Second Look at the H2n – External Mics and Line In
Here are some more observations on the new Zoom H2n recorder. In this entry we’ll look at the Mic/Line input for connecting external mics and line level sources. In the H2 these were separate inputs, with the mic input controlled by the Mic Gain H-M-L switch while the line input had no adjustment. On the H2n these inputs are combined and the Mic Gain dial adjusts the sensitivity of that input.
External mics with the H2n
I rarely used external mics with my H2, but others at the Zoom forum tested and indicated that it is quite noisy. I’m open to the possibility that the external mic pre of the H2n could be a gem, with plenty of clean gain and headroom, but the only way to know is give it a try.
My first use of the external preamp was a test to see if the external mic could be used as part of the four channel recording capability of the H2n. In the four channel mode using internal mics, the front XY pair and rear MS pair each contribute a stereo file. I read an internet post indicating that an external mic could be used and it would replace the XY pair. This would allow 4 channel recording for other than surround purposes.
I was disappointed when I plugged in the Rode NT4 because it delivered a much lower signal level than the internal MS mics and there was no way to adjust the gain independently. I could record four channels, but two of them were much lower in volume than the others. I assumed (and you know what that means) that the NT4 was just low in sensitivity.
Today I tried again, comparing the H2n with the NT4 to a pair of Shure KSM141s into the Echo Audiofire Pre8.
Two Recording Tools
Here’s the mic setup I used.
Two XY arrays in tandem
Once again the level available from the H2n->NT4 was unimpressive. I don’t record hot, but these levels were down around -27 dBFS. By the time I added 9 dB of digital gain to get this track to match the ones from the Echo, the noise level was pretty severe. Here are the clips with matched levels:
Echo Audiofire with Shure KSM141
Hey, looking in the docs actually turned up something. Input gain is listed as 0 to 39 dB, which is definitely on the low side. So unless there’s a firmware update that adds some gain without raising the self-noise, this external mic input is better suited to amplified concert tapers and drummers rather than acoustic guitarists. And it’s even worse news for folks interested in recording nature sounds and sound effects using external mics.
Line In on the H2n
I’ve used my H2 to record several shows by connecting to the PA mixing board. I find this is usually a cleaner sound than simply miking the room. I almost always have camera sound as well, so I can mix the board track with a room track. But the H2 has a serious weakness for my purpose – its Line Input is too sensitive for the outputs of a common PA mixer. The result is a horrible clipped mess. There’s no adjustment to reduce the sensitivity on the H2 and the tape outs on most mixing boards do not have a level control, so I’ve resorted to a passive attenuator, a simple ganged variable resistor which I use to cut the signal from the board to the H2.
I had hoped that the H2n would offer a solution. A built-in pad (fixed attenuator) would be ideal, or a wide gain range on the line input, with a low minimum sensitivity. Looking at the specs in the announcement, and then at the documentation, I found no mention of a more useful Line In connection. But a test was in order to see if things were improved.
I set up a comparison between the Line In on the H2 and the same on the H2n by connecting two hardware outputs of my Echo Audiofire Pre8 to the Line In on the two Zooms. I used an adapter to split the mono output to two channels. I adjusted the gain on the H2n to 0, there’s no gain adjustment for the Line In on the H2. To generate the test signal I used REAPER and created a 1 khz sine tone with a level of -18 dBFS – this is about 0 dBVU and should be a good starting point for evaluating a line level connection. When I checked the two Zoom recorders they were both clipped. I reduced the level and both recorders showed the same levels as they dropped below clipping.
My test tells me that the Line In on the H2n performs the same as it does on the H2, so I’ll still be bringing my passive attenuator with me when I record from the mixing board.
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 1st, 2011 at 8:40 pm and is filed under Recording. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Artificial Red said in post # 1,
on November 23rd, 2011 at 5:14 pm
Hi,
I have a question regarding Zoom H2n recorder. Actually this is a new question, sorry ’bout that.
I’m a bass player, and I don’t have a bass amplifier. May I ask if I can still record a track plugging my bass guitar straight to the ‘line in’ input of Zoom H2n? Then I’ll use my headphone to hear the sound that I’m recording.
Thanks for reading my email and I’m looking forward for your respond.
