Zoom H2N

The Zoom H2n is one of the most versatile handy recorders ever made. Five built-in microphone capsules let you record in X/Y stereo, Mid-Side stereo, or 2- and 4-channel surround, so a single compact recorder can capture a band rehearsal, an interview, a church service, or immersive ambience for video and sound design.

Highlights

• Five built-in capsules: an X/Y pair plus a three-capsule Mid-Side array
• Four recording modes: X/Y, Mid-Side, 2-channel surround, and 4-channel surround
• Adjustable stereo width in Mid-Side mode, even after recording
• Stereo recording up to 24-bit/96 kHz
• More than 20 hours of continuous recording on alkaline batteries
• Works as a USB microphone and audio interface

Zoom H2n: Five Mics, Four Ways to Record

Most handy recorders offer one stereo pattern. The H2n gives you four. X/Y mode on the front of the recorder provides a focused, natural stereo image that’s ideal for music. Mid-Side mode on the other side lets you adjust the stereo width, from tight mono to a wide stereo spread, and you can even change it after recording if the recorder captures the raw Mid-Side signal.

Surround modes combine the capsules to record 2-channel or 4-channel spatial audio, which is great for capturing room ambience, live music, and immersive soundscapes for video.

H2n for Music, Interviews, and Services

Musicians love the H2n for rehearsals and live recording, while podcasters and journalists use Mid-Side mode to record two people facing each other. Churches and schools use it to record services and lectures with minimal setup. Because it runs over 20 hours on batteries, you can leave it recording through long events without worrying about power.

H2n Recording Tips

For a band, place the H2n in front of the group at head height and use X/Y mode. For an interview, set it between two people and use Mid-Side mode with a narrow width. For ambience, choose 4-channel surround and place the recorder in the middle of the space. Set levels during the loudest moment, and use a windscreen outdoors.

Understanding Mid-Side Recording

Mid-Side recording uses a forward-facing “mid” microphone to capture the center of the sound and a sideways-facing figure-8 “side” microphone to capture the width. Combining the two creates a stereo image, and changing the balance between them changes how wide that image sounds. Because the mid microphone captures everything in front, Mid-Side recordings also collapse perfectly to mono, which makes them a favorite for broadcast and video. The H2n makes this professional technique available with the press of a button.

Zoom H2n FAQ

Does the H2n record 24-bit/96 kHz in every mode? Stereo modes support up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The 4-channel surround mode records at up to 48 kHz.

Can I use the H2n as a USB microphone? Yes. Connect it to a computer over USB and it works as a microphone and audio interface for podcasting, streaming, and recording.

Zoom H2n Specifications at a Glance

• Microphones: 5 capsules (X/Y pair plus Mid-Side array)
• Modes: X/Y, Mid-Side, 2-channel surround, 4-channel surround
• Resolution: stereo up to 24-bit/96 kHz; 4-channel up to 24-bit/48 kHz
• Battery life: more than 20 hours (alkaline)
• USB: microphone and audio interface mode

Who Buys the Zoom H2n

• Musicians recording rehearsals and live performances
• Podcasters and interviewers recording on location
• Churches and schools recording services, lectures, and concerts
• Filmmakers and sound designers capturing ambience

Why Buy the Zoom H2n From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We sell, install, and service audio gear in-house, so our team can help you choose the right recorder and accessories for your application and support you after the sale. We also design recording and media systems for businesses, churches, and schools, with B2B and integrator pricing on volume orders.

Browse more options in our Field Recorders category, or see the full specifications on the official Zoom H2n product page.