The term "Essential" confirms exactly what you expect, there will be more fancy versions at some later stage (hopefully 2024). Arturia uses exactly this terminology for their larger midi-keyboards, the stripped-down versions being called "essential" as well.
Tascam X8 is what I regard as the successor of the H6. I have both the original H6 and the Tascam X8, and although I was hoping for an updated H6.... this H6 essential does not let me use my original zoom capsules (does F8n Pro with 32 bit do?) and as per your review it seems way too noisy too. And, apart from accessibility (which is also a con for audio recorders unless you are visually impaired), it seems to offer nothing that the X8 can not. However, the X8 offers a lot more: touchscreen, mixer, eq, podcast mode with smart pads, etc etc. I appreciate the X8 even more now.
I just bought this, main functions are recording demo rehearsals with my bands, and recording samples. Im bery impressed with this product, but i do see where you are coming from. That being said, im a big fan of this. This is the largest leap up from the izatope spire, not a single complaint thus far, not we will see soon how well it handles 5 very loud dudes in a very small room. You are definitely hitting the important points. I'm one of those that i use great until it dies. We'll see what happens
All of these new "essentials" look super cheap and are full of compromises. All they had to do was use the older chassis with new pre-amps and 32-bit float recording. I have the M4 MicTrak and it's actually really good. It's one of the few handheld options that has timecode input.
If I can plug whatever mic I want into a UAC-232, Zoom is definitely full of 💩 saying they won't work. They don't want them to work. The further I get into this series, the less I like what Zoom is doing.
I have 5 ZOOM recorders, and my 8 year old H6 is my workhorse. This is one of the best small digital recorders ever made. That said, a year ago I got a TASCAM X8, because I got tired of waiting for ZOOM to come out with an updated H6 with 32-bit float. In many ways the X8 is everything ZOOM should be making: full color touchscreen, lots of recording modes and flexibility, 32-bit float. I really like it. I have all the mics and XLR capsule for the H6 and am extremely disappointed that they are NOT compatible with the new H6E! WTF? Smells like a cash grab to me, “Yeah, we’ll make them buy all new accessories!” ZOOM, I’m disappointed. Looks like I’ll just keep using my H1n, H6 and TASCAM X8.
Well to answer your question yes I should. It now talks so I can use it independently. Depends also on the sound though. But for me the big should is the accessibility as I'm blind.
Ah well I like Sound Devices 744-T sound. So i'm fussy too. Hence why I actually wanted the F6. But we didn't have the dough. Got the H8. But as I said in other comments for the blind the H8 is useless. You do have to have a sighted person tap the apps for you. Because well mine at least is real fussy. You have to tap the apps just right. Oh and even recording. You'd better hit that record button just right or else. But hmmmmm. Was it you that mention d Centrance? Tell me more about their recorder. What's it sound like?@@kyleethekelt
Great reviews. I've just watched all three in row. I have had a Zoom H5 for many years, and absolutely love it. My H5 gets used for live music (just through the X/Y mics, or mics for ambient plus outputs from the mixer), Guitar and vocals (X/Y mics for the guitar, piezo from preamp in 1, mic (condenser or dynamic with 48v) in 2), voice work in a booth (built in X/Y mics or separate condenser), audio interface for live Zoom (the other Zoom!) calls with Original Sound for Musicians On, and I even use it for lavalier work with a belt pouch. It does all of these things brilliantly. The only things I really wanted to make the H5 better were; 1. 32 bit float (although the H5 does have an option to also record a parallel 'backup' at 12 dB below what you have set - although X/Y inbuilt mics only) 2. A better pre-amp (I have tinnitus and can't hear the low hiss from a poor pre-amp so have to rely on good equipment) 3. Some sort of remote (IE Bluetooth). Even if only to hit the record and stop button. From what I have seen, none of the new "Essential" series only provides point 1. of the above (32 bit float), and doesn't really give me much else above the H5. I will wait to see if Zoom launch a professional series. Or maybe switch brands and see what the competition come up with. Shame - I was really excited when I saw the original launch videos from Zoom. They seem to have boldly taken half a step forward, and not much more than that.
Thanks for your video on the H1 essential a couple days ago. I had put in an order with B&H hours before I saw your vid, but I was able to cancel it. I'll be waiting for a while to see what Zoom comes up with. Thanks!
I bought the H1essential with great hopes and I found the exact same problems mentioned. I have to return it to B&H this week. :( I just did one last test, with a shock mount, tripod over my desk and even me typing on my keyboard adds a rumbling noise in the recording. I'm very disappointed.
Funny how I was watching your other two reviews and thinking it might take a while, then boom! your third review appeared. Really dissapointed that the h1, but also the other two are a real let down. I guess you could say the essentials series is a flop by itself. Also, finally someone on youtube that speaks at a normal pace and very clearly, which makes it very easy to follow, instead of speaking lightning speed fast as so many others on youtube do. So you gained another subscriber just because of that!
Thats cool! Pacing is tough to be fair. I have had to speed up my delivery over time...I am a bit of a slow talker.... Glad to hear you liked it! Cheers!
I’d say the reason the old mics don’t work is due to the gain knobs on each mic. That would be the “architecture” change Zoom mentions. The new recorders don’t have gain knobs. Your other XLR mics don’t have a gain knob. It’s a logical reason the old mics don’t work.
Tascam has a 32 bit float recorder called the Tascam Portacapture x6 it retails for a bit more but goes on sale. It is on sale for $299 right now in fact. Know nothing about it but maybe an alternative to this.
@@rsmith02 There have been tests, Tascam is quieter, better EIN, THD and DR. Even better on the new Tascam FR-AV2, but that is only a to-channel, no built-in capsules. The X8/X6 are slightly lower spec, but still cleaner than the Zoom line.
Interesting, I’ve been using my H4n Pro for years to record, band rehearsals, jam sessions, gigs, writing sessions. It’s been such a workhorse and it’s never let me down. I’ve certainly had my moneys worth out of it. I’d definitely be into checking out the new Pro line. This Essential series isn’t convincing me to retire the old H4 just yet.
7:19 "If you need one now, though, that Zoom H6 for 180 bucks looks rather tasty if you ask me, and I don't think 32-bit float is worth all that other functionality that you got out of that. So, cheers, guys."
Could you possibly do a comparison video between the Zoom H6essential vs Tascam x8? Also would you rather have have the current zoom h6 or the essential model? Thank you and congratulations on 25K subscribers 🎉🎉😊
I pulled the trigger on this one. I get where you’re coming from, but I dont think we’ll see an upgraded H6 that’s in my price range anytime soon, and this one seems like it’s going to happily fit my needs. I’ve only had enough time to plug it in and try it out for 2 test recordings, but for my needs, it’s going to be amazing. Looking forward to the stereo shotgun mic coming out this summer. Any idea what that’s going to cost me? Debating just getting a Rode shotgun and a nice XLR cable.
Reminds me of when Apple kept changing the format of the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle, so accessory makers kept having to change their design. To be fair, the new capsules are designed for the new capabilities of the Essential, which required some format changes.
What's the self noise of the H8? How good is the H8 really? I know I said in an older comment 3 times the original H6. I ment that too. But is it really? I've not heard it with the Rode NT1-A. That's always my refrence. Because of my friend Neal Ewers. The test was always hmmmm how does this hold up to Neal's Sound Devices 744-T and with the NT1-A?
The H8 has an ein of -124ish. The best spec in the series thus far. And I love the H8...ridiculous usability and input possibility... Though it is hardly handheld...lol. Also...it is very much the same build quality plastic as these ones. Also...I did a video on the H8...you can check that out
Ah yes I will. Yeah I loe the 8. I originally wanted and would still want an F6 just cause of the almost $4000 sound to it. But the H8 is a nurdy geeky device. Oh and Dolby Atmos with 1 device. I can't find my comment you just said nop to. Was it the celing the recorders 1? If so nope what? Don't cell either or don't the H8?@@DarkCornerStudios
I've had the original H6 since 2015. I'm not going to replace it with this! I also have an F3 which is just on a different level. Something with built-in mics and closer to F3 quality would be a no-brainer.
