Zoom Q2N User manual

User Guide
Safety and Operation
Precautions must be read
before using this unit.
© 2016 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this User Guide
in part or in whole without permission
is prohibited.

2
Contents
Safety Precautions ................................ 3
Usage Precautions ................................ 4
Parts and their functions ...................... 5
SFront .............................................. 5
SBack ................................................ 5
SSides .............................................. 6
SBottom ........................................... 6
SMic overview ................................. 7
Turning the power on and off .............. 8
STurning the power on ................... 8
STurning the power off ................... 8
Preparing for use .................................. 9
SFormatting SD cards ..................... 9
SSetting the date and time ............. 9
Adjusting recording levels ................. 10
Recording ............................................ 11
SRecording operations ................. 11
SUsing the Recording Screen ...... 12
SSetting the recording format ..... 12
Playing recordings .............................. 14
SUsing the Playback Screen ........ 14
Deleting files ....................................... 14
Making system settings ..................... 15
SUsing the Setting Screen ........... 15
Connections with external input jacks ......
............................................................... 16
S
Mic that supports plug-in power ... 16
Headphones/line and HDMI output ... 17
SHeadphones/line output ............. 17
SHDMI output ................................ 17
USB connections ................................ 18
SConnecting by USB .................... 18
SUsing as a web camera (computer)
.......................................................... 18
SUsing as a card reader (computer/
iOS device) ....................................... 19
SUsing as a USB mic (computer/
iOS device) ....................................... 19
Updating the firmware ....................... 20
Responding to Alert Messages .......... 21
SAlert Messages that appear during
startup .............................................. 21
SAlert Message that appears when
batteries are used ............................ 21
SAlert Messages that appear when
the Recording Screen is open ........ 21
SAlert Messages that appear when
the Playback Screen is open ........... 21
Troubleshooting .................................. 22
Specifications ...................................... 23

3
Safety Precautions
In this User Guide, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions that you must read
to prevent accidents. The meanings of these symbols are as follows.
WARNING
Something that could cause serious
injury or death. CAUTION
Something that could cause injury
or damage to the equipment.
Other symbols used
An action that is mandatory An action that is prohibited
WARNING
SOperation with batteries
Use 2 commercially-available 1.5V AA
batteries (alkaline dry cell batteries or nickel
metal hydride batteries).
Carefully study the warning indications of the
batteries before use.
Always keep the battery/SD card cover closed
during use.
SOperation using an AC adapter
Never use any AC adapter other than a
ZOOM AD-17.
Always hold the AC adapter itself when
disconnecting it from an outlet.
SAlterations
Do not open the case or modify the product.
CAUTION
SProduct handling
Do not drop, bump or apply excessive force
to the unit.
Be careful not to allow foreign objects or
liquids to enter the unit.
SBattery handling
Install batteries with the correct +/− orienta-
tions.
Use the specified batteries.
Do not use new and old batteries together.
Do not use batteries of different brands or
types together.
Remove the batteries when the unit will not
be used for a long time.
If a leak occurs, thoroughly wipe the battery
case and battery terminals to remove the
leaked fluid.
SOperating environment
Do not use in extremely high or low tempera-
tures.
Do not use near heaters, stoves and other
heat sources.
Do not use in very high humidity or where it
could be splashed by water.
Do not use in places with frequent vibrations.
Do not use in places with much dust or sand.
SVolume
Do not use at a loud volume for a long time.
You might need this User Guide in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can
access it easily.

