Making The Most Out Of The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder

[@lisastarace112]

Thanks for showing how you use this on drums specifically. I've been getting great results using it as an interface, but don't know much about how to mix drums, so this was great!

[@malonedrum]

It’s probably my least favorite to use it as interface, but it is another tool in the toolbox of it. Kudos to Zoom for making it so well.

[@chettabobz7108]

Being a drummer as well, I needed this video to convince me that this product is the right investment for me. Thanks for all the great info!

[@malonedrum]

Happy to be of service, it’s been an awesome tool for me in my mobile/live recording set ups

[@yarpyarp85]

Same!

[@johnr9896]

The separation is amazingly. WOW

[@malonedrum]

It’s a fantastic tool!

[@Arlo360-Official]

That Mic capsule includes a stereo mini input. I run a Sony ECM Mic mounted on a regular Mic stand. You can also purchase a capsule with two XLR inputs for a pair of overhead or whatever. Each channel has its own gain knob.

[@malonedrum]

I’ve seen those, another option for sure

[@stayontarget999]

Great overview of realistic use cases for the H6. Very well done. Thank you

[@malonedrum]

You're welcome!

[@janmartinwiignipen4834]

A nice setup for video would be: LR: Stereo capsul to record room sound, 1&2: Stereo signal from in house console, 3&4: Stereo signal from video camera to make it easy to sync with the other channels in the post production.(Video audio sync)

[@malonedrum]

There’s a ton of flexibility with varied head capsules, and a number of inputs. So many options.

[@averyyoutube]

Incredible video Mr. Malone. This is weeks of your experience and videos like this are very rare these days. Thanks for sharing a real experience with this product.

[@malonedrum]

Agreed. Too many product reviews open something up and give their final thoughts within an hour of use.

[@miggscountrymusic]

Just got mine in, and CAN't WAIT to dive in. Great video.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks, I know you’ll love it!

[@CookinBeatloaf]

Curious to see a 2024 update, this was very informative and I'm sure you've learned some more

[@malonedrum]

Still love it, would love to try their new updated version.

[@mr.d7429]

I just sold my H4n pro that worked really well for my drum covers and bought an used h6 in mint condition and I’m blown away with the quality of sound before EQ and all that! Your video helped me to figure out other uses for it that I did not even know I could have! Thank you 🤘🏾

[@malonedrum]

I’m really glad to hear my video was helpful. As I explained in the video, once I saw Adam Neely explain how he used it for recording live shows with his band, it just clicked how much this would be a useful tool for me.

[@RobMilanowski]

This is my favorite video of yours so far! I think you just sold hundreds of Zoom H6s for them. Great review and great playing! (Zoom would be smart to endorse you.)

[@malonedrum]

Ha, well I’d love to work with them, but I feel like I got what I need now. Glad you enjoyed the video, hoping to do more of these linger form videos this year. Got a doozy coming up next month.

[@leafyleafyleaf]

Excellent video. I love jazz and clean drum sounds and cymbal shimmer. I have an H6 on order. Your well-produced video convinced me!

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it! Don't know if you saw my affiliate link, but if yo haven't bought it yet..... sweetwater.sjv.io/PygakQ

[@thekillium2122]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. I was going insane trying to find confirmation that you didn't need a computer to do multitracking with the H6. Thanks!!!

[@malonedrum]

Best feature about it in my opinion.

[@bhaveshsolanki6485]

Fantastic video, I did watch previously but watched it again with headphones! The difference was very noticeable the big band sounded amazing with the Zoom H6, and so did your trio. I am very impressed with the H6 I have only ever used a Zoom H2 like the one you showed in the video, which was OK lol!

[@malonedrum]

Yes, to get the true understanding of the audio samples, you have to use nice speakers or headphones, but it's sure a great piece of equipment in any of the contexts I tried.

[@jamcalpin]

Thanks for making and sharing this video. It is super helpful! I've been using a ZOOM H4N for years and love it. Now I'm getting ready to start using the H6 for various projects. Your video has helped a lot with breaking down the features and capabilities of the H6. I'm really looking forward to using this new ZOOM! Peace.