Thanks for the very useful overview! As you were talking about the competion: Have you ever checked TASCAM 32 bit recorder X8 which should feature everything you were missing in the H6 E: Touch display, FX etc.
I have one and I like it a lot. Not perfect, but it is so versatile... A few firmware problems and some reliability issues. But a great multi-purpose recorder with a user interface that makes it useable as a field recorder, a mixer, a basic preprocessor, a podcast tool, etc. Would Tascam ever fix those few bugs and add make a few tiny changes, it would be the perfect audio device for hobbyists/prosumers.
Another blind user here. I bought all three of them to test them out. The H6 to my ears was the cleanest, the age 4 was a fair compromise. The H one was the first one to go back. These feel like a slap in the face. The accessibility is a great start, but they took away so much. You can’t even pan tracks anymore. What the hell? I am begging zoom to please put this accessibility feature on the F8. Even if they made an entire new one, I would trade up for that. I called them and told them just that.
Thank you so much for this review. I have a 2i2 and cloudlifter setup for my podcast battlestation but considering the zoom H6 for mobile podcast with my iPhone. I want to start local outreach for podcasts onsite with other mental health professionals.
have been enjoying your comment. How do you compare the H6 vs the Arturia Audiofuse Studio Audio Interface which i see on your list? Keep up the great work
Is there any way you could try an NT1 into the H8? Just to hear once and for all how good it actually is or isn't. As I said judging from my 8022 stereo mic hmmm seems 3 times more studio then the original H6 and all the newer recorders. But an NT1 and especially the 1-A being as bright as it is would answer this once and for always. Ah that's what I was going to say. Shame you didn't have an NT1-A for these 3 reviews. I believe you but still an NT1-A would proove the point once and for always. For me anyways. Cause my refrence again was a 744-T $4000 recorder and the NT1-A.
Very good info. Thanks! I was about to pull the trigger on this one. I was excited to get a new peice of gear with a really low noise floor. I will be holding off at least for a little while. The main reason I need one is my Dr-40 has some issues that pulls up random sounds from time to time and the noise floor when I want to crank the gain sounds terrible. Good review. I'll swing back here and let you know what I did.
i'll share my own goals for a device and what device filled that goal for me: goals: 1. i am not a content creator. ultimately high end audio quality isn't what i need. 2. i just need external device to record audio evidence. a device outside of my phone that can do audio recording. the device that worked will to fulfill the goal: galaxy tablet a8, and it's features i like: 1. the voice recorder app can record up to 10 hours straight. 2. the file sizes are relatively small which is good for file management. speed of uploading stuff and storage space capacity. 3. the quality is suciffient enough not bad in my opinion, i can on speaker hear everything relatively clear. 4. the device itself comes with a large screen since it's a tablet, this allows me to manage files on the device itself rather than needing to plug it into pc. this generally adds alot of convenience is a large screen. 5. the cost was pretty decent like 250 bucks. 6. the battery life is relatively long, i can use it most of a full day without much fear of battery running out, and it's rechargeable plug in.
I think they can make a mics' adapter to make ALL the H8's "TOP/FRONT" mics work with the H6 essential unit. This is THE ONLY way to proceed if they want to get a piece of the market with the new essential series. Otherwise, their whole approach is a "covered ripoff" trying to resell the same mics again and again along with the new device/unit , taking advantage of the whole 32bit mania , which is happening in global scale. Thank you for your presentation. Very truthful and enlightening. I totally agree in every aspect , you have presented. Furthermore, i do believe that the bigger XY H6 essential mics sound a tiny bit better than the H4 XY stereo mics.
I just bought one, but I’m blind and thus the speech was a big selling point for me, and I need it too soon to wait for competitors. I’m happy to upgrade later but for now I’m looking forward to accessible and portable multitrack recording.
It could be a bandwidth issue between the mic and the recorder that stops the capsules working on the device if the capsules convert to digital, but even then I’d be surprised
Oh man, I guess they regret sending all the stuff your way ahah. Thank you for the honesty though, I'm going to save money thanks to your precious work.
Thank you for an excellent arrow straight review. I am in the market for a capable handheld, though I have never owned one Zoom seemed like the go-to. But, my spidey sense was up and your review confirmed my concerns. So, if I don't want to wait for Zoom's new proline, can you recommend any alternatives? I'm capturing live music in both inside and outside settings. Thanks again for the great review.
I've fancied the H6 for a while and I'm generally favorably disposed to Zoom products. (That ol G3 was a game changer for me)However I ended up getting a Tascam DR 40x for a needy student film maker pal and he seems happy. We got nice results using my Rode M5 pair into that. But what about me?!I might need a field recorder for a project that I haven't yet imagined! I'll wait for the end of your Zoom reviews and then ponder the options. Nice review.
@@DarkCornerStudios oh no! My expectations for the rest of the week are crushed. I do watch the live stream, mostly to see what kinda cocktail umbrella Dylan is going for. As if. 🍸☔😂🙄
So then what would you say those of us then that wana jump on these for accessibility? I'm me so if the new H6 is basically an old H6 but now can do 32 bits oh and finally has USB CI might wait. If it had been like the h8 then hmmmmm.
@@DarkCornerStudios The only digital recorder I've found that has a built in noise gate, which can be very handy, as well as 32bit float, alongside a whole bucketload of features.
I'm totally new to the field recording space, but I mostly wanted something to plug my music gear into and use kind of as a portable recorder for line-level input. The ability to use it to record music or voice through the mics was more a secondary use. So to that end, a few weeks ago I ordered the H6 Black Series whatever it's called. Right before it arrived, I saw Zoom had just announced the H6 Essential. Oh, I thought, I'll just return this H6 Black and get the Essential! I asked the store I bought it from if they could just put my refund towards a pre-order of the new one, and since then I've just been waiting excitedly. But damn this series of reviews has me thinking that Zoom played me. On the flip side, I'm not experienced with recorders, and maybe all this criticism won't really apply to someone like me who might not be so picky.
Really you just bought a very much stripped down version of the H6 and you are just missing out on those features. Download the H6 user guide and see if any of those features are something you would use. If so...well...you know what to do
What about the fact that the essential has no gain levels to adjust and you don't have to worry about clipping and monitoring the recorder. That's huge in my opinion for someone that's new to this. No?
@@jameskozlowski5496 Definitely, that was one of the things I was most interested. Many reviewers of the H6 seemed to be annoyed that the dials would often be moved by light accidental touches and often had to be reset, and from working with audio recording on my camera, I knew that not having to set gain would be a huge improvement. I did review the H6 Essential manual on their website and compare the features to the previous model. Honestly, it doesn't look like there's that much stripped down like the video here said. The ability to trim recordings on the unit, the ability to alter pitch and L-R balance, the ability to set little voice memos for files. Most of that stuff I'd do on my computer anyways.
I am confused about Zoom's handheld line up now! Where doe's the M2/3/4 Mictrak series fit in now. I'm not sure I agree with your prediction that Zoom will bring out a H Pro series now ... isn't that the MicTrak recorders which allegedly have the same preamps as the F series? Or were the MicTraks dead out of the door due to IMF issues and poor build quality, and they being quietly discontinued. One of my local retailers said they won't stock them due to their unpopularity and the number of returns. I just wish Zoom would give us what we want/need, which is simple ... a solidly built hand held recorder with good 32 bit float preamps and decent built in mics, and a solid build quality. I don't want cheap ... I want good! Looks like I will stick with my trusty old H5 for now.
