You can process the RAW audio in Resolve or Premiere with a free plugin from zoom. Saves a lot of time. I have the M3 and love it in most situations. The only feature I wish it had was timecode support. For $200 though, zero complaints.
Thanks for the comment! I wasn’t aware of the plugin; I need to check that out. Yea that would save a lot of time. The more I use it the more I like it. And you’re right, for $200 it’s pretty great!
@directedbyMax yea definitely. I think what he was asking was for specifics about the plugin for DaVinci or premiere which allows you to edit the RAW audio directly in the editing software. You wouldn’t happen to know what he’s referring to, would you? I couldn’t find it.
Dude. I like the vibe and all the effort you put into this review. But why in the world would you leave background music on throughout the review of a microphone??? Cmon man! Love the video but i really want to hear how it sounds not your music playlist!
No I definitely need the feedback brother, and I really do appreciate it. And you’re right! If I’m reviewing a mic, I should’ve utilized ONLY the mic audio and nothing else. Sometimes I get so fixated on wanting to be engaging or entertaining, that sometimes stuff like this happens. I’m being sincere when I say I’m grateful for the feedback 🤜🤛
No, no camera noises. This has onboard recording, as well as the ability to run the audio through your camera. I’ve never experienced camera noises on either the separately recorded audio nor the camera scratch audio.
You can't compare a Sennheiser 416 with its 10 inch interference tube to a Zoom M3 and its 3.5 inch interference tube. Of course the Sennheiser rejected more sound from the side! I'm sure if you compared it to the Sennheiser 8070 with its 17 inch interference tube the 8070 would outperform the 416 as well. A better comparison for the zoom m3 would be the Deity V-Mic D4 since they are much closer in length. As for the failing to hit the record button issue, the only reason that's not a problem with other shotgun mics is because they don't record. The ability to record a backup 32bit float recording in the "mic" is a bonus feature, not a deficit. If you can remember to press record on a camera, you can remember to press record on a recorder.
Thanks for the comment. I compared what I had available, I didn’t compare them because I thought they were similar or in the same “weight class”. As for the record button, I was simply mentioning how I honestly would forget to push the button since I’m not used to activating the recording on a shotgun mic and that it would get annoying.
Great video! Did you notice any rf interference issues? Typically Zoom products are great but some reviewers experienced interference issues with other M series recorders (M2, M4). So this is the M3, it might have similar guts in there. Any issues, or static if you are close to electric equipment or in the car?
Great comment. I’ll have to test it under those conditions and see how it performs. This is first Zoom mic (I do use the Zoom F6) so I’m not familiar with those issues. But based on my use so far, no complaints or issues.
I LOVE this mic. I actually use it to capture audio for my guerilla shoots, podcasts, and short video clips. I could not be happier! I use the 32-bit float exclusively and transfer the files directly to and from my computer using the micro SD card.
I'm with you! The more I use it, the more I appreciate its versatility and simplicity. Having 32bit float on top of my camera is great!! Thank you for the comment 🤜🤛
9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1
How old is this mic? 1, 2 years? Cost just like the H6 recorder. :)
It’s a couple years old. Yea it costs the same but it’s a completely different tool that serves a different purpose. I’ve been using it for a while now and it’s a great mic for 36bit float during run n gun shooting
Hi, thank you for the review! I was wondering, does the microphone start recording the "camera backup audio" when I press record on the camera? The recording button on the actual mic is just for the 32 bit mode or do I have to press it also for the internal backup audio of the camera? Cheers!
Thanks for the comment! No, unfortunately, pushing the camera's record button does not trigger the recording on the mic's 32bit float recorder. You have to remember to push the record button on the mic (and push it to stop recording) in order to get that backup 32Bit Float recording. It's a great mic tho! By implementing the right system, I rarely forget to push record.
@@DetailsMatterTV Got it, thank you for the quick answer! I mainly shoot run and fun documentaries and I'm currently going from an heavy Ursa setup with XLR and everything (24bit internally) to a Lumix S1H which has 16bit internally. I was looking for a solution that gives me at least 24 bits easily, but it's pretty tricky in certain situations with this system. Do you know any other system that could fit my workflow? Thank you in advance! (I currently own a Sennheiser MKE 600, but if I get a XLR to 3.5 cable it would still be a 16bit audio for the camera preamps...)
