Zoom H2 modification, now with 4 line inputs

[Bertoa]

One year ago I bought the Zoom H2 as a tool for recording ambient sound. I like the 4 channel "surround" mode. After splitting the 2 stereo files I import the 4 WAV's in Apple Soundtrack Pro and in the "real surround mode" I mix all to an AC3 File.
Lately I was working with 2 softsynth's. I could monitor them on the 4 channels of my audio interface, but recording was impossible. Looking to the zoom H2 it is possible to record with the 4 build-in microphones on 4 tracks but not via a line input. So I wanted to experiment with my H2 to get that job done. I bought for 10 euro parts in the local electronic parts shop and started the modification.
After all it is possible (I don't say easy) and it was successfull. The microphones are working as usual; the line inputs are doing the job well. I was making a movie of the modification: http://www.vimeo.com/1725654

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. When you don't succeed, you can always go back to the original state of the device. 6 holes in the back is all you have to cover up. By the way; you can keep the RCA plugs on the back. You can connect them to the line in and output of th H2. That is much better than the 2 stereo mini-jacks.

 

[obzervr]

Very Interesting! Thanks for sharing.

 

[blueprintstudios]

genius. I'm so going to get a Zoom H2 and get someone to mod it up for me after the warranty ends. thanks alot berto.

 

[Bertoa]

Imagine the new possibility's of the H2; for example connecting the 4 busses of an
anologmixer to the Zoom H2 is one thing.
Recording 2 softsynths on 1 computer on 4 channels is an other. It take's so much
from the CPU that it is no option to record on the same system. Also recording from 2
computers stereo-out is now possible with the four line inputs from the H2.
It is fun to put one switch to the mike's and one to the line's and record both together.
I am glad that I made the modification. My aim is to bring the 4 tracks to 5.1 surround.
The channel separation of the 4 build-in microphones is nothing compared to the line
input's, believe me. By the way, there is a version2 on You Tube, search for;
zoom h2 modification. I added a condensers for DC blocking. Look for the circuit.

 

[blueprintstudios]

thank you so much. on behalf of my world and the other world of recording enthusiasts

 

[widdly]

Proud of your work much? You have posted this exact same message on zoom bbs, diyaudio forums, harmony central forums, CDM forums, SoundOnSound forums, Hackzine, Instructables, freesound forums and now on soft.

You need to add capacitors to the outputs. You design is pumping a few volts of DC bias meant for the H2 electrets into your external devices. Might be ok for some equipment...probably not be good for others.

edit.. oh I see you added "condensors" in your new version.

 

[blueprintstudios]

i'd spam good stuff to share with the world if I came up with something too.

 

[Bertoa]

Please, keep in contact with this thread, much more to come. I work on the
optimalisation of the Zoom H2 and will post that on this and other fora.
I hope to do many recording enthousiasts a favour with this hacks. Soon the
version 3 modification will come on You Tube and Vimeo with a still better performance and a surprise.
Open source hardware hacking; this is only the beginning of an audiophile's dream!

 

[musicalculus]

scary background audio

 

[blueprintstudios]

bertoa : do you happen to have plans to mod the Zoom H4? I got 2 heheh.