I am confused about the clipping despite setting the bit depth at 32 bit (float) on Adobe Audition. I have a zoom H6 2013 Model, and used it as an Audio Interface in Adobe Audition. I used the MSH-6 Mic to record audio of the Zoom H6 directly to Adobe Audition. The sample rate is at 44.1kHz on the monitor of the Zoom H6, couldn’t change it in USB Audio Interface mode. Bit rate was not indicated in the monitor, only the sample rate. And since the there is no bit rate, I thought I could record 32 bit when I set the audio files’ bit depth settings on audition at 32 bit (float). I thought 32 bit can record audio without clipping and that even if I played and set the input volume at Level 1 or Level 10, it would still sound the same when I post process it. Despite recording in 32 Bit Float on the Zoom H6 when it is used as an interface, does it really still clip or doesn’t capture all the sound details when I set the input volume on the MSH-6 attachment at max or at minimum? I am new to the equipment, to the recordings, and knowledge in audio recording. Please bear with me. Thanks!
Hmmmm, looks like I'll be keeping my old H6. It doesn't see so much use anyway. I only use it when I need to plug-in my LOM Usi Pro mics and a couple of contact mics and/or maybe my Hydrophone all at once. Thanks so much for this review series anyway, For now I'll stick with my H1n. H1e (on it's way), H6, and my F3. They cover everything I need to do for now.
Why can't they just power them off of rechargable batteries, that are usb re-charged in unit? I can buy of 10$ flashlight that has that capability! Thanks.
I forgot to include this. But I do kind of understand. An unreplaceable battery would reduce the lifecycle of the unit... A replaceable battery however...I hear that
The battery life of the Tascam X8 is too junk, and I have been waiting for the same 32-bit floating point handheld recorder from ZOOM to come out. However, the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter from ZOOM has not been resolved until the Essential series is released. It is really frustrating and disappointing that it does not support app application control on Android devices. The Bluetooth adapter of the Tascam X8 is supported by both Apple and Android. Should we force everyone to switch their phones and tablets to Apple's?
I want to get one to record my motorcycle exhaust, but I'm so undecided. do I get the H6 or would I benefit from the 32-bit Float for exhaust noises? is the H4Ess onboard mic good enough AHHHHH
To be fair though hmmm let's see if they do anything to the H8. Which is only inaccessible cause they made it so. They could have worked with Apple or whom ever makes talkback for android about how to do accessible touch screans. But hmmm an accessible F6 or F8N Pro equivlent? Hmmm maybe I should wait for those. Should I cell off then my H6 2018 and though I just bought it last Summer my H8? Which to be honest is the harder 1 to let go of. Because with 10 mics and the EX H8 peace you can do 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos. Or the VR mic you can get too. Ah and if Zoom doesn't update the ASIO driver and uses that old pair from the old H6 ahim Reaper doesn't see them. Yes them Reaper 7.11 doesn't even see the H6 in Stereo Mix.
Great video, thanks!. However, I think any experienced user would never ever consider "not having a touchscreen" a drawback. Totally opposite! That seems like a pure marketing argument. "Regular" screen and "physcal" controls are the best to have precision and control. Touchscreens can be fancy, good on mobiles, but never reliable on critical reallife uses, like field recording or movie set recordings.
Don't be too quick to lump everyone into your argument. While they aren't perfect...touchscreens can allow for way more versatility and use. And they are being WIDELY adopted...even by the "experienced"
I am going to hold on to my 3 H6 units and start considering other brands after seeing your reviews. I feel let down by Zoom. I do have hopes for a Pro series that will compete with all other 32bit systems and Prosumer stuff that I've seen myself switch to slowly over the years. (Rode, needs some competition).
haven't been able to find any information of the file naming/metadata options on this which could be a dealbreaker for me. does it have the scrolling letter-by-letter text input of the original H series, or more like the F series does it have a full on-screen keyboard and automatically incrementing take numbers? can you edit file names from the companion mobile app?
So I’m looking for a recorder to record my Petrof upright piano, I’ve been looking At the zoom H8 and the Tascam x8 (32 big float) what’s your thoughts on which what should sway for best sound quality?
so Zoom uses their own chips and chip designs in their products. so for them to grandfather the old microphone capsules and claiming that they are not compatible with 32-bit float seems more like a decision based on maximizing profits. 32-bit float has to do with the processing.. the only thing those old capsules had that *might* be problematic with 32-bit float recording is their in-built gain control. but once again, Zoom designs their own circuitry, chips.. it would not have been impossible for them to simply make the game control knob non-functional if plugged into one of these new recorders. the microphone capsule is the important part of that technology. you're right that the zoom is probably going to come out with a more Pro Line.. they're probably going to release a bunch of new microphone capsules minus a gain knob when that line comes out.. they've done that with their recent LiveTrak series.. releasing ones with more advanced options a couple years later. the Bluetooth option I don't agree with your opinion though.. Bluetooth built in to a unit of this size, would be limiting. first off it would use additional power which would really piss off people that don't use the Bluetooth option. albeit you can probably turn off the Bluetooth option in the settings, but you'll still get some parasitic drain because the chip is built into the board.. similar to cell phone bluetooth, range will not be ideal. especially if you wanting to do remote control.. having an additional option to plug in a Bluetooth module, is the best option for ensuring you're getting optimal range and not having to be resorting to sleep mode when not in use. it would be ideal if that additional Bluetooth module has its own power source --I mean it's pretty big! so hopefully one of their engineers considered this. but Zoom has really up their game in recent years. they're preamps are remarkably transparent and clean. their corporate strategy though is pretty transparent. I have a feeling a few of these essential lines will be hitting the used market when their "pro" lineup comes out.
Don't forget the $30 "optional" bluetooth dongle that you have to buy with these. Why can't they just include it in the device? Bluetooth costs nothing these days..
hello guys! i need a audio recorder to record the sound of my motorcycle engine.(probably under the seat) i dont need any other features. should i get the h1 essentials for $100 (saw some videos with distortion at high revs under seat) h4 essentials for $200 h6 essentials for $270is the quality way better in the h6?or should i get other brand ? sry im kind new on this
well depending on the dough you wana spend these new ones. Or if you can do $600 at least I'd just grab the F6. The H8 is cool too but you want 32 bits. It's just cool cause you can do 5.1.4 Atmos with it via it's EX H8 peace then 10 mics into it's 6 XLRs and the other 4 of the EX H8.
Ah is it bigger then I think it is? Or are you saying it's not hand held due to having to use Externl mics? I would have thought the F3 would be let's see maybe H2N sized but perhaps a bit fatter to fit the XLR stuff in it.@@simonwilkinson2294
Wondering what the new "Pro" versions of these will be like. Not that I'm purchasing any of these "Essential"s to replace my H6 Pro. (Edit: H6, not H6 Pro)
H6 Pro? Wait if you mean the F6 don't bother. The F6 is a true studio mixer sounding thing compaired to the H recorders. If you mean that pointless all black then your choice but you'd get USB C you get 32 bits and well depending maybe like the H8 3 times better sound. I love the sound of the 8. Sure it's no F. But it's a bit more studio then the h6.
@@MrHamit64 No, I meant the H6 - I confused the name with my H4n Pro -- in my defense, Giutar Center makes the same mistake on its website. Oh no, I just cited Guitar Center as a source. I'll quit now.
Ah too funny with Guitar Center. Well then again friend your choice. Especially if it's just a 32 bits version of the original. My thing is the accessibility. I'm blind and these new ones talk make little music sounds and thingds.@@WJayH
Buyers beware the zoom h6 essential is not compatible as an audio interface on windows 11 arm 64 computers. The driver available is only for x64 processors. I am stuck with my device .
