Using the Zoom H6 as a recorder and mixer

[Involute]

I need to record live audio from two mics, mix it down to one stereo output, and send it to a camcorder so the audio is sync’d with the video live, not in post. I’d also like to record the audio outside the camcorder, as a backup. It looks like the Zoom H6 can do all this but everything I’ve read emphasizes the internal recording ability, not sending the audio out to another recording device. Can someone confirm it works as I described? Thanks!

[resistorman]

https://www.zoom.co.jp/sites/default/fi ... E_H6v2.pdf

Check page 80.

[Involute]

Thanks, resistorman. That page talks about monitoring the mix and making adjustments to it, but not specifically about outputting the mix. E.g., if my camera only has a mic input, and not a line in, can I run the line out from the H6 (which, presumably, will be carrying the same signal I'm monitoring per p. 80) into the mic input?

[resistorman]

It has a line out jack which I’ve never used. Presumably it carries the same signal as the headphone jack. It would be good if your camera had an attenuator switch. Also a way to turn off mic power if it provides it (sort of like phantom power)... don’t know what that would do to the Zoom, if anything.

[gamechanger]

I find myself at times needing to do exactly what you say (with different number of mics plugged in. But that's not very relevant) with the H6. It's not a good idea to plug the line out directly into a mic level input in the camcorder. Gives a lot of noise when I do that. I have read on other forums, that some people manage to eliminate/ minimise the noise levels by reducing the output levels on the zoom and also the input gain on the camcorder.

If you absolutely must do it this way, I'd recommend trying it out starting with ridiculously low levels on both the zoom output as well as the camera input, and moving up from there to see how it goes. Few trials of increasing just one of the two, and then both, and comparing will give you a good idea.

My solution to deal with the situation has been to just record the audio internally in the zoom separately, and the video on the camera separately which has its own audio recording as well. Then I use the two waveforms to line them up - takes lesser time than I thought it would! - and mute the audio track from the video file, so that only the Zoom sound is heard. This allows me to continue to have independent track recordings, that I can them mix the way I want, if at all needed.

If I need to do a live stream (which does come up), I use my laptop to do it. I connect the zoom as a stereo-mix audio interface, and set my computer sound input device as the h6. does the job beautifully. The usb connection can also be done on an ipad (with the right connectors). I don't there's a way to do it on a camera though.

[Involute]

Thanks for the tips. I ultimately tracked down a Movo MV-RC100 3.5mm Line-to-Microphone Attenuator Cable that works great. You can get one here:
https://www.movophoto.com/products/movo-mv-rc100-line-microphone-attenuator-cable-hdslr-cameras.

[The Elf]

This all sounds a bit like nailing wings on a Volkswagen!

By far the easiest option is to record the audio and video separately, then sync them up afterwards. I know Adobe Premiere does this automatically, based on the audio (because I've just learned to do it!), so I feel sure other video editors will permit similar.

[Drew Stephenson]

But the OP needs to do it live...