H6essential

The Flagship

Our most robust handheld recorder, the H6essential is a recording powerhouse. With 6 tracks of 32-bit float recording, the H6essential provides unprecedented quality and unmatched versatility.

Features & Specs

The First Handy Recorders with Accessibility

The Essential Series was designed with Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Navigate the menu with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Creators can choose English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian or Chinese.*

_{^{* To use a language other then English, please visit}} _{^{Support and Downloads}}_^.

_{Ellis Hall}_{| Singer, Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist}

Six Perfect Tracks

The 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs feature ultra-clean Zoom preamps, and the included X/Y microphones can capture up to a booming 135 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet taking off.

Interchangeable Microphone Capsules

replacing the mic capsule with a protective cover when no capsule is necessary

Remove The Mics

When the X/Y mic is not needed, detach the capsule and use the included cap for a low profile setup.

Record And Stream

Use the USB-C port to connect to PC, Mac, iOS, and Android device to use the H6essential as a 32-bit float interface while simultaneously recording all 6 tracks to an SD card.

ESSENTIAL FOR CREATORS

For Musicians

The H6essential is a portable studio. Mic up to 4 instruments using the XLR inputs and use the X/Y microphones to capture the full ensemble in beautiful stereo.

_{Chris Ferrari}_{| Saxophone}_{John Benitez}_{| Bass}_{Luisito Quintero}_{| Percussion}_{Vinny Valentino}_{| Guitar}_{Santiago Moyano Sr}_{| Vocals, Percussion}

Live Sound Mixer recording a sports car using all six inputs on the H6essential

For Filmmakers

32-bit float recording gives filmmakers confidence with every take. The interchangeable capsules, 4 XLR inputs and wireless timecode make the H6essential invaluable on any set.

_{James Appleton}_{| Live Sound Mixer}

podcasters using a H6essential to record their podcast

For Podcasters

When everyone wants to be on your podcast, the H6essential has you covered with 4 XLR inputs. For two additional XLR inputs, connect the optional EXH-6e capsule.

_{Ming Chen, Ethan Nieratko} _and_{Christian Cordes}_{| Podcasters | A Shared Universe Podcastudio}

Waveform Display

The H6essential has a waveform display so you can see your audio as it records.

Using the mixer button and adjustment wheel to adjust track levels

Built-In Mixer

For full control of your mix, hit the ‘Mixer’ button and quickly adjust your levels.

using an iPhone to remotely control the H6e

Pair With Your iOS Device

Use the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter to pair with your iOS device to remotely hit record, adjust your mix, view your waveforms, and change settings through the H6essential Control app.

Get the H6essential Control app

Bluetooth Timecode

With the BTA-1* Bluetooth Adapter you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video sync.

_{^{*BTA-1 Adapter not included}}

MORE UPGRADES

Quieter Controls

Recording and rotary controls have been meticulously designed to allow for silent operation.

Onboard Speaker

Use the improved onboard speaker to listen to your recordings for quick reference.

Outputs You Need

Use the line output to connect to a camera and the headphone output to monitor your audio.

Higher Visibility

The new full-color LCD screen provides you with a more vivid view as you record and navigate the menu.

5-piece jazz band playing and recording to the H6essential

H6essential Gallery

Inputs	Mic capsule	1
	MIC/LINE (mono)	4
Outputs	LINE OUT	1
	Headphones	1
	Built-in speaker (mono)	1

XY mic: XYH-6e	90º XY stereo format
	Directionality	Unidirectional
	Sensitivity	−42dB/1Pa at 1kHz
	Maximum sound pressure input	135 dB SPL
MIC/LINE (mono)	Connectors	4 XLR/TRS combo jacks
		(XLR：2 HOT TRS：TIP HOT）
	Input gain	Adjustment unnecessary (dual A/D converter circuits used)
	Input impedance	MIC: 3.8 kΩ or more
		LINE: 39 kΩ or more
	Maximum input level	MIC: +4 dBu
		LINE: +24 dBu
	Phantom power	+48 V
		Channel total 32 mA or less
	Equivalent input noise	MIC: -120 dBu or less（IHF-A) @150 Ω input
		LINE: -95 dBu or less（IHF-A) @600 Ω input

LINE OUT	Connector	Stereo mini jack
	Maximum output level	+1 dBu
	Output impedance	110 Ω or less
Headphones	Connector	Stereo mini jack
	Maximum output level	20 ｍW + 20 ｍW（when 32 Ω load）
	Output impedance	10 Ω or less
Built-in speaker	Type	20 mm x 30mm elliptical dynamic speaker
	Effective maximum output	250mW

Maximum simultaneous recording tracks	8
Maximum simultaneous playback tracks	6
Recording formats	WAV
	44.1/48/96 kHz,
	32-bit float mono/stereo
	BWF and iXML formats supported
Recording media	4-32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification
	64GB–1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification

Connector		USB Type-C
		• Use a USB cable that supports data transfer.
Audio Interface		USB 2.0 High Speed
	Input and output channels	6 in / 2 out (Multi)
		2 in / 2 out (Stereo)
	Sampling frequency	44.1/48/96 kHz (AIF only)
		44.1/48 kHz (AIF + onboard recording)
	Bit depth	24-bit, 32-bit float
File transfer		USB 2.0 High Speed

2.0-inch full-color LCD	360 x 240

Dedicated wireless adapter	ZOOM BTA-1

4 AA batteries	Alkaline, lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries
AC Adapter	ZOOM AD-17 (DC 5 V/1 A)
	• USB bus power is supported.

Alkaline batteries	About 18 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh)	About 14.5 hours
Lithium batteries	About 30 hours