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Zoom F6 Multitrack Field Recorder

Item ID: F6
Zoom F6 Multitrack Field Recorder
Reviews for

Zoom F6 Multitrack Field Recorder Reviews

6-input/14-track Field Recorder and USB Audio Interface, with 6 XLR Mic Inputs, Line Input, Time-code I/O, Headphone Output, and SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Support

Designed for high-quality audio and reliability in the field, the Zoom F6 multitrack field recorder sets a new standard for portable recording devices. You can expect great results with practically any microphones, thanks to premium preamps with up to 75dB of gain and a virtually silent noise floor. Time-code I/O is available to sync with other recording devices, and a headphone output delivers plenty of gain for monitoring your recordings. And for recording flexibility, you can record to SD card, use the F6 as a USB audio interface, or do both simultaneously. When you need a budget-friendly field recorder with a pro feature set, Sweetwater can highly recommend the Zoom F6 multitrack field recorder.

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Price:$749 and 99 cents
Special Financing - Ends Aug 2, 2026. $21/month with 36 month financing*
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December 19, 2025

Zoom F6 Multitrack Field Recorder......Top Notch!!

By Al F. from Clio,MI
Music Background: Bassist 60+ years, Studio Engineer20+ years.....

Such a powerful recorder in such a little package..... You gotta love it!!!
Very Satisfied!!

October 9, 2025

Musician F6 good

By Arlo
Music Background: Musician

Hey I'm a musician, song writer, performer not a studio recording engineer.
If cassette tape was still a thing I would use it , and did .

I needed a device to plug a couple of mics into and hit record .

This f6 brick is it .
Get the app and ipad .

Once its set up and dialed in , you can record a song or two , and if u get a keeper , its going to be clean enough to send to one of your friends who gets into the weeds with processing.

Then go live life and have fun , maybe think about something else other than gizmos and computer screens.
You might even go play a gig for money and make money instead of spending money

The f6 is a tool and I believe its made out of metal and heavy enough to defend yourself with .

I approve this message

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September 12, 2024

Compact and powerful field recorder!

By Tim from Sherman Oaks, CA
Music Background: Location Sound, Post Production, Recording and Mix Engineer

I think the F6 is the sweet spot for field recorders. 6 channels gives you enough inputs to handle most indy projects as well as smaller scale professional productions. With the advent of 32-bit recording there's no longer a need to record duplicate channels with different gain stages allowing you to utilize every bit of this device.

I definitely recommend using the L-series batteries with it. On a decent 5600mAh battery it will last for 10+ hours (I had juice to spare after a 12 hour day running a boom and 4 lavs). If you get the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter you can use the F6 control software and run the device from your phone/Ipad, which will allow you to mix at a glance, have detailed take names, and stay organized.

Nitpicking: The front menu buttons are on the small side, the channel volume pots aren't as rugged feeling as other brands, and the SD card access will be behind the battery if you use the L-series/NP-F570 battery (which I recommend).. All that being said I can't ding them because it's small form factor is the caveat - and after using it for a few weeks in the field is totally worth it.

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August 15, 2024

Float 32-bit WAV. I love it for record the unexpected.

By Michael

I really like this Zoom F6 recorder a lot, combined with my balanced pair of Shure KSM141 mics, which I have mounted on a Manfrotto (3001BN) tripod (using the Shure KSM141SL mic mount). I've been using this setup to record some outdoor soundscapes.

The mics are on 15 foot balanced cables so that I can keep enough distance from them to avoid recording my own breathing and fiddling with the recorder.

I bought the F6 because of the float 32-bit WAV feature within a portable field recorder. I like that a LOT, especially when recording outdoor soundscapes and you never know what to suddenly expect which might be clipped because you had the gain set to high (i.e. thunder during a rainstorm, a crowd suddenly cheering loudly, a dog suddenly barking, a train unexpectedly passing by, gunshots, etc.).

I already ordered some XLR adapter cables to easily allow the attachment of other alternate sound sources for this recorder (i.e. analog audio output from my synths, wireless mics, my cell phone audio, etc.).

I won't elaborate on all of the feature details of this recorder. Download the manual for the best source for that info.

