ZOOM iOS Microphone

Product Usage Instructions

• Connectivity
  An adapter is necessary to connect an iQ6/iQ7 to an iPhone/iPad that has a USB-C connector. Ensure to use the correct adapter for seamless connectivity.
• Using Mobile Handy Recorder
  To use Mobile Handy Recorder (or Mobile Handy Recorder Pro) with an adapter, connect the iQ6/iQ7 before starting the app to ensure proper functionality.
• Software Compatibility
  Ensure your iOS version is compatible with the microphone. Check the list of pre-installed apps that work well with the microphone for optimal performance.
• Recording with GarageBand
  For recording using GarageBand, make sure to select the microphone as the input device within the app settings for high-quality recordings.

Features

1. Superior Audio Quality:
   • Stereo Microphone: Many models like the Zoom iQ6 and Zoom iQ7 offer stereo microphone arrays, delivering more natural, immersive sound by capturing audio from both the left and right channels. This is particularly useful for recording music, interviews, and live events.
   • High Sample Rate: Zoom microphones typically support high sample rates (up to 96kHz or higher), ensuring professional-quality audio capture that retains fine details in sound.
   • Wide Frequency Range: Captures a broader range of audio frequencies, which is important for music recording and other high-fidelity applications.
2. Advanced Recording Features:
   • Mid-Side Microphone (Zoom iQ7): This model uses a mid-side recording technique, which captures sound both from the front and the sides, offering flexible control over stereo width during post-processing. It gives you the ability to adjust the stereo field in the editing process.
   • Directional Pattern: Microphones like the iQ series often have a cardioid or directional pickup pattern, which focuses on capturing sound directly in front of the mic and rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This helps to reduce ambient noise, making it ideal for interviews or noisy environments.
   • Adjustable Gain: Some Zoom microphones, including the iQ6, feature an adjustable gain control to fine-tune the microphone’s sensitivity, allowing users to adapt to different recording environments, whether they’re capturing loud music or subtle spoken word.
3. Connectivity and Compatibility:
   • Lightning Connector: These microphones plug directly into the iPhone or iPad’s Lightning port. This ensures a stable and high-quality digital connection, free from the noise often associated with analog microphones or adapters.
   • Plug-and-Play: No need for additional drivers or apps for basic functionality. Most models are plug-and-play, working immediately after connection. However, advanced features like gain control might require additional software or the use of Zoom’s own apps for recording and editing (e.g., Zoom Handy Recorder or Zoom Cloud Recording).
   • App Support: The microphones typically work with most audio and video recording apps, such as GarageBand, Voice Memos, Filmic Pro, and Zoom’s own audio apps.
4. Portability:
   • Compact and Lightweight: Zoom iOS microphones are designed to be highly portable, with a small form factor that fits easily into bags or even large pockets. They are ideal for on-the-go recording, travel, or location shoots.
   • Built-In Stand: Many models include a small built-in stand or tripod mount, making it easier to set up and stabilize the microphone when needed.
5. Power:
   • Device-Powered: These microphones are powered directly from your iOS device’s Lightning port, so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries or charging the mic separately. This feature adds convenience and reduces the bulk of carrying extra power sources.

Zoom iOS Microphone Models:

• Zoom iQ6:
  • Stereo Microphone Array: Ideal for high-quality stereo recording.
  • Adjustable Gain: For controlling the microphone’s sensitivity to match the recording environment.
  • Compact Design: Easily portable for mobile recording needs.
  • Sample Rate: Up to 96kHz for crisp audio quality.
• Zoom iQ7:
  • Mid-Side Microphone: Provides adjustable stereo width during post-production, giving you more control over how wide or narrow the stereo image is.
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern: Minimizes side and background noise, making it ideal for controlled recording spaces or interviews.
  • Flexible Mounting: Includes a mount for directly attaching it to your device.
• Zoom iQ5:
  • Compact Stereo Microphone: Perfect for mobile audio and video recording.
  • Wide Compatibility: Works with both iOS devices and some audio apps for seamless integration.

