




Zoom F6 MultiTrack Field Recorder
Zoom F6 MultiTrack Field Recorder
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Disregard concerns about digital clipping and concentrate on capturing the moment with the Zoom F6, a highly portable multitrack field recorder that utilizes 32-bit float technology to ensure a distortion-free dynamic range. It offers the capability to record up to 14 tracks simultaneously, making it suitable for both professional and enthusiast use in various settings. Whether you choose to place it in a sound bag, carry it over your shoulder, or attach it to a camera, the F6 combines both quantity and quality within a durable design, making it ideal for filmmaking, production/location sound mixing, sound effects recording, and electronic news gathering (ENG).
The F6 is designed to satisfy both beginners and experienced professionals, featuring a large, informative color display, intuitive controls, versatile power options, and precise timecode capabilities. Whether you require extended stereo recording for interviews, redundant capture of multiple microphones for video production, or Ambisonics sound files for virtual reality and 360-audio applications, the F6 offers the necessary modes, resolutions, and media compatibility to meet your essential audio needs. Furthermore, its adaptability guarantees that the F6 will consistently improve your workflow, regardless of its simplicity, complexity, or variability. You can confidently utilize it as your primary recorder, a USB audio interface for your dedicated computer setup, or as a backup unit for additional security.
32-Bit Float Recording Avoids Digital Clipping
The F6 is engineered to accommodate the complexities of real-world dynamics. Given that source levels may fluctuate unpredictably, it is essential to have a system capable of capturing sounds ranging from absolute silence to intense volume without any loss of quality or distortion. Featuring 32-bit float resolution and dual-path A/D converters, the F6 provides an extensive dynamic range that effortlessly encompasses the entire audible spectrum. The issue of digital clipping is now a relic of the past.
Configurable Recording Settings for Any Situation
The F6 offers a wide array of recording modes and resolutions. Users can record all six inputs at a maximum resolution of 192 kHz in either 24-bit linear or 32-bit float. Additionally, due to Zoom's dual-path A/D converters, it is possible to record these inputs simultaneously at up to 96 kHz in both 24-bit and 32-bit float while also generating a stereo mix.
Versatile Multitrack Modes
Enhance portability by recording directly onto an SD/SDHC/SDXC card (sold separately), offering up to 1TB of storage capacity. If your primary need is to capture the stereo mix with extended duration and reduced file size, opt for the MP3 format. For superior audio quality and compatibility with industry standards, utilize the BWF-compliant WAV format. This allows the F6 to operate in 6-track mode, recording six inputs in either 24-bit or 32-bit float, or in 14-track mode, which includes six inputs in both 24-bit and 32-bit float along with a stereo mix. Alternatively, you can choose Ambisonics mode to record four channels of Ambisonics-compatible audio while retaining two channels for conventional microphones.
Audio Interface Functionality
You may also utilize the F6 as a 6-in/4-out USB 2.0 audio interface, supporting resolutions of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. Simply connect it to your computer, open your chosen audio recording software, and take advantage of the F6's high-quality microphone preamps and A/D converters, along with the user-friendly features of your preferred application. For secure and redundant recording at a maximum of 48 kHz, the F6 can function as an audio interface while simultaneously recording to an SD card.
Ambisonics Support for VR, AR, and 360-Audio
The Ambisonics mode of the F6 provides accurate A-to-B decoding along with balanced gain linking, allowing for the professional capture of spatial audio suitable for Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and additional applications. While the first four channels are dedicated to Ambisonics recording, channels 5 and 6 can be employed for other audio sources, including boom and lavalier microphones. To enhance your experience with 360-audio, you can download the complimentary Zoom Ambisonics Player software, which offers intuitive decoding and editing capabilities.
Studio-Quality Performance for Discerning Professionals
The F6 is designed to support a wide range of condenser microphones and balanced line-level signals through six locking Neutrik 3-pin XLR inputs. It features six high-quality microphone preamps that provide substantial gain (up to 75 dB) and exceptionally low noise levels (-127 dBu EIN), ensuring precise amplification of your audio sources. Users can select mic or line-level settings for each input, activate 24 or 48 VDC phantom power as needed, adjust the input levels with dedicated knobs, and manage high signal levels (up to +4 dBu in mic mode or up to +24 dBu in line mode).
Hybrid Limiters Prevent Overloading for 24-Bit Mode
In 24-bit recording mode, the F6 utilizes advanced look-ahead hybrid limiters to provide reliable protection against overloading the A/D converters. By adding a small delay of just one millisecond, the limiters are able to look-ahead at the input signal and anticipate clipping before it's recorded.
Line and Headphone Outputs for Flexible Routing and Monitoring
To use the F6 as a field mixer, simply connect its 3.5mm stereo line output into your camera, DSLR, mixer, or secondary recorder. Your audio mix will be fed through the unbalanced line, ready to be recorded.
With a transparent and high-output 100mW headphone amplifier tied to a 3.5mm stereo output, the F6 provides clean, efficient monitoring of pre- or post-fader levels and alerts for battery and recording status.
Precision Timecode and Synchronization Features
The F6 ensures reliable synchronization with video cameras, timecode clocks, and supplementary audio recorders, regardless of whether it remains powered on throughout the day or is turned off during breaks. Its advanced timecode capabilities facilitate precise synchronization. A dedicated 3.5mm TRS mini jack is available for timecode input and output, while the Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) provides exceptional timecode accuracy, maintaining stability within ±0.2 ppm. Additionally, the F6 can be jam-synced even in the absence of a continuous external timecode source.
Efficient Remote Control Options
For those requiring comprehensive external control, Zoom provides an excellent solution. The Zoom F-Control, sold separately, is perfect for rapid and seamless hands-on remote management. It is equipped with smooth 60mm faders and tactile controls for functions such as trim, pan, track arming, transport operations, and additional features.
