Description
Uniquely designed to provide multi-track recording in a compact package for filmmakers, television producers, advertisers, and documentarians
Four balanced XLR mic inputs with phantom power meet the requirements of production sound, from pro users to indie DSLR shooters
The compact format can be mounted either above or below a camera, and a pair of built-in microphones can capture sound on-set
The interface is designed for quick adjustment, with additional features to keep recording levels under control
The High-Quality HDDA Mic Preamps include 64dB of gain for quiet performances, and all four inputs have individual gain controls
Also included is Dual Recording mode, which records a safety copy of your audio at a lower level to prevent distorted takes
Tracks on the DR-70D are captured to SD card, SDHC or SDXC media – with cards up to 128GB supported
DANIEL –
Probably the smallest simultaneous 4 track digital recorder. I have not tried the microphones yet, just analog to digital transfers of old 4 tracks. Level controls easy to use but tiny meters and lots of submenus and few dedicated controls. Seems pretty versatile after some practice. Would prefer a larger device with better meters and controls.
Anonymous –
This product worked better than i expected. I was looking to record my podcast on the go and was scheduled to do an event with no power outlets so could not bring my mixer. Researched portable mixers and saw this one was highly rated and was not disappointed Battery life is longer than it advertises and i used the main mic it came with as well as two wireless handhelds that i purchased as well If youre looking for a portable mixer this is the one
SamSam –
Started doing videos and a podcast and my audio have changed dramatically on quality Huge difference Im using a boom mic as well as a the Rode Wireless Go Lav mic when on the go. Perfect for a starting podcaster and videographer.
Reviewed by Andertons Music Co. customer –
Very versatile, high quality piece of kit. Overall feel is solid, substantial, its built to last. Intuitive controls that are really easy to get the hang of and excellent recording results. Buy it, you wont regret it.
tsmi37 –
Very easy to use, great display, portable. This is everything you will need to record, podcasts, music production, etc. I do a lot of backing tracks, its easy to bring it in from your audio source and play along. The stem files dropped right into Studio One and from there it was normal mixing of the tracks. This has taken my home recordings to studio quality.
antoinevu –
I was in the recording business for more than 15 years… This little 6 tracks recorder has served my purpose for what I need now. I mainly using this unit for making recordings using the karaoke music on 2 tracks and singing on the other stereo track using the little portable Behringer mixer with my TC Electronic M2000, Avalon 737 tube amp and the AKG 414eb for vocal… What I got is the high quality studio sound that you would have the hard time telling if its from the big studio or from this crazy little recorder Now I need some easier punchin feature on the overdub and were all set… Who needs the recording studio
tomvetteblue –
Ive owned a lot of small portable recorders. Most do a pretty good job. What becomes apparent is that the microphones and or preamps in the H6 produce a more pleasing, fuller bodied recording than my other recorders. The analog volume controls on the H6 are helpful for fast adjustments of the 6 input channels and the color screen and the menus are pretty easy to navigate. Mine came with XY and Mid Side capsules as well as a wind screen, case and music editing software. Finally the H6 recorder can operate natively as a digital interface for all multiple channels where my other recorders can not. It also comes with access codes for several audio editing software packages. The only negative is that this recorders size though small for what it does is a bit beefy. I dont mind that.
Sofian –
I bought the new black version of this unit , it works perfectly as advertised and reviewed by many , however the plastic surrounding this product the new black feels very cheap material, i dont know about the previous kinda grey one but the black plastic feels very cheap in the hand. If returning wasnt a hustle i would return it and get the grey one at least i will enjoy the extra accessories for cheaper price.
jackheavyfeet –
Exactly what I expected great audio quality Fun to have on hand for those impromptu jam session gems. Needs a few improvements in the menu operation but the main the improvement required is an easier to see Recording onoff display. Otherwise Great.
ogsimmons –
Wanted the H1n for a while now and this supplier did not disappoint. Great price however the sealed batteries supplied were dead. Being it was a used unit just removing them before shipment would have been acceptable. Using the sealed batteries supplied and turning on the H1n getting nothing gave me the thought of a non operational unit. However, fresh batteries powered on the unit.
DanTheMan –
Replaced a sevenyear old H4N that I got great use out of. Unfortunately my H4N suffered the sticky surface syndrome and became unusable a known problem on that model. Zoom has improved much on the H6 including a nice color display, much better than the clunky graphics of the H4N. It is also solid and built well. I like the dedicated mic capsule, and a line out jack in addition to a headphone jack. I use it in conjunction with a Sony AX53 4K camcorder and Sennheiser ME66 mic using a XLR input. Very pleased I just hope the H6 does not have the sticky surface syndrome.
jdeitch11 –
Better than the H1 in several respects. Much, much, much faster start up, and just as faster when saving a file after you hit stop to end a recording more convenient buttons and nice to have a mic sensitivity knob on the front rather than a rocker pot. Jurys out on selfnoise. Ive recorded a few cuts with it that sounded a hissy, but others sounded fine. More experimentation is in order on that score. If I get that ironed out, Ill be completely happy with it. Im going to assume I will, so Ive given it five stars. The one real drawback on the H1 is that it takes a good while to be ready to record after you turn it on. This is ready within a very few seconds, and that can be the difference between capturing important sound and missing it.
