FAQ
H2n
H2n
Recording
About how long can the H2n record for?
The maximum recording time depends on the capacity of the SD card that is being used and the recording format. For details, see the chart below.
Is it possible to record in MP3 format in 4-channel mode?
No, this is not possible. The recording format for 4-channel mode is always WAV (max. 24 bit/48 kHz).
Is mono recording possible?
Yes, it is possible. In MS stereo mode, set the SIDE MIC LEVEL to OFF. This allows you to record in mono, which is suitable for capturing interviews and narrations. This recorder, however, cannot create mono files. For further information, please see page 22 of the operation manual.
If the SD card becomes full during recording, will the audio data recorded up to that point be lost?
No. The H2n will automatically terminate the recording at the point where the card has become full, but the audio data up to that point will be saved on the card.
I recorded a band performance with the built-in microphone and set the recording level properly, but the recording sounds distorted.
When using the built-in stereo microphone, physical vibrations caused by very low-frequency sounds can be recorded as distortion. When setting up the H2n, you should avoid locations that may be subject to vibrations from loudspeakers, a drum set or similar. Placing the unit on a soft cloth may also help to reduce vibrations.
What is the maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of the built-in microphone?
The maximum SPL of the built-in microphone is 120 dB.
Is it possible to pause recording?
Yes, it is possible. In the REC menu, set the PLAY KEY FUNCTION option to PAUSE AND MARK. This will enable you to pause recording by pressing the PLAY key during recording. For further information, please see page 77 of the operation manual.
Is it possible to perform long-term recording that exceeds the maximum WAV file size (2 GB)?
Yes. When the 2 GB file size is reached during recording, the H2n stores the file and then opens a new file for further recording.
Recording will not be interrupted during this process.
By joining the resulting files using waveform editing software on a computer, a seamless long-term recording can be created.
Note: Normally, the maximum size for a WAV file is set to 2 GB. Files larger than 2 GB may not be recognized correctly by media player software or other audio software on a computer.
USB
I want to use the H2n as an audio interface, but the Windows computer does not recognize the unit.
The driver software may not have been installed correctly. Perform the following steps to delete the driver software and then reinstall it. This may solve the problem.
1. Click the [Start] button, right-click on the [My Computer] icon and click [Properties].
2. On the [System Properties] screen, click the [Hardware] tab and click the [Device Manager] button.
3. Expand the [Universal Serial Bus controllers] listing in the tree and look for an entry called [USB Composite Device] with a yellow exclamation mark next to it.
4. If there is such an entry, right-click on it and select [Uninstall].
5. On the [Action] menu of Device Manager, click [Scan for hardware changes]. The H4n will be recognized automatically, and you can install the driver software again.
Note: If there is no [USB Composite Device] entry with a yellow exclamation mark next to it, try restarting the computer and attempt the procedure again.
Can the audio interface functions of the H2n also be used with software other than WaveLab LE?
Yes. The H2n is recognized as a standard audio device and can therefore be used also with recording software other than WaveLab LE. For details on settings and operation of software other than WaveLab LE, refer to the documentation of the respective application.
I am able to use the USB audio interface to record, but no sound comes out of my computer speakers. What should I do?
When using the H2n as a USB audio interface, sound from the computer is output through the H2n. Connect speakers to the H2n instead of the computer.
SD Cards
Which SD/SDHC cards have been confirmed to work properly with the H2n?
Please see
here for information about SD/SDHC cards that have been confirmed to work properly with the H2n.
Is an SD card that has been used with an older ZOOM H series recorder compatible with this recorder?
Yes, it is. Files recorded on an SD card that has been used with an older H series recorder can be used as is with H2n recorders. For further information, please see page 85 of the operation manual.
Other Topics
Can the H2n use nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) rechargeable batteries?
Yes. However, please note that the H2n cannot charge such batteries. You should therefore use a commercially-available charger designed for the batteries you are using. In addition, to ensure that the remaining battery capacity is indicated correctly by the H2n, set the “BATTERY TYPE” item in the “SYSTEM” menu to “Ni-MH”. For details, see page 18 of the Operation Manual.
