Zoom H6essential Handy Recorder

A handy recorder with four XLR/TRS combo inputs and a detachable X/Y mic capsule, the Zoom H6essential records six tracks at once in 32-bit float. Its dual A/D converters leave no input gain to adjust and keep takes from clipping.

Inputs and Capsules

The four combo inputs have locking connectors and take mic or line sources, with +48 V phantom power for condenser mics and an equivalent input noise of -120 dBu. The included XYH-6e capsule holds two unidirectional mics in a 90-degree X/Y pattern, and the mics handle up to 135 dB SPL. When the X/Y mics are not needed, the capsule comes off, and the included cap keeps the recorder low profile.

Capsule System 3.0 supports 32-bit float and takes other capsules in place of the X/Y pair. The optional SSH-6e stereo shotgun records mid-side stereo, adjustable from mono to ultra-wide, and the optional EXH-6e adds two more XLR/TRS combo inputs and a 3.5 mm mic/line input.

Recording and Monitoring

The H6essential records to microSD cards up to 1 TB, as MP3 or as WAV at 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz with BWF and iXML metadata. A built-in mixer sets each track’s level, the 2.0-inch color LCD shows the waveforms as they record, and AI Noise Reduction lowers steady background noise. A 3.5 mm line output feeds a camera, a 3.5 mm headphone output is for monitoring, and a built-in speaker plays takes back.

For blind and visually impaired users, the recorder speaks its menu descriptions through the speaker or headphones, in English or six other languages available as downloads.

Interface, Control, and Timecode

Over USB-C it is a 6-in/2-out audio interface for a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device, in 24-bit or 32-bit float, and it can record all six tracks to its card at the same time. It runs on four AA batteries, the AD-17 AC adapter, or USB bus power.

With the optional BTA-1 adapter, an iOS app starts recording, adjusts the mix, shows the waveforms, and changes settings. The adapter also lets the recorder receive wireless timecode from an UltraSync BLUE. The optional TCA-1 adapter generates and outputs timecode, or syncs (jams) to an external timecode clock, with an accuracy of 0.5 frames over 24 hours.

Features

• Six tracks at once in 32-bit float with dual A/D converters
• Four locking XLR/TRS combo inputs with +48 V phantom power
• XYH-6e X/Y mic capsule included, 135 dB SPL maximum
• Capsule System 3.0 for the SSH-6e and EXH-6e capsules
• AI Noise Reduction
• Color LCD with waveform display
• Spoken menus for blind and visually impaired users
• 6-in/2-out USB-C audio interface while it records
• Runs on AA batteries, the AD-17 AC adapter, or USB power