Use Cases:

• Podcasts & Interviews: If you’re creating podcasts or doing interviews on the go, the Zoom iOS microphone provides high-quality sound capture in a small, portable design. Its directional capabilities are perfect for ensuring clear speech while rejecting ambient noise.
• Live Streaming: Whether you’re streaming on YouTube, Instagram, or Twitch, this microphone ensures your voice is heard clearly without background distractions. It can capture audio directly from your phone, making it ideal for creators who need a compact solution.
• Music & Sound Recording: Musicians can take advantage of the high-quality stereo recording capabilities, whether they’re capturing vocals, instruments, or live performances. The adjustable gain and wide frequency range ensure that the fine nuances of the sound are preserved.
• Field Recording: If you’re recording sound in a field or outdoor environment, the compact nature of the Zoom iOS microphones makes them easy to use in various locations, from nature sounds to interviews in bustling cities.

Recording with GarageBand

The Zoom iOS microphones, such as the iQ6 or iQ7, integrate seamlessly with GarageBand (Apple’s digital audio workstation app). Here’s how you can record with GarageBand:

• Setup: Simply connect the Zoom microphone to your iPhone or iPad’s Lightning port. Open GarageBand and select the audio recording option.
• Recording: The Zoom microphone will automatically be recognized by GarageBand. You can adjust input levels directly from the app or the mic itself (if it has gain control).
• Mixing & Editing: After recording, you can use GarageBand’s editing tools to trim, mix, and enhance the audio. GarageBand supports multi-track recording if you need to record several instruments or voices simultaneously.

Software Compatibility

Zoom iOS microphones are highly compatible with various audio recording and editing apps:

• GarageBand: As mentioned, it works perfectly with GarageBand for music and podcast recording.
• Zoom’s Handy Recorder App: Zoom offers its own recording app, which is tailored for their microphones, allowing for detailed control over your recordings. It supports features like adjustable input levels, sample rate settings, and file export.
• Filmic Pro: For filmmakers or vloggers, Filmic Pro supports Zoom microphones, offering control over sound levels and video recording simultaneously.
• Voice Memos: The default app for quick voice recordings also supports Zoom iOS microphones, offering a simple interface for recording audio notes or interviews.
• Other DAWs: Zoom microphones are compatible with most other digital audio workstations (DAWs) and audio recording apps on iOS, such as Auria, Cubasis, and AudioShare.

iOS 17 Compatibility

iOS Microphones

•  iQ6: Yes
• Q7: Yes

Field Recorders

• F8n Pro: Yes
  
• F8n: Yes
• F6: Yes
• F3: Yes
• F2 / F2-BT: Yes
• F1: Yes

Handy Recorders

• H8: Yes
• H6essential: Yes
• H6: Yes
• H5: Yes
• H4essential: Yes
• H3-VR: Yes
• H2n: Yes
• H1essential: Yes
• H1n: Yes

MicTrak Recorders

• M4: Yes
• M3: Yes
• M2: Yes

Handy Video Recorders

• Q8n-4K: Yes
  
• Q2n-4K: Yes
• Q8 (Discontinued): Yes
• Q4n (Discontinued): Yes
• Q2n (Discontinued): Yes

Audio Interfaces

• UAC-232: Yes
• UAC-2: Yes
• U-44: Yes
• U-24: Yes
• AMS-44: Yes
• AMS-24: Yes
• AMS-22: Yes
• UAC-8 (Discontinued): Yes
• U-22 (Discontinued): Yes

PodTrak Recorders

• P8: Yes
• P4: Yes

Digital Mixers

• L-20R: Yes
• L-20: Yes
• L-12: Yes
• L-8: Yes

Multi-Track Recorders

• R20: Yes
• R12: Yes
• R4: Yes

MultiStomp Pedals

• MS-50G+: Yes
• MS-60B+: Yes
• MS-70CDR+: Yes
• MS-200D+: Yes

Guitar Effects Pedals

• G11: Yes
• G6: Yes
• G2 FOUR / G2X FOUR: Yes

Bass Effects Pedals

• B6: Yes
• B2 FOUR: Yes

Vocal Processors

• V6: Yes
• V3: Yes

iOS Applications

• Handy Recorder: Yes
• Handy Recorder Pro: Yes
• Mobile HandyShare: Yes
• F8 Control: Yes
• F6 Control: Yes
• F3 Control: Yes
• F2 Control: Yes
• H8 Control: Yes
• H6essential Control: Yes
• H4essential Control: Yes
• H3 Control: Yes
• Q8n Control: Yes
• UAC-232 Mix Control: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for G11: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for G6: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for B6: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for G2 FOUR: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-50G+: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-60B+: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-70CDR+: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-200D+: Yes
• Yes: Compatible / No: Not Compatible

