Recording the band live, Zoom H2/H4, and beyond

[K2000]

I need a way to record my band live in our space, with the best possible quality/cost ratio. I was looking at some of the threads here on the Zoom H2 and H4. In one thread, someone says the H2 sounds "amazing" while someone else says it sounds "decent"... There's a pretty huge difference between decent and amazing, IMO. So far, I haven't heard an H2 live sample that's really knocked me out. If you have some good examples (especially with a drummer) I would love to hear them. (Sweetened tracks are fine, if you can list your processing, for the record.)

I was hoping that the H4 would allow the use of two built-in mics, along with two external direct mics (simultaneously) so that I could mix down four distinct live tracks (two built-in mic tracks and two external mic tracks). It doesn't look like the H4 will do that... it's either built-in or external/direct, but not at the same time.

Some of the H4 functions don't appeal to me (Zoom effects; using it as a multi-track studio recorder... I already have a USB interface and recording software). I need multitrack recording for live situations.

What's the next step up in quality? I wish I had the ease of the H2, with more control (4 or more separate tracks that I can adjust, post session).

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm knocking the Zoom (I may very well buy one). I just wonder if I would be happier with something else, even if it means spending more money.

Smiley faces! Thanks!

[r05c03]

If you need to multi-track the next step up is going to be much more expensive than a Zoom. The simplest approach would be to get something like a Tascam 4 track tape recorder or an 8 track HD recorder. You'll then need cords, mics, etc. and even then you might not end up with something sounds any better than the Zoom.

[GlassJaw]

I have an H2 and I really like it.

The thing is, it really depends on what your goal is for the output it provides.

If you want to record your band while you are writing new tunes, it rocks. If this is your goal, that $200 goes a LONG way. For the money, it sounds good (better than decent, but not amazing) and is really easy to use.

If you want to record an album with it, you'll be disappointed. Remember, it's a $200 device for recording live. It is what it is.

If you want better mikes, you could check out the Edirol but I don't think the extra $200 is worth it (the Edirol is $400).

Cost:quality is all relative. The ratio of a $200 H2 to the quality it provides could be exactly the same as recording in a studio that costs thousands of dollars.

[K2000]

How does the Zoom do, at capturing the low end? That is one of my bigger concerns.

[driver800]

Originally Posted by K2000

How does the Zoom do, at capturing the low end? That is one of my bigger concerns.

Who cares about that?






Actually, the H2's not bad at the low end. I just got mine last week and used it to record our gigs this past weekend. From the first night's recording it had a little too much low end and needed the top end boosted to make the vocals and cymbals stand out a little more.

Overall, it's an awesome little device. The quality of the recordings are surprisingly good, but you're not going to get anything you'd sell to the public - even in the most perfect of circumstances. It is great for the band to listen to and you might occassionally get something your fans would enjoy, or to provide samples on a demo for club owners. The quality is close to that found in the decent bootleg recordings done by tapers in the jam band scene.

The biggest problem I had this past weekend was positioning the H2 to minimize the crowd noise.

[kevinmoore73]

Originally Posted by driver800

From the first night's recording it had a little too much low end and needed the top end boosted to make the vocals and cymbals stand out a little more.

My experience is that it favors the low end a bit more than the top end. That said, it's a very minor "problem", if I can even call it that.

Originally Posted by driver800

The quality is close to that found in the decent bootleg recordings done by tapers in the jam band scene.

I was an etree.org server op for several years. I think the H2 is better than half of the recordings I've heard.

To the OP, I think the H2's sound quality is very good. It surprised me quite a bit.

For some sound samples, a lot of people have posted some at http://www.2090.org/zoom/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=9756. Some of the recordings are fantastic.

[driver800]

Originally Posted by kevinmoore73

...I was an etree.org server op for several years. I think the H2 is better than half of the recordings I've heard.
...

Yeah, most taper recordings absolutely stink, I was trying to say the H2 is comparable to the good ones. And those guys are using $2000+ sony or marantz field recorders with expensive mics. The H2 makes those almost unnecessary.

[kevinmoore73]

Originally Posted by driver800

I was trying to say the H2 is comparable to the good ones.

Agreed!

Originally Posted by driver800

And those guys are using $2000+ sony or marantz field recorders with expensive mics. The H2 makes those almost unnecessary.

I think it does make them almost unnecessary, and for only $200!

