Hello everyone,

I like the idea of recording myself playing the piano, so that I can then put it onto a CD, to give to family members and stuff like that. I'm after really good quality, and something that will record an acoustic piano with more or less professional quality. I've heard that the Zoom H2 is supposed to be good, is this true? Is it worth the money?

The thing is, I'm about the least intelligent person when it comes to technology. When I see you guys writing these funny computer terms, I really don't know what you're talking about. So I just simply want something that will record with good quality, and that can easily be converted to CD, is the Zoom H2 the right one for me?

Thanks,
Stevj016.

I think it is and whilst I'm PC savy it's VERY easy to use. I'd actually sell mine if you were interested (only used once or twice thus far) since I'm "itching" to the get the new one with Video

Send me a PM if you're interested, I'd like to get $130 for it ($200 purchased earlier this year)


SC

I have and use the H2 for making quick recordings as I practice. I guess I wouldn't call any of the Zoom handy recorders "professional quality" if you mean what they do in professional studios. But it's great for amateur use and it's easy to transfer files to your computer (although you can record and play back through headphones just using the H2 with no computer required).

I like the 4 built-in mics on the H2 and the variety of mic patterns you can select (from simple stereo to surround sound). The little table stand that comes with the H2 is also ideal for setting on the music stand of my grand. Setup is so quick and simple that it actually encourages me to record a lot more than the old days when my options required much more equipment, cables, and setup.

You can record mp3 files which are handy for emailing, putting onto web sites, and such uses. You can burn mp3 files to CD and most CD players can play them (but not all). You can also do pcm files (an option in the H2) and burn real audio CDs without getting too much into computer stuff. But having a program on your computer to manage and edit the files is very handy for clean up and equalization (I am using Garageband right now but am getting Logic for my Mac for more serious work).

Every penny. I've had mine about a year and love it. I suggest installing a free software program called Audacity on your PC to help manage and edit your recordings and write them to CD.

Hi,

Thank you for your replies, they are much appreciated. I'm now very keen on the new Zoom Q3, I just have a few questions about it:

1.) This Q3 includes video, but is there the option to only use audio? Because the main thing I want is to record audio to put on CD, but with video I could also put stuff on Youtube, so do I have the choice to use audio on its own?

2.) If so, would the audio quality be as good as the H2 or H4?

3.) Would it be as simple for me to put music onto CD's? Or even put stuff on Youtube?

4.) Does anyone know when the Q3 will be available in the UK?

Thank you for your time,
Stevj016.

Stevj016, my understanding is that the audio "guts" of the Zoom Q3 is the same as the H4, so the quality would be just as good. I also believe that you can record in an audio-only mode.

And, yes, using the Zoom is very very simple. I agree with MarkL that it is a good idea to download Audacity (it's free) and use that for editing. Basically it's just a step or two to edit out the stuff at the beginning and end of your recording, then normalize it (or not), and the upload to the web. You can record in .wav format, which will have the best quality for burning to CD, and Audacity can then convert your recording to mp3 format for uploading the web.

The latest correspondence I've had with Sweetwater about my Zoom Q3 order is that they're delaying the ship date (again) until Sept. 18. That's the only snag, as they have kept putting off the date since late spring. I don't know if that date applies to the UK, too. You probably would need to call a dealer there to find out.

Hey,

Thank you so much Monica K for your detailed reply. Would anyone know where I can pre-order the Zoom Q3 in the UK?

Thanks,
Stevj016.

Try

http://www.andertons.co.uk/MultiTrackRecorders/pid16769/cid602/ZoomQ3PortableVideoRecorder.asp

or

http://www.imusician.co.uk/acatalog/zoom...m_term=00067393

or

http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-...-Microphone/BIE

I personally have the H2, and have just persuaded my teacher to invest in one after I lent him mine.
I can highly recommend the H2 and having read about the Q3 as a result of this thread can honestly say I'm not really interested in upgrading

Just to throw this in: I just got my hands on a Tascam DR-07 and find it to be similar in features to the Zoom H2, and it's just a tad cheaper on Amazon from what I've seen.

I've read that it's easier to use than the H2, but I never got to use one. Has anyone used both?
MM

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your input. Those links are really good, I just feel a bit nervous buying from websites I haven't heard of, are these sites completely safe? Would anyone know if the Q3 will be available on amazon.co.uk at any time?

Thanks,
Stevj016.