Zoom H2 Review ( will be updated as time progresses)

[skiphunt]

Hi Skip,

been observing the conversation, H2 looks like it fits you, but you do deserve the chance to try an RH1 with a 1 gig MD, may change your mind slightly. Any of the of the Hi-MD's with a mic input will probably do you well, and they are small, media is cheap, and not that big.

Again H2 looks like it has some nice poins to it, but there are alternatives.

Thanks for your insights

Bob

How much life do you really think MD has before it's completely obsolete and you can't buy the media any more? I'm sure the RH1 is a dandy recorder, but I've always had a pet peave regarding Sony's proprietary batteries and compression. And think about it.... with a single 4GB SD card I get a couple hours of 96/24 recording.

How is this RH1 more stealth than the H2 running off a "stealth" external lapel mic? If I've got to carry extra proprietary batteries, external mic, a stack of miniDisks.. I might as well carry along a Tascam P2 and even get sync-sound with the package.

Yes, for my needs (alot of potential in the smallest, reasonably-priced package) I think you'd be hard-pressed to beat the H2.

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

Hey Bob , I dont think he read my reply right after yours . Oh well .

The Zoom is Cool , but is NO RH1 , not by a long shot . We all all know that . The Mic pres in the RH1 are just not going to be very easily beaten by anything less than a Rackmount studio Mic pre .

I may still just build a Decent XLR box for the RH1 for the Live stuff , and Nature stuff. The Zoom will be good for a Lot of other hings , I dont regret getting it . It will get Daily use , Rayz Ray could use one for Piano lessons as well , the Metronome in it is pretty cool . I like it .

The Rolls MX 34 really has My Attention at this point , 101 db S/N with Phantom power and works off 9volt batts , I could then get Some pro mics on the RH1 for the Concert stuff , and for The Japan Documentary I will do . I just got thru making a Stereo mic stand ( two Seperate mic mounts on a Aluminum Bar with thread mounts for the Clips . I will post a pic to you in the Mail .

I will also buy several packs of 1 gig discs next week when I get paid , .... RH 1 still wears the Belt , and the Bell has sounded .

I can't legitimately comment on this any more. I don't have an RH1 and don't do the sort of recording many of you must do. Again, for my needs the H2 is perfect. For others interested.. check it out for yourself. It's not perfect, and may not be your RH1 killer (can't say since I don't have one and have no intention of investing is the last vestages of MD tech). That's not the slam the RH1 at all. Wouldn't be prudent since I don't have one, and LOTS of great superior technology gets stomped by smaller,faster,cheaper gear. But for $200, a convenient small package with lots of versatility.. you owe it to yourself to at least check it out.

I'm happy with what I have and harbour no desire to convince anyone else of what will work for them. For me and my specific needs, for the money... the H2 can't be beat.

[ozpeter]

It's always kind of risk to try to compare apples and oranges - even though they are both fruit - and then when you you start throwing in considerations like whether it's essential for your needs to have a fruit that doesn't need to be peeled, or whether you're wanting to get best results with a juicing machine, then it gets even harder!

So, the RH-1 is going to be ideal for some, depending on their criteria, and the H2 is going to be ideal for others, depending on their different criteria. I'm going to have both and choose which to use according to need at the time (lucky me) - when the effing thing gets to Australia.

The tragedy for us here is that Sony should be looking at the H2 and thinking about how minidisc could be adapted to address those areas where the H2 has something handy to offer (limiting for instance) for many users. But there's every sign that a Hi-MD recorder with a built in limiter is never going to appear - or even another one without one. Hi-MD died (in the sense of lack of new models) some time before the H2 had any pretensions to be its killer.

[Strungup]

It's always kind of risk to try to compare apples and oranges - even though they are both fruit - and then when you you start throwing in considerations like whether it's essential for your needs to have a fruit that doesn't need to be peeled, or whether you're wanting to get best results with a juicing machine, then it gets even harder!

