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Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder

BH #ZOH6E • MFR #H6ESSENTIAL
16 reviews
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Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
Key Features
  • Flagship Handheld Audio Recorder
  • Filmmakers, Musicians & Content Creators
  • 32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed
  • Removable X/Y Mics Handle up to 135 dB
Presented as Zoom's flagship handheld recorder, the H6essential Portable Recorder offers six tracks of pristine, distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. With 32-bit float recording and hot-swappable X/Y mics that can handle 135 dB with ease, the H6essential offers a versatile pain-free audio solution.
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Zoom H6 essential Overview

Presented as Zoom's flagship handheld recorder, the H6essential Portable Recorder offers six tracks of pristine, distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. With 32-bit float recording and hot-swappable X/Y mics that can handle 135 dB with ease, the H6essential offers a versatile pain-free audio solution.

The four XLR-1/4" combo inputs feature low-noise and high-quality Zoom mic preamps and sport +48V phantom power for driving professional condenser mics. An onboard mixer is easy to use with the bright 2" color display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real time. The H6essential can utilize its USB-C port not only for power but also to stream up to two channels of audio to computers and smart devices, acting as a 6-in / 2-out interface. Furthermore, the recorder is tripod mountable, allowing it be conveniently used in a fixed location or atop a camera via an adapter for field recording duties.

Equipped with Accessibility Options
The Essential Series was designed with accessibility for the visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian, or Chinese.
Next Generation 3.0 Capsule System
Find the Capsule That's Right for You
The H6essential sports essential versatility designed to support creators of every kind. To this end, the H6essential has a removable X/Y mic capsule that can be swapped with several optional modules to fit the needs of your specific application.
XYH-6e Stereo Mic Capsule (Included)
The default capsule that comes with the H6essential, this adds two high-quality microphones in a X/Y stereo arrangement. This arrangement is most sensitive to audio directly in front while also capturing a clean stereo image.
SSH-6e Stereo Shotgun Capsule
The SSH-6e includes a highly-directional microphone to pick up sound in the center, as well as a bidirectional side mic to pick up sounds from the left and right. The mid-side stereo image is adjustable from mono to ultrawide stereo pickup. You can capture dialogue with the center mic, then mix in the desired amount of environmental sound captured by the side mics.
EXH-6e Input Capsule
If you need more inputs, simply plug in the EXH-6e dual XLR-1/4" TRS combo capsule. This allows you to connect two additional microphones, instruments, or line-level sources.

Phantom power can be applied if you connect power to the USB-C port on the capsule. There is a 3.5mm jack for line- or mic-level input with plug-in power available for lavalier mics.

Special Features
More Dynamic Range
With 32-bit float and dual AD converters the H6essential captures huge dynamic range. This gives creators the ability to record perfect audio, clip-free every time.
Ultraclean Preamps
The four XLR-1/4" TRS combo inputs feature Zoom's ultraclean preamps that support +48V phantom power and +4 dBu professional line-level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a booming 135 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet airplane taking off.
Audio Interface Capability
Send audio via USB-C in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C Port, the H6essential can be used as a 6-in / 2-out audio interface.
Mix, Monitor, and Record
Use the built-in mixer to easily adjust each track's audio level. It also has a waveform display, so you can see your audio as it records.
For Content Creators
Musicians
The H6essential is a portable studio. Mic up to 4 instruments using the XLR inputs and use the X/Y microphones to capture the full ensemble in beautiful stereo.
Filmmakers
The 32-bit float recording gives filmmakers confidence with every take. The interchangeable capsules, four XLR inputs, and wireless timecode (via optional adapter) make the H6essential invaluable on any set.
Podcasters
When everyone wants to be on your podcast, the H6essential has you covered with its four XLR inputs. For two additional XLR inputs, connect the optional EXH-6e capsule.
Optional Connections
Pair with Your iOS Device
Use the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately) to pair with your iOS device and remotely record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.
Bluetooth Timecode Sync
With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.
Small Package, Big Features
Soft-Touch Controls
Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation.
Built-In Speaker
You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. The speaker supports up to an impressive 500mW output.
In and Out
Use the 3.5mm line output to connect to a camera, and use the 3.5mm headphone output to monitor your audio.
Brilliant Color Display
The vivid full-color 2" LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H6essential's menu and functions.
High-Capacity Storage
The H6essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.
Long Battery Life
Supporting up to 10 hours of battery life on four AA batteries, the H6Essential will last through long recording sessions. Utilize USB-C bus power with outlets and power banks when batteries are not available.

