I managed to watch this before my last shoot which was the first one I done with my new F8N. I have to say thank you for doing this because the dual channel recording and the 6 second prerecord saved my butt. I was previously using UNI gear which was a sound device 633 but as i couldnt afford one straight away i went with this and loved it. Post production is coming up and can let ya know how it goes when its all done. Thank you man this short video saved me as i only had a few hours from pickup gear to shoot and you gave me all the menu features I needed.
Hi Curtis, I just wanted to thank you for all the videos on Zoom f8. I been doing professional location sound for a few years and only really used Sound Devices Mixers. I have a gig where I will be using F8, Thank you again!
as someone who is just gearing up to use the zoom f4, i am hoping that many of the features and menu settings are the same (or at least recognizable!) as the f8/f8n. thank you for the effort and the sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.
Great and clean explanations. You sounded just a little bit groggy, but that was because I set playback speed, thanks to TH-cam offering this feature today, at 75% to compensate for the many times "fast editing" of these instructional videos. Despite your sounding groggy I did not fall asleep, so again a big compliment for the tutorial quality! Cheers!...or Dzjeeeerzzzz....!
Use a directional microphone, get the mic close to the sound source, use the mic’s polar pattern with the least sensitive toward the noise, and if that doesn’t work, use noise reduction in post. But most importantly, do everything you can to reduce or eliminate the noise including turning things off, using sound blankets, or choosing a different recording space.
Hi.. I will tell you the work flow that i has it and i need your help.. So thier is a sound come from the stage and analog mixer and my f8 zoom recorder so how i can get the perfect set up to connect the audio from the analog mixer to my f8 zoom recorder and take it out to the cameras? I hope you help me and answer my question.. Thanks
Hey Curtis, I have been watching all kinds of review about the F8 on TH-cam, yours are simply the best, big fan of your channel!!! I am torn apart between the Mix Pre-6 and the F8, I just can not decide =((. Do you have any idea if I can use a high capacity Portable like the (MAXOAK Ultra High Capacitypower bank) with a 12V dc out to power it via Hirose on the F8?
Hi Guilherme, Thanks! The 12V output with a DC barrel to hirose cable should work, yes. In regard to choosing, you will not make a horrible choice regardless of what you decide. They are both very good recorders. Take realistic account of how many inputs you need (very few people actually need 8 XLR inputs) and then go with your intuition. Best wishes and happy recording!
@@curtisjudd Thank you for the help, I am leaning towards the F8 just because of its price point. Here in the UK is is about 250£ cheaper...taking in account I have to buy batteries, bag, etc. I am a sound designer and will definitively NOT need 8 inputs, perhaps I will need 5 when doing Ambisonic recordings and want to have a single or even a couple mics with. Thanks once again for the help, and thanks for all the review and instructional videos, they really help people like me. =)
Great video Curtis, I do have a question about the auto mix feature. Depending on the project and needs of the production, my go to and personal preference is the dual record option. Which of the two features would you prefer in the case of a documentary or reality show? In this scenario I’ll be using two subjects. Thanks for your help!
Hi Alejandro, AutoMix doesn't prevent clipping if your gain is set too high. For that you still need the limiters or the dual track recording. So if the top priority is to prevent clipping, I'd stick with dual track recording or the limiters and then handle the mixing in post. I hope that helps!
@Curtis Judd I'm a huge fan of yours as well as a subscriber to your channel. So I have a question. Is there a solution to recording audio out of your phone into the zoom f8n. I use my zoom also for podcasting.
Hi Brian, Yes, I was able to get audio from my iPhone XS Max to my Zoom F6 using the lightning to 3.5mm adapter which came with the phone to a 3.5mm TRS cable to a 3.5mm to XLR adapter like this: (B&H affiliate link) bhpho.to/2PVpMFm
Dear Curtis, great video, thank you. I would like to ask you for something I don ´ t understand so far. When I do recording (generally) and select gain not to exceed -12db scale, how can I make the final recording louder? Does it have to be done in postproduction or is there any way how to influence loudness of final recording without overecxeeding gain? Thank you very much. Petr
Hi Petr, typically I post process the audio to achieve a consistent loudness level which I explain here: th-cam.com/video/sUAfW7lZNPg/w-d-xo.html There are, of course, ways to do this processing in real time as live streams, radio, and live TV need. This usually requires outboard gear. Here's one example: th-cam.com/video/OweAmSJ_Ed0/w-d-xo.html
Thank you very much, Curtis. And how to influence volíme levels of output when recording? I do not have problem with consistency but merely with less louder final recording. Thank you very much, Petr
@@curtisjudd So If I understood, when I use this microphone preamp and processor, I can connect it with my Apollo Twin duo and it will cooperate with it to do these changes live?