To facilitate convenient wireless remote control from an iOS device, one can connect a Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter (also sold separately). This allows users to utilize the complimentary F-Control app to efficiently monitor and adjust levels, manage transport controls, add metadata, and perform various other tasks.
Power for Hours
To meet the demands of on-location production, the F6 provides multiple power options. It can be powered by four AA batteries or a Sony L-Series battery (sold separately), connected via a USB Type-C port, or plugged into a wall outlet using the Zoom AD-17 AC adapter (also sold separately). With a battery life of up to 16.5 hours (using AA lithium batteries, 16-bit / 48 kHz, 2-channel recording to an SD card), the F6 ensures reliable performance throughout extended use.
Multifunction USB Type-C Port for Power or Audio
A USB Type-C port on the F6 serves several functions. Use it to hook up a power source, or connect a computer for file backup or live audio streaming.
Highly Visible Display
Day or night, view vital information such as audio levels, recording time, battery status, and more on the 1.54" full-color backlit LCD, which also offers a monochromatic mode. Transport controls and navigation buttons are presented nearby for sound bag-friendly, hassle-free operations.
Zoom AutoMix Software Reduces Ambient Noise
Let Zoom's AutoMix function simplify your job. This smart software automatically adjusts the levels of your mix to reduce the amount of ambient sound, so you can focus on capturing a well-balanced mix. Since you turn AutoMix on/off for each channel, you have complete control over where you want AutoMix to work.
Ultra-Compact, Portable, and Durable
The rugged build quality and compact size make the F6 an excellent choice for location recording on set and in the field. It's equally well suited for placement in an audio bag or a camera-mounted configuration. A camera-mount adapter is included.
Metadata for Simplified Post Production
Add metadata such as notes and track/scene names in BWF and iXML formats to easily catalog your files in preparation for loading them into your video or audio editing workstation. Make it a habit to make organization and collaboration in post-production easy.
Portable Recorder |
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Form Factor | Field Recorder |
Primary Use Applications | Audio-for-Video |
Number of Tracks | WAV: 8 (6 Inputs + Stereo Mix) |
Number of Input Channels | 6 |
Maximum Sampling Rate | 192 kHz / 32-Bit |
Microphone | No |
Number of Microphone Inputs | 6 |
Built-In Speaker | No |
Display | Color LCD (Backlit) |
Memory Card Support | SD, SDHC, SDXC (Up to 1 TB) |
Internal Storage | No |
Special Features | Remote Control Capable |
Recording |
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Audio File Formats | BWF, iXML, MP3, WAV |
Sample Rates | WAV: 44.1 / 47.952 / 48 / 48.048 / 88.2 / 96 / 192 kHz |
Bit Depth | 16 / 24 / 32-Bit |
Bit Rates | 128 to 320 kb/s |
Signal Processing & FX | Limiter |
Timecode Support | Yes |
Frame Rates Supported | 23.976 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 29.97 DF / 30 / 30 DF |
Clock Accuracy | ±0.2 ppm (Timecode) |
Recording Time | WAV 48 kHz/24-Bit: 57.69 Mins per GB (Stereo) WAV 192 kHz/24-Bit: 14.41 Mins per GB (Stereo) |
Connectivity |
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Analog I/O | 6x XLR 3-Pin Female Balanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable) 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Line Output 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone Output |
Digital I/O | 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Timecode In/Out |
Phantom Power | +24 / 48 V |
Phantom Power Current | ≤ 10 mA per Channel |
System Connection | 1x USB-C (I/O, 2.0) |
Audio Interface Capability | Multi-Track |
Wireless | Bluetooth *Via Optional Adapter |
Mobile App Compatible | Yes: iOS Only App Name: Zoom F Control Functionality: Access Stored Files, Remote Control |
Gain/Trim Range | Mic Inputs: +12 to +75 dB Line Inputs: +8 dB to +55 dB |
Max Input Level | Mic Inputs: +4 dBu Line Inputs: +24 dBu |
Max Output Level | Line Outputs: +10 dBV |
Headphone Output Power | 100 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms |
Dynamic Range | Line Outputs: 95 dB Headphone Outputs: 108 dB |
Impedance | Mic Inputs: ≥3 Kilohms Line Inputs: ≥5 Kilohms Line Outputs: ≤100 Ohms Headphone Outputs: ≤15 Ohms Timecode Input: 4.6 Kilohms Timecode Output: ≤50 Ohms |
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) | ≤-127 dBu (A-Weighted) |
Power |
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Power Options | Battery or AC/DC Power Adapter |
Battery Type | 4x AA (Not Included) 1x L Series (Not Included) |
Approximate Battery Life | WAV 48 kHz/16-Bit: 7.5 Hours (Alkaline, 2 Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom Off, with Headphones) 10.5 Hours (NiMH, 2 Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom Off, with Headphones) 16.5 Hours (Lithium, 2 Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom Off, with Headphones) WAV 48 kHz/24-Bit: 5 Hours (Alkaline, All Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom Off, with Headphones) 7 Hours (NiMH, All Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom Off, with Headphones) 10.5 Hours (Lithium, All Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom Off, with Headphones) WAV 192 kHz/24-Bit: 0.5 Hours (Alkaline, All Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom On, with Headphones) 1.5 Hours (NiMH, All Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom On, with Headphones) 3.5 Hours (Lithium, All Channels, Backlit Display, Phantom On, with Headphones) |
AC/DC Power Adapter | 5 VDC (Not Included) |
Included Accessories | Stand Adapter |
Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.5 x 4.7" / 100 x 62.9 x 119.8 mm |
Weight | 1.2 lb / 530 g |




