Zoom H6 Handy Recorder User manual

You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
Quick Guide
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Handy Recorder

2
■Left side ■Front
■Right side (and back) ■ Bottom
Parts and Connections
Input 1
Input volume L/R
Input volume 1
Input 2
SD card slot
VOLUME button
PHONE jack
POWER/HOLD
switch
Input volume 2
Track buttons
and indicators
(L, R, 1–4)
Input volume 3
XY mic
PAD switches
(1–4)
Input volume 4
Stop button
Display
Play/pause button
& indicator
REW button
FF button
Record button
& indicator
XLR TRS
Input 3
MIC/LINE input jack
(supports plug-in power)
Input 4
Battery cover
(back)
Speaker (back)
Scroll button
LINE OUT jack
Strap holes
(can also be used with camera straps)
REMOTE jack
MENU button
USB jack
(Mini-B)
1: GND
2: HOT
3: COLD
TIP: HOT
RING: COLD
SLEEVE: GND
12
3

3
Using batteries
1. After turning the power off, open the battery compartment cover and install batteries.
Open while
pushing up
• Use alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries.
• Use MENU > SYSTEM > Battery to set the type of battery so that the amount of remaining
battery charge can be shown accurately.
NOTE
AC power can also be used by connecting a dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17) to the USB
port.
HINT
■Connection example
Preparations
PA mixer
Computer
Dedicated remote
(ZOOM RCH-6)
Digital SLR
camera
Headphones
Ambient
mics
Mic
capsule
3
4
1
2

4
Loading SD cards
1. After turning the power off, open the SD
card slot cover and insert an SD card.
To remove the SD card, push it further into the slot
and then pull it out.
HINT
Before using SD cards that have just been purchased or that have been formatted on a
computer, they must be formatted by the . To format an SD card, use MENU > SD CARD
> Format.
NOTE
Turning the power on and off
1. Slide right.
• To turn the power off, slide until the ZOOM
logo appears on the display.
• Sliding to the left (toward HOLD) will
disable button operations.
HINT
• If“NoSDCard!”appearsonthedisplay,conrmthatanSDcardisinsertedproperly.
• If “Card Protected!” appears on the display, the SD card write-protection is enabled. Slide
the lock switch on the SD card to disable write-protection.
• If “Invalid Card!” appears on the display, the card is not formatted correctly. Format the
card or use a different card.
NOTE
SD card slot in
center of left side

5
Setting the language (rst time starting up)
The first time you turn the power on after purchase, set the display language when the
Language setting screen opens.
1. Use to select the language,
and press .
The language setting can be changed later using MENU > LANGUAGE.
HINT
Setting the date and time (rst time starting up)
When the Date and Time setting screen opens after the Language settings screen, set the
date and time.
1. Use to select the item to change,
and press .
2. Use to change the value, and press .
3. Press .
The date and time setting can be changed later using MENU > SYSTEM > Date/Time.
HINT

6
Display overview
■Home/Recording Screen
Remaining
recording time
Phantom power
voltage
L/R track
(connected mic
capsule shown)
Low cut indicator
Compressor/limiter indicator
Phantom power indicator
Folder name
Recording format
Auto
record
Stopped
Status icon
Recording
Recording
time
Panning
Clipping indicators
Battery charge indicator
Full
Empty
Level meter
(recording input level)
Tracks 1–4
Paused
Monitoring volume
Name of project that
will play when the
button is pressed
(when recording,
name of project being
recorded)
■Playback screen
Playing back
Playback time
Name of project
playing back
Level meter
(playback level)
Tracks 1–4
Playback
speed
Playback
format
Remaining battery chargeStatus icon
Pitch control
L/R track
(mic capsule used
during recording)
Playback volume
Panning
Folder name
Paused
AB repeat
playback active