So, the RH-1 is going to be ideal for some, depending on their criteria, and the H2 is going to be ideal for others, depending on their different criteria. I'm going to have both and choose which to use according to need at the time (lucky me) - when the effing thing gets to Australia.

The tragedy for us here is that Sony should be looking at the H2 and thinking about how minidisc could be adapted to address those areas where the H2 has something handy to offer (limiting for instance) for many users. But there's every sign that a Hi-MD recorder with a built in limiter is never going to appear - or even another one without one. Hi-MD died (in the sense of lack of new models) some time before the H2 had any pretensions to be its killer.

Pete , ..... Well said. I agree .

[skiphunt]

It's always kind of risk to try to compare apples and oranges - even though they are both fruit - and then when you you start throwing in considerations like whether it's essential for your needs to have a fruit that doesn't need to be peeled, or whether you're wanting to get best results with a juicing machine, then it gets even harder!

So, the RH-1 is going to be ideal for some, depending on their criteria, and the H2 is going to be ideal for others, depending on their different criteria. I'm going to have both and choose which to use according to need at the time (lucky me) - when the effing thing gets to Australia.

The tragedy for us here is that Sony should be looking at the H2 and thinking about how minidisc could be adapted to address those areas where the H2 has something handy to offer (limiting for instance) for many users. But there's every sign that a Hi-MD recorder with a built in limiter is never going to appear - or even another one without one. Hi-MD died (in the sense of lack of new models) some time before the H2 had any pretensions to be its killer.

Well, I personally prefer fruit you don't have to peel for traveling.. like apples. They taste better at moderate temps and take a beating much better. Oranges don't hold up so well and don't taste as good warm. Bananas? Forget about it!

[Strungup]

I think what will ease the sensitivity of this issue is , stated in one of my earlier posts on this thread , when it is mentioned about the "MD Killer"

What Sony did , was to create the Ubiquitus combination , of Exellent Recording device , and Way Cool Music Player in one device, that we who are MD efficienados, fell in Love with, became Loyal to , and cannot reaaly accept anything less as a standard .

Deep down we all know that in Order to keep recording , we will eventually need to replace our MD's ,.... But With WHAT ? What will meet the same Standard , of OVERALL usability , What is it that we will be able to Fall in love with all over again ? Does the Zoom do these things , No , it isnt your Music player , can it be used as , yes , but it will be cumbersome and your battery life will suck .

What will give us the Same or Similar enough "Coolness" for us to Accept change , I think that in a nutshell is the Concept behind the thought of " Is this the MD Killer"

The plain truth is , Nothing will "Kill" MD or Replace it , it just is what it is . Will there be other "Usefull things " to us , Yes Just look at RayzRay's collection ,( That guy has gear ) or any other Studio Rat like Me , with 16 channel mixers laying around the House , twenty five Mics , 8 different Multitrack Recorders , Hand Drums ,Guitars, Flutes of every Kind , ........ What replaces the MD ????? Nothing , and Nothing will

another statement in an earlier post on this thread , I said ," it is easy for me to see where Technologie is headed"

There has been a seperation of Church and State here if you will . The MD was the Combination of MUsic on the MOve , and Recording on the Move . Players and recorders have been seperated , and that bond will never be reunited . Recorders are going to get better ,faster , and smaller , and there will be Recorders we will adapt to and use . Heck they might even be "User Freindly " at some point .

But we would still have an MD in our backpack . At least I know I will.

Peace

[bobt]

Amen to that TC, couldn't have said it better myself,

Bob. and to you skip, please stay with us, it's nice to have knowledgeable members, and to all, wise words of wisdom, keep an open mind and closed bowels, and you will succeed

[A440]

Skip, welcome to MDCF. Wish you could upload some Guero's tacos.

Can we go back to those samples you posted? What do you think is causing the hum that gets louder with the higher gain settings? Do you think it was your "fridge compressor"? Or do you think it was noise from the preamp? That's the crucial question for anyone considering using the H2 for interviews, podcasts, etc. If the mic preamp is adding that much noise, that's a problem. But if it's delivering a pristine recording of your refrigerator, that's a plus.