Hi Petr, oh, if you've got an Apollo, that can do real-time processing. You just need to read up on how to do that. You've got all the hardware you need, now just need to learn how to put it to use. :)
I would like to use the f8n from my shotgun mic to the zoom to my dslr. Can I use this zoom to plug in to my camera directly to embed the audio so I don't need to sync in post? I have the h6 and I can plug it right into the camera but the noise floor was too loud around 7
Great content! Thanks! I have noticed that you set the limiter(advanced) target level to -6dbFS in your another video "F8/F8n Setting Gain Trim", but on this one you set it to -2dbFS, what target level do you suggest to set for dialogue and for other circumstances? Thanks!
@@joe51317 Yes. It just depends on how hard the incoming audio is hitting up against that threshold and how you have set your gain. With the F8 and F8n, I prefer to use the Advanced Limiter and set the target level instead.
Hey Curtis. I'm reaching out again as I've hit a brick wall connecting to my DAW. Don't know if you can help but if not i'm sure it would be good for you to know this? There are 3x Zoom Drivers available to install - 1. ASIO driver for Stereo to DAW, 2. ASIO driver for Multi-track to DAW, 3. Audio Interface with Rec to DAW. Both drivers 1 + 2 only work in Stereo in the DAW. Multitrack connection does not work at all. 3rd driver works for multi-track recording but no audio on playback of whats been recorded. I have to switch to my computers sound card in the DAW to listen to what I've recorded. I'm in the process of doing a video to show all this. To me this seems a problem with Zooms drivers. Here in the UK there is little, to no help from Zoom UK. I know you said in another video this is not your area of expertise but I was just hoping you might have some insight? Thank you. This is a video I did yesterday, I have made some progress since then on my other PC and have learned a bit more. I'll post my 2nd video up once done. th-cam.com/video/9omRnZFxHbk/w-d-xo.html
Hi Devonbiker, I suppose I'd try a different app on your PC to see if that makes a difference? Audacity is free and would be a good test. If the same results there, then I suspect an issue with configuration of the ASIO driver. If not, then there's something about config in Studio One. Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis. I did an updated video here of what I discovered th-cam.com/video/TthGT5XXduM/w-d-xo.html but in short I think its a driver issue. I've been in contact with Zoom US and they don't know either. Obviously the drivers were not tested in Studio One. I will try what you said but because I'm so invested in studio One it will be hard to pull away.
@@devonbiker Hmm, interesting. Seems to work in class compliant mode - stereo mix - but I agree. Seems like Studio One and ZOOM's ASIO driver just aren't happy working together. :(
I’m a complete sound noob...but whenever I record more than 2 channels, my mix doesn’t mix in channels 3 and on, rather only 1 and 2 even though I could monitor all channels. I do however get all channels in solos. under my auto mix options every channel is turned on, so im confused. Any idea how I can fix that?
Hi Curtis, in your review the MixPre 6, you commented that you prefer the sound of the MixPre 6 to the Zoom F8. My question is, did they improve the preamps on the F8n? If they did, do you still prefer the sound coming out of the MixPre 6 over the sound coming out of the F8n? If you were to buy today, would you still get the MixPre6/MixPre6M over the F8n? Thank you very much for your insight!
Hi Fil Trans, the F8n has the same preamps as the original F8. And honestly, the difference between the F8/F8n and MixPre is so small that probably only 5-10% of people can hear the difference. I would probably not make that the primary factor in deciding between the F8n and MixPre. I'd look at other elements such as ergonomics, whether you need an in-built timecode generator, external powering options, etc. Good luck!
I just got my own Zoom F8. Is there a setting in need to turn on to be able to see the screen you are using at 9:09 in the video? I am unable to find it.
Dear Curtis, what kind of setting do I have to set up if I want to use the Zoom F8 as a mixer only, without recording. I will shoot video with the Sony alpha 7 III and want to record everything into an Atomos Shogun or Ninja, I just want to use the Zoome F8 as a mixer in order to avoid delay of the sound which will appear while recording with the Zoom. Do I just put REC Mode in the Menu on OFF? Always so great to watch your videos. Always learning!!! Thank you!
Hi Till, the most important setting is in the output menu you want to set the sub outputs to low since the Sony has a mic level input. You will also want to watch the episode on sending audio to camera here: th-cam.com/video/bsUeXtxsa50/w-d-xo.html We also have a Zoom F8/F8n course that covers this specifically for the Zoom over at school.learnlightandsound.com
Thanks Curtis, I just watched your episode on sending audio to camera. Great help! Thank you. Actually I was considering to link the Zoom F8 straight to the Atomos Shogun instead of sending it to the Sony alpha 7... Would this make any differences too sound quality, delayed frames, or workflow? Thank you!
