Accessibility options

The Essential Series is designed with accessibility in mind for visually impaired users. Navigate menus with audible descriptions through the built-in speaker or headphones. Menu guidance is available in English, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Italian and Chinese.

Next Generation 3.0 Capsule System

Find the capsule that suits your needs

The H6essential offers versatile recording for creators across a wide range of applications. Its removable X/Y microphone capsule can be swapped for optional modules to suit your workflow.

XYH-6e Stereo Mic Capsule (Included)
The included default capsule features two high-quality microphones in an X/Y stereo configuration. This setup is most sensitive to sound directly in front while also delivering a clean stereo image.

SSH-6e Stereo Shotgun Capsule
The SSH-6e combines a highly directional centre microphone with a bidirectional side microphone for left and right pickup. Its mid-side stereo image is adjustable from mono to ultra-wide stereo recording. Capture dialogue with the centre mic, then blend in the amount of ambient sound you want from the side mics.

EXH-6e Input Capsule
If you need more inputs, connect the EXH-6e dual XLR-1/4" TRS combo capsule. This gives you two additional connections for microphones, instruments or line-level sources.

Phantom power can be used when power is connected to the capsuleÕs USB-C port. A 3.5mm input jack is also included for line-level or mic-level sources, with plug-in power available for lavalier microphones.

Special Features

Wider dynamic range
With 32-bit float recording and dual AD converters, the H6essential captures a huge dynamic range for clean, clip-free audio.

Ultraclean preamps
The four XLR-1/4" TRS combo inputs use ZoomÕs ultraclean preamps and support +48V phantom power and +4 dBu professional line-level input. The built-in X/Y microphones can handle sound levels up to 135 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet plane taking off.

Audio interface capability
Send audio via USB-C in 32-bit float while recording to an SD card at the same time. When connected to a Windows, Mac, iOS or Android device through the USB-C port, the H6essential works as a 6-in / 2-out audio interface.

Mix, monitor and record
Use the built-in mixer to adjust each trackÕs level with ease. A waveform display also lets you monitor audio as it is recorded.

For content creators

Musicians
The H6essential functions as a portable studio. Record up to four instruments through the XLR inputs and use the X/Y microphones to capture your full ensemble in detailed stereo.

Filmmakers
32-bit float recording gives filmmakers added confidence on every take. Interchangeable capsules, four XLR inputs and wireless timecode support via optional adapter make the H6essential a valuable tool on set.

Podcasters
When you need multiple inputs for your podcast, the H6essential is ready with four XLR inputs. Add the optional EXH-6e capsule for two extra XLR inputs.

Optional connections

Pair with your iOS device
Use the BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter (sold separately) to pair with your iOS device and remotely record, adjust your mix, view waveforms and change settings.

Bluetooth timecode sync
With the optional BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, you can also pair with Bluetooth timecode devices for audio and video synchronisation.

Small package, big features

Soft-touch controls
The recording and rotary controls are carefully designed for quiet operation.

Built-in speaker
Use the built-in speaker to listen back to recordings for quick reference. It supports output up to 500mW.

In and out
Use the 3.5mm line output to connect to a camera, and the 3.5mm headphone output to monitor your audio.

Brilliant colour display
The vivid 2" full-colour LCD screen makes it easy to navigate the H6essential menus and functions.

High-capacity storage
The H6essential supports microSDXC cards up to 1TB, giving you room to record hours of audio.

Long battery life
Powered by four AA batteries, the H6essential offers up to 10 hours of battery life for long recording sessions. When batteries are unavailable, use USB-C bus power from outlets or power banks.