4
Usage Precautions
SInterference with other electrical
equipment
In consideration of safety, the Qhas
been designed to minimize its emission of
electromagnetic waves and to suppress inter-
ference from external electromagnetic waves.
However, equipment that is very susceptible
to interference or that emits powerful electro-
magnetic waves could result in interference
if placed nearby. If this occurs, place the
Qand the other device farther apart.
With any type of electronic device that
uses digital control, including the Q,
electromagnetic interference could cause
malfunction, corrupt or destroy data and re-
sult in other unexpected trouble. Always use
caution.
SCleaning
Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the
unit if it becomes dirty. If necessary, use a
damp cloth that has been wrung out well to
wipe it.
Never use abrasive cleansers, wax or solvents
such as alcohol, benzene or paint thinner.
SBreakdown and malfunction
If the unit becomes broken or malfunctions,
immediately disconnect the AC adapter, turn
the power off and disconnect other cables.
Contact the store where you bought the unit
or ZOOM customer service with the follow-
ing information: product model, serial number
and specific symptoms of breakdown or mal-
function, along with your name, address and
telephone number.
SCopyrights
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corpo-
ration (USA). Apple, Macintosh, iPad, Quick-
Time and the QuickTime logo are registered
trademarks or trademarks of Apple Inc. in the
USA and other countries. iOS is a registered
trademark or trademark of Cisco Systems,
Inc. (USA).The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are
trademarks. HDMI (High-Definition Multime-
dia Interface) and are trademarks of
HDMI Licensing, LLC. Other product names,
registered trademarks and company names
in this document are the property of their
respective companies.
Recording from copyrighted sources, includ-
ing CDs, records, tapes, live performances,
video works and broadcasts, without permis-
sion of the copyright holder for any purpose
other than personal use is prohibited by law.
Zoom Corporation will not assume any re-
sponsibility related to infringements of copy-
rights.
Declaration of Conformity
For EU Countries
FCC regulation warning (for U.S.A.)
Note: This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.

5
SFront
Built-in XY mic
Lens
REC LED
SBack
VIDEO button
POWER/PLAY button
REC button
SETTING/EXIT button
FOV button
SCENE button
LO CUT button
AUDIO button
AUTO GAIN button
Parts and their functions

6
Parts and their functions (continued)
SSides
Output volume
control
Headphone
jack
External input
jack HDMI port
Strap
attachment hole
Input volume
control
Left side Right side
USB port
* A ZOOM AD-17
AC adapter (sold
separately) can also
be connected here.
SBottom
Battery/SD card cover
Tripod mounting threads
NOTE
Remove the battery/SD card cover, and load batteries and an SD card as shown in the illustration below.
Use alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries.
AA batteries
microSD card

7
Parts and their functions (continued)
SMic overview
The Quses the XY technique with two crossing directional mics.
SETTING/
EXIT
Features:
Providing a three-dimensional sound with natural depth and width, this technique is ideal for
recording when you want to capture a specific sound source that is nearby or at a medium
distance. This is suitable for situations that include solo performances, chamber music, live
rehearsals and field recording.

8
STurning the power on
Press
1. p.
The REC LED on the front will light red
and then green.
STurning the power off
Press and hold
1. p.
After “Goodbye See You!” appears, the
power turns off.
Turning the power on and off
1
1

9
Preparing for use
SFormatting SD cards
You should format SD cards for use with the Q.
When the Recording Screen is open,
1.
press cto open the Setting
Screen.
Select “SD Format”.
2.
On the Confirmation Screen, press
3. rand select “YES R”.
This will start SD card formatting.
SSetting the date and time
If the date and time are set, the recorder can add the recording date and time to files.
When the Recording Screen is open,
1.
press cto open the Setting
Screen.
Press
2. →to open the date and time
Setting Screen.
Use the buttons to set the current
3.
date and time.
33
2
1
3 1
2
After purchasing a new SD card, always format it using the
•Qto maximize performance.
All data previously saved on the SD card will be deleted when it is formatted.
•
CAUTION

10
Adjusting recording levels
Turn
1. Ion the right side of the unit.
If a peak indicator lights on the
2.
screen, turn Ito lower the level.
Adjust the level so that the peak indica-
tors do not light even when loud sounds
are input.
Peak indicatorsLevel meters
Raise levelLower level
NOTE
In addition to the peak indicators, the REC LED on the front also blinks when loud sounds are input.
•
Set AUTO GAIN to adjust the recording level automatically. (
•→P. 13)

11
Recording
SRecording operations
Press
1. r.
This starts video recording.
Press
2. ragain to stop video re-
cording.
NOTE
During video recording, the REC LED on the front lights red.
1,2

12
Recording (continued)
SUsing the Recording Screen
Set recording operations and the recording format on this screen.
Start recording
Stop recording (press while recording)
When recording: recording time
When paused: available recording time Remaining battery level
VIDEO setting
FOV setting
SCENE setting
LO CUT setting
AUDIO setting
AUTO GAIN setting
SSetting the recording format
Use the buttons on both sides of the screen to change the settings.
VIDEO: video recording resolution setting
Setting Resolution Frames/second Explanation
1080·30
VIDEO 1920×1080 30 This is good for all types of video recording.
1080·24
CINEMA 1920×1080 24 This records with the frame rate used for filming movies. This
is good for recording movies and music videos.
720·30
VIDEO 1280×720 30
This provides a good balance between recording time and video
quality.
720·24
CINEMA 1280×720 24
This records with the frame rate used for filming movies.
This provides a good balance between recording time and
video quality.
CAMERA
OFF Use this to just record audio.
NOTE
If the setting is VIDEO and PAL is selected for HDMI Out, the frames/second will be 25.
FOV: field of view setting
Setting Explanation
WIDE Widen the field of view.
•
0
•
TELE Narrow the field of view.

