With Zoom H6 or H5 is it possible to record 2 or more channels with one audio input?

D

Deer Film

Well-known member
Hi, can I take one audio xlr input feed on the Zoom H6 and record that audio feed on 2, 3, or 4 separate channels with different audio levels. The Zoom H5 just has 2 channels, and would also be nice to record from one input channel.

Like on my video camera, if I combine channel 1 and 2 together to record one mic line, I can set one channel at level 5 and one at level 8 just in case the speaker starts to talk softer.

It would be great if the Zoom recorder could do this.

The only other way is to add a "Y" connector to the zoom. (one female with 2 males)
If I did that, would the audio loose quality using a y connector?
 
If you can't assign an input to multiple channels/tracks within the device, splitters are commonly used. Not to be confused with a 'Y' cable, which in some instances could be used, but it's generally not a good idea.. especially when Phantom Pwr. is involved.
Some recorders like the Tascam DR40 have safety tracks that can be enabled, don't know about the H5 or 6.
 
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Thanks Rick, it seems you really know your stuff. I can't seem to find any information if you can take the H6 and have it record one input to 4 multiple tracks with different levels. And also if you can record 2 inputs with each input getting 2 different tracks each.

BackUp Record is not what I am looking for, that only records one set of Left and Right track at less gain as a duplicate file of your original.
I want to record 2,3, or 4 sets of L/R track with my own level settings.

So since I don't own a H6 yet, just want to hear someone with hands on experience of how easy it is if it is possible.


Thanks again Rick for your time.
 
I don't think you will be able to do that with the H6 alone. The splitter/mult is one option, an external mixer is another.. one that has multiple outputs. A simple three or four channel Mackie VLZ would work which has three sets of main Left/Right outputs (XLR, 1/4" TRS and RCA), and two auxiliary outputs (aka, monitor and effects sends) An SD 442 or 552 has multiple outputs as well, however they're much more expensive but portable. (battery pwrd)
 
I might be wrong, but it was my understanding that using a simple y-splitter in this case was a perfectly viable option. As long as the mic input is just being split to the same camera and there isn't an external P48 source or some other load or voltage on the line, there shouldn't be any problems or distortion created by splitting a single mic to separate channels and gaining them independently. Am I wrong? I thought that was what video cameras with built in splitters were doing anyway. Or are the separate channels isolated when recording internally to separate tracks on a video camera?
 
IF you are not using Phantom power it should be OK. But it screws with the impedance so it could affect the sound. You are also asking the mic to drive two inputs and that could also affect the sound. And you create the possibility of a ground loop.

It probably depends on the mic and the inputs, but it should be "OK".

The first two above could change the "sound" and lower the dynamic range of the mic, the last could cause hums and buzzes so you should test first.
 
To revive this question, I have a Zoom H6 and would also like to record a hot and cold track. I have used a Rolls Phantom Power Supply (9V battery only) to supply power for my MKH50, and used the backup record (-12db) feature and it worked fine. The Rolls box is not easily portable though and it would be nice to run the mic into 2 inputs that supply power. The backup file feature is not available on the channels that supply power (a really stupid omission in my book). Could one use this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/998352-REG/kopul_xyc_f2m_xlr_y_cable.html
If so would you run phantom power from the Zoom to both XLR inputs or just one?
 
A Phantom Pwr'd mic should have and only needs one source of power, so the secondary should be off. If feeding two or more inputs, it's recommended to use a transformer/splitter which has one direct, which will passes power and the other(s) do not, regardless if there is PP or not.
 
You should NOT split phantom power. Not sure what a "hot and cold track" is I'm guessing on camera off camera but?

There are battery powered phantom supplies. But any decent recorder should supply phantom. If yours doesn't get a MixPre or equivalent.
 
Noiz2 said:
You should NOT split phantom power. Not sure what a "hot and cold track" is I'm guessing on camera off camera but?

There are battery powered phantom supplies. But any decent recorder should supply phantom. If yours doesn't get a MixPre or equivalent.
Click to expand...

By "Hot and Cold" I mean different gain levels. If I am running camera as well as sound (on micro budget shoots this is not unusual when crew doesn't show) I can't really ride levels as actors move around and whisper & shout. When I plug a mic right into my Sony FS700 I can direct input 1 to both tracks of the stereo audio channels and record one "hot" and the other down 10db and use the best or a mix of both if an actor shouts unexpectedly. It's saved my a$$ a number of times. I am now using a Zoom H6, which sounds a whole lot better than my Sony circuits, and actually has a backup record file that is 12 db below the main track, but it is only available on the non-P48 tracks on the H6, a major over site in my book.
I do have a Rolls P48 box, but it's kind of clunky. I was looking for a more elegant answer. I know that I could go to the $1000 recorder range and find what I'm looking for there probably, but the budget is not available at this time.
 
My shoot was this weekend and the Y connector came from B&H just in time. Using my Sennheiser MKH 50 into the Y with one leg into "Track 1" with P48 "on" and the other leg into "Track 2" with P48 "off", the levels were exactly the same on both inputs as a straight connection to one channel. I ran Track 1 at -6db and the other around -14db. The result was just what I needed. The quiet passages of the actors speaking barely above a whisper through normal conversation levels were very good and well above the noise floor on Track 1. The safety track, #2, contained all the shouting that clipped on Track 1 very nicely. I have ordered a simple splitter box as well if I need to work onto another device, but I think the answer is "yes" you can use a "Y" on the H6 with a phantom powered mic. I will say I tried the same arrangement with an AT 853 long shotgun with a single AA battery inside instead of the phantom power, and I had to raise the gain levels about 30% on both channels, I assume because of lower voltage from the battery?
 
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