Page 2 - ZOOM H2; SAFETY PRECAUTIONS; SAFETY PRECAUTIONS / Usage Precautions
ZOOM H2 2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS In this manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions for you to read so that accidents can be prevented. The meanings of these symbols are as follows: This symbol indicates explanations about extremely dangerous matters. If users ignore this symbol and han...
Page 3 - Contents
ZOOM H2 3 Contents SAFETY PRECAUTIONS / Usage Precautions ................................ 2 What the H2 Can Do ................................ 5 Parts of the H2 ......................................... 8 Getting Connected ................................. 10 Operation on Battery Power ..............
Page 5 - What the H2 Can Do; Stereo mode recording (; Using the built-in mics; Solo vocals or a single instrument; Recording front and back simultaneously; Using an external mic
ZOOM H2 5 What the H2 Can Do Thank you for selecting the ZOOM Handy Recorder H2 (subsequently referred to simply as the "H2 "). The H2 is a nifty SD card based recorder with two operation modes for 2-channel (stereo) or 4-channel recording. This section describes the main features of this pr...
Page 6 - Recording other external sources
What the H2 Can Do ZOOM H2 6 source. If a mono mic is used, only the leftchannel signal will be recorded. ■ Recording other external sources The [LINE IN] jack lets you connect a CDplayer or other external component, for easyline recording of its output signal. 4-channel mode recording ( → p. 27) In...
Page 7 - Exchanging audio files between a
What the H2 Can Do ZOOM H2 7 Metronome function ( → p. 67) The built-in metronome function of the H2 isconvenient for use as a guide rhythm duringrecording. During playback, the metronomes o u n d c a n b e t u r n e d o f f . A n o t h e r u s e f u lapplication of the metronome is for providinga p...
Page 8 - Parts of the H2; Front panel
ZOOM H2 8 Parts of the H2 Front panel Rear panel [MIC ACTIVE] indicator * Flashes if the front-side mic signal is distorted. * Flashes if the rear-side mic signal is distorted. Mic pattern indicators (MIC PATTERN) key (REW) key (PLAY/PAUSE) key [MIC ACTIVE] indicator (MIC PATTERN) key (MENU) key (FF...
Page 9 - Left side panel; jack; Internal clock date/time setting
Parts of the H2 ZOOM H2 9 Left side panel Bottom panel Right side panel [PHONES/LINE OUT] jack VOLUME [+]/[-] keys [POWER] switch [DC 9V] jack [SD CARD] slot cover Open [SD CARD] slot [EXT MIC IN]jack [MIC GAIN]switch [LINE IN] jack [USB] port Internal clock date/time setting The H2 has an internal ...
Page 10 - Getting Connected
ZOOM H2 10 To monitor the output of the H2 using a stereo system, connect a Y cable to the [PHONES/LINE OUT] jack (stereo mini phone jack) and adjust the volume with the VOLUME [+]/[-] keys. To use an external microphone, connect the mic to the [EXT MIC IN] jack (stereo mini phone jack). Plug-in pow...
Page 11 - Operation on Battery Power
ZOOM H2 11 Operation on Battery Power The H2 can be powered from batteries which must be purchased separately. Insert the batteries asfollows. 1. Open the battery compartment cover. 2. Insert two IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. HINT Use alkaline/oxyride batteries or rechargeable nickel-hydride batteries...
Page 13 - Insert a SD card into the H2.; Turn power on in the order H2
Recording ZOOM H2 13 Power-on Use the following procedure to turn the H2 on. 1. Insert a SD card into the H2. V e r i f y t h a t p o w e r t o t h e H 2 i s o f f . T h e ninsert the SD card into the [SD CARD] slot ( → p. 11). Verify that a monitor system or headphonesare connected to the [PHONES/L...
Page 15 - Setting the input sensitivity
Recording ZOOM H2 15 degree angle), depending on the width of thesound source and the distance to it. For detailson mic patterns, see page 21. When one of the above mic patterns is chosen,the operation mode automatically becomesstereo (2-channel). NOTE When the H2 is in the playback, recording, or r...
