Overview:
It will change the way you think about recording forever.
- Here at Zoom we've been building innovative products for the
past thirty years. But with the revolutionary ZOOM H6 six-track recorder, the bar is
raised further still. Four interchangeable input capsules – X/Y, MS, Shotgun,
and Dual XLR/TRS Combo – make the H6 the ultimate chameleon of the audio world,
and its advanced preamps make it the best-sounding one too. Whatever your
application – live recording, professional film/video work, live broadcast or
electronic news gathering – the H6 can handle it with ease.The most versatile
portable recorder ever.
Capture the performance on a whole new level.
- Do more than just record the show: Document the experience.
Use the X/Y capsule to capture the overall sound in stereo, then use the other
four inputs for a direct feed from the mixing board, or for external spot mics
to pick up specific instruments and the room sound. With the H6, you can relive
that great performance night after night.
Get the sound that completes the scene.
- Whether you slide it onto your camera strap or attach it
directly to your DSLR with our Hot Shoe mount, the H6 is the essential audio
recorder for location videography. Its supplied MSH-6 mic capsule and onboard
MS decoding, plus the ability to record up to 6 tracks simultaneously, gives
you plenty of options in post-production.
Deliver the full story, down to the last detail.
- Extend your range with the optional SGH-6 Shotgun mic. Get
every word of that headline-making interview. Capture breaking news with
maximum impact, then mix and prepare the audio for broadcast while still in the
field. With the H6, you can do onsite reporting that really resonates.
Make every chord, every note, every riff really sing.
- Plug in the optional EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS capsule and your H6
becomes a personal 6-track studio with six discrete line- or mic-level inputs,
each with its own volume control and pad. Record and overdub up to 99 takes in
high-resolution audio, then mix down to a stereo MP3 for posting to your
favorite website. With the H6, the road from great idea to perfect track just
got a lot shorter.
About Microphone Capsule
AS ADAPTABLE AS A CHAMELEON. - Life is about options … and
so is recording.
- Versatility: It’s what the groundbreaking H6 is all about.
Simply clip on the interchangeable capsule which best fits your needs — it’s as
easy as changing the lens on a camera — and the H6 instantly adapts, allowing
you to record in virtually every environment.
XYH-6 X/Y CAPSULE - A little X, a little Y, a whole lotta stereo.
- The X/Y miking technique is optimal when you want to cover a
wide area and still capture sound sources in the center with clarity and
definition, making it great for all types of live stereo recording.
The XYH-6 X/Y capsule comes standard with the H6.
- The capsule adds two matched high-quality unidirectional
microphones to your H6 or H5. This kind of microphone is most sensitive to
signal coming from directly in front, and less sensitive to signal coming from
behind or from the sides; in technical terms, they are said to utilize a
cardioid polar pattern. These mics have the largest diaphragm size (0.579” =
14.6mm) of any ever available on a portable recorder.
- Playing back stereo X/Y tracks in mono results in a fuller
sound than you would get with one microphone, but if mono compatibility is
critical (for example, in television production), the Mid-Side (MS) mic
technique can be a better choice.
MSH-6 MS CAPSULE - Mid-side mic magic.
- MS (“Mid-Side”) recording: an incredible technique that
allows you to actually adjust the width of the stereo image after it has been
recorded, making it especially useful for film, video and television projects.
Sound like magic? Read on.
The MSH-6 comes standard with the H6 and can be used with
the H5.
- Although the MSH-6 MS capsule appears to be just one
microphone, it actually contains two mic elements, positioned directly on top
of one another. One of the microphones inside the MSH-6 is unidirectional (that
is, it is mostly sensitive to signal coming from directly in front, and less
sensitive to signal coming from behind or from the sides) while the other is
bi-directional (that is, it is mostly sensitive to signals coming from directly
in front and directly behind, and less sensitive to signal coming from the
sides).
