Zoom H6 – Acoustic Guitar Shootout
I’ve been interested in the new Zoom H6 since it was announced back in April of this year. I’ve long hoped to find a multi-channel portable recorder with performance comparable to a nice consumer audio interface at a friendly price. In other comparisons I’ve done the lower priced battery powered gear added a bit of noise that I don’t hear with a comparably priced audio interface, even when using the same mics. But technology moves on and there have been some terrific new preamp-on-a-chip products released in the last couple of years, so Zoom’s claim of improved preamps seemed plausible. Now that I have my unit I’m trying those comparisons again.
Level Matching Fiasco
If you’ve read Homebrewed Music before you might have noticed that I’m all about level matching. The fact is, human hearing is remarkably sensitive to level differences, but small changes are often perceived as quality differences rather than volume differences. So I go through a somewhat elaborate ritual with test tones and post production tweaking when I try to compare recording devices. And I did that in this comparison. I started off with the grand idea of comparing five different recording chains at the same time, but that failed because I couldn’t achieve good level matching. The source I use, my iPhone running Studio Six software, is too quiet to place far away from the mics, and too directional to deliver the same volume to all of them when placed close.
Once I gave up on an all-at-once comparison I set out to do head-to-head match up between the H6 and various other configurations. Even this proved to be too ambitious because my efforts to retain a stereo signal for each recording left me frustrated. I might be able to do a better job of level matching if I reverted to a mono recording for each chain, but the stereo image is a big part of these devices. And face it, I’m just too lazy to do these comparisons over and over, I’m ready to put this stuff out. So the clips are not well matched, and a lot of the apparent difference between the recordings is probably due to level and balance mismatches. You should keep this in mind, and try adjust levels and panning when you compare these clips.
The Comparisons
I have too many recorders, it’s a sickness I suppose. My current collection before adding the H6 includes a Zoom H1, H2n, and Q3HD, Sony PCM-D50, and an RME UFX interface (it will record direct to a USB drive without going through any computer). I used the H1 for a narration recorder, and I already know it is not a top level contender. The H2n and Q3HD have pretty similar XY audio, so I skipped the Q3HD in the comparison.
That left the Zoom H2n, Sony PCM-D50, RME UFX with a mic setup and finally the Zoom H6 XY mic module compared to the Zoom H6 using external mics. Even though my efforts at level matching failed, I did go through the ritual with each setup, applying a test tone which I used to set preliminary levels then recorded on the track so I could do finer adjustment in post.
The Video
I shot a lot of video while doing these comparisons. Then I threw most of it away. Doing audio comparisons on YouTube is basically a waste of time, so I pulled together just a few moments from each comparison to make a teaser and hopefully get people to download the samples and listen to them carefully.
But since I shot it I might as well share it. Watch the upper left corner to see what microphone and recording system is being used for the audio in each clip.
The Samples
I don’t think these samples convey much about the subtle differences that actually exist between most of these recording chains. I think that most of the difference we hear between them has more to do with poor mic positioning and poor level matching rather than real differences. My main interest is hearing the noise added by the H6 compared to the other recorders. So I listen to the “tails,” the end of the recording after the music stops and a note rings for a while. I listen for extra hiss in that quiet part of the recording.
These clips are all uncompressed WAV files, 44.1 khz and 16 bit word length, CD spec in other words. They won’t stream very well if at all. You should download them, save them to your computer, then pull them by pairs into a program that makes it easy to switch between them. I like to use the ABX comparator in foobar2000, but any multitrack editor like REAPER or even Audacity will do the job. These programs will make it easier for you to adjust the levels and left right balance, too. So on your PC right click on the link and select “Save Link As…” or on a Mac Ctrl+Click and “download linked file” to start a dialog and save the sample file.
Also please note that these are separate comparisons. The different clips for the Zoom H6 XY module are in fact different recordings, so download the H6 clip that goes with the device you want to compare.
Our first sample compares the Zoom H6 and its XY mic module to the Zoom H2n:
Next we’ll hear the Sony PCM-D50 and the H6 XY:
The Zoom has its own XLR inputs with phantom power. How do they stack up when connected to external mics? You can hear a Rode NT4 stereo mic through inputs 1 and 2 alongside the XY module:
And finally, how do those XLR preamps compare to a fine audio interface, the RME UFX. In this comparison the Rode NT4 is connected to the Zoom H6 while a pair of Shure KSM141s are configured as an XY pair and connected to the RME:
My Take on the Zoom H6
I’m enjoying exploring the Zoom H6. Several details indicate that the Zoom design team has been listening to their customers. This new recorder has a hefty “made from metal” feel that answers those who have complained that Zoom products feel flimsy and plastic. The line inputs have lower sensitivity than those in the Zoom H4 or H4n plus a switchable 20 dB pad on each input, so I’m expecting less problem with clipping when recording from a mixer or house PA. The fidelity and noise performance of the XY mics seem very close to the Sony PCM-D50, a recorder that has been on top of the heap for a number of years but has been discontinued by Sony.
