Zoom H2essential Handy Digital Recorder
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
The tiny-yet-mighty H2e offers 32-bit float recording, 3 built-in mics with flexible middle/side patterns, a cool color screen, and even works as a USB mic!
Overview
The Zoom H2essential is the only Handy Recorder with three internal microphones. With the ability to select different mic patterns, it gives creators more options than ever before.
Front, Back, and Side to Side
With two cardioid mics facing front and rear and a bi-directional mic facing side to side, the H2essential allows you to choose the perfect pick-up pattern for every recording.
3 Mics... 9 Ways to Record
Set your pickup pattern to 90-degree or 120-degree stereo, or choose mono for a hyper directional pickup, reducing background noise. Then choose to record from the front, rear, or activate both sides for surround sound pickup.
Powered by 32-bit Float
Record in 32-bit float up to 96kHz ensuring high-quality audio without ever having to set gain.
32-Bit Float USB Mic
When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C port, the H2essential can be used as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card.
Recording Audio-for-Video with Your Phone
Connect the H2essential to your mobile device via USB and record professional audio directly onto your phone's video. Perfect for video podcasts and live streams.
Adjust Your Mid-Side Recordings in Post
Record in MS Raw and adjust the width of the stereo image in post production. This is helpful when you want to control ambient noise.
Features You'll Love
The H2essential has advanced features such as a low cut filter, pre-record, auto record, and playback speed adjustment.
ZOOM Handy Control… read more & Sync
Using the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, pair one or more H2essentials with your iOS device to remotely hit record and sync timecode. (BTA-1 Adapter sold separately.)
Accessibility
The H2essential is designed with Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.
3.5mm Input
The 3.5mm input can accommodate audio players, keyboards, and lav mics with plug-in power. You can record with the front mic and the 3.5mm input simultaneously.
Built-in Mixer
Use the mixer to easily adjust each track's audio level.
Color LCD Waveform Display
The color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H2essential's simple interface.The real-time waveform display lets you see your audio as it records.
Headphone Output
Use the 3.5mm headphone output for headphones or connect directly to a camera.
Onboard Speaker
The onboard speaker allows you to listen to your recordings for quick reference as well as utilize the Accessibility functions.
High Capacity Storage
The H2essential supports SDXC cards up to 1TB.
Set Markers
The H2essential has a dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording.
Power Options
The H2essential can be powered by two AA batteries or via the USB-C port. This includes bus-power as well as external USB battery packs.
Custom Fit Windscreen Sold Separately
Sold separately with H2essential Accessory Pack, the specially designed windscreen for the H2essential provides wind protection when recording outdoors. The custom fit gives access to controls while the windscreen is attached.
- AI Noise Reduction:Helps reduce background noise, lowering the noise floor for clear, studio-quality sound anywhere.
- MP3 Recording / MP3 Export: Records in a compressed format that minimizes file size, making sharing your files more convenient.
read less
Front, Back, and Side to Side
With two cardioid mics facing front and rear and a bi-directional mic facing side to side, the H2essential allows you to choose the perfect pick-up pattern for every recording.
3 Mics... 9 Ways to Record
Set your pickup pattern to 90-degree or 120-degree stereo, or choose mono for a hyper directional pickup, reducing background noise. Then choose to record from the front, rear, or activate both sides for surround sound pickup.
Powered by 32-bit Float
Record in 32-bit float up to 96kHz ensuring high-quality audio without ever having to set gain.
32-Bit Float USB Mic
When connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C port, the H2essential can be used as a USB microphone while simultaneously recording to the SD card.
Recording Audio-for-Video with Your Phone
Connect the H2essential to your mobile device via USB and record professional audio directly onto your phone's video. Perfect for video podcasts and live streams.
Adjust Your Mid-Side Recordings in Post
Record in MS Raw and adjust the width of the stereo image in post production. This is helpful when you want to control ambient noise.
Features You'll Love
The H2essential has advanced features such as a low cut filter, pre-record, auto record, and playback speed adjustment.
ZOOM Handy Control… read more & Sync
Using the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, pair one or more H2essentials with your iOS device to remotely hit record and sync timecode. (BTA-1 Adapter sold separately.)
Accessibility
The H2essential is designed with Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.
3.5mm Input
The 3.5mm input can accommodate audio players, keyboards, and lav mics with plug-in power. You can record with the front mic and the 3.5mm input simultaneously.
Built-in Mixer
Use the mixer to easily adjust each track's audio level.
Color LCD Waveform Display
The color LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H2essential's simple interface.The real-time waveform display lets you see your audio as it records.
Headphone Output
Use the 3.5mm headphone output for headphones or connect directly to a camera.
Onboard Speaker
The onboard speaker allows you to listen to your recordings for quick reference as well as utilize the Accessibility functions.
High Capacity Storage
The H2essential supports SDXC cards up to 1TB.
Set Markers
The H2essential has a dedicated Marker button to instantly set reference points while recording.
Power Options
The H2essential can be powered by two AA batteries or via the USB-C port. This includes bus-power as well as external USB battery packs.
Custom Fit Windscreen Sold Separately
Sold separately with H2essential Accessory Pack, the specially designed windscreen for the H2essential provides wind protection when recording outdoors. The custom fit gives access to controls while the windscreen is attached.
Features Added in H2essential V2.0 Firmware Update:
- Input Gain Adjustment:Lets you control levels during recording, reducing the need for heavy edits in post and helping you work more efficiently with faster project turnaround.- AI Noise Reduction:Helps reduce background noise, lowering the noise floor for clear, studio-quality sound anywhere.
- MP3 Recording / MP3 Export: Records in a compressed format that minimizes file size, making sharing your files more convenient.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
Specs
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
- Shipping Weight: 0.48 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): ZH2E
Open Box (Like New)
- Shipping Weight: 0.48 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): ZH2E
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(1 ratings)
Submitted May 13, 2026 by Alistair S in Inkster, MI
"You will never be away from it for long ..."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The sound clarity and ambient quality is very good,I would even go so far as to say near as studio grade as you can get at this price.I like the vocal prompts, the wave form and it has a small but built with capability feel to it....It needs a custom built windscreen to reduce outside noises.Overall I'm very pleased with this product. It's a dedicated recorder that's focused on a pristine stereo track recording.The optional mic angle positions are also a great feature Very easy but down loading the manual is very helpful Shout out to zZounds they've enhanced my passion in so many ways and an easy payment plan , great staff !!!
Musical Background:
Played circuit in Vegas for 12 years
Musical Style:
Blues , jazz ,rock , pop, I love it all
2 of 2 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
New
$179.99
FREE
-Day
Shipping!
Get it
for
Get it
(or get it
with an order of
),
if you order within
Shipping to
This is a carousel with product cards. Use the previous and next buttons to navigate.