Because of online communication surging in the period during Corona lockdown, not only in The Netherlands but in Europe and worldwide as well, the supply of equipment needed for online communication is running short. Thats why we recommend (at the moment) to use a Zoom portable recorder instead of a USB Mic or Interface/Mic combination. It’s available in stock (still), its versatile, you can use it as a recorder or USB mic or Mic + Audio Interface. With a Q2n Video recorder you could even use it as a webcam (Not simultaneous with USB Mic / Interface Option. So here are some videos and instructions on how to setup these devices to be used as an USB Mic / Interface.

Zoom H1 (H1n)

On a Zoom H1 you need to plug in the device to your computer and switch it on. Then the display will flash between Card or Audio. You need to hit the Record button when the display shows audio, this means you use the Zoom as an Audio Interface or USB Mic. You can choose Card option if you want to copy files from the H1. Once this is done, check the preferences of the software you are using and make sure as input or microphone you have selected Zoom H1 instead of internal Microphone.

Zoom H2 (H2n)

On a Zoom H2 or H2n, same as with H1 you need to plug in the device to your computer and switch it on. Then the display will show options Storage or Audio I/F. You need to scrol with the jog on the side to Audio I/F, this means you use the Zoom as an Audio Interface or USB Mic. You can choose Storage option if you want to copy files from the H2 or H2n. Once this is done, check the preferences of the software you are using and make sure as input or microphone you have selected Zoom H2 instead of internal Microphone.

Zoom H4n (H4)

On a Zoom H4 or H4n, you need to plug in the device to your computer and switch it on. Then the display will show options Storage or Audio I/F. You need to scrol with the jog on the side to Audio I/F, this means you use the Zoom as an Audio Interface or USB Mic. You can choose Storage option if you want to copy files from the H4 or H4n. You can change the sampling frequency if you want higher resolution, if you dont know what it is, ignore this step and to to Connect. Once this is done, check the preferences of the software you are using and make sure as input or microphone you have selected Zoom H4 instead of internal Microphone.

Zoom Q2n (Q2n 4K)

On a Zoom Q2n, you need to plug in the device to your computer and switch it on. Then the display will show few options. If you want to use the USB connection to copy files, select CARD READER by using the FOV button to go left and the Record button to enter or confirm.. If you want to use the Q2n as webcam, select WEBCAM (default) and confirm with the record button. If you want to use as an USB Microphone, or to have the microphone show up as and audio interface on your computer then select the USB MIC option by clicking on the audio button and confirming with the recording button.Once this is done, check the preferences of the software you are using and make sure as input or microphone you have selected Zoom Q2n instead of internal Microphone or check the webcam / camera input option and select the Zoom Q2n as a webcam if you have chosen the webcam option.

Zoom Q2n can off course record video with good quality audio, but it can also record audio only. When you don’t have the Zoom Q2n connected on the computer you can see on the display the picture that you are recording and the meters on the stereo mic. If you are using the USB connection just to power the Zoom Q2n then when powering ON or connecting you should click on EXIT to go to ‘normal’ portable recorder mode.
There are few buttons to adjust the settings:
VIDEO Changes resolution / Use this option also if you DON’T want to record video and press the button until you loose the live image and see an icon of a microphone on the screen.
FOV Changes the camera width.
SCENE Changes the lightning settings.
LO CUT Cuts the low frequency noise, depending on the room you are sitting and the instrument you are playing you can check which option is the best for you by selecting the different frequencies and listening simultaneously on the headphones.
AUDIO Selects the recording resolution. (Standart Quality is 44.1 / 16Bit)
AUTO GAIN If you are recording music, or anything if you ask me, have this option OFF and adjust your gain using the wheel on the side. Otherwise it will automatically adjust your volume based on you dynamics level.