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Hi Curtis - I synced the the Zoom F8 and the Alpha 7iii by using the slate tone of the Zoom - (Thanks to your video instruction :). ) I had to put the Mic Level at the Alpha 7iii at the Minimum 1 - and still it was above -20 db! Doing a test recording, I had to level the Trim down to Mic:+10db Line:-10db. in order to keep the levels at the Alpha 7 between -12 and -3 db. There is significant less noice at the recoding of the zoom compared to the recording on the Alpha 7 running through the Zoom F8. Finally I attached the Sennheiser EW 100 G3 directly to the Alpha 7 for a recording and - there was no noise at all! - I left the Mic Level at the Alpha down at 1 (Minimum) so it was close to -20 db. HA HA - getting confused while testing - thats the difference between a pro like you are and an semi professional :) Does it makes sense that I do get the best result without using the zoom as a mixer at all? Just plugging the Sennheiser EW 100 straight in the Alpha 7? Best regards. Till
Hi Curtis, so much to learn from your videos about the Zoom F8! I have to join your classes :) One more question. In your video you could choose Input between "Mic" and "Line". On my Zoom F8 with the new software I have "Analog signal" and "USB" to choose? - Why?
Hi Curtis, a question about the Zoom F8 inside an aggregate audio device in mac os : have you experienced this functionality ? when I put my zoom in 8 chanels audio interface mode and add it inside an aggregated audio device I don't see the zoom inputs / outputs in my DAW and I can't direct the audio towards the integrated output from my Macbook. Are these limitations of the Zoom F8 ? any help much apreciate ! best regards
Hi Michel, I just tested here with my F8 and Universal Audio Apollo x6 interface. I put the two into an aggregate device so that I had a total of 40 input channels. I then opened Adobe Audition and in the Audio Hardware preferences changed over to the aggregate device. Then in Multitrack mode in Audition, I can set any of the tracks to any of the 40 inputs for my aggregate device. So it appears to be possible. I guess we'll need to dig into more details. On the F8, you put it into multitrack audio interface mode and the computer recognizes the F8 as an interface?
@@curtisjudd Hi Curtis, thank you so much for your quick response and your invaluable help! I have just identified the source of my problem: Pro Tools software! Pffff In this case it's inside Pro Tools that the aggregated peripheral (containing my Zoom F8) is poorly managed. With Auidtion or Logic everything works as expected. The audio routing offers all the available inputs outputs (those of the Zoom F8 therefore and those of the other associated audio peripherals). I'm going to contact Avid to try to learn a little more and maybe find a solution ... The funniest thing is that the Protools software installs by default an aggregated audio device labeled Pro Tools Aggregate I/0 in audio preferences ! But with the Zoom F8 in multitrack audio interface mode it does not work! Best Regards from confined France
@@michelpoiccard3313 Hi Michel, thanks for the update. Ok, good to hear that it is at least working at the OS level. Hopefully Avid can help sort out the ProTools bit. Best wishes!
0:27 Choosing between Mic/Line level input only applies to the F8n. On the F8 Mic level is automatically set if you plug in an XLR cable, while Line level is automatically chosen by plugging in a jack cable. And there's no way to change that.
Related- One important advantage of the F8n for some users is that phantom power is available in line input mode (phantom is not available over the TRS line-inputs of the F8). This can be important to avoid clipping or a constantly engaged limiter when using high sensitivity condenser mics in high SPL conditions which will otherwise overload the mic-input input set to lowest sensitivity.
Hi Curtis, I have some questions regarding using the F8 as an Audio Interface. I’m looking to record both vocal and guitar parts to a DAW. Will the settings and hardware on the F8 allow me to do this, or will it struggle with a guitar level signal on ¼” plug? (I’m thinking about the way the input “type” is decided by whether it’s a XLR or ¼” plug - would it need a ¼” to XLR adaptor to get it to a suitable signal level?). I’m also wondering how easy it is to adjust the volume output of the PC system using the F8 as an Audio Interface. Can I still control the master volume from within Windows, or is the output volume then controlled via the F8 (and if so, how user friendly is it? i.e. Is it as simple as using one of the channel encoders or do you need to do some menu diving every time?). Also, have you used the Tascam DR-100 MKIII and if so, how would you rate the F8’s mic and headphone amps against it? Would it be a small or a big step up in quality? Thanks in advance!
Hello PseudoThief, I haven't recorded guitar (on any device) so I'm afraid I cannot speak to how well the F8 does or does not work on that front. I would expect it to work well, but can't say for sure. It is fairly easy to adjust the monitor volume from the F8. On the second main display, you simply adjust the fader down for the main outputs. You cannot control the monitor volume from Windows. I also have not used the Tascam DR-100mkIII, unfortunately, so cannot comment on its quality.
Hi Curtis, Thanks for the fast and honest advice. You gave me an idea of where to look in the manual, so I now have a better idea of how it should function in my intended set-up. I decided to order one and give it a go; my thoughts are that with the price the last F8's are selling for at the minute, I could afford to buy a monitor controller and/or DI box if needed and STILL have money left over vs buying an F8n!
hi Chris sorry to bother you! I have e one final question, what is the function of time code INT Auto Mute when in Int Free Run?? I cant seem to fins any changes it makes stewart.