Chris B –
This is an awesome recorder with great features. I was on the fence about which recorder to get. Did research on several units and decided to go with the H6. Man this thing has been a blessing as I just finished doing a wedding yesterday and while going thru my editing process today I really got a chance to listen to the great audio from this unit. Having the ability to record to 6 tracks is another wonderful feature. Would definitely recommend this unit for anyone looking to get great audio with dslr video.
emc31 –
There is a lot to like about the Zoom H6. It is beautifully built, easy to use with a good menu system and solid controls, and it sounds excellent. I have been using condenser mics with phantom power, which the H6 happily provides and which can be turned on and off individually for any of the four balanced inputs the sound is clean and clear, with no noticeable noise from the preamps. The colour screen is easy on the eye, too. Im delighted with this product, and it is excellent value for money.
oldpathrider –
I am an amateur videographer. As I progressed doing this I found the need for a portable field recorder so I did a lot of research and, in the end, the Zoom H6 won out easily for its price point and the specific use I have for it. Besides the obvious features, I liked that this recorder could also be used as a usb bus powered audio interface eliminating the need for me to have two pieces of equipment. Since my work is so mobile this is a great asset for me. I would have liked to see more physical buttons to control things such as phantom power, etc. without the need to dive into menus, and I would have preferred to see an all metal body, but those things were not deal breakers. Even without reading the manual, I was easily able to find my way through the menu system to find things and get things set up. The latest generation of preamps beginning with the Zoom H4n Pro and on up are pretty substantial and it was noticeable to me from the very first audio test. The longstanding popularity of the Zoom recorders speaks for itself and was certainly enough to help me make my decision. It has far more features than I will ever use to be sure but it is nice to know that if my needs change, this recorder will be able to meet them.
trallaren –
It is a compact and very useful product. It is still pretty new to me, but I have used it as a external USB soundboard to my computer, and it works fine. The only negative on the product is the main button, which is a jog and push button. Not very high quality. Wonder how many hours of use it will hold for. Cant wait to use it as a standalone recorder doing hotel room sessions, though.
Joe B –
I loved the Zoom 6 from the first time I seen it. I did a gig with a friend at a concert and we were able to plug into the engineers main board. We were able to get the actual sound from the live band. That changes my mind forever. This is a great piece of gear. It packs so much into one piece, its a mic, a recorder, and equalizer all in one. I have to say it may the best all around purchase I made this year.
Laura –
I already have an H6the standard model, for which I already have the XY mic as well as their shotgun and midside microphone capsules. The xy capsule makes splendid stereo soundscape recordings, and I want to keep my original H6 dedicated to that. Come spring, itll be wonderful to have both my H6s set up simultaneously in different places in my yard for soundscape recordings, one near my House Wren singing post and another closer to where other birds are singing.Meanwhile, the midside microphone is the one Im using for my radio programpodcast with this new H6. Id been recording into a fairly old Marantz solid state recorder with an excellent studio microphone. But recording directly to the Zoom mic capsule makes a much purer recording than even the best wired microphone can do.For recording my podcast, I have the H6 set up on a tiny tripod with a foam windscreen and my RODE popshield in front. Its working really well.
gordon739 –
I have looked at this model a few times over the last year or 2 and as I have another make of portable recorder found it difficult to justify the purchase, but then I had a small band to record live and even the drum kit was to much for my humble recorder so the purchase was made, in fact I ended up with 2 but thats another story. Only used 2 or 3 times on live recording and I had to set the levels roughly as I was also videoing the event so the Zoom H6s were left to do record unattented, I did glance at them and so some peak lights flicker so downed all the levels just a bit and even the early part of the recording did not show any or very little distortion. Likes The colour screen with easy to read levels for each input A Level control without going through a menu 4 inputs which can either have phantom power or not One touch recorder Changeable mic modules and comes with two to get you started Separate headphone and line output very low self noise Dislikes Not any accept the screen could have been at less of a slant as I used these low down and had to bend to see the screen clearly My recording event was a success, its the first time I have recorded an outside live band in a public square with equipment that fitted into a photography bag well 3 if you count the cameras and mic stands and in post production I thought using two separate recorders to capture the whole performance that there might have been a timing issue, but once I lined up each of the tracks to the scrub track the timing was perfect and no adjustment was required for a recording lasting over 40 minutes. The H6s may cost more than other portable recorders, but when you consider that you have 4 inputs the H6s own mic capsule 6 channels, you also get interchangeable mics and more optional mics in the range and perfect timing so easy to lock to video, I recommend you check the H6s out as compared with other recorders you get a lot for your money and they are so easy to use.
thermitemusic –
The Zoom H6 was very easy to use right out of the box. I dont think I even needed to look at the manual. After a few minutes of tinkering with it, pressing buttons, going through menu functions, I was able to use it that same night to record my jazz bands regular tuesday night gig and the recording came out great This will definitely be a regular part of my gear for both my music projects and video. I am also a video director and havent used it on a video project yet, but I can already tell that it will be a breeze to use with my Lumix GH3 DSLR rig. Its light weight, runs for a long time on 4AA batteries and records forever on the 16GB SD card I installed.
Reviewed by Andertons Music Co. customer –
Great product when you need a high quality microphone and audio recorder in one and multiple extra inputs on top. This product cant be beaten by competition. People complain about high battery consumption but I think its about switching off phantom power when you dont use it. Highly recommend
Russell Sun Eagle –
Ive been looking to get into making a podcast for a while now and finally went ahead an purchased the zoom h6. It is awesome so far. It is very user friendly and I have no complaints. Highly recommend this product.
