Zoom H6essential – 6 Track 32-Bit Float Handy Recorder (H6E)

Presented as Zoom‘s flagship handheld recorder, the H6essential Portable Recorder offers six tracks of pristine, distortion-free audio without the need to set levels. With 32-bit float recording and hot-swappable X/Y mics that can handle 135 dB with ease, the H6essential offers a versatile pain-free audio solution.

The four XLR-1/4″ combo inputs feature low-noise and high-quality Zoom mic preamps and sport +48V phantom power for driving professional condenser mics. An onboard mixer is easy to use with the bright 2″ colour display to adjust individual tracks and directly view waveforms in real-time. The H6essential can utilize its USB-C port for power and stream up to two audio channels to computers and smart devices, acting as a 6-in / 2-out interface. Furthermore, the recorder is tripod mountable, allowing it to be conveniently used in a fixed location or atop a camera via an adapter for field recording duties.

Features

Flagship Handheld Audio Recorder

Filmmakers, Musicians & Content Creators

32-Bit Float: No Level Adjustment Needed

Removable X/Y Mics Handle up to 135 dB

4 XLR-1/4″ TRS Combo Inputs with Preamps

Dual A/D Converters

Onboard Mixer and Waveform Display

Function as a 6×2 USB-C Audio Interface

Compatible with Alternative Capsules

Compatible with BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter

Specifications

Portable Recorder

Form Factor

Handheld Recorder

Primary Use Applications

Audio-for-Video, Dictation & Transcription, Music Recording, Podcasting

Number of Tracks

8 (6 Inputs + Stereo Mix)

Number of Input Channels

6 (4 x Mono, 1 x Stereo)

Maximum Sampling Rate

96 kHz / 32-Bit Float

Microphone

Interchangeable Cardioid Condenser Stereo Pair, X/Y Configuration

Number of Microphone Inputs

4

Built-In Speaker

Yes, 500 mW Mono

Display

2″ / 5.1 cm Color LCD

Memory Card Support

microSDXC (Up to 1 TB)

Internal Storage

No

Special Features

Overdubbing

Recording

Audio File Formats

BWF, iXML, WAV

Sample Rates

44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz

Bit Depth

Up to 32-bit (Floating Point)

Timecode Support

No

Included Software

No

Connectivity

Analog I/O

4x Combo XLR-1/4″ 3-Pin Female Balanced/Unbalanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)

1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Line Output

1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone Output

Digital I/O

No

Phantom Power

+48 V

Plug-In Power

No

System Connection

1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0)

Audio Interface Capability

Stereo Only

Wireless

Bluetooth

*Via Optional Adapter

Mobile App Compatible

Yes: iOS Only

App Name: H6essential Control App

Functionality: Remote Control

Performance

Max Input Level

Mic Inputs:

+4 dBu

Line Inputs:

+24 dBu

Max Output Level

Line Outputs:

+2 dBu

Headphone Output Power

20 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms

Impedance

Mic/Line Inputs:

≥3 Kilohms

Microphone Sensitivity

-42 dB (X/Y)

Microphone Max SPL

135 dB SPL (X/Y)

Power

Power Options

Battery, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter

Battery Type

4x AA

Approximate Battery Life

48 kHz/32-Bit:

18 Hours (AA Alkaline, 2 Channels, Recording, Built-In Mic)

AC/DC Power Adapter

5 VDC at 1 A (Included)

Physical

Included Accessories

No

Dimensions

3.1 x 1.7 x 6.3″ / 78.1 x 42.8 x 160 mm

Weight

13.4 oz / 381 g (with Batteries)

Packaging Info

Package Weight

1.055 lb

Box Dimensions (LxWxH)

10.6 x 5.4 x 2″