Introducing the H6essential

Zoom Product Specialist, Samuel Greene, shows us the features for the Zoom H6essential.
With 32-bit float technology, and all new mic capsule system, and Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, this redesigned 6-track Handy Recorder provides unparalleled versatility for musicians, filmmakers, podcasters and all content creators.
We’re Zoom. And We’re For Creators.

[@thepastcomesalive2082]

Oh my God this is amazing, I’m totally blind, and I’ve been wanting for years equipment like this with accessibility built into it, because I’m interested in broadcast mixers and recording, studio equipment, and stuff like that and most of it even if it has a touchscreen it doesn’t even talk and I always ask myself if they can have an apple iPhone with touchscreen that has accessibility And the voiceover features. Why can’t everything else? Finally somebody is listening and really cares about this thank you. Zoom corporation. It’s a miracle! Somebody finally has sense to accommodate people with disabilities.

[@hellopsp180]

i really hate the design. the older design was much more visually appealing

[@axoid]

Yeah. I didn't know much about them until recently, so when I saw the the pictures of the old and new one I assumed the new "essentials" version was the more basic cheaper version and the older one was the more premium option.

[@MHBTeleVision]

Line out to a camera, wilk it still be a 32 bit recording going line out?

[@IndianKD]

Why microSD, not usual SD card? Is it possible to download files via USB-C, do not touching the microSD card?

[@snkeair3114]

yes, you can download the files without removing the SD CARD.

[@DarinRoman]

Does the 'Essential' series naming convention indicate the possibility of a forthcoming 'Professional' series? A max sample rate of 96kHz rather than 192kHz or 384kHz, as well as, the lack of a large touchscreen (like the TASCAM Portacapture X8) may hint to this. In my opinion, the new design and color scheme (buttons and GUI) are also not as nice looking as the previous models. I had the original H6 and now have the H6 Black Edition, along with all of the mic capsules and dual XLR capsule. I was really hoping to be able to use all of these capsules with a new 32bit float version of this excellent field recorder and audio interface. I didn't realize 32-bit float capability required new microphones. As of today, it appears the new 3.0 capsules are not available yet. I am assuming there will be a similar line-up of shotgun mic, mid-side mic and additional XLR inputs. I think I'll wait it out for the next version.

[@michaelneal900]

my older h6 has always had grounding issues when connected to computer. What's the problem?

[@Ramiz_Reza]

We need some collar mic or wireless mic from zoom please

[@Burk]

Yes

[@lomemarsupial]

roughly how much audio time would a 512GB card hold on this h6essential?

[@squidskunk]

sounds like an awesome device... why always a small screen..? zoom always puts a small screen...im a big guy 6'5" i have large fingers.. I HATE SMALL SCREENS.

[@johnwhellenberg]

Luckily you control the Zoom with buttons. It's not a touchscreen 😉

[@WalterDavidRiffmon]

I notice that the new H6 is the only model in this new series that has the stereo ics updated fr 32 bit. I've not heard that stated for the H1 or H4. Is this accurate?

[@patlecat]

@Zoom WWhen will you bring an update to the old F6? Does it also support the Deity TC-1?

[@yuan249520028]

How is the Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) of the H6 essential?

[@fabriziodalisera]

Hello, can I connect this device to a smartphone (Android and IOS) or a DLSR camera to record? I have been using the zoom H4N since 10 years. I'm a professional musician, I recorded many many concerts and lessons, and the H4 never let me down!

[@Burk]

I have two files of each recording. A TrMic.Wav file and a TrLR.WAV file. What is the difference between the two files and which would be best to use on recorded ambient nature sounds such as rivers and streams?

[@blackbugmedia]

Can you still record in 24bit with gain staging if you wanted to? Or is it always 32bit float?

[@ivanthephotog]

Does the x/y mic capsule record at 90 degrees or 120 degrees?

[@mattabonimedia]

where in this video does it show you how to record

[@Namkro-ASMR]

As a practitioner, I think the 1/4" screw hole of H6essential is just too close to the battery cover lid so the arca swiss/nato plate intalled on the H6essential would interfere with the cover lid every time changing the batteries inside. As a new member in the sophisticated audio product line, H6essential is obviously not designed in consideration of actual application scenarios.

[@algodley6099]

Is the inputs 32float or is it just for the build on mic ?