Where would the world be without finely documented refrigerator hum?

Unlike Guitarfxr, I don't use my Hi-MD as a player--just a recorder, mostly for concerts and occasionally for speech. What I want is stealth, which means good external microphone recording, and control: levels, track marking. Which is why I'm still trying to figure out if I have much use for the H2.

I was impressed with the quality of the built-in mics in Skip's sample, but I am truly hoping that someone will do some recordings with the H2 with a setup like what I use at concerts with the MZ-NH700: Mic-->Battery Module-->Line-in (or Mic-in if the preamps and limiter can handle it).

Meanwhile, Skip, if you gave up MD before Hi-MD came out, which was just a few years ago, you had all kinds of good reasons. But you might be surprised at the improvements Sony gave Hi-MD (and then utterly failed to market to the public). And for portability and battery life it easily fits your criteria.

Uploading is now possible--two steps, not drag-and-drop, but tolerable. Quality is now PCM if you want it, and media cost about $7 per 1GB. Battery life is magnificent. MD units are smaller than the H2--they fit in your palm, and mine have survived a few drops. You already have the outboard mics. And the NH700 is still available for around $215. With a small stack of discs that you can upload and reuse, I don't see any problem with using minidisc until the unit itself finally gives out. Yes, it's about to become orphan technology, but I've always had a soft spot for orphans.

Edited September 3, 2007 by A440

[Strungup]

Actually I use my 930 for playing .

mine is blue

Edited September 3, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

Skip, welcome to MDCF. Wish you could upload some Guero's tacos.

Can we go back to those samples you posted? What do you think is causing the hum that gets louder with the higher gain settings? Do you think it was your "fridge compressor"? Or do you think it was noise from the preamp? That's the crucial question for anyone considering using the H2 for interviews, podcasts, etc. If the mic preamp is adding that much noise, that's a problem. But if it's delivering a pristine recording of your refrigerator, that's a plus.

Where would the world be without finely documented refrigerator hum?

Unlike Guitarfxr, I don't use my Hi-MD as a player--just a recorder, mostly for concerts and occasionally for speech. What I want is stealth, which means good external microphone recording, and control: levels, track marking. Which is why I'm still trying to figure out if I have much use for the H2.

I was impressed with the quality of the built-in mics in Skip's sample, but I am truly hoping that someone will do some recordings with the H2 with a setup like what I use at concerts with the MZ-NH700: Mic-->Battery Module-->Line-in (or Mic-in if the preamps and limiter can handle it).

Meanwhile, Skip, if you gave up MD before Hi-MD came out, which was just a few years ago, you had all kinds of good reasons. But you might be surprised at the improvements Sony gave Hi-MD (and then utterly failed to market to the public). And for portability and battery life it easily fits your criteria.

Uploading is now possible--two steps, not drag-and-drop, but tolerable. Quality is now PCM if you want it, and media cost about $7 per 1GB. Battery life is magnificent. MD units are smaller than the H2--they fit in your palm, and mine have survived a few drops. You already have the outboard mics. And the NH700 is still available for around $215. With a small stack of discs that you can upload and reuse, I don't see any problem with using minidisc until the unit itself finally gives out. Yes, it's about to become orphan technology, but I've always had a soft spot for orphans.

Yes, it was the fridge. The ME66 isn't really a true shotgun... it's a passable low-end one, not the cheapest but it's popular for budget/mid-range video work and it gets some pickup from the back. The quickie recordings I did were at the bar in my kitchen.. it was late, but I wanted to put up a few quick clips... so, I didn't fuss with getting everything perfect. I just turned off the AC and ceiling fans (dangerous this time of year in Texas) ;-) But I was still hearing audible hum from the fridge that was about 7-8ft directly behind the ME66. I really didn't think the ME66 and H2 would even pick it up.. but they certainly did.

