There's a lot of buzz about 32-bit float recording technology. It not only gives you consistently clear audio, a simplified setup, and unprecedented editing flexibility, but it also eliminates the need for a gain knob.
Zoom is one of the first companies to implement 32 bit-float into a variety of portable audio recording devices because we see this technology as a true game-changer—but you might be wondering how it works and if it’s worth using in your audio setup. Here is a brief crash course on 32-bit floats that can help you determine if it’s right for you and your work.
The reason why digital audio distortion occurs in the first place comes down to sample rate and bit depth. When you’re recording with a computer, your digital audio workstation (DAW) software takes the initial analog signal and breaks it down into many snapshots (samples) to convert it to a digital signal. Sample rate tells you how many samples your DAW is capturing every second; the higher the sample rate, the more true-to-life your recordings will sound. For example, a 44.1 kHz sample rate—standard digital CD quality—means your DAW is producing 44,100 samples per second when recording.
Six Perfect Tracks
The 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs feature ultra-clean Zoom preamps, and the included X/Y microphones can capture up to a booming 135 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet taking off.
Next Generation 3.0 Capsule System
The H6essential’s 3.0 capsule system has been updated to support 32-bit float and gives creators more options to use the right mic for their recording.
Specs
INPUT AND OUTPUT CHANNELS
Inputs - Mic capsule: 1
MIC/LINE (mono): 4
Outputs - LINE OUT: 1
Headphones: 1
Built-in speaker (mono): 1
INPUTS
XY mic: XYH-6e: 90° XY stereo format
Directionality: Unidirectional
Sensitivity: 42 dB/1 Pa at kHz
Maximum sound pressure input: 135 dB SPL
MIC/LINE (mono) – Connectors: 4 XLR/TRS combo jacks
(XLR?2 HOT TRS? TRS?TIP HOT?
Input gain: Adjustment unnecessary (dual A/D converter circuits used)
Input impedance: MIC: 3.8 kΩ or more
LINE: 39 k? or more
Maximum input level: MIC: +4 dBu
LINE: +24 dBu
Phantom power: +48 V
Channel total 32 mA or less
Equivalent input noise: MIC: -120 dBu or less (IHF-A) @150 input
LINE: -95 dBu or less (IHF-A) @600 Ω input
OUTPUTS
LINE OUT: Connector Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: +1 dBu
Output impedance: 110 ? or less
Headphones: Connector Stereo mini jack
Maximum output level: 20 W + 20 ?W?when 32 Ω load?
Output impedance: 10 ? or less
Built-in speaker: Type: 20 mm x 30mm elliptical dynamic speaker
Effective maximum output: 250mW
RECORDER
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 8
Maximum simultaneous playback tracks: 6
Recording formats: WAV
44.1/48/96 kHz,
32-bit float mono/stereo
BWF and iXML formats supported
Recording media: 4-32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification
64GB–1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification
DISPLAY
2.0-inch full-color LCD: 360 x 240
USB
Connector: USB Type-C