Zoom has introduced the H6studio, a follow-up to its H5studio transportable recorder. With upgraded preamps, six enter channels, and 32-bit float recording, the brand new mannequin goals to serve videographers, musicians, and subject recordists who want a compact however versatile resolution.
The H6studio builds on Zoom’s lengthy line of handheld recorders by providing extra inputs and studio-grade audio options in a well-known transportable kind issue. Retailing at $399.99, it’s now out there for preorder by way of B&H.
Extra inputs and expanded flexibility
In contrast to the H5studio, which supported 4 inputs, the H6studio supplies 4 XLR/TRS combo jacks plus a further two inputs by way of its interchangeable capsule system. Out of the field, this enables recording of six discrete sources plus a stereo combine concurrently. B&H’s demo highlighted setups starting from cooking-show type productions with lavaliers and a increase mic, to reside outside music periods combining drum overheads, bass, and saxophone.
This added flexibility makes it simpler to combine a number of microphones, wi-fi programs, or direct feeds from mixing consoles right into a single transportable system.
Zoom H6studio in use. Picture credit score: Zoom
32-bit float recording with twin converters
A key function carried over from the H5studio is 32-bit float recording. Paired with Zoom’s twin A/D converters, this format provides a large dynamic vary and helps stop clipping, even when recording unpredictable sources. The bodily acquire knobs now management post-conversion digital acquire, which means changes will be made with out damaging the unique sign.
The recorder helps sampling charges from 44.1 as much as 192 kHz, with full observe counts out there as much as 96 kHz. For video professionals, the analogy usually used is high-dynamic-range cameras: simply as footage from an ARRI Alexa 35 permits spotlight restoration, 32-bit float audio supplies post-recording latitude.
Zoom H6studio all wired up. Picture credit score: Zoom
Upgraded capsules and preamps
The H6studio ships with Zoom’s new XYH-5s capsule, that includes 19.4 mm diaphragms in a 90° XY array. Able to dealing with as much as 140 dB SPL, it’s designed for each detailed and phase-coherent stereo seize.
Internally, the recorder makes use of Zoom’s F-series preamps, providing an equal enter noise score of -127 dBu. These preamps have beforehand been praised for his or her clear, pure character in comparison with earlier H-series designs.
Connectivity and interface choices
Alongside the 4 XLR/TRS inputs, the recorder supplies a 3.5 mm stereo line enter, a 3.5 mm output for cameras, and a separate headphone output. It capabilities as a 6×2 USB audio interface for Mac, PC, iOS, and Android gadgets, supporting 16-, 24-, and 32-bit float seize. Customers may also livestream whereas concurrently recording a backup to microSD playing cards (as much as 2 TB supported).
Different notable options embody:
- phantom energy on the combo inputs
- +4 dBu line-level assist
- mono mode for interviews and narration
- built-in low-cut filter
- normalize and export capabilities for WAV recordsdata
- variable pace and A-B repeat playback
- a recording begin tone for simpler video sync
Package deal content material if you buy a Zoom H6studio. Picture credit score: Zoom
Energy, runtime, and equipment
The H6studio runs on 4 AA batteries for as much as 15 hours (with out phantom energy), and may also be powered by way of USB or an non-obligatory AC adapter. Zoom provides further capsules suitable with the three.0 system, together with the SSH6E mono/stereo shotgun and the EXH6E two-input enlargement module. A dual-channel wi-fi capsule (WLM1) is predicted in 2026.
The system features a shade LCD with selectable show views, a 20 mW headphone output, and a small built-in speaker used each for fast playback and accessibility options corresponding to spoken menu navigation.
Positioned between Zoom’s strains
B&H’s video assessment means that the H6studio occupies a center floor in Zoom’s lineup: extra inputs {and professional} options than the smaller Helpful recorders, however in a extra compact kind than the bigger F-series multitrack models. For creators who want portability with out sacrificing flexibility, it seems to bridge the hole successfully.
Are you out there for a brand new audio recorder? Tell us what you consider the Zoom H6studio within the feedback!
