The Samson H2 Handy Recorder audio recording kits can be used to easily record audio in a variety of settings.

Each kit contains:

  • H2 Handy Recorder with 1GB SD card
  • Rechargeable AA NiMH batteries (x2)
  • AC adapter
  • Desktop stand
  • Mic clip adapter
  • USB cable
  • Omnidirectional lavalier microphone with 20 foot cable

Recording settings

The H2 can record in either WAV (stereo or mono) or in MP3 (stereo only). For ease of use, recording in MP3 should suffice for most spoken word recordings. To select your recording setting:

  1. Place the "POWER" switch in the ON position. (The power switch is located on the left side of the H2.)
  2. Press the "MENU" button.
  3. Use the double-right arrow "Fast-Forward" button (located to the right of the orange "Record" button) to navigate to the REC MODE Menu option. Press the orange "Record" button.
  4. Use the "Fast-Forward" button to navigate to the desired compression setting.
  5. Press the orange "Record" button.
  6. Press the "MENU" button once to exit.

Common Tasks

Recording yourself talking at your desk (no external mic)

  1. Front 90 degree speakers enabled on H2Turn the power switch ON.
  2. Set the H2 to use the "FRONT 90°" mic by pressing either the single-right or single-left arrows.
  3. Set the "MIC GAIN" level, located on the right side of the H2, to M (Medium).
  4. Place the H2 about a foot in front of you with the front facing you. It's recommended that you use the included Desktop stand to keep the H2 upright and stationary.
  5. Press the orange "Record" button twice to begin recording. A solid red light below the "PLAY/REC" indicator under the screen indicates the H2 is recording.
  6. Press the orange "Record" button once to stop recording.

Recording a presenter (no external mic)

  1. Rear 120 degree speakers enabled on H2Turn the power switch ON.
  2. Set the H2 to use the "REAR 120°" mic by pressing either the single-right or single-left arrows.
  3. Set the "MIC GAIN" level, located on the right side of the H2, to H (High).
  4. Position the H2 about two to three feet away from the speaker with the back of the H2 facing the speaker. It's recommended you use the included Desktop stand to keep the H2 upright and stationary.
  5. Press the orange "Record" button twice to begin recording. A solid red light below the "PLAY/REC" indicator under the screen indicates the H2 is recording.
  6. Press the orange "Record" button once to stop recording.

Recording with an external mic

When an external mic is inserted into the 1/8 mic jack the H2's internal mics are disabled. However, you will need to enable power to the external mic jack on the H2.

  1. Enabling the external mic menu on H2Turn the power switch ON.
  2. Press the "MENU" button.
  3. Use the double-right arrow "Fast-Forward" button (located to the right of the orange "Record" button) to navigate to the PLUG-IN Menu option. Press the orange "Record" button.
  4. Use the "Fast-Forward" button to move PLUG-IN power to ON. Press the orange "Record" button.
  5. Press the "MENU" button once to exit. You can now insert a mic into the "EXT MIC IN" jack located on the right side of the H2.

Transferring files (Windows)

  1. Storage mode screen on H2Place the power switch in the "Off" position.
  2. Connect the H2 to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
  3. The H2 will display a screen with an arrow pointing to STORAGE. Press the orange "Record" button to select STORAGE.
  4. The H2 will now be listed as a removable drive, which you can access by opening "My Computer."
  5. By default, files are recorded and saved in FOLDER01.

Transferring files (Mac)

  1. Storage mode screen on H2Place the power switch in the "Off" position.
  2. Connect the H2 to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
  3. The H2 will display a screen with an arrow pointing to STORAGE. Press the orange "Record" button in the middle of the H2 to select STORAGE.
  4. The H2 will now be listed as a removable drive on your Desktop.
  5. By default, files are recorded and saved in FOLDER01.

Deleting individual files

  1. Accessing the File menu on H2Turn the power switch ON.
  2. Press the "MENU" button.
  3. Use the double-left arrow "Fast-Forward" button (located to the left of the orange "Record" button) to navigate to the FILE Menu option.
  4. Press the orange "Record" button to select FILE.
  5. Use the "Fast-Forward" button to navigate to the desired file (filenames take the format STE-xxx, where xxx is a number). Press the orange "Record" button.
  6. Use the "Fast-Forward" button to navigate to DELETE. Press the orange "Record" button.
  7. Use the "Fast-Forward" button to navigate to Yes. Press the orange "Record" button and the file will be deleted.
  8. Press the "MENU" button once to exit.

Reformatting the memory card

The fastest way to ensure your files are deleted from the H2 before returning it is to reformat the memory card. If you wish to use your own memory card—the H2 uses a SD (secure digital) card—you will need to format it to interact well with the H2. (According to the manufacturer, off-the-shelf SD cards with a capacity from 16MB to 2GB can be used as can 4GB SD HC cards.) The SD card slot is located at the bottom of the H2 under the plastic door labeled "SD."

Reformatting the memory card will reset the H2 to its factory settings AND delete all data on the card.

  1. Accessing the SD Card menu on H2Turn the power switch ON.
  2. Press the "MENU" button.
  3. Use the double-left arrow "Rewind" button (located to the left of the orange "Record" button) to navigate to the SD CARD Menu option. Press the orange "Record" button.
  4. Use the double-right arrow "Fast-Forward" button to navigate to FORMAT. Press the orange "Record" button.
  5. Use the "Rewind" button to select YES. Press the orange "Record" button.
  6. Wait a few seconds and you will be returned to the recording screen.

Manual default settings

These are the preferred settings when the H2 leaves Skillman Library.

  • Mic set to "FRONT 90°"
  • REC MODE: MP3 192kbps
  • BATTERY: NiMH
  • MIC GAIN: M

Complete user's manual [PDF]

1/23/08