This series seems like a big flop so far. I’m still quite happy with my H5 for my purposes. Given all the improvements and competition in the interface game, I’d like to see Zoom come out with a truly portable, quality podcasting solution that improves upon the P4.
I am an old user of ZOOM, but the H4essential and H6essential designs look like vintage World War II artifacts dug out from the basement. They are much uglier than the H4N PRO and far less attractive than the H6
No tuner. No metronome. New capsule system. What a weird device. What a useless series. Basically, this is for video purposes only? I hope your analysis is spot on and that a pro series is on the way
Hello. I see a lot of people wrote in comments about Tascam Portracapture X6 and X8. I would like to join you. For me it would be important to test the sound detail. How much sound detail does each model record, and what is the AFC (amplitude-frequency response)?
Great video! I support the nay sayers on 32bit float. (Zoom, shame on you. Seriously. Instead of educating users about gain staging you copped out. I’ve been a long time fan and I own an H6 and have been using a miriad of Zoom products since 2000. Just really disappointed you are pushing and marketing 32 bit as an upgrade to 24bit) 32bit float is absolutely Zoom’s first and unfortunately HUGE cave-in to the 32bit upgrade "trend" to cash in with users who don't understand how to set input levels to average out around -18dBFS. 32 bit float is needed by .000001% of the recording industry that truly needs dynamic range capability that can accommodate over 1500dB...yep as in one thousand 500+ dB. Just FYI....anything 180dB or louder causes death. Incidentally, the theoretical maximum “molecular limit” in earths atmosphere is 194dB For anyone that doesn't know, 32bit float is simply a system that virtually eliminates the possibility of overloading/distorting. It's like adding unlimited seats to a bus...when all you are actually needing to get to work is your 2-4 seat car. Please, PLEASE don't confuse bits with quality. Bits relate ONLY.....ONLY....to dynamic range. If you are recording rocket ships or even the dramatically more quite canon or 747 engine from 1' away, 32bit float IS for you. I work full-time in television and film post production, and consistently the issue I encounter… (which zoom is responding to with 32-bit recorders… are videographers who are setting up audio and running the camera and not setting audio levels properly and then they end up with distortion. They could set the levels lower, but they think for some reason they have to see a strong signal visually, which is putting their signal upper round -3dBFS to -6dBFS on the recorders with smaller/shorter meters. If you set your average level to hit around -18 DBFS, you’ve got TONS of headroom, and even if the level appears to be very low, the dynamic range of 24bit audio is dramatically more than you will ever need for any video shoot, you’re a part of. The only people needing dynamic range available even in 24bit are Sound designers and sound engineers, recording, orchestral, music and the like that ends up being very dynamic. Make sense? It’s really frustrating. Getting audio files from videographers that have been recorded and 32 bit. It just really makes a mess of workflow. The thing is, the engineers at zoom know better. Yes, I believe 32-bit has its place and they should offer a recorder with that capability, but not push it through an entire line and market to it as though it is an upgrade to 24bit. Is a school bus an upgrade to a standard six seat car simply because it has more seats?
If you know what you are doing and are not lazy, 32 bit doesn't nothing for you over 24 bit. I want to set my audio on my own, I don't need software in a cheap-looking device to do it for me and guess what I want out of the audio recording.
@@mmsk2010 Depends on the type of work that you do. In documentary production in a situation with unpredictable sound levels using conventional 24 bit, even if you have a safety track set lower an unanticipated vey loud voice or sound can blown out and be completely unusable.
The physical layout and screen of the original H6 is much nicer and more intuitive than this, I’d still buy the old one if I had to replace mine. Shocked they didn’t upgrade the preamps though. Right now there isn’t a handheld field recorder with decent preamps on the market.
I was really looking forward to getting this...returned a new zoom R4 when I saw this on a winter namm video ...but even with my half shot old rocked out ears ...I still hear and dispise hiss, self noise, noise floor wharever you want to call it..we all hate it. So a hard pass till zoom or sony, tascam or some other player decides to puts a bit more effort in it and adds some quieter modern pre amps.(*price point isn't everything ..you stupid MBA's) I'm thinking zoom and others have a some new and BETTER 32 bit models ready to drop...so I'll wait for something REALLY NEW and not just a re-hashed re-worked 32bit attempt with no touch screen and the same old noisy pre amps. It's 2024 ...right? *Great review dark corner studio !
The term "Essential" confirms exactly what you expect, there will be more fancy versions at some later stage (hopefully 2024). Arturia uses exactly this terminology for their larger midi-keyboards, the stripped-down versions being called "essential" as well.
Hope to see more fancy versions this year
Tascam X8 is what I regard as the successor of the H6. I have both the original H6 and the Tascam X8, and although I was hoping for an updated H6.... this H6 essential does not let me use my original zoom capsules (does F8n Pro with 32 bit do?) and as per your review it seems way too noisy too. And, apart from accessibility (which is also a con for audio recorders unless you are visually impaired), it seems to offer nothing that the X8 can not. However, the X8 offers a lot more: touchscreen, mixer, eq, podcast mode with smart pads, etc etc. I appreciate the X8 even more now.
I just bought this, main functions are recording demo rehearsals with my bands, and recording samples. Im bery impressed with this product, but i do see where you are coming from.
That being said, im a big fan of this. This is the largest leap up from the izatope spire, not a single complaint thus far, not we will see soon how well it handles 5 very loud dudes in a very small room.
You are definitely hitting the important points. I'm one of those that i use great until it dies. We'll see what happens
How’s it holding up? I want to pick this up to record my band’s live shows, demos etc.. 32-bit float seems to make the most sense for me.
All of these new "essentials" look super cheap and are full of compromises. All they had to do was use the older chassis with new pre-amps and 32-bit float recording. I have the M4 MicTrak and it's actually really good. It's one of the few handheld options that has timecode input.
I don't even think it's a new preamp. I think they just added new ADC to accommodate 32 bit and that's it
The M4 uses the F3 preamps.
If I can plug whatever mic I want into a UAC-232, Zoom is definitely full of 💩 saying they won't work. They don't want them to work. The further I get into this series, the less I like what Zoom is doing.
I’m not a big fan of the new color screen. I wish they had gone with a slick light matte gray instead of blue
I have 5 ZOOM recorders, and my 8 year old H6 is my workhorse. This is one of the best small digital recorders ever made. That said, a year ago I got a TASCAM X8, because I got tired of waiting for ZOOM to come out with an updated H6 with 32-bit float. In many ways the X8 is everything ZOOM should be making: full color touchscreen, lots of recording modes and flexibility, 32-bit float. I really like it.
I have all the mics and XLR capsule for the H6 and am extremely disappointed that they are NOT compatible with the new H6E! WTF? Smells like a cash grab to me, “Yeah, we’ll make them buy all new accessories!”
ZOOM, I’m disappointed. Looks like I’ll just keep using my H1n, H6 and TASCAM X8.
Would you reccommend the X8 over the H6 essentials? I'm torn in between these 2. I would mostly use them to record live shows for my band.
Well to answer your question yes I should. It now talks so I can use it independently. Depends also on the sound though. But for me the big should is the accessibility as I'm blind.
I'll take decent preamps over anything else. But there again, I used to work for Radio NZ so I'm fussy.
Ah well I like Sound Devices 744-T sound. So i'm fussy too. Hence why I actually wanted the F6. But we didn't have the dough. Got the H8. But as I said in other comments for the blind the H8 is useless. You do have to have a sighted person tap the apps for you. Because well mine at least is real fussy. You have to tap the apps just right. Oh and even recording. You'd better hit that record button just right or else. But hmmmmm. Was it you that mention d Centrance? Tell me more about their recorder. What's it sound like?@@kyleethekelt
I was excited about the voice guide. I am also blind. Lost my talking Olympus in a move.