Luis –
Ive Zoom H1ns for some time but now need something a bit more professional. So far, this recorder sounds great. Paired with a great mic like the NTG4, the sound quality Im getting is insanely great
Robert –
Audio is not my fort, and I have long dreaded having to take care of it when working on projects by myself. When confronted with a job that required 4 people to be micd, I had to find a good solution to solve getting all inputs into my camera, while not breaking the bank. After a lot of research, I decided to get the H6 to use for recording audio, and relaying audio to camera on video projects. With the four XLR inputs and expandable to 2 more, this recorder does the job awesomely. You can connect your mics to the recorder, and using the line output, connect the recorder straight to your camera to get all audio in camera along with the separate channel recording in the H6 itself. Its a fail safe that keeps me feeling solid during work no. You can read about all the tech specs online…Im just here to say it is a champ for me.
Will Melton –
Great product. I can use it in all my recording situations. Highly mobile and the best quality sound on the market. I use it camermaounted with my Shure SM7Bs microphones or with its internal microphone for run and gun. One device for every situation. Top quality and versatile. Highly recommended
Luke C. –
This little unit packs a heap of functionality into a compact…err..um…unit. So far it lives up to the hype that you see splashed all over the net. FYI, you cant get a better price than DJ City for this unit in AUS at the moment. I know that comment will disappoint those reading this in a few years, but hey, its relivant at the time of publication.
vokafor –
Excellent piece of kit for anyone doing field recording or capturing audio on the go . It accommodate up to 6 microphones and can record each input as a separate file so good for panel and interview recordings. Its a musthave for podcasters, broadcast journalists and sound designers.
schwakevin –
I have used an h4n for quite some time for my video production, and I would struggle to get a solid audio recording. Since I shoot primarily concerts audio is extremely important for my end product. The other night after just receiving this I took it to a new venue that I was filming at, I managed to get a fantastic recording in less than fantastic situation I was about 10 feet from the stage against a corner in an L shaped room. Plugged in my headphones and instantly loved being able to set the gain knob for each individual channel. Just picked up a new pair of condenser microphones, I really look forward to giving those a try with the Zoom H6.
Tab –
The Zoom H6 is ready out of the box to start recording. Im a cautious when it comes to devices that combine the functions of several into one package. Not so with this. As a stand alone mixer and recorder it is perfect for on location interviews and podcast production. The screen, while small, is big enough to use the menus for functions and then monitor the tracks when recording. The computer interface seems stable and works ok in Windows with the right drivers. The option for stereo or multi channel is awesome. This is the core of my podcast gear and Im confident it will be so for a long time.
Wang –
This an interesting experience. I put order on line on 531 and tried to use my 10 off coupon but the code failed. I decided still put the order and called Best Buy next day. It took me 2 hours and different departments kicked me back and forth but the only answer is there is nothing I can do . I was so mad but still decided to go to local store Mountain View on E Charleston for last try. Amazingly Manager Erica Corte fixed it in 1min. It turns to a very nice experience and the product is great.
Jeff –
This recorder does a great job when youre doing voiceover an field recordings away from your studio. In my case, I buy quality and this fits the bill for a great price and BH Photo has never let me down as a distributor.I own several high quality studio microphones, so XLR inputs and phantom power were a MUST HAVE. Love the full color graphic equalizer and the multiple clip indications. Very intuitive, but folder system could be better. Make sure you perform initial setup, especially date and time for accurate date stamps on your files because you will not want to waste time renaming files.Used this for outdoor nature recording too and the microphones that come with it do an amazing job at a nominal 3 of 10 gain setting. This product is a winner
claypondduckfarm –
My wife and I use our H1N during out paranormal investigations. It is extremely sensitive. Easy to use in the dark which is obviously a plus. One of the downfalls is that it is extremely directional. So laying it down is not say great. All in all we love this device.
C073 –
It has the worst interface sound I ever had. Build quality is OK but the h6 is more durable overall. Startup takes much longer than h6. Doesnt charge batteries. Master volume is done using touch screen only which is another big minus. Dont get me wrong, this is a good product when it comes to capturing audio but its bad for anything else. Get h6 if you want to look much more professional when holding it because this ufo spider design is not only annoying but also feels weird in hand. The h8 is recording exactly the same audio quality as h6 and comes with only 1 mic capsule instead of 2 like h6. Does not have 32bit so you will continuously tweak the knob to avoid peaks. Does not support android but ios only. The only advantage compared to the h6 is pre amps. Honestly this product shouldnt be made at all.
Jeff –
Ive used this on a few different types of video projects and its extremely easy to use, performs flawlessly and battery life seems really good. I love how each input can be individually dialed in to exact settings. The digital readout is beautifully designed. The extra line out in addition to headphones is so useful when working with livestreaming applications and recording directly into my Nikon cameras to save a step of syncing in post. This is becoming an invaluable filmmaking tool.
Subir G. –
I use the Zoom H8 for my podcast, YouTube, and filmmaking. This recorderinterface is absolutely unparalleled when it comes to a portable setup. Zoom have been creating handy recorders for many years now so their reputation is established already, anybody looking to purchase one of these neednt think twice.
Great buy –
This is a great addition to my studio I needed a smaller piece of gear to do podcast and unable me to be mobile instead of taking my Apollo twin and other gear I can know just take a lap top and my zoom h6 record it into my pro tools and thats a plus the only negative thing is it doesnt come with a usb plug to transfer your files to your daw and you have to get a SD card also which is an extra expense . You can buy am older version and it comes with the usb plug for less
John –
This was my very first field recorder that I have purchased. It was recommended in my film class, so I took a dive. I did a multicam test using an iPhone 11, a Canon 5DM4, a MacBook Pro 2019 and this nifty Zoom H6 w mic adapter that comes with it to compare the internal recording audio of all devices. I was listening to the individual clips on FCPX editing softwares and then edited all the clips together using the audio from the H6. Wow This obviously wins handsdown For anyone that wants to make a short feature on any device phone or camera, I recommended a field recording device. In all my research, the Zoom brand is always listed as one of the proven commodities out there. There are previous versions H3 and H4 that are cheaper but sounds just as good or the same. The H6 model just has more ports and a color screen monitor and maybe a few other perks. Overall, its true what they say. Many will forgive poor video quality but will never get over a bad audio. I highly recommend this Zoom device Buy this first before you invest in a mic eg Rode shotgun.