Page 17 - Recording and playback
Recording ZOOM H2 17 Recording and playback The steps for recording and playback are asfollows. 1. Set the H2 to the recording standby condition. With the stereo mode top screen shown on thedisplay, press the 5 (REC) key to set the H2 to recording standby. 2. Start recording. P r e s s t h e 5 ( R E...
Page 18 - Stereo Mode Recording; About the stereo mode
ZOOM H2 18 Shows the battery status. Shows the playback time of the current file or the recording time in hours/minutes/seconds. When repeat playback or auto record is active, the respective symbol is shown here. The folder (hierarchical unit) used for storing recorded files is shown here (01 - 10)....
Page 21 - Selecting the mic pattern; Select the mic pattern.
Stereo Mode Recording ZOOM H2 21 Selecting the mic pattern for the built-in mics When making a recording with the built-inmics of the H2, sound is not simply picked upfrom all directions. Rather, you can control thedirection and the angle from which sound ispicked up. This is called a "mic patte...
Page 23 - Activate the source to record.; Recording from the built-in mics; Adjust the input sensitivity.
Stereo Mode Recording ZOOM H2 23 Recording To record in stereo mode, proceed as follows. HINT In the initial condition, the H2 is set up to record stereo WAV files (16 bit quantization, sampling frequency 44.1 kHz) in stereo mode. The settings for file format, quantization, and sampling frequency ca...
Page 25 - Playback; Select the file to play.
Stereo Mode Recording ZOOM H2 25 Playback This section explains how to play back a filerecorded in stereo mode. In stereo mode, each recording operation willr e s u l t i n o n e s t e r e o f i l e ( W A V o r M P 3format). These files are stored in the currentlyselected folder (01 – 10) on the ins...
Page 26 - Play the selected file.
Stereo Mode Recording ZOOM H2 26 Hold down 3 (REW) key Rewind Briefly tap 3 (REW) key When the counter is part way into a file, it is reset to zero (beginning of the file). If the counter is at zero, the previous file is selected. Press 1 (PLAY/PAUSE) key Perform playback/pause. Hold down 2 (FF) key...
Page 27 - -Channel Mode Recording; About the 4-channel mode
ZOOM H2 27 4-Channel Mode Recording This section explains in detail how to record in 4-channel mode. About the 4-channel mode In 4-channel mode, the built-in mics records t e r e o s o u n d c o m i n g f r o m t h e f r o n t p a n e ldirection and the rear panel direction. Theresult is saved as a ...
Page 29 - Setup examples; Recording a band rehearsal; Field recording
4-Channel Mode Recording ZOOM H2 29 Setup examples The recommended placement when using theH2 in 4-channel mode is shown below. ■ Recording a band rehearsal When the members of the band are facingeach other, the H2 can be placed in the middleto record sound coming from the front andrear. HINT The fr...
Page 30 - Adjust the recording level.
4-Channel Mode Recording ZOOM H2 30 Press the 5 (REC) key so that [PLAY/REC] indicator on the front panel flashes in red. Thecurrent input level is indicated by the levelmeters, and the input signal can be monitoredv i a t h e [ P H O N E S / L I N E O U T ] j a c k . T h ename of the file pair that...
Page 31 - Select the file pair to play.; Play the selected file pair.
4-Channel Mode Recording ZOOM H2 31 Playback In 4-channel mode, each recording operationw i l l r e s u l t i n a p a i r o f s t e r e o f i l e s ( W A Vformat) being stored in a dedicated folder for4-channel mode. This section explains how toplay back such a 4-channel mode file pair. 1. Bring up ...
Page 32 - PREVIEW; RESET
4-Channel Mode Recording ZOOM H2 32 Adjusting the front/rear/left/right balance (3D panning) This section explains how to use the so-called3 D p a n n i n g f u n c t i o n w h i c h a l l o w s y o u t oadjust the front/rear/left/right balance of a filepair recorded in 4-channel mode. 1. With the H...
