List Price: $499.99
Sale Price: $399.99
Today's Bonus: 20% Off
Zoom H4n is now obsolete with the release of this device.
I have been a long term user of the H4n and I swore by it in the field to record solid audio for my DSLR video work as well as quick mix downs when doing live audio recordings for my business. This device was a godsend when it released and I have been using it for years. I always thought, how could you make it better than it is today, and the H6 addressed all of my issues that I had.
Pros:
* The mic pre-amps in this device are far superior to the H4n. The noise floor is lower and my post work after shooting video with my DSLR is much better, the audio sounds warmer and clearer and it appears that the signal is a lot cleaner at low dBs
* 4 channels of XLR right out of the box! I love it! Now I can do a backup recording or record 4 XLR's at the same time! I can't tell you how many times I would have loved to push up the pre-amp just a bit to drive out the noise but I couldn't becuase of clipping. Now this is not a concern as you have individual compression on each channel and the ability to do a dual recording with a backup with less gain.
* Yes this does fit in the H4n SKB waterproof case. As soon as I got the device, I pulled the H4n out of the case and put this right into it, with all of the accessories with no problems. The H6 without the mics attached is exactly the same size as the H4n
* The gain dials are smooth and a perfect addition. Much better than the push button gain control on the H4n
* Pad switches right on top. Perfect
* Full Color Display is way better on the eyes and great in low light, and now the display dims to save battery versus turning off the backlight completely. Try turning the H4n light back on in a dark room. Not happening!
* Very solidly built. It is a solid piece of hardware. There are no squeaks and the buttons are solid. The record button is recessed and absolutely silent, so when making track markers you don't get that click sound in your recordings when using the device on top of a camera.
* Two headphone outputs is awesome addition. Now you can direct monitor and send a line out at the same time
* Now theres a track mixer onboard. After recording or even monitoring the sound you can mix the tracks on the fly and run those thru the line out into you camera rig.
* Interchangeable mics are AWESOME!
Cons:
* Menus are now buried. The H4n had quick access to changing bit rates, Folders, File Format, and Speed. I miss that and some thought should have been given to keeping a least the file format and folder buttons as quick access keys. It would have been awesome
* Takes more batteries, but what do you expect with a device with 2 more inputs available
* Select/Enter button is not consistent. Sometimes you have to push the side switch in and other times you have to press the record button to select items in the menus. Don't know why this is not constant. This could be improved in a firmware upgrade.
* Select button has to be pressed very far in. Button could have used a shorter throw.
Overall:
This is a killer device. Where else can you get a six track ultra mobile recorder with 24 bit 96k recording capability. The preamps are better, and footprint is about the same as the old version. This device is a must buy for any DSLR filmmaker or if you have pro setup and need more than 2 audio inputs. If you already have an H4n then and never find yourself needing more than 2 inputs then you might want to pass. But for all others this is an awesome device!
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