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By Full Compass LiveThe Zoom H6 is a versatile portable 6-channelDefinition:
1. In radio, television, citizen's band radio, and other wireless communications modes, a specific frequency for communication. 2. In mixers and video, an input or output signal path with controls. 3. In MIDI, one of 16 data paths. recorder with four interchangeable input capsules—X/Y, MSDefinition:
MS (Medium Shot): Cinema term., Shotgun, and dual XLR/TRS combo. Applications range from liveDefinition:
Live broadcast of an event or program without substantial delay or editing. recording, professional film/video work, or broadcast ENGDefinition:
ENG (Electronic News Gathering): The transition from film to videotape for television news. (electronic news gathering), and more.
Inputs
The H6 offers four main inputs (1-4), plus two additional inputs (L, R) that are derived from whichever capsuleDefinition:
The portion of a microphone that converts acoustic energy to electrical, and may also contain additional mechanical and electrical elements especially if it is interchangeable. (X/Y, MS, Shotgun, or Dual XLR/TRS Combo) is plugged into the unit. The supplied XYH-6 X/Y capsule also provides a secondary input for connecting an external mic- or line-level signal via a stereoDefinition:
A two channel signal simulating a sound space, typically played through two speakers. 1/8"Definition:
3.5mm mini phone connector, which is sometimes referred to by the close non-metric 1/8 inch dimension. Mic/Line In mini phone jackDefinition:
A connector, normally female, that works in conjunction wit a plug. Usually located in a piece of equipment, or as part of a cable... When a connection is made to that jack, signal from the X/Y microphones is muted.
All four main H6 inputs (inputs 1-4) are combo connectors that can accept either XLR or 1/4" balanced or unbalancedDefinition:
A two-conductor signal connection where one wire connects to ground. Unbalanced connections are prone to ground loop hum if equipment is not in close proximity. phone cables. They can handle both mic and line-level signals, which means that you can connect either external microphones or line-level devices like mixers, portable music players, electronic keyboards, or electric guitars or basses with activeDefinition:
See Active Circuit. electronics (passiveDefinition:
An electrical device or circuit whose parts require no power (e.g., there are no transistors or tubes). electric guitars or basses can also be connected with the use of a mixerDefinition:
Combiner, controller, and router for multiple audio or video signals. or effects device). Internal switching contacts automatically detect the circuit of choice.
Each of the six inputs (that is, 1-4 as well as L, R) has a dedicatedDefinition:
Designed or used to do a specific task or set of tasks. gainDefinition:
The amount of amplification provided by an amplifier circuit, expressed in dB or numerically as in "3X" = "3 times". control knob. In addition, the four main inputs and the EXH-6 capsule feature a -20dB padDefinition:
1. (Passive Attenuation Device) A device that reduces (attenuates) the output of one device so it does not overload the next device in line. Typically either built-in to a condenser microphone after the capsule, a preamp, a mixer channel, or as a stand-alone, in-line accessory. 2. In music, a sustained, usually lush chord that provides a background sound to lead and harmony parts., allowing you to prevent distortionDefinition:
A change in an electronic or acoustic signal's waveform. This can undesirable if it impacts signal quality, or desirable when used for creative signal processing. even when high-level signals are introduced. In fact, with the use of the Pad switch, the H6 can input a signal 30dB louder and 14dB softer than any other Handy Recorder model. In addition, all capsules utilize higher voltageDefinition:
Also called electro-motive Force (EMF). The "charge potential" or pressure of electrons that causes current to flow in a circuit. preamps (5 volts instead of the more commonly used 3 volts) for distortion free recording, even at high volumes. A built-in instrumentation ampDefinition:
Abbreviation for either Ampere or Amplifier. allows signals to be transmitted with minimal noise even when long cables are used.
If you're using high-quality condenserDefinition:
An archaic term for Capacitor. (powered) microphones with the H6, no problem—a simple menu option allows the unit to provide Phantom PowerDefinition:
A source of power for a microphone (usually condenser) that travels to the microphone over the microphone's cable. There are different voltage standards and requirements for different microphones, but the most common standard is 48 Volts. It derives its name because there is no visible power cable. (either +12, +24, or +48 volts) to any or all of the main inputs (inputs 1-4). Inexpensive condenser microphones requiring Plug-InDefinition:
A software module, typically for signal processing or analysis, that inserts into the signal path of a DAW or video editor, or in some digital consoles. Also Plugin. Power (2.5 volts) can be connected to the X/Y capsule's stereo 1/8" Line In jack.
Outputs
The H6 Line Out is an unbalanced stereo 1/8" phone jack, located on the bottom of the H6, beneath the LCDDefinition:
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): A display that uses fluid crystals that can block, reflect, or transmit light from a back illuminator, and uses very little power. display. It carries the analogDefinition:
A signal that is continuous in nature, as opposed to being defined as a series of discrete numbers (or elements) as found in digital signals; electrically "analogous" to an acoustical signal in the air. stereo output signal, as determined by the H6's internal mixer.
The H6 USBDefinition:
(Universal Serial Bus) A standard, bi-directional serial connection between computers and peripheral devices. port, located on the side panel to the right of the LCD display, provides a digitalDefinition:
A signal or data expressed as series of the digits 0 and 1, typically represented by values of a physical quantity such as voltage or magnetic polarization. output of either a stereo mix or the six individual input signals, depending upon the setting of the "Audio Interface" function in the USB menu.
In addition, the H6 provides a headphone output with a dedicated volume control, located on the side panel to the left of the LCD display. Connect your headphones to the stereo 1/8" mini phone jack for private monitoring of the stereo output signal.
