Author Topic: Condenser Mics (Read 251 times)

David Houck · « **Reply #15 on:** February 18, 2008, 09:02:26 PM »

Bill; thanks for the update! Your comment about practicing at home is causing me to think a little more seriously about breaking the budget.

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #16 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:28:19 AM »

I, too, have a Zoom H2. It's an amazing little device with so many features that I doubt I'll ever use them all.
Of particular note are the 4 microphones. You can select the front 2, which have a 90 degree angle of pickup, or the rear 2 which have a 120 degree angle of pickup, or all 4, for recording front and rear simultaneously. When you use all 4 you can record in 4-track or stereo. The 4-track setting uses a whole lot more memory, but you can adjust front-rear balance for playback. Additionally, you can use external mics if you like. I was going to get a larger memory card, but so far I have been recording rehearsals in MP3 only, and there is plenty of time available on the included memory card, so I haven't gone out to buy a larger capacity card (yet).

David Houck · « **Reply #17 on:** February 21, 2008, 07:56:57 PM »

Thanks for the review Ben!

bsee · « **Reply #18 on:** February 21, 2008, 08:10:46 PM »

Oddly, it looks like the H2 may be a better device for many than the more expensive H4. Between four microphone recording, apparently easier to use menus, and support for larger SD cards, it seems like it may be the better choice. This comes from my reading of the product pages for each as well as many reviews on Amazon and various music supply and review websites.

I'm not sure I understand what is supposed to be better about the H4, but I'd like to know for sure. It seems like you can get an H2 for under $200 and I may have to grab one.

lbpesq · « **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:07:59 AM »

The one advantage of the H4 is that it has 1/4 mic inputs, so you can use it with your own external mikes. That's it. I looked at both, along with the Edirol and 2 or 3 other units. For my purposes (small, simple, good quality) the H2 can't be beat. If you have a pair of fancy condenser mikes that you want to use, then get the H4. If not, the H2 is the way to go.

Bil, tgo

(Message edited by lbpesq on February 22, 2008)

juggernaught · « **Reply #20 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:15:03 AM »

Or if you want to use a DI from your bass, no?

freefuzz · « **Reply #21 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:50:16 AM »

i use the zoom h2 alot, and i think it's fantastic for band room recordings.
i also have the h4 and it's great because it has phantom powered xlr inputs for higher quality mics, plus jack inputs for guitars, etc.. the h4 offers 4 channel recording, which the h2 does not. both of them are incredible machines for the money and offer great easy recording, and transferring to the pc for further rendering with (for example) wavelab.

bsee · « **Reply #22 on:** February 22, 2008, 08:51:46 AM »

I thought the H2 did four channel recording in the mode where it uses all four mics simultaneously?

Based on what you actual users are describing, it seems like the H2 is right for the casual recording of a rehearsal or event. The H4 would be a better device for a songwriter's tool to lay down a couple parts and a drum track sequentially. Is that a fair characterization?

David Houck · « **Reply #23 on:** February 22, 2008, 06:24:31 PM »

Thanks for the review Philip!

Bob; I'm not sure, but I think on the H2 when you use all four mics, the resulting wav file can be played on a 5.1 surround sound system. A bit beyond my level of understanding. I've yet to see anything that indicates you can do regular four track recording with it.

If I recall, the H4 has some built-in effects.

But one thing that seems worth consideration for some might be that the H4 comes with Cubase LE, which might be worth the difference in price by itself if you don't already have some kind of mixing software. I don't know; I'm just guessing.

freefuzz · « **Reply #24 on:** February 23, 2008, 03:17:56 AM »

the h2 will record 4 channels simultaneously in surround mode, and the material is 5.1. compatible, since it makes 2 .wav files. in 4 channel mode you can't use the line or mic in's though, so no overdubbing. so it is not a great songwriter tool, no. that's where the h4 comes in handy, since it's basically a multitrack recorder with built in mics (and effects).
surround mode will use twice as much memory capacity. for those without surround, the stereo recording with internal mixdown of the front and rear mics works just fine. so, bsee, you did make a fair characterization!