iOS Microphones

• iQ6: Yes
• iQ7: Yes
  

Field Recorders

• F8n Pro: Yes
• F8n: Yes
• F6: Yes
• F3: Yes
• F2 / F2-BT: Yes
• F1: Yes
  

Handy Recorders

• H8: Yes
• H6essential: Yes
• H6: Yes
• H5: Yes
• H4essential: Yes
• H3-VR: Yes
• H2n: Yes
• H1essential: Yes
• H1n: Yes
  

MicTrak Recorders

• M4: Yes
• M3: Yes
• M2: Yes
  

Handy Video Recorders

• Q8n-4K: Yes
• Q2n-4K: Yes
• Q8 (Discontinued): Yes
• Q4n (Discontinued): Yes
• Q2n (Discontinued): Yes
  

Audio Interfaces

• UAC-232: Yes
• UAC-2: Yes
• U-44: Yes
• U-24: Yes
• AMS-44: Yes
• AMS-24: Yes
• AMS-22: Yes
• UAC-8 (Discontinued): Yes
• U-22 (Discontinued): Yes
  

PodTrak Recorders

• P8: Yes
• P4: Yes
  

Digital Mixers

• L-20R: Yes
• L-20: Yes
• L-12: Yes
• L-8: Yes
  

Multi-Track Recorders

• R20: Yes
• R12: Yes
• R4: Yes
  

MultiStomp Pedals

• MS-50G+: Yes
• MS-60B+: Yes
• MS-70CDR+: Yes
• MS-200D+: Yes
  

Guitar Effects Pedals

• G11: Yes
• G6: Yes
• G2 FOUR / G2X FOUR：Yes
  

Bass Effects Pedals

• B6: Yes
• B2 FOUR: Yes
  

Vocal Processors

• V6: Yes
• V3: Yes
  

iPadOS Applications

• Handy Recorder: Yes
• Handy Recorder Pro: Yes
• Mobile HandyShare: Yes
• F8 Control: Yes
• F6 Control: Yes
• F3 Control: Yes
• F2 Control: Yes
• H8 Control: Yes
• H6essential Control: Yes
• H4essential Control: Yes
• H3 Control: Yes
• Q8n Control: Yes
• L-20 Control: Yes
• R20 Control: Yes
• R12 Control: Yes
• UAC-232 Mix Control: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for G11: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for G6: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for B6: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for G2 FOUR: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-50G+: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-60B+: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-70CDR+: Yes
• Handy Guitar Lab for MS-200D+: Yes

Software	iOS 17	iOS 16	iPadOS 17	iPadOS 16
Camera	O	O	O	O
GarageBand	O	O	O	O
Mobile	A	A	A	A
HandyShare	A	A	O	O
HandyRecorder	A	A	O	O
Spotify for Podcasters	O	x	O	x
Logic Pro	x	x	O	x
Twitch	x	x	O	x
Voice Memos	x	O	x	O
FaceTime	x	O	x	O
iMovie	x	x	O	O
Pre-installed apps	Q6, Q7	Q6, Q7	Q6, Q7	Q6, Q7
Mobile Handy Recorder Pro	O	A	O	A

Notes:

• ‘O’ = Compatible
• ‘A’ = Under testing
• ‘x’ = Not Compatible
• iQ6/iQ7: An adapter is necessary to connect the iQ6/iQ7 to an iPhone/iPad with a USB-C connector. To use Mobile Handy Recorder (or Mobile Handy Recorder Pro) with an adapter, connect the iQ6/iQ7 before starting the app.