Fran Guidry said in post # 2,
on November 23rd, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Red, I just plugged my guitar pickup into the line in on the Zoom H2 and I could hear it through the headphones. So your plan should work.
Fran
walter said in post # 3,
on December 27th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Hi,
can the h2n record from an external mic and the internal miss at the same time and on different tracks?
Regards,
Walter
Fran Guidry said in post # 4,
on December 27th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Yes sir, as described in the post above you can record 4 tracks at one time, two from the internal MS mic setup and two from an external mic that is terminated in a 1/8″ stereo plug. But you’re unable to control the volume of the two sources separately, so in my experience the track from the external mic will be considerably lower than the internal mic.
Fran
Mikey said in post # 5,
on January 16th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Hey. Thanks for the awesome Review!
I have one important question though.
Where to get this passive attenuator? Which one do you use?
I´m about to do a live recording with the h2n and I really fear that the levels of the mixer out will be too high. I can not afford clipping.
Thanks in advance.
Fran Guidry said in post # 6,
on January 16th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
The device I use is this one: http://www.electronicplus.com/prodSearch.asp?prod_search=10-105&Submit=Search
I actually have two of them, they’re very handy for matching levels between different devices.
Fran
John Noremac said in post # 7,
on June 10th, 2012 at 5:49 am
Hi Fran,
First, thank you for the nicely-paced info. I’m just starting out with digital recording. Many years ago some tapes. I like your philosophy on recording and guitars and it sums up what I feel about both. I write and play my own music in open tunings for many years and have a website under construction. Love Hawaiian stuff but don’t play any.
I’ve been really challenged by tech stuff, and just trying to follow the jargon is difficult at times, but I enjoy learning and your approach is very helpful.
I also have Reaper and am just learning how to record in it. I have the Zoom H2N and a Kodak Playsport Zx5. Haven’t used them as yet. They are all daunting but exciting, so I really am looking forward to using your fine instruction. Thanks again.
John Noremac
Fran Guidry said in post # 8,
on June 11th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
John, thanks a lot for your kind comments.
Audio recording is a dense enough topic, digital throws in just enough wrinkles to make it an even more challenging exercise. But the quality to cost ratio is just astounding, and I’m not going back (grin). Actually my exposure to analog recording convinced me I was better off concentrating on learning to make music and forget about recording it. If I hadn’t plugged a mixer into a Soundblaster in order to help a friend, I might never have gotten into recording.
As someone said about photography, one’s first 1000 pictures are the worst. There’s just no substitute for gritting one’s teeth and doing it – it generates the questions that lead to learning. Have a lot of fun with it!
Fran
Mike said in post # 9,
on June 17th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Hi there,
thank you for usefull review. I would like to record to H2n 1/8 line input from my mic which have line output level controll. So I consider optimal recording level matchig with H2n input sensivity would not be a problem. Am I right or wrong?
Mike said in post # 10,
on June 17th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Sorry. I mean recording from my MIXER,…
Fran Guidry said in post # 11,
on June 17th, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Mike, if you can manage the output level you don’t need an attenuator, you’ll be fine. The issue comes up when we “borrow” an output from a mixing board. The mixing engineer is worrying about his own issues and it’s up to us to get a useful recording from whatever he gives us.
Fran
Bernard said in post # 12,
on July 26th, 2012 at 6:33 am
helleo
I just have a Zoom H2n and (I am French sorry) I want to plug it on my Behringer table PMP 1000 can I do this? What I need RCA X2 and jack 3,5mm? Regards
Berny
Fran Guidry said in post # 13,
on July 26th, 2012 at 7:47 am
The RCA jack output may work or it may overload the input of the Zoom H2n. The headphone output will give you a way to reduce the signal to the H2n and prevent overload. So my first choice would be 1/4 stereo to 3.5mm stereo using the headphone output. If the headphone output is in use, then the dual RCA to 3.5mm would be my next choice. You may need an attenuator in that case.
Fran
Cristian said in post # 14,
on September 5th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Hi there!
Your review was really cool, thanks a lot!!!
I have one question that could be really basic, but i’m getting started on this!
I have a Shure SM57, so the only thing i need to plug it to mi Zoom H2n it’s a wire with an XLR on one side and a 3.5mm plug on the other side? Or should i make the connections in other way?
