I've used a pair of Zoom H2 recorders for making audio and video for several years now. One of the H2s has, for whatever reason, decided to record at a very low input level, no matter what settings I fiddle with. Which means that I have to whack the level up with Audacity - which means that the level of ambient noise on the channel is also increased.

So I decided to invest in a Zoom H6, which comes with two detachable mics - an XY configuration, pointing at opposed 90 or 120 degree angles - and an MS globe mic. I also got the H6 accessory pack as part of the bundle, and got a remote control, power plug and hairy windshield! The H6 also has 4 XLR/jack inputs, which I may or may not use, but is handy to have.

These things all sound complicated but, after a look at the controls and a run through the menu, the basics are not massively different from the old H2 - just more bells and whistles and better quality build. The bundle was bought from Gear4Music and cost £289. Looking forward to using it in action very soon...