Zoom H2: WAV or MP3 ??

[Slowgypsy]

I'm using the H2 for recording band rehearsals and burning CD's later for members. There's a choice of recording formats, WAV or MP3, and several choices of those versions. I've read that WAV will be a higher quality recording, although at the expense of recording time as the files are larger than MP3. I know you can record WAV and convert it to MP3 later.

Questions: Which format do you folks use? As I'm only looking for a reasonably good recording for rehearsal reference, would the MP3 formats be useful (more recording time) or is the quality such that the various instruments won't be heard clearly enough. Is WAV that much better than MP3 for my purposes? Which settings of either WAV or MP3 do you use/would you recommend?

I realize that I could/can probably answer these questions myself if I'd just do a bunch of recordings at the different settings, burn the CD, and then compare the results... but has anyone already done this?

[5andFretless]

Most (nearly all) people can not hear the difference between the actual CD and an MP3 recorded at a 256 bit rate (Rolling Stone Mag last month)

If that is an option there is no reason to look any further.

[locolobo85]

If you're going to burn CDs (I assume .wav standard CDs) for the other members, then I would just record at CD quality so that no conversions have to be made.

I've just started using an Edirol to record some band sessions and have stuck with CD quality simply because the files are going to be trimmed and burnt to disc. Having to convert from MP3 would just add additional time for the conversion to be completed. I believe the conversion times would far out weigh transfer times from the recorder to computer. Anyway you slice it we're just talking about a handful of minutes. But knowing that I've got that work to do, anything to save a few minutes is useful.

[projectMalamute]

For something like a couple of mics in the room practice recording I don't see what harm mp3 would be. That is unless you are trying to really compress the hell out of things, 128kbit would probably be fine for this, 192 would be better. I think much less than 128 even under these circumstances would noticeably degrade the recording.

[bassbrad]

Some bands record on MP3 and others record on wav, both sound fine. I would record on mp3 to save space but if I were to record something that might be worth saving for posterity I'd go wav for the best possible quality, you never know when magic might happen.

[El-Bob]

i really doubt you'll notice much difference between WAV and MP3, so i'd go with MP3 because it's smaller. that's my opinion anyway

[Johnny Crab]

I use an H4 recording as mp3 at 160 to 192 kbps.
Sounds fine to me.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by 5andFretless

Most (nearly all) people can not hear the difference between the actual CD and an MP3 recorded at a 256 bit rate (Rolling Stone Mag last month)

Maybe, but that's for highly compressed commercial CDs, not for raw source material. Personally, I'd never use MP3 format for live recordings unless resource limitations dictate doing so. Recording rehearsals easily could fall into that category for many of us though, I think?

My biggest objection to MP3 for live recordings is that I then need to convert to WAV (and then maybe back, depending) to use my editing programs.

[theshadow2001]

Why don't you see how long you have to record for. Then look at the box which tells you all the bit rates and how long you can record for with the memory for each of the different memory card sizes then pick the highest bit rate that allows you to record for the time needed with memory card thats available to you.

If you find yourself running out of time just change the bit rate down.

It's not rocket science

[GlassJaw]

I record at 44k, 16-bit wav, do all my editing, and then convert "final" product to 192k mp3's before posting, sending, whatever.

[geoffkhan]

if it's just a rehearsal recording or gig recording, I'd record as MP3. Otherwise, when I'm doing work-related sampling I record as WAV 24-bit 96khz. You can hear MP3ification at most bitrates.

[DWBass]

I just ordered one of these and I do plan to record to wav. I have a bunch of 2gb sd cards so I'm not worrying about running out of space.

[manbass]

I have an H2 and use it with my band extensively. Anyone using an H2 should go to this forum and start reading up.

Zoom H2/H4 Forum

There is a good bit of info in the thread "Getting the most out of your H2..."

On the MP3 vs. .WAV there are 2 flaws in recording direct with the H2 in MP3 format/mode.

1. Zoom has issued a statement (admission) that the internal mp3 software restricts the MP3 recording to a top end of 15.5kHz. Thats not good...that means you have to manipulate the texture levels of cymbols, etc afterwards. It wont record any sound above 15.5kHz....none in MP3. No one has yet to prove it does with graphing. Here is that thread:

No top end in MP3

2. Somewhere in that forum there is a thread where multiple H2 users are getting an audible click in the MP3 recording output and not in the .WAV format. I cant find that particular thread yet but its been there, and may be dependant on the processing software as well.

So like others I just record in L-44.1-16bit .WAV and process and convert to MP3 in recording software....which is usually Audacity. I find this puppy to be so sensitive the output is usually immaculate.

I do love my H2.

[Slowgypsy]

Thank you for that post... this was the info I was looking for, and that forum will be most helpful. Thanks again!

[jumbosilverette]

thanks for that link, manbass. very helpful.

[manbass]

NP, I am here to serve.

[kevinmoore73]

x2 for manbass. He said everything i was going to say.

[DWBass]

Just a heads up guys, OfficeMax has these cards on sale now. I just bought one and put it in my H2. It works fine! 6+ hours of recording in wav format!

[kevinmoore73]

I use an 8GB Transcend card. I'm able to record over 12 hours in two-channel 16-bit 44.1kHz mode for those extra-long rehearsals.

[DWBass]

Originally Posted by kevinmoore73

I use an 8GB Transcend card. I'm able to record over 12 hours in two-channel 16-bit 44.1kHz mode for those extra-long rehearsals.

Showoff!!