[@malonedrum]

I’m glad you found it helpful. Once I discovered how great it could be for my own use, i instantly bought it, and still loving it now.

[@SoundsToBlowYourMind]

That was a great video. I chose a lot of the same equipment as you to do a lot of the same type of things, such as home drum recordings, live recordings from rehearsals and gigs, field recordings, etc, and also ASMR recording on this channel, lol! I have the Zoom H6, Sony ZV1, Sm 57 for snare or guitar cabs, E604s for toms, but I use a D112, or Beringer BA19A for bass drum. I normally use a pair of pencil condensers (AKG C1000 in my case) for overheads, but that means all 4 inputs are used to record my kit. I didn't know about the extension cable to the stereo mic for doing overheads, that has always been the only drawback with the H6 having to place the whole unit above the kit, with all the mic leads also then dangling above the kit, if you wanna use the onboard xy mic for overheads, to free up two of the other channels for something else, such as bass or guitar, so I will look into this extension cable! I had thought about getting the other accessory which allows you to remove the xy mic, and add two more XLR inputs instead.

[@malonedrum]

Hope it works for you

[@carlylin1243]

thank you for such a straightforward and informative video!

[@malonedrum]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RafaelPernia]

Excellent video thanks. I bought a used h2 for 15$ and was blown away. This is how I record my drums currently, as an Overhead. Now I want to use dedicated mics and an interface. any interface with 4 or more outputs to DAW are almost the same price as this. I think I'm going for this one. There is one used for less than 200$ and it looks really new

[@malonedrum]

Man; that’s a great deal for $15!

[@thedarrensethe]

Thanks for that. I just got the H8 and I'm looking forward to playing with it.

[@malonedrum]

Congrats on your new purchase, this has been such a game changer for me on smaller gigs, hope you have the same results.

[@ramonkey2939]

I liked this video, and my being a drummer made this video relevant. I got the old version and H6 Black looking forward to how the newer version will sound. I enjoyed learning about the extension cables and would use the room x/y mic instead of taking my expensive mics out of the studio. So using them with the special cable was a big plus for me. Again thanks for sharing, and I won't hold Being a Green Bay fan against you. Go Bears!

[@malonedrum]

I respect Bears fans just fine, so we can get along. Pity the Lions fans, hate the Vikings fans.

[@andrescolintv]

Great story telling man!

[@malonedrum]

Thank you! That has been a skill I’ve been trying to develop over the last few years as I’ve gotten more into video creation. Nice to hear people taking note!

[@andrescolintv]

@@malonedrum yeah it was just perfect. You were explaining at the perfect pase and showed so many examples… just great. I subscribed

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it, and thanks for your subscription!

[@malonedrum]

Buy the Zoom H6 (while supporting my channel at no extra cost!): sweetwater.sjv.io/PygakQ

[@CaptureYouVideo]

I really enjoyed watching you play the drums. 🎉

[@malonedrum]

Then this channel is for you!

[@kieranvsmithmusic]

Great vid buddy. Awesome explanations and examples. Playing like a beast too! Have sold me on this unit thanks to this video. Cheers!

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it, feel free to use my affiliate link if you wanna support!

[@dannygough8262]

Great video 👍🏼 I've used the H6 on and off since it's release, always find myself going back to it, it's a great bit of kit 🙂

[@malonedrum]

Couldn't agree more!

[@mathieuzehnder-mateo5226]

Thank's Mike for the video. I'm a percussionist and also just bought the H6 and thinking about the extension cable (way too expensive though). Your video is inspiring!

[@malonedrum]

I’m so glad to hear it was helpful!

[@llonia1]

GREAT VIDEO!!!I MUST BUY THIS MIC.MERRY CHRISTMAS:)

[@malonedrum]

Absolutely!!

