SnapperTalk has an interesting roundup of audio field recorders to fill out the kit bag of multimedia journalists, including an interesting new entry, the Samson Zoom H2
The H2 is smaller (and better looking) than Samson’s H4 and lacks the dual input for XLR mic plugs. (It uses 1/8-inch inputs.) But like the bigger H4, it features four-track recording and, according to this review, sound quality is good, particularly for a $200 unit. What makes it different is that it has four — four! — built-in microphones. You can record over a 120-degree field with one set, a 90-degree field with the other, or use both at once for surround-sound-like audio pieces.
I have the H4 and am pleased with both the ease of recording (at least in automatic modes, which have handled everything I’ve thrown at it so far) and the quality of the sound. If I didn’t have it, I’d be tempted to plunk down the cash for the H2.
TAGS: JOURNALISM, TOOLS, AUDIO
