Zoom F6 Audio Recorder Review

we just need good clean recorder to sd,,,, we use dpa 4099,,, tlm 103,,,, for music indoors,,,, we are sick of tascam dp24sd ,, and zoom r24,,, noisy ,, colored,,, not good for good mics... pls suggest good clean sd recorder for music

You've become my go-to for all things audio for video. Thank you!

I wish the F3 had 3 XLR inputs. As it feels like F6 potentially you are getting closer to a professional price and might as well get the Sound Devices. I'm looking for something fairly budget for starting out recording Sound on set but also for field recording. I'd like the option to record a matched pair with a boom or something more mono and centralised. The F3 is a third of the price of the Mix Pre 3. But the F6 is 1/2 the price of a Mix Pre 6. I had a TASCAM DR-40x which I started out with, which had a very high noise floor but also has broken.. 32 Bit Float looks really handy and I guess gain staging is less important. I guess I'm wondering if F6 is a good place to start out for professional work. As I have to factor a reliable Shotgun microphone into my budget too.

Hi Curtis, I recently did some live streams with my Zoom F6 with the Sony A7IV. Using the tone generator and then dropping the line out level from the Zoom F6 to -21.5dB to hit the right level on my camera, I was getting (at least to my ears), excellent sound that was free of any issues. I thought this might be relevant for Sony shooters using the F6. I tested also with the Sony ZVE10 which has very similar preamps to the A7IV and again, same excellent result. Both cameras here only have microphone level inputs.

The outputs are really nothing to rave about, especially since the headphone amp is pretty noisy, but man do the recordings sound great and the built-in Ambisonics encoding is amazing given the price point. The BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter and app are a must have for anyone who records a lot because being able to quickly name and rename tape and move between folders is just so much easier.

Great overview. Your channel and these detailed reviews really makes it easier to figure out what might work and what might not work. Thank you!!

Thank you for this review! I am new to this, mainly focusing on field recording with a hydrophone and checked up on both Zoom F3/F6 as well as Sound Devices Mix Pre II series. Are there any major differences in terms of sound quality/low noise preamps and durability? I am looking for something easy to handle (beginner) that I can mainly use for under water recordings and some other ambient sounds. So far the F6 in combination with the bag sounds quite interesting to me. Any other devices that I could check up on before deciding?

Hi Curtis, what setting should I use to record actors in film?

Hello Curtis. Thank you so much for this video. I have a DT 770 Pro 250Ohm Headphone. Is there any other recorder from Zoom or Sound devices that can power it? I do not want to spend on buying a new recorder and then a new headphone. Thank you very much for your helpful video.

Got a question, can I set one input to a LR track and other to mono? Like I have a DJI mic with two wireless mic and one receiver, the receiver can output one mic to L and one to R, so I am think that if I can plug my shotgun to one XLR as mono, and the DJI mic to other XLR as stereo, is that possible?

I know this is an older video, but I still find a lot of value on watching them. My question to Curtis is, it's now March 2023. Given the price difference between the Zoom F6 and the Sound Device Mix-Pre 3 II is $150, what do you consider to be the better option and why?

How is this unit for live streaming music?

My zoom F6 sounds too bright and brittle.
Very iritating.

Is it possible that I get a product with factory defect?
I’d like to send you a recording sample if you dont mind.

For 32 bit recording is a faster SD card needed like a V90? What capacity SD card would be needed to record 8 hours of 32 bit audio?

Can you tell me what the holder is you are using for that mic? I have never seen one of those

Hello sir, I want to ask. Actually, I've had a zoom h6 for a long time for podcasts, but I'm still interested in the f6, according to you, do you think I should to upgrade to f6 or not, sir? Thank you, sir

I have a challenge Curtis. Initially when I record, my Zoom F6 records as one audio track but when I import into premiere pro, it aligns itself in three tracks wcih is medium high and low. sINCE I RESET my settings it has never been that way anymore. Please how do I set that.

zoom f6 it's not compatible with Mojave sistem? because my mac don't find it

Having owned the F6 for a couple of days now (still haven't been able to take it outside for some field recording because of the weather, but I've been using it around the house), I can definitely vouch for it. It's really high quality and powerful for the price. At almost twice the price of the F6, I can't see how the MixPre-3 II would be a good purchase. Maybe brand loyalty and if you don't have a budget. Comparing them, or even talking about the MixPre-3 II, makes no sense to me at all.

My only complaint about the F6 is the small size of the knobs. Or rather, how cramped the controls are. But it's a very minor complaint. My hands are about 19x19cm and I can operate the knobs comfortably, but with and without the bag (K-Tek), but a little bit more room between the knobs would've been nice. I reckon that this very small complaint of mine will go away rather quickly as I use the F6 more, since the only times I'd use the knobs would be right before and right after recording. There's no need to ride the knobs while recording with 32-bit float after all.

Hi) Which is better to buy - Zoom F6 or Sound Devices MixPre-6 II 6-Channel?

does this have loopback function like the F3 ?

Man I really appreciate these thorough videos! How good is the Auto Mix feature on the F6? I’m a solo documentarian and audio is my weakest skill / I don’t understand how to tweak and mix sound very well in post production yet. I was originally leaning towards the Mix Pre ii series but do you think the auto mix feature is good enough to choose the F6 over the mix pre ii solely on that? Thanks for the great video 👏

Love your reviews as always. My F6 is on order, but I have a question. People seem to talk of 32bit float as if you can take a ridiculously weak signal and just boost it straight back up to healthy levels. I can't help but wonder at what point you run into problems with the self noise of the mic. Some quite expensive mics have self noise in the region of 15 to 20 dBA. Would this likely be a problem? I hope this isn't a daft question. Thanks again for the great information.