Anonymous –
This has made podcasting so easy. Default settings out of the box, you are ready to go. Easy to plug in and start recording. Level display screen helps make sure the sound is the best it can be. Best sounding recorder Ive used. Great product for the money.
Ratu –
The battery life on this Zoom is king. I tested with the provided alkaline batteries using the top mic at 48khz16bit and I gave up after six hours. There was one bar left. I then used power rex recharge batteries not new and used the top mic, input 1 from an iPad, input 2 to from a sony wireless mic system phantom off on 1 2. Recorded 48khz16bit. After four hours of recording finally got the unit down to 1 bar. My old Zoom h4n was no where near as good as this battery king. I am more than happy with the battery life on this unit. Ive not bothered with the sound quality, Ive seen enough reviews on youtube to know its good enough for me. Cheers Ratu
dan w. –
The H5 is a great audio recorder for my podcast. The sound quality and features are exactly what I needed. The price at DJ City was lower than the competition and the customer service has been excellent. I cant recommend them enough
Anonymous –
I have not found a device more amazing. This thing does it all and if you read through the instructions, some online videos on using it, and play around, it is amazing what you can do. The settings allow a wide variety of types of recording, from high quality WAV files to decent mp3 files. The mics that come with the unit are great and work inside and out. The settings you can use are enough to do most things people want. The ports for external mics make it even more powerful and I am just getting started on using it for that type of input. The display is also very helpful and gives you a lot of information as you are recording. It helps make adjustments on the fly and is great so far. I would certainly recommend this to anyone willing to work with the top end. Even if you dont need all the functions yet, it helps to have them to work towards in your work.
mikail801 –
In my estimation this is clearly the best portable recorder that ZOOM has made yet The ease of use plus flexible nature of the available capsules for recording is quite handy. Is it perfect Not quite, but nonetheless I find the pres in the H6 to be their quest yet, and for under 300 refurbished just like new as far as I can tell with a full manufacturer warranty you really cant beat it anyway you try. Im guessing others will have gripes and complaints about this and that, but for my uses this is a great piece of kit that does pretty much all I need. Highly recommended
Anonymous –
I purchased the Zoom H6 a few weeks and its been so great that I keep it with me daily. I mostly purchased it to record found sound for samples, with the added benefit that it could also be a USB interface when needed. The sound quality is amazing and the included microphones work much better than expected. Because of the supplied hard case carries it all securely I feel comfortable keeping it in my backpack all of the time and I have been able to grab a ton of good samples. Ive also been playing with recording my guitars and synths on it and it, again, sounded far better than expected. I suppose you could distill this review to it sounds great and you are going to want to have it with you at all times. The phantom power over the four inputs is pretty great as well, and the supplied mic with its linein has helped make this into a Swiss Army knife of recording for me, especially coupled with the 1010 Black Box sampler. I havent had to replace the batteries yet so it seems like they hold a charge well. Overall it has been a great purchase and really helped me acquire new sounds, record more traditionally, it feeds my sampler, is obviously portable, and keeps me able to work out ideas wherever I am.
Will T. –
Superbly designed piece of kit. So well thought out, especially the provision of real knobs and switches for essential functions e.g. levels. Even the manual is well done which makes a change from the typical badly translated crap around. And it sounds good too Highly recommended
rencor9591 –
That zoom H6 is amazing, I loved because I really like that equipment, work great and professional,he Delivery incredible results. doesnt matter how is your professional level, he gonna make you audio top professional 5
Anonymous –
I bought this for podcasting after I noticed many of my favorite podcasts used it, including My Favorite Murder and This is Rad. I do three podcasts myself. Whether Im chatting with a handful of people, interviewing someone over Skype, or just recording some demos for my band, its all easy with the Zoom H6. It isnt the cheapest podcasting solution, but it is the perfect podcasting solution.
Ty –
God made this recorder. I dont know what else to really say. To be able to record at the level of 96khz24bit is insane. The clarity and ease of use makes an amateur such as myself out to be something I am not as of yet, a professional. LOL the sound is superb. It is actually a ministudio. Up to 6 tracks recording and the gains are knobs instead of on screen so you can quickly rectify any peaks and lows. I cant really imagine what is next from Zoom. There is always something but this is all you will ever need. Anything else is just getting something because it is new or whatever.
khsa19 –
This recorder has many advantages it is perfect for any location, studio recording, live recording. It can capture all the particularities of the given sound. It has all the professional features included in its software dynamic processing of the sound.
J.Lee –
I freelance as an Boom Operator for Indie Films. I was beating between the F8 and the H6. Because of affordability, the H6 was the winner. This device enables to not only look the part but also capture great audio. Typically, I run 2 lavaliers and 2 room mics. The 4 inputs make my process easy. It would be great it could sync to slate like its counterpart but thats not a deal breaker. The attachable stereo mics are great for capturing room noise in both film and live sound environments. Id recommend this product to anyone who wants to save a little but gain alot
Anonymous –
This is a great handy universal recording gadget for filming for recording at a budget and just overall journalism. The zoom H6 has a high definition quality of sound. A very expandable product also a product that will get a lot of use add this product to your collection.