7
Recording process
folder and le structure
Recording follows the process shown below.
Prepare for
recording
• Install batteries
• Insert an SD card
• Connect mic capsule
• Connect mics, instruments and other sources to Inputs 1–4
• Turn the power on
• Set the recording format
• Make input and output settings
Record
• Press to start recording and to stop
Marks can also be added.
Press to pause.
Play and check
• Press to start playback and or to stop
Other options include cueing from mark positions, using AB repeat play-
back, changing the playback speed, pitch and mode and making project
mixer settings.
When recording with the ,foldersandlesarecreatedonSDcardsinthefollowing
manner. The manages recording and playback data in units called projects.
ZOOM0003.MP3
ZOOM0003
ZOOM0003.hprj
A folder named
ZOOM0001 –
ZOOM9999 is created
for each project
ZOOM0002_Tr34.WAV
ZOOM0002.hprj
ZOOM0002_LR.WAV
ZOOM0002
Stereo file of recorded
Input L/R signals
Mono file of recorded
Input 1 signal
Stereo file of recorded
Input 3/4 signals
ZOOM0002_Tr1.WAV
Project settings
file
Recorded stereo
MP3 file
ZOOM0001
FOLDER01
Root
FOLDER02 FOLDER10
• • •
Select FOLDER01 – FOLDER10 as the folder
where projects will be saved

8
Consideraudioqualityandlesizewhenselectingtheformat.
1. Select MENU > REC > Rec Format, and then select the setting.
Open the MENU screen, go back
Select up/down
Conrmtheitemorvaluetoset
• WAV format is better for recording when high audio quality is important.
• SincetheMP3formatusescompression,theaudioqualityisreduced,butthelesizeis
smaller. This is convenient when you want to save large amounts of recordings and use
less space on the SD card, for example.
• WhenusingMP3,onestereoMP3leiscreatedusingthemixsetwiththemonitoring
mixer.
NOTE
Recording format settings

9
Setting input sources
Set according to the devices connected to Inputs 1–4.
■Connecting a mixer or other device with a
+4 dBu standard output level
1. Set the corresponding PAD switches to –20.
When connecting an ordinary mic, set the PAD
switch to 0.
HINT
■Connecting condenser mics and other devices that require phantom power
1. Select MENU ＞ INPUT&OUTPUT ＞ Phantom ＞ON/
OFF, and select the input to receive phantom power.
Open/Close the MENU screen
Select up/down
Conrmtheitemorvaluetoset
2. Use to select On and press .
3. Press multiple times to return to the Home Screen.
• When connecting devices that are not compatible with phantom power, do not turn
phantom power on. Doing so could damage the device.
• When connecting a dynamic mic, phantom power does not need to be supplied.
NOTE
In addition to +48V, phantom power can also be set to +12V and +24V.
HINT
PAD switch
Input and output settings

10
Enabling tracks
Select which tracks to record (L, R and 1–4).
These tracks (L, R and 1–4) correspond to the same inputs.
1. When the Home Screen is open, press the track keys for the
tracks to record so that the corresponding LEDs light red.
• Press track key 2 while pressing track key 1 to link these tracks as a stereo track. This will
createstereolesontheSDcard.Tracks3and4canbestereo-linkedinthesameway.
• Stereo links can be disabled in the same manner.
• The stereo link of the L/R tracks cannot be disabled.
• Whenrecording,lesarecreatedaccordingtotracksettingsinthefollowingmanner.
Track recorded File name Description
L/R tracks ZOOMnnnn-LR Stereole
Mono track ZOOMnnnn_Tr1 (for track 1) Monole
Stereo track ZOOMnnnn_Tr34 (for tracks 3/4) Stereole
 Note:“nnnn”inthelenameistheprojectnumber
• Allthelesthatarecreatedduringthesamerecordingaremanagedasasingleproject
unit by the .
HINT
Adjusting input levels (trim)
Adjust the input levels to record with high audio quality.
1. Turn for the selected track to adjust the input level.
• Adjust so that the peak level stays around –12 dB on the
level meter.
• Press to adjust the headphone volume.
HINT

