H2 Essential Zoom Portable Recorder

Technical Specifications – Zoom H2 Essential

• Stereo Mid‑Side recording using front and rear microphones
• Selectable pickup pattern: 120°, 90°, and MONO
• 32‑bit float recording with no gain adjustment required
• 3.5 mm stereo mini‑jack input for external mic/line sources
• 3.5 mm stereo mini‑jack output for line/headphones
• Built‑in speaker for quick monitoring
• Integrated mixer for volume adjustment
• 1.3" color LCD screen
• Low‑cut filter
• Accessibility features for visually impaired users
• 32‑bit float USB microphone function for Windows/Mac/iOS/Android
• iOS remote control via Bluetooth adapter BTA‑1
• Compatible with microSDHC/microSDXC cards up to 2 TB
• Powered by 2 × AA batteries, AC adapter, or USB external battery
• Up to 11 hours battery life with 2 AA alkaline cells

Inputs

MID Microphone (front/rear)

• Directivity: Unidirectional
• Sensitivity: –37 dB/Pa at 1 kHz
• Max SPL: 120 dB SPL

SIDE Microphone

• Directivity: Bidirectional
• Sensitivity: –39 dB/Pa at 1 kHz
• Max SPL: 122 dB SPL

MIC/LINE IN

• Connector: Stereo mini‑jack
• Input impedance: 2 kΩ
• Maximum input level: −7 dBu
• Plug‑in power supply: 3.3 V

Outputs

PHONE/LINE OUT

• Connector: Stereo mini‑jack
• Maximum output level: 20 mW + 20 mW (32 Ω load)
• Output impedance: ≤ 10 Ω

Built‑in speaker

• Type: 20 mm × 30 mm elliptical dynamic speaker
• Max effective output power: 250 mW

USB

• Connector: USB Type‑C
• Use a USB cable that supports data transfer
• Audio interface: USB 2.0 High Speed
• Input/output channels:
  • 4 in / 2 out (Multi mode)
  • 2 in / 2 out (Stereo mode)
• Sampling rates:
  • Audio interface only: 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
  • Audio interface + internal recording: 44.1 / 48 kHz
• Bit depths: 24‑bit, 32‑bit float
• File transfer: USB 2.0 High Speed

Power Supply

• Batteries: 2 × AA (alkaline, lithium, or NiMH rechargeable)
• AC adapter: ZOOM AD‑17 (DC 5 V / 1 A)
• USB power supply: supported (bus power)
• Power consumption: max. 3 W

Estimated battery life (stereo front recording)

• Alkaline: approx. 11 h
• NiMH (1900 mAh): approx. 9 h
• Lithium: approx. 20.5 h

(48 kHz / 32‑bit float, no headphones or remote, 1‑min auto power save)

Estimated battery life (stereo front + rear recording)

• Alkaline: approx. 8 h
• NiMH (1900 mAh): approx. 8 h
• Lithium: approx. 17.5 h

(48 kHz / 32‑bit float, no headphones or remote, 1‑min auto power save)

Estimated battery life (stereo front + rear recording)

• Alkaline: approx. 4 h
• NiMH (1900 mAh): approx. 4.5 h
• Lithium: approx. 9.5 h

(96 kHz / 32‑bit float, with 33 Ω headphones and remote, 1‑min auto power save)

Note: approximate values measured using internal testing methods. Operating time may vary depending on usage conditions.

Dimensions & Weight

• 60 mm (W) × 44 mm (D) × 97 mm (H)
• Weight (with batteries): 170 g