I tried to test the Zoom H2n, H2essential (single ADC 32 bit float) and the M2 MicTrak (32 bit float dual ADC) as if I was recording a maximum level rock band, who then stopped playing leaving only the sound of a fly buzzing round the drum kit. In a single clip, can these devices capture that dynamic range?
To do that the level control on the H2n has to be set to zero. The other two recorders have no gain control. Can all three handle the loud music without distortion? What does the silence sound like when the music stops?
And then what happens if I only want to record the fly in its own recording, band-free? For that the gain on the H2n has to be set to maximum (10). but the other two have no gain control so can they capture that tiny sound as well as the 24 bit device?
Finally what difference is there between the results from the dual ADC M2 and the single ADC H2essential?
The tests were carefully done but there are a lot of variables involved, so maybe the playing field isn't completely level. But still, I think the outcome is interesting.
(The narration was recorded on the M2 - and yes, I should have put on a wind muff).