[@tinkarobert]

When is the H6essential out in the UK? When I go to buy on your website it says "currently not available".

[@gamerchannel666]

Do you have the Input Capsule like ZOOM EXH-6 ?

[@AlexanDer2007]

-120 dBu EIN is not really good. No alternative to the F-series.

[@marekhorvath3148]

also only 96kHz - for game design you need 192kHz if you want to experiment with pitch and stretch. these models are a big step back and disappointment for me and I stick with f3,mixpre6II

[@keshermedia]

@@marekhorvath3148 It's obviously NOT for game design, so why point this out and complain about it! 🙈🙈🙈

[@VincentPolisi]

What's the deal with the new naming convention? Why is it called the H6 "Essential"? Other than 32bit float, how is it better or different than the H6? And why not just push a firmware update to the H6 and H8 for 32 bit float? For reference, I've owned the Zoom H6, Zoom H8 and Zoom F1, all fantastic devices.

[@Us-Pocus]

USB-C will become the mandatory connection for all on the market on 2024

[@VincentPolisi]

What does that have to do with it being called H6 Essential? @@Us-Pocus

[@Us-Pocus]

Name of the device is just marketing, I'm talking that the firmware will not be updated due to USB regulations and again marketing @@VincentPolisi

[@BuffaloBeatle]

How is the one I’ve had for 9 years going to malfunction the day this upgrade was announced at NAMM?? I couldn’t believe it.

[@situacionando]

Is there any H8 32-bit float coming up soon?

[@ILLAILLS]

Just purchased, would have been nice to include a wind muff. Can’t wait to take it to the field

[@thecimmerian7679]

Too bad you haven't used the F series quiet mic-pres. IMO that is a much more "essential" upgrade than 32bit and also what was expected (hoped) by users. I understand that you don't want to cannibalize the M series, but this looks like a minimal effort marketing gimmick for something you can achieve with the previous H series. Well... maybe an essential pro version... who knows?

[@hamitcampos4989]

Meh the M ones don't sound that good to me. Ah people wanted F guts in the H machines? I doubt they'd do that. Remember oligarchs just want your money. So I really doubt they'l ever do this. They'd want you to then just buy an F. I expected H8 guts though. They are 3 times better then the original H6.

[@adv.rohitl.jbrasdesa2402]

The zoom h6 essential cannot be used as an audio interface on windows 11 arm 64. There is no driver available on the website. Buyers beware

[@leihu-f1c]

From the earliest H4N to H6, I personally feel that the appearance has become ugly. It is far less good-looking than H5 and H6, and even not as good-looking as H4N. The important thing is that the problem of H5 and H6's outer skin detaching and sticking to the hand will be solved in the new Essential series. Well, it seems that the APP does not support Android, which is a headache. It is also bad that the previous external input volume adjustment knob has been cancelled. The built-in volume adjustment is definitely not as convenient as the external adjustment.

[@picturemaker]

Micro SD?! Why would you do that when every laptop we use for production uses standard SD? Micro sd is terrible to use. Its fiddly and needs an adapter. This is such a disappointment.

[@UXXV]

Look like a cheap kids toy with those blue buttons and USB 2 transfer speeds on 1 TB cards is going to be a joy. Epic fail here guys and not the upgrade from my H6 I was hoping for.

[@paulsmustache]

Purchased, arriving soon. Looking forward to using it in the field.

[@Jaani071]

stil Tascam X8 More Batter ❤

[@sunnyboner676]

I almost purchased the tascam until o saw that the microphones are actually made of shiny plastic, not metal 😒

[@michael86734]

cool is it better than the old one

[@MB-kx5qs]

Noo TOUCH?!

[@AtomicArcherGuy]

Honestly, because of the 32-bit float, touch is almost pointless.

[@MB-kx5qs]

@@AtomicArcherGuy To be honest, this doesn’t make any factual or technical sense. What does this have to do with what I wrote and how does it make sense if you take the technical aspect into account

[@IamShopping]

It looks sooooo terrible that there's nothing makes it to compensate. The designer at Zoom should be fired for creating such an ugly device. Seriously, Zoom, why do all the latest gear look like it was design by a kid that knows nothing about design? It's just ugly.

[@kkarinen]

I thought at first that it was a Chinese Knock-off :)

[@maciejlechpaczkowski8717]

szumi okropnie