Yea you’re kinda handcuffed by the camera’s capabilities. I like the M3 MicTrac as a solution for your setup; you just have to maintain a process for production so you don’t forget to press record (and end the recording when your shot is finished).
Very good video! I have two big issue with M3 and I hope you can help me with your experience: 1) internal recording is only 16 bit and I didn't find a way to change this setting by software. 2) 32 bit recording don't start when I press rec on camera: I have to press rec on mic to start recording so it's very frustrating! Is there a way to fix these issues? Thanks
Thank you 🙏 Let’s start with your second question first. Unfortunately there’s no way to get the mic to record internally when you press record on the camera. You always have to remember to push record in the mic (and then again to stop when you’re done recording your clip). This is frustrating for me too, especially when going back to locate the clip and corresponding audio file. Regarding only recording 16bit; which file are you utilizing (primary folder WAV file, or the RAW folder files)? The 32bit float files are located in the RAW audio folder once you pull the internal MicroSD card out of the mic. I hope this helps.
@@DetailsMatterTVso you can't record 24bit directly on the camera? I tought it sounded bad when connected to the camera directly. Almost like the in built mic in an empty room. Is it possible you were recording stereo when you connected it directly to the camera. It shouldn't sound like that. Even some of the cheapest 60$ mics sound better (Diety mini).
Can it be connected remotely? Let me explain, if I put the m3 on the end of a stick, connected with a long type C cable to a cell phone or a cable to a Gopro type camera. Could you control the power on and off of the audio on the m3 recorder, without having to hit the end of the stick on the m3 recorder?
So the mic is always listening as long as the power is on, and if it’s plugged into a camera, you’re going to be capturing audio (not 32bit float). But if you want to capture the raw audio track on the SD Card, you have to press the record button every time, the camera doesn’t control the mic in any way. But for the rest of your question, you should be able to put the mic in a boom pole and run a long cable from the mic to the camera and use it that way. I hope this helps.
Is it sound the same as Sennheiser MKE 440 in stereo and MKE 600 in mono? Is XLR mic necessary nowadays? I thought to get a stereo mic MKE 440 for everyday and TH-cam videos on a Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder, a shotgun mic MKE 600 to source outdoor sounds for game development and a pencil condenser mic Line Audio CM4 to source indoor voice and instruments, should I get these or Zoom M3 instead? Can M3 record behind the camera voice clearly when in stereo modes? Is there an adaptor to able to plug the CM4 45⁰ directly into the Zoom F3 to make a small 90⁰ stereo mics pair? Can you cover the sides vents and it will basically become a small diaphragm condenser mic? By the way, I'm a freelance logo designer and are you interested to have a logo redesign to have a simpler and memorable logo that reflect your idea of details matter? Let me know if you interested to allow me to have the honour to design your next logo! :-D
Oh I see you compare it to 416 now and they say MKE 600 is nearly the same, I can hear the difference with my phone mono speaker, the M3 do catch more echo, was it in mono or stereo?
Is it possible to set the gain level with the software (because there is no physical gain wheel)? Will it be saved into the device for using it with a smartphone for example? (Just like with the Rode Video mic go 2) (I know that i don't have to set the gain level when i record in 32 bit float, but there will be many times in which I don't want to use 32 Bit float recordings... so I wonder if it's possible to set the gain in the device when using it via USB with my Smartphone for example.)
Unfortunately there is no way to set the gain. It’s really important to make sure the audio settings are set in your camera just in case you forget to hit record on the mic.
It’s ugly design but dam those features! I have had it on back order for 2 weeks in Australia! I wish you could use an 18650 Cell instead on AA batteries though.