I’ve been looking for a low cost recorder that matches the performance of a traditional audio interface, and in my listening the H6 can keep up with the RME UFX in audio quality. Of course the workflow with the RME is superior, it has more inputs and outputs, it works with Firewire as well as USB. But having this level of audio quality in a small portable package at a reasonable price point strikes me as a game changer.
This entry was posted on Thursday, August 15th, 2013 at 4:57 pm and is filed under Comparisons, Recording. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
stéphane said in post # 1,
on August 16th, 2013 at 7:16 am
Hi Fran,
First of all thanks for taking the time to make this zoom h6 reviews and audio clip comparison.
I’ve found them really helpful.
i ‘m actually using as my main audio interface a yamaha n8 that i found really good in terms of sound, but i was looking for a good portable audio recorder in order to record small classical formation in outdoor location.
I’ve been really impressed by the comparasion between the H6 and the RME UFX (wich has a great reputation), i could not tell the difference.
I’ve been interested in the zoom h6 since it has been anounced and your review convinced me that it’s the way to go for my purpose.
I wonder if you already tested it as an audio interface matched with a daw. I’m curious to know how it’s behave in terms of latency / direct monitoring…
Is it possible to record 6 track separetly into a daw when it’s in audio- interface mode?
Thanks a lot for your review (nice guitar playing by the way).
Have nice time with your new toy ( not so toy).
best regards
stéphane
excuse my bad english, i’m a french guy, (uprightbass player) living in spain
james B said in post # 2,
on August 16th, 2013 at 8:21 am
Thanks for sharing.
Would you say the Rode NT4 gives a noticeably superior sound to the built in XY mics on the H6?
Also wondering if I should upgrade from my H4N.
Fran Guidry said in post # 3,
on August 16th, 2013 at 2:41 pm
stephane,
I just downloaded the ASIO drivers for the H6 and there is a multi-track version that records all 6 inputs on separate channels. I didn’t test it, however. I tested the two track driver and I did use direct monitoring from the H6 headphone out and that eliminated latency.
Fran
Fran Guidry said in post # 4,
on August 16th, 2013 at 2:43 pm
Hi, James,
A question like yours is tough, because the definition of “noticeably superior” is very personal. That’s why I like to provide same-performance clips so you can make a judgment based on what you hear. Only you can say if the difference is noticeable.
I can suggest that you listen to the silence after the last note. Listen with the volume cranked up and also at normal listening levels. I think I hear a bit more noise from the Zoom XY mics when they’re both cranked up, but I can’t say if it’s noticeable to anyone else.
I definitely can’t say if you should upgrade from the H4n. I didn’t find the H4n compelling enough to keep, but I did buy one and test it before returning it, so you can find my evaluation here: http://www.homebrewedmusic.com/2009/03/07/first-look-at-the-zoom-h4n/
Fran
Steve Berger said in post # 5,
on August 16th, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Thanks for making these comparisons Fran.
stéphane said in post # 6,
on August 17th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
That’s good news!(great sound, direct monitoring, 6 audio interface input…)
I’m now sure i’m gonna get one as soon as they will be released in Europe (at the beginning of september).
Thank’s a lot Fran for taking the time of testing and sharing all those helpfull informations and comparasions
best regards
stéphane
Marco said in post # 7,
on August 28th, 2013 at 8:29 am
Hello Fran, thank you so much for the good article. I always enjoy reading and listening to your tests.
Is there a way that you could do a quick test comparison of the preamps of the RME vs. The Zoom H6 using the same microphone, even if it is on different takes?
Thank you!
Fran Guidry said in post # 8,
on August 28th, 2013 at 9:30 am
I’m planning another comparison with the same microphone split between several inputs.
Fran
Mike said in post # 9,
on October 10th, 2013 at 6:12 am
great review….Fran in your description…. “The Zoom has its own XLR inputs with phantom power. How do they stack up when connected to external mics? You can hear a Rode NT4 stereo mic through inputs 1 and 2 alongside the XY module:,”
So you had 2 examples…is the Zoom by it’self on the second recording?…….i am wondering if that was also comparing to the NT4?….Thanks
Mike
Fran Guidry said in post # 10,
on October 10th, 2013 at 6:58 am
Hi Mike,
Yes, the H6 XY in that comparison is the Zoom XY mic module that attaches to the H6. This is the same capsule used in the comparisons with the H2n and Sony PCM-D50.
