Following the heels of its successful H5studio, Zoom is announcing a new portable recorder: the H6studio. Armed with studio-grade preamps, larger XY mics for more detailed sound, and 32-bit float recording for adjustment-free recording, this new portable recorder makes it easier than ever to capture professional audio anywhere.
First, let’s start with the preamps. The H6studio sports Zoom’s F-series preamps, which deliver -127 dBu EIN for ultraclean, low-noise audio. Combined with dual A/D converters and the forgiving 32-bit float recording, this recorder offers 132 dB of dynamic range, allowing you to capture every nuance.
The large 19.4mm XYH-5s XY microphone capsule integrated into the recorder captures a flat-yet-rich response and can handle up to 140 dB SPL, which is as loud as a jet engine. These mics are stacked at a 90-degree angle, forming a perfect XY configuration. This helps to minimize phasing that can commonly occur in non-XY stereo configurations.
Next, 32-bit float technology is included to ensure minimal gain staging without sacrificing professional levels of control. Normally, most recorders must choose between the post-production heavy 32-bit float (which normally avoids the need to set levels) or traditional 16/24-bit capture that requires levels to be set but then asks for minimal post-production effort. The H6studio resolves this conflict by providing both 32-bit float recording and onboard gain control knobs. Combined with a dedicated format switch for selecting between 19/24-bit and 32-bit float modes, you can experience both zero clipping and zero need for excessive postproduction.
The H6studio can support sampling rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz for a wide range of workflows. The device can capture up to eight tracks at once (six individual tracks plus one stereo mix). Note that eight tracks are only supported at sampling rates up to 96 kHz.
Built with the modern work environment in mind, the H6studio is designed with robust RF shielding, blocking interference from smartphones and Wi-Fi signals. In an effort to further reduce unwanted noise, the XY microphone capsule employs a shockmount to reduce handling noise.
Connections include four XLR-1/4” TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power and one 3.5mm stereo line input, one 3.5mm stereo output for cameras, and another 3.5mm output for headphones. You can flip the +4 dBu switch for line-level audio inputs. The recorder also features a 6x2 USB audio interface for 16-, 24-, or 32-bit float recording to computers and smart devices. You can stream live while simultaneously recording a backup of your audio to microSD.
Final features worthy of a mention include: Mono mode for recording interviews, narration, and vocals; a low-cut filter to reduce low-frequency noise; a normalize and export function for audio files in 16- or 24-bit WAV formats; variable speed playback (0.5 to 2x); A-B repeat playback of recorded files; recording start tone function for aligning audio with video; and the ability to operate on four AA batteries for up to 15 hours of recording. The H6studio can also be powered via the USB port or an AC adapter (sold separately).
For more information about the new Zoom portable recorder, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product page for the H6studio.