Hi Stewart, I’m away from my F8 at the moment but if I remember correctly is is essentially a power saving function which turns off the TC output when not in use, but I need to confirm that.
Hi, Curtis. Will the Zoom F8n work well as an audio interface with Fairlight in Resolve, or do you recommend something else? We have an F8n recorder, and we are thinking of buying a set of active nearfild monitors and start doing sound design in Fairlight. We don't have a dedicated audio interface other than the motherboard in our workstation. Will the Zoom F8n work well as an audio interface or do you recommend something else?
Hi Rune, the Zoom F8n will work fine with Fairlight as an interface, but I generally don't like using a field recorder in that capacity on a regular basis. It takes a solid 30 - 45 seconds to get it over into audio interface mode. This may sound crazy but I'd probably prefer a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 Gen 3 over any field recorder as a regular use audio interface.
@@curtisjudd thanks for quick answer :) Love your videos! Another thing, I have been experiencing latency with sound in Fairlight. I mean, the video and audio are in perfect sync, but its maybe a second behind what the DAW is visually showing on the playhead and meters. Do you think the F8n or the Focusrite will help with that problem? And what about a PCI E card, is that better than usb? And one last thing...Fairlight accellerator pci card, do you know or have any experience with it? I have trouble finding information on it...
@@runesorensen_photo That sounds like a computer processing issue rather than an audio interface issue - e.g., perhaps the computer isn't fast enough to keep up with the waveform display? Just a guess. These days there are few pro level PCI E audio interface cards. 99% of them are either USB or thunderbolt these days. I'm sorry, I haven't used the Fairlight accelerator card (I'm on an iMac Pro without a thunderbolt PCI expansion chasis).
@@curtisjudd I doub't that, its a pretty expensive workstation with 64 GB ram, Intel Xeon W-2135 6 core 3.7 GHz processor and a Nvidia 2080 Ti GPU. It runs Red raw 5K video without lag... But anyways, if I just goes back and do audio work in Audition or RX, are you recommending the Focusrite? I'm mostly focused on the output, not so much about the inputs. Would the Solo version be just the same performance? Or could i also use the F8n and get the same performance as the Focusrite products? Also check out this interesting bug: vimeo.com/362904402/bdd927b294
@@runesorensen_photo That was a bad guess on my part. :-) Interesting bug. I hadn't run into that yet, but not surprised. Fairlight has a lot of promise but still pretty rough in parts. If you mainly just need decent converters and a monitor controller for powered monitors, the 3rd gen Scarlet Solo should do the job: bhpho.to/2odtTDl
Hi Curtis I recently obtained the zoom f8n and did a test recording with 2 mics in setting ‘Track 1-8 (Poly WAV) but when I imported into Logic Pro X it was one Wav file and could not edit the individual tracks! Why?
Hi Roger, it recorded mic one to channel one and mic 2 to channel 2. You just need to break that apart into two mono tracks and then you can edit the individual channels. I’m not sure how to do that in Logic but I’m betting a google search will turn that up. Best wishes!
Hi Curtis love your tutorials. Curtis in your ‘Zoom F8/F8n Basic Setup’ you did show the ‘Track 1-8 (Poly WAV) channels and it did look like they were imported into Adobe Audition, is that correct? Cheers.
@@rogerellis3435 Correct, as a single file with each microphone on a separate channel. In Audition, I can split them into separate files in the waveform view or in multitrack view, I can drop each channel on a separate track.
As always, a great look at a product. Most of my questions answered and a lot of answers to question I didn’t have yet. The very best audio channel.
Thanks!
I managed to watch this before my last shoot which was the first one I done with my new F8N. I have to say thank you for doing this because the dual channel recording and the 6 second prerecord saved my butt. I was previously using UNI gear which was a sound device 633 but as i couldnt afford one straight away i went with this and loved it. Post production is coming up and can let ya know how it goes when its all done. Thank you man this short video saved me as i only had a few hours from pickup gear to shoot and you gave me all the menu features I needed.
Thanks and glad things went well. Best wishes in post!
Thats definitely the best explanation for the Zoom F8(N). Very good job thanks a lot Curtis :-)
Thanks Yannik!
Hi Curtis, I just wanted to thank you for all the videos on Zoom f8. I been doing professional location sound for a few years and only really used Sound Devices Mixers. I have a gig where I will be using F8, Thank you again!
Thanks Chuck and best wishes on your shoot!
Thanks Curtis I'm going to get the F8n here in the next few weeks and your videos are always very helpful
Thanks for the feedback!
as someone who is just gearing up to use the zoom f4, i am hoping that many of the features and menu settings are the same (or at least recognizable!) as the f8/f8n. thank you for the effort and the sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.
