Zoom H2N Handy Recorder

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$116.00 to $179.99 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (35)

7 Reviews

Find out who is using Zoom H2N

4 wishlisted

70 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (5)

$179.99

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4.5 (15)

$179.99

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4.4 (2779)

Used

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5.0 (9)

$132.70 6 available New

$65.00 7 available Used

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4.0 (34)

$179.99

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3.5 (6)

$179.99

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4.5 (157)

$123.99

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4.6 (1057)

$116.00

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£100.00

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Average Price: $145

Budget/Beginner

$149

$400+

Price Tier

In the Portable Recorders category, Zoom H2N Handy Recorder is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Zoom H2N Handy Recorder". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Designed for the discerning musician, filmmaker, podcaster, or journalist, the Zoom H2N Handy Recorder takes handheld recording to new heights. This compact device is not just a recorder, it's a mobile studio that goes wherever you go. With five onboard condenser mics, it captures your audio in premium quality, from studio-grade vocals to ambient sounds.

The H2N is the first handheld recorder to offer Mid-Side stereo recording, a technique used by professionals to capture rich, immersive audio. The unidirectional Mid mic focuses on the sound directly ahead, while the bi-directional Side mic captures the left and right audio. Adjust the level of the Side mic to control the stereo width, even post-recording.

Additionally, the H2N offers X/Y stereo recording, with the mics arranged in a 90° X/Y pattern ensuring they remain equidistant from the sound source for accurate imaging. This recorder also provides 2-channel and 4-channel surround options for capturing immersive audio in a variety of settings.

Despite its powerful capabilities, the H2N remains user-friendly with an intuitive interface and critical controls at your fingertips. Plus, with a 20-hour battery life, you can record all day and into the night without worry.

Key Features:

Mid-Side stereo recording for capturing ambient surroundings
X/Y stereo recording for accurate imaging
2-Channel and 4-Channel surround options for immersive audio capture
Easy-to-use interface with critical controls at your fingertips
Durable, portable design for on-the-go recording
Long battery life for extended recording sessions
Onboard condenser mics for high-quality audio capture

Owner's manual

Zoom H2N Handy Recorder User Manual

Product specs

Available since	September 2011
Integrated Stereo Microhone	Yes
Recording Tracks	4
Microphone Inputs	1
48 V Phantom power	No
Line Inputs	1
Storage Medium	SD/SDHC
Headphone connection	Yes
Integrated Speaker	Yes
Resolution max.	24 bit
Max. Sample Rate	96 kHz
Limiter	Yes
Max. Memory	32
Recording Format	MP3, WAV
Power Feed	2x AA Batteries, NiMH Accumulator, USB, optional Power Supply
Dimensions	68 x 114 x 43 mm
Weight	130 g
Included In Delivery	-

FAQs

What recording modes are available on the Zoom H2n Handy Recorder?: The Zoom H2n offers four recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel, and 4-channel surround sound. These modes provide versatile options for capturing audio in various environments.
What is the maximum storage capacity for the Zoom H2n?: The Zoom H2n can accommodate SD and SDHC cards with a maximum capacity of 32 gigabytes, allowing for extensive recording sessions.
Does the Zoom H2n support phantom power for external microphones?: No, the Zoom H2n does not support phantom power. It is designed primarily for use with its built-in microphones or external microphones that do not require phantom power.
Can the Zoom H2n record in high-resolution audio formats?: Yes, the Zoom H2n can record audio in WAV format at up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution, providing high-quality sound capture.
What power options does the Zoom H2n offer?: The Zoom H2n can be powered by two AA batteries, a USB connection, or an optional power supply, offering flexibility for different recording situations.

Videos

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Zoom H2n Handy Recorder Long Term Short Review (2023)

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Test Zoom H2n Handy Recorder

Jessica Cosi Guitar

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional sound fidelity and recording clarity, even at high volumes
Offers a wide range of recording formats for versatility
Easy to use with a single-button recording and logically organized menus
Durable build quality, designed to withstand minor drops
Cubase LE and Wavelab Cast software bundle enhances value
Long battery life for extended recording sessions
Features a variety of mic configurations and stereo recording capabilities
Works well as a USB microphone/interface for DAWs
Portable and easy to carry for on-the-go recording
Provides realistic sense of 3D space in recordings

CONS

Small screen size can be challenging to read
Low-end frequencies may need post-processing enhancement
Lacks XLR inputs, limiting connectivity options
The plastic body feels cheap and may not inspire confidence in durability
Requires accessory pack for full functionality, increasing overall cost
Mini USB port is outdated, causing inconvenience in connectivity
Internal clock inaccuracies can complicate syncing with video or multitrack recordings
Included onboard speaker quality is poor
No manual adjustment for compression and limiter levels
Sensitive to loud environments, may require careful placement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zoom H2N Handy Recorder.