- The basic concept behind MS recording is that the Mid
microphone picks up signal coming from the center, while the Side microphone
creates ambience and directionality by adding or subtracting information from
either side.
- The Mid-Side technique works well whenever you need a
variable amount of room sound. It can also be used for studio recording, and
its convenience and flexibility make it a good option for rehearsal and live
concert recording as well. Another benefit is that it provides total mono
compatibility, making it an excellent choice for stereo recordings that may
eventually be played back in mono, such as TV broadcasts.
Applications:
Capture the performance on a whole new level.
- Do more than just record the show: Document the experience.
Use the X/Y capsule to capture the overall sound in stereo, then use the other
four inputs for a direct feed from the mixing board, or for external spot mics
to pick up specific instruments and the room sound. With the H6, you can relive
that great performance night after night.
Get the sound that completes the scene.
- Whether you slide it onto your camera strap or attach it
directly to your DSLR with our Hot Shoe mount, the H6 is the essential audio
recorder for location videography. Its supplied MSH-6 mic capsule and onboard
MS decoding, plus the ability to record up to 6 tracks simultaneously, gives
you plenty of options in post-production.
Features:
Here at Zoom we've been building innovative, great-sounding
products for the past thirty years. But with the revolutionary H6—the most
versatile portable recorder ever—the bar is raised further still.
THE INPUTS - Making connections . More of what you need
- The H6 offers four main inputs (1-4), plus two additional
inputs (L, R) that are derived from whichever capsule (X/Y, MS, Shotgun, or
Dual XLR/TRS Combo) is plugged into the unit. The supplied XYH-6 X/Y capsule
also provides a secondary input for connecting an external mic- or line-level
signal via a stereo ⅛” Mic/Line In mini phone jack. When a connection is made
to that jack, signal from the X/Y microphones is muted.
- All four main H6 inputs (inputs 1-4) are combo connectors
that can accept either XLR or ¼” balanced or unbalanced phone cables. They can
handle both mic- and line-level signals, which means that you can connect
either external microphones or line-level devices like mixers, portable music
players, electronic keyboards, or electric guitars or basses with active
electronics (passive electric guitars or basses can also be connected with the
use of a mixer or effects device). Internal switching contacts automatically
detect the circuit of choice.
- Each of the six inputs (that is, 1-4 as well L, R) have a
dedicated gain control knob as well as a -20dB pad, allowing you to prevent
distortion even when high-level signals are introduced. In fact, with the use
of the Pad switch, the H6 can input a signal 30dB louder and 14dB softer than
any other Handy Recorder model. In addition, all capsules utilize higher
voltage preamps (5 volts instead of the more commonly used 3 volts) for
distortion free recording, even at high volumes. A built-in instrumentation amp
allows signals to be transmitted with minimal noise even when long cables are
used.
- If you’re using high-quality condenser (powered) microphones
with the H6, no problem—a simple menu option allows the unit to provide Phantom
Power (either +12, +24, or +48 volts) to any or all of the main inputs (inputs
1-4). Inexpensive condenser microphones requiring Plug-In Power (2.5 volts) can
be connected to the X/Y capsule’s stereo 1/8” Line In jack.
RECORDING FEATURES - Never miss a take
- Pre-Record - The interview started a split-second before you were ready.
The conductor lifted his baton just as you were checking a cable. The talent
went back on-air a moment too soon.No problem… as long as you’re using the H6. Its Pre-Record
function automatically keeps the H6 silently but continuously recording in the
background, all the time. Then, when you hit the RECORD button, it keeps the
previous two seconds and appends it to the beginning of the file. It’s as if
the H6 had started recording two seconds before you actually got to hit the
button.
- Backup-Record—the ultimate safety net. When turned on during
the recording of WAV files, the H6 automatically records a duplicate set of L/R
tracks, but with 12dB less input gain. Even if the original L/R track is
distorted, chances are the Backup version is fine. You can listen to either set of tracks simply by going to
the Backup File option in the PROJECT menu. When turned OFF, you’ll hear the
original L/R tracks; when turned ON, you’ll hear the lower-level Backup tracks
instead. Pick the one you prefer and use it as your L/R master. Bacon saved.