What impresses me the most with this recorder is the float 32-bit WAV file recording capability. No more clipped ambient soundscape recordings! I am now anxiously awaiting the opportunity to record a thunderstorm with this thing! Or a pack of coyotes or wolves howling in my backyard. Or a dozen barred owls all triggered at the same time. No more ruined recording opportunities just because I had the gain set a little bit too high for the unexpected.

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April 9, 2024

ZOOM F6 RECORDER

By Sweetwater Customer

This baby does exactly what it is supposed to do! When you are in the field on the set of a movie, you don't have time to doubt if the functions of your recorder are working. If you are skilled in the fundamentals of audio engineering, this is a "SET IT AND FORGET IT!" device. ...and with 32 bit float and the timecode generator...and the remote app.....A BEAST!

March 2, 2023

Good sound, if you can hear it.

By Sweetwater Customer

I ordered this for field recording videos. The recording capabilities seem to be great. Unfortunately, the headphone jack has been a problem. It cuts out any time I move. I tested with other headphones, and even sent it back for repair or replace. They looked at it and chose to replace it, and the new one isn't any better. This could have been a great product if they could have had a reliable jack to hear with in the field.

November 30, 2022

Super Semi-Pro ++ Recorder

By Tom from AR
Music Background: woodwinds

I record choirs, orchestras and wind ensembles, usually in concert. I am a minimalist and beleive that any stereo recording of a natural and balanced acoustical event, in a good space, is a compromise if you use more than 2 microphones. We live with compromises, therefore I often use more than 2 microphones, typically 4, but no more than 6.

I've been dragging around big stuff for decades, starting with Revox, Ampex and Tandberg open reels, for a while RDAT machines with a mixer, and finally a laptop with a recording interface. I was often limited to just two channels until about 20 years ago. My typical setup, nowadays is a Focusrite or Tascam interface and a Mac or PC laptop. Still too much junk to schlep, especially at my age. I wanna spend 30 minutes setting up for a Symphony Orchestra concert ...

Along comes little multi-channel recorders made by Sound Devices, Tascam and Zoom. Now my load is lighter, my setup is faster and I have more time with my family. Plug in the mic cables and push the Red Button!

I chose the Zoom over the others because it seems to be more power efficent, has more options for powering (AA, Sony L series battery or USB). It's rugged, tiny, and seems to do the job. (Get the Bluetooth option for easier control and setup ...)

And, the 32-bit FP recordings really works. The front knobs do adjust the record volume during this mode if your settings are tweaked. Be sure and read all you can on this little beast, there are some secrets that you might miss ...

The usual EXCELLENT SERVICE by Shelby Strunk ... he rushed and upgraded the shipping, and I got this little gem days before I expected. Hats off to Sweetwater sound, they "talk the talk and walk the walk".

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May 22, 2021

Well worth the price of admission

By Vitale J. from Texas
Music Background: Audio/video engineer Recording, Mixing Mastering Engineer. Live sound, Voting Memeber of The Grammy's

I am not going to get in to the whole 32 bit VS what ever argument other than to say its sure nice to open your audio up in Adobe Audition or what ever DAW your using and find that your audio isn't ruined by clipping. Having owned several other little recorders over the years this one is by far the easiest to setup and use If any of you are or have used the TASCAM DR60D MKII then you know what I am talking about (Great Recorder) But display was to small and hard to read and a pain to navigate thru the settings etc. (my eyes had gotten so bad I could not read or change settings in bright light or outside on location) If Budget was the sole factor then the Tascam is a good choice at a fraction of the cost. That being said if you can afford the extra hit to your wallet go with the Zoom F6 or F8 and if you already own an IOS Device buy the Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter you'll be a lot happier for it. Well worth the price of admission..... ( did Imention Zooms F-control- works with it as well)

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November 6, 2020

Misleading 32 Bit Float Capability

By Schaeffer M. from MEMPHIS, TN

Overall I am really excited about the F6 - the dynamic range in 32 Bit Float is remarkable, however you cannot record in 32 Bit while the F6 is in USB audio interface mode. This limits the usability in a studio context, but the workaround is to drag and drop files from the F6 into your DAW, which is a hassle. Given that the F6 is about $... cheaper than the comparable MixPre and that as a whole it's a really great audio recorder, this isn't the biggest issue but I did want to make sure folks know it can't record 32 Bit Float as an interface.