Great reviews. I've just watched all three in row. I have had a Zoom H5 for many years, and absolutely love it.
My H5 gets used for live music (just through the X/Y mics, or mics for ambient plus outputs from the mixer), Guitar and vocals (X/Y mics for the guitar, piezo from preamp in 1, mic (condenser or dynamic with 48v) in 2), voice work in a booth (built in X/Y mics or separate condenser), audio interface for live Zoom (the other Zoom!) calls with Original Sound for Musicians On, and I even use it for lavalier work with a belt pouch. It does all of these things brilliantly.
The only things I really wanted to make the H5 better were;
1. 32 bit float (although the H5 does have an option to also record a parallel 'backup' at 12 dB below what you have set - although X/Y inbuilt mics only)
2. A better pre-amp (I have tinnitus and can't hear the low hiss from a poor pre-amp so have to rely on good equipment)
3. Some sort of remote (IE Bluetooth). Even if only to hit the record and stop button.
From what I have seen, none of the new "Essential" series only provides point 1. of the above (32 bit float), and doesn't really give me much else above the H5.
I will wait to see if Zoom launch a professional series. Or maybe switch brands and see what the competition come up with.
Shame - I was really excited when I saw the original launch videos from Zoom. They seem to have boldly taken half a step forward, and not much more than that.
H5 is the most convenient device.Hope they will launch a fancy version of H5 later
Thanks for your video on the H1 essential a couple days ago. I had put in an order with B&H hours before I saw your vid, but I was able to cancel it. I'll be waiting for a while to see what Zoom comes up with. Thanks!
Cheers!
Sorry for your loss...lol
I bought the H1essential with great hopes and I found the exact same problems mentioned. I have to return it to B&H this week. :( I just did one last test, with a shock mount, tripod over my desk and even me typing on my keyboard adds a rumbling noise in the recording. I'm very disappointed.
Funny how I was watching your other two reviews and thinking it might take a while, then boom! your third review appeared.
Really dissapointed that the h1, but also the other two are a real let down. I guess you could say the essentials series is a flop by itself.
Also, finally someone on youtube that speaks at a normal pace and very clearly, which makes it very easy to follow, instead of speaking lightning speed fast as so many others on youtube do. So you gained another subscriber just because of that!
Thats cool!
Pacing is tough to be fair.
I have had to speed up my delivery over time...I am a bit of a slow talker....
Glad to hear you liked it!
Cheers!
I just commented on that. No drowning the viewer with Tech Talk. Always a good watch.
I’d say the reason the old mics don’t work is due to the gain knobs on each mic. That would be the “architecture” change Zoom mentions. The new recorders don’t have gain knobs. Your other XLR mics don’t have a gain knob. It’s a logical reason the old mics don’t work.
Tascam has a 32 bit float recorder called the Tascam Portacapture x6 it retails for a bit more but goes on sale. It is on sale for $299 right now in fact. Know nothing about it but maybe an alternative to this.
Which has better preamps I wonder.
@@rsmith02 There have been tests, Tascam is quieter, better EIN, THD and DR. Even better on the new Tascam FR-AV2, but that is only a to-channel, no built-in capsules. The X8/X6 are slightly lower spec, but still cleaner than the Zoom line.
Interesting, I’ve been using my H4n Pro for years to record, band rehearsals, jam sessions, gigs, writing sessions. It’s been such a workhorse and it’s never let me down. I’ve certainly had my moneys worth out of it. I’d definitely be into checking out the new Pro line. This Essential series isn’t convincing me to retire the old H4 just yet.
I’m thinking about getting the H4 because that’s what I can afford right now. Do you think I should just bite the bullet and get the H6?
7:19 "If you need one now, though, that Zoom H6 for 180 bucks looks rather tasty if you ask me, and I don't think 32-bit float is worth all that other functionality that you got out of that. So, cheers, guys."
I miss H6 2020 version before they turned it black. I replaced it with the mix pre-3 II
Thats an amazing upgrade
Love the simplicity of your videos. You get all points across without drowning viewers with Tech Talk✨👍
Could you possibly do a comparison video between the Zoom H6essential vs Tascam x8? Also would you rather have have the current zoom h6 or the essential model? Thank you and congratulations on 25K subscribers 🎉🎉😊
Zoom H6
And from what I know about the x8
It wouldn't be close.
X8 all the way
@@DarkCornerStudiosSo Taskam X8 is better than Zoom?
@captteemo9133 yeah...I liked the X6 way more than the Zoom.
That said Zoom is announcing something soon
@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks :) Soon = this month?
I pulled the trigger on this one. I get where you’re coming from, but I dont think we’ll see an upgraded H6 that’s in my price range anytime soon, and this one seems like it’s going to happily fit my needs.
I’ve only had enough time to plug it in and try it out for 2 test recordings, but for my needs, it’s going to be amazing. Looking forward to the stereo shotgun mic coming out this summer. Any idea what that’s going to cost me? Debating just getting a Rode shotgun and a nice XLR cable.
Reminds me of when Apple kept changing the format of the iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle, so accessory makers kept having to change their design.
To be fair, the new capsules are designed for the new capabilities of the Essential, which required some format changes.
What's the self noise of the H8? How good is the H8 really? I know I said in an older comment 3 times the original H6. I ment that too. But is it really? I've not heard it with the Rode NT1-A. That's always my refrence. Because of my friend Neal Ewers. The test was always hmmmm how does this hold up to Neal's Sound Devices 744-T and with the NT1-A?
The H8 has an ein of -124ish.
The best spec in the series thus far.
And I love the H8...ridiculous usability and input possibility...
Though it is hardly handheld...lol.
Also...it is very much the same build quality plastic as these ones.
Also...I did a video on the H8...you can check that out
Ah yes I will. Yeah I loe the 8. I originally wanted and would still want an F6 just cause of the almost $4000 sound to it. But the H8 is a nurdy geeky device. Oh and Dolby Atmos with 1 device. I can't find my comment you just said nop to. Was it the celing the recorders 1? If so nope what? Don't cell either or don't the H8?@@DarkCornerStudios
Thanks for these reviews. Greatly appreciated.
I've had the original H6 since 2015. I'm not going to replace it with this! I also have an F3 which is just on a different level. Something with built-in mics and closer to F3 quality would be a no-brainer.
I need to get one of those F3's for a review...I have heard many good things
Zoom Mictrak series. Same F series preamps and built in stereo mics. XY for M2 and M4, MS for M3
Any word yet on if Zoom is going to put out a Pro series this year, as you mentioned and/or another company swooping in with a better product?
Nothing yet...however we still have a release windows coming up in the fall.
If they don't...this is just a wildly disappointing release
@@DarkCornerStudios thank you for your reply, much appreciated.
Thanks for the very useful overview!
As you were talking about the competion:
Have you ever checked TASCAM 32 bit recorder X8 which should feature everything you were missing in the H6 E: Touch display, FX etc.
I have one and I like it a lot. Not perfect, but it is so versatile... A few firmware problems and some reliability issues. But a great multi-purpose recorder with a user interface that makes it useable as a field recorder, a mixer, a basic preprocessor, a podcast tool, etc. Would Tascam ever fix those few bugs and add make a few tiny changes, it would be the perfect audio device for hobbyists/prosumers.
@@ww1www thanks for sharing your thoughts about the X8 with me!
Another blind user here. I bought all three of them to test them out. The H6 to my ears was the cleanest, the age 4 was a fair compromise. The H one was the first one to go back. These feel like a slap in the face. The accessibility is a great start, but they took away so much. You can’t even pan tracks anymore. What the hell? I am begging zoom to please put this accessibility feature on the F8. Even if they made an entire new one, I would trade up for that. I called them and told them just that.
Yeah they really took the "essential" tag a little too seriously.