Can an external stereo microphone that needs plug-in power be used with the H2n?
Yes, it can. When connecting a plug-in-power microphone, set the “PLUG-IN POWER” item in the “INPUT” menu to “ON”. For details, see page 16 of the Operation Manual.
Can an external mono microphone be used with the H2n?
No, unfortunately. When a mono microphone is plugged to the H2n, only the left channel will be input and recording will result in stereo tracks with silence in the right channel.
A WAV file recorded at 24-bit/96 kHz cannot be played on my computer. What is wrong?
Depending on the media player or DAW software version, WAV files with high resolution and high sampling rates such as 24-bit/96 kHz may not play properly. Check which formats are supported by the software that you are using.
Note: The bundled WaveLab LE software supports playback of 24-bit/96 kHz WAV files.
Does the H2n have audio editing capability?
Yes, the unit supports audio editing. There is a divide function for splitting recorded files at a specified point, a normalizing function for volume matching, and a post encoding function for converting WAV files into MP3 files. However, please note that performing these functions on the H2n will usually be slower than when performed on a computer with high-speed processing capability.
Does the H2n have a timestamp function to include the date and time of creation of recorded files?
Yes, it does. The H2n has a built-in clock to add the date and time to recorded files. Please see page 17 of the Operation Manual, and set the date and time correctly.
Note: If power is not supplied to the H2n for 3 minutes or longer, the date and time will be set to the default value. If this happens, reset the date and time.
Does the H2n have a hold function to prevent misoperation during recording?
Yes, the H2n has a hold function to disable the operation of buttons. To activate the hold function, slide the POWER switch to the HOLD position. To deactivate the hold function, slide the POWER switch back to its original (center) position.
I want to use the normalizing function, but there is no "NORMALIZE" command on the FILE menu screen.
The normalizing function cannot be used for MP3 files. If the currently selected file is an MP3 file, there will be no "NORMALIZE" command on the FILE menu screen.
Can I add a mark to a WAV file after the recording is completed?
No, this is not possible. The steps for adding a mark must be performed during recording. For details about the marker function, refer to page 25 of the Operation Manual.
Is it possible to locate to marks that have been set?
Yes, it is possible. Use the Jog Lever during playback to locate to the previous/next mark.
Can the H2n operate on USB bus power?
The audio interface and card reader functions can be powered via a USB connection to a computer. The recorder function of the H2n cannot operate on USB bus power.
Can I leave the batteries in the unit while using the AC adapter or USB bus power?
Yes, this is not a problem. The batteries will not be used in these cases.
Where can I buy a tripod for it?
Tripods are usually sold as camera accessories. You can probably find one at a nearby electronics retailer. A tripod is also included in the optional APH-2n accessory set.
Is there a dedicated soft carrying case for the H2n?
Yes, the dedicated soft carrying case is available in the optional APH-2n accessory set. Please contact your nearest
ZOOM dealer.
I want to compare the H1, H2, H2n and H4n. What are the main differences between them?
Please use the following chart to compare their features.
|
|
H1 Ver.2.0
|
H2
|
H2n
|
H4n
|
|
Guitar input
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
|
XLR input
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
|
Multi-track recording
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
|
Simultaneous 4-ch recording
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
|
Compressor/limiter
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
|
Guitar effects
|
x
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
|
Normalization
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
|
File division
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
|
Key control
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
|
Variable speed playback
|
x
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
|
Pre-recording
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
|
Auto-recording
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
|
XY microphone angle
|
90°
|
90/120°
|
90°
|
90/120°
|
|
MS microphone angle
|
x
|
x
|
MONO to 150°
|
x
|
|
Built-in speaker
|
o
|
x
|
o
|
o
|
|
USB mic function
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
o
|
|
Bundled software
|
WaveLab LE
|
x
|
WaveLab LE
|
Cubase LE
|
Battery operation
(hours/charge)
|
10
|
4
|
20
|
6
|
(o = model has feature, x = model does not have feature)
Can I use more than one "MS Decoder" in Logic?
Unfortunately, some problem may occur when more than one "MS Decoder" is working in Logic. So, we recommend you to use a single "MS Decoder" at once in Logic.
