Topic: New Zoom H6

[Ozpeter]

It's a pity that the standard package includes MS and XY mics, but not the adapter providing XLR mic input for channels 1 and 2.  That's an extra not yet listed for preorder.  Hopefully at some point the device will be offered in an alternative package with no mics but with the XLR adapter included, to provide real 6 channel XLR capability.

[vegeta_ban]

From B&H photo's site:


I bolded some things I like about it, I wonder if this will run on my energizer xpal battery through the usb instead of AAs.

The H6 Handy from Zoom is a portable handheld recorder and USB audio interface that features an interchangeable microphone system. The recorder ships with both XY and mid-side microphone modules, foam windscreen, 2GB SD card, four AA batteries, USB cable, Cubase LE and a hard carrying case. Optional module attachments can be purchased for expanded functionality.

The H6 Handy allows for versatile recording techniques, giving you several options right out of the box. The included XYH-6 XY microphone module is made up of two matched unidirectional condenser microphones and is intended for capturing accurate, phase-correct stereo audio. The module allows you to adjust the angle of the two mics to either 90 degrees, or for a wider stereo image, 120 degrees.

For situations that call for audio that allows for width control over your stereo image after it has been recorded, the XY module can be switched out for the MSH-6 mid-side stereo microphone module. Contrary to the appearance of the capsule, the mid-side module actually contains two elements positioned on top of one another: a unidirectional mic which faces forward (mid), and a bi-directional mic set perpendicular to it (side). In addition to providing you the ability to adjust the width of your stereo audio after it has been recorded, MS recording also provides true mono compatibility, a factor that comes into play in situations such as television production.

In addition, the H6 is equipped with four XLR/TRS combo inputs for connecting external mic/line sources such as microphones or mixers. All four inputs and each of the mic modules are equipped with their own preamps with dedicated gain knobs that are easily accessible whether you have the unit mounted to your camera, or strapped over your shoulder. Also, each of the four combo inputs has its own -20dB pad.

The recorder allows you to record up to six channels at once and stores them to SDXC memory cards up to 128GB in size. It also features a backup-record option that tracks a duplicate of the left and right channels with -12db input gain. This means that if you find that you have tracked your main audio too loud and that distortion has occurred in your audio, you will have a backup stereo mix with 12 db more headroom as a fail-safe. The unit also doubles as a 6-in/2-out USB audio interface and it can be used with your computer running the included Cubase LE or other DAW software.


Main Features
Large full-color angled LCD display that allows visibility whether mounted on a camera or strapped over shoulder
XYH-6 X/Y capsule also provides a secondary input for connecting an external mic or line level signal via stereo 1/8" mini jack
Optional wired controllers for remote transport controls
Optional hairy windscreen offers improved wind diffusion
Built-in speaker, located on the underside of the unit, for fast monophonic monitoring of the recorded signal without the need to make any connections
Interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera
Six-track simultaneous recording
Four mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors
Physical gain control knobs and -20dB pads for each input
Phantom power for all main inputs: +12/+24/+48V
Records directly to SD, SDHC and SDXC cards up to 128GB
Up to 24-bit/96kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats
Auto-record, pre-record and backup-record functions
Multitrack to stereo internal mixdown
Independent monitor and playback mixes
Graphical VU meters
Voice memo and up to 99 marks per recording
Overdubbing, up to 99 takes
Built-in effects, including low-cut filtering, compression and limiting
Onboard MS decoding
Normalize, Divide and Trim editing
Chromatic tuner and metronome
Loop Playback with user-defined start and stop points
Variable playback speed, from 50% to 150%
Variable pitch per track without affecting playback speed
USB port for data exchange to and from computer
Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad
Camera strap mounts
Mounts directly to DSLR or camcorder with optional HS-01 Hot Shoe Mount adapter
Accepts standard AA alkaline or NiMH rechargeable batteries
Over 20 hours of operation with 4 AA alkaline batteries

[vegeta_ban]

I'll definitely be getting one of these, looks like a good upgrade for my backup recorder (zoom H2) and for  when i can't bring my telefunkens and sd 722. I'm already spending the money I just got from my raise on friday on gear and shows 

[Scooter123]

B&H said this would be available in August sometime. 

[404 Not Found]

They have been selling them on eBay the past few days.  Had one from Japan with free shipping for $499 with all the extra attachments too.  Was a buy it now deal, so it's gone.  They are out it seems, perhaps some companies selling them are sold out at the moment?

[fguidry]

I just noticed that the latest blurb indicates no phantom on the plug-in preamp module.

http://www.zoom.co.jp/products/h6/

Note: The EXH-6 does not support phantom power.

Fran

[runonce]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-ZOOM-Handy-Recorder-Professional-H6-for-multi-purpose-Import-Japan-/130942565016

[hoserama]

Very interesting. I noticed the manual was up on the Zoom website. I'll still wait until US distribution before snagging mine.

[404 Not Found]

You are correct as The North American Zoom site finally has it up for download as well as they updated the website http://www.zoom-na.com/ to shed more info on this unit.

[Ozpeter]

I just noticed that the latest blurb indicates no phantom on the plug-in preamp module.

Indeed, it states specifically that there's no phantom on that module.  That will be a dealbreaker for some users (me for instance - I already have a recorder with four phantom powered inputs, and would have no use for an unpowered pair in addition).

[kenyee]

Indeed, it states specifically that there's no phantom on that module.  That will be a dealbreaker for some users (me for instance - I already have a recorder with four phantom powered inputs, and would have no use for an unpowered pair in addition).

Be sure to complain to Zoom's web site about this.  The nice thing about their system is that it is modular, so they could in theory come out w/ another XLR module w/ a built-in battery and phantom powered inputs...

[runonce]

Indeed, it states specifically that there's no phantom on that module.  That will be a dealbreaker for some users (me for instance - I already have a recorder with four phantom powered inputs, and would have no use for an unpowered pair in addition).

Be sure to complain to Zoom's web site about this.  The nice thing about their system is that it is modular, so they could in theory come out w/ another XLR module w/ a built-in battery and phantom powered inputs...

I guess once someone figures out that connector and a parts source - folks could DIY their own interfaces/mods...

[Jonmac]

There's a short hands on review here :-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/audio/hands-reviews/hands-review-zoom-h6-handy-handheld-recorder

[vegeta_ban]

I pre-ordered one today from B&H, I'll let you guys know how I like it. I'll probably use my energizer xpal as the power source with AA's as a back up. I plan on using it to record my NAK 300s and my dad's NAK 100s CP4 as a backup for my telefunken ela M 260s>SD722. We'll see how I like these. I wish they did a bundle deal, or let you choose what you wanted. I would take the extra two xlr inputs over the MS mic.

[runonce]

Interesting - the shotgun attachment is mono,  but the mic contains three elements...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/981649-REG/zoom_sgh_6_hyper_direct_mono_shotgun_mic.html