I just got a H6 black free warranty replacement for the OG H6 with the “sticky plastic” issue, after 10 years of solid use.
Same thing with my h5. Unfortunately the old material got quite sticky idk why
@@BahasaDrum The coating deteriorates over time, but Zoom replaced it even though it was well out of warranty.
Same same… bravo Zoom. Well beyond the warranty and they replaced my old workhorse with the new black.
Thank you so much for this review. I have a 2i2 and cloudlifter setup for my podcast battlestation but considering the zoom H6 for mobile podcast with my iPhone. I want to start local outreach for podcasts onsite with other mental health professionals.
have been enjoying your comment. How do you compare the H6 vs the Arturia Audiofuse Studio Audio Interface which i see on your list?
Keep up the great work
The Arturia is not that portable like the H6 but when it comes to sound and quality The Arturia is way better. #RM
Is there any way you could try an NT1 into the H8? Just to hear once and for all how good it actually is or isn't. As I said judging from my 8022 stereo mic hmmm seems 3 times more studio then the original H6 and all the newer recorders. But an NT1 and especially the 1-A being as bright as it is would answer this once and for always. Ah that's what I was going to say. Shame you didn't have an NT1-A for these 3 reviews. I believe you but still an NT1-A would proove the point once and for always. For me anyways. Cause my refrence again was a 744-T $4000 recorder and the NT1-A.
Thanks for these reviews. Are the preamps and noise levels on H8 are as good as H6Essential, did you compared ?
No...the H8 is much better
Very good info. Thanks! I was about to pull the trigger on this one. I was excited to get a new peice of gear with a really low noise floor. I will be holding off at least for a little while. The main reason I need one is my Dr-40 has some issues that pulls up random sounds from time to time and the noise floor when I want to crank the gain sounds terrible. Good review. I'll swing back here and let you know what I did.
i'll share my own goals for a device and what device filled that goal for me:
goals:
1. i am not a content creator. ultimately high end audio quality isn't what i need.
2. i just need external device to record audio evidence. a device outside of my phone that can do audio recording.
the device that worked will to fulfill the goal:
galaxy tablet a8, and it's features i like:
1. the voice recorder app can record up to 10 hours straight.
2. the file sizes are relatively small which is good for file management. speed of uploading stuff and storage space capacity.
3. the quality is suciffient enough not bad in my opinion, i can on speaker hear everything relatively clear.
4. the device itself comes with a large screen since it's a tablet, this allows me to manage files on the device itself rather than needing to plug it into pc. this generally adds alot of convenience is a large screen.
5. the cost was pretty decent like 250 bucks.
6. the battery life is relatively long, i can use it most of a full day without much fear of battery running out, and it's rechargeable plug in.
I’m definitely getting this because it is accessible for people With disabilities, including blind people
Small correction: The bluetooth dongle does not allow you to monitor, only control.
I misspoke.
Did not mean Monitor as in listening...more visibly monitoring
Plus it works only with iPhones; no android app is available.
I think they can make a mics' adapter to make ALL the H8's "TOP/FRONT" mics work with the H6 essential unit. This is THE ONLY way to proceed if they want to get a piece of the market with the new essential series. Otherwise, their whole approach is a "covered ripoff" trying to resell the same mics again and again along with the new device/unit , taking advantage of the whole 32bit mania , which is happening in global scale.
Thank you for your presentation.
Very truthful and enlightening.
I totally agree in every aspect , you have presented.
Furthermore, i do believe that the bigger XY H6 essential mics sound a tiny bit better than the H4 XY stereo mics.
I just bought one, but I’m blind and thus the speech was a big selling point for me, and I need it too soon to wait for competitors. I’m happy to upgrade later but for now I’m looking forward to accessible and portable multitrack recording.
It could be a bandwidth issue between the mic and the recorder that stops the capsules working on the device if the capsules convert to digital, but even then I’d be surprised
Oh man, I guess they regret sending all the stuff your way ahah. Thank you for the honesty though, I'm going to save money thanks to your precious work.
We shall see...though it is just business...
We shall see if this burns bridges...but I doubt it
Thank you for an excellent arrow straight review. I am in the market for a capable handheld, though I have never owned one Zoom seemed like the go-to. But, my spidey sense was up and your review confirmed my concerns. So, if I don't want to wait for Zoom's new proline, can you recommend any alternatives? I'm capturing live music in both inside and outside settings. Thanks again for the great review.
@@Wallybear770 I am a big fan of the tascam X6...did a review on it recently...check it out
@@DarkCornerStudios thank you, sir
I've fancied the H6 for a while and I'm generally favorably disposed to Zoom products. (That ol G3 was a game changer for me)However I ended up getting a Tascam DR 40x for a needy student film maker pal and he seems happy. We got nice results using my Rode M5 pair into that. But what about me?!I might need a field recorder for a project that I haven't yet imagined! I'll wait for the end of your Zoom reviews and then ponder the options. Nice review.
This was the final one!
@@DarkCornerStudios oh no! My expectations for the rest of the week are crushed. I do watch the live stream, mostly to see what kinda cocktail umbrella Dylan is going for. As if. 🍸☔😂🙄
So then what would you say those of us then that wana jump on these for accessibility? I'm me so if the new H6 is basically an old H6 but now can do 32 bits oh and finally has USB CI might wait. If it had been like the h8 then hmmmmm.
I'll stick with the awesome Tascam Portacapture X6, which for some reason got a hard time in some internet reviews but I love it.
I still haven't dipped into the Portacapture reviews...gonna look into doing that
@@DarkCornerStudios The only digital recorder I've found that has a built in noise gate, which can be very handy, as well as 32bit float, alongside a whole bucketload of features.
I have the zoom h8....and the zoom r20 ...and love them
I haven't played with their recorder series in years...I should pick one up
I'm totally new to the field recording space, but I mostly wanted something to plug my music gear into and use kind of as a portable recorder for line-level input. The ability to use it to record music or voice through the mics was more a secondary use. So to that end, a few weeks ago I ordered the H6 Black Series whatever it's called. Right before it arrived, I saw Zoom had just announced the H6 Essential. Oh, I thought, I'll just return this H6 Black and get the Essential! I asked the store I bought it from if they could just put my refund towards a pre-order of the new one, and since then I've just been waiting excitedly.
But damn this series of reviews has me thinking that Zoom played me. On the flip side, I'm not experienced with recorders, and maybe all this criticism won't really apply to someone like me who might not be so picky.
Really you just bought a very much stripped down version of the H6 and you are just missing out on those features.
Download the H6 user guide and see if any of those features are something you would use.
If so...well...you know what to do
What about the fact that the essential has no gain levels to adjust and you don't have to worry about clipping and monitoring the recorder. That's huge in my opinion for someone that's new to this. No?
@@jameskozlowski5496
Definitely, that was one of the things I was most interested. Many reviewers of the H6 seemed to be annoyed that the dials would often be moved by light accidental touches and often had to be reset, and from working with audio recording on my camera, I knew that not having to set gain would be a huge improvement.
I did review the H6 Essential manual on their website and compare the features to the previous model. Honestly, it doesn't look like there's that much stripped down like the video here said. The ability to trim recordings on the unit, the ability to alter pitch and L-R balance, the ability to set little voice memos for files. Most of that stuff I'd do on my computer anyways.
I'd like to see those mic modules have an adapter so you could use them with other audio interfaces
I am confused about Zoom's handheld line up now! Where doe's the M2/3/4 Mictrak series fit in now. I'm not sure I agree with your prediction that Zoom will bring out a H Pro series now ... isn't that the MicTrak recorders which allegedly have the same preamps as the F series? Or were the MicTraks dead out of the door due to IMF issues and poor build quality, and they being quietly discontinued. One of my local retailers said they won't stock them due to their unpopularity and the number of returns. I just wish Zoom would give us what we want/need, which is simple ... a solidly built hand held recorder with good 32 bit float preamps and decent built in mics, and a solid build quality. I don't want cheap ... I want good! Looks like I will stick with my trusty old H5 for now.