Zoom H6 essential Specs

Portable Recorder
Form Factor
Handheld Recorder
Primary Use Applications
Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting
Number of Tracks
8 (6 Inputs + Stereo Mix)
Number of Input Channels
6 (4 x Mono, 1 x Stereo)
Maximum Sampling Rate
96 kHz / 32-Bit Float
Microphone
Interchangeable Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, X/Y Configuration
Number of Microphone Inputs
4
Built-In Speaker
Yes, 500 mW Mono
Display
2" / 5.1 cm Color LCD
Memory Card Support
microSDXC (Up to 1 TB)
Internal Storage
No
Special Features
Overdubbing
Recording
Audio File Formats
BWF, iXML, WAV
Sample Rates
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
Bit Depth
Up to 32-Bit (Floating Point)
Timecode Support
No
Included Software
No
Connectivity
Analog I/O
4x Combo XLR-1/4" 3-Pin Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Line Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone Output
Digital I/O
No
Phantom Power
+48 V
Plug-In Power
No
System Connection
1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0)
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only
Wireless
Bluetooth
*Via Optional Adapter
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: iOS Only
App Name: H6essential Control App
Functionality: Remote Control
Performance
Max Input Level
Mic Inputs:
+4 dBu
Line Inputs:
+24 dBu
Max Output Level
Line Outputs:
+2 dBu
Headphone Output Power
20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
Impedance
Mic/Line Inputs:
≥3 Kilohms
Microphone Sensitivity
-42 dB (X/Y)
Microphone Max SPL
135 dB SPL (X/Y)
Power
Power Options
Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
4x AA
Approximate Battery Life
48 kHz/32-Bit:
18 Hours (AA Alkaline, 2 Channels, Recording, Built-In Mic)
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1 A (Included)
Physical
Included Accessories
No
Dimensions
3.1 x 1.7 x 6.3" / 78.1 x 42.8 x 160 mm
Weight
13.4 oz / 381 g (with Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.055 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10.6 x 5.4 x 2"

Zoom H6 essential Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Will there be a 360° ambisonic capsule released ...

Will there be a 360° ambisonic capsule released for this?
Asked by: Jesse
Zoom has not provided any information on additional capsules planned for the H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder.
Answered by: Alex D
Date published: 2024-05-08

Does Zoom sell an extension cable for attaching ...

Does Zoom sell an extension cable for attaching the microphone capsules separate from the recorder with this next gen recorder?
Asked by: Brett
The microphone modules previously available for the Zoom H4n, H5, H6, and H8 recorders are not compatible with the Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder or other recorders in the new essential series.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2024-08-29

What's the Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) ? Is it ...

What's the Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) ? Is it still the same -120 dBu, like on the old Zoom H5/H6 recorders? Thx
Asked by: E
It's rated at 120 dBU, but when I measured it using a 150 ohm test plug and A-weighting (which is how EIN is specified) it came in about 3.5 dB worse than a Sound Devices MixPre 10 II. That suggests to me that its actual performance is more like -124 to -125 dBU. That would also make it a few dB better than the real-world performance of the original H6 IIRC. It doesn't surprise me that Zoom underspecified it: I imagine that they would prefer that anybody who cares that much upgrade to the F6 (which is in reality about 1 dB worse than the MixPre, and therefore ~2.5 dB worse than this unit).
Answered by: Patrick
Date published: 2024-09-05

Is this compatible with the capsules from the ...

Is this compatible with the capsules from the original H6 handy recorder?
Asked by: Rustin
The Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is not compatible with the microphone capsules for the original Zoom H6 Recorder.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2024-06-07

Can I disable recording of the Stereo Mix and ...

Can I disable recording of the Stereo Mix and record ONLY the iso tracks? (The 4 track version will NOT do this.)
Asked by: James
According to the user manual for the Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder, files that are stereo mixes of all tracks will only be created when the sample rate is set to 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2024-11-06

You feature SD cards as accessories but the ...

You feature SD cards as accessories but the photos indicate the recorder uses Micro SD. Can you clarify this discrepancy?
Asked by: Joshua
The accessory shown is a micro SD card that comes with a full size SD adapter that you slide the micro SD card into so you can easily transfer files to a computer or card reader that supports a full size SD card
Answered by: Jim
Date published: 2024-11-28

What are the best memory cards to use in the Zoom ...

What are the best memory cards to use in the Zoom H6essential?
Asked by: Greg
The Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder is compatible with microSDXC cards, such as B&H # SA512GBEMSD.
Answered by: Calvin M
Date published: 2024-06-22

SMPTE in and/or out? Will this work with The ...

SMPTE in and/or out? Will this work with The Tentacle Devices?
Asked by: Charalambos
I bought Zoom H6 Essential recently and liked all its features and ease of use, but I am having trouble with the time code. I connected my Tentacle sync E ii to Zoom H6 XlR channel 1 ( you can use any of four) with a male XLR to 3.5mm adapter. The camera I am using is GH6, pc terminal to 3.5mm jack connected to Tentacle Sync E ii. I Jam synced and the timecode reading in both Sync Es showed identical but when I imported it to my DaVinci Resolve 19 the timecode is almost 1 minute off. I don't know what I did wrong. I pushed the record buttons on both at nearly the same time.
Answered by: Yuvak
Date published: 2024-12-01
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