Zoom H8 12-Track Portable Recorder, Stereo Microphones, 6 Inputs, Touchscreen Interface, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered, for Stereo/Multitrack Audio for Video, Podcasting, and Music

Simply, inexpensive way to be able to record things at a high quality. I use for band practice, sound effect recording, lessons, all sorts of different things. I also use it as a real-time microphone for streaming or plugged into my video camera as a shotgun attached to SMALLRIG Microphone Shock Mount.Battery life doesn't seem that great and it seems to drain more than I would have liked when not in use considering that there is a physical switch for turning it on (so you wouldn't expect battery life to be draining away with it monitoring a soft switch waiting to be powered on).The UI is now quite dated and it's awkward to remember what you're supposed to press to do certain things as the display is so small but that's because the device is nice and small. You can't rename sound clips on the Zoom. Speaker is terrible but it's enough to check that something was recorded.Best way to use it is just press start and stop to do your recording and work out what you recorded later when you connect it to the computer (or use the micro SD Card).

I am writing this review a bit early to be honest. I have only tried the H2n briefly and certainly haven't 'put it through its paces' as yet. I must say though, it's an impressive piece of kit. The few test recordings I made sounded beautifully crisp and clear, with a good display screen to keep you informed.If I am being critical I guess that I find the multi-function main switch a little 'vague' but actually I was aware of that from reading other reviews — but I certainly don't think it's all that bad and I am sure that with regular use the traits of the switch will be forgotten. It does the job very well and so if you read other reviews which mention the 'soft, vague' switch then I wouldn't let that worry you (it's fine with me... and I am a fussy old geezer!).The overall build is nice quality and I can see me using the microphone for most of my projects. I do have more expensive and sophisticated mics but they are certainly not as portable or quick to setup as the H2n. I have since invested in the accessory kit as I feel the H2n needs a nice padded case and windshield... and the other items in the accessory kit will come in handy too I reckon. I paid just over £20 for the accessory kit on Amazon and I believe that's extremely good value. Admittedly the mini-tripod is a bit naff, but it'll do the job. The value is mainly in the lovely case, decent windshield, cute remote control (with extension lead too!), and even a main adaptor. I must say that the 'dummy mic handle' in the accessory kit is a great idea, either for slotting the H2n into a standard microphone holder... or as a 'hand-grip' for the odd occasion.I must find something to have a gripe about though! I was rather miffed to discover that in my H2n box there was a very impressive printed manual(s) which actually consisted of three manuals measuring about 1/2inch thick. Almost every language under the sun in it but no English!!! I was rather amazed. I have since obtained a PDF English Manual online but can't believe that all the documentation that came with the H2n did not include English. A lot of gadgets these days you can fathom out without a manual, but the H2n is quite a complicated device with many options and settings. I pity anyone buying this who hasn't got internet access etc.Anyway, there's the good (and the bad) about the H2n. As I mentioned, this is a very early review so I can't say I have tested the H2n much yet. Time will tell whether it continues to impress me — if I discover anything worthy of note I may add to this review at a later date.So far though, the H2n seems to be a little belter!!!!

Too eager to try it out I took it to band practice placed it a chair about 3 mtrs away and in the middle.Line up was drums guitar, bass and keys, pa speaker at either side.I set it to stereo and at the highest mp3 format. Away we went . Recorded about 2hrs worth but stop starting for each song.Plugged into my mac when I got home and the results are outstanding. No distortion, There was good separation of stereo and the quality was superb. I only bought this because my iPhone quality wasn't too good, drums sounded like tin cans and symbols sounded like burning frying pan. If you are a band and want to record yourselves and create promo's this is the baby, I took ages reviewing different devices but went for this one in the end worth every penny!Plug in your headphones into the unit and the playback quality is great as well.I bought a mini tripod for a £1 and used an old camera case I had, so if you prefer to use mains just buy the adaptor!Watch out for some YouTube recording of Dawn Patrol coming in the next month.