Sorry for my bad english, i’ am from Argentina!
Thank you very much!
Cristian.
Fran Guidry said in post # 15,
on September 5th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
Your idea is correct, but your 3.5mm plug must be Tip-Ring-Sleeve, three conductor. The input on the H2n is stereo, it expects signals on both the tip and ring of the plug, with ground on the sleeve. When I plug in a mono 3.5mm (Tip-Sleeve) plug into the H2n I get no signal.
Fran
Gene said in post # 16,
on October 7th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
My question is, how do I record *only* line in, and avoid mixing the line in signal with the built-in mics? I had the XY selected on the recorder (because you have to select *something*, it’s only got four choices) but I thought that, when I plugged into the “line in” from the mixer, that the line in would override/replace the internal mic.
What I got was: 1) Way overmodulated, and 2) built-in mic sound. I know because, during the course of the recording, I zipped and unzipped the protective case around the recorder a couple of times (leaving the line-in cable plugged in) and clearly heard the “zip” sound every time I did it.
Fran Guidry said in post # 17,
on October 8th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Gene, I’ll address your points one by one.
First, overmodulation is definitely a problem when connecting the line out of a mixer to any of the Zoom devices I’ve used and that includes the H2, H2n, Q3HD, and R16. I use a passive attenuator between the mixer tape outs and the Zoom line ins, and this takes care of the problem. It’s a definite annoyance, though
Second, XY is the correct choice to record from the line in on the H2n. The line in (mic in) connection replaces the XY mic pair. If you select MS you’ll get nothing from the line in. If you select either 2ch or 4ch you will get a mix of the line and the MS mic pair.
Third, my test does not match your results. When I plug into the line in on my H2n and select XY, no audio is picked up by the mics. Please try your experiment again, by simply plugging any 1/8″ stereo plug into the line on your recorder, select XY mic pattern, and check to see if anything is recorded. If you _do_ find that you’re getting audio I would contact Zoom support and see about a repair authorization.
Fran
Mystral said in post # 18,
on November 5th, 2012 at 4:35 am
Hi Fran, and thanks for this nice review!
I was hoping to avoid the use of any attenuator because this device has a Limiter and compressor function.
Does it mean that the limiter cannot be applied to a the line-in signal?
It is hard to find a portable recorder with a good input level adjustments to avoid clipping…
If some of you have any recommandation, it would be great.
Thanks!
Fran Guidry said in post # 19,
on November 5th, 2012 at 11:38 am
There’s an active stage ahead of any processing in the H2n (and all the Zoom recorders I’ve used). When this stage clips it doesn’t matter what happens after that, and the compressor/limiter is after that. And this first stage clips rather too easily.
Some posters on the Zoom forum have suggested that Tascam recorders have better management of signal levels. And in my experience the Sony PCM-D50 is able to manage line level signals with ease. I understand, but have not personally confirmed, that the Sony M10 is also capable of managing line level input.
One rich source of info on portable recorders is the taper community. Beware the tremendous amount of misinformation, of course. I regularly visit http://taperssection.com/index.php for news about portable recorders.
Fran
AJ said in post # 20,
on November 12th, 2012 at 1:52 am
Hi Fran!
Thanks a lot for your site, it is absolutely great! You do excellent job.
I have a question regarding recording the electroacoustic guitar (Furch S-42 + BBand preamp). I aim to make some recordings with decent audio and video to put them on YouTube. My budget for audio gear is max 320$. Would you recommend me in this price Zoom H2n or any interface audio + capacitive mic? At the moment, I’d be more willing to buy Zoom, because my laptop is quite noisy and while recording in the same room, I’m afraid it would get into the recordings.
Thanks!
Fran Guidry said in post # 21,
on November 12th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
My question is this – are you interested in recording for its own sake? Or is your goal to put up decent sounding videos but without making a hobby out of recording?
Today’s portable recorders are amazing, very close to studio quality in such a compact and simple package. Using an interface and computer adds a lot of flexibility and power, but it takes a lot more time and energy to learn and use the extra capabilities.
Fran
AJ said in post # 22,
on November 13th, 2012 at 9:25 am
Thanks for answer. My target is the second one you mentioned- I plan to make some videos on YT as well as decent sounding audios to put e.g. on MySpace, but generally recording is not the goal itself.
