom's is like night and day -but so is the price. You should try out more portables than only the Zoom's, IMO, such as Olympus, Edirol, Marantz, Tascam (the DR-1 is a very cool unit), M-Audio, Korg, Roland, Yamaha and of course, the Sony's. Remember, the popular items on guitar sites like these often reflect a bias towards what's cheap - in this case the Zoom's - and not always what's better or best. So check 'em out for your own knowledge's sake, OK? If you want to capture good guitar sound on portables, you should also get an adaptor for a MIC STAND or buy the stand & other accessories that Zoom offers - LIKE WINDSCREENS - to achieve the best "sweet spot" placement & wind-free quality you can get for stereo miking of an acoustic guitar. Good luck with your search. alohachris Last edited by alohachris; 08-01-2010 at 10:41 PM. |