Thanks!
Thanks Curtis for your professional advice and the effort you put in every video. They are very useful for we audio fans!
Thanks Jesús.
Great and clean explanations. You sounded just a little bit groggy, but that was because I set playback speed, thanks to TH-cam offering this feature today, at 75% to compensate for the many times "fast editing" of these instructional videos. Despite your sounding groggy I did not fall asleep, so again a big compliment for the tutorial quality! Cheers!...or Dzjeeeerzzzz....!
LOL! I can't account for slower playback and sounding groggy.
@@curtisjudd No offence of course. I am just about signing up to your course. Thanks!
@@ReliSuyskens None taken at all! Happy recording!
Great vid! Very helpful to get me going. Thanks Curtis!
👍
Thanks for the tutorial, it has help me alot. But how do I cut ambiance sound or noise
Use a directional microphone, get the mic close to the sound source, use the mic’s polar pattern with the least sensitive toward the noise, and if that doesn’t work, use noise reduction in post. But most importantly, do everything you can to reduce or eliminate the noise including turning things off, using sound blankets, or choosing a different recording space.
Hi.. I will tell you the work flow that i has it and i need your help.. So thier is a sound come from the stage and analog mixer and my f8 zoom recorder so how i can get the perfect set up to connect the audio from the analog mixer to my f8 zoom recorder and take it out to the cameras? I hope you help me and answer my question.. Thanks
Hey Curtis, I have been watching all kinds of review about the F8 on TH-cam, yours are simply the best, big fan of your channel!!! I am torn apart between the Mix Pre-6 and the F8, I just can not decide =((. Do you have any idea if I can use a high capacity Portable like the (MAXOAK Ultra High Capacitypower bank) with a 12V dc out to power it via Hirose on the F8?
Hi Guilherme, Thanks! The 12V output with a DC barrel to hirose cable should work, yes.
In regard to choosing, you will not make a horrible choice regardless of what you decide. They are both very good recorders. Take realistic account of how many inputs you need (very few people actually need 8 XLR inputs) and then go with your intuition. Best wishes and happy recording!
@@curtisjudd Thank you for the help, I am leaning towards the F8 just because of its price point. Here in the UK is is about 250£ cheaper...taking in account I have to buy batteries, bag, etc. I am a sound designer and will definitively NOT need 8 inputs, perhaps I will need 5 when doing Ambisonic recordings and want to have a single or even a couple mics with.
Thanks once again for the help, and thanks for all the review and instructional videos, they really help people like me. =)
Great video Curtis, I do have a question about the auto mix feature. Depending on the project and needs of the production, my go to and personal preference is the dual record option. Which of the two features would you prefer in the case of a documentary or reality show? In this scenario I’ll be using two subjects. Thanks for your help!
Hi Alejandro, AutoMix doesn't prevent clipping if your gain is set too high. For that you still need the limiters or the dual track recording. So if the top priority is to prevent clipping, I'd stick with dual track recording or the limiters and then handle the mixing in post. I hope that helps!
great job
Thanks brad.
You should tighten the release on the limiter to 70-100ms, it will sound more transparent for dialogue.
Thanks, will do.
@Curtis Judd I'm a huge fan of yours as well as a subscriber to your channel. So I have a question. Is there a solution to recording audio out of your phone into the zoom f8n. I use my zoom also for podcasting.
Hi Brian, Yes, I was able to get audio from my iPhone XS Max to my Zoom F6 using the lightning to 3.5mm adapter which came with the phone to a 3.5mm TRS cable to a 3.5mm to XLR adapter like this: (B&H affiliate link) bhpho.to/2PVpMFm
4:21
Please explain display settings
We cover these in the course (link in the description.)
Dear Curtis, great video, thank you. I would like to ask you for something I don ´ t understand so far. When I do recording (generally) and select gain not to exceed -12db scale, how can I make the final recording louder? Does it have to be done in postproduction or is there any way how to influence loudness of final recording without overecxeeding gain? Thank you very much. Petr
Hi Petr, typically I post process the audio to achieve a consistent loudness level which I explain here: th-cam.com/video/sUAfW7lZNPg/w-d-xo.html
There are, of course, ways to do this processing in real time as live streams, radio, and live TV need. This usually requires outboard gear. Here's one example: th-cam.com/video/OweAmSJ_Ed0/w-d-xo.html
Thank you very much, Curtis. And how to influence volíme levels of output when recording? I do not have problem with consistency but merely with less louder final recording. Thank you very much, Petr
@@sulfurhomeo Same videos as above cover that. :-)
@@curtisjudd So If I understood, when I use this microphone preamp and processor, I can connect it with my Apollo Twin duo and it will cooperate with it to do these changes live?
