Topic: H-2 or R-09??? I need to pull this trigger soon...

[aaronji]

Hey all!  I hope you'll forgive my simple question, but I just don't know...

I have been a sharer for a while, and have finally decided to take the plunge so I can contribute something original to the community at large...

I have a show next week (Rush in Rotterdam) that I would like to record.  I have pretty much narrowed my choices of recorder to the Edirol R-09 or the Zoom H-2.  From what I have read (and there is a dizzying amount), I can't really tell whether it is worth the extra cash for the R-09...

Since I am a total newbie, I hope to keep it simple until I get a little experience.  Also, in early November, I will be seeing Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman in Budapest.  I'd like to get those taped too, but they are sonically very different from something like Rush, so I guess versatility is important too...

Thanks for your help!

P.S.  Since Rush is a week away, I need to do this quickly.

[fmaderjr]

I definitely wouldn't get the H-2 if you are planning to use an external mic. Reports on the Zoom forum are that the H-2 mic preamp is quite noisy with all external mics tested (but not when using the on board mics).

Even using the internal mics, you could run into problems with the H-2 because someone also reported on that site that the if the H-2 signal is clipping at the L/M/H setting you choose, adjusting the digital gain won't prevent the clipping. If you turn down the gain apparently you are just reducing the volume of the already recorded signal after it has been processed by the A-D converter.

[calvinroots]

I like my R-09 but I'm no tech...just my $.02!

[Roving Sign]

I definitely wouldn't get the H-2 if you are planning to use an external mic. Reports on the Zoom forum are that the H-2 mic preamp is quite noisy with all external mics tested (but not when using the on board mics).

I definitely wouldn't get the R-9 if you are planning to use an external mic. Danm near everyone who has touched one has broken off one of the input jacks off the circuit board.

[Belexes]

Rush are filming one or both Rotterdam concerts for a DVD release, but we may not get the entire concert.  Your stealth efforts will be appreciated.

I like my R-09 and knock-on-wood have had no input jack issues.  I use right-angle jacks only.

[firebaugh]

R-09.  I've taped a number shows with mine and I've been quite happy.

[dmonkey]

FWIW, I've taped quite a few shows with my R-09 and never broken the jack. I wouldn't shy away from it for that reason. Great little device, in my opinion.

[digifish_music]

I definitely wouldn't get the H-2 if you are planning to use an external mic. Reports on the Zoom forum are that the H-2 mic preamp is quite noisy with all external mics tested (but not when using the on board mics).

I definitely wouldn't get the R-9 if you are planning to use an external mic. Danm near everyone who has touched one has broken off one of the input jacks off the circuit board.

I have been using the R09 heavily for over a year (both mic and line jacks) without a problem. 

digifish

[china_rider]

I'm another that have used the R-9 for quite some time without issues.  Not sure if I am more more careful then others that report issues, but I set my levels, throw the R-9 in a pocket and leave it running, and have never had a problem.  I do use a right angle mini plug.  I really like the R-9.

I know of two others personally that had the H-2.  Both were not happy with it and sold them on ebay within a few months of buying them.

[Ozpeter]

I know of two others personally that had the H-2.  Both were not happy with it and sold them on ebay within a few months of buying them.

It's only been available since late August - are you sure you're not thinking of the earlier H4??

[china_rider]

I know of two others personally that had the H-2.  Both were not happy with it and sold them on ebay within a few months of buying them.

It's only been available since late August - are you sure you're not thinking of the earlier H4??

Yep... I'm actually talking about what ever is the first one that came out.

[Roving Sign]

I know of two others personally that had the H-2.  Both were not happy with it and sold them on ebay within a few months of buying them.

It's only been available since late August - are you sure you're not thinking of the earlier H4??

Yep... I'm actually talking about what ever is the first one that came out.

Thats the H4 - The H2 is the new one...I think the verdict is still out on the H2...

[Ozpeter]

My H2 verdict would be that its prime feature is the four built in mics, and the recorder is best used with them.  External mics input is rather insensitive with any mics I've tried it with.  Line in seems as good as anything else.  Most of the other features are of little real use if you are going to post-produce your recordings in a PC afterwards - best to record with the gimmicks turned off, and decide how to handle the audio at your leisure later, working on a copy.

It's the audio equivalent of the point & shoot camera.  If you think of it that way, you'll be pleased.  If you expect it to be the equivalent of a DSLR, you'll be disappointed.

[Dede2002]

After almost a year using my R-09 every week, no input issues so far.
Very happy with mine. Maybe I'm a lucky guy.

[cybergaloot]

I have an H2 and it has been ok just using the internal mics. I don't think it is the end-all, be-all of recorders though, just a cheap way to get into recording. One warning, don't use the AGC. I tried it for one show and it totally screwed up the recording.

[Ozpeter]

Indeed, the H2 should only be used with everything flat/off/disabled.  Set the level to M 100 for anything that's not seriously loud, or L 100 if it's loud.  Not much to be gained by using the H setting.   Analog noise levels though remarkably low from the built in mics given the price do not appear to justify recording in 24 bits.  Think of it as a "point and shoot" device and do rest in your DAW program afterwards.

For an example of what it's capable of when used in a studio and tweaked afterwards, see the one-minute sample at http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/9/22/1451533/One%20minute%20skin.mp3