I can’t find the 2 extra input module anywhere. Do you have a link for this? 6 mic inputs would be wonderful.
I am confused about the clipping despite setting the bit depth at 32 bit (float) on Adobe Audition.
I have a zoom H6 2013 Model, and used it as an Audio Interface in Adobe Audition. I used the MSH-6 Mic to record audio of the Zoom H6 directly to Adobe Audition. The sample rate is at 44.1kHz on the monitor of the Zoom H6, couldn’t change it in USB Audio Interface mode. Bit rate was not indicated in the monitor, only the sample rate. And since the there is no bit rate, I thought I could record 32 bit when I set the audio files’ bit depth settings on audition at 32 bit (float).
I thought 32 bit can record audio without clipping and that even if I played and set the input volume at Level 1 or Level 10, it would still sound the same when I post process it.
Despite recording in 32 Bit Float on the Zoom H6 when it is used as an interface, does it really still clip or doesn’t capture all the sound details when I set the input volume on the MSH-6 attachment at max or at minimum?
I am new to the equipment, to the recordings, and knowledge in audio recording. Please bear with me. Thanks!
What do I do if I need a recorder now…guitar + vocals into a Sony a6100 camera…no post processing
Hmmmm, looks like I'll be keeping my old H6. It doesn't see so much use anyway. I only use it when I need to plug-in my LOM Usi Pro mics and a couple of contact mics and/or maybe my Hydrophone all at once. Thanks so much for this review series anyway, For now I'll stick with my H1n. H1e (on it's way), H6, and my F3. They cover everything I need to do for now.
I'm still waiting for a new version of the Zoom F4 to come out, but at this point I doubt they'll do anything like that.
Why can't they just power them off of rechargable batteries, that are usb re-charged in unit? I can buy of 10$ flashlight that has that capability! Thanks.
I forgot to include this.
But I do kind of understand.
An unreplaceable battery would reduce the lifecycle of the unit...
A replaceable battery however...I hear that
Zoom's design aesthetic is still so nineties.
Where can I buy the swappable capsules for the H6Essential? I cannot find them anywhere 😅 am I tripping or are they not available yet?
The battery life of the Tascam X8 is too junk, and I have been waiting for the same 32-bit floating point handheld recorder from ZOOM to come out. However, the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter from ZOOM has not been resolved until the Essential series is released. It is really frustrating and disappointing that it does not support app application control on Android devices. The Bluetooth adapter of the Tascam X8 is supported by both Apple and Android. Should we force everyone to switch their phones and tablets to Apple's?
I want to get one to record my motorcycle exhaust, but I'm so undecided. do I get the H6 or would I benefit from the 32-bit Float for exhaust noises? is the H4Ess onboard mic good enough
AHHHHH
So did they get rid of the 3.5mm jack from the stereo mic attachment?
To be fair though hmmm let's see if they do anything to the H8. Which is only inaccessible cause they made it so. They could have worked with Apple or whom ever makes talkback for android about how to do accessible touch screans. But hmmm an accessible F6 or F8N Pro equivlent? Hmmm maybe I should wait for those. Should I cell off then my H6 2018 and though I just bought it last Summer my H8? Which to be honest is the harder 1 to let go of. Because with 10 mics and the EX H8 peace you can do 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos. Or the VR mic you can get too. Ah and if Zoom doesn't update the ASIO driver and uses that old pair from the old H6 ahim Reaper doesn't see them. Yes them Reaper 7.11 doesn't even see the H6 in Stereo Mix.
Great video, thanks!. However, I think any experienced user would never ever consider "not having a touchscreen" a drawback. Totally opposite! That seems like a pure marketing argument. "Regular" screen and "physcal" controls are the best to have precision and control. Touchscreens can be fancy, good on mobiles, but never reliable on critical reallife uses, like field recording or movie set recordings.
Don't be too quick to lump everyone into your argument.
While they aren't perfect...touchscreens can allow for way more versatility and use.
And they are being WIDELY adopted...even by the "experienced"
Nicely done. H6 still works. Think I’ll save my pennies
I am going to hold on to my 3 H6 units and start considering other brands after seeing your reviews. I feel let down by Zoom. I do have hopes for a Pro series that will compete with all other 32bit systems and Prosumer stuff that I've seen myself switch to slowly over the years. (Rode, needs some competition).
Do you have a video comparing this to the Tascam Portacapture X8?
@@JeremyLloydVidal to the x6...so basically yes
Do I understand you right that you favour the OG H8 versus the OG H6?
From a specs perspective...very much so.
From build quality though...the H6 us better
Do you think there will be a h5 update?
Wait so this has the same preamps as the OG H6? Not similar to the F3?
I’m actually regretting pre-ordering the H6Essential 😞
You are correct.
I was surprised too
Jeez! Definitely cancelling my order now. Thanks!
haven't been able to find any information of the file naming/metadata options on this which could be a dealbreaker for me. does it have the scrolling letter-by-letter text input of the original H series, or more like the F series does it have a full on-screen keyboard and automatically incrementing take numbers? can you edit file names from the companion mobile app?
I wish they'd bring a worthy successor for the H5 and for the F6.
So I’m looking for a recorder to record my Petrof upright piano, I’ve been looking At the zoom H8 and the Tascam x8 (32 big float) what’s your thoughts on which what should sway for best sound quality?
It looks so cheap and look, I know how to set audio and don't need/want 32 bit to fix what beginners don't know how to do for themselves.
It's now October. No sign of any other versions of any of these Essential devices. Maybe they are not coming.
@@scottgibson6022 it's a pity.
Massive missed opportunity.
Tascam X series is just better
So is the H5 dead?
Awesome reviews of the essentials
Thank you for the insight, I'll definitely keep an eye out for what zoom follows these up with
where does the H6 actually retail for 180?? can't find it anywhere at that price!
It was at B&H I believe...or Sweetwater.
Might be a deal that ended.
Don't think it will be long before it's on sale again
thanks@@DarkCornerStudios
How do you record overdubs on the h6 essential? I can't figure it out
so Zoom uses their own chips and chip designs in their products. so for them to grandfather the old microphone capsules and claiming that they are not compatible with 32-bit float seems more like a decision based on maximizing profits. 32-bit float has to do with the processing.. the only thing those old capsules had that *might* be problematic with 32-bit float recording is their in-built gain control. but once again, Zoom designs their own circuitry, chips.. it would not have been impossible for them to simply make the game control knob non-functional if plugged into one of these new recorders. the microphone capsule is the important part of that technology. you're right that the zoom is probably going to come out with a more Pro Line.. they're probably going to release a bunch of new microphone capsules minus a gain knob when that line comes out.. they've done that with their recent LiveTrak series.. releasing ones with more advanced options a couple years later.
the Bluetooth option I don't agree with your opinion though.. Bluetooth built in to a unit of this size, would be limiting. first off it would use additional power which would really piss off people that don't use the Bluetooth option. albeit you can probably turn off the Bluetooth option in the settings, but you'll still get some parasitic drain because the chip is built into the board.. similar to cell phone bluetooth, range will not be ideal. especially if you wanting to do remote control.. having an additional option to plug in a Bluetooth module, is the best option for ensuring you're getting optimal range and not having to be resorting to sleep mode when not in use. it would be ideal if that additional Bluetooth module has its own power source --I mean it's pretty big! so hopefully one of their engineers considered this.
but Zoom has really up their game in recent years. they're preamps are remarkably transparent and clean.
their corporate strategy though is pretty transparent. I have a feeling a few of these essential lines will be hitting the used market when their "pro" lineup comes out.
