Zoom H2 Question

[justin231]

Hi!

I'm looking at the Zoom H2 and I'm just wondering, if I plug in my Rode Videomic in it, can I still record with the mic built in the Zoom at a different track? *Record at the same time.

I like the H2 because it's cheaper than the H4n and the only difference is the XLR input.

Thanks!

 

[jasonpthiel]

H2 Only records 1 Track

H2 Only records 1 Track

I have the Zoom H2 and if you plug an external mic in, such as the RODE, you cannot also accept input from the onboard mic. I think you'd need the H4 if you wish to do multi channel recording.

 

[Noiz2]

I believe that is true because the H2 only records 2 tracks. It's "4 track" mode records in an encoded two track format.

BUT, and this is important. IF your recording with an H2 you probably should not be trying to record multiple sources. I actually argue ( with mixed results) the same for the H4n. Anything over two tracks is a lot more difficult to get decent tracks on. And with out a mixer and a way to solo and meter and adjust the levels on the fly etc you are just asking for trouble.

I have dealt with quite a few student films since the DSLR's came out that tried to record more than two tracks and almost all were disasters. If your sound person has enough experience to handle it he/she is probably not recording to a Zoom.

The harsh reality is than four tracks of garbage is no more useful than one track of garbage. BUT one track that is OK is worth a LOT more than 10,000 tracks of garbage.

I had to ADR a scene on a short last year that had up to 12 tracks! That is a lot of sifting especially when your searching for the least horrible track.