[@bluplow]

Just got the H6. I love it except for the naming features. Looking forward to proving it's better than my dr-40 OG hand held. This was a really good straight forward video and tought me about accessories I hadn't heard of yet. Thanks

[@malonedrum]

I dump files off it after each use, so it’s not like I have to search through numerous files to find what I’m looking for. I just rename them once I transfer

[@leroy0053]

omg. not only does your band sound amazing but i didnt know the h6 could pull this off. have owned mine for a year. mainly use it for some foley and acoustic recording. gonna for sure use it to capture some trios i have been hanging with lately. great vid!!!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks! If you wanna stream that trios new single too….. open.spotify.com/track/28WFsBmYQ2F49xVaGOMDij?si=zB14H1UGS8OUZOeboBicWw

[@2006EagleScout]

I own both H6 and H8 love them!!

[@malonedrum]

They are both fantastic!

[@gaber735]

Amazing video. I bought one earlier today and can’t wait for it to arrive. I have a blues-rock trio and can’t wait to record our gigs live with it. I had the H4N a long time ago but sold it foolishly. However really looking fwd to the enhanced display and ease of use of the H6N. Great video. Thanks.

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it!

[@ww1www]

I have the original H6 kit with the two mics and the full accessory pack. I bought the whole package second hand but like new, all still boxed at a great price. I love the recorder and its flexibility. I now also have a Tascam X8, which, in my mind is what Zoom should have done as an upgrade to the H6. When the H6 was released, it was revolutionary. But it was10+ years ago, and Zoom should have come out with a real replacement. They havent, so Tascam took the opportunity: the X8 is in many ways similar to the H6 but has improved on a number of small details, e.g. wider choice of input connectors, 32bit float, a better user interface, mixing board, DSP functions, somewhat better preamps. But the H6 is still very usable in 2023 and I am planning to keep it.

[@malonedrum]

I saw somebody using an X8 out on a gig a while back and it looks pretty great.

[@jacko222333]

11:47 Cool left hand move of the day.

[@malonedrum]

Once in a while I get the left handed crash, and it's tricky on a set up with just one cymbal.

[@edgarleon4979]

Nice video bro!! The Best I 've seen! What microphones do You have?

[@malonedrum]

I use a huge variety of probably 20-30 mics for different settings and applications.

[@whyflyguy007]

Great review. I look forward to trying mine out when it arrives

[@malonedrum]

Good luck!

[@Drummerandy]

Thank you ! Just picked up the H6 ! And was wondering how to run my Overhead condenser mics ? Safety! Thank you again! 👍👍

[@malonedrum]

Just plug them in and then make sure you turn phantom power on if they are condensers requiring it.

[@JamesBermingham]

Impressive stereo recording 10/10 review 🪄👍

[@malonedrum]

Yes, great product!

[@Brink1957]

Many thanks for your excellent review of the Zoom H6 from a musician’s perspective. I have an H6 and also a Sound Devices MixPre 6, which was over 3x more expensive. However, I find the H6 is just as good!

[@malonedrum]

I love my H6, haven’t felt the need to find alternatives for how great it works.

[@georgecovetskie6717]

Cool video. Thanks for doing that. I do have the H6 and it surprises me every time I use it. Great recorder and I have to mention it does have Very Exceptional audio. I can't see anyone complaining about the recordings this will give you. I would have to lean toward user error if something went wrong. I Highly recommend the Zoom H6.

[@malonedrum]

Yes, I’m still using it quite regularly to record live gigs and it works fantastic!

[@davidsuprenant893]

Beautiful studio mike.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks David

[@sgferns]

Fantastic presentation 👏🏻

[@malonedrum]

Thank you!

[@Medievalfan94]

Instead of using an extension to move the device closer you could also use the EXH-6 extension which replaces the the XY capsule with two additional XLR inputs with their own gain controls and use your own overhead mics.

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, that's another option as well.

[@BuffaloMikeEngel]

HI, Mike! Nice review!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks, great to hear from you!

[@daveg4353]

Holy crap!! I’m watching your video about the zoom H6 and I just realized you are based out of the city/area that I live in…….cool

[@malonedrum]

Small world! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@subbbass]

great video. I use my H6 with the remote and i bought it used in a plastic (slightly bigger) hardcase with the XYH-6 and MSH-6. there is also the Zoom EXH-6 Combo Capsule for 69 Euros if you have a pair of mics and want a different placement of the 2.