I'm supposed to shoot a muscian some time this coming week and some of the shots will be "the making of the CD" kinds of shots in some colleague's studio http://www.lavastudios.net If I think about it, I'll try to get some quick recordings in a sound booth with even higher end mics at the studio.. and will pay closer attention to placement, levels, etc. I'm sorta curious myself what real high-end mics will sound like. They keep their best mics in a safe. :-) Though, I doubt any will have built-in phantom power. They do have decent Rodes that I believe have built-in power. Might try one of those. I actually prefer the Rodes for dialogue.

Edited September 3, 2007 by skiphunt

[fanimej]

Wouldn't it be friggin great if Sony released a RH1 that takes memory cards instead of MDs? I sure would like that. The RH1 looks so slim and cool, and the H2 looks like a shaver :-D

[skiphunt]

Wouldn't it be friggin great if Sony released a RH1 that takes memory cards instead of MDs? I sure would like that. The RH1 looks so slim and cool, and the H2 looks like a shaver :-D

You can shave with it TOO?!?!?! Awesome!!!

;-)

Edited September 3, 2007 by skiphunt

[bobt]

Wouldn't it be friggin great if Sony released a RH1 that takes memory cards instead of MDs? I sure would like that. The RH1 looks so slim and cool, and the H2 looks like a shaver :-D

It would hardly be an "MD" player then, might as well go flash. A while back there was a suggestion to have an SD slot as well as MD, that would be interesting, but for me give me something midway between the RH1 and MZ1m with optical in and out, decent sized buttons and guages, then I'de really be happy

Little off topic though, sorry

Bob

[Strungup]

<_

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[A440]

Thank you, Guitarfxr. That's one of the exact tests I was hoping to hear, and it makes the RH1 sound mighty impressive. I do hear some preamp hiss on the RH1, but it's because the general level of the RH1 recording sounds so much higher (although you say you had them both registering 0 dB). When I make the perceived volume of the RH1 and Zoom recordings the same, the RH1 sounds much cleaner, not to mention richer and with far more dynamics and spatial depth. No question of what's better.

Bet that the other Zoom threads Ozpeter listed will all be linking here pretty soon.

Um, I know I'm really pushing it, but could you do the same sort of comparison with mic to line-in through a mixer or battery box?

Nice guitar, by the way. You were heading for Davy Graham territory for a second...

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

Ok so this morning , I took out the AT-822 for those who wanted to hear it with the Zoom , and for Comparison I did a short on the RH1 at HiSP

The Zoom was set to 16 bit /44.1 Wav -> Audacity , Convert MP3 no edits whatsover Import exprt only

Rh1 same way Import /Export MP3 both to 192 kbs

Both units , Mic was same distance same settings , Mic setting HIgh , rec level even 115 on the Zoom , 23 on the RH1

I make mention of what I think will happen with most small stereo mics that are designed for MD in the Zoom file.

Something has to be wrong. With those very settings you spec in your recording.. my H2 with the ME66 would produce a much fuller,louder recording than what you're referencing. I might just try that to compare. But I already know... with the ME66 with HI gain and a level of 125 as you state.. I'd be clipping it'd be so loud. Are you running through a line-matching transformer?

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[A440]

-40dBm

No one's arguing with your ears, Yoda. Just stop rolling and unrolling them while you talk, OK?

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

Chill-out dude. Who said I was arguing with you? And didn't you read my initial post? I never claimed to be a "studio rat" as you seem hell-bent on reminding everyone every few posts. Good for you!!!

You also seem awfully proud of yourself in your posts... with all the proclamations about being a "damn good guitar player..." etc. Whatever... I'm a fairly dandy photographer as well.. but what does that have to do with anything? I live in Austin, Texas... so I know many splendid guitar players. They're a dime a dozen here.. Doesn't mean they know anything about sound just because they're a decent guitar player. I know plenty of guitar players who'd blow your mind with their skill... but at the same time know almost nothing of recording tech. So why all the puffery?