Hi Petr, oh, if you've got an Apollo, that can do real-time processing. You just need to read up on how to do that. You've got all the hardware you need, now just need to learn how to put it to use. :)
Great video! You’ve got me wondering who Captain S is though! 😆
The police captain from the early 2000s show called Monk. His name was Captain Stottlemeyer (I think that's how its spelled).
I would like to use the f8n from my shotgun mic to the zoom to my dslr. Can I use this zoom to plug in to my camera directly to embed the audio so I don't need to sync in post? I have the h6 and I can plug it right into the camera but the noise floor was too loud around 7
Yes, you can do this with the F8n.
Great content! Thanks! I have noticed that you set the limiter(advanced) target level to -6dbFS in your another video "F8/F8n Setting Gain Trim", but on this one you set it to -2dbFS, what target level do you suggest to set for dialogue and for other circumstances? Thanks!
-6dBFS is safer in terms of preventing clipping. -2dB is not as save but should result in less limiting. Generally I'll go with -6dB.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Thanks! So I can set anywhere between -6 to -2 will be fine, right?
@@joe51317 Yes. It just depends on how hard the incoming audio is hitting up against that threshold and how you have set your gain. With the F8 and F8n, I prefer to use the Advanced Limiter and set the target level instead.
When you do these video do you record the audio live or do VO after?
I record the audio live, during the demo. In this case, I boomed a Sennheiser MKH 8050 above the recorder.
Hey Curtis. I'm reaching out again as I've hit a brick wall connecting to my DAW. Don't know if you can help but if not i'm sure it would be good for you to know this? There are 3x Zoom Drivers available to install - 1. ASIO driver for Stereo to DAW, 2. ASIO driver for Multi-track to DAW, 3. Audio Interface with Rec to DAW. Both drivers 1 + 2 only work in Stereo in the DAW. Multitrack connection does not work at all. 3rd driver works for multi-track recording but no audio on playback of whats been recorded. I have to switch to my computers sound card in the DAW to listen to what I've recorded. I'm in the process of doing a video to show all this. To me this seems a problem with Zooms drivers. Here in the UK there is little, to no help from Zoom UK. I know you said in another video this is not your area of expertise but I was just hoping you might have some insight? Thank you.
This is a video I did yesterday, I have made some progress since then on my other PC and have learned a bit more. I'll post my 2nd video up once done. th-cam.com/video/9omRnZFxHbk/w-d-xo.html
Hi Devonbiker, I suppose I'd try a different app on your PC to see if that makes a difference? Audacity is free and would be a good test. If the same results there, then I suspect an issue with configuration of the ASIO driver. If not, then there's something about config in Studio One. Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis. I did an updated video here of what I discovered th-cam.com/video/TthGT5XXduM/w-d-xo.html but in short I think its a driver issue. I've been in contact with Zoom US and they don't know either. Obviously the drivers were not tested in Studio One. I will try what you said but because I'm so invested in studio One it will be hard to pull away.
@@devonbiker Hmm, interesting. Seems to work in class compliant mode - stereo mix - but I agree. Seems like Studio One and ZOOM's ASIO driver just aren't happy working together. :(
I’m a complete sound noob...but whenever I record more than 2 channels, my mix doesn’t mix in channels 3 and on, rather only 1 and 2 even though I could monitor all channels. I do however get all channels in solos. under my auto mix options every channel is turned on, so im confused. Any idea how I can fix that?
Yes, in the REC menu, change the Rec to SD1 setting to Track1-8 + L/R (Poly WAV).
Hi Curtis, in your review the MixPre 6, you commented that you prefer the sound of the MixPre 6 to the Zoom F8. My question is, did they improve the preamps on the F8n? If they did, do you still prefer the sound coming out of the MixPre 6 over the sound coming out of the F8n? If you were to buy today, would you still get the MixPre6/MixPre6M over the F8n? Thank you very much for your insight!
Hi Fil Trans, the F8n has the same preamps as the original F8. And honestly, the difference between the F8/F8n and MixPre is so small that probably only 5-10% of people can hear the difference. I would probably not make that the primary factor in deciding between the F8n and MixPre. I'd look at other elements such as ergonomics, whether you need an in-built timecode generator, external powering options, etc. Good luck!
Thank Curtis. Your input is much appreciated!
I just got my own Zoom F8. Is there a setting in need to turn on to be able to see the screen you are using at 9:09 in the video? I am unable to find it.
Yes, first you need firmware version 5.0. Then in System->Track Knob Option change the setting to Fader.
Dear Curtis, what kind of setting do I have to set up if I want to use the Zoom F8 as a mixer only, without recording. I will shoot video with the Sony alpha 7 III and want to record everything into an Atomos Shogun or Ninja, I just want to use the Zoome F8 as a mixer in order to avoid delay of the sound which will appear while recording with the Zoom. Do I just put REC Mode in the Menu on OFF?
Always so great to watch your videos. Always learning!!! Thank you!
