How to Use a Zoom H6 Handy Recorder: Five Examples
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
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In this video I show five different examples of how I use my Zoom H6 Handy Recorder. The goal, here, is to demonstrate the versatility of this piece of audio hardware and to give you some ideas for how you can use your own. Do you own a Zoom H6? I’d love to hear how you use yours. Let me know it the comments below.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:27 Example 1 - Audio Interface
00:01:40 Example 2 - Field Recorder
00:02:31 Example 3 - Audio Interface for Cameras
00:03:55 Example 4 - Multitrack Recorder
00:04:56 Example 5 - Stereo Recorder
00:06:40 Conclusion
#zoomh6 #handyrecorder
The Zomm H6 changed my life! I have a traditional acoustic music group and i play portuguese guitar. The sound is realy great. And to record live sessions of acoustic music i recomend the Microfone Zoom MSH-6.... it simulates a human head.... and to listen the recordins of a concert it's just the same sensation of being there!
Very cool. I own the MSH-6 Mid-Side Capsule, as it came with my recorder, but I have to admit - I've never used it for anything. I guess I should test it out!
@@andystandys Please do it.... if you have some people playing acoustic instruments and singing.... for example.... you will be surprised with the result.... when you are listenming the recordings you will have the same panoramic sensation like if you were in the front of the band... put it 2 meters away from the muscinios.... its incredible.... should be a nice videoto react :)
I just bought one of these today and a very excited to play around with it. I got mine to interface with my iPad so that I can record my guitar playing
It should work good for that!
I have an H6, F1 and F2. It is wonderful equipment and very portable!
I bought one, planning to use it to do field recording for a side hustle I'm starting. The h6 is amazing.
Thank you for this! I was about to upgrade to the H8 for no other reason than I'm addicted FB Marketplace deals. You've reminded me that there's no need to abandon my H6.
Even if you do have the upgrade bug, I would wait a few months until the new versions come out. As someone else mentioned in the comments, ZOOM just announced new versions of most of their recorders, including the H6, with 32-bit floating point capabilities.
I've own an H6 for few years now. But I keep learning more features every time. Thanks for the awesome video.
Glad you learned something. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you. I needed this demo. I recently started recording my Bands rehearsals with my H6 XY mics. Then next step is to take line outs off the board for 6 track recording. Then...bring in the laptop for DAW multitrack recording using H6 as the interface.
Glad you liked the video. I wish I had a band to record - that would be fun.
thank you so much man this video was absolutely perfect!! i just was given one of these and i honestly wasn't sure just HOW to use it, but this video was better than i could've worded things in my research, this was all done so well! i hope you keep it up and make similar videos with the h6!!!
Thanks for the feedback! I’m glad I was able to give you some ideas.
I own the Zoom H6 and I learned a few things. Great video
Glad you liked the video!
Excellent video. I will definitely share this.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Incredibly helpful video ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really good video. Thanks for the sweet reccomendations! Greetings from Bahrain, well a flight to Germany from Bahrain haha
Glad you enjoyed the video! Greetings from Canada!
Thanks for a very useful overview
Glad you liked it.
🙂Excellent expiation down to the point. My first digital recorder was the Zoom hn4 which did a fantastic job for me on location in short and long film productions. I purchased the Zoom F4 Digital Field Recorder/Audio Interface, Tt is recorder is very similar to the Zoom H6 in a variety of ways.
I’ve been wanting to check out the F4. It looks cool.
@@andystandys You would definitely enjoy the unit indeed especially the F8 Brother field recorder for a few hundreds of dollars more, just fantastic for 8 audio inputs for a live broadcast shows with multiple guests as well.
We highly recomend it for multichannal digital audio fild work on or off location productions.
@@andystandys
Good video planing to buy one this video was useful 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Glad you found it helpful!
Hey Andy! That was surprisingly informative video in many ways. Please describe a bit more spliting line out to several cameras. Can you do it with three? What would be the syncing process in post? Use audio from sd card and camera? Recording might be stated on different time, on camera and on the recorder. Please describe your workflow, when you need to fix audio in post and sync it. Thank you!
Sure, it's not too complicated. As seen in this shot at 3:47 you would simply connect yet another 3.5mm splitter into the first 3.5mm splitter to give you three outputs from the ZOOM's line out. Connect each of these to the mic inputs on your cameras, and set the gain on the cameras really low, like 1 or 2. Don't use the camera's "Auto" gain setting.
