Zoom H2essential Multi-Mic Handy Recorder with 3 Mics, 9 Recording Modes, and Built-In Mixer

The Zoom H2essential Multi-Mic Handy Recorder is the most flexible recorder for creators, offering so many ways to record. The H2essential 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.

Under the Hood

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 90 or 120-degree stereo, or choose mono for a hyper-directional pickup, reducing background noise. Then choose to record from the front or rear, or select both sides for surround sound pickup.

Solo Musician

90-degree stereo or rear mic record in 90-degree stereo with the rear microphones to capture a natural stereo image.

Ensembles 120 Degree Stereo or Front and Rear

Using the front and rear-facing stereo 120-degree microphones, capture a wide, immersive sound field of the entire ensemble.

Podcasts

Mono or Front and Rear Mics mono pickup reduces environmental noise for better isolation. Using the front and rear microphones, you can capture two discrete tracks.

Streaming and Video Calls

90-degree or mono or rear mics use the H2essential as a mono or stereo USB microphone for streaming and video calls.

Sound Design

90-degree stereo or front plus external mic record audio for sound design with the front-facing stereo microphone to capture focused, detailed sounds. Add an external shotgun mic to add directional pickup with reduced background noise.

Powered by 32-bit Float

Record in 32-bit float up to 96 kHz, 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 H2essential to your mobile device via USB and record professional audio directly onto your phone's video. Perfect for video podcasts and live streams.

Mid-Side Recording

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.

Handy Control and Sync

Using the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, pair one or more H2essentials with your iOS device to remotely hit record and sync timecode. (BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter is sold separately.)

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.

 3.5mm Input and Built-In Mixer

The 3.5mm input can accommodate lav mics, audio players, keyboards, and more. You can record with the front mic and the 3.5mm input simultaneously. Use the mixer to easily adjust each track’s audio level.

Color LCD Waveform Display

The high-contrast 1.3-inch 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 to connect directly to a camera.

Onboard Speaker

Use the onboard speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference as well as to utilize the accessibility functions.

High Capacity Storage

The H2essential supports SDXC cards up to 2 TB to record days of audio.

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.