[manbass]

I recorded 6 live tracks with our band specifically to prove to our drummer that he carries us well and I parked the H2 in a seat in the middle of the congregation (Its a CCM Band) to give us their perspective. I would have to say that it reproduces the low end with some serious focus and definition without signal processing thusfar for our band.

I have normalized (only) mp3 song files I can email you...send me a PM K2000.

[hbarcat]

I use the Zoom H4 to record most of our rehearsals (4 piece classic rock) and it yields pretty decent quality through the built in mics, especially considering the price. I usually use a pair of RODE NT1A's plugged into it instead of the built in mics and it really improves the quality, making the bass and the drums a lot more firm and the overall sound better defined. The RODE mics themselves aren't really that great either, and I suspect that using high quality mics would make the Zoom perform better.

[manbass]

So I converted a song portion of a live H2 recording of our band to mp3 in Audacity, then normalized it...check it out. The H2 captures the horizons well.

Edited to say the obvious...the tune is nothing special, but having the H2 seated in the middle of this large bathtub of people the range demonstration is clear. I had it set on 16k/L using the 90 degree stereo side.

[Jonesy4fnk]

my group has been using one of the H2s to record our rehearsals for about a month now....I think it sounds great for what we're using it for.

The drums sound very good, very even and deep kick drum tone.

For what it its meant for, its a great little unit.

[winston]

I was impressed by the features and sound of the H2 my drummer buddy brought to a jam last week. AFAICT its design goal is to be a versatile, inexpensive sketchpad, not a provider of astounding sound quality. It's a $200 ZOOM with built-in mics, after all--I don't expect the moon. I liked it and will probably buy one to capture ideas on the go. There are so many occasions I'm jamming with people and want to record but don't have the space/inclination to haul around a laptop or separate preamps, mics, etc. H2 fills that niche in spades.

To the OP: For inexpensive digital multitracking on the go you might be better off looking at a used Roland/Korg/Tascam all-in-one HD recorder. Certainly not as portable, but it seems a lot of people sell 'em for cheap as they move to computer-based systems.

[mambo4]

I'm very happy with the zoom h2 for recording rehearsals.Tonight we'll try using at a gig. the sound quality is good, but the convinience is what makes it a must have for me. I usually record straight to mp3 and post the rehearsal for my band the next day.

we don't use it for anything other than personal reference. If you're looking for a multi-mic live recording that can be used as a single or myspace showcase track it may not work. However, if youre band is good at "self -mixing" your individual volumes, it will certainly show on the H2.

it picks up bass just fine. So far most of our recordings are too bassy!

the H2 does actually do 4 tracks, you just have to use the 4 built in mics ( stereo front, stereo back) and the quad mode gives some impressive results. you can mix them onboard or dump it to a PC an use whatever software you like.

[optikhog]

Originally Posted by mambo4

I'm very happy with the zoom h2 for recording rehearsals.Tonight we'll try using at a gig. the sound quality is good, but the convinience is what makes it a must have for me. I usually record straight to mp3 and post the rehearsal for my band the next day.

Same here. It's not studio quality for sure but it gets good quality recordings out of our terrible-sounding recording space in a quick and easy manner. I'm a fan of the H2.

[js1]

Originally Posted by K2000

I need a way to record my band live in our space, with the best possible quality/cost ratio. I was looking at some of the threads here on the Zoom H2 and H4. In one thread, someone says the H2 sounds "amazing" while someone else says it sounds "decent"... There's a pretty huge difference between decent and amazing, IMO.

The sound limitations are because of the room, instrument balance, mic positioning and the like, not the device. It's not going to sound like a record because you're not recording like you do when making a record.

I used to drag 2 high quality mics with a good preamp and good separate converters to record the rehearsals. The H4 doesn't sound much different.

js

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by optikhog

Same here. It's not studio quality for sure but it gets good quality recordings out of our terrible-sounding recording space in a quick and easy manner. I'm a fan of the H2.

same here, I love me H2! It's not for studio quality, engineered masterpieces... it's a high quality, portable, easy to use, sketch pad for writing and growing as a musician / band.

[manbass]

Originally Posted by James Hart

same here, I love me H2! It's not for studio quality, engineered masterpieces... it's a high quality, portable, easy to use, sketch pad for writing and growing as a musician / band.

+1, And....in my case... an audit trail of where I left the bridge and headed for the chorus too early. My Band is way too tolerant/silent of my mistakes...so the H2 has become my new live trainer as well.