The Most Flexible Recorder for Creators
H2essential Multi-Mic Handy Recorder
More Ways to Record
The H2 essential 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 H 2essential 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 color 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.
Features:
- Mid-Side stereo pickup from the front and rear
- Pickup pattern selection: 120°, 90°, and MONO
- 32-bit float recording requires no gain adjustment
- 3.5mm stereo mini external mic/line input
- 3.5mm stereo mini line/headphone output
- Built-in speaker for quick preview
- Built-in Mixer for volume adjustments
- Color 1.3-inch LCD display
- Low-cut filter
- Accessibility for the visually impaired
- 32-bit float USB mic functionality for Win/Mac/iOS/Android
- Remote control from iOS app via BTA-1 Bluetooth connection
- Micro SDHC / micro SDXC cards up to 1TB supported
- Powered by 2 AA batteries, AC adapter, or USB mobile battery
- 11 hours of operation with 2 AA alkaline batteries
Specifications:
Inputs
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 jack
- Connector: Stereo mini jack
- Input impedance: 2 kΩ
- Maximum input level: −7 dBu
- Plug-in power: 3.3 V
Output
PHONE/LINE OUT jack
- Connector: 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
- See the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com/help/h2essential) for information about microSD cards that have been confirmed to work with this unit.https://zoomcorp.com/help/h2essential
Display
- 1.3″ full-color 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
Power:
- 2 AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable NiMH), AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5V/1A, USB bus power is supported
Estimated continuous operation times using batteries
- These values are approximate
- Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
FRONT stereo recording at 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 at 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 at 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

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