Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA very capable device for audio nut.
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
I made the investment to acquire this unit after long study between this and other similar products (and models).
I have had an older model before (Zoom H4), very similar in function, if not identical with extra inputs.
This model has the detachable mic and input modules. The stereo XY mic that came with this is hefty and feels well made. I have yet to drop it and test it's ruggedness, but I am not going to test that. If by chance I do I will try to update the outcome in the reviews.
I have used this for a show to capture live music playing and it does a very well job. The initial learning curve was very easy, straight forward.
You can set what type of audio formats (WAV or MP3) with a whole slew of bitrates and quality levels.
Essentially I think the highest setting 96Kbps at 24 bit (it's max, no 32bit) on a fresh 32GB SD card, you might get about 8-9 hours of record time... lower the quality and you can go a very long time... over 800 hours on the lowest mp3 quality setting.
This comes with Phantom power, powered from either the USB (on pass-thru power from a usb power bank, no batteries). One gripe at first was getting the thing to stay on, as my power bank had an auto shut off if it doesn't draw enough power. This isn't a gripe on the H6, and I am glad it use very little power. It's why a fresh set of batteries last 20 hours on average, depending on how many inputs you use, quality, and phantom power. I noticed onced I armed the REC, the powerbank would stay on.
I like the fact that you can hook up another 2 XLR inputs in replace of the stereo condencer mics. I find that on the go, you can have mobile podcast recordings up to 6 mics. 6 mics with boom and mounts, 6 headphones, 1 H6, 1 6-port Headphone amp. You're good to go!
Did I mention this can be used an an audio interface?
You can use the inputs in your favorite DAW.
Some complaints others might have are the gain knobs exposed, if you bump them they might move on you. I'm considering 3D printing a small cover (and maybe a rubber band?) to avoid this.
Overall great unit for capturing audio.