







ZOOM
Zoom H2essential Multi-Mic Handheld Recorder
ZOOM H2ESSENTIAL MULTI-MIC HANDY RECORDER
The H2essential Multi-Mic Handy Recorder is a highly versatile recording device designed for creators who need flexibility and professional-quality audio. It features three internal microphones, allowing users to select from multiple pickup patterns, including front, rear, and side-to-side recording. Whether capturing stereo sound at 90º or 120º, using a mono setting for focused audio, or enabling surround sound pickup, the H2essential provides nine different ways to record. With 32-bit float recording at up to 96kHz, it ensures high-quality audio without the need for manual gain adjustments.
Beyond standalone recording, the H2essential doubles as a 32-bit float USB microphone when connected via USB-C to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device. It also integrates seamlessly with mobile video recording, making it an excellent choice for video podcasts and live streaming. Additional features include a built-in mixer, real-time waveform display on a colour LCD screen, a headphone output, and an onboard speaker for quick playback. Supporting SDXC cards up to 1TB and offering power options via AA batteries or USB-C, the H2essential is a powerful tool for both casual and professional recording applications.
- Main features of the Zoom H2essential Portable Handheld Recorder include:
- Mid-Side stereo pickup from the front and rear
- Pickup pattern selection: 120°, 90°, and MONO
- 32-bit float recording requires no gain adjustment
- 3.5mm stereo mini external mic/line input
- 3.5mm stereo mini line/headphone output
- Built-in speaker for quick preview
- Built-in mixer for volume adjustments
- Color 1.3-inch LCD display
- Low-cut filter
- Accessibility for the visually impaired
- 32-bit float USB mic functionality for Win/Mac/iOS/Android
- Remote control from iOS app via BTA-1 Bluetooth connection
- Micro SDHC / micro SDXC cards up to 2TB supported
- Powered by 2 AA batteries, AC adapter, or USB mobile battery
- 11 hours of operation with 2 AA alkaline batteries
Built-in Mic (Mid) (FRONT/REAR)
- Pickup pattern: Unidirectional
- Sensitivity: –37 dB/Pa at 1 kHz
- Maximum sound pressure input: 120 dB SPL
Built-in Mic (Side)
- Pickup pattern: Bidirectional
- Sensitivity: –39 dB/Pa at 1 kHz
- Maximum sound pressure input: 122 dB SPL
MIC/LINE IN Jack
- Connector: Stereo mini jack
- Input impedance: 2 kΩ
- Maximum input level: −7 dBu
- Plug-in power: 3.3 V
Output
PHONE/LINE OUT Jack
- Connector: Stereo mini jack
- Maximum output level: 20 mW + 20 mW (when 32 Ω load)
- Output impedance: 10 Ω or less
Built-in Speaker
- Type: 20 mm × 30 mm elliptical dynamic speaker
- Effective maximum output: 250 mW
Recorder
- Recording format: WAV, 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz/32-bit float
- Stereo/mono BWF and iXML formats supported
- Recording media: microSDHC, microSDXC memory cards
- See supported microSD cards
Display
- 1.3" full-color LCD (240 × 240)
USB
- Connector: USB Type-C
- USB bus power supported
- Audio interface: USB 2.0 High Speed
- Input/output channels: 4 in/2 out (Multi), 2 in/2 out (Stereo)
- Sampling frequencies: 44.1/48/96 kHz (audio interface only), 44.1/48 kHz (audio + onboard recording)
- Bit depths: 24-bit, 32-bit float
- File transfer: USB 2.0 High Speed
Power
- 2 AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable NiMH)
- AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5V/1A
- USB bus power supported
Estimated Continuous Operation Times
FRONT Stereo Recording (48kHz/32-bit float, no headphones or remote, Power Saving: 1 min)
- Alkaline batteries: ~11 hours
- NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): ~9 hours
- Lithium batteries: ~20.5 hours
FRONT+REAR Stereo Recording (48kHz/32-bit float, no headphones or remote, Power Saving: 1 min)
- Alkaline batteries: ~8 hours
- NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): ~8 hours
- Lithium batteries: ~17.5 hours
FRONT Stereo + External Mic Recording (96kHz/32-bit float, with headphones & remote, Power Saving: Off)
- Alkaline batteries: ~4 hours
- NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): ~4.5 hours
- Lithium batteries: ~9.5 hours
Power Consumption
- 3 W maximum