Jim –
The H6 allows us to capture much higher quality audio then our previous setup. Before we connected a Rode Videomic to a DSLR. This works well in perfect conditions, but otherwise you were left with lots of hiss and background noise. The H6 allows you to get closer to your subject and capture quality audio even in poor conditions.I also really like the included side mic. Its great for interviews.
JAY –
Im a voice over actor, and I Picked this up to use for light field recording and primarily a travel interface so I wouldnt have to take down my home recording studio every time I travel. So far it works great Im learning the ropes still, and Im having to drive the preamps a little harder than I expected to get decent levels. But for what Im planning on using it for I think it fits the bill.
jellison3 –
This is my third Zoom Product. I have previously owned the Zoom H4, H5, and now H6. Just when you think their recorders cant get better, they do As much as I liked the H4, the mic pres were not the greatest. My solution back then was the use of the Fethed and phantom power to add more clean gain. But Zoom got a clue and made the mic preamps better on the H4n Pro, H5, and H6 respectively. With that said the Zoom H6 is a dream come true. Easy to use, more mic inputs, of course better mic pres and an additional two mic inputs by switching out the upper replacement module on top of the recorder. Its a good recorder and even can be used as and USB interface. Its good for the Newbie or Seasoned Podcaster. And its great for DSLR use also. You cant go wrong with this item. Buy it and find out for yourself. Youll be glad you did..
Will T. –
This is an excellently designed piece of kit. Very easy to use not least because all the important functions levels etc are on dedicated controls and not buried in menus This makes it more expensive to manufacture, but its worth it. For all the other functions that are necessarily contained in menus the menu system is quick and easy to access and intuitive to use. Build quality is very solid giving the user confidence when handling it. As for the sound no complaints at all For a future model it would be nice to see Bluetooth incorporated e.g. for outputting to Bluetooth devices and maybe a basic reverb facility to quickly add some atmos to recordings e.g. rehearsals. So, very much RECOMMENDED
Mr C. –
The recorder is lighter than it looks, even with batteries installed.The recordings sound nice and clean, that is if you keep the gain under 5 and dont hold it in your hand while recording. There are no clips to hold the XLR cable in place but they are fairly tight making it unlikely the cable will fall out. Has a hole for a lanyard, I recommend getting a lanyard to avoid any accidental droppages.The included XY mic works well, unfortunately I had mine attached to a cheap tripod and it fell over breaking the flimsy XY shock mount Best to place this on a sturdy tripod or attached to a mic stand on a goose neck. The RCH5 wired remote then comes in super handy as pressing buttons on the device are picked up on the recording when using the capsule. As for the dead tribble, it covers the entire XY capsule so you need to adjust the gain before putting it on.
Lumapixel F. –
We purchased this Zoom recorder to replace a failing old H4N and it is a step up in every way. Better internal pickups, better volume adjustments, better interface, better inputs and the build quality is top notch. Highly recommend for anyone who is looking to do audio production or dual sound boom recording and needs a solution that is lighter and less bulky than a dedicated field mixer.
Anonymous –
When I first received Zoom H6, and started to use it, it was very quiet simple to use. It came with the wide range mic which I enjoy using and picks up sound very well. I use it to record my guitar playing and it works really well for what I do. I have seen others use it for podcast and they say its become the recorder of choice. Anyone looking for a great recorder this is the one to get in my opinion. There are a lot of accessories for it and can hook up a lot of mics, a pa, audio interface, just a bunch of different things can be done with this. I definitely do enjoy using this piece of equipment for what I do and I know others would enjoy it as I have.
relaxandslipaway –
Zoom is an industry standard brand and with good reason. The H6 is the most capable piece of kit I have in my studio to date. I use it for recording podcastsinterviews because I only have to pack it and a couple of micscables, and it has worked flawlessly so far. Its beyond easy to set up, has tons of options in its full color menus, and provides perfect audio quality. It also uses either USB power or AA size batteries, meaning zero battery anxiety It can also be used as a USB interface, meaning this can be your only audio recorder if you have a studio A must have for anyone recording audio of any kind
HonestConsumer808 –
Price matching was great.Zoom H6 is awesom.I was upset that there was no case and it didnt include the other dome mic that other sites wee selling with the H6.Bestbuy sales person said it came with a case…. but it didnt. I cant return it because I nees this unit for work immediately.
michaerosari4 –
High quality piece of kit, well thought out design solid construction. Easy to use learning curve with a lot of extra features for mixing editing. Microphone capsules are quite good. Matched with a pair of Blue Hummingbird small diaphragm condenser mics for acoustic guitar is a dream.
Atuel –
Legendary small sound recorder. I love owning one of this. The current model is actually lighter that the older ones. I just wished it also came with the other round microphone
Gareth S. –
Im very impressed with this so far. The audio quality of the built in mics is superb and I love that the mic capsules can be changed. The amount of inputs is perfect for what I need. Only complaint is the readability of the screen in daylight and its use of micro USB. Would highly reccomend though
motoezy –
I bought this digital recorder for my podcasting studio as I wanted the security of having a dedicated recording device rather than PC, laptop or tablet that would be reliable and just at home on a studio desk as out in the field when interviewing. I chose the Zoom after watching various YouTube reviews and comparisons with other like devices. Im glad I did as the Zoom is really easy to setup and use surprisingly so. I love the quality feel of the unit and that it can be powered from a USB port with the enclosed lead. Also, file transfers are simple and undertaken without having to remove the SD card micro SD card and SD adapter are included in the box. The unit also came with two batteries, so quite literally you could buy the Zoom, unpack, and use immediately. Theres also a plastic case for the Zoom, so it can be safely stored or transported. The internal backup recording facility two sound files per recording was a big draw card for me. Lets face it, some things only ever happen once and you really dont want miss it because your equipment wasnt up to scratch. Ive been reading the manual enclosed in box and experimenting with the various settings, which include mixing and a basic compressor limitor. Ive also used the Zoom to record from my laptop using theunits 3.5mm input plug. The recorded sound quality has been superb from each recording option I have chosen, i.e. either using the attached mic, my Rode mic direct to unit or from my PC. Overall, Im really happy with my choice and feel that I will get many years of great, reliable and quality service out of the Zoom H5. The Zoom H5 exceeded my expectations.