Page 35 - Convenient Recording Functions; Selecting the recording; Bring up the main menu screen.; Bring up the REC MODE screen.; Display
ZOOM H2 35 Convenient Recording Functions This section describes various functions of the H2 that will come in handy during recording. Selecting the recording mode T h e H 2 l e t s y o u c h o o s e f r o m a n u m b e r o frecording modes (with different settings forfile format, sampling frequency...
Page 36 - Return to the top screen.
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 36 [4-channel mode] 3. Select the recording mode. R e p e a t e d l y p r e s s t h e 3 ( R E W ) / 2 ( F F ) keys to move the cursor to the desired settingand press the 5 (REC) key. The change is accepted and the main menu appears again. HINT If you press the ...
Page 37 - limiter function; OFF
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 37 Using the AGC/compressor/ limiter function When recording the live performance of aband or a similar event where volume levelsa r e h a r d t o p r e d i c t , t h e A G C / c o m p r e s s o r /l i m i t e r f u n c t i o n w i l l c o m e i n h a n d y t o...
Page 38 - Attenuating the low
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 38 ● LIMIT3 (STUDIO) This is a limiter setting suitable for studiorecording. Use the 3 (REW)/ 2 (FF) keys to move the cursor to the desired setting, and press the 5 (REC) key. The setting is accepted and thedisplay returns to the main menu. To cancel the settin...
Page 39 - Using the auto record
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 39 4. Return to the top screen. Repeatedly press the 4 (MENU) key until t h e s t e r e o m o d e o r 4 - c h a n n e l m o d e t o pscreen appears again. Using the auto record function The auto record function makes it possible toh a v e t h e H 2 s t a r t a ...
Page 40 - AUTO STOP
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 40 Parameter accessible from the AUTO RECscreen are as follows. ● ON/OFF Turns the auto record function on or off. ● START LVL (Start level) S e t s t h e t h r e s h o l d l e v e l f o r s t a r t i n g t orecord. ● STOP LVL (Stop level) S e t s t h e t h r e...
Page 41 - Use the auto record function.; Auto record function
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 41 A t t h i s s c r e e n , y o u c a n s e t t h e n u m b e r o fse co n d s b y w h ich th e sto p o f recording isdelayed after the input level drops below thethreshold level. Use the 3 (REW)/ 2 (FF) k e y s t o s e l e c t t h e s e t t i n g ( 0 – 5 s e ...
Page 42 - Using the pre-record; Bring up the PRE REC screen.
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 42 I f t h e a u t o s t o p f u n c t i o n i s a l s o e n a b l e d ,recording will stop automatically a number ofseconds after the signal level has droppedbelow the stop level. E v e n w h e n t h e a u t o r e c o r d / a u t o s t o pf u n c t i o n s a r...
Page 43 - Stereo mode; Recording a stereo signal; File format/Sampling frequency
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 43 function cannot be used together. If you set one of these functions to ON while the other is already ON, the earlier function will automatically be turned OFF. 4. Carry out recording. Press the 5 (REC) key to set the H2 to the recording standby condition. Wh...
Page 44 - MONO MIX function; Perform the steps for recording.; Files created as described above will be
Convenient Recording Functions ZOOM H2 44 Left channel input signal Mono signal Mono signal Left channel Right channel Recorder Mix to mono Right channel input signal MONO MIX function The setting is accepted and the display returnsto the main menu. When the setting is complete, return to the tops c...
Page 45 - Convenient Playback Functions; Selecting the play mode; PLAY ONE; Select the play mode.
ZOOM H2 45 Convenient Playback Functions This section describes various functions of the H2 that will come in handy during playback. Selecting the play mode I n t h e d e f a u l t c o n d i t i o n , w h e n y o u p l a y arecorded file (or a file pair recorded in 4-channel mode), the H2 will conti...
