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.

Location Recording & Production Sound    Zoom F6 Multitrack Field Recorder    Strut Field Case    32-Bit Float Recording Avoids Clipping    6 x High-Gain, Low-Noise Mic Preamps    Ambisonics, WAV & MP3 Formats    Supports Control via App or FRC-8    Flexible Powering Options    SD Card / USB Interface Recording    Precision Timecode Reader/Generator

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. Can TimeCode be Synced from Sony's Burano Camera via BlueTooth/ Sony's Cellphone App?

A: The Zoom F6 6-Input / 14-Track Multitrack Field Recorder does not support third-party timecode apps.

Q: 2. I see you dropped the "Mic Capsule Input", are you moving away from these?

A: No, Zoom is not moving away from it at all. It is on this model that - for one reason or another - Zoom decided not to incorporate it

Q: 3. 1. Does it have tone? 2. Can you use any field mixer cable to use this from the recorder then go into the camera for back up record or are you making one? 3. When's the bag come out for the unit?

A: 1: It has a slate tone which is accessed in the menu 2: Yes you can via the 1/8" stereo mini Line Level output jack 3: No ETA yet on the bag

Q: 4. Any ideas how to take in 1/4 plugged instruments ? DI-box only?

A: A DI box would be the way to go. Whirlwind IMP 2 - Passive, Single Channel Direct Box for PA or Studio B&H # WHIMP2

Q: 5. PASSWORD I can't install the iOS controller because the F6 displays a password. Where how do I enter this password. Because the iOS app is worthless if it can't and won't connect without this magical password that I have no idea where or how to enter it. Can anyone explain how I get around this?

A: The password will appear on the F6 LCD screen. Please email info@zoom-na.com or call (631) 542-5270 and we can assist.

Q: 6. Can you use right angle XLR connectors or will the metal bars be in the way?

A: Right angle XLR input connections may be impeded by the bar on the sides of the Zoom F6 6-Input / 14-Track Multitrack Field Recorder if they are oriented in a downward fashion. Most XLR connectors of this nature can be reoriented to face upwards or in another direction, however.

Q: 7. Can the USB-C be used for Audio-In by connecting to "Voyage Audio Spatial Mic Kit Ambisonics Microphone" (BH #VOSPVASAM1US) ?

A: The Zoom F6 6-Input / 14-Track Multitrack Field Recorder's USB-C port cannot be used for audio input from a USB-C microphone.

Q: 8. Can I plug this recorder into my camera's 3.5 mic input to record audio so I can bypass camera's preamps?

A: You can use a line-to-mic attenuator cable to connect the 3.5mm line out from the Zoom F6 Multitrack Field Recorder to a 3.5mm mic input on a camera. This would not necessarily bypass the camera's preamps, but it would allow you to use XLR microphones with the preamps on the F6. The F6 will still record higher quality audio than the camera. As options for an attenuating cable, you can use the Kopul ACH4-25MON Line-to-Mic Attenuator Cable (B&H # KOACH425MON) which has a built-in headphone tap, the Sescom LN2MIC-ZOOMH4N Line to Microphone Attenuation Cable for HDSLR Cameras (B&H # SEL2MZH4N), or if you need a long cable, the Sescom LN2MIC-ZMH4N-6 Line to Microphone Attenuation Cable for HDSLR Cameras (B&H # SEL2MZH4N6) is 6-feet long.

Q: 9. Will the separate F-Control unit work with this?

A: More info will be posted as soon as Zoom will make it available.

Q: 10. I have a question. Can I daisy chian a ZOOM F6 recorder to use multiple devices at the same time?

A: You can sync with Timecode.