Zoom H6studio takes the successful H6 field recorder to its 32-bit float recording level with eight tracks, and more.
I’m a massive fan of the Zoom H6 series. I’ve used two H6s for over ten years, and throughout the entire Synth Anatomy time. Then it was discontinued in early 2024, and the H6Essential followed. Anyone who uses the H6 as a daily driver was disappointed by the Essential features at launch.
I was especially disappointed by the pre-amps, which quickly became noisy in my Superbooth coverage. When Zoom showed this year the H5studio, hope was rekindled that a successor to the H6 would be available. And that hope is now reality. Zoom has just launched the H6studio.
Zoom H6studio
The H6studio is a new 32-bit handy recorder/field recorder that replaces the popular H6. Zoom brought the successor H6studio into 32-bit and gives it eight tracks on which you can record, two more than in the standard H6 configuration.
A highlight of the new H6studio is the upgraded pre-amps. It now features F-series preamps that deliver ultra-clean audio (-127 dBu EIN). They are joined by dual A/D converters and 32-bit float recording, giving you 132 dB of dynamic range for capturing every nuance.
Part of the new H6studio is also the new 32-bit compatible capsule system 3.0 generation, introduced with the latest Zoom recorders. It features 19.4mm microphones that are stacked at a 90º angle to form a perfect X/Y pair.
This minimizes phase cancellation commonly experienced with AB and other mic arrangements. According to Zoom, they have a rich, flat response with 123 dB of dynamic range and can withstand 140 dB SPL.
8-Track Multi-Track Recording
On the connection side, the H6studio offers six tracks plus a stereo mix, giving you a recording of up to 8 tracks simultaneously. It supports sampling rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz with up to 6 tracks, and when you are using eight tracks, it goes up to 96kHz.
Another highlight of the new H6 generation is the bi-recording option. You can either record in 32-bit float or 16/24-bit formats.
32-bit prevents clipping but requires post-production, while 16/24-bit eliminates the need for post-processing but requires gain adjustment to avoid clipping. There is also a dedicated format switch, with which you can easily change the format on the fly.
The H6studio includes four locking XLR/TRS inputs with +48V phantom power and +4dBu line-level support, plus the beloved stereo mini jack, which also supports plug-in powered mics.
Other Features
Then, it also offers a new RF shielding that blocks interference from smartphones and Wi-Fi. The mics on the XYH-5s capsule use shock mounting to reduce handling noise.
Just as necessary are the Zoom H6studio’s new built-in “look-ahead” limiters that catch peaks early to prevent distortion, avoiding clipping in 16/24-bit and removing the need for post-recording adjustments when using 32-bit float.
Zoom also announced that the upcoming WLM-1 dual-channel wireless system, which includes two transmitters and a receiver (similar to the RODE Wireless GOs), is compatible with the new H6studio. Especially for Superbooth coverage, this could be very useful to have everything in one.
The H6studio also features real-time feedback, offering the input level peaks and the recording waveforms at the same time. A simple tap on the DISP key, and you can switch between them.
Of course, the new H6studio also works as a 6-in/2-out USB audio interface for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android with 32-bit float and 16/24-bit recording. A big bonus is the ability to stream live and simultaneously record a backup to microSD.
Alongside the inputs, you also have more connectivity: a headphone output (20 mW), 3.5mm stereo line output, an onboard speaker (250mW), a USB-C port, and a micro SD card slot (microSDHC/microSDXC) (2TB max).
Like the previous Zoom H6, it operates on 4 AA batteries for up to 15 hours of recording, or you can power it through USB-C. Other notable features:
- optional TCA-1 timecode adapter for precision sync (it generates and outputs timecode or jams to an external clock with .5 ppm accuracy and receives wireless timecode from the ATOMOS® UltraSync BLUE).
- ZOOM Handy Control & Sync app for iOS
- mono modes for recoding interviews, narration, and vocals
- low-cut filters
- normalization and export audio options
- variable speed playback (0.5 to 2.0x) and A-B repeat playback of recorded files
Zoom H6studio First Impression
Phew, it’s been a long time since Zoom officially unveiled its successor to the H6. I like the new feature set, especially the F-series preamps and two additional tracks.
Also, the ability to combine it with the upcoming wireless mic system sounds like a neat upgrade. As always with Zoom, the look is a bit polarized, but thankfully not as wild as the H8.
Zoom H6studio is available now for pre-order for 449€.
More information here: Zoom
Available at my partners
Ultra-Sci-Fi!! Last year I found a slammin’ deal on the Zoom R4, but was immediately disappointed that despite the 32-float the inputs were quite prone to clipping (exceeding the maximum level) and because there are no level adjustments, it just can’t be used for some sources. Also, the level meters are worse than useless, because they can look very full on when signals are puny. Fortunately, I still have my older H2n, which works much better. For the R4, I’m going to try a passive 2-channel attenuator (ordered yesterday) to see if that will work with external mics. It’s nice to see that this new H6 has better preamps and can handle higher SPLs. The price seems reasonable for what it is, if it delivers those specs.
I wish Zoom would truly embrace Mid-Side and put an ACTUAL mid-side mic on their flagship portable recorders. That way you’d have an actual front-facing mic, an actual figure-8, and an actual XY pattern (from MS). Even the H2n doesn’t have REAL mid-side, it’s sort of a fake approximation; it’s not terrible though.
I want something like this to multitrack music off of my KO II (sorry, can’t afford a TP-7 to do it…) but none of these devices have any kind of simple MIDI clock. That’s all it needs!
1010music Bluebox is the way.