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Has Anyone used the Zoom Q2n / 4K

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bouldersound Sun, 08/11/2019 - 21:46

I have an H5. It works pretty well. I suspect the mic of the Q2n is more or less on the same level of audio quality. One thing I find is that where I want to place my audio recorder is almost never where I want to place my video camera. Likewise, I don't want my audio limited by being embedded in a video file.

What is the intended use?

bouldersound Sun, 08/11/2019 - 23:10

It's really meant for live concert/event recording and streaming. If you want to record vocals (speaking or singing) or guitars like it's done in a studio, you really need a different kind of microphone. Actually, two or more microphones of different types would be best to cover that whole range of applications. Whatever I used, it would not be combined with a video camera. Also, there are other things to consider, like how to connect your microphone(s) to the recording device (computer?) and accessories like headphones and stands.

But if you need self contained video and audio recording and you're on a very tight budget, and you're okay with sound that's not studio quality, the Q2 might be acceptable.

paulears Mon, 08/12/2019 - 03:03

Looking at the video clips on zooms site, the sound is exactly what I find on my two zoom audio recorders - the close crossed mics work pretty well, but for me, always pick up too much from the sides and have a small dip straight in front. The 'dent's in the grill suggest their standard setup internally. The clips however left me uninspired by the video quality. I've got some go pros and I would mount one of these above my existing zooms and could get better video, and probably identical audio. Some of the clips show noise in the solid areas - the chick corea video is pretty bad in the dark blues - real movement, which is enough for me to NOT consider one of these, even though it's a neat product, concept wise. Zooms recorders are a good get out of trouble device, have decent audio, and the idea of a video is a good one, but now I've seen the videos it's not on my list. Podcasts, and vocals suggest a need for mono - guitars could be OK. My 2 and 4 channel zooms rarely get their internal mics used, but I add a cable and a more appropriate single or multiple mic setup. The stereo mic is good for orchestral and choral, or small ensembles - but I'd never want to use it for podcasting or vocal recording. Possibly guitar, but I never seem to record stereo guitars, but two mono tracks that get blended. They're often at different heights, with the neck pickup higher than the body one. That's tricky with an X/Y fixed pair isn't it! plus - having to go in close to press record is inconvenient.

pcrecord Mon, 08/12/2019 - 08:01

Norman Fernandez, post: 461907, member: 51653 wrote: What about At 2035
Audio Technica,
For podcast, and Recording Guitar.

I would certainly buy the Aston over the AT2035. The At is their bottom of the line.. You would get better results with their higher series 30xx - 40xx
But before you go buy a mic, you need to consider your environment. If your room isn't treated any condenser mics will pick a lot of ambiance reverb echo and noises..
We often reach for a dynamic mic in those occasions. A sm57 or sm58.. or both (guitar and voc) Those mics will grab less of the room but you need to place the source very close to them..
Also most stereo recording with X/Y, M/S or Blumlein will pick up more of the room. If you could aim 1 mic to the guitar and play the part twice and pan (L/R), you'd get better results at recording stereo.

As for recorders. You have to need to go to different places to buy those. If not, you are better of with a computer and an audio interface. Most recorders created content will need editing anyway.

So if I was you, I'd start with a Shure SM57, a small audio interface (RME, Audient.. or cheaper Focusrite or presonus.)
You could make the video with your cell phone or have a small DSLR.

Don't get me wrong, the Zoom Q2n can do great in the right situation. In a treated studio with pro lighting, let's say...