Forget about digital clipping and focus on the shot with the Zoom F6, an ultra-compact, multitrack field recorder with 32-bit float technology for distortion-free dynamic range, and up to 14 tracks of simultaneous recording for professional and enthusiast applications on set and in the field. Slide it in a sound bag, sling it over your shoulder, or mount it to a camera; the F6 packs quantity and quality into a rugged frame that's more than ready for filmmaking, production/location sound mixing, sound effects recording, and electronic news gathering (ENG).

From the large, informative color display and user-friendly controls to the flexible powering options and precision timecode functionality, the F6 is properly equipped to please novices and demanding veterans alike. Whether you need long-duration stereo recording for an interview, redundant capture of multi-mic setups for a video shoot, or Ambisonics sound files for virtual reality and 360-audio projects, the F6 has the modes, resolutions, and media support to handle your crucial audio tasks. Plus, its operational versatility ensures that the F6 will always enhance your workflow, be it simple, complex, or always changing. You can feel confident using it as your main recorder, a USB audio interface for your dedicated computer rig, or a backup unit for added safety.

Includes Zoom F6 Field Recorder    Includes ORCA OR-268 Sound Bag    Location Recording & Production Sound    32-Bit Float Recording Avoids Clipping    6 x High-Gain, Low-Noise Mic Preamps    Records 6 Inputs & Stereo Mix    Ambisonics, WAV & MP3 Formats    Precision Timecode Reader/Generator    Bag Provides Easy Access from All Sides    Compact, Low-Profile Design

The F6 is designed to handle the reality of real-world dynamics. Since source levels can change unexpectedly, you need a system that can capture everything from pin-drop quiet to roaring loud without compromise or clipping. With 32-bit float resolution and dual-path A/D converters, the F6 delivers immense dynamic range to cover the audible spectrum with ease. Digital clipping is a thing of the past.

The F6 boasts a slew of recording modes and resolutions to choose from—record all six inputs at a maximum resolution of 192 kHz in 24-bit linear or 32-bit float, or (thanks to Zoom's dual-path A/D converters) record them simultaneously in at up to 96 kHz in 24-bit and 32-bit float while printing a stereo mix.

Maximize portability by recording directly to an SD/SDHC/SDXC card (available separately) for up to 1TB of storage space. Select MP3 format if you're only recording the stereo mix and really need extended time and minimal file size. Using the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility, you can run the F6 in 6-track mode (six inputs recorded in 24-bit or 32-bit float), or 14-track mode (six inputs recorded in 24-bit and 32-bit float, plus a stereo mix). Or select Ambisonics mode to capture four channels of Ambisonics-compatible audio and have two channels to spare for traditional mics.

Alternatively, use the F6 as a 6-in/4-out USB 2.0 audio interface at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. Connect it to your computer, launch your preferred audio recording program, then enjoy the combination of the F6's premium mic preamps and A/D converters, plus the familiarity and features of your favorite software. For safe, redundant recording at up to 48 kHz, it is possible to operate the F6 as an audio interface while recording to an SD card.

The F6's Ambisonics mode offers precision A-to-B decoding and balanced gain linking, enabling you to capture professional spatial audio for VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and more. Even while using the first four channels for Ambisonics recording, you can utilize channels 5-6 for other signals such as boom and lav mics. Download the free Zoom Ambisonics Player software to access user-friendly decoding and editing functions for your 360-audio.

The F6 can accommodate all manner of condenser microphones as well as balanced line-level signals via six locking Neutrik 3-pin XLR inputs. Six studio-quality microphone preamps boasting massive gain (up to 75 dB) and ultra-low noise (-127 dBu EIN) ensure that your sound sources will be amplified with sonic accuracy. Select mic/line-level per input, apply 24 or 48 VDC phantom power per input, adjust each input via a dedicated level knob, and handle hot signal levels (up to +4 dBu in mic mode, or up to +24 dBu in line mode).

In 24-bit recording mode, the F6 utilizes advanced look-ahead hybrid limiters to provide reliable protection against overloading the A/D converters. By adding a small delay of just one millisecond, the limiters are able to look-ahead at the input signal and anticipate clipping before it's recorded.

To use the F6 as a field mixer, simply connect its 3.5mm stereo line output into your camera, DSLR, mixer, or secondary recorder. Your audio mix will be fed through the unbalanced line, ready to be recorded.

With a transparent and high-output 100mW headphone amplifier tied to a 3.5mm stereo output, the F6 provides clean, efficient monitoring of pre- or post-fader levels and alerts for battery and recording status.

Whether you keep the F6 powered on all day, or shut it down during breaks, rock-solid sync with video cameras, master timecode clocks, or additional audio recorders will be maintained. Accurate synchronization is made possible with the F6's high-end timecode features. A 3.5mm TRS mini jack is dedicated for timecode I/O, and a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) boasts super stable timecode accuracy to ±0.2 ppm. You can even jam sync the F6 when constant external timecode isn't present.

