Zoom MSH-6 mid-side microphone capsule

Introducing the Zoom MSH-6 mid-side microphone capsule

The MSH-6 lets you into the world of 'mid-side' recording, allowing for a whole new level of precision in your ability to shape sound. The MS Capsule contains dual mic elements – a forward-facing, unidirectional mic (the “mid”) and a side-facing, bi-directional mic (the “side”). Together with the onboard MS decoder provided by the H5 and H6, they capture a fully mono-compatible stereo image that can actually be adjusted after recording – ideal for film, video, and television projects.

The MSH-6 mid-side stereo microphone capsule is compatible with the Zoom H5 and H6 Handy Recorders, U-44 Handy Audio Interface, Q8 Handy Video Recorder, F4 and F8 multi-track Field Recorders, as well as the ECM-3 extension cable for Zoom microphone capsules.

The mid-side recording technique

The MSH-6 consists of two superimposed microphone capsules. The first is unidirectional (cardioid) and is designed to pick up sound coming from the front. The second is bi-directional (figure of 8), oriented at 90° to the first and is designed to pick up the sound from the sides. The mid microphone picks up central signals, while the side mic records signals from the left and right. The stereo signal is thus obtained by mixing the central signal from microphone 1 with the side signal picked up by microphone 2. Increasing or decreasing the gain of microphone 2 respectively widens or narrows the stereo image.

100% mono compatible

The MSH-6 capsule can be used with all devices which are equipped with the appropriate fixture. The stereo image of the MSH-6 is achieved by applying the principle of intensity stereo - i.e. using the volume difference between the middle and the side microphones. Switching from mono to stereo is therefore very straightforward, and unlike regular stereo setups, there is no risk of phase coloration when mixing down to mono. If you already possess a compatible Zoom device, you will find that the MSH-6 is an excellent multipurpose tool which will systematically achieve good results – and for a very affordable price.