Topic: New Zoom H6

[Ozpeter]

I don't know, Ralf - I only have an H2N (plus of course other devices from other manufacturers!)

[dogmusic]

Looks like it might run on USB power.

Yes, it does, according to the German video. Besides, my H4, H2 and H4N all do.


Ralf

Yes, my H4 can run on USB power as a computer interface, but I was referring to stand-alone mode, where the recorder can operate independently while connected by USB to a battery pack or to AC power using an USB-to-AC adapter.

[fotoralf.be]

Now that you say so, I've never really tried if my H2, H4 or H4N can actually be fed in normal operation through the USB port. Then again, I've never seen the necessity, as they all have an external power input and came with a matched power supply. I also had made myself an external battery pack out of a number of six Eneloops and that lasted longer than I've ever had the necessity to try out.

Anyway, they explicitly state in the German video that the H6 can be powered via the USB connector.

Ralf

[genesisoh]

I was talking about 4 channel or more stealth.

I'll vote for a 6ch version of the DR2d.  One can dream.

I second that motion! :-)

[BlingFree]

Sold! It's exactly what I wanted. Thank you Zoom!

[nwa]

So saw a couple things I wanted to chime in on here.

First of all: I want one.  Can't wait.  NOW PLEASE!   

Second someone mentioned: "No way could you fix this Zoom device under a camera." There is specific mention in the press release about an optional attachment that allows for standard attachment of the H6 under a camera so... that's taken care of.

Third: Lots of mention of no Phantom but since we don't have a full set of specs I have to assume they wouldn't degrade from the H4n.   The H4n has 48/24V Phantom which is controlled in a menu NOT by a switch and should be same with the H6.

I can't believe the 20hour time they list for anything "real" but any improvement over the 1h40m I get out of the pair of AAs in the H4n when recording 2 channel 96k/24bit w/ 24V Phantom would be huge.  If the 4 batteries at least double that my life would be a lot better.  If the new device is also more efficient and I can get at least 8 hours / charge I'll love Zoom 4 eva!

-Nate
http://archive.org/search.php?query=taper%3A%22Nate+Anderson%22

My rig (minimal): Pair (ORTF) AKG C480B w/ CK63 Caps -> H4n (96k/24bit)
I have a Lunatec V3 I use for an input to my laptop if recording to that.  It is also better sounding than the H4n preamps BUT not enough to justify using it ahead of the H4n when it's my on-site recorder.

[kirk97132]

My rig (minimal): Pair (ORTF) AKG C480B w/ CK63 Caps -> H4n (96k/24bit)
I have a Lunatec V3 I use for an input to my laptop if recording to that.  It is also better sounding than the H4n preamps BUT not enough to justify using it ahead of the H4n when it's my on-site recorder.

Really an $800 high end V3 preamps do not sound "THAT" much better than a $270 recorders preamps 
What are you recording with it?

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

It has selectable Phantom Power voltage: 12/24/48.

Anyone know if the mic pre level controls are analog or digital, and if they're digital, whether they can be ganged so that all channels can have the same gains set with one knob (like the Tascam DR-680)?

If so, it's a good match for our TetraMic mono/stereo/surround soundfield mic.  A complete stealthable surround recording system could cost under $1700.

English videos:

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yBfJveLuANk

     http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xvlLKaYdnUY

[hoserama]

Len--it looked like the level controls were done via the knobs on top of the recorder, so doubtful they could be ganged. Will probably end up taping those down too depending on how easy they are to adjust. Of course they could throw a curveball in their design, Zoom has done weird stuff before.

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Len--it looked like the level controls were done via the knobs on top of the recorder, so doubtful they could be ganged. Will probably end up taping those down too depending on how easy they are to adjust. Of course they could throw a curveball in their design, Zoom has done weird stuff before.

You're probably right. I'm waiting for the release of the manual on the Zoom web site.

[404 Not Found]

American Musical Supply has some good images of the unit itself and the full spec.'s on it too.  Not even getting this info from the Zoom JP site.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-ZOO-H6-LIST

[Gutbucket]

Anyone know if the mic pre level controls are analog or digital, and if they're digital, whether they can be ganged so that all channels can have the same gains set with one knob (like the Tascam DR-680)?

Don't want to derail this Zoom thread, but have a quick question for Len on this:

Len, have you found the DR-680 channel gains to be matched closely enough throughout their gain range that they track evenly enough when ganged to not require level adjustment between individual channels on the computer using recorded test tones before doing the mic-specific A-format processing?  I've not meaused how close the gains actually track when ganged.

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

The DR-680 that we have here is very well-matched between channels so that you can gang them, change levels and not have to trim each channel separately.

But we've heard of at least one DR-680 where the gains were not so well matched, so it makes sense to measure them before you trust them.

[Gutbucket]

Thanks.  I'll do some measuring.

[hoserama]

On the side picture of the XY mic module, is that a 1/8" input I see? Can it work like the Zoom H4n and you just plug in a 1/8" input?

EDIT: Confirmed: "The supplied XYH-6 X/Y capsule also provides a secondary input for connecting an external mic- or line-level signal via a stereo 1/8 inch Mic/Line In mini phone jack. When a connection is made to that jack, signal from the X/Y microphones is muted."