[@malonedrum]

I have seen that capsule and it looks like a good choice!

[@plantificationpodcast]

Fantastic demo. Thank you 🙏🏽 Was there a compressor on the H6 for your mics?

[@malonedrum]

If there is, I don't enable it. I chose to just record everything pretty raw on the H6 and then edit it in my DAW of choice (Logic Pro X) later on.

[@supright44]

Hello great video. just purchased mine and waiting for it to arrive. what type of little tripod was that mounted to toward end of video and what else did you have to buy to make it attach correctly?

[@malonedrum]

Honestly, thats a desktop tripod I got for free with a ring light, so anything should work. The device has standard tripod threading on it. Try this: amzn.to/3TF5uks

[@supright44]

@@malonedrum thanks again!

[@arodgoogle6327]

Hi Mike, This is great! I was wondering what recorder to purchase for my rehearsals, gigs, and podcasts. I’m going to purchase the Zoom H8. Good health and blessings to you.

[@malonedrum]

Great choice! If you haven't bought it yet and want to support the channel, feel free to use this link! sweetwater.sjv.io/c/5015118/937020/11319?prodsku=H8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FH8--zoom-h8-handy-recorder&intsrc=APIG_7338

[@videoguyla]

I have been giving some thought to adding the 2 additional xlr inputs for six miles and using my classic H2 over the drums and H1N for crowds. At a gig still trying to figure out our three singers

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, I've thought about that set up as well, but at that point, it makes more sense for me to use a different rig. So when I need more inputs than this, I just use my digital mixer, which can double as an interface and record into a DAW directly.

[@videoguyla]

@@malonedrum I haven't had the need to go to the next step but think about it often

[@thomcamacho]

great video! super informative, thank you for making!

[@malonedrum]

No problem!

[@MoanaNuiPodcast]

Wow what a difference!

[@malonedrum]

It's a great recording device!

[@midwaymonster30]

Fantastic video. Just the info I needed. Ty!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for watching.

[@janwxyz]

Thanks so much! Do you have a link to the Adam Neely video about Sungazer's recording setup with the H6?

[@malonedrum]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/en3TZ6pmrJd8a9Usi=XcZnH1BlA6TD6FDf

[@cansanl8346]

How the musicians hear themselves or where the headphones plug in , thank you for your helps🙏

[@malonedrum]

I believe there’s a plug on the device for headphones.

[@JJJDrums]

Great video. Very informative. Have you tried multitracking the H6 directly to an iPad using garage band? I’m looking to try it that way.

[@malonedrum]

I have not, but i have used as an interface and it works fine, so there should be no issues there.

[@StuartJrBarrett]

This is awesome!!! I wonder if I capture the same audio results from my Zoom Q4N.

[@malonedrum]

The XLR inputs are key in getting high quality results, but it’s a lot better than a phone camera even with just the stereo mics

[@bigtimebyallan]

Is your that you recorded "Leave the Door Open"? - Great video!

[@malonedrum]

I recorded all the silk sonic songs with a transcription, so maybe!

[@fdra1763]

Thanks for the info. I’m sitting in Guitar Center’s parking lot trying to justify this purchase.

[@malonedrum]

It’s worth it. Still use it all the time, years later.

[@ReinaldoSantiago]

Thanks drummer, Beautiful video 👊🏽🙌🏽

[@malonedrum]

Glad you liked it!

[@jonasverlo]

Really neat man! Been looking for ways to record good audio & my in ear mix in live situations. Have used an H2 with mixed results so far!

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, I think Zoom really has a wide variety of great products, so you should be able to find something with whatever fits yours needs best, but it's frustrating to figure out which one does, until you've tried a variety of them.

[@jonasverlo]

@@malonedrum True bro 🙌🏻

[@moviegurrl707]

Really great coverage of the H6! Looking to use the extension as a way to get the mic close to the band but have the H6 USB directly to my iPhone to capture the stereo mix directly into my video. My only concern is people stepping on the pricy extension cord. What do you think? Thanks!