It seems that Zoom F3's recording capability of 32bits float at 192khz is a bit better than his elder sibling, F6.

Hi Curtis! Amazing review and i just put the order on Adorama.

For the budget it was just right for what i do. Thanks for the help on every video you talk about this F6 (review of the two weeks version they sent you, this review, the 2022 best recorders and the issue on the F6).

But right now I’m having problema deciding on which headphones use to monitor audio on this F6.

Which headphones would you say would be better monitoring on the F6?
The Sony MDR-7506?
The Sony ZX-110?
Or other one that u have tested?

Thank you for the help in advance and looking forward to meet you and pick your brain 😎

Wish you all the success!!!

Hey there Curis! First of all, I've been watching a bunch of your videos about mics and now this one and you've been probably the best source of information when it comes to this topic. I'm a beginner who bought a Zoom H4n ~6 years ago but haven't recorded anything since 2019 and I'm now getting back into field recording and foley. I plan on buying the F6 when it comes in stock at Thomann at the end of the year, but until then I'm going with my trusty H4n + some new mics I'll be buying (NTG5, two NT5s, a contact mic and an EMF receiver).

I have one question, or rather, I want confirmation on something. Since none of the mics I'm buying (and plan to buy) record over 20khz, would I still benefit from recording in 192khz? I haven't been able to gather much information about this, but I did see someone say that there is a benefit. I'm a music producer and sound designer, so I'll be manipulating sounds in many different ways, including pitching down (and up), so I'm guessing that I *will' benefit from recording with my 20khz mics at 192khz, more so than if I were to record in 96khz. Am I correct in assuming this?

Also, do you think my mic choices are good for a beginner setup?

Thank you for this constructive review!
Although, I have some questions to make things clear. I’m new to external recording and I’m trying to get one for short film projects for dialogue and ambient recording.

Setting 32bit float circumstances
Mic: MKE600 with rycotte nano with fur thing

1.what does knob actually do? I’m confused with how it functions cause to me it feels like a gain function for 32bit.
Like for example if my friend is monitoring through their headphone, is using the knob to find the right amount of sound being recorded called ok? Cause seems like turning the knob level lower means less noise being captured,,,?

2.Would it be fine to use for shorts films for dialogue recording outdoors? I would have to consider ambient noise would be captured when the actors are performing. But would the noise gobble their voices when the mic is headed toward actors?

3. F3 vs F6
I could use 2mics(shure SM7B and MKE600)
But the thing is I can’t see the bar indicator from F3. F3 seems to be the answer since I only have 2mics and it would seem that I might only use them primarily. But with the bar monitor absent, this makes me feel like F6 might be the option.

Thanks 🙏🏻

ATTN: Curtis this will be one of those WHAT!!!!!! JUST!!!! HAPPENED!!!! Moment. I have some news for you with the Zoom F6 and trim control…. Turns out there is actual trim control for 32 bit float!!!!!!! This fixes my one and only disappointment with Zoom in the 32 bit float realm

There is a caveat, you can’t control trim in 32 bit float directly, you must set your trims from 24 bit float. Then change recording setting to 32 bit. The trim setting will follow into 32 bit float. I’m super excited to have this knowledge thought I’d share it.

Think should be updated noise floor because you were using fader not real gain

Superb video Curtis, thank you. Could you tell me the name of the camera adapter screwed to the top of the recorder? I can only find a similar one for the F8/F8n, but I need one for the F6 I've just bought.

Does Zooms Automix damage the raw footage?

I want this, mainly for the clean gain

is that true good for every situasion?

I was thinking to buy this recorder to improve audio for my camera. To use the timecode feature, does it have to be connected to the camera at all times or can I disconnect it after jam syncing?

Thank you for mentioning the auto-mix feature. Definitely something for me to look into.

Holy. That's impressive

Hallo Curtis Judd thank you for this good informations. I work with these audio recorder 2 years and i like it. Since the zoom f6 is very small, it is not easy to adjust the settings. Otherwise, I am very satisfied with the recorder.

Looks like an awesome machine for $699 list. I design engine control systems. I've been using a Sony TCD-D7 DAT recorder to record the knock sensor and ignition triggers. I want a three channel recorder so I can record a second knock sensor. I need three outputs, too. The input signal levels would be about 0.5v. 3.5mm jacks for inputs and outputs if possible. Does anything like that exist?

I’m fairly new to audio so what’s the difference between a normal field recorder’s gain and the Zoom’s fader?

zoom f4 or f6? Assuming only 3 mics are needed. Novice to sound stuff

might be a bit late but I have a hissing sound when recording and a low end rumble as well. Tested with different microphones (Oktava MK 012, Rode Classic, and a cheap ribbon Mic). Did I mess up the settings? I tried connecting only one Mic at a time but that did not help either...

that's a lego tyre.

A technical tour de force. , thank you.
After listening to the equally briiliant video on the Mixpre 6, the form factor, analog limiters, lighted dials and screen won out. the unit fits winderfully under a Sony A73, winner.

These videos are game changers. Again thank you..

Another excellent, thorough review. A shame that Zoom don't enlarge the form factor so their devices are easier to actually use. Smaller is NOT better! The lack of an Android app is also a deal killer, for anyone who prefers remote control.

Are all the tracks recorded individually on one audio file or does each audio track generate it's own file?

Everything is fine for me. Only thing, I am not able to use my Pro Recording Headphone on Zoom F6. That's an dis advantage. But I am not worried about headphone. Without a headphone also I recorded; no problem. In all Zoom recorder, just see the light meters are at optimum level; and you can leave it alone and continue recording without headphone. When you play, you will hear the sounds are perfect. This is one goodness of Zoom recorders.