Hi Till, the most important setting is in the output menu you want to set the sub outputs to low since the Sony has a mic level input. You will also want to watch the episode on sending audio to camera here: th-cam.com/video/bsUeXtxsa50/w-d-xo.html
We also have a Zoom F8/F8n course that covers this specifically for the Zoom over at school.learnlightandsound.com
Thanks Curtis, I just watched your episode on sending audio to camera. Great help! Thank you. Actually I was considering to link the Zoom F8 straight to the Atomos Shogun instead of sending it to the Sony alpha 7... Would this make any differences too sound quality, delayed frames, or workflow? Thank you!
It will be out of sync. You can adjust the delay setting on the ATOMOS to compensate.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Hi Curtis - I synced the the Zoom F8 and the Alpha 7iii by using the slate tone of the Zoom - (Thanks to your video instruction :). ) I had to put the Mic Level at the Alpha 7iii at the Minimum 1 - and still it was above -20 db! Doing a test recording, I had to level the Trim down to Mic:+10db Line:-10db. in order to keep the levels at the Alpha 7 between -12 and -3 db.
There is significant less noice at the recoding of the zoom compared to the recording on the Alpha 7 running through the Zoom F8.
Finally I attached the Sennheiser EW 100 G3 directly to the Alpha 7 for a recording and - there was no noise at all! - I left the Mic Level at the Alpha down at 1 (Minimum) so it was close to -20 db.
HA HA - getting confused while testing - thats the difference between a pro like you are and an semi professional :)
Does it makes sense that I do get the best result without using the zoom as a mixer at all? Just plugging the Sennheiser EW 100 straight in the Alpha 7?
Best regards.
Till
Hi Curtis, so much to learn from your videos about the Zoom F8! I have to join your classes :) One more question. In your video you could choose Input between "Mic" and "Line". On my Zoom F8 with the new software I have "Analog signal" and "USB" to choose? - Why?
Hi Curtis, a question about the Zoom F8 inside an aggregate audio device in mac os : have you experienced this functionality ? when I put my zoom in 8 chanels audio interface mode and add it inside an aggregated audio device I don't see the zoom inputs / outputs in my DAW and I can't direct the audio towards the integrated output from my Macbook. Are these limitations of the Zoom F8 ? any help much apreciate ! best regards
Hi Michel, I just tested here with my F8 and Universal Audio Apollo x6 interface. I put the two into an aggregate device so that I had a total of 40 input channels. I then opened Adobe Audition and in the Audio Hardware preferences changed over to the aggregate device. Then in Multitrack mode in Audition, I can set any of the tracks to any of the 40 inputs for my aggregate device. So it appears to be possible. I guess we'll need to dig into more details. On the F8, you put it into multitrack audio interface mode and the computer recognizes the F8 as an interface?
@@curtisjudd Hi Curtis, thank you so much for your quick response and your invaluable help! I have just identified the source of my problem: Pro Tools software! Pffff In this case it's inside Pro Tools that the aggregated peripheral (containing my Zoom F8) is poorly managed. With Auidtion or Logic everything works as expected. The audio routing offers all the available inputs outputs (those of the Zoom F8 therefore and those of the other associated audio peripherals). I'm going to contact Avid to try to learn a little more and maybe find a solution ... The funniest thing is that the Protools software installs by default an aggregated audio device labeled Pro Tools Aggregate I/0 in audio preferences ! But with the Zoom F8 in multitrack audio interface mode it does not work! Best Regards from confined France
@@michelpoiccard3313 Hi Michel, thanks for the update. Ok, good to hear that it is at least working at the OS level. Hopefully Avid can help sort out the ProTools bit. Best wishes!
0:27 Choosing between Mic/Line level input only applies to the F8n.
On the F8 Mic level is automatically set if you plug in an XLR cable, while Line level is automatically chosen by plugging in a jack cable. And there's no way to change that.
Thanks, yes.
Related- One important advantage of the F8n for some users is that phantom power is available in line input mode (phantom is not available over the TRS line-inputs of the F8). This can be important to avoid clipping or a constantly engaged limiter when using high sensitivity condenser mics in high SPL conditions which will otherwise overload the mic-input input set to lowest sensitivity.
Hi Curtis, I have some questions regarding using the F8 as an Audio Interface. I’m looking to record both vocal and guitar parts to a DAW. Will the settings and hardware on the F8 allow me to do this, or will it struggle with a guitar level signal on ¼” plug? (I’m thinking about the way the input “type” is decided by whether it’s a XLR or ¼” plug - would it need a ¼” to XLR adaptor to get it to a suitable signal level?). I’m also wondering how easy it is to adjust the volume output of the PC system using the F8 as an Audio Interface. Can I still control the master volume from within Windows, or is the output volume then controlled via the F8 (and if so, how user friendly is it? i.e. Is it as simple as using one of the channel encoders or do you need to do some menu diving every time?). Also, have you used the Tascam DR-100 MKIII and if so, how would you rate the F8’s mic and headphone amps against it? Would it be a small or a big step up in quality? Thanks in advance!