Page 46 - Using the A-B repeat; Perform repeat playback.
Convenient Playback Functions ZOOM H2 46 Using the A-B repeat function The A-B repeat function lets you specify twopoints (A and B) in a file (or file pair for 4-channel mode) and automatically repeat thes e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e s e p o i n t s . T o u s e t h i sfunction, proceed as follow...
Page 47 - File Operations; Files and folders; SD card
ZOOM H2 47 File Operations Content recorded in a session by the H2 is stored on the SD card as a file (or a pair of files in 4-channel mode). This section explains various file related operations. Files and folders Where recorded files are stored depends onthe operation mode of the H2. W h e n t h e...
Page 48 - Selecting a folder (stereo; Selecting a file
File Operations ZOOM H2 48 Selecting a folder (stereo mode only) To switch the folder in stereo mode, proceedas follows. 1. Bring up the stereo mode main menu screen. At the stereo mode top screen, press the 4 (MENU) key. 2. Bring up the FOLDER SELECT screen. R e p e a t e d l y p r e s s t h e 3 ( ...
Page 49 - Viewing file information
File Operations ZOOM H2 49 HINT • If the folder contains more than four files, a scroll bar indicating the current cursor position appears at the right of the screen. • In 4-channel mode, the indication "SRxxxF/ R.WAV" (where xxx is a number from 000 to 499) refers to the pair consisting of ...
Page 50 - Assigning a name to a file; Bring up the FILE MENU screen.
File Operations ZOOM H2 50 scroll the screen. 5. Return to the top screen. Repeatedly press the 4 (MENU) key until t h e s t e r e o m o d e o r 4 - c h a n n e l m o d e t o pscreen appears again. Assigning a name to a file (stereo mode only) For files recorded in stereo mode, a name isa u t o m a ...
Page 52 - Deleting a file
File Operations ZOOM H2 52 Deleting a file When recording is carried out with the H2,the unit always creates a new file and doesn o t o v e r w r i t e t h e p r e v i o u s o r a n y o t h e re x i s t i n g f i l e s . T o d e l e t e f i l e s t h a t a r e n olonger needed, proceed as follows. N...
Page 53 - Dividing a file (stereo mode
File Operations ZOOM H2 53 Dividing a file (stereo mode only) You can split an existing file into two partsat any specified point. If you have recorded alive performance, this lets you create separatefiles for each song. NOTE The steps described here cannot be performed while the recorder is operati...
Page 54 - Raising the overall file level
File Operations ZOOM H2 54 HINT To cancel the division and return to the previous screen, press the 4 (MENU) key without pressing the 5 (REC) key. If a file with the same name already exists inthe folder, a file name change confirmationscreen appears. Move the cursor to "RENAME" and press th...
Page 56 - Perform the MP3 conversion.
File Operations ZOOM H2 56 5. Select the bit rate for the MP3 file. T h e b i t r a t e d e t e r m i n e s t h e a m o u n t o fi n f o r m a t i o n t h a t i s c o n t a i n e d i n t h e M P 3file for every second. Higher numbers willr e s u l t i n l e s s d a t a c o m p r e s s i o n , a l l ...
Page 58 - Select the store target folder.
File Operations ZOOM H2 58 T o u s e t h e 3 D p a n n i n g s e t t i n g s , m o v e t h ecursor to "ENABLE" and press the 5 (REC) key. The setting is accepted, and the displayreturns to the condition of the previous step. HINT • If the "DISABLE" setting is selected, the current 3D...
Page 59 - Checking the mark list
File Operations ZOOM H2 59 Checking the mark list Whenever you press the 1 (PLAY/PAUSE) k e y w h i l e a r e c o r d i n g i s i n p r o g r e s s , t h eindication "MARKxx" (where xx is a numberfrom 1 to 99) appears on the display and amark is set. These marks can be used as BWFcompatible ...