The line out is a sum stereo signal of all of the mics connected to the ZOOM. You could probably use this audio file in the finished edit of your video, but if you want a bit more control over the edits of your sound, it's preferable to edit the separate mono mic inputs that the ZOOM records.
Once into your video editor, (I use Adobe Premiere to edit my videos...) import your three camera angles, and all of the audio files for each mic that the ZOOM recorded. In my example at 3:09, I ended up with three stereo audio tracks from the three cameras, as well as three mono audio tracks from the ZOOM. A total of 6 audio tracks. Drag all those files into your timeline on separate channels. In Premiere, you simple select all of the audio files, right-click on them, and click "Synchronize." This automatically syncs all of the audio tracks together.
Hopefully this all makes sense. I will do a short video on this, sometime, when I get a chance.
This was helpful! I started researching this device because it's on sale. However, a little feedback:
1. Your eyes do not move. I'm not sure if this is intentional or an automatic effect in your capture card.
2. Your voice and cadence are extremely precise and perfected.
These two things made me think you were a low effort AI content farm, but I checked your other videos and concluded you're most likely a real person. Generally I close a video as soon as I suspect it's artificially generated and I'm sure there are many others like me. It's simply not worth it to waste my time on something that just regurgitates other people's thoughts. When I concluded you were a person I thought it might be helpful to share my thoughts.
It's ok to blink. It's ok to breathe. You don't have to be perfect. Just be a person. You don't have to emulate the AI.
Thanks for the feedback. I wasn't aware that my eyes weren't moving... I did multiple takes of that part where I'm on camera - I'll have to see if I had the "AI eyes" in the other takes. 😐
People who know me well would say that I'm not a "big talker." Delivering content off the top of my head isn't really a strength of mine, so I almost always read from a script when narrating videos. It's how I'm most comfortable. I am also too much of a perfectionist to just "wing it." I would undoubtedly find dozens of problems with what I said, in post production, if the content wasn't scripted-out just the way I like it.
I'm trying to learn how to best use mine for home music recording to whatever DAW I am using or also for outboard kinda recording. By that I mean, shooting with whatever camera but capturing audio on the H6. Can I buy an affordable vid cam that I can mount the H6 to the top "boot" as it were? Yes, I'm rookie at this and have a lot of stupid questions! Lol. Your video is very informative and thank you for taking the time to make it. I know it isn't easy!
Sure thing. Look up "SmallRig 1/4" Mini Ball Head Cold Shoe Mount Adapter" on Amazon. You just need something like that, and you can mount the H6 directly onto the top of most cameras that have a hot shoe mount.
Only downside is that it doesn’t take midi when working as a sound interface but I guess that could be sorted with a usb hub if the receiving device,such as an iPad, could handle that….
Andy, thanks for posting this video. I never considered all the possibilities. I'm knew at the audio world. Could you please make a list of the audio adapters you've referred to in your list of backup items? Thanks. Also, at what point is it worth getting a board rather than using a handheld device such as the ZOOM 12.
6:00 Pictured here is an XLR cable, you maybe should have a couple of these. If you take a main output from most mixers, or need to plug extra mics into your Zoom these are handy. Next is a 3.5mm to dual 1/4" cable. This would be good for taking an audio signal, also from a mixer, if the mixer only has a free headphone output or something like that. The next cable is just a dual 1/4" cable that has some RCA adapters on one end of it. This would, again, cover any mixer that may have free RCA outputs or free 1/4" outputs. This covers the four main connector types that you may run in to.
The advantages of having a mixing board is that you can apply EQ and effects to each of your inputs. So, if you need EQ and Effects, you would want a board. Mixing boards also usually have 3 or 4 different outputs, (headphone out, control room out, main out...) So if you want many different audio outputs with their own volume controls, you may need a mixer. Check out my video about USB mixers, which explains some of that stuff.
Also keep in mind that not all mixers can record multiple tracks. (If they record at all.) That's one main advantage of a Zoom unit.
Great examples! Im curious, when using it as a audio interface does it have any built in dsp like eq or compression? It would be handy for streaming/calls. Thanks
As far as I know, it does not. But, I have no idea what they have in store for the new version of the H6 coming out…
It has some compression and limiter presets, and adjustable low cut filter, but that's about it
Really great information! Is using the SM58 better than using the built in mics?