Hello PseudoThief, I haven't recorded guitar (on any device) so I'm afraid I cannot speak to how well the F8 does or does not work on that front. I would expect it to work well, but can't say for sure. It is fairly easy to adjust the monitor volume from the F8. On the second main display, you simply adjust the fader down for the main outputs. You cannot control the monitor volume from Windows. I also have not used the Tascam DR-100mkIII, unfortunately, so cannot comment on its quality.
Hi Curtis, Thanks for the fast and honest advice. You gave me an idea of where to look in the manual, so I now have a better idea of how it should function in my intended set-up. I decided to order one and give it a go; my thoughts are that with the price the last F8's are selling for at the minute, I could afford to buy a monitor controller and/or DI box if needed and STILL have money left over vs buying an F8n!
@@PseudoThief Excellent! Happy recording! 🎤
hi Chris sorry to bother you! I have e one final question, what is the function of time code INT Auto Mute when in Int Free Run?? I cant seem to fins any changes it makes stewart.
Hi Stewart, I’m away from my F8 at the moment but if I remember correctly is is essentially a power saving function which turns off the TC output when not in use, but I need to confirm that.
@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions thanks Chris . yes I tried all combos and your are correct. thank you.
Hi, Curtis. Will the Zoom F8n work well as an audio interface with Fairlight in Resolve, or do you recommend something else? We have an F8n recorder, and we are thinking of buying a set of active nearfild monitors and start doing sound design in Fairlight. We don't have a dedicated audio interface other than the motherboard in our workstation. Will the Zoom F8n work well as an audio interface or do you recommend something else?
Hi Rune, the Zoom F8n will work fine with Fairlight as an interface, but I generally don't like using a field recorder in that capacity on a regular basis. It takes a solid 30 - 45 seconds to get it over into audio interface mode. This may sound crazy but I'd probably prefer a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 Gen 3 over any field recorder as a regular use audio interface.
@@curtisjudd thanks for quick answer :) Love your videos! Another thing, I have been experiencing latency with sound in Fairlight. I mean, the video and audio are in perfect sync, but its maybe a second behind what the DAW is visually showing on the playhead and meters. Do you think the F8n or the Focusrite will help with that problem? And what about a PCI E card, is that better than usb? And one last thing...Fairlight accellerator pci card, do you know or have any experience with it? I have trouble finding information on it...
@@runesorensen_photo That sounds like a computer processing issue rather than an audio interface issue - e.g., perhaps the computer isn't fast enough to keep up with the waveform display? Just a guess. These days there are few pro level PCI E audio interface cards. 99% of them are either USB or thunderbolt these days. I'm sorry, I haven't used the Fairlight accelerator card (I'm on an iMac Pro without a thunderbolt PCI expansion chasis).
@@curtisjudd I doub't that, its a pretty expensive workstation with 64 GB ram, Intel Xeon W-2135 6 core 3.7 GHz processor and a Nvidia 2080 Ti GPU. It runs Red raw 5K video without lag... But anyways, if I just goes back and do audio work in Audition or RX, are you recommending the Focusrite? I'm mostly focused on the output, not so much about the inputs. Would the Solo version be just the same performance? Or could i also use the F8n and get the same performance as the Focusrite products?
Also check out this interesting bug: vimeo.com/362904402/bdd927b294
@@runesorensen_photo That was a bad guess on my part. :-) Interesting bug. I hadn't run into that yet, but not surprised. Fairlight has a lot of promise but still pretty rough in parts. If you mainly just need decent converters and a monitor controller for powered monitors, the 3rd gen Scarlet Solo should do the job: bhpho.to/2odtTDl
Hi Curtis I recently obtained the zoom f8n and did a test recording with 2 mics in setting ‘Track 1-8 (Poly WAV) but when I imported into Logic Pro X it was one Wav file and could not edit the individual tracks! Why?
Hi Roger, it recorded mic one to channel one and mic 2 to channel 2. You just need to break that apart into two mono tracks and then you can edit the individual channels. I’m not sure how to do that in Logic but I’m betting a google search will turn that up. Best wishes!
Curtis Judd Audio Thanks Curtis
Hi Curtis love your tutorials. Curtis in your ‘Zoom F8/F8n Basic Setup’ you did show the ‘Track 1-8 (Poly WAV) channels and it did look like they were imported into Adobe Audition, is that correct? Cheers.
@@rogerellis3435 Correct, as a single file with each microphone on a separate channel. In Audition, I can split them into separate files in the waveform view or in multitrack view, I can drop each channel on a separate track.
a friend wants to sell me one of these... now i think im gonna get it...
Excellent! Happy recording!
Curtis Judd I have the zoom h6 but with the f8 of I can record dual channel it's way much better 👍 👍