Connecting to a Mixer

Before you connect your mixer to the H6, turn the inputs all the way down for whatever tracks you'll be connecting to. This will ensure you don't overload the H6 as you start sending audio to it.

It almost doesn't matter how you connect the mixer to the H6 except that only the XLR/TRS inputs are balanced and thus less susceptible to interference noise. (Go back to the “Balanced vs. Unbalanced” lesson if you need a refresher.) Thus, if your mixer has balanced outputs, I recommend using a balanced cable to connect to a balanced input on the H6.

This would mean connecting XLR to XLR, or XLR to 1/4″ TRS, or 1/4″ TRS to XLR, or 1/4″ TRS to 1/4″ TRS.

If, however, your mixer offers only an unbalanced output, such as RCA or a stereo 3.5 mm TRS, then an unbalanced cable connecting to any input on the H6 would be acceptable (including the stereo 3.5 mm input on the X/Y capsule).

If you use separate balanced cables and want to record a stereo signal, connect the cables to either tracks 1 and 2 or to tracks 3 and 4 with the Left output from the mixer going to the lower-numbered input on the H6. Then, ensure the lights above the corresponding track buttons are lit, and simultaneously press both of those track buttons to create a stereo link (displayed as “1/2” or “3/4,” depending on the tracks you chose).

If each cable is carrying a separate signal you want recorded into its own file, then connect them to whatever inputs you prefer on the H6 and ensure their corresponding track buttons are lit and the tracks are not in stereo link.