Note: An adapter is necessary to connect an iQ6/iQ7 to an iPhone/iPad that has a USB-C connector. To use Mobile Handy Recorder (or Mobile Handy Recorder Pro) with an adapter, connect the iQ6/iQ7 before starting the app. Moreover, after updating the firmware, the function that should automatically restart the iQ6/iQ7 will not work. After updating, disconnect and reconnect the iQ6/iQ7 once.

Using Mobile Handy Recorder

• ZoomHandy Recorder app is available for download on iOS and is designed to work specifically with Zoom microphones. This app provides a full suite of professional recording features, including:
  • Multitrack Recording: Useful for recording separate tracks for voice, music, and instruments.
  • Gain Control: Adjust the microphone’s sensitivity directly from the app.
  • File Management: The app allows you to organize, trim, and export your audio recordings to cloud storage or share them through email.
  • Sample Rate Settings: You can set the sample rate to as high as 96kHz for pristine audio capture.
  • Exporting Options: Easily export recordings in different file formats, such as WAV or MP3.

Connectivity

• Lightning Connector: Zoom iOS microphones like the iQ6 and iQ7 connect directly to iPhones and iPads via the Lightning port. This ensures a stable, digital connection with low latency.
• No Battery Required: These microphones are powered directly by the device they are connected to, eliminating the need for additional batteries or charging.
• USB Audio Interface: Some Zoom microphones, especially in their standalone models, may also support USB connectivity, allowing them to be used with both iOS devices and computers for versatile recording setups.
• External Audio Equipment Compatibility: If you prefer using external audio equipment (mixers, preamps, etc.), the Zoom microphones can also connect to these devices with the proper adapters (such as 3.5mm to XLR or 3.5mm to 1/4” jacks).

Safety

• Heat Dissipation: The Zoom iOS microphones are designed to avoid overheating during extended recording sessions, ensuring they remain safe to use.
• Durability: These microphones are made with durable materials to withstand moderate wear and tear. However, they are not meant to be exposed to extreme conditions like heavy rain or high moisture environments.
• Proper Handling: Always handle the microphones carefully, especially when connecting or disconnecting them from the Lightning port, to prevent wear on the port or damage to the mic.
• Storage: When not in use, it’s recommended to store the microphone in a case or pouch to protect it from accidental impacts or scratches.

Specifications

• Microphone Type: Stereo or Mid-Side (for iQ7)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (varies slightly with model)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB or more (ensures clear, distortion-free audio)
• Sample Rate: Up to 96 kHz (for professional-grade sound quality)
• Bit Depth: 24-bit audio recording for detailed sound capture
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid or Mid-Side (depending on model)
• Dimensions: Varies, but typically compact and portable (approx. 2.4 x 1.2 x 0.6 inches)
• Weight: Lightweight (approx. 2-3 oz depending on the model)
• Power: Powered via Lightning port (no batteries required)
• Connectivity: Lightning connection (direct plug into iOS device)

Warranty

• Warranty Duration: Zoom typically offers a 1-year limited warranty on their iOS microphones, covering manufacturer defects and hardware failures.
• Coverage: The warranty usually covers issues related to materials and craftsmanship, including malfunctioning components like the microphone capsule, wiring, and Lightning connector.
• Exclusions: Accidental damage (such as drops or liquid exposure) and misuse are not covered under warranty.
• Support: Zoom provides customer support through their website, where you can get troubleshooting assistance, download software updates, and find detailed product manuals.

FAQ

Q: Do I need an adapter to connect the iQ6/iQ7 to an iPhone/iPad with a USB-C connector?
A: Yes, an adapter is necessary for such connections. Make sure to use the appropriate adapter for seamless compatibility.

Q: How should I start using Mobile Handy Recorder with the iQ6/iQ7?
A: Connect the iQ6/iQ7 before starting the app to ensure proper functionality and a smooth recording experience.

Q: What apps are compatible with the microphone?
A: The microphone is compatible with various apps including GarageBand, FaceTime, Twitch, and more. Check the user manual for a detailed list of compatible software.

Documents / Resources

ZOOM iOS Microphone [pdf] Instructions iQ6, iQ7, iOS Microphone, iOS, Microphone

References

• User Manual