Features and functionality

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The H2N can function as an audio interface for direct recording into a DAW, enhancing its versatility beyond basic recording.
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The H2N is praised for its ability to capture band practices effectively, offering an affordable alternative to more costly studio setups.
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Disabling the compressor and high-pass filter improves recording quality, especially when placed centrally in a venue and away from reflective surfaces.
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The power switch on the H2n does not have a three-position setting like the H4n; it may require a different approach for troubleshooting power issues.
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Use cases and applications

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It's popular in the TV/Video industry, comparable to Tascam 4-track recorders, indicating professional-level usability.
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Owners find the built-in tuner a handy feature for quick adjustments during recordings or jam sessions.
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Elevating the recorder a foot above the crowd at concerts significantly enhances high-frequency capture, especially in small venues.
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Positioning the recorder near soft surfaces like drapes can improve sound quality by reducing reflection phase issues.
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User experience

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Users often encounter dual stereo track recordings; resolving this involves changing the top dial from 4-channel to 2-channel settings for a single file output.
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A user reported inconsistent behavior with powering the H2n via USB, suggesting potential issues with power reliability when using different cables or chargers.
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Setup and maintenance

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For best results in live concert recording, keep the H2N levels peaking at around -16dB on the meter, adjusting the gain knob accordingly.
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Opt for manual gain settings over auto-gain to preserve dynamics, as auto-gain can flatten dynamic range during live recordings.
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Some users find that the Zoom H2n may not power on without an inserted SD card, even if it should display a "no SD card" error message otherwise.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 35 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

mylittleeye

2829

almost 8 years ago

Extremely versatile and pocketable recording device

Chosen because I valued its discreet simplicity over the more expensive H4n. It's also less technical looking and so less 'threatening' for recording 'in the field' Because it can record direct to computer via its USB connection I also felt it might be a more flexible alternative to a high end dedicated microphone. I'll report back on this with an updated review at a later date.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Drummer

Genres:

Folk, World, & Country Harmonica blues Psychedelic folk

str8sounds

458

over 10 years ago

Had it one day, seems to work just fine, way better than Tascam garbage!

I recently exchanged, at Guitar Center, a crap Tascam DR-40 Linear PCM Recorder for this Zoom device.

The Tascam had two issues, the main one being it was set for Auto Record and pausing after 5 seconds of recording. I could not stop it from being locked into Auto Record and every single time I tried to record something, it repeatedly paused after exactly 5 seconds. I read online that this is a bug or glitch that is common with it.

The other issue was this: to register the Tascam DR-40 you have to enter the serial number, which is supposed to be on the bottom panel. Nope. No numbers or text is imprinted on the bottom panel. I had to look at the box and guess which number was the serial number (it's 7 digits and starts with 0 or 00). No serial number on the device itself? Very incompetent.

I've had the Zoom one day and I used it to record my jamming on a new Kaossilator Pro Plus, MicroKorg, and MicroBrute, with wild sound fluctuations and changing levels. The Zoom handled it fine and dandy and recorded the entire hour long session.

I exported the WAV files from the SD card into my Sony Acid DAW and the recording seems absolutely perfect in every way.

m_thirteen

340

about 6 years ago

Great instrument for found sound

I use this to record sounds on my rambles around the city, walks and overseas trips. It’s great, though sometimes needs the dead cat over the microphones to keep wind noise out

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Synthpop

iamlucaeck

157

over 11 years ago

Nice for Field Recordings - Sometimes also for a Voice to Record.

If you haven't got so much money and if you are producing without using so much Vocals, then it is a Perfect Mic and Recorder even for Vocals. Very Nice for the price! 5 Stars! Also buy the Accessory Pack, you'll need it!

xaqary

5455

almost 9 years ago

Love Zoom

Had one model or another for 15+ years. Field recording, sample grabber. Also handy for other uses that lend themselves to anything where portable & easy are key.

Best of all I carry it in my pocket without a thought.

Definitely recommend.

Always be recording.

pharrmusic

102

about 9 years ago

Easy

As far as portable recorders go, this one is pretty amazing for the price. The sound is not quite as polished as the Zoom H6, but is very useable for a single instrument or spoken word.