Don't forget the $30 "optional" bluetooth dongle that you have to buy with these. Why can't they just include it in the device? Bluetooth costs nothing these days..
can you compare the same sound in h1e, h4e and h6e?
maybe compare with tascam too.. :)
hello guys!
i need a audio recorder to record the sound of my motorcycle engine.(probably under the seat)
i dont need any other features.
should i get the h1 essentials for $100 (saw some videos with distortion at high revs under seat)
h4 essentials for $200
h6 essentials for $270is the quality way better in the h6?or should i get other brand ? sry im kind new on this
I want to get into field recording. What would be a good 32bit handheld?
The Zoom F3 has some great reviews.
I havent been hands on with it yet...but it seems to fit the bill
well depending on the dough you wana spend these new ones. Or if you can do $600 at least I'd just grab the F6. The H8 is cool too but you want 32 bits. It's just cool cause you can do 5.1.4 Atmos with it via it's EX H8 peace then 10 mics into it's 6 XLRs and the other 4 of the EX H8.
The Zoom F3 is good and reasonably priced, but not really a handheld.
Ah is it bigger then I think it is? Or are you saying it's not hand held due to having to use Externl mics? I would have thought the F3 would be let's see maybe H2N sized but perhaps a bit fatter to fit the XLR stuff in it.@@simonwilkinson2294
Wondering what the new "Pro" versions of these will be like. Not that I'm purchasing any of these "Essential"s to replace my H6 Pro. (Edit: H6, not H6 Pro)
Good question.
Can't be better than the F3...or it cannabalizes their other gear tho
H6 Pro? Wait if you mean the F6 don't bother. The F6 is a true studio mixer sounding thing compaired to the H recorders. If you mean that pointless all black then your choice but you'd get USB C you get 32 bits and well depending maybe like the H8 3 times better sound. I love the sound of the 8. Sure it's no F. But it's a bit more studio then the h6.
@@MrHamit64 No, I meant the H6 - I confused the name with my H4n Pro -- in my defense, Giutar Center makes the same mistake on its website. Oh no, I just cited Guitar Center as a source. I'll quit now.
Ah too funny with Guitar Center. Well then again friend your choice. Especially if it's just a 32 bits version of the original. My thing is the accessibility. I'm blind and these new ones talk make little music sounds and thingds.@@WJayH
Is it possible to regulate the input level? or we depends of 32 bits ?
Nope...all 32bit
Buyers beware the zoom h6 essential is not compatible as an audio interface on windows 11 arm 64 computers. The driver available is only for x64 processors. I am stuck with my device .
This series seems like a big flop so far. I’m still quite happy with my H5 for my purposes.
Given all the improvements and competition in the interface game, I’d like to see Zoom come out with a truly portable, quality podcasting solution that improves upon the P4.
let us know when the Pro models of this series come out.
Oh for sure...though I thought they would have done it at NAB
Great Video
Man it looks hideous. Hate the button colour too.
I am an old user of ZOOM, but the H4essential and H6essential designs look like vintage World War II artifacts dug out from the basement. They are much uglier than the H4N PRO and far less attractive than the H6
No tuner. No metronome. New capsule system. What a weird device. What a useless series. Basically, this is for video purposes only?
I hope your analysis is spot on and that a pro series is on the way
Excellent.
Waited for all three videos before commenting.
None for me. But I'm sure some will benefit from one of them somewhere?
Hello. I see a lot of people wrote in comments about Tascam Portracapture X6 and X8. I would like to join you.
For me it would be important to test the sound detail. How much sound detail does each model record, and what is the AFC (amplitude-frequency response)?
Great video!
I support the nay sayers on 32bit float. (Zoom, shame on you. Seriously. Instead of educating users about gain staging you copped out. I’ve been a long time fan and I own an H6 and have been using a miriad of Zoom products since 2000. Just really disappointed you are pushing and marketing 32 bit as an upgrade to 24bit)
32bit float is absolutely Zoom’s first and unfortunately HUGE cave-in to the 32bit upgrade "trend" to cash in with users who don't understand how to set input levels to average out around -18dBFS.
32 bit float is needed by .000001% of the recording industry that truly needs dynamic range capability that can accommodate over 1500dB...yep as in one thousand 500+ dB. Just FYI....anything 180dB or louder causes death.
Incidentally, the theoretical maximum “molecular limit” in earths atmosphere is 194dB
For anyone that doesn't know, 32bit float is simply a system that virtually eliminates the possibility of overloading/distorting. It's like adding unlimited seats to a bus...when all you are actually needing to get to work is your 2-4 seat car.
Please, PLEASE don't confuse bits with quality. Bits relate ONLY.....ONLY....to dynamic range. If you are recording rocket ships or even the dramatically more quite canon or 747 engine from 1' away, 32bit float IS for you.
I work full-time in television and film post production, and consistently the issue I encounter… (which zoom is responding to with 32-bit recorders… are videographers who are setting up audio and running the camera and not setting audio levels properly and then they end up with distortion. They could set the levels lower, but they think for some reason they have to see a strong signal visually, which is putting their signal upper round -3dBFS to -6dBFS on the recorders with smaller/shorter meters.
If you set your average level to hit around -18 DBFS, you’ve got TONS of headroom, and even if the level appears to be very low, the dynamic range of 24bit audio is dramatically more than you will ever need for any video shoot, you’re a part of. The only people needing dynamic range available even in 24bit are Sound designers and sound engineers, recording, orchestral, music and the like that ends up being very dynamic. Make sense? It’s really frustrating. Getting audio files from videographers that have been recorded and 32 bit. It just really makes a mess of workflow. The thing is, the engineers at zoom know better. Yes, I believe 32-bit has its place and they should offer a recorder with that capability, but not push it through an entire line and market to it as though it is an upgrade to 24bit. Is a school bus an upgrade to a standard six seat car simply because it has more seats?
I wish you had talked more about the advantages of 32 bit float recording which is the main reason to invest in this new essential line. Thanks.
How much more should I cover?
It is a fantastic feature for handhelds...but I feel like it is lipstick on a pig here
If you know what you are doing and are not lazy, 32 bit doesn't nothing for you over 24 bit. I want to set my audio on my own, I don't need software in a cheap-looking device to do it for me and guess what I want out of the audio recording.
@@mmsk2010 Depends on the type of work that you do. In documentary production in a situation with unpredictable sound levels using conventional 24 bit, even if you have a safety track set lower an unanticipated vey loud voice or sound can blown out and be completely unusable.
I think I’ll stick with my zoom h6
Nice shirt
@gokhan9395 thanks!
The H6e is only $300 new.
Y’all are too picky on this price point. 😂
The physical layout and screen of the original H6 is much nicer and more intuitive than this, I’d still buy the old one if I had to replace mine.
Shocked they didn’t upgrade the preamps though. Right now there isn’t a handheld field recorder with decent preamps on the market.
Awesome advice: wait:)
180 buck?!?! Where???
I recently purchased mine for $125 on mpb, zoom H6 black.
I was really looking forward to getting this...returned a new zoom R4 when I saw this on a winter namm video ...but even with my half shot old rocked out ears ...I still hear and dispise hiss, self noise, noise floor wharever you want to call it..we all hate it. So a hard pass till zoom or sony, tascam or some other player decides to puts a bit more effort in it and adds some quieter modern pre amps.(*price point isn't everything ..you stupid MBA's) I'm thinking zoom and others have a some new and BETTER 32 bit models ready to drop...so I'll wait for something REALLY NEW and not just a re-hashed re-worked 32bit attempt with no touch screen and the same old noisy pre amps. It's 2024 ...right? *Great review dark corner studio !
Cheers!
The best so far have been the preamps on the H8 for what it's worth