32-Bit Float Recording for All
The Flagship
Our most robust handheld recorder, the H6essential is a recording powerhouse. With 6 tracks of 32-bit float recording, the H6essential provides unprecedented quality and unmatched versatility.
The Flagship
Our most robust handheld recorder, the H6essential is a recording powerhouse. With 6 tracks of 32-bit float recording, the H6essential provides unprecedented quality and unmatched versatility.
The First Handy Recorders with Accessibility
The Essential Series was designed with Accessibility for the blind and 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.*
Six Perfect Tracks
The 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs feature ultra-clean Zoom preamps, and the included X/Y microphones can capture up to a booming 135 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet taking off.
For 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.
For Filmmakers
32-bit float recording gives filmmakers confidence with every take. The interchangeable capsules, 4 XLR inputs and wireless timecode make the H6essential invaluable on any set.
For Podcasters
When everyone wants to be on your podcast, the H6essential has you covered with 4 XLR inputs. For two additional XLR inputs, connect the optional EXH-6e capsule.
Waveform Display
The H6essential has a waveform display so you can see your audio as it records.
Built-In Mixer
For full control of your mix, hit the ‘Mixer’ button and quickly adjust your levels
Pair With Your iOS Device
Use the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter to pair with your iOS device to remotely hit record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.
MORE UPGRADES
Quieter Controls
Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for silent operation.
Onboard Speaker
Use the improved onboard speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference.
Outputs You Need
Use the line output to connect to a camera and the headphone output to monitor your audio.
Higher Visibility
The new full-color LCD screen provides you with a more vivid view as you record and navigate the menu.
Features and Specs
- 6-track 32-bit float recorder with Dual A/D Converters
- Clip-free recording with no need to set gain
- Records up to 96kHZ sample rate
- Interchangable Mic Capsule System 3.0 with 32-bit float support
- Included X/Y Mic Capsule captures up to 135 dB SPL
- 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs with locking connector
- Color LCD Screen
- Built-in mixer to adjust each track’s audio level
- Built-in speaker for quick reference playback
- 3.5mm headphone output plus 3.5mm line output
- Voice Guidance accessibility for the visually impaired
- 32-Bit Float audio interface for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices via USB-C port
- Use as an interface and record to SD card simultaneously
- Using the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter, sync with wireless timecode devices via bluetooth
- Use the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter to pair with the H6essential Control App for iOS
- Record to SD cards up to 1TB
- 10 hours of battery life on AA battery (4x) or USB-C Bus Power
*Please note: BTA-1 Adapter not included
Specs
INPUT AND OUTPUT CHANNELS
| Inputs | Mic capsule | 1 |
|---|---|---|
| MIC/LINE (mono) | 4 | |
| Outputs | LINE OUT | 1 |
| Headphones | 1 | |
| Built-in speaker (mono) | 1 | |
INPUTS
| XY mic: XYH-6e | 90º XY stereo format | |
|---|---|---|
| Directionality | Unidirectional | |
| Sensitivity | −42dB/1Pa at 1kHz | |
| Maximum sound pressure input | 135 dB SPL | |
| MIC/LINE (mono) | Connectors | 4 XLR/TRS combo jacks |
| (XLR：2 HOT TRS：TIP HOT） | ||
| Input gain | Adjustment unnecessary (dual A/D converter circuits used) | |
| Input impedance | MIC: 3.8 kΩ or more | |
| LINE: 39 kΩ or more | ||
| Maximum input level | MIC: +4 dBu | |
| LINE: +24 dBu | ||
| Phantom power | +48 V | |
| Channel total 32 mA or less | ||
| Equivalent input noise | MIC: -120 dBu or less（IHF-A) @150 Ω input | |
| LINE: -95 dBu or less（IHF-A) @600 Ω input | ||
OUTPUTS
| LINE OUT | Connector | Stereo mini jack |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum output level | +1 dBu | |
| Output impedance | 110 Ω or less | |
| Headphones | Connector | Stereo mini jack |
| Maximum output level | 20 ｍW + 20 ｍW（when 32 Ω load） | |
| Output impedance | 10 Ω or less | |
| Built-in speaker | Type | 20 mm x 30mm elliptical dynamic speaker |
| Effective maximum output | 250mW | |
RECORDER
| Maximum simultaneous recording tracks | 8 |
|---|---|
| Maximum simultaneous playback tracks | 6 |
| Recording formats | WAV |
| 44.1/48/96 kHz, | |
| 32-bit float mono/stereo | |
| BWF and iXML formats supported | |
| Recording media | 4-32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification |
| 64GB–1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification | |
DISPLAY
| 2.0-inch full-color LCD | 360 x 240 |
|---|---|
USB
| Connector | USB Type-C | |
|---|---|---|
| • Use a USB cable that supports data transfer. | ||
| Audio Interface | USB 2.0 High Speed | |
| Input and output channels | 6 in / 2 out (Multi) | |
| 2 in / 2 out (Stereo) | ||
| Sampling frequency | 44.1/48/96 kHz (AIF only) | |
| 44.1/48 kHz (AIF + onboard recording) | ||
| Bit depth | 24-bit, 32-bit float | |
| File transfer | USB 2.0 High Speed | |
REMOTE
| Dedicated wireless adapter | ZOOM BTA-1 |
|---|---|
POWER
| 4 AA batteries | Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries |
|---|---|
| AC Adapter | ZOOM AD-17 (DC 5 V/1 A) |
| • USB bus power is supported. | |
ESTIMATED CONTINUOUS OPERATION TIMES USING BATTERIES : 2-track recording (XYH-6e)
| Alkaline batteries | About 18 hours |
|---|---|
| NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) | About 14.5 hours |
| Lithium batteries | About 30 hours |
48 kHz/32-bit float with phantom power off, no headphones, no LINE OUT, no REMOTE, Power Saving on, Display Brightness Medium
• These values are approximate.
• Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
ESTIMATED CONTINUOUS OPERATION TIMES USING BATTERIES : 6-track recording (XYH-6e and inputs 1–4)
| Alkaline batteries | About 3.5 hours |
|---|---|
| NiMH batteries (1900 mAh) | About 4 hours |
| Lithium batteries | About 9 hours |
48 kHz/32-bit float with phantom power off, headphones used (33Ω load), no LINE OUT, no REMOTE, Power Saving on, Display Brightness Medium
• These values are approximate.
• Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods.They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
| Power consumption | 5 W maximum |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Recorder: 78.1 mm (W) × 160.1 mm (D) × 42.8 mm (H) |
| XYH-6e: 69.1 mm (W) × 50.8 mm (D) × 43.0 mm (H) | |
| Weight | Recorder: 381 g (including batteries) |
| XYH-6e: 42 g | |
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms