







Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
Zoom H6essential 6-Track 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Recorder
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The H6essential Portable Recorder, showcased as Zoom's premier handheld recording device, provides six tracks of clear, distortion-free audio without requiring level adjustments. Featuring 32-bit float recording and interchangeable X/Y microphones capable of managing up to 135 dB effortlessly, the H6essential delivers a flexible and user-friendly audio solution.
The four XLR-1/4" combo inputs are equipped with low-noise, high-quality Zoom microphone preamps and provide +48V phantom power, enabling the use of professional condenser microphones. The onboard mixer is user-friendly, featuring a vibrant 2" color display that allows for the adjustment of individual tracks and real-time visualization of waveforms. The H6essential's USB-C port serves dual purposes, providing power while also facilitating the streaming of up to two channels of audio to computers and smart devices, functioning as a 6-in / 2-out interface. Additionally, the recorder can be mounted on a tripod, making it suitable for stationary use or for attachment to a camera via an adapter for field recording applications.
Next Generation 3.0 Capsule System
- The H6essential sports essential versatility designed to support creators of every kind. To this end, the H6essential has a removable X/Y mic capsule that can be swapped with several optional modules to fit the needs of your specific application.
- The default capsule that comes with the H6essential, this adds two high-quality microphones in a X/Y stereo arrangement. This arrangement is most sensitive to audio directly in front while also capturing a clean stereo image.
- The SSH-6e is equipped with a highly directional microphone designed to capture sound from the center, complemented by a bidirectional side microphone that records audio from both the left and right. The mid-side stereo image can be adjusted, allowing for a range from mono to an ultra-wide stereo pickup. This configuration enables the user to record dialogue using the center microphone while blending in the preferred level of ambient sound collected by the side microphones.
- To expand your input options, connect the EXH-6e dual XLR-1/4" TRS combo capsule. This enables the connection of two extra microphones, instruments, or line-level sources. If you supply power to the USB-C port on the capsule, phantom power can be utilized. Additionally, a 3.5mm jack is provided for line- or mic-level input, with plug-in power available for lavalier microphones.
Special Features
- With 32-bit float and dual AD converters the H6essential captures huge dynamic range. This gives creators the ability to record perfect audio, clip-free every time.
- The four XLR-1/4" TRS combo inputs feature Zoom's ultraclean preamps that support +48V phantom power and +4 dBu professional line-level input. The onboard X/Y microphones can capture sound up to a booming 135 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet airplane taking off.
- Send audio via USB-C in 32-bit float while simultaneously recording to an SD card. When connected to a Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android device using the USB-C Port, the H6essential can be used as a 6-in / 2-out audio interface.
- Use the built-in mixer to easily adjust each track's audio level. It also has a waveform display, so you can see your audio as it records.
For Content Creators
Musicians
The H6essential serves as a mobile recording studio, allowing you to connect up to four instruments through its XLR inputs. Additionally, the X/Y microphones enable you to record the entire ensemble in exquisite stereo sound.
Filmmakers
The 32-bit float recording instills confidence in filmmakers with each take. The H6essential proves to be indispensable on any set, featuring interchangeable capsules, four XLR inputs, and the option for wireless timecode through an additional adapter.
Podcasters
When there is a high demand for participation in your podcast, the H6essential provides a solution with its four XLR inputs. For an extra two XLR inputs, you can connect the optional EXH-6e capsule.
Optional Connections
- Use the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately) to pair with your iOS device and remotely record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings.
- With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.
Small Package, Big Features
- Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for quiet operation.
- You can use the built-in speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference. The speaker supports up to an impressive 500mW output.
- Use the 3.5mm line output to connect to a camera, and use the 3.5mm headphone output to monitor your audio.
- The vivid full-color 2" LCD screen makes it easy to navigate through the H6essential's menu and functions.
- The H6essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB to record hours and hours of audio.
- Supporting up to 10 hours of battery life on four AA batteries, the H6Essential will last through long recording sessions. Utilize USB-C bus power with outlets and power banks when batteries are not available.
Portable Recorder |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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) |