[@malonedrum]

Hard for me to speak at how the people you're around will treat your cable, but it's an effective piece (although way too expensive in my opinion) .

[@amandinelelamer]

Thank you, this video is very instructive :-)

[@malonedrum]

Glad it was useful for you!

[@ameeromedia5883]

Nice Video. I just use my H6 for video recording but I like how you’ve recorded your drums! Hey where did you get that H6 case?

[@malonedrum]

I got it off Amazon. If you search Zoom H6 you’ll find a few that work well for it.

[@zereds]

Thank you, very useful

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it!

[@SwordCymbal79]

I keep coming back and watching this video, but now I have a comment. I have the zoom H8 (which also has an upgraded X/Y mic), and I want to start making some short form videos with my “Cajon as a kick drum” kit using the DW direct link cajon pedal, hats & a snare, outdoors at different scenic locations here in North Texas. I’m going the Behringer ba19a boundary mic inside the Cajon since the H8 will provide 48v power, and have the X/Y mic on a small tripod out of frame in front of the kick/hat/snare setup connected as an audio interface to my iPhone 15pro. I’ve seen many of these types of videos with a traditional Kick drum setup, but none with a Cajon as a kick drum, or with zoom H8 audio. What do you think? I hope to find a small niche for drum videos that has not been tapped yet.

[@malonedrum]

Sure, why not. Go for it!

[@SwordCymbal79]

@@malonedrum thanks for the encouragement! This H8 can do a lot of stuff. I wouldn’t say it’s the absolute best at a particular thing, but it’s a Swiss Army knife for sure if you get the reference lol

[@TessaAnderson]

Your band sounds amazing

[@malonedrum]

Thank you! I’m always grateful to play with these guys.

[@TessaAnderson]

@@malonedrum was it a shure sm58 on guitar amp?

[@malonedrum]

@@TessaAnderson Behringer B906, just a knock off/clone off that famous Sennheiser guitar amp mic

[@toneranger]

Great review, can you record with the condensers and the XLR inputs at the same time, say a live duo, two singers on the condensers with guitars through DIs in the XLRs ? To give you more control over the guitar EQ and level

[@malonedrum]

Yes, that's really the design of this specific unit. But if you're doing it on a live gig you'd need to factor that those vocal mics probably need to run into a PA/mixer first to amplify the sound, but then take an output from the mixer to the recorder.

[@toneranger]

@@malonedrum Thank you Mike, yes it's more for a portable live video promo recording at home, so 1 take with additional overdubs for harmonies 👍🏻 thanks

[@axelmoyamusic]

Amazing video, thanks!!!

[@malonedrum]

Glad it helped!

[@leehyunho_official]

That's amazing review. I recently bought an zoom-H8 to record a band ensemble, and it was very helpful. What do you think about recording the guitar, bass, vocals, two keyboards, and drums on the H8 together? Will the sound be really bad?

[@malonedrum]

The whole advantage to this system is you could record together (on once device at the same time) and be able to augment each track separately after the fact. A lot of flexibility to work with, especially on live recordings.

[@utubewillyman]

I would buy a bunch of cheap dynamic mics like the Behringer XM8500, some long cables, and try to individually mic each musician. You'll have so much more flexibility and quality when you mix later.

[@annavmusic6309]

this is great thanks for sharing! Do you find the sound better with the H6 above your drum set or out in front? Also, what gain on the x/y mic unit and what line level out db do you usually have it set to for your drums?

[@malonedrum]

It depends on if I’d be using it in tandem with other mics on the drums, for most situations I keep the gain on the stereo mic fairly low. Maybe 3-4.

[@annavmusic6309]

thanks!!@@malonedrum

[@victoryinmotion5905]

bruh! this is helpful! thanks

[@malonedrum]

Happy to hear it

[@drewconlin9452]

Question if I want to use one track for click/ metronome how do I do it? Thanks

[@malonedrum]

I believe you'd need to plug in an actual metronome device or at least an audio signal from a device playing a click track into one of the channels.

