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Topic: Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ? (Read 9386 times) previous topic - next topic
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Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Hello

I am looking for a good setup of a Lapel Mic (Wireless) to go with Zoom H2n or Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-05

It will be a lecture recording with only the speaker talking while the rest of the people are listening to him in the big room.

Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Reply #1 –
Well, all those devices have external line inputs, so pretty much any wireless mic system currently being sold could work.

What's your budget?  That'll narrow down the field pretty quick, and be aware that with wireless mics, "you get what you pay for" is very, very true.
"Not sure what the question is, but the answer is probably no."

Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Reply #2 –
Budget is around $200 - $250 for the Audio Recorder and $100 for the Mic

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By the way, whats the competitor for Zoom H2n from Tascam brand.

I am interested in purchasing Zoom H2n instead of Zoom H2. What do you guys suggest ?

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I am thinking of using Singular PluralEyes for syncing the Video with the Audio.

Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Reply #3 –
Wow, the H2n is cool!  I've owned an H2 for several years, love it, but I've learned a lot about its shortcomings.  The big one is the external mic input is noisy, big time.  Not sure why, but I haven't found any mic that really works as well, noise wise, as the internals.  That's a big limitation, but I've also found the internal mics are really good.  The line input isn't great either, but usable.  Noise floor is also a bit high, makes 24 bit recordings a little silly when the noise floor is at the 14 bit level.  Also, the H2 does surround in 4 mics and 4 channels, the H2n uses 5 mics, presumably in to 5 channels, though I didn't actually see that.  Recording with a center mic would be great!  There are modification around for the H2 that improve the on-board mics directional separation, haven't tried them.  You can also modify the H2 to add 4 line inputs. Mine's un-modified, I have a MOTU Traveler for multichannel recording.

The H2's onboard "effects" are useless, including the limiter, which you'd wish you could use.  I use some limiting and compression in some cases where the audio is really wild, but usually avoid it because once it's recorded that way you can't undo it. They are really bad.  Recording in "mono" creates a stereo file with identical tracks, again dumb.  Why not create mono files and save memory? They included high bit rate recording to .wav files, nice, but useless.  96KHz 4 channel recording eats memory for lunch, and doesn't provide any audible advantage with this device.  Record time is really about 3 hours on a set of alkaline batteries.  When I've done long-form seminars, I have to change batteries a lot.  Handling noise is high with the H2.  You have to be really careful, use the provided handle stick, or put it on a stand.  The wind screen is nice, but you need a "dead cat" outside. 

I hope the H2n addresses the internal issues.  Hard to say unless it's been tried.  If I find any on-line reviews, I'll come back and link to them.

I also use the H2 for sound for video, but I like to use it like a wireless.  I put the H2 where I need it, like on a podium, use the internal mics, and sync it later.  It usually rides along in my camera bag for sound snapshots.  Of course, now I want the H2n!  Darn!

Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Reply #4 –
OK, here's what the H2n has added over the H2, in order of importance to me:

1. 20hr battery life on 2 AA
2. Real M/S recording and mics
3. Analog mic gain control (not sure if it's analog inside, or just a thumbwheel controlled digital)
4. Built-in editing
5. Broadcast Wave file support
6. built-in mp3 compression of .wav files
7. wired remote control (with the optional accessory pack)

It does record 4 channels, not 5, so no improvement there.  No word on if the mic input is quieter, but that was a big issue with the H2, so hopefully.  No word on the limiter and compressor being any good either, someone will have to test it.  The reviews are good so far, but not very detailed, couldn't find anything worth posting here.  The additional accessory pack...well, nice, but many of those used to be included with the H2.  Like the power supply, stand, USB cable, handle/stand mount, and windscreen.  Now, you have to buy the accessory kit for another $40, but the kit does include some new extras, like a case.  That means the REAL price of this thing is $239, not $199.  The H2 had be basic accessories included, like a power supply, stand mount, USB cable and windscreen.

Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: dc2bluelight on
Wow, the H2n is cool!  I've owned an H2 for several years, love it, but I've learned a lot about its shortcomings.…
I also use the H2 for sound for video, but I like to use it like a wireless.  I put the H2 where I need it, like on a podium, use the internal mics, and sync it later.  It usually rides along in my camera bag for sound snapshots.  Of course, now I want the H2n!  Darn!

Thanks for your reply.

May i ask how you sync the audio with the video ?

I am thinking of using Singular PluralEyes

Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Ibn Saeed on
Quote from: dc2bluelight on
Wow, the H2n is cool!  I've owned an H2 for several years, love it, but I've learned a lot about its shortcomings.…
I also use the H2 for sound for video, but I like to use it like a wireless.  I put the H2 where I need it, like on a podium, use the internal mics, and sync it later.  It usually rides along in my camera bag for sound snapshots.  Of course, now I want the H2n!  Darn!

Thanks for your reply.

May i ask how you sync the audio with the video ?

I am thinking of using Singular PluralEyes


I work in Final Cut (NOT the new version!).  I make sure I've got the equivalent of a clapstick on video and audio somewhere, drop the H2 audio into the time line and line up the sync mark.  Done.  That will hold well for up to 20 minutes or more, then I usually have to slip a frame or so to pull it in.  Not a big deal unless you have a really long shot.  I also intercut between multiple cameras using a multi-cam feature in FCP.  None of them are anything but wild sync, it works well.  There's a bit more to it, but that's the basics.  Never tried PluralEyes.


Good Lapel mic to go with Zoom H2 or H1 ?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: dc2bluelight on
Quote from: Ibn Saeed on
Quote from: dc2bluelight on
Wow, the H2n is cool!  I've owned an H2 for several years, love it, but I've learned a lot about its shortcomings.…
I also use the H2 for sound for video, but I like to use it like a wireless.  I put the H2 where I need it, like on a podium, use the internal mics, and sync it later.  It usually rides along in my camera bag for sound snapshots.  Of course, now I want the H2n!  Darn!

Thanks for your reply.

May i ask how you sync the audio with the video ?

I am thinking of using Singular PluralEyes


I work in Final Cut (NOT the new version!).  I make sure I've got the equivalent of a clapstick on video and audio somewhere, drop the H2 audio into the time line and line up the sync mark.  Done.  That will hold well for up to 20 minutes or more, then I usually have to slip a frame or so to pull it in.  Not a big deal unless you have a really long shot.  I also intercut between multiple cameras using a multi-cam feature in FCP.  None of them are anything but wild sync, it works well.  There's a bit more to it, but that's the basics.  Never tried PluralEyes.



Im going to go with Zoom H2n for recording Lectures in a Hall, the Recorder will be close to the speaker, on a stand.

I wont be recording any music or sorts. Just voice recording, but i do need high quality.

Is Zoom H2n overkill for my purpose or should i go with Tascam DR-05 or Zoom h1 ? ( I dont like the build quality of Zoom h1).

I hope it can handle that