- Auto-Record - The Auto-Record function allows the H6 to automatically
start recording when a certain level of sound is detected. When turned ON and
the RECORD button is pressed, the H6 doesn’t immediately start recording;
instead, it goes into a standby mode; as soon as an incoming signal exceeds the
Start Level you’ve set, recording begins. There’s an equivalent Auto-Record Stop function, too. When
turned ON, as soon as incoming signal drops below the Stop Level you’ve set,
recording ends.
ONBOARD EFFECTS - It’s all about control.
- The H6 provides an arsenal of effects that allows you to add
polish to your recordings and compensate for any problems or limitations in the
acoustics of the recording environment.
- Compression and limiting compensate for fluctuations in
level; in essence, they act like an automatic volume control, reducing the level
of louder sounds (that is, the sounds above a threshold point). The main
difference between the two is that a limiter reduces louder sounds more
severely.
- A low-cut filter allows you to remove signal below a certain
user-designated frequency (called a cutoff frequency). This is useful for
eliminating pops, wind noise, blowing, transmitted resonance from an onstage
mic stand and other kinds of low frequency rumble.
- In addition, there’s an onboard metronome and chromatic /
guitar / bass tuner—both handy tools when recording musical content.
THE H6 AS AN AUDIO INTERFACE
Do it yourself never sounded so good
- The H6’s USB port allows it to send and receive digital
data. Connect the H6 to your laptop or desktop computer via USB, launch your
favorite DAW or use the included Cubase LE software, and start laying down your
tracks. You can even connect the H6 to an iPad (camera connection kit
required).
- When the H6 is set to “Stereo Mix” in the USB menu, it acts
as a 2-input / 2-output interface; when set to “Multi Track,” it acts as a
6-input / 2-output interface. The H6’s onboard INPUT&OUTPUT mixer allows
you to create a custom stereo or six-track mix for output via USB, with
independent control over the level and panning of each track, as well as access
to effects like low-cut filtering, compression and limiting. In addition,
signal that is input to the H6 can be monitored directly before it passes
through the connected computer or iPad for zero latency (that is, without any
delay). There’s also a handy Loop Back mode that allows you to blend stereo
signal coming from the computer or iPad with signal coming into the H6 inputs,
useful for live streaming via the Internet or for adding narration to a musical
backing track.
Note: Laptop is not Included
H6 Features at a glance
Main Features
- Interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as
easily as the lens of a camera
- Six-track simultaneous recording
- Four mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors
- Gain controls (real knobs!) and -20dB pads for each input
- Phantom power for all main inputs: +12/+24/+48V
- Large full-color LCD display, angled so it’s easy to read in
all environments
- Records directly to SD, SDHC and SDXC cards up to 128GB
- Up to 24-bit /96kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety
of MP3 formats
- Auto-record, Pre-record and Backup-record functions mean
that you’ll never miss that perfect take
- Multitrack to stereo internal mixdown
- Independent monitor and playback mixes
- Virtual VU meters
- Voice memo and up to 99 marks per recording
- Overdubbing, up to 99 takes
- Built-in effects, including low-cut filtering, compression
and limiting
- Onboard MS decoding
- Normalize, Divide and Trim editing
- Chromatic tuner and metronome
- A/B loop playback
- Variable playback speed, from 50% to 150%
- Variable pitch per track without affecting playback speed
- USB port for data exchange to and from computer
- Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad
- Camera strap mounts
- Mountable directly to DSLR or camcorder with optional HS-01
Hot Shoe Mount adapter
- Accepts standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries
- Over 20 hours of operation with 4 AA alkaline batteries
What's in the Box?
