Zoom H2essential

Overview
Introducing the H2essential Multi-Mic Handy Recorder! The H2essential is the only Handy Recorder with three internal microphones, offering creators more options than ever before. With the ability to select different mic patterns, including front, back, and side to side, users can choose the perfect pick-up pattern for every recording. Additionally, the recorder allows for 9 ways to record, with options such as stereo, mono, and surround sound pickup.

The H2essential features advanced capabilities such as 32-bit float recording up to 96kHz, USB microphone functionality when connected to a PC or mobile device, and the ability to record professional audio directly onto a phones video. With features like adjustable mid-side recordings, low cut filter, and pre-record, the H2essential offers a range of options for creators. The recorder also includes accessibility features for the visually impaired, a colour LCD waveform display, and high capacity storage support for SDXC cards up to 1TB.

Included in box
1x Zoom H2essential

About the Zoom H2essential
Introducing the H2essential Multi-Mic Handy Recorder!

The H2essential is the only Handy Recorder with three internal microphones. With the ability to select different mic patterns, it gives creators more options than ever before.

Front, Back, And Side To Side

With two cardioid mics facing front and rear and a bi-directional mic facing side to side, the H2essential allows you to choose the perfect pick-up pattern for every recording.

3 Mics… 9 Ways To Record

Set your pickup pattern to 90º or 120º stereo, or choose mono for a hyper directional pickup, reducing background noise. Then choose to record from the front, rear, or activate both sides for surround sound pickup.

POWERED BY 32-BIT FLOAT

Record in 32-bit float up to 96kHz ensuring high-quality audio without ever having to set gain.

32-BIT FLOAT USB MIC

When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C port, the H2essential can be used as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card.

RECORDING AUDIO-FOR-VIDEO WITH YOUR PHONE

Connect the H2essential to your mobile device via USB and record professional audio directly onto your phone’s video. Perfect for video podcasts and live streams.

ADJUST YOUR MID-SIDE RECORDINGS IN POST

Record in MS Raw and adjust the width of the stereo image in post production. This is helpful when you want to control ambient noise.

FEATURES YOU’LL LOVE

The H2essential has advanced features such as a low cut filter, pre-record, auto record, and playback speed adjustment.

ZOOM HANDY CONTROL & SYNC

Using the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter, pair one or more H2essentials with your iOS device to remotely hit record and sync timecode.

*Please note: BTA-1 Adapter not included

ACCESSIBILITY

The H2essential is designed with Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.*

CUSTOM FIT WINDSCREEN*

The specially designed windscreen for the H2essential provides wind protection when recording outdoors. The custom fit gives access to controls while the windscreen is attached.

*Windscreen Sold Separately with H2essential Accessory Pack

3.5MM INPUT

The 3.5mm input can accommodate audio players, keyboards, and lav mics with plug-in power. You can record with the front mic and the 3.5mm input simultaneously.

BUILT-IN MIXER

Use the mixer to easily adjust each track’s audio level.

COLOR LCD WAVEFORM DISPLAY

The colour LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H2essential’s simple interface. The real-time waveform display lets you see your audio as it records.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT

Use the 3.5mm headphone output for headphones or connect directly to a camera.

ONBOARD SPEAKER

The onboard speaker allows you to listen to your recordings for quick reference as well as utilize the Accessibility functions.

HIGH CAPACITY STORAGE

The H2essential supports SDXC cards up to 1TB.

SET MARKERS

The H2essential has a dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording.

POWER OPTIONS

The H2essential can be powered by two AA batteries or via the USB-C port. This includes bus-power as well as external USB battery packs.

INPUT
Built-in mic Mid Front/Rear
Pickup pattern Unidirectional
Sensitivity –37 dB/Pa at 1 kHz
Maximum sound pressure input 120 dB SPL
Built-in mic Side
Pickup pattern Bidirectional
Sensitivity –39 dB/Pa at 1 kHz
Maximum sound pressure input 122 dBSPL
Mic Line In
Connector Stereo mini jack
Input impedance 2 kΩ
Maximum input level −7 dBu
Plug-in power 3.3 V
OUTPUT
Line Out Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level 20 mW + 20 mW (when 32 Ω load)
Output impedance 10 Ω or less
Built In Speaker
Type 20 mm × 30 mm elliptical dynamic speaker
Effective maximum output 250 mW
RECORDER
Recording format WAV
44.1, 48 or 96 kHz / 32-bit float
Stereo/mono
BWF and iXML formats supported
Recording media microSDHC memory cards
microSDXC memory cards
DISPLAY
1.3″ full-colour LCD (240 × 240)
USB
Connector USB Type-C
Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
USB bus power is supported.
Audio Interface USB 2.0 High Speed
Input and output channels 4 in / 2 out (Multi)
2 in / 2 out (Stereo)
Sampling frequencies 44.1/48/96 kHz (audio interface only)
44.1/48 kHz (audio interface + onboard recording)
Bit depths 24-bit, 32-bit float
File transfer USB 2.0 High Speed
2 AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable NiMH)
AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5V/1A
USB bus power is supported.
BATTERY
Estimated Battery Life These values are approximate.
Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
FRONT Stereo Recording 48kHz/32-bit float, no headphones or remote, Power Saving time set to 1 minute
Alkaline batteries about 11 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) about 9 hours
Lithium batteries about 20.5 hours
FRONT+REAR Stereo Recording 48kHz/32-bit float, no headphones or remote, Power Saving time set to 1 minute
Alkaline batteries about 8 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) about 8 hours
Lithium batteries about 17.5 hours
FRONT Stereo + External Mic Recording 96kHz/32- bit float with headphones (33Ω load) and remote, Power Saving time set to Off
Alkaline batteries about 4 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) about 4.5 hours
Lithium batteries about 9.5 hours
Power consumption 3 W maximum
PHYSICAL
Dimensions 60 mm (W) × 44 mm (D) × 97 mm (H)
Weight (including batteries) 170 g
Note 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

32-bit float recording
Up to 96kHz sample rate
3 built-in microphones
9 ways to record
360 degree recording
Built-in X/Y stereo Mic + M/S Stereo Mic with selectable pattern
+48V phantom power
1x 3.5mm stereo input with plug-in power
iOS App remote control and Timecode sync with optional BTA-1 Adapter
High contrast Colour LCD with waveform display
Accessibility for the visually impaired
Can be used as USB-Mic with simultaneously recording to SD card