Page 60 - SD Card Operations; Checking the remaining
ZOOM H2 60 SD Card Operations This section explains various operations related to the SD card inserted in the H2. Checking the remaining time on the card You can check how much recording capacitythe inserted card has left, in megabytes and inrecording time. The indication is based on thecurrently se...
Page 61 - Formatting a card
SD Card Operations ZOOM H2 61 Formatting a card Before using an off-the-shelf SD card or anS D c a r d t h a t w a s f o r m a t t e d i n a n o t h e rcomputer, you must format the card in theH2. Normally, when you insert such a card intot h e H 2 , a s c r e e n a s k i n g y o u t o f o r m a t t...
Page 62 - SD card dropout errors
SD Card Operations ZOOM H2 62 SD card dropout errors Depending on the combination of operationmode and recording mode, data transfer to theSD card during recording may momentarilynot be able to keep up with the data stream,leading to a brief sound dropout (skipping).When this occurs, the indication ...
Page 63 - Tuning an Instrument; Using the chromatic tuner
ZOOM H2 63 Tuning an Instrument The H2 incorporates a tuner function that allows tuning based on the input signal from the built-inmics, the [EXT MIC IN] jack, or the [LINE IN] jack. Available tuner modes include chromatic tuning where pitch is automatically detected in semitonesteps, standard guita...
Page 64 - Using the dedicated guitar/; Select the desired tuner mode.
Tuning an Instrument ZOOM H2 64 W a t c h t h e i n d i c a t i o n o n t h e s c r e e n w h i l etuning the instrument. NOTE If the display does not respond to the playing of the instrument, check the input source selection ( → p. 18), mic pattern selection ( → p. 21), and input sensitivity/record...
Page 66 - Adjusting the reference
Tuning an Instrument ZOOM H2 66 Adjusting the reference pitch of the tuner When the H2 is in the default condition, thetuner reference pitch is set to center A = 440Hz. You can adjust the reference pitch overthe following range: center A = 435 - 445 Hz. NOTE The steps described here cannot be perfor...
Page 67 - Using the Metronome Function; Switching the metronome/
ZOOM H2 67 Using the Metronome Function The H2 has a built-in metronome that can be used as a guide rhythm during recording. You canhave the metronome operate only during recording and turn it off during playback, or you can use itto provide a pre-count before recording. Switching the metronome/ pre...
Page 68 - Specify the metronome tempo.
Using the Metronome Function ZOOM H2 68 screen comes up. At this screen, you can specify whether to playa pre-count before recording or playback. Thefollowing settings are available. ● OFF No pre-count. ● 1 - 8 Play the specified number of beats as a pre-count. ● SPECIAL P l a y a s p e c i a l p r ...
Page 69 - pre-count optional settings; BELL
Using the Metronome Function ZOOM H2 69 Making metronome/ pre-count optional settings Y o u c a n c o n t r o l t h e t y p e o f c l i c k s o u n d ,dynamic pattern, and volume level for themetronome/pre-count function. HINT If you start the playback fanction before carrying out the steps below, y...
Page 71 - Connecting the H2 to a Computer; Using the H2 as a card; Supported operating systems
ZOOM H2 71 Connecting the H2 to a Computer Connecting the [USB] port of the H2 to a computer allows use of the H2 as a card reader or audiointerface.When used as a card reader, the SD card inserted in the H2 can be accessed directly from thecomputer.When used as an audio interface, the input signal ...
Page 73 - Using the H2 as an audio; About the audio interface functions
Connecting the H2 to a Computer ZOOM H2 73 7. Return to the top screen. Repeatedly press the 4 (MENU) key until the stereo mode or 4-channel mode top screenappears again. NOTE • When the unit was started on USB power, you cannot return to the screen before step 4. To return to the top screen, discon...
Page 74 - Preparations for connection; FREQUENCY; Select the sampling frequency.