13
Recording (continued)
SCENE: camera setting for recording scene conditions
Setting Explanation
AUTO Adjustments are made without specific scene conditions.
OUTDOOR Adjustments are optimized for outdoor recording.
SUNSET Adjustments are optimized for sunset scenes.
NIGHT Adjustments are optimized for night and other dark situations.
CONCERT LIGHT Adjustments are optimized for concert lighting conditions that are bright
and change drastically.
CONCERT Lo-lit
Adjustments are optimized for small concert halls and other dim lighting conditions.
CONCERT HALL Adjustments are optimized for classical concerts, recitals and similar perfor-
mance conditions.
JAZZ CLUB Adjustments are optimized for jazz clubs and similar venues.
DANCE CLUB Adjustments are optimized for dance clubs and other venues where the
lighting changes drastically.
REHEARSAL STUDIO Adjustments are optimized for recording and rehearsal studio conditions.
GARAGE Adjustments are optimized for band performances in garages.
LO CUT: low-cut filter setting to reduce wind, vocal pops and other noise
Setting Explanation
OFF This disables the lo-cut filter.
80Hz
These set the cutoff frequency.120Hz
160Hz
AUDIO: audio quality setting
Setting Explanation
44.1k 16bit
The higher the sampling frequency (kHz) and bit rate, the better the audio quality. 48k 24bit
96k 24bit
AUTO GAIN: automatic recording level adjustments setting
Setting Explanation
OFF This disables Auto Gain. Adjust the recording level manually.
CONCERT
This is good for recording band performances, concerts and other loud situations.
SOLO This is good for solo performances and other lower volume situations.
MEETING This is good for meetings and field recordings.
NOTE
Using the windscreen included in the APQ-2n accessory pack along with the LO CUT setting can further
reduce noise.

14
SUsing the Playback Screen
On this screen, you can control playback, check file information and switch and delete files.
Open Playback Screen
Start playback
Pause playback (press during playback)
Remaining playback
time
Status indicator
Playing:
Paused:
Stopped:
Check file
information
Select previous
file
Move playback
position back
Current file/total
number of files
Deleting files
Select next file
Move playback
position forward
Remaining battery level
File name
NOTE
The
•Qcan only play videos that it recorded.
During playback, press
•2once to return to the beginning of the file. Press 2twice to jump to
the previous file.
Deleting files
Press the following buttons when the Playback Screen is open to delete a file.
Select
1. .
This opens the Deletion Screen.
Select
2. .
A check is added to the box at the left
above the file thumbnail.
Select
3. .
On the Confirmation Screen, press
4. rand select “YES R”.
This deletes the checked file.
Press cand select “NO X” to
cancel.
Playing recordings
21,3
4

15
SUsing the Setting Screen
Use this screen to make system settings.
Use 6to change the item shown.
Change adjacent items
Show different items
Setting item Description
HDMI Out Set the format of the video output from the HDMI port. Select NTSC or PAL.
Beep Set whether the Qmakes sounds when it is turned on and operated. Select
Off, Small or Large.
Play Mode Set whether all files are played continuously or only the selected file is played.
Select Play One or Play All.
Plugin Power Set this when using a mic that supports plug-in power. (→P. 16)
SD Format Format an SD card. (→P. 9)
Battery Type Set the battery type. Select Alkaline or Ni-MH.
Power Save
Set the amount of time until the screen is dimmed automatically if not used. This
setting has no effect during playback or when an AC adapter is connected. Select
Off, 1, 3 or 5 minutes.
Auto Power
Off
Set the amount of time until the power turns off automatically if not used. This set-
ting has no effect during recording, playback or when an AC adapter is connected.
Select Off, 1, 3 or 5 minutes.
Setting Reset Restore the Qto its factory default settings.
See P. 18 for USB connection and P. 9 for date setting.
Making system settings

16
You can capture audio with an external mic or audio device when recording audio or video.
Connect the external mic or audio
1.
device to the external input jack.
Press
2. r.
This starts video recording.
SMic that supports plug-in power
Enable plug-in power for mics that support it.
When the Recording Screen is open,
1.
press cto open the Setting
Screen.
Select Plugin Power, and set it to On.
2.
Connections with external input jacks
EXTIN
2
1
2
1
NOTE
The built-in mics are disabled when an external device is connected to the external input jack.

