Basic questions about 2-track (Zoom H1) portable recorder for interviews...

[listener]

I have a Zoom H1 and want to conduct oral history interviews by setting up two external mics..... (I'm brand new at all of this)

1. Can I do this? I assume two tracks means the X and Y onboard mics are both recording, how do I hook up two external mics? Am I right that each mic would then record in mono?

2. Am I right in assuming that the only thing that matters is the quality of the mic I use? In other words the sound from my Zoom H1 with external mics is no different from the sound of a more expensive player with the same external mic?

3. Why is is so hard to find out what mics would work for something like this and how to set them up? Where can I go to find out what mics would work best for this?

Thank you!!

 

[FunkDaddy]

1. I believe the H1 only has 1 additional external mic input.

2. No. A microphone won't sound the same on every recording system. If it did, everybody would be used $100 interfaces

3. Have you tried the manual? You'll probably want a condenser mic as I can't imagine the H1 would give you too much gain.

 

[listener]

XLR i/o vs. 3.5mm i/o

quick question:

For external mics, does it matter if there is an XLR input or 3.5 mm input?

Might decide to go with Zoom H2n or Tascam DR-40 instead of Zoom H1......