Connecting the H2 to a Computer ZOOM H2 74 required. For details on operation, refer to thedocumentation of the software. HINT • The H2 will be recognized as a 2-channel input/output enabled audio interface. • Also while using the H2 as an audio interface, the low-cut filter, AGC/compressor/limiter,...
Page 75 - Enabling audio interface functions
Connecting the H2 to a Computer ZOOM H2 75 HINT To cancel the setting and return to the previous screen, press the 4 (MENU) key without pressing the 5 (REC) key. NOTE Be sure to set the sampling frequency of the H2 to the same value as used by the computer. If the setting is different, communication...
Page 78 - Other Functions; Setting the date and time; Set the date and time.
ZOOM H2 78 Other Functions This section explains some additional functions and features of the H2. Setting the date and time You can set the internal clock and calendar ofthe H2. The setting is used for time stampingthe files created during recording. 1. Bring up the main menu screen. At the stereo ...
Page 79 - Using the monitor function; ON; Select the desired setting.
Other Functions ZOOM H2 79 5. Return to the top screen. Repeatedly press the 4 (MENU) key until the stereo mode or 4-channel mode top screenappears again. NOTE If you remove the batteries while no AC adapter is connected to the H2, the date and time setting of the internal clock will be reset after ...
Page 81 - Adjusting the display
Other Functions ZOOM H2 81 4. Return to the top screen. Repeatedly press the 4 (MENU) key until the stereo mode top screen appears again. Adjusting the display contrast T o a d j u s t t h e c o n t r a s t o f t h e d i s p l a y ,proceed as follows. 1. Bring up the main menu screen. At the stereo ...
Page 82 - Controlling the backlight; Select the backlight setting.
Other Functions ZOOM H2 82 Controlling the backlight on/off setting When the H2 is in the default condition, thed i s p l a y b a c k l i g h t t u r n s i t s e l f o f fautomatically after 15 seconds when no keyis operated. You can increase this interval ors e t t h e b a c k l i g h t t o b e p e...
Page 83 - Specifying the battery type; Select the battery type setting.
Other Functions ZOOM H2 83 Specifying the battery type The H2 shows the remaining battery capacityusing a segment indicator on the display. Theaccuracy of this indicator can be increased bys p e c i f y i n g t h e b a t t e r y t y p e a s d e s c r i b e dbelow. 1. Bring up the main menu screen. A...
Page 84 - Making settings for the key; Enable the key hold function.; Disable the key hold function.; Updating the system
Other Functions ZOOM H2 84 Making settings for the key hold function To prevent changing settings by mistake whilerecording, the H2 incorporates a function thatlocks almost all controls. This is called the keyhold function. To enable the function, proceedas follows. 1. Set the H2 to the playback or ...
Page 86 - Specifications
ZOOM H2 86 Specifications Recorder Stereo mode 4CH mode Tracks 2 4 Maximum number of simultaneous recording tracks 2 4 Maximum number of simultaneous playback tracks 2 4 Recording time 4GB (SDHC) Approx. 380 minutes (converted to WAV 44.1kHz/16bit stereo track)Approx. 68 hours (converted to MP3 44.1...
Page 88 - Troubleshooting; Problems during recording/
ZOOM H2 88 Troubleshooting If there are problems during operation of the H2, check the following points first. Problems during recording/ playback ■ No sound, or sound is very weak. • Check the connections to your monitor s y s t e m , a n d t h e v o l u m e s e t t i n g o f t h esystem. • Check w...
Page 89 - Error Messages
ZOOM H2 89 Error Messages Card related messages Cause Remedy No Card No SD card is inserted. Insert SD card and turn power on. No File A valid file was not found. Card Format Error! SD card formatting process failed, or card was not recognized normally. * Card Full! Card became full during recording...
Page 90 - Index
ZOOM H2 90 Index 3D panning ..................... 32 4-channel mode .......... 6, 27 Balance adjustment (3D panning)............. 32 Converting to stereo file .................................. 57 Mic pattern selection 27 Playback ................... 31 Recording ................. 29 Recording mode ...
