mdlbear | Gadget lust (Reply)

Discussing the Zoom H4 in comments to this post by catsittingstill, I realized that the soon-to-be-shipped H2 was a lot closer to what I really need for field recording.

I want this.

Tomorrow I'm going to call and see whether it can record at 24 bits over USB, but I don't think that's really a major consideration. When I decided not to get the H4, the fact that I couldn't use it as a 24-bit USB interface was the most important factor in the decision. (The fact that it couldn't multitrack at 24 bits was minor, since I was already using Audacity for that.) So I spent about the same amount of money on an Edirol UA-25 (a USB-powered 24/96 interface with built-in preamps and phantom power) and a Behringer C2 stereo pair. They work great, and saved my arse recording a couple of cflute's tracks for CC&S when my recording system's hard disk died. Couldn't possibly have done that with the H4.

But now I have the UA-25 and the whole rig, though very useful, is bulky and takes half an hour to set up and tweak levels on. A small, self-contained, simple gadget with AGC is just the thing for most of what I'm currently doing at cons. And with the ability to record 4 channels it would allow me to capture audience reaction without compromising the performance sound -- something that the 2-channel UA-25 can't do at all.

The fact that it's $100 cheaper than the H4 doesn't hurt. I'll probably wait for reviews, but I strongly suspect that there's a Zoom H2 in my future.

Aug. 22 14:38 It can only send 2 channels x 16 bits over USB, but it can be powered from USB, meaning you can use a MintyBoost to extend your battery life.