Overview:

It will change the way you think about recording forever.

Capture the performance on a whole new level.

Get the sound that completes the scene.

Deliver the full story, down to the last detail.

Make every chord, every note, every riff really sing.

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

 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