Thanks for the comment! The built in X/Y mic is really good quality, and I *have* used it before for recording narrations - but since it is a stereo mic, you have to focus on keeping your mouth/voice centered in between the two capsules. If not, when you go to edit your recording, you may find that the audio is more on the left or the right... and then you have to adjust for that. When you're recording a voice you usually just want a mono recording, which is why I use the SM58.
@@andystandys or you could use the MS capsule with the side turned off to record in mono
@@minisynthmaniac I’ll have to try that.
Great Video. how do I get the audio from a Zoom call on my computer into a separate track for an interviewee?
Using a USB mixer may be a better solution for this. Check out my other video where I show a similar example to what you’re talking about.
Great POST! Question: the PAD buttons... 🤔 to turn them on I have to switch them towards the outer side, (closer to the volume wheels ), or inwards? (away from the volume wheels...)? LAstly: how often do you use them and when should one do so...? 🤔 Thanks! ;) cheers!
Thanks for the comment! Pushing the PAD switches to the right hand side lowers the volume of your inputs by 20db. All four of them work in the same direction. If you're plugging mics or instruments you generally do not use the PAD. The PAD is for line-level audio sources, like audio coming from a mixer.
@@andystandys Oh I see.. so for using with regular mics for an interview or getting let's say nature sounds, I don't need to use them...ok great! thanks!
Yes, it's a nice versatile piece of gear and I happen to own one, but I am not very happy with the sound quality - the preamps are very noisy, which make recording quiet sources almost impossible, and also it sometimes makes a strange squeaky RF type noise, which, albeit very quiet, is still audible on the recordings in silent parts.
Thanks for the comment. I have to admit I haven't recorded a lot of really quite sounds, so I haven't noticed the noise that much. I should do some further testing... And most of the interviews and stuff like that i record, I always de-noise in post processing anyhow.
Thank you a very useful video indeed. I am new to this kind of audio. I have a DJI Mic2 and Rhode shotgun mic. What cables do I need to connect them to the Zoom please. Both microphnes have use a 3.5mm jack - rather than the XLR. I can't find this information anywhere. Please forgive my ignorance
Thanks for your question . The X/Y Microphone capsule on the top of the ZOOM also has a 3.5mm input jack on the side of it, so if you're looking to input only one of those mics at a time, you could plug it in there. If you want to use the XLR inputs on the side of the ZOOM, you would need to buy an adapter. Search for the "Rode VXLR Mini-Jack Female to XLR Male Adapter for VideoMic" on Amazon. I have two of those and they work fine.
@@andystandys Thank you very much for that information, it is exactly wehat I needed from someone who knows what they are talking about. It is odd how a simple piece of information can be so hard to find. I realise that it should be a no brainer, just get an adaptor .- unless one does not know how it all works - and that one would be me.
Thanks again, great channel :-)
@@pedrosanchez4035 No problem. Glad I could help!
Hi Thanks for the video - I have a Question : Using it as an Audio Interface - can I record stereo only or do I get all 6 Tracks seperated in my computer or I pad ?
You can record all six tracks. That’s the beauty of this device! In whatever app or software you’re using, you can usually select each of the 6 inputs separately. When you plug the Zoom in using USB you have to select “Multitrack” on the device.
I play banjo and sing i was told i should get the zoom 5 but someone else said the two channels are not the same quality. So i want to record both voice and bsnjo on separate tracks. From a mixer or amp output as i keep getting room noise on my vidieos. Iwant to buy one of the two. If you understand my problem and have any suggestions i would appreciate it as im trying to learn. I have garage bsnd and i movie on my apple. Im not sure if ghat is sufiviant or i have to upgrade my u movie to a more advance one. But simple kne is better as im not fast at learning.
THANKS tony
I have never used the H5, so I can’t really comment on its quality. The H6 will definitely cover anything you want to do as far as recording two tracks go. You could record your two tracks right on the H6, or hook it up to your Apple device and use it as an audio interface to record right into GarageBand on multiple tracks.
I just realized the different type of cables you use that are not xlrs. Those work too? and how are they called? thx!
Yes, the inputs on the ZOOM H6 are combo jacks - they accept both an XLR and a 1/4" mono plug. I probably should have mentioned that in the video. The X/Y Mic capsule also has a 3.5mm stereo input on it that you can plug into.
