Topic: H2n questions

[skern49]

Hi all,

Just a few questions on the H2n....(I'm a musician looking to record myself on solo guitar and various group rehearsals):

1) When recording solo guitar, would it make any sense to use the M/S feature on H2n, with absolutely no Side mic (thus resulting in a 30 degree angle from the Mid mic only, according to Zoom's website)? Rephrased: Is it correct to assume that, when recording a solo instrument, the narrower the angle the better? Or does it give the recording some pleasing sense of "breadth" when I use a wider angle (say, again, 90 degrees)?

2) If I'm recording a band with M/S, would the ability to adjust the stereo width after the fact give me more control over making sure certain instruments were captured equally? Or am I completely misunderstanding the use of M/S?

3) The H2n has the ability to simulate omnidirectional mics with its 2- or 4-channel surround sound recording. In the case of musicians spread all around the room, would this be a good choice or is it just a poor imitation of actual omnis?

Thanks!

Sasha

[skern49]

Up!

No H2n owners? I don't believe it....

Sasha

[Ozpeter]

1) When recording solo guitar, would it make any sense to use the M/S feature on H2n, with absolutely no Side mic (thus resulting in a 30 degree angle from the Mid mic only, according to Zoom's website)? Rephrased: Is it correct to assume that, when recording a solo instrument, the narrower the angle the better? Or does it give the recording some pleasing sense of "breadth" when I use a wider angle (say, again, 90 degrees)?

It depends... use the M/S feature and adjust to your taste afterwards.

2) If I'm recording a band with M/S, would the ability to adjust the stereo width after the fact give me more control over making sure certain instruments were captured equally? Or am I completely misunderstanding the use of M/S?

You need to place the recorder correctly to obtain a correct balance.  Stereo width might help distinguish between the instruments (by separating them) but is unlikely to correct any significant balance problem.

3) The H2n has the ability to simulate omnidirectional mics with its 2- or 4-channel surround sound recording. In the case of musicians spread all around the room, would this be a good choice or is it just a poor imitation of actual omnis?

The recorder cannot simulate omni mics.  Having multiple mics facing in different directions is not the same thing.

[skern49]

The recorder cannot simulate omni mics.  Having multiple mics facing in different directions is not the same thing.

Could you explain the difference? Additionally, based on your answer to my 2nd question, do you think an omni mic would have a higher chance of a successful balance when there is not much time for placement consideration (and literally no time for testing) and the setup of the musicians is unpredictable?

Thanks,
Sasha

[Ozpeter]

If you record with a single omni mic you'll get a mono recording of everything around it.  If you record with multiple mics with each feeding a separate track (eg using the H2N) you will be able later to balance the sound arriving from the different directions at which the mics are pointing and create a stereo mix, or if you really want, a mono mix.  However, the polar pattern of the aggregate of the multiple mics will not be circular as from an omni but will have bumps- some of the sound sources will be not quite in front of any of the centre axis of any of the mics.  There's also tonal differences and handling and wind noise differences.

If I were to record a group of musicians I wouldn't dream of doing so in mono these days - so personally I wouldn't use a single omni mic.

[skern49]

If you record with a single omni mic you'll get a mono recording of everything around it.  If you record with multiple mics with each feeding a separate track (eg using the H2N) you will be able later to balance the sound arriving from the different directions at which the mics are pointing and create a stereo mix, or if you really want, a mono mix.  However, the polar pattern of the aggregate of the multiple mics will not be circular as from an omni but will have bumps- some of the sound sources will be not quite in front of any of the centre axis of any of the mics.  There's also tonal differences and handling and wind noise differences.

If I were to record a group of musicians I wouldn't dream of doing so in mono these days - so personally I wouldn't use a single omni mic.

I sent you a private message!

-Sasha

[earmonger]

But how about a spaced pair of omnis?

[skern49]

But how about a spaced pair of omnis?

I'm deciding between the H2n and the Tascam DR-05. The Tascam has a pair of omnis (not sure exactly what you mean by spaced). So I'm trying to figure out what'd be more suitable for a recording a group of musicians in an unexpected arrangement and without any time for testing.