I just wonder whether the cheap (~$160) audio interface and same-prized microfone could do better than Zoom in terms of audio quality.
Adam
Fran Guidry said in post # 23,
on November 13th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Adam, did you listen to the sample clips here: http://www.homebrewedmusic.com/2011/08/31/first-look-at-the-zoom-h2n/
How much difference did you hear between the H2n and the NT4/Interface combination? If you choose your interface and mics wisely the sound should be quite similar to the NT4 setup, so you can judge the difference based on that.
Fran
john said in post # 24,
on November 21st, 2012 at 11:04 am
I cannot get my H2 to record with external mics and abettery box using the “line in” feature..
it only seems to work with “external mic in”
the external mic in is very noisy and I get the hiss you have on the above sample.
Fran Guidry said in post # 25,
on November 21st, 2012 at 12:55 pm
My understanding, which is very limited, would be that a battery box does not perform the function of a preamp, that is, it does not provide gain. Its purpose is instead to raise the headroom or maximum sound pressure that can be captured by the mic without clipping.
When using the mic input, what switch setting do you choose? Have you tried the mic without the battery box? What problem are you trying to solve by using the external mic and battery box?
And finally, have you visited the Tapers Section discussion forum? They do a lot with battery boxes, I believe.
Fran
Gleb said in post # 26,
on December 26th, 2012 at 6:01 am
Hi! there is a problem with the output sound! After I connect the H2n to my laptop, all the output sounds are played through it instead of my pc output, so all I hear is that miserable pathetic distorted gainy sh’t. The problem occured just today somehow, before that, it was ok, and all i recorded sounded through my pc output! Help me pleasr, im totally screwed by the problem now, because I had an inspiration to record a song, and now its gone while I was looking through forums and sites how to work the sh’t out!!!!
Fran Guidry said in post # 27,
on December 26th, 2012 at 8:43 am
More information about your setup would certainly help, but I can offer a couple of suggestions. Perhaps the easiest way to deal with this is to plug your speakers (if they’re not USB) into the headphone output of the Zoom.
Alternatively, you need to switch your output device in your recording program, whatever that is, from the H2n to your normal sound card.
Depending on your operating system and your recording program, you may need to make the change in Windows.
As a final option, you could plug headphones into the H2n so you don’t hear the built-in speaker.
Good luck,
Fran
Dag Nilsen said in post # 28,
on March 15th, 2013 at 6:40 am
Hey, I have a short question for you. I work as a DJ and I want to start recording some of my sets when Im out on a gig. Is it possible to use both Line-in and the internal mics at the same time (for capturing crowd noise etc)? I saw you answered a similar question regarding external mics, but I dont know if this is the same thing (Im not too technical when it comes to audio)
Fran Guidry said in post # 29,
on March 15th, 2013 at 8:02 am
There are a couple of points to understand in order to accomplish this.
First, you _can_ record through the input and with the rear mics at the same time. Select 4 channel recording and you’ll capture both at the same time.
But there’s only one input on the H2n, so both mic and line input are the same. That means you need to manage the line level so it doesn’t overload the H2n.
But there’s another problem – there’s no separate level control for the mics and the line input. So you’ll need to adjust the line level signal to keep it somewhat balanced with the rear mics.
So this can be done, but it will take some experimenting.
Fran
Michael Molli said in post # 30,
on May 23rd, 2013 at 8:34 am
Hello Fran,
I’m thinking to get the Zoom H2N for making interviews on busy streets.
Because this device might confuse people, I’d like to use an external microphone.
Still have an AKG D5 (dynamic) incl. wind shield. If I get a stereo 3.5 mm jack to female XLR cable, do you think this mic would do the job? Hope I don’t have to hold the mic too close to someone’s mouth. Was thinking of approx two feet from mic to mouth.
By the way, I suffer from permanent tinnitus as well for about two years now. I would say it’s medium loud, high frequency on my right ear only. If it’s very quite in the room, it can be rather annoying at times and when I go to bed at night, it often is a relief to just fall asleep. Apparently about 20 to 25% of the polulation suffer from it today. I’m baffled for why the experts still haven’t found a solution for this yet.
Fran Guidry said in post # 31,
on May 23rd, 2013 at 1:05 pm
I’m afraid your plan will not be very successful.