Anyhow, this is a MD forum.. so I'm not surprised MD will be defended until it's death. It sounds like your RH1 is a swell recording device. It'll be a shame when MD tech is finally relegated to the dustbins of obsolescence. Looks like the RH1 was a fine achievement. Not for me though. Not enough included in the package, and not interested in soon having to special order media for it.... or, carry along a mic for basic stuff.

For what I was looking for, the H2 meets my needs very well. Not perfect mind you... but very close. When something better comes along, I'll upgrade. The RH1 won't meet my current needs, but if it meets yours.. good for you!

I only came here because I was looking at the stats for my site and saw all these hits coming from this forum to my little test clip page. Thought I'd come over and see what the folks here were saying about the H2. I should have known it'd be futile to state any possitive benifits of anything other than minidisc on a minidisc forum. ;-)

The H2 does a fine job in the situations I plan to use it for. I'll do more personal testing of it to zero in on all it's strengths and weaknesses.. but I'll likely just keep it to myself instead posting publically. I've no interest in arguing with anyone. I know what works for me. If minidisc works will for you... more power to ya. And good luck!

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

ROTFLMAO .....

If anything you came here with your opening statement , "This guy is really Slamming the H2 " and proceeded to get antagonistic . Having NO IDEA who you were speaking to or WHAT you were talking about ....... Go Home .

Ha! Well aren't you just precious? Hey, that reminds me... I think a more fitting avatar for you.. instead of the venerable Master Yoda... would be an image of Gollum stroking his "Precious".. only, instead of the magical ring... it'd be your "Precious" RH1. LOL

ps. I also asked if you found some much fault with the H2, what did you recommend that was better for MY needs. You offered nothing that handled all the performance I was looking for in the smallest possible package. And at what point did I antagonize your poor self? Please point out where that occurred. It was never intentional and I'm sorry if you misinterpretted it as such.

Lastly, you STILL have not offered anything up in 96/24 as I originally suggested. Why is that? I compared 44.1/16 to 96/24 and found the latter to be noticably superior. Why do you only offer up mp3 compressed onboard the H2, or 44/16? Why not use the best the H2 has to offer instead of stacking the deck?

Edited September 4, 2007 by skiphunt

[fanimej]

ROTFLMAO .....

If anything you came here with your opening statement , "This guy is really Slamming the H2 " and proceeded to get antagonistic . Having NO IDEA who you were speaking to or WHAT you were talking about ....... Go Home .

Stop bitching. You're being way to sensitive! We get it, you're the master... I don't understand what skiphunt is saying that makes you so irritated? Perhaps you should try to read posts without construe them as critique?

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

I wasnt really irritatd with him , he came here complaining , instead of asking questions , I read his posts , he had to correct himself after the first one admitting he didnt read it correctly , then after that Procceeds to enunciate with assumed authority the virtues of the Zoom over the MD , ( Here on the MD forums of all things) when in fact it is not the case , I posted a review of the Zoom H2 because SEVERAL people asked me to , to give an Honest Critique of the thing rather than a Piece of Propoganda supporting it .

Where did I "complain"? I suggested you record at H2's best settings. Not at it's weakest.

You worked for ZOOM? Did they fire you? Do you work for Sony now? LOL

Again, as I've stated adnauseum... the H2 is a fine performer and beats the RH1 for MY needs.

The H2 records at 96/24 the RH1 is only 44.1. (why don't you give the H2s 96/24 it a try?)

The H2 has decent built-in mics so less storage, and less gear to bring along. The RH1 doesn't even have a builtin mic. I can fit everything I need into one small pocket in my camerabag. The RH1 would require more storage.

I've already using SD cards in my camera gear. The RH1 has specialized media. SD cards are pretty easy to find anywhere. No so with RH1 media.