RB –
I mainly purchased this H6 to make my entry into the already crowded field of professional Voiceover so I knew it would behoove me to get the finest audio device I could get my hands on just to compete. Walla Simply put, the Zoom H6 allblack takes audio to a whole other level whether voiceover, studio recording or field recorder fr a motion picture or documentary. Truly just what I was looking for, thanks to American Musical Supply
Rebekah –
Received 5star customer service from Darcy from the Mansfield QLD store. Could not have asked for a nicer experience. Thanks again.
Margaret –
As a audio enthusiast and independent filmmaker, it suits my basic needs. By basic needs, I mean that it captures a good sound quality, and thats of course the main function of it. Im not a professional audio worker, whom I believe would prefer a more expensive recorder with timecode and other professional features. The audio interface also works pretty well, as it connects rapidly and easily with the audio software. In my case, I used it with Logic Pro. The commands and menu are simple and instinctive to use, which I think its crucial. If you looking for something useful and practical, thats your gear.
Johannes –
Not quite sure why, but the BH dude on the floor recommended the H5, which I bought semispontaneously. Should have done my own research first, because when I found out there was an H6, I was pretty bummed out. Thankfully, BH let me return the older model, pay the difference, and I was off to the races. This little machine is very, very versatile. I dont care about the exchangeable mic capsules as much, but the fact that it has 4 XLR inputs plus two, if I ever needed even more, through an optional unit you plug into the mic slot on top, is a bit of a game changer. I had originally just wanted to update my acoustic sketchbook, but now Im using this thing for serious recording. With an additional guitar amp emulator, I go direct into one of the inputs and record vocals on one of the others. Phantom power enables me to use condenser mics, so the resulting separate audio files per track make it easy to manipulate my recordings on the computer after the fact. I can even discard the guitar track and record something better later, using the original as a pilot track, without any bleed onto the vocals. I have also used the Zoom in interview situations, where I no longer have to move the recorder or mic back and forth between the Q and A parts of the conversation. My latest project is to have the zoom replace an audio preamp I had used when shooting video with my SLR. This way, I can feed superior audio directly into my video files, bypassing the cameras preamps. The pres in this unit have a TON of gain and sound crystal clear. Havent had a situation yet where Ive needed to use it as an audio interface, but its good to know you have that option. If I ever get that cabin by the lake, all I need to pack is a guitar, a mic, the Zoom and a laptop, and theoretically, that would be a fully featured mobile recording studio, including the possibility to grab the Zoom and catch some bird song or forest noises when needed. This is not the most portable of field recorders, but still within backpack friendly dimensions. One thing that always cracks me up is what happens when you turn it off. The color screen reads Good bye, see you. I see you too, Zoom H6
wds20764 –
Great recorder with the 4 XLR inputs. However, the quality of the provided mics could be significantly improved. I like that it has phantom power via batteries yet would have appreciated and included AC adapter instead of having to purchase an accessory kit.
matt –
I like the option to have the knobs for gain easily accessible. Its nice you can also select the inputs with the buttons. I used it with 2 Lav mics and had the stereo mic record as well. This gives you great mixing options in post. The way it is built it sits nicely on a desk if you do sit down interview scenarios or if you want it stable on the table. Opening the memory card slot is my only critic on the device. A better opening mechanism would make this device more professional. You need to use your nails to open the little latch.Still cant complain. Next option is to buy a marantz or mixpre. The latter has no mic attached but has amazing micpres if you need a stereo mic attached to be ready to record at all time or spontaneously the H6 does the job very well.
Anthony –
The Zoom H6 has been my go to every time. Initially I had a Zoom F4 but found that was too bulky to fit my needs of 25 run and gun 75 static shots. I coupled my Zoom H6 with a threaded pistol grip which has turned this beast into the ultimate field recorder. For those that like to capture high quality ambient sound of busy inner cities the xy steep capsule is a game changer. Lastly for interviews and YouTube videos I found that the deity v.lav mics work perfectly with the Zoom H6. This thing can supply 48V phantom power to all inputs. Buy rechargeable batteries and turn the brightness of the on screen display down when indoors to conserve power
tone44b –
The best portable digital audio recorder on the market, particularly because of the interchangeable mic capsules it comes with. I use the xyh the midside mic capsules that are part of its accessory package but I also purchased the ssh6 shotgun mic capsule with stereo capability. That, along with its 4 xlr combo inputs, 6 track multi track recording and very high quality sound it produces puts this over the top
Roy –
Zoom does a great job targeting the recording artists. This is compact, but powerfull enough to handle 4 xlr inputs at once, 6 with an adapter perfect for those live shows when you want a small unit.