- Operation manual
- XYH-6 X/Y mic
capsule
- MSH-6 MS mic capsule
- SD card (2GB)
- AA size (LR6) battery x 4
- Cubase LE Software
- Windscreen
- USB Cable
- Case
Optional H6 accessories
- SGH-6 Shotgun mic capsule
- EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo capsule
- HS-01 Hot Shoe Mount adapter
- APH-6 Accessory Pack includes RCH-6 wired Remote Controller,
AD-17 USB-type AC adapter and Hairy Windscreen
- Carrying bag
Front Panel Features
Specifications
RECORDING MEDIA
- SD
card:......................16MB to 2GB
- SDHC card:.................4GB
to 32GB
- SDXC card:...................64GB
to 128GB
INPUTS
Capsules - XYH-6 X/Y mic
- Mic
type: ................. Unidirectional
- Sensitivity: ...................-41
dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
- Input gain: .............................-∞
to 46.5 dB
- Max sound pressure input: ................136
dB SPL
Capsules - MSH-6 MS mic
- Mic
types:................... Unidirectional and
bi-directional
- Sensitivity: .....................-37
dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa (unidirectional) -39 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa (bi-directional)
- Input gain.................................. -∞
to 42.5 dB
- Max sound pressure input................20
dB SPL (unidirectional) 122 dB SPL (bi-directional)
INPUTS 1 to 4
- MicConnectors: ...............XLR / TRS combo jacks , (XLR: Pin 2 hot / TRS: Tip hot)
- MicInput gain: (PAD OFF) ...............-∞
to 55.5 dB
- MicInput gain: (PAD ON).................. -∞
to 35.5 dB
- MicInput impedance:................6.8
k Ω
- MicMax input level:................. +22
dBu (PAD ON)
- MicPhantom power:......................+12V
/+24V /+48V (Phantom power can be turned on/off independently for Inputs
1 - 4)
- MicEquivalent Input Noise (EIN): ............... -120 dBu or less
OUTPUTS
LINE OUT
- Jack
type:.........................1/8" stereo mini
jack
- Rated Output Level: ............-10
dBu when output load impedance is 10k Ω or more
PHONE OUT
- Jack
type: ....................1/8" stereo mini
jack
- Output Level: ..............20 W
+20 W into 32 Ω load
- Built-in speaker..................... 400mw
8 Ω mono speaker
RECORDING FORMATS
WAV
- Sampling
frequency:............... 44.1/48/96 kHz
- Bit rate: ............................16/24 (Mono/Stereo, BWF-compliant)
- Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: ............... 8 (L/R + INPUT 1 to 4 + L/R backup) (Backup recording: -12dB lower than set L/R input gain)
MP3
- Sampling
frequency: ................44.1kHz
- Bit Rate......................48/56/64/80/96/112/128/160/192/224/256/320kbps Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 2
RECORDING TIME (WITH 2GB CARD)
- 03:08:00
(44.1 kHz / 16-bit WAV)
- 34:43:00
(128kbps MP3)
DISPLAY
- 2.0-inch
full color LCD (320 x 240 pixels)
USB
Mass Storage Class operation
- Class:...................USB2.0 High Speed
Audio Interface operation: Multi-track mode
- Class:.........................USB2.0
High Speed
- Inputs / Outputs: .................. 6
/ 2
- Sampling frequency: .............44.1/48kHz/96kHz
- Bit rate: ...................16/24
bit USB bus powered operation possible
Audio Interface operation: Stereo mode
- Class:........................USB2.0 Full Speed
- Inputs / Outputs: ..............2
/ 2
- Sampling frequency: ...........44.1/48kHz
- Bit rate:.....................16
bit USB bus powered operation possible (iPad operation supported in stereo mode only)
POWER REQUIREMENTS
- AA size
(LR6) battery x 4
- Alkaline or NiMH type
- AC adapter: AD-17 (DC5V/1A/USB-type) (optional)
- USB bus power
BATTERY LIFE
- Battery life (with alkaline battery, continuous recording) ................ Over 20 hours