June 27, 2020

Incredible device with great sound.

By RS

I can't say how much I love this. It just sounds great. It's simple to use, directions are simple and it's largely "plug n play".

We've been making our own videos and the sound has always been frustrating as the DSLR cameras cannot handle extended use of audio. They are built for video and after 20 minutes or so, the audio tends to get crummy. So we ordered one of these and record our audio externally. WOW. Incredible, plus the audio is so clean.

Last week our nephew passed away unexpectedly. We ran 3 cameras and 2 mics during the service. We made no adjustments to the audio. Cleanest sound we've ever had. For mics we used a Sennheiser cordless lavalier mic and a Sennheiser shotgun mic with a windscreen, both plugged into the F6. For video we ran a GoPro 7 black, an iphone 11, and a Canon DSLR with a Rode shotgun mic. When the service was over, we took the 3 videos and the 2 audios and plugged them into Final Cut Pro, which sync'd them up. Such a time saver.

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May 5, 2020

Powerful recording features

By Will from Collingswood, NJ
Music Background: Classical, Sacred, Music Theater, Opera,

This has made my recording projects much simpler. Better quality and it saves time.
First, the size and USB power feature makes setup simpler. Using the camera mount on the top, I can secure a USB power source for complete mobility.
The bluetooth feature allows complete control of features I need while allowing me to perform as well. The bluetooth is key. The unit is small and having to make changes on the unit can be fussy. (Not dissing the excellent quality of the hardware or interface) Not to mention, your cable runs may not easily support being a performer at the same time.
32 bit float has eliminated the 'retake' issues that extend recording sessions. If it sounds good, it's there. (As long as your mic placements were good ;-))
There are many other features of this recorder that I dont use.
But for me, this was a game changer.

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November 18, 2019

Zoom F6 first thoughts

By Rick N. from Durham, NC

Outfitted with a big Sony battery, this little unit record without a sweat for 5+ hours, recording a channels on a 64GB card at 96K and 32bit float. The floating takes a bit of getting used to, as you don't set a record level, like in traditional Zoom recorders, like the H4, or the F8. It's done automatically. I was able to record a M/S pair and have the unit decode the matrix to send to the line out which fed a livestream. Worked perfectly. You set the output levels for the main mix and line out mix, which for a M/S pair means how much "side" you want to add for your stereo field. Having this on the fly is pretty cool, plus you have the traditional recorded channels for later to mix, however, I did find out that by setting the Zoom to process the M/S in the box, you give up the separated M/S tracks for mixing on your own later, as the levels you set for those channels are what gets recorded as a stereo signal. So, in my case, if I were doing M/S and stereo recording, next time I will send the stereo feed to the line out, and do the M/S work in post as regular mono channels, not processed. The Zoom did fine with it, but sometimes I may not be so lucky. Hope that makes sense. Loving the size and portability with my camera gear. Some negatives? Cant fit it on a Manfrotto tripod without a spacer, had to mount it on an arm. Equipped with a big Sony battery, it isn't light, so be mindful your mounting arm is sturdy. Due to real estate, the SD card (single) is mounted behind where the big battery goes, and it isn't easy to access if you were recording and wanted to give the files easily to someone and move to a different card, in my case you have to remove the battery, essentially powering down the unit. Otherwise, a really awesome little recorder.

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October 19, 2019

One Major Design Flaw

By Jon K. from New York, NY
Music Background: radio journalist

Everything is nearly perfect on this machine but the knobs for setting mic gain are just too small for adult fingers. I wish they had made it a little bigger and put larger knobs on the recorder. I found the knobs on Zoom's F4 similarly challenging ergonomically and switched to a Sound Devices Mix Pre 6.

October 15, 2019

Zoom F6

By John from Kent oh
Music Background: Musician recording and film work

Very nice unit with an excellent remote app.
Great cost for 6 channels plus I like the small form factor. Powering is flexible and even the 4aa batteries last a while, though I’m powering with a Sony l series. Time code is solid I’m syncing my Black magic pcc4k to it. I’ll be using it on a concert video shoot in a couple of weeks with high quality condenser mics as well some dialog interviews later in the year.
Initially I was going for the Sound Devices but the cost per channel as well as the superior app and ability to use Bluetooth timecode systems equipment sold me.. outstanding piece of kit.

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