M3 Music –
The Zoom HS 6 is a great piece of gear for Radio production. I originally purchased the HS6 in order to do radio interviews for my radio show. Once I received the HS 6 and explored the other features I was pleasantly surprised about the mic pre quality and portability for field work. Previously I figured I would just use my audio interface connected to my computer… once I had the H6 in my hands I realized the mobility was an incredible option that I didnt have with my existing setup
Reviewed by Absolute Music customer –
Im really pleased with the Zoom H6 I purchased from Absolute Music the best thing Ive purchased in ages The advice and quick delivery from Absolute Music was great. The Zoom H6 is easy to use, flexible and produces high quality recordings. Im using it to record my piano playing and voice, and to digitise tape recordings and records using line out RCA to XLR. The RCA to XLR cable also from Absolute Music enables this to happen
Elaine –
I have had the Zoom H4n Pro for a while, and it did great work for me when I used it to record orchestra concerts into my Sony a6300 camera. I like that I can have a separate audio file recorded to the SD card on the Zoom along with using this as a video mic. The feature that I think Im really going to like on the H6 is that I can record another track at the same time at a lower volume level so that if the orchestra does get extra loud, I can avoid clipping. Also, I like the quite dials for adjusting volume, this is a big improvement over the H4n Pro for me.
Anonymous –
The H6 was the Star of the Show As the Drama teacher of a Northern California High School, I needed a compact, reliable recorder to record VoiceOver dialog, sound effects, and transition music to use in our various stage productions. It is so easy to use and has very realistic reproduction of the various recorded sounds. The recorder is extremely rugged and holds up well in the hands of active teenagers. I highly recommended it to all who want a unit that will perform well time after time.
Brandon –
I use the Zoom H6 for a YouTube fitness channel. The built in mic is excellent and sound just as good as a headset mic and it picks up voices perfectly even with music playing. I use channel 1 and 2 for line in audio from an iPhone andor other musical devices. To do this I flip the pad switch and the audio is perfect. Initially I used a balanced 3.5mm to XLR cable and I noticed on some songs with high pitched audio it was as if there was a sound filter. I changed to a 3.5mm splitter cable and used inputs 12 in stereo mode and that doesnt happen on those specific songs any longer. Also audio streaming quality sounds good in 1080p or 4k streams especially at higher bit rates. When the system is hooked to my Mac or PC via USB it can be powered via the laptop and also act as a sound card. The sound stays in sync with 4K and 1080P video 100 of the time. Overall the Zoom H6 Black has exceeded my expectations.
Joey –
This thing sounds amazing and is super easy to use. Im tired of all those recorders that require two presses to begin recording. How many time do you forget the second press and you miss the perfect take Press record once on this thing and its going. The included mikes sounds great. I added the stereo shotgun mike to my arsenal and I cant believe how clear and even it sounds. Back up recording is a great feature .. look it up in the manual ,its a life saver. BUY THIS RECORDER
Jose –
Im in love with this field recorder. The sound quality is able to yield is stunning. Im using this for years to come in my video projects.
Mike –
A lot of the time getting a sample isnt about preparation but being in the right spot at the right time. The ease of turning on and beginning recording without having to do menu diving or worrying about recording over something is one of my favorite things about this recorder. If I hear something I want I can turn on and be ready as simple as that… and the sound quality is one of the industries best.
ithertz2doit –
The unit is well constructed, smooth contours and I really like the protective bars over the volume pots. I used the H5 to record a live gig 4 sets 6 piece band and the batteries are still going strong. The audio playback was great, highlighted all areas where improvement could be made, this is an invaluable resource to have if you are a giging muso. I will continue to use it at all gigs I have used it at home , acousticvocal and it is perfect, I really like the overdub. Tons of effects and editing features. The 4 input recording is great . The included software, Cubase and wavelab, is a fantastic bonus
Andy H. –
Early days, but so far this device has exceeded expectations on all fronts. I am using it for recording drums and will use it to record band rehearsals once lockdown restrictions are out of the way.Out of the box and with little effort I was able to achieve great recordings of my kit using my AKG mic set. Happy days.Once the EHX8 capsule is released the H8 can be expanded to 10 input channels and theres a ton of additional stuff I will be able to do…
David –
This thing is tried and true. Its the turkey to your thanksgiving meal. So easy to use. Big improvement for Zoom H4n Pro in terms of user interface.I would have given this 5 stars but Zoom but I took a star off because I know the previous version had more included, like an extra capsule mic, as well as a case, as well as a compatible usb cable, as well as a wind screen for the xy mic capsule. But for the same price this version is black and…I think thats it. Yeah, thats it. Identical models with less stuff in the newer version. I like to tell myself that the older grey version with all the extra stuff, those models that are still for sell are probably old and deteriorating in their box, which is probably not true, but thats how I cope.
ingauf0 –
I love this item. Great accessories. Working good. Super versatile, mics mega sensitive, so much its gonna be hard to record without hearing the handling. Its overall a great gear but there are some issues with it worst one if I record my pick up uke straight into any of the 6 TRS, theres a slight distorsion. I was pretty sure its suppose to handle well instruments but it doesnt the wheel set is weird. Down is going down when scrolling the menus but otherwise like setting gain down is up… no big deal but kinda disturbing. I think you do need some kind of special suspended clip, otherwise its so sensitive any slight touch of the unit is heard the screen and the menus feels really outdated. It could have some more options but it feels like going through an old TV menu.
Dawn F. –
First off the Zoom H6 is amazing. The build and audio quality are top notch. The only issue I have is probably an Overstock issue. Unfortunately when I opened the protective case that houses the H6 and mics there were tiny plastic bits of the case that were broken off. Is it enough to warrant a return No. But still…its pretty annoying.
uluvdj –
I got this off the recommendation of a fellow podcaster and have been in love with it ever since. We primarily use it for our podcast to be able to record outside of our studio and the 4 comboXLR inputs are perfect for all of our mics, sample board and such. The XY mics on the end can detach for another attachment adding on two more comboXLR inputs if needed.