The H2 uses standard AA batteries. Again, easy to find even in the most remote locales. The RH1 requires expensive proprietary Sony Lithium batteries. Hard to find in a small Mexican village when you've run out of power or forgot to recharge. I can find AAs pretty much anywhere.

The H2 has builtin mics that allow me to record a 90deg pattern, a 120deg pattern, or a combination of each. Or, a 4channel recording. The RH1 is only 2channel and has no built-in mic. To get a variety of recording patterns you'd have to bring an assortment of mics with you.

The H2 has AGC, a Limiter, and Compressor.. all in specific flavors, ie. for studio, instuments, live bands, vocals, speech, etc. The RH1 doesn't have this.

The RH1 sells for double the price of an H2.

So, again.. for MY needs.. and those who're looking for a portable recording device with the most versatility in a small package for less money. The H2 is a good choice.

If you don't mind buying Sony's expensive batteries, hard to find media, having to carry along your own mics, don't need a limiter, and don't mind carrying along your mics, don't mind the fact the RH1 will likely be obsolete in the not too distant future... etc. then sure... maybe the RH1 will suit you better.

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

Your being a Sales Man , not a member ........... Still dont get it do you ? I was reviewing for the MD community ,not you .

Last post . Bye guys

Salesman? Just stating facts and my own personal observations about the topic at hand. Sorry the facts got your feathers ruffled. But, if you want to do a fair test.. you should really compare the H2s 96/24bit recording to the best your RH1 has to offer. Sure, makes since to offer up two recordings both at 44.1, but you shouldn't stop there if you're trying to do a legitimate review.

Also, promoting ZOOM is the furthest from my mind. They seem like a cheapo outfit that doesn't really put that much emphasis on build-quality. BUT, in the H2.. they've offered up alot of bang for the buck in a small versatile package. For this, I applaud them. If someone else makes something with even better recording options, and a solid/tough chassis, then I'll upgrade to their's instead. I have no loyalty or great love for ZOOM as you evidently have for Sony. This is the first ZOOM product I've ever bought. If they keep on the path of offering a great deal of value in the most portable package, but with a little more solid build... it won't be the last.

Edited September 4, 2007 by skiphunt

[Ishiyoshi]

Ok boys… let’s be nice and shake hands.

[fanimej]

How come you can't listen to the latest samples guitarfxr uploaded? the links looks weird!

"

" What to do?

[Strungup]

Edited September 5, 2007 by Guitarfxr

[skiphunt]

That is because I removed them .... All of them .

No point in having a discussion with you . Analysis is done Class is over , see ya !

Huhhh??? WOW! Unbelievable. Even takin' yer marbles home too? Heh.. not surprised.

Hey fanimej, I'll put up more real-world recording situations with different mics later this week if I get time. Some in a studio, some wild sound, and maybe some live music as well.

Just realworld applications without all the "studio rat" puffery. You and others can listen and decide for yourselves if the H2 will meet your needs or not.

[uglybassplayer]

Ok, it sounds like the H2 preamps aren't studio grade and can't compare to those in the RH1. What about the Edirol R-09? How does that unit (and it's preamps) compare?

[bobt]

bottom line here is that we are predominately MD'philes, most of whats here is MD, nice to know of alternatives, but we like our MD's, maybe this thread would have been better served in Atraclife, hopefully all can step back see the positives, and regroup with positive reinforcement.

There have been treads of alternate recorders, always will be, no one device is perfect. And has been said, you get what you pay for, that almost killed Hyundai in the 80's when they pitched there $8,000 car against $20,000 cars, and got soundly trashed, they've regrouped and make a fine product.

Let's respect each other

Bob

[uglybassplayer]

bottom line here is that we are predominately MD'philes, most of whats here is MD, nice to know of alternatives, but we like our MD's, maybe this thread would have been better served in Atraclife, hopefully all can step back see the positives, and regroup with positive reinforcement.

There have been treads of alternate recorders, always will be, no one device is perfect. And has been said, you get what you pay for, that almost killed Hyundai in the 80's when they pitched there $8,000 car against $20,000 cars, and got soundly trashed, they've regrouped and make a fine product.

