Using the Zoom H6 as an audio interface
Getting started
In this guide, we will show you how to set up and configure a Zoom H6 for use as an audio interface. Follow the sections below to get started.
Zoom H6 audio interface setup
The Zoom H6 is a powerful recorder that can be used as an audio interface with your computer or iPad. Read below to set up your H6.
- Press the Menu button located on the side of the device.
- Use the scroll switch to select USB and then press the scroll switch.
- Use the scroll switch to select Audio Interface and then press the scroll switch.
- Again, use the scroll switch to select Stereo Mix or Multi Track and then press the scroll switch.
- Use the scroll switch to select PC/Mac to power the H6 via USB, PC/Mac using battery power to run the H6 off the batteries, or iPad using battery power to connect to an iPad and run the H6 off the batteries.
- Note: If your computer does not supply enough power to the H6 through USB while using phantom power, select “PC/Mac using battery power.”
- Connect the H6 to your computer or iPad using a USB cable.
- When connecting to an iPad, you must use the iPad Camera Connection Kit.
Input and outputs
When the H6 is set to Stereo Mix, it will act as a 2 in/2 out interface, meaning you have 2 inputs and 2 outputs. When it’s set to Multi Track, the H6 will act as a 6 in/2 out interface, meaning you get 6 inputs and 2 outputs.
If you are trying to use the Multi Track mode with Windows, you will need to install the driver for it from the Zoom website. If you are connecting to an iPad, only Stereo Mix mode will work.
Disconnecting the Zoom H6 from your computer
When you are ready to disconnect the H6, press the Menu button. Use the scroll switch to select Exit, press the scroll switch, then select Yes in the next screen and press the scroll switch. You can then disconnect the cable from the computer or iPad and the H6, then press the Menu button.
H6 audio interface settings
There are a few settings you can tweak on the H6 when using it as an audio interface. These include direct monitoring, loopback functionality, and also mixing the inputs.
Direct monitoring
Audio that is input into the H6 can be monitored directly before it goes to your computer or iPad so that you get monitoring without latency. Here’s how to set this up.
- Press the Menu button.
- Use the scroll switch to select Input & Output and press the scroll switch.
- Use the scroll switch to select Direct Monitor, then press the scroll switch.
- On the next screen, use the scroll switch to select On, then press the scroll switch.
Loopback
This mode allows you to take audio coming from your computer or iPad and mix it with the incoming audio from the H6. It is then routed back into the computer or iPad to be recorded or broadcasted to a live stream on the internet, etc. This is especially useful if you are trying to add narration to something.
- Press the Menu button.
- Use the scroll switch to select Input & Output and press the scroll switch.
- Use the scroll switch to select Loop Back and press the scroll switch.
- On the next screen, use the scroll switch to select On, then press the scroll switch.
Mixing the inputs
You can adjust the mix of the inputs from the H6. This mix will then be sent to the computer or iPad. If you are in Stereo Mix mode, the mix will be sent to the computer or iPad on a summed stereo track.
- Press the Menu button.
- Use the scroll switch to select Input & Output and press the scroll switch.
- Use the scroll switch to select Mixer and press the scroll switch.
- Change the parameter settings as desired. You can do this by using the scroll switch to move the cursor over which parameter you want to change. To change it, press the scroll switch, then move the scroll switch up or down to change the parameter. To exit the parameter and return to the cursor, press the scroll switch again.
- You can press the Record button to listen to the project without the mixer adjustments. This button will turn the mixer settings on and off.
Helpful links
- How do I format the SD card for my Zoom H6?
- Using the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder as an SD card reader
- I’m using a microphone with an 1/8-inch connector with my Zoom H6. When I connect it with a 1/4-inch adapter, the signal is very low.
- My Zoom recorder (H6, H4n, H2n, Q2HD, R8, etc) isn’t reading the included SD Card. What is this tiny card that came with the recorder?
- Using the Zoom H4n as an Audio Interface
- Resolving Audio Interface Issues on Windows
- Resolving Audio Interface Issues on Mac
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