Martin K. –
This is a great recording device, which I use to create language listening texts for school. It is highly mobile, recording is easy, and the sound quality for voice tracks is excellent especially with additional mics plugged in to the XLR ports, provided youre in a quiet spot.The one thing I struggle with is the filing system, i.e. retrieving files, but that may just need more practice. The display could also use an update.
Shoogie –
Im impressed with the lush sound of the recordings. I record acoustic piano and vocals with it. The only disappointment is I cant play SD cards of prior recordings I made with my R16 on it or vise versa, and I dont know why. But overall, its fun and easy to use.
J. Brown –
I initially wanted the Zoom H6 for field recording sound design. Which this unit does and does excellently. I quickly realized that not only could I do that, but I could attach it to my DSLR camera, and have high quality audio recorded directly to my camera as well as recording a back up on the H6 as a back up. I can record a podcast with me and 4 other guestshosts ANYWHERE, meet up at a coffee shop No problem, it eliminated the need for me to bring my computer and huge audio interface, mouse keyboard etc.. if I want to record away from homestudio. Also I can use this to capture high quality audio for YouTube, record lyricsacoustic instrumentssfx into my sampler, record a lyricistvocalist at a remote location, the posibilites are infinite. The quality is great, it is user friendly, powerful, looks nice, not too big not too small, attaches to tripod both stationary and handhelddesk top…it goes wherever I go.. I definitely recommend the Zoom H6, pick yours up today..
warthog1956 –
Very sensitive little recorder, the two mics are arranged for a good field and as small as it is, the interface and display is quite easy to get along with. The instructions are somewhat deficient such has how to delete a recorded file…you have to sort of extrapolate that. The biggest improvement they could make is to design it with a better way to mount it on something. You want the thing directionally pointed AT you, and your instrument, but it is very hard to get that by laying it on a table, etc….it wont stand on its end much. I ended up tying it to a table mic stand with a couple rubber bands. Enabling mounting to a little stand of some sort would help a LOT. Other than that, I very much recommend it.
Keith H. –
All the tools I wanted to get started on a field recording project, could do with a basic small tripod to go with it though. Really pleased with what the H5 offers.
dc –
this recorder is soooo versatile. i bought this as a portable audio interface. it works great in pro tools and the pre amps are so crip. i cant wait to use it in a live setting and as a field recorder to capture musicians. you definitely wont be disappointed with this purchase
decaharms –
Id have to agree with others who have raved about the Zooms recording qualities. The only real shortfall has to do with the ridiculous file system for the recorded audio. No only are you unable to custom label any of the folders, but each audio segment thats recorded gets its own sub folder meaning that when you want to take the memory card out and transfer the files to an editing computer, its a royal pain having to open up each individual subfolder and transfer the audio file. With a lot of segments, this is a tedious process and totally unnecessary if someone at Zoom would simply rewrite the firmware to allow us to record all audio in a project into one folder
Joshua –
I just bought this two weeks ago to use with a Rode NTG3, and this has worked perfectly so far. With the detachable LR capsule, I can record ambient noise, as well as having backup audio. Everything works exactly as you would expect, the controls and menu are much easier to understand than other Zoom recorders Ive used in the past.The only con for me is that the physical dials for audio levels do not lock, meaning that they can potentially get messed up if you throw it in a bag or pocket while recording.All in all, a great device so far.
A Google User –
Very good so far. However the instructions are far too complicated, and not very helpful in the first instance. The screen is antiquated, and the combined cursor mover and click button could be better. But overall a great product.
jackieson –
This thing is so tough and gorgeous. Its well built and easy to learn. The sound through the preamps is really good, the sound through the built in XY mics is amazing. I cant say enough good things about it. Get the soft case and a jobi stand for it. Its wonderful.
deepestdive –
Easy to use with incredible fidelity, good batter life and versatile beyond belief. This is great for adding on to a video camera or a DSL. I use it with diferent mikes and its far more capable than I am. Back in the day this would have been a Nagra weighing 30 pounds and costing about 5000 in constant dollars. I can put this one in my pocket.
rich –
The Zoom H6 is the workhouse for all of my audio needs. I work in production, so it has been an MVP in my gear bag. It works wonders for my podcast up to 4 XLR mics on a show and when I need to jump on an online call, this has worked wonderfully as an audio interface to connect any of my XLR mics to the computer.
Anonymous –
I use this item to record public meetings for accurate reporting. With 6 separate tracks of audio recording available you cant get anything to match its ability to capature every word spoken in public meetings. Quality and features great as is AMS and their easy interest free payment plans making quality equipment available to those of us who dont have the full purchase price up front. AMS isnt one of these high mark up high interest self financing places selling discontinued merchandise they are latest models, pricing is matched by none and affordable interest free payment plans. I only shop AMS for video, audio, musical equipment
joh.pnohb –
Ive used it for a month, and found it quite helpful in working out things on the guitar. Fits in the compartment of all my hardshell guitar cases, so its there when I want it no fuss with set up, and its available wherever I want to play. It has been completely reliable to date, and the battery life is excellent. Not surprisingly earphones are necessary it has a tiny builtin speaker but one cant hear much with it, but inexpensive inear earphones work well, and let me hear everything I want. Obviously it doesnt have the fidelity or flexibility of larger and much more expensive professional recorders, but thats not what its for. Good show, Zoom