Zoom H6 portable recorder review

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Hey what’s good fam!

I’m back with another product that was sent to me by American Musical

I’m very happy I get to keep this one when I’m done with the review (Thanks AMS!!)  because I use zoom recorders on a daily basis!

This particular one is the Zoom H6, and it’s the top of the line portable handheld recorder from Zoom

let’s check it out!

So what is the Zoom H6?

zoomh6The H6 is basically a hand held mini studio if you really want my take on it.

Technically, it’s one of the many portable digital recorders available on the market today, but Zoom has been a leader in this particular market for a while.

I personally have been using the Zoom H1 for a very long time for everything from interviews, to recording audio for my videos, to capturing samples.

The H6 takes the portable recorder concept to the pro level with removable mic adapters, 4 xlr combo inputs, phantom power, SD storage, usb connectivity and even the ability to be used as a USB audio interface on Mac, PC, and iOS.

This thing has a full color screen with tons of options in the system to help you capture the best recordings.

The truth is, something like this would have cost thousands years ago, as much use as I’ve gotten out of my H1, the H6 promises to multiply that ten times easy.

Quick Specs

  • inputs: 4 mic/line with combo XLR/TRS inputs, interchangeable input capsules
  • recording format: up to 24 bit/96K Wav, and various mp3 formats
  • key features: backup recording, chromatic tuner, color lcd, multi track mixdown, usb audio interface option, variable playback speed, Mid-Side recording, variable pitch, overdubbing, phantom power
  • price: $399.99
  • product page: http://www.americanmusical.com/Item–i-ZOO-H6-LIST

 So how does it sound?

Reel to Reel Tape RecorderMan this thing is very versatile, I was really surprised at how well it powered my dynamic mic, which is known to require a lot of gain.

It handled my mic well, and the included mic options definitely give you some choices in how you want to capture your sound.

I like the flexibility you get between the Mid Side and X/Y mic capsules

I also found that it wasn’t generally noisy overall, and the ability to turn on low cut to remove external noise definitely helps the recording process.

There is a built in limiter/compressor option that sounds find, though I find I don’t really tend to use it very often, at least not for vocal recordings.

Overall I think it sounds great, doesn’t degrade my signal, and gives me a very small powerful options for capturing all types of audio

So what’s the bottom line?

I was already a fan of the Zoom recorders ever since I bought my H1 years ago. I literally use it on a daily basis in some capacity or another.

My general love for the record transfers seamlessly over to the H6, it’s a grown up version of the recorder I rely on, and gives me many more professional options that open up a whole new range of possibilities.

The fact that I can even use it as an audio interface for my iPad is just plain crazy!

5subsI give the Zoom H6  a solid 5 out of 5 subs, it’s simply a powerful and portable studio in the palm of your hand.

If you’ve never experienced a Zoom recorder, you should look into it, and the H6 is for more than just capturing quick samples or field recordings.

This thing could easily be used as a personal tracker, tape machine, or demo device with ease.

Plugin in, or record through one of the built in mic options, either way you can capture your audio exactly how you want, when you want, and where you want.

Check it out: http://www.americanmusical.com/Item–i-ZOO-H6-LIST

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think

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