Thank you for selecting the ZOOM Handy Recorder H2 (subsequently referred to simply as the "H2"). The H2 is a nifty SD card based recorder with two operation modes for 2-channel (stereo) or 4-channel recording. This section describes the main features of this product. Stereo mode recording (? p. 12, p. 18) In stereo mode, you use the built-in mics or another source such as an external mic or a CD player to record a 2-channel stereo signal. ?Using the built-in mics The built-in mics allow you to record sound coming either from the front panel or the rear panel direction of the unit. The directivity angle covered by the mics is fixed to 90 degrees for the front side mics and 120 degrees for the rear side mics. Choose the side that is best suited for a given recording situation. Some examples for using the built- in mics are shown below. ? Solo vocals or a single instrument Point the front panel of the H2 towards the sound source. The 90 degree directivity angle will help in excluding unwanted sounds. sound source. The 120 degree directivity angle will help in capturing the ambience of the venue. 120 deg. H2 ? Recording front and back simultaneously By positioning the H2 upright, it is possible to record sound coming both from the front and back of the unit. This is great for a conversation between two people or recording an instrument and a singer facing each other. In 4-channel mode, the built-in mics pick up sources in stereo both from the front and rear panel direction and create a 4-channel recording. The front/back/left/right level balance can be adjusted later, and for playback the result can be mixed into a 2-channel (stereo) signal. Audio files created in 4-channel mode can also serve as source material for a surround sound encoder. This makes it possible to produce surround sound audio that can be played on a home entertainment type 5.1ch surround sound system. The built-in metronome function of the H2 is convenient for use as a guide rhythm during recording. During playback, the metronome sound can be turned off. Another useful application of the metronome is for providing a pre-count before recording. The H2 can serve as audio interface for a computer, letting you directly record the input signal of the H2 on the computer, or play the computer output signal via the H2. The tuner function of the H2 makes it easy to tune instruments anywhere. Besides the universally applicable chromatic tuning, standard tuning for guitar and bass as well as various special tuning modes are also available.