I got a Tascam X8…I am trying to figure it out…I’m trying to do music but I feel I got a ways to go…I use a mc-101 and the 2 mic’s…but am confused on the multi track bit
Sorry, I've never used a Tascom X8, so I'm not much help on that one.
Is there a level link option like with the H4n pro or do I have to adjust the two controls separately? I can't find anything.
There is no level link option, as far as I know.
What about connecting a zoom H6 essential to a mixer? Will it be any different? I’m looking to record concerts so connecting to a mixer is kind of recommended to shoot these concerts.
Yes, you can absolutely do that. If you check out my video about USB mixers I show that in one of my examples.
Good stuff but please post your equipment in the description. I know you're busy and it is extra work but we'd appreciate it.
Thanks, good point. I will try to do that.
🙂
Please give your opinion. F3 or H5 for my UA-cam channel? Is I need to input my voice really. Is there any quality difference?
I have never used either of those units, but I would personally pick the F3 because it is newer and has 32-bit float recording.
Do you know if the 3.5 input has a stereo line signal (for example, from a wireless mic receiver), does the H6 record that stereo input as two mono tracks that can be adjusted separately?
The X/Y module and it's included 3.5 jack are stereo only. I just tried separating it into two mono tracks, but you can't. But, you could still isolate the left and right channels of the stereo track once you get it into your editing software...
@@andystandys Thank you SO much! Do you know if using the EXH-6 capsule, does it record four mono tracks and one stereo, or six mono tracks?
@@TuesdaysTurn With the EXH-6 you can record six mono tracks. You can see that in my example where I’m recording the drum machine.
@@andystandys Thanks much!!
@@TuesdaysTurn No problem. Glad I could help!
Set it up with Samsung S23..
Zoom just announced at NAMM 2024 that the new Zoom H1, H4 & H6 will now feature 32-bit float recording!
That’s awesome. I might have to upgrade to the new one.
@@andystandys Me, too! I’ve got ten years of use to date out of my H6. Best piece of audio gear I’ve bought! Here’s wishing you many new subscribers. 😎👊🏻🙏🏻🇨🇦🎤🎼
@@StreetsOfVancouverChannel Thanks for the kind words.
The H6e still looks like a great purchase, but from my understanding, they didn't upgrade the pre-amps and still use the -120 dBu EIN. If this is true, that's quite disappointing after 10~ years of waiting.
i might be wrong but it seems we cannot use the XY mic and the 4 XLR at the same time.
I just tested it out. Yes, we can use both the XY mic and the XLR's at the same time. It works on mine in both stand-alone mode and in audio interface mode. And I was using my phantom powered lavalier mics to test it.
@@andystandys I had trouble doing it last time i had use it but i knew it could work...thank you 🙏
I have the original H6 and my only issue with it is that it is the rubber turned gooey/sticky in the first year that I got it; otherwise, I absolutely love the H6.
Which parts of yours have the rubber texture on it? I never knew they made them like that...
@@andystandys I got mine in 2017, the sides and bottom are no-slip rubber coated.
@@NoRageGuy Check out this video - a guy talking about getting it replaced by ZOOM... Sounds like the same one as yours:
ua-cam.com/video/mN3bwyjWX8Y/v-deo.html
@@andystandysthanks for sharing that link, I did happen to see that video yesterday so I contacted ZOOM and this is what they responded with:
"This issue is covered under warranty within 3 years of the date of purchase.
If the unit is outside of this period, we can either offer a silicone cover to put on your device and a new battery door at no cost, or a new replacement unit for $125.00 (plus $10.00 shipping)."
I got mine in 2017 so the I would have to pay another $135.00 + shipping of the original to replace the unit; I contacted ZOOM by phone in 2018 (within its first year or usage) and was informed by ZOOM at that this would not be covered under warranty and I was outright accused of cleaning the unit with alcohol thus me allegedly causing the issue.
@@NoRageGuy That's unfortunate that they didn't fix it the first time you contacted them. I guess, at that point, they hadn't yet realized that their material was faulty?
Is it good for ASMR ?
I've never really tried it for that, but I assume it would work.
Hi there! The most recent video covers real crime documentaries. Have you watched it yet? Share your thoughts with me!
The most recent video on UA-cam?