[@drewconlin9452]

@@malonedrum is there any way to use metronome on h6 as one of the tracks?

[@malonedrum]

@@drewconlin9452 I don’t own one, but probably same process

[@JudePastor]

Can I record only the raw tracks during my live performance using the Zoom H8? I intend to apply effects such as EQ, compressor, reverb, or delay to my line out for live sound, but I want the recorded tracks to remain raw and unaffected by these effects. Is there a feature or setting on the Zoom H8 that allows me to achieve this?

[@malonedrum]

If you plug a microphone into the Zoom, it’s raw audio.

[@1kdreamway]

great review. thank you

[@malonedrum]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billweaver2549]

Was the band recording done clean or with any of the compression settings? With the unit on the stand above the drums how did you go about setting levels? 24 bit to be a bit more conservative? I’d be afraid of getting some clipping distortion unless I did the recording several times to get it all just right.

[@malonedrum]

I typically record clean, and then edit audio in my DAW (Logic Pro X). Above the drums, it's an absolute pain to set levels, because you have to get up there and do it. One nice feature is you can do a safety recording a a low db so if it's a live setting, and your mic is too loud, you have a backup recording that isn't clipped.

[@Isafilm]

Saturado ❤

[@malonedrum]

🔥🔥

[@matthewafrazer]

Thanks for this video. I'm debating a q8n-4k or separate video camera and audio recorder. But I don't like spending too much time syncing audio and video together. Not sure if I can put up with the less than great video quality of the Zoom camera... Anyway, I love that little Bosphorus crash you have. It sounds way bigger than it's size. Can you tell me what it is?

[@malonedrum]

I had a similar feeling as you, and in the end, after trying multiple Zoom cameras, I just accepted that I’d never get something with the video quality I wanted. You can make it work if you have studio lighting and a few other things to help, but I’d suggest a better long term investment is getting separate camera and audio recorder. The crash is a Bosphorus 18” Syncopation Crash

[@anansiackhasone3428]

very usefule

[@malonedrum]

Happy to help

[@AverageBeausOutdoor]

GO PACK GO!

[@oliviadavis7184]

How well would the Zoom H6 record noise when recording outdoors? I need to document/record noise that is produced by an HVAC (Air Conditioner) while it is running. I tried to record the noise with my phone, but the recording is not clear and the recording does not sound like when you hear the noise in person. Should a mic be used with this recorder to capture the noise? If yes, which mic is recommended?

[@malonedrum]

I would think what you’d want is some sort of condenser microphone, which is what is standard built in on most zooms. It picks up a wider range of frequencies and sounds from further away from the source (when the gain signal is up high enough) as opposed to sounds directly in front of a microphone.

[@oliviadavis7184]

@@malonedrum what about the ZOOM H6 with a shotgun microphone? Like the Zoom SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun Microphone Capsule with Hairy Windscreen?

[@malonedrum]

@@oliviadavis7184 I can’t speak to that with any knowledge, sorry!

[@oliviadavis7184]

@@malonedrum Generally speaking, would a (directional) boom mic be the mic to consider?

[@malonedrum]

@@oliviadavis7184 I don't think I'm really the best to ask for your situation, but I enjoy the mic that came with the device a lot.

[@IncogKneegrow1]

Anyone get “ERROR!” Message when trying to format SD card? How do you fix?

[@malonedrum]

I know they have resources on their website of compatible SD cards. Maybe something worth double checking!

[@mattcero1]

I bought a pristine condition H6 with entire kit on CL and don't know what the F I'm doing with it. I got it for a STEAL too. I have the long extension cable and would love to sell the entire thing. Know anyone?

[@malonedrum]

I won’t need it, but glad you got a good deal

[@2006EagleScout]

Legit

[@malonedrum]

Too Legit

[@ronnieblanchet4072]

God bless you cat-WAY cool video! Thanks SOLI DEO GLORIA (To The Glory Of God Alone) Father, Son & Holy Spirit -Ronnie

[@malonedrum]

🙌🙌