ZOOM H6 Handy Recorder

The ZOOM H6 Handy Recorder offers a 4 to 6-track handheld, portable recorder, interchangeable input capsules, preamps, and is suited to live recordings or production work. Swap out the interchangeable mic capsules as quick as you can switch out your basic camera lens. Each one provides different sound capture abilities.

The ZOOM H6 includes (4) on-board combo jacks for either mic or line-level input on XLR or 1/4" connectors. It also features independent volume control and switchable -20dB pads.

Monitor and playback your audio with headphone and line-level outputs with stereo sound. Want to review your recording right away? An on-board monophonic speaker is integrated for your use, plus you have a headphone jack for that, too.

Interchangeable Mic Capsules:

• XYH-6 X/Y Capsule
• MSH-6 MS Capsule
• XYH-5 X/Y Capsule [Optional]
• SGH-6 Shotgun Capsule [Optional]
• EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo Capsule [Optional]
• SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun Capsule [Optional]

XYH-6 X/Y Capsule

This X/Y Capsule employs (2) angled high-quality directional mics sensitive to signals coming from the front. It is not as sensitive to signals coming from the sides and rear. X/Y recording is optimum when you want to cover a wide area yet still capture a strong center image so it is ideal for live events.

The mics on this X/Y Capsule are carioid polar pattern.

Change the angle of the mics from 90° to 120° for a wider stereo image.

MSH-6 MS Capsule

This capsule features MS or Mid-Side recording to shape your sound. The H6 Handy Recorder provides the MS Capsule with dual mic elements: forward-facing, unidirectional mic (the Mid) + side-facing, bi-directional mic (the Side). Together with the H6's on-board MS decoder, they capture a fully mono-compatible stereo image that can actually be adjusted after recording so it is ideal for film, video, and television projects. 

Inside the H6 MS Capsule, the directional or Mid mic faces forwards while the bi-directional or Side mic is set perpendicular to it. That means you pick up the center or Mid sound along with the ambience of the environment with the Side mic. 

Use it for studio recording or to vary your sound capture. It is ideal for rehearsal and live event recordings, too.

The MS Capsule can be played back in mono for TV broadcasts or for stereo recordings. 

This Capsule is also back-compatible with your H5.

Recording Media

The ZOOM H6 Handy Recorder captures on these memory cards:

• SD Card - 16MB to 2GB
• SDHC Card - 4GB to 32 GB
• SDXC Card - 64GB to 128GB

Power Requirements

There are multiple ways to power your H6 unit, including:

• 4x AA (LR6) battery
• AC Adapter
• USB Bus Power

If you use an alkaline battery to power your H6 Handy Recorder, you can capture approximately 20 hours of continuous recording.

Live Concert Recording

Use the X/Y capsule to capture the overall sound in stereo, then add to the experience with (4) inputs for a direct feed from your mixing board, or for external spot mics to pick up specific instrument audio or the room sound. 

On Location

You can either attach the H6 Handy Recorder to your DSLR camera via the provided hot shoe mount or you can strap it to your wrist. The H6 is ideal for location videography with its supplied MSH-6 mic capsule and on-board MS decoding, plus the ability to record up to (6) tracks simultaneouly. This will expand your audio possibilities in post production.

Electronic News Gathering / ENG

Extend your range by adding an optional SGH-6 Shotgun Mic to your H6 Handy Recorder and your camera. Onsite reporting is easier when you can capture every word of your interview or that breaking news story with the audio your producer demands.

Applications

Still not sure how best to make use of the H6 Handy Recorder and its varied mic capsules? ZOOM created some great use cases on their website, if you want to learn how to apply this technology to suit your needs.

Expand your recording possibilities with Optional Capsules

XYH-5 X/Y Capsule [Optional]

This XYH-5 X/Y Capsule provides (2) matched unidirectional condenser microphones set at a 90-degree angle. The are housed within an advanced shockmount that employs rugged external mic wires and rubberized material to minimize vibration and handling noise. It is ideal for location and live broadcast or podcast applications.

The design of the XYH-5 allows it to process extremely loud sounds up to 140 dB SPL, which is the equivalent of a jet aircraft from less than 200 feet away. Use it for news gathering or rock concerts.

SGH-6 Shotgun Capsule [Optional]

The optional SGH-6 Shotgun Capsule offers a professional-quality, highly directional mic to the H6 Handy Recorder. Three elements, combined with digital signal processing inside the SGH-6 offer highligh directional sound pickup power of a conventional shotgun mic in a unit half the size.

EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo Capsule [Optional]

Plug in the optional EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo Capsule to provide (2) additional inputs and transform your recorder into the world's smallest 6-track recorder. Connect up to (6) discrete signals from your extrenal microphones, instruments, mixers, or portable music players. 

SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun Capsule [Optional]

This super-directional mic captures sounds directly in front, plus bi-directional for ambient sounds. Great for location recording of dialog in the center recording in addition to room noise or environmental sounds from the micrphone side.