Zoom H2n – Voice Recording Setup

Introduction

The Zoom H2n is an excellent portable recording device for field and studio recording applications. It is simple to use and designed to work as a stand alone recorder or as an audio interface for direct recording to a computer. An accessory kit is available that includes many useful items for audio or video projects. In regard to quality, versatility and affordability of recording devices, the Zoom H2n is perhaps the best value available today.

The Zoom H2n is one of the only handheld recorders available that can be configured for voice recording in sub-optimal environments. This type of application is the subject of this guide sheet. To learn more about the overall design and operation of the Zoom H2n, please visit the Zoom website or download the user manual.

Configuring the Zoom H2n

1. On the top of the Zoom H2n, turn the dial so the arrow is pointing to MS (MS is the Mid-Side configuration pattern).
2. On the side of the device, toggle and hold the PLAY switch to the up position. This will cause the screen to display MS SIDE MIC LEVEL. Hold the PLAY switch upward to decrease the sensitivity of the side stereo mics. Keep reducing until the screen indicates S:OFF (MONO).

Note: The Zoom H2n has 5 small microphones inside that can be used in 4 possible configurations for sensing sound. The steps described above will turn off 4 of the microphones inside the Zoom H2n. The 1 microphone that remains on will detect sound from one direction in the same way as a high quality, voice narration studio microphone. This configuration helps the recording have clear sound that is focused on the narrators voice. If the extra microphones are not turned off, sounds from all directions will be captured with equal strength. In that situation, the narrator’s voice will compete against all sounds occurring near the recording area.

Positioning the Zoom H2n

The narrator must speak into the side of the H2n that has the battery compartment and the name H2n Handy Recorder. If positioned correctly, the arrow on the top dial and the red LED by MS will be pointing toward the narrator.

Alert: The LCD screen is the back side of the mic. Do not make the mistake of facing the LCD screen toward the narrator!

Use a sturdy stand or other creative solution so that the Zoom H2n is close to the narrator’s mouth, not sitting far away on table. The Zoom H2n has a threaded socket on the bottom that fits most camera stands. The Zoom H2n accessory package includes a light duty tripod stand that may be adequate for some recording applications. The accessory kit also includes a handle that threads onto the bottom of the H2n and slides into a standard microphone stand clip. Using the handle in a microphone stand clip is probably the most ideal solution.

Using a pop filter or wind screen is a good idea because it protects the microphone from strong blasts of air that can make bad sounds in the recording. The accessory kit includes a foam wind screen for the H2n.

Position the H2n about 10 -15 centimeters from the narrator. It should be positioned at a slight angle so the H2n is not hit directly by the path of wind from their voice. This will help to prevent volume spikes, breath noises and too much bass from words that begin with letters like “b” and “p”.

Adjusting the Mic Gain Level

The H2n has a convenient gain adjustment knob on the side. Adjust the gain knob so that the sound input level consistently measures between -18 and -6 on the LCD meter or in your computer recording software.

Suggested Settings within the Digital Menu

Within REC, set REC FORMAT to one of the following formats:

• WAV 48kHz/16bit (best quality for recording and editing audio; larger file size)
• MP3 128kbps (acceptable quality for recording audio; standard for audio distribution; smaller file size)

Within INPUT, set:

• LO CUT to “ON”. This will help avoid too much bass in the recording.

Set COMP/LIMITER to “COMP2(VOCAL)”. The COMP2(VOCAL) setting may help to minimize abrupt increases in the recording level that can happen when a narrator expresses syllables too loudly.

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