17
SHeadphones/line output
You can listen to the audio with headphones or an external audio amplifier.
Connect headphones or audio equip-
1.
ment to the headphone jack using a
stereo mini plug cable.
Press
2. pto play the video or
audio.
SHDMI output
Use an HDMI cable to connect with an HDMI TV to show Qvideo recordings on it in
high definition.
Connect the HDMI cable (commercial-
1.
ly-available) to the HDMI jack.
Press
2. pto play the video or
audio.
Headphones/line and HDMI output
2
1
21
Some TVs do not support some audio formats, so correct playback might not always be possible.
•
When recording video, connecting or disconnecting an HDMI cable will cause video and audio recording
•
to stop.
CAUTION

18
By connecting the Qto a computer or iOS device with a USB cable, you can use it as a
WEB camera, USB mic and card reader.
SConnecting by USB
1.
When the Recording Screen is open, press
c to open the Setting Screen.
Press
2. →to open the USB Connection
Setting Screen.
Use the buttons to select the desired
3.
function.
On the Confirmation Screen, press
4. rand select “YES R”.
Use a USB cable to connect a computer or an iOS device.
5.
To end a USB connection, press
6. con the Function Screen.
On the Confirmation Screen, press
7. rand select “YES R”.
This reopens the Recording Screen.
NOTE
For a list of iOS devices that have been confirmed to work with the
•Q, visit www.zoom.co.jp.
•
An iPad Camera Connection Kit or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately) is necessary to connect an iOS device.
SUsing as a web camera (computer)
The Qcan be used as a web camera to input audio and video to a computer.
On the computer, open the applica-
1.
tion with which you want to use it as
a camera, and select the Q.
Delay setting
If the application does not have a lip syn-
chronization function, you can set an audio
delay time so that it matches the timing of
the video. The delay time can be set to 0.0
F–10.0 F in 0.5 increments.
(1 F = 33 msec)
USB connections
3
4,7 1,6
3
2
Delay setting
NOTE
To use as a web camera, an audio driver must be downloaded from the ZOOM website (www.zoom.
•
co.jp) and installed.
The recorder can simultaneously transmit video and audio with resolutions up to HD720p and 48 kHz/16-
•
bit PCM to a computer.
The
•Qcannot output computer playback signals.

19
USB connections (continued)
SUsing as a card reader (computer/iOS device)
You can use the Qas a card reader to transfer data to and from computers and iOS
devices.
View the contents of the SD card
1.
loaded in the Qon the file man-
agement screen of the computer or
iOS device.
Work with the files on the SD card.
2.
SUsing as a USB mic (computer/iOS device)
You can use the Qas a USB mic to input audio to a computer or iOS device.
On the computer or iOS device, open
1.
the application with which you want
to use it as a mic, and select the
Q.
Use the
2. Qrecording operations.
Direct monitoring setting
The input sound can be monitored directly when used as a USB mic.
Select to turn it ON/OFF.
NOTE
When connected to a computer, power can be supplied by USB. When connected to an iOS device, power
cannot be supplied by USB.
Direct monitoring setting

20
The Qfirmware can be updated to the latest version.
Copy the file for updating the firm-
1.
ware to the root directory on an SD
card.
The latest version of the firmware can
be downloaded from www.zoom.co.jp.
Insert the SD card into the card slot
2.
on the bottom.
Press
3. pwhile pressing and
holding rto turn the power on.
Keep pressing the buttons until the firm-
ware update screen opens.
On the Confirmation Screen, press
4. rand select “YES R”.
On the Final Confirmation Screen,
5.
press rand select “YES R”.
After updating, the Completion Screen
opens.
Press
6. pfor at least one second
to shut down.
Updating the firmware
3
4,56
Do not turn the power off during an update.
•
Upgrading the firmware is not possible if the remaining battery power is low.
•
CAUTION