Zoom H6 Handy Recorder Review

Are you a filmmaker, musician, or podcaster in search of a versatile and portable digital audio recorder that can elevate your work? You’re not alone. I’ve been in your shoes, navigating the vast sea of audio equipment, seeking a tool that could meet my diverse needs in film and music. That’s when I discovered the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder.

From my years of experience in the industry, I’ve found that the right audio recorder can make or break a project. The Zoom H6, with its six XLR/TRS combo inputs, built-in stereo microphone, and array of recording modes and file formats, has proven to be a game-changer. It’s not just a tool, but a reliable partner that has accompanied me through interviews, live performances, podcasts, and music creation.

But don’t just take my word for it. In this comprehensive Zoom H6 Handy Recorder review, I’ll delve into the design, features, and performance of the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder. I’ll share insights from my personal experience and provide a balanced view to help you decide if this is the right tool for your needs. So, whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker looking to capture pristine on-set audio, a musician wanting to record your performances with clarity, or a podcaster seeking a reliable companion for your episodes, read on. This Zoom H6 Handy Recorder review is for you.

What is the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder?

The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder is a portable digital audio recorder perfect for on-the-go recording of interviews, live performances, and other events. It’s a powerful tool that can capture high-quality audio in various situations including a field recorder for film which is exactly what I use it for.

Design and Features

The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to bring with you on the go. Six XLR/TRS combo inputs can connect microphones, instruments, and other audio sources. Each input has a dedicated gain knob, allowing you to adjust the levels of each input independently.

The H6 also has a built-in stereo microphone that can be used for quick and easy recording in situations without external microphones. The microphone capsules can be swapped out with other capsules, such as the optional shotgun microphone or the X/Y microphone, giving you even more versatility. I have used the microphone capsules less than the recorder for plugging in external microphones.

The bright, easy-to-read LCD screen displays recording time, battery life, and input levels. It also has a variety of recording modes, including multi-track, stereo, and four-track simultaneous recording. The H6 records in various file formats, including WAV and MP3, and supports sampling rates up to 96 kHz and bit depths up to 24-bit.

To start using your Zoom H6 Handy Recorder, check out this article by our friends at Sweetwater.

Performance

The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder has fantastic sound quality thanks to its high-quality preamps and converters. With a low noise floor and a wide dynamic range, your recordings will sound detailed, even in noisy environments. The recorder also has various built-in effects, such as compression and EQ, that you can add to your recordings.

The H6’s battery life is up to 20 hours of continuous recording on four AA batteries. The recorder also has a USB port that can be used to connect it to your computer, allowing you to transfer your recordings to your computer quickly and easily.

See some additional ways you can use your Zoom H6 Handy Recorder in the below video:

Inputs and Outputs

As mentioned, the Zoom H6 features six XLR/TRS combo inputs, allowing you to connect various microphones, instruments, and other audio sources. Each input has its own dedicated gain knob, enabling you to adjust the levels of each input individually. The recorder also has two additional 1/8″ inputs for connecting external microphones or other audio sources and a stereo line output for connecting headphones or speakers.

Microphone Capsules

One of the standout features of the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder is its interchangeable microphone capsules. The recorder has a standard stereo X/Y microphone capsule, which is great for capturing ambient sound or stereo recordings. You can also purchase additional capsules separately, such as the MS microphone capsule for mid-side stereo recording or the shotgun microphone capsule for directional recording.

Recording Modes and Formats

The Zoom H6 has a variety of recording modes to suit different recording situations. The multi-track mode allows you to record up to six individual tracks simultaneously, while the stereo mode records in a two-track stereo format. The four-track simultaneous recording mode is ideal for capturing a live performance or podcast recording. The H6 records in various file formats, including WAV and MP3, and supports sampling rates up to 96kHz and bit depths up to 24-bit.

This video goes more in-depth on how to set up your Zoom H6 Handy Recorder for recording audio, podcasts, and video production. 

Battery Life

The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder is powered by four AA batteries, providing up to 20 hours of continuous recording. Alternatively, you can power the recorder using the optional AC adapter or USB cable. 

Pros and Cons 

Here is my list of pros and cons for the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder. 

Pros:

• Versatile six-input design with XLR/TRS combo inputs and interchangeable microphone capsules
• High-quality preamps and converters for excellent sound quality
• Multiple recording modes and file formats to suit a variety of recording situations
• Built-in effects such as compression, EQ, and reverb for fine-tuning recordings
• Compact and portable design that’s easy to use on the go
• 20 hours of battery life with four AA batteries
• Can be used as a USB audio interface for recording directly into a computer or phone

Cons:

• Expensive compared to some other portable audio recorders
• Confusing learning curve – Some users may find the menu system and controls a bit complex at first
• Built-in microphones may not be suitable for all recording situations

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of commonly asked questions about the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder. 

How do I connect the Zoom H6 to my computer?

This video by Zoom SoundLab shows you how to connect your Zoom H6 to your computer and use the Zoom H6 as an Audio Interface.

It’s important to note that you cannot use the H6 as a recorder when the unit is in Audio Interface mode. 

Does Zoom H6 record separate tracks?

The Zoom H6 can record separate tracks if you are recording audio on multiple tracks. For more about recording stereo in the 1 & 2 channels or 3 & 4 channels, check out this video by BenoniStudio. 

Does Zoom H6 have a speaker?

The Zoom H6 has a built-in speaker but is disconnected when a Headphone or Line Out is plugged in. 

What audio format is best for Zoom H6?

The best format for recording high-quality audio on the Zoom H6 is the PCM/WAV format. Your input level should be set to between -12 and -20 dBFS. For more about the best recording settings for your Zoom H6, read this article. 

Can you connect Zoom H6 recorder to a phone?

With the use of an OTG (On The Go) cable, you can easily use your Zoom H6 with your Android phone. This video helps you precisely break down the steps to use your Zoom H6 with your phone. 

To use the Zoom H6 recorder with an iPhone, you’ll need to use this OTG cable. I highly recommend using Apple cables for the best results, as off-brand OTG cables for Apple devices also don’t work. You must run a DAW on your iPhone for the Zoom H6 recorder to work. 

Can you connect Zoom H6 recorder to a camera?

The Zoom H6 has the ability to be attached to a hot shoe mount and mounted to a camera. From there, you can use the Zoom H6 recorder as usual. 

What’s the maximum memory card you can use with the Zoom H6?

The maximum supported memory card for the Zoom H6 is a 128GB SDXC memory card. 

My Final Verdict of the Zoom H6

The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder is a versatile and powerful tool perfect for anyone needing a portable and reliable audio recorder. With its six XLR/TRS combo inputs, interchangeable microphone capsules, and various recording modes and file formats, the H6 provides professional-level features in a compact and easy-to-use package.

Whether you’re a journalist, musician, or podcaster, the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder is an excellent choice that can help you capture high-quality audio wherever you go. Be sure to let me know what you think about the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder in the comments. Thanks for reading, and happy filmmaking!