First, the external preamp on the H2n is not of the highest quality. Even with a high output condenser mic the preamp noise can be a problem. Your dynamic mic will require even more gain = more noise from the preamp.
Second, positioning a mic two feet from someone speaking will result in very low levels from any mic = more noise from the preamp. And one of the most important issues in all recording is the ratio of source to ambient sound. A busy street will drown out a speaking voice even if the mic is a couple of inches away, let alone a couple of feet.
Fran
Glenn said in post # 32,
on June 11th, 2013 at 2:47 am
Handy site Fran. Good info, presented in a friendly way. Thank you.
Bless the internet!
Steve said in post # 33,
on June 23rd, 2013 at 9:26 am
Hi, thanks for the review. I’m intending to buy a portable recorder for recording music practices mainly but also for producing demos. I have a PA system with monitor out sockets, the output level of these can be controlled (the system has no separate line out sockets). I’ve used these before for recording directly into a computer but would they be suitable for input into the H2N line in socket? Or would they overload the H2N? Thanks.
Fran Guidry said in post # 34,
on June 23rd, 2013 at 10:37 am
Steve, if you can control the level of that monitor output it should work just fine.
Headphone outputs are also useful because they have level control as well.
The problem occurs with outputs like line out or tape out, which lack level control.
Fran
Jack said in post # 35,
on September 4th, 2013 at 7:56 am
Hi and thanks for the review. I’m trying to update the firmware on the H2n. Do you know how to do so? Or is there a video or website with easy to follow instructions?
Thanks!
Fran Guidry said in post # 36,
on September 4th, 2013 at 10:58 am
The firmware update is very easy but there are two things to watch for.
First, you must use an SD card, not an SDHC (High Capacity) card. Your H2n came with a small (1 Gb or less) SD card. Use this, or some other SD card. Format it in your H2n.
Second, the .bin file goes in the root of the SD card, do not put it into any folder.
So here’s the whole procedure:
1. Download the file as a .Zip compressed archive from here: http://www.zoom.co.jp/downloads/h2n/software/
2. Extract the .bin file from the Zip archive. The archive contains a folder, the H2NMAIN.BIN file is inside that folder.
3. Find an SD card, not a larger capacity SDHC or SDXC card,
4. Format the card in your H2n.
5. Copy the .bin file to the ROOT of the SD card, do not place it in any folder on the card. You can use the H2n in card reader mode or an external card reader to copy this file to the card.
6. Disconnect the H2n if it was connected to the computer, or place the SD card in the H2n if you were using a separate card reader.
7. Turn on the H2n power while holding down the PLAY button.
8. Follow the screen prompts to select the firmware upgrade, here’s a link to the procedure: http://www.zoom.co.jp/download/E_H2n_p84.pdf
Hope that helps.
Fran
Keith said in post # 37,
on October 11th, 2013 at 7:57 pm
I appreciate your and other people on the Internet posting testings of the H2n and other brands. Thanks. I just purchased an H2n for a reason other than newness: my H2, which I had had for two years and which operated perfectly fine in all other respects–the volume control rocker switch would not increase sound; it only functioned on the reducing side. The licensed repair people in New York said that by the time they charged labor and I sent it back and forth and they repaired it, I could have purchased the newer one. Today, I purchased the newer version and it will not power on with batteries or AC adaptor. And while it connects to computer with USB, nothing can be done with it. –Good grief!–any ideas?
Fran Guidry said in post # 38,
on October 11th, 2013 at 10:35 pm
My only idea is to return it to the seller and get one that works.
Fran
FrankB said in post # 39,
on December 20th, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Fran, many thanks for the post–and the testing procedure behind it. I had been attempting to use my H2n as an external recorder for podcasting, but found the output from my mixing board was, as you put it, a horribly clipped mess. I am just starting out so I don’t have a lot of experience with recording, and it baffled me for a while. But your explanation here has clarified the issue, and for that I thank you. I have quite enjoyed my H2n up until now, and while I still enjoy what I can do with it as a field recorder and all-purpose high-quality on-the-go mic, there are clearly some limitations.
In my case I was able to “cheat” by using the control room outputs from my mixing board (they weren’t being used) to bring the signal strength down to something the H2n line in could handle without the clipping mess. Not a perfect solution, but one that seems to work for my very modest application (redundant audio in paralell with audio going into Audacity) without the need for a passive attenuator.
