If you're thinking about purchasing the Zoom H6, but you want to know if it suits your
needs before you do so, then you're in the right place.
Here are my thoughts on it after using it for about a year.
So, in late 2017 I purchased a Zoom H6.
Even though I specifically bought it to record sound effects, after I began using it, I started
to slowly realise what a versatile piece of hardware it really is, and how you can use
it for everything from podcasting, and voiceover work, to dialogue, and live music recording.
So here are some pros and cons of the Zoom H6.
Upon close inspection, you might notice that the Zoom H6 has four XLR/TRS inputs, which
can actually be expanded to six, if you purchase a separate attachable module.
If you're interested, I've got a link to the attachable head, and everything else mentioned
in this video, down in the description.
They are Amazon affiliate links, so if you buy something through them, it doesn't cost
you anything extra, but I get a small commission from Amazon.
Now, the attachable head can come in handy if, for example, you want to record a podcast
in the studio. You plug in a microphone in each XLR input, and not only can you monitor
the level of each individual track, but you can also record a safety track at -12dB, in
case one of the guests gets a bit too excited.
That being said, do bear in mind that some microphones require something called Phantom
Power.
Now, the built-in XLRs on the Zoom H6 do offer Phantom Power, but the two extra ones that
you can add with the modular head, don't actually have Phantom Power.
As some more examples, what if you need to record some location audio?
Just plug in a boom mic, and a few radio mics into the inputs, and you're ready to go.
If you want to record a demo for your band, plug in the instruments, and the microphones,
and you can record on the go, wherever you might be.
Again, bear in mind you get the four inputs, plus the extra ones which can't give you Phantom
Power.
One of the things that I really love about the Zoom H6, is the fact that it's modular.
The recorder itself comes with an X/Y capsule, and an MS capsule, but there are a few other
capsules that you can purchase, and use when needed.
There's the combo input capsule that I mentioned earlier, there's an MS capsule, X/Y capsule,
X/Y shock-mounted capsule, shotgun microphone capsule, and stereo shotgun microphone capsule.
The device itself feels really sturdy. The rubberised plastic casing also helps diminish
handling nosie, if handheld, though I would wholeheartedly recommend the Rycote kit, which
contains a windshield, shock mount, and a grip.
Again, this is all linked down below.
What this kit does is it gives you a grip by which you can hold it, a shock mount which
actually removes a lot of the handling noise when you're recording, and a windshield which
protects you from some wind.
Do bear in mind that in extreme cases, it may not completely remove all wind from your
recordings, but it's definitely a lot better than the one you get by default with the recorder.
I've personally used it, and it really helped eliminate most of the handling noise.
When I went on my last recording trip, I could only hear handling noise if I really shook
the whole thing really hard.
The screen is obviously tilted, which is great when placed on a DSLR for location recording,
or when monitoring whilst recording a podcast.
There are situations in which the tilted screen doesn't help, but they are in the minority.
If I could make a suggestion, I would say that I would have loved to have a swivel screen,
so it could be tilted as needed.
Whilst on my last recording trip, I recorded some gorgeous ambiences, such as windy, or rainy
ambiences, or city ambiences.
The Zoom H6 was actually used to record my Dormant Village audio library. Here is a demo
from it.
That should give you an idea of what the recorder sounds like when you're recording ambiences.
The device itself is very portable, and it comes in a very sturdy case. I wish more portable
recorders, such as the Sony PCM-D100 came in such a case.
Whilst the prices vary depending on where you are, the Zoom H6 remains a very affordable
portable recording device.
Whilst on a recording trip to Transylvania, earlier in 2018, and whilst recording all
the time, I only had to replace the batteries maybe four or five times.
Zoom says it can record up to 20 hours, and depending on the conditions, I'd definitely
say it's true.
I left it to record rain ambiences overnight, and eight to nine hours later, it was still
going strong.
When I checked the battery status, it wasn't even halfway depleted.
Do bear in mind that I was recording using the built-in microphones. The more microphones
you attach or connect to the device, the more battery they are going to eat up, especially
if you're using Phantom Power.
I found the design and menus to be very intuitive, and easy to use, and changing capsules is
also painless and quick to do.
When under a time constraint, this is a massive plus.
The Zoom H6 can record audio up to 24bit/96kHz, which is great if you record ambiences or
sound effects. If you're recording a podcast or dialogue, there is no real need to go above
24bit/48kHz.
Now that we've covered all the pros, let's talk about some of the cons.
As I've said before, I would have loved to see a flip screen on the Zoom H6, like you
see on some DSLR cameras.
Whilst a titled screen is a pro in most situations, there are instances where being able to move
it around a bit could come in handy.
Whilst some Zoom recorder preamps tend to not be seen in a positive light online, like
the Zoom H4n I would like to make it clear that the Zoom H6 is miles above in terms of
quality and noise.
If you want to record super quiet nature ambiences, the Zoom H6 would not be my first choice.
For literally anything else, it is amazing, affordable, and a portable choice.
This has been my review of the Zoom H6, after using it for over a year.
If you're interested in comparing the Zoom H6, to the Zoom H5. I've actually written
an article about it on my website, which you can find down below in the description.
Thank you very much for watching, and I'll see you next time.
B-bye!