The H2n’s onboard 5-mic array opens the door to true stereo or surround sound recording without external microphones. The built-in microphones—two form an X/Y pair, while the other three are configured in a mid-side pattern—can be used separately for X/Y or MS stereo recording, or combined to create 2- or 4-channel surround sound. A simple dial atop the grille grants effortless switching between the four modes.

X/Y mode utilizes two matched unidirectional mics set at a 90° angle (relative to each other) for clear, phase-accurate capture with a tight stereo image. MS mode employs one forward-facing mic and two side-facing mics to simultaneously capture direct signal and ambience while providing optimal stereo-to-mono compatibility. The Zoom H2n’s internal MS decoder allows you to adjust the relative level of the mic element before or after the recording process, effectively manipulating the perceived stereo width.

Use 2ch mode to create a single stereo file of the combined mics, or select 4ch mode to record the signal from the H2n’s X/Y mics onto one stereo track and signal from the MS mics onto another. The resulting pair of tracks can then be routed to separate speakers for an immersive listening experience or can be blended into a custom stereo track. In addition, the H2n’s MS decoding feature can be used to independently alter the level of the Side signal in both 2ch and 4ch modes.

Using Spatial Audio mode, you can create a single 4-channel, multi-track WAV file that includes omni, left/right, and forward/backward tracks. This Spatial Audio file is then ready to be combined with 360° VR videos recorded with the Google Jump-compatible camera rig (such as the GoPro Odyssey or Ricoh Theta). Once completed, the immersive videos are ready to upload to YouTube.

Thanks to a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input that supplies 2.5V plug-in power, the H2n can accommodate an external condenser microphone such as a clip-on lavalier for crisp, close-miked speech reproduction. Plugging in an external source to the 3.5mm jack overrides the onboard X/Y stereo mic, so no menu-based input selection is required. Since the 3.5mm input also supports line-level signal, you can route the output of a wireless microphone receiver into the H2n.

Maximize portability by recording directly to a separately available SD/SDHC card (up to 32GB capacity). A 4GB card will yield over three hours of 4-channel recording at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution using the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility.

Alternatively, use the H2n as a USB microphone, or as a 4-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface at up to 16-bit / 48 kHz. The USB port also enables the H2n to be used as a card reader for fast file transfers.

The 3.5mm line/headphone mini-jack output features a dedicated volume control, making it capable of feeding your camera/DSLR or a pair of headphones. A built-in monophonic speaker on the back of the H2n makes it easy to review your recordings to make sure everything has been captured properly.

Power the H2n via two included AA batteries, or plug it into a wall outlet with an AD-17 AC adapter (available separately). Alkaline batteries can keep the H2n recording at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution for up to 20 hours. When using the H2n as an audio interface, USB bus powering is possible.

The durable, ergonomic body lends itself naturally to being handheld. Should you need to mount it on a mic stand or tripod, a threaded hole on the back of the Zoom H2n obviates the need for stand adapters. Obtain a hot shoe adapter (available separately) to attach the H2n directly to a DSLR.

The H2n’s onboard effects allow you to add polish to your recordings and compensate for common problems or limitations in the acoustics of the recording environment. Compression can be used to control fluctuations in level, and the limiter can prevent distortion by controlling input signals that have excessively high levels. The selectable low-cut filter reduces signal below 80 Hz, which is useful for controlling pops, wind noise, blowing, and other kinds of low-frequency rumble such as transmitted resonance from an onstage mic stand.

The onboard metronome and tuner functions are helpful when recording musicians. Also, since you can loop playback and adjust pitch and speed independently, the H2n is an ideal tool for phrase training. Insert up to 99 marks per recording to create locate points, split files into smaller chunks, and normalize files for maximum gain.

The H2n offers selectable recording functions designed to prevent you from accidentally missing the start of a performance. By keeping the previous two seconds (one second in 4ch mode at 96 kHz) of audio whenever you press the record button, the pre-record option ensures that you’ll never cut off the beginning of a great take. Auto-record can automatically start recording when a user-set sound level is detected, making it great for voice-activated recording. The H2n’s Data Recovery feature automatically repairs corrupted files—something that can happen if power is interrupted during recording or if an SD card is removed during a writing or editing procedure.

Day or night, view vital information such as audio levels, recording time, battery status, and more on the 1.8″ monochrome backlit LCD. Transport controls, menu navigation buttons, and analog-style mic gain are presented nearby for access to all the H2n’s operations and functions. If you don’t wish to manually set the input level, choose one of the three Auto Gain presets to automatically set the optimum recording level.

Use the wired remote (available separately in the APH-2n accessory pack) to control the transport and add marks at a distance while eliminating handling noise.

The H2n comes with free download licenses for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software and WaveLab LE audio editing software, representing a complete audio production toolkit.