11
Adjusting the input signal monitoring mix
You can adjust the volume and panning of each input signal when monitoring.
1. Select MENU > INPUT&OUTPUT > Monitor Mixer in order.
Open/Close the MENU screen
Select up/down
Conrmtheitemorvaluetoset
2. Adjust parameter settings.
Move cursor/change value
Selectparametertoedit/conrm
Parameter Setting range Explanation
Level Mute,−48.0–+12.0dB
(in 0.5dB increments) Adjusts the volume.
Pan L100 – Center – R100 Adjusts the stereo balance of the sound.
3. Press multiple times to return to the Home Screen.
• Press to turn the monitor mixer on/off.
• WhenWAVisselectedastherecordingleformat,thesevolumeandpansettingsonly
affect the monitoring signals. They have no effect on recorded data.
• The set monitoring mix is saved with the project and is also enabled during playback. The
mix can also be changed during playback.
NOTE

12
1. Press when the Home Screen is open.
This starts recording.
■Operations during recording
Function Control operation
Add a mark Press
Pause Press
Stop Press
• When recording is paused, a mark is added at that point.
• A maximum of 99 marks can be added in one project.
• Ifthelesizeexceeds2GBduringrecording,anewlewillbecreatedautomaticallyin
the same project and recording will continue without pause. When this happens, numbers
willbeaddedtotheendsofthelenames:“-0001”fortherstle,“-0002”forthesecond
leandsoon.
• Track indicators (LEDs) will blink and clip indicators will
appear lit when loud sounds are input. Adjust the input
level so that the clip indicators do not light.
• Clip indicators that lit during recording will turn off when
recording stops.
NOTE
Recording

13
Playing recordings
1. Press when the Home Screen is open.
This starts playback.
■Playback operations
Function Control operation
Select playback project/
move to mark Press
Search forward/backward Press and hold
Pause/resume playback Press
Adjust the volume Press +/–
Add a mark Press
• The longer you press and hold /, the faster searching forward/backward
becomes.
• During playback, press track buttons to switch between playing back (lit green) and muted
(unlit).
HINT

14
When the Home Screen is open, press to open the MENU screen where the following
functions and settings can be used.
Item Explanation
PROJECT LIST Select and play recorded projects, set the folder used to save recorded data, etc.
INPUT&
OUTPUT Lo Cut Set to reduce the sound of air-conditioning, wind, vocal pops and other noise.
Comp/Limiter Set to raise low-level input signals and attenuate high-level input signals.
MS-RAW Monitor When recording in MS-RAW mode, set to monitor the mid mic input on the left
channel and the side mic input on the right channel.
Phantom Use to set phantom power supply for Inputs 1–4.
Plugin Power Set the supply of plug-in power to the MIC/LINE input jack built into the XY mic
capsule.
Monitor Mixer Adjust the volume and panning of each input signal when monitoring.
VU Meter Show the VU meters to check input levels.
Line Out level Lower the output level of the LINE OUT jack.
Use when inputting the output signal from the LINE OUT jack to the mic input
jack of a digital SLR camera, for example.
MS Matrix Set to convert signals from MS format stereo mic input through Inputs 1/2 or
3/4 to ordinary stereo signals.
REC Rec Format Settherecordingleformat.
Auto Rec Set to start and stop recording automatically in response to the input level.
Pre Rec Set pre-recording to capture audio before recording starts.
Backup Rec Set this to record the L/R track input signals at 12dB below the set input level as
aseparatele.
Project Name Set how projects are automatically named.
Sound Marker Set the output of tone signals from the output jacks when recording starts and
stops.
PLAY Set AB repeat playback, the project playback mode, etc.
PROJECT
MENU Information Check a variety of information about the selected project.
Voice Memo Add voice memos to projects and play them back.
Mark List Show a list of the marks recorded in the project.
Project Mixer Adjust the volume and panning of each input signal when monitoring.
Playback Speed Set the playback speed to 50% – 150% (1/2× – 3/2×).
Backup File Setwhethertoplaytherecordedbackupleinsteadoftheregularle.
Edit Changeprojectnames,normalizerecordingvolumes,anddivideandtrimles.
Overdub Add recordings to an already recorded project.
Mixdown Mixdownarecordedprojecttoastereole(WAVorMP3).
Rebuild Rebuildaprojectifnecessarylesaremissingorbroken.
Trash Delete unwanted projects.
TOOL Use the tuner with input signals, and set the metronome as a guide during
recording.
SYSTEM Date/Time Set the date and time.
Backlight Set backlight power saving and adjust display brightness.
Battery Set the type of battery so the remaining battery charge can be shown accurately.
Software Version Viewthermwareversions.
Factory Reset Restore the recorder to its factory default settings.
LANGUAGE Set the language shown on the display.
SD CARD Check open space on SD cards, and format and test them.
USB Connect to a computer, and use as an audio interface or SD card reader.
Note: See the Operation Manual for detailed information about each setting.
List of functions and settings