If you need extensive external control, Zoom has you covered. For fast and fluid hands-on remote control, the Zoom F-Control (available separately) is ideal. It features smooth 60mm faders, plus tactile controls for trim, pan, arming tracks, transport operations, and more.

For convenient wireless remote control from an iOS mobile device, connect a Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter (available separately), then use the free F-Control app to quickly monitor and tweak levels, operate transport controls, add metadata, and more.

To keep up with the pace of on-location production, the F6 offers several methods of powering. Operate it via four AA batteries or a Sony L-Series type battery (available separately), power it through a USB Type-C connection, or plug it into a wall outlet with the Zoom AD-17 AC adapter (available separately). With up to 16.5 hours of battery life (AA lithium batteries, 16-bit / 48 kHz, 2-channel recording to SD card), you can rely on the F6 hour after hour.

A USB Type-C port on the F6 serves several functions. Use it to hook up a power source, or connect a computer for file backup or live audio streaming.

Day or night, view vital information such as audio levels, recording time, battery status, and more on the 1.54" full-color backlit LCD, which also offers a monochromatic mode. Transport controls and navigation buttons are presented nearby for sound bag-friendly, hassle-free operations.

Let Zoom's AutoMix function simplify your job. This smart software automatically adjusts the levels of your mix to reduce the amount of ambient sound, so you can focus on capturing a well-balanced mix. Since you turn AutoMix on/off for each channel, you have complete control over where you want AutoMix to work.

The rugged build quality and compact size make the F6 an excellent choice for location recording on set and in the field. It's equally well suited for placement in an audio bag or a camera-mounted configuration. A camera-mount adapter is included.

Add metadata such as notes and track/scene names in BWF and iXML formats to easily catalog your files in preparation for loading them into your video or audio editing workstation. Make it a habit to make organization and collaboration in post-production easy.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What are the best settings to sync time code between the Zoom F6 and the JVC GY-HM850. ?Which should be used as the master and which the slave and what settings on each device? I've tried a number of variations and still cannot get it to work.

A: Thank you for your question. This will all depend on your frame rate and recording rate. Please give us a call 800.606.6969 so that we can better assist you

Q: 2. Will the USB-C provide full power so that the recorder operates totally normally? I asked because a competitor's product also has a USB power option, but using it causes their recorder to shift into a power-saving mode with display dimmed and perhaps other changes.

A: The F6 retains full functionality when powered over USB-C, operating in the same way that the device does with all other powering options.

Q: 3. Will the 32 -bit capability work within FCPX?

A: Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition 2015.4, Adobe Audition 2015.2.1 and Final Cut PRO X10.4.6 all support 32-bit float WAV Import. ested in MacOS 10.14 and higher.

Q: 4. Is F6 (in 32 Bit ) compatible with Reaper DAW?

A: Reaper has support 32 bit float audio files, so files recorded by the F6 will work with this software.

Q: 5. What can you recommend for AC/DC Power and or adapter? This is for in house usage with the battery as back for any power failure.

A: Zoom AD-17 power adapter.

Q: 6. Is it possible to use 4 channels with an ambisonic mic while using the other 2 channels in some combination of lav/boom?

A: Thank you for your question. When using channels 1-4 in Ambisonic mode you still can use 5/6 independently for any combination of boom or lav mic setups.

Q: 7. In latest firmware, can we quickly change to monitor one input? Also, can PFL change controls to mix vs rec gain?

A: Yes, using the PFL menus for each input on the Zoom F6 Multitrack Field Recorder, you can monitor one input at a time. Additionally, in 32-bit float mode, there is an option in the Input menu for "Track Knob," and if set to "Rec Level," the fader knobs will affect the recording level and can be adjusted while recording. If you select "Reference Level," then the fader knob position at the time you hit record will be the record level for the whole track.

Q: 8. Is this bus powered when used as a computer audio interface?

A: Yes, the F6 can be bus-powered in audio interface mode.

Q: 9. Can two F6's be synced together to get 11 or 12 synced inputs?

A: There isn't a direct link function. However, if you connect 2 F-series units (including the F4, F8 or F8n) via the timecode in/out, and you turn audio clock sync on, then the clocks and timecode clocks will be synced. Then you can simply join the audio files from the 2 SD cards in post production.

Q: 10. I film some local bands in clubs & some have only the vocals amplified. I am thinking og getting 4 Sennheiser 609 mic's so I can mic the guitar and bass amps and when needed a second guitar & harmonica amp. The drums usually are good enough as are. Can I run these mic'ed amps via XLR straight into the Zoom F6? I plan on tucking it next to the drum kit.

A: Yes, you can run the microphones that you are using for the amplifiers straight into the F6.