Zoom Handy Recorder H2n Quick Start Manual

Dummy's guide to the Zoom Handy Recorder H2n
The Zoom H2n is a portable audio recorder. It has inbuilt microphones with a number of
different options, and digitally records onto a SD Card.
1, Power On
Connect external headphones via the PHONES/LINE OUT jack.
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Turn the power on. (Right hand side of recorder – note the 'hold' switch which
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prevents any adjustments during operation except to mic gain level)

2, Operation Mode

The screen displayed should have 00:00:00 on the top. This is the 'top screen'.
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The MENU button will access other screens.
We will mostly work in XY stereo mode (and not 4 channel surround)
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3, Select the Mic Pattern
We set this to determine whether the H2n picks up sound from the front microphone
(XY stereo mode -90 degrees) OR the back microphone (MS Mid-side stereo mode -
180 degrees) OR both (front and back simultaneously in 2 channel mode).
Use the MIC PATTERN dial on the top of the recorder to select
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If you chose to use an external mic, plug it into EXT MIC IN jack.
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4, Setting Input Sensitivity
This ensures you make a clean undistorted recording. Input sensitivity is set using the
MIC GAIN dial switch on the right hand side of the H2n. You need to set this position so
that the CLIPPING indicator (the red LED light which also indicates the microphone
selection) does not flash when recording the sound – if it flashes, the sound is too loud for
the gain setting and the recording will be distorted.
5, Setting Recording Level
The H2n is automatically in recording standby position when you turn it on.
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The input signal level is indicated by the level meters on the display.
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The volume of the sound that you hear in your headphones is not related to
this level at all. This is your monitor system. The monitor system has a separate
VOLUME button, which is located above the PHONES/LINE OUT jack on the left hand
side of the recorder.
Set your recording level using the MICROPHONE GAIN dial control. As you
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change the setting the REC LEVEL will be shown on the display. You need the
level meters to be as high as possible – remember the concept of a high 'signal to
noise ratio' - but not to exceed 0 (db) during the loudest parts of the recording.
It is best to have your levels at between -6 and -12 DB.