Thanks again for the blog posts. I’ll continue to read and I appreciate what you do.
Fran Guidry said in post # 40,
on December 20th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
There’s nothing cheating about using an output that offers level control. The headphone output gets pressed into service often. I’m glad you were able to find a solution, thanks for sharing your info.
Fran
Willard van De bogart said in post # 41,
on August 13th, 2014 at 6:28 pm
Does the limiter on the h2n stay functioning with a line in from a mixing board or only works using the internal miss when recording
Willard van De bogart said in post # 42,
on August 13th, 2014 at 6:31 pm
Microphones not miss
Fran Guidry said in post # 43,
on August 13th, 2014 at 7:52 pm
It works on the mic/line input, but it’s not worth much as a protection limiter. The limiter is implemented post a/d conversion, but that leaves the analog input circuitry unprotected, so it’s still susceptible to clipping.
Fran
Sorte13 said in post # 44,
on October 16th, 2014 at 9:09 am
Hi there,
i just had to laugh, that exact the point you mentioned about the clipping on line-in was my point to look here.
So really sad, there is obvious no internal solution for that problem. I want to use the h2n to record while I’m djing on parties and ever have the clipping prob over the record line from the mixers. So can you please tell me what passive attennuator you’re using and whats important to look at, when I’m buying one.
Thx for ur blog and greets
Kevin
Fran Guidry said in post # 45,
on October 16th, 2014 at 9:36 am
There are lots of options for attenuators. I found a cheap one here:
http://www.electronicplus.com/prodSearch.asp?prod_search=10-105&Submit=Search
It’s a simple stereo attenuator with RCA jacks so it will require some adapters, but I’ve used it many times with good success.
Fran
Robert said in post # 46,
on November 27th, 2014 at 7:48 am
I wish I had read this before I purchased this recorder. The “Line Input” cannot handle line level signals, and in fact is too hot even when I set my Sound Devices 633 at mic level and set the output gain at -30db. Tone still almost pins the meters. VERY disappointing. The could have set an electronic pad or separate level control to handle the external input signals. Or not call that jack “Line/Mic Input.”
Ueli said in post # 47,
on December 6th, 2014 at 3:04 am
My problem is the following: I tried to record a DJ set using the H2n. I managed to keep the line signal low. But unforunatelly on my recording is not only the line signal but also sound recorded through the microphone of the H2n. I couldn’t find a option to change this. Does anyone know?
Fran Guidry said in post # 48,
on March 22nd, 2015 at 10:09 am
It sounds like you have the H2n set to 4 channel recording. This is controlled by the knob on the top of the unit where you can select various mic configurations. The “line” input replaces the XY mics but the MS mics are still active if they are selected on this top control.
Fran
Scott said in post # 49,
on March 25th, 2015 at 8:09 am
Thanks for this informative post! I have the H2 and tried recording from a mixing board headphone jack output with volume control into Line In on the H2 and it worked just fine, but obviously I only captured what was mic’d. Next, I tried doing the same but then choosing 4CH and the recording only recorded from the internal mics and not the board. Is there a setting to capture the board in Line In and the internal mics for what is not plugged into the board? Thanks for any tips!!
Fran Guidry said in post # 50,
on March 25th, 2015 at 10:38 am
I’m assuming you mean “H2n,” yes?
When you select 4ch on the mic selector knob, you create two files which you can then mix down to stereo in post production. Page 21 of the manual shows the use of the mic selector knob. Or on page 56 you can find instructions for mixing the two files into a single stereo file using the H2n itself. I would probably use an audio editor or digital audio workstation program like REAPER or Audacity to mix the two files because I could manage their relative levels and make adjustments before combining the files.
If you haven’t deleted or formatted the card yet, you can still find the two files on the memory card. I’m away from home and don’t have the H2n with me so I’m not certain of the file structure on the SD card, but the manual indicates that there are separate folders for stereo and four channel files.
But if you prefer to have a stereo file to start with, choose 2ch surround mode on the mic selector knob. The line input will replace the XY file and will be mixed with the MS mics at the time of recording.
I hope this clears things up and helps you achieve your desired result.
Fran