15
Specications
Recording media CardsthatsupportSD/SDHC/SDXCspecications
Inputs L/R XY mic: XYH-6
Mics Unidirectional mics
Sensitivity −41dB/Paat1kHz
Input gain −∞–46.5dB
Maximum sound pressure input 136dBSPL
MIC/LINE IN (stereo mini jack) Inputgain:−∞–46.5dB
Inputimpedance:2kΩ
Plug-in power: 2.5 V supported
Backup recording Inputgain−12dB
INPUTS 1–4 Connectors XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR: 2 hot, TRS: TIP hot)
Input gain −∞–55.5dB(PADOFF)/–∞–35.5dB(PADON)
Input impedance 1.8kΩormore
Maximum permissible input level +22 dBu (PAD ON)
Phantom power +12/+24/+48 V (independent ON/OFF for INPUTS 1–4)
Equivalent input noise −120dBuorless
Outputs Output jacks LINE OUT (stereo mini jack) Ratedoutputlevel:−10dBu(into10kΩload)
PHONE OUT (stereo mini jack) Maximumoutput:20mW+20mW(into32Ωload)
Built-in speaker 400mW8Ωmonospeaker
Recording formats When WAV selected
Supported formats 44.1/48/96kHz,16/24-bit,monophonic/stereo,WAV/BWF
Maximum simultaneous recording
tracks
8(6+backuprecording)
When MP3 selected
Supported formats 48–320kbps
Maximum simultaneous recording
tracks
2
Recording time
(hours and minutes)
Using 2GB card
 3:08(44.1kHz/16-bitstereoWAVles)
 34:43(128kbpsstereoMP3les)
Display 2.0″full-colorLCD(320×240)
USB Mass storage class: USB 2.0 High Speed
Multitrack mode audio interface operation: USB 2.0 High Speed
(Driver required for Windows. No driver needed for Mac.)
 44.1/48/96kHzsamplingrate,16/24-bitbitrate,6in/2out
Stereo mode audio interface operation: USB 2.0 Full Speed
 44.1/48kHzsamplingrate,16-bitbitrate,2in/2out
• iPad audio interface operation supported (stereo mode only)
• USB bus power supported
Estimated continuous
recording time using
batteries
(hours and minutes)
Using alkaline batteries
UsingXYmic,44.1kHz/16-bit(stereo×1)  about21:00
UsingXYmicandInputs1–4,96kHz/24-bit(stereo×3) about9:45
• The above values are approximate.
• Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will
vary greatly according to use conditions.
Power 4 AA batteries
AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): 5V/1A DC (supports USB bus power)
External dimensions : 77.8 mm (W) × 152.8 mm (D) × 47.8 mm (H)
XYH-6:78.9mm(W)×60.2mm(D)×45.2mm(H)
Weight :280g XYH-6:130g
Note: When using a USB cable designed for recharging, SD card reader and audio interface functions cannot be used.

Z2I-3865-01
ZOOM CORPORATION
4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
www.zoom.co.jp