Fran
Christi said in post # 11,
on October 14th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Superb post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this
topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Thanks!
Stéphane said in post # 12,
on December 5th, 2013 at 2:44 am
Hi Fran,
Congrat again for all your tests.
I have just a couple of questions about the H6 regarding is capabilities as an audio-interface.
– can we use the h6 transports buttons to control transport on our DAW?
Pressing rec on the H6 would activate rec in cubase for exemple?
– i guess you already answered that question , but what is the lowest latency the device can accept? 32/64samples?and what does it looks like in ms.
-last question: can we direct monitoring in a DAW with the h6?
Thanks a lot for your help Fran.
Stéphane
Fran Guidry said in post # 13,
on December 5th, 2013 at 11:32 am
Howdy, Stephane,
No control function with the H6 as far as I can see. NO MIDI connection or other way to deliver control information.
The Zoom ASIO driver doesn’t specify latency in samples, only in milliseconds. In this post on gearslutz.com I describe a test using a round-trip latency tool http://www.gearslutz.com/board/9620788-post135.html and the result was 17 ms of measured rtl.
I’m not sure about “direct monitoring” because I understand that it’s a feature of some DAWs but doesn’t exist in REAPER. But the H6 _does_ have a direct monitor feature when used as an interface so the result seems the same to me.
Hope this is helpful,
Fran
Stéphane said in post # 14,
on December 5th, 2013 at 5:07 pm
Thanks Fran for your answer.
Ok, so no transport control in audio interface mode, i forgot those control work via midi.
I saw your latency test on Gearlutz . Thanks for the references.
So would you consider 17ms is an acceptable Rtl latency?
Do you made this test with your RME?
About direct monitoring it s seems that we can direct monitor thru the H6.
Thanks a lot Fran.
Stéphane
Fran Guidry said in post # 15,
on December 5th, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Stephane, I have never worried about latency because I don’t do software instruments or tracking effects. So the direct monitoring provided by the interface has always been sufficient for me. If I get around to testing the RME I’ll let you know.
Fran
Micky said in post # 16,
on October 13th, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Hi. I just thought I would come back here and thank you for the samples of sound quality. The zoom h6 has blown me away. It wasn’t a small upgrade, it’s a whole new device. I was left somewhat disappointed with the h4n for the sound quality. And won’t miss it. Well actually one thing I will miss is the guitar effects on the zoom h4n. I would use them a lot with the headphones plugged in when I didn’t want to set everything up. It’s not a real big issue though just wish they would have left that feature in. anyway great review and samples.
Fran Guidry said in post # 17,
on October 13th, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Micky, I’m sure glad the samples took you in a good direction. Thanks for stopping by with a followup.
Fran
Miklos said in post # 18,
on May 11th, 2015 at 1:45 am
Hi Fran,
thank you for your articles! They are really helpful. Could you please give me some advice regarding Zoom handheld recorder?
I plan to buy a Zoom H5 or H6. I am curious to know what quality are their internal microphones. Which (type, brand) external microphones can be compared to the interal ones considering sound quality?
As far as I know the H5 and H6 has slightly different included mics, their size are also not the same. Can they sound differently?
Is this the best (price/value) option to record 4 or 6 channel (mostly choir and small chamber orchestra, acoustic guitar with some singers), or better option would be to by external sound card (for example one of the Focusrite products) and microphones.
Is Zoom H5 / H6 capable to record consumer line level sources (for example cassette tape deck)?
Thank you in advance for your kind help.
Best Regards,
Miklos S.
Budapest, Hungary
Fran Guidry said in post # 19,
on May 11th, 2015 at 9:49 am
I’m sorry, I’d really like to be able to give you authoritative answers to your questions, but I cannot. I’ve posted samples here so that you can make judgments for yourself comparing the H6 attached mics to external mics of a medium price, so I invite you to listen and compare. Also listen to the samples in these two comparisons:
http://www.homebrewedmusic.com/2013/08/28/zoom-h6-vs-rme-ufx/
http://www.homebrewedmusic.com/2013/10/31/zoom-h6-vs-rme-ufx-ribbon-mic-samples/
As far as using the H6 vs an interface and computer for multi-mic live recording, I would be inclined to look at some additional options. The Tascam DR-680 is definitely one I would consider.
In general, an interface/computer solution will have more features and be more flexible, but a field recorder will be more portable and convenient.
Finally, yes, the H5/H6 can handle consumer line level sources.
Fran