Zoom H6 Handy Recorder Troubleshooting

Zoom H6 Handy Recorder Troubleshooting

The device will not power up or respond to the power switch.

Recorder won’t turn on because of low battery life or dysfunctional batteries. Replace with four AA batteries. If the batteries are replaced and the device still does not turn on, then there might be a problem with the battery terminal.

If new batteries have been placed in the terminal and the recorder still does not turn on, make sure the battery terminal is clear of debris. Dirt and dried battery acid can block the batteries from powering the device. To clean the terminals, use a disposable brush like a toothbrush to sweep away loose debris. For compact battery acid debris, use a cotton swab lightly soaked in white vinegar and wipe the terminal contacts clean. The white vinegar neutralizes the battery acid.

If the batteries were replaced and the device still does not turn on, then there could be a problem with the battery terminal and it needs to be replaced.

When the memory card is inserted into the device, the device does not detect or read the card.

The device will not be able to read from an incompatible card. Ensure that memory card is the appropriate size and has open space (compatible cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC up to 128 GB).

An improperly inserted memory card can lead to the device being unable to read data. Remove and reinsert the memory card. If problem still occurs, then there may be debris in the slot that is preventing the H6 from reading the card.

Any debris in the slot could cause the device to not read the memory card. Turn off device. Check for any debris that may be in the slot. Remove debris using pressurized air.

When turned on, the display is not visible in different lightings.

Low brightness causes the screen to be dim. Press the menu button, go to “System” and then go to “Backlight.” Under “Backlight,” go to “Brightness” and select the brightness setting that you prefer.

Power saving mode attempts to save battery life by dimming the screen. Press the menu button, go to “System” and then go to “Backlight.” Under “Backlight,” go to “Power Saving Mode” and select “off.”

When playing back the audio, the sound is distorted.

Maladjusted gain levels can lead to unclear and distorted audio. Adjust knobs until audio playback is clear. Focus on knobs that are connected to the microphones. If audio is still distorted, then the issue is possibly caused by improper connections or a broken/dirty microphone.

If settings are not adjusted to get the desired audio, then the audio will sound distorted when played back. If the playback speed needs adjusting, press the menu button, go to “Project Menu,” select “Playback Speed,” and adjust the speed. If playback mode needs to be changed, press the menu button, go to “Play,” select “Play Mode,” and select the desired mode. If the pitch needs to be changed without changing the playback speed, press the menu button, go to “Project Menu,” select “Project Mixer,” select the track in which the pitch needs to be changed and then adjust the pitch. Lastly, if the balance of the tracks needs to be balanced, press the menu button, go to “Project Menu,” select “Project Mixer,” and change parameters as desired.

Incorrectly inserting microphones or attachments may distort audio. Make sure that each input device goes into its designated spot oriented correctly and clicks into place.

Improper connections can cause distorted sounds. Make sure the microphone prongs are not bent or broken. Ensure the microphone slot is clear of any debris, that the microphone is oriented properly and clicks into place. Refer to this guide if mic connector is broken.

When connected to computer via USB, ‘device is not recognized’ appears on desktop.

Improper connection to the computer causes device to be unidentified. Ensure the USB cable is inserted properly into the device and computer. Check to see if the computer operating system (OS) is compatible (Windows XP or later, Mac OS X 10.6 or later).

Sometimes the cable itself isn’t working properly, and therefore not letting the device connect to the computer. To confirm the problem is not with the cable itself, connect the recorder to the computer using a different USB cable.

If using Windows 64 bit, click on the Windows “Start” button. Go to “Control Panel”, click on “Hardware” and then click on “Device Manager”. Expand universal serial bus controllers. Right-click USB composite device and uninstall. On the top menu of “Device Manager”, click “Action” and then click “Scan For Hardware Changes”. Once device is automatically recognized, install the driver software.

Audio playback is low or not audible on the computer.

Audio settings may cause sound to not be audible. Right-click on speakers and select open volume mixer. Identify if Zoom H6 appears on the panel. Click and drag the audio level until noise is audible.

Device will not record any audio.

Device needs memory card to record data onto. Check if there is a SD card inserted with free space.

Replace the SD card with a new and compatible card or delete/transfer old files from current SD card to a computer or external hard drive.

The H6 recorder has a hold function to prevent accidental recording. If "Hold is on" appears on the display, the hold function is enabled. To disable the hold, slide the power switch to the center.