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Home: Video University Forums: Audio For Video:
First experience with the ZoomH2

scotthayes
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Oct 7, 2007, 8:09 AM

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First experience with the ZoomH2	Can't Post

for anyone considering getting one of these, GET ONE!!! I got mine
on thurs. It was easy to go through the menu settings and set everything up. If you plan on recording in .WAV, get some large SD
cards. My unit came with a 512, which held about 3:45 set on 192kbs MP3. the unit itself seems put together well, although made of plastic. all the switches are easy to read and use. I don't like that there isnt a lock function. I used the built in Mics for some rehearsal dinner toasts,
and it sounded wonderful! yesterday, and this is what I love, i plugged into the DJs board via RCA. the unit automatically detects line input.
I set the AGC to medium, record level at 90%, checked the METERS,
and was good to go. No more guesswork. the sound is incredible. CDs sound beautifl, toasts are loud and clear. Best $200 piece of audio gear I have ever gotten, and will be getting another one.

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

Mark Foley
Veteran

Oct 7, 2007, 8:32 AM

Post #2 of 11 (1373 views)
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Quote

I don't like that there isnt a lock function

Press and hold the record button for >3 secs...will go into lock However, the on/off switch of the unit is not locked. That is why I recommended putting a piece of eletrical tape over the switch if there is a danger of "someone" switching it off

_________________________
Mark

scotthayes
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Oct 7, 2007, 8:35 AM

Post #3 of 11 (1370 views)
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Re: [Mark Foley] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

thanks Mark. kinda stupid of them though.

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

MLiebergot
Veteran

Oct 7, 2007, 9:39 AM

Post #4 of 11 (1363 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Scott, told ya so... Wink

Feel free to look at the sticky in the audio forum on the H2. It gives you some useful info on the unit.

Also if you like, you can order a Transcend 8GB SDHC card, which works flawlessly with the unit.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

DRobin
User

Oct 7, 2007, 10:36 PM

Post #5 of 11 (1338 views)
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Mine should arrive tomorrow. Very excited!
David Robin
www.davidrobinfilms.com

Jeff Bradt
User

Oct 8, 2007, 1:19 PM

Post #6 of 11 (1319 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Scott,

I ordered one of these Saturday for the exact same reason as you. I was tired of guessing at iRiver levels. I LOVE my R09 and get incredible recordings of live vocals at ceremonies but this device will be primarily for DJ or band board recording.

Question, what feed did you take from the board with your H2? I always try for the "rec out" since it is a constant volume. Do you think with the AGC that the constant volume would no longer be a factor?

I'm hoping I'll get this in time for a big wedding I have Saturday.

Thanks for the post!

Jeff

JackHutchinson
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Oct 8, 2007, 1:23 PM

Post #7 of 11 (1318 views)
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Re: [Jeff Bradt] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Me too! Just when I think I've got the line-level figured out for my iRiver (that I only use for toasts, so I never change the settings) I get a weak feed from the DJ's board.

Jack

MLiebergot
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Oct 9, 2007, 10:12 AM

Post #8 of 11 (1284 views)
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Re: [Jeff Bradt] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jeff, lately I have been using my R09 to take the Dj board feed when possible and use my H2 for the ambiant live recording.
I preferred my H2 for live recording over my R09, because I have the ability to record from both sides of the mic in dual 2 CH stereo mode.
This has worked out well in situations where I might want to mic instruments and get crowd reaction. Or, mic a PA stack (set pre amp to L and use concert limiting in the menu). This way I can get a good main/backup recording with a decent crowd reaction mix.
I still mic the PA stack regardless with my wireless handheld so I get backup sync audio to tape.

Nothign like obsessive paraniod redundancy. Crazy

All in all, I still love my R4 over all these options, but only use this for live band/recital work now.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
Audio: Yes, it does come with audio if you like.
Software: I am learning...
Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

Jeff Bradt
User

Oct 9, 2007, 10:33 AM

Post #9 of 11 (1282 views)
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Re: [MLiebergot] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the info Michael. I have a big wedding Saturday and I might want to check with you after I get the H2 and before the wedding. I don't have much time to learn the H2 but I do want to use it. I'm like you, I usually have 3 different recordings from the reception. I still haven't nailed down exactly how I want to do it.

Jeff Bradt
User

Oct 12, 2007, 2:07 PM

Post #10 of 11 (1220 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Scott,

A couple questions on how you got such a good feed from the DJ board:

What feed did you get from the board? Rec out?
You said you put the level at 90% - did you mean a level of "90" (I think it goes to 120 or something??)
I assume you plugged into your H2 in the Line-In jack. Do you know if there is a light that shows clipping when you go line-in like there is for the mic-in?

Thanks

scotthayes
Veteran

Oct 12, 2007, 2:17 PM

Post #11 of 11 (1218 views)
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Re: [Jeff Bradt] First experience with the ZoomH2 [In reply to]	Can't Post

I took the master RCA out on the DJs board. I set my record
level to 90%, I brought it down. I checked the unit
periodically throughout the night, and there is no clipping light,
but on the display I think there are indicators. I also had AGC
set to medium as well. This particular guy didnt have his music
obnoxiously loud as most DJs do, so that played a role I am sure.

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!