Zoom Gear & Home Recording Forum

Hey,

Just picked up a H4n today, and then saw the H2n. My first thought is, obviously, what are the differences and pros and cons between the two? Oddly enough, I can find any comparisons. I understand that the H4n has more features than the H2n, but when it comes down to pure sound quality from the mics, is the H4n still the top dog is does the H2n have it beat? I'd be willing to give up some bells and whistles if it meant better pure recording sound.

Thanks!

Also, my biggest complaint with the H4n is how you can't add reverb to a stereo track, which is honestly something I really need to be able to do. My whole point in getting it was to not have to put the files into Logic and add reverb/do any editing in there. Can you do this with the H2n?

Hit the Zoom web site and download the manual... Should answer all your questions.

In short, however, the H4n is capable of four-input/mono tracks and on-board bounce/mixing.

The H2 series are more basic field recorders... They only work in stereo files (though they do have a dual stereo "surround" capability -- recording off both sides [the H4s record off the end, the H2s are pointed "up" and record off the sides of the body]).

The H2 series don't have ANY effects...

(Sorry for the very late response - i've been out of the U.S. for nearly the past year)

I would not want to add anything to the original recording (reverb, etc.) at all - everything can be done in post-production. Once the initial recording contains any effects, you're stuck with them forever.

Do you think any self-respecting recording studio adds the effects to the original track? NO, the don't! Save a clean original and spend the $$ to buy a good editing program which will allow you to do whatever you want for effects...