Let's respect each other

Bob

Well spoken Bob. I joined this forum today as a result of reading this thread even though I don't own an MD device. I'm here not because I wish to argue with MD'philes, rather I hope to learn from those who have more experience and have access to a wider range of equipment than I've been exposed to. I welcome reviews and comparisons between the new stuff coming out vs. equipment that has been become the reference point against what others are judged. I have no dog in this fight... I'm here to gain from the experiences of others.

P.S. I own several Hyundais... A 2003 Elantra, a 2001 Santa Fe, a 2007 Santa Fe. You are right, they've come a long way from the Excel.

- Frank.

Edited September 5, 2007 by UglyBassPlayer

[A440]

Let's respect each other

Amen.

I want everyone to be as objective as possible.

Skiphunt wants something he can throw in a camera bag, use with the stuff he already has--AA batteries, flash cards--and get a decent recording. The H2 suits him.

Guitarfxr wants a portable device that works best with his excellent outboard mics, and has the best preamps for them. He has discs and, as a studio guy, he has higher standards for sonic clarity than a photographer. He prefers the RH1.

Skiphunt, if he had any interest in MD, might like the NH700, which costs $200, takes an AA battery and has those good Hi-MD preamps. But if not, so be it.

I would also point out that sampling rates don't matter if the input isn't as good. It's not about the numbers, it's about the sound.

However, Guitarfxr, you two are far from the only two folks reading this thread, openly or anonymously, and the samples you posted make your case quite clearly. It's a shame you removed them--people can learn something from them, and I hope you will restore them.

I don't see any reason to blindly defend Hi-MD if there is a clearly superior alternative. However, from the discussion so far it seems that the H2 and the RH1 are geared for very different users. For my purposes, with stealth concert recording, MD seems to still be the choice. But if I were podcasting and wanted to just put a mic near my face, then maybe I'd prefer the H2 simply for convenience.

But hey, they're just toys. A discussion is only a discussion. Let's not make any of this personal. Readers can judge for themselves.

[bobt]

Well spoken Bob. I joined this forum today as a result of reading this thread even though I don't own an MD device. I'm here not because I wish to argue with MD'philes, rather I hope to learn from those who have more experience and have access to a wider range of equipment than I've been exposed to. I welcome reviews and comparisons between the new stuff coming out vs. equipment that has been become the reference point against what others are judged. I have no dog in this fight... I'm here to gain from the experiences of others.

P.S. I own several Hyundais... A 2003 Elantra, a 2001 Santa Fe, a 2007 Santa Fe. You are right, they've come a long way from the Excel.

- Frank.

Welcome aboard Frank, learning is what it's all about

Bob

[skiphunt]

This guy Guitarfx stated that his intial recording is "the best you would ever get from the H2.." this simply isn't true. He didn't record a 96/24bit and still refuses to for some reason.

He also states that "if you record with ANY external mic.... you WILL be disappointed..." Again, this is simply not true. I did sample clips with an ME66 that are not "disappointing" in the slightest. With better placement and level adjustment.. it'd be even better.

Look, I never wanted to argue with this guy. I merely posted questions regarding his methods and conclusions. Instead of simply answering me... he launched into insults, claims of how knowledgable he is... how great he is to have guessed a couple specs... how great a guitar player he believes he is... etc.

It was like trying to have an adult conversation with Cartman from Southpark. (in the voice of Cartman) "I'm a studio rat... I live, eat, and breath it.. how dare you question my supreme self?.... YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORA-TAHHHH!!!!"

Then he gets his panties in a bunch and trys to get the thread locked... and then removes is samples and stomps away all hurt. Is this guy an adult? Why not just stick to the facts and if he's a "teacher".. answer legitimate questions instead of puffing himself all up and resorting to insults? Geez.. he claims to have students... glad I'm not one of them.