Sooo ugly 😂. But yea I was shocked to see some of these results. Yea AAs are just another point of failure to be on top of. Thanks for watching and commenting Jeff. I appreciate you 🙏
Picking up human voices in a noisy environment, if we humans can focus on our voices without too much trouble if we're good with our hearing, why then do we complicate things by using mics without ears?
so I bought this and I thought green meant record, not red lol. Hate that it doesn't have a screen. Also, I'm shocked you can't connect through usb-c to offload the audio and that you instead need to remove the micro sd card! Why?? I really hope Zoom creates a better version of this unit....
LOL!!! For sure, we're on the same page. There are so many little things that frustrate me about the unit, but for $200 I can't really complain. One thing I didn't mention in the video was that you can't batch-export the tracks from the Zoom app, which was frustrating too. But someone in the comments mentioned that Zoom has a plugin for DaVinci Resolve, so you can edit the RAW audio right in Resolve. Thanks for the comment! Subscribe if possible my friend. I have more content like this in the works 🫡
I honestly think you should re-upload this with the music removed. It's clearly potentially a really good video and so useful but I literally cannot hear the recordings due to the music. There's no shame in a reupload and I would rewatch.
LOL!! Not exactly an original comment; it's already been pointed out and I've acknowledged it. But I appreciate your engagement in the comments section. God bless you 👍
I haven’t. But in one of Zoom’s ads they do, and it sounds pretty decent. I’m sure if you do some EQ work (which I didn’t do in this video for the sake of raw comparisons) it could sound even better.
Yeah, sorry about that. I'm fighting to get better with every upload, and that was a pretty big oversight. But thankfully, because of you and the other comments around this subject, I won't be making this mistake again... Thanks for the comment!
Please do not add music to the background when reviewing a microphone!
👍
Agree
Triple agree.
You can process the RAW audio in Resolve or Premiere with a free plugin from zoom. Saves a lot of time. I have the M3 and love it in most situations. The only feature I wish it had was timecode support. For $200 though, zero complaints.
Thanks for the comment! I wasn’t aware of the plugin; I need to check that out. Yea that would save a lot of time. The more I use it the more I like it. And you’re right, for $200 it’s pretty great!
What’s the name of the plug in? Can you provide a link? I only see the actual software from Zoom
the Raw audio is a separate program
@directedbyMax yea definitely. I think what he was asking was for specifics about the plugin for DaVinci or premiere which allows you to edit the RAW audio directly in the editing software. You wouldn’t happen to know what he’s referring to, would you? I couldn’t find it.
@@DetailsMatterTV na i have no idea im pretty sure it doesnt exist lol ive looked
Dude. I like the vibe and all the effort you put into this review. But why in the world would you leave background music on throughout the review of a microphone??? Cmon man! Love the video but i really want to hear how it sounds not your music playlist!
Man! You’re right and I appreciate the feedback more than you know. Noted and I’ll definitely remember that on the next one.
@@DetailsMatterTV i promise i was indeed trying to be constructive, although frustrated a bit because I could not hear the mic clearly haha.
No I definitely need the feedback brother, and I really do appreciate it. And you’re right! If I’m reviewing a mic, I should’ve utilized ONLY the mic audio and nothing else. Sometimes I get so fixated on wanting to be engaging or entertaining, that sometimes stuff like this happens. I’m being sincere when I say I’m grateful for the feedback 🤜🤛
@@DetailsMatterTV right on man. As i said great energy. Loved everything else about the packaging
I really appreciate that man! Thank you 🙏
hello, do you also have noises from the camera recorded as well? (manipulating the camera, lens AF motors, pressing on buttons, rotating dials, etc.)?
No, no camera noises. This has onboard recording, as well as the ability to run the audio through your camera. I’ve never experienced camera noises on either the separately recorded audio nor the camera scratch audio.
I saw this thing in my Facebook feed 😂. Looks like them ads got ya!! Looks like a good tool to have in my bag.
😂 actually , that IS how they got me
You can't compare a Sennheiser 416 with its 10 inch interference tube to a Zoom M3 and its 3.5 inch interference tube. Of course the Sennheiser rejected more sound from the side! I'm sure if you compared it to the Sennheiser 8070 with its 17 inch interference tube the 8070 would outperform the 416 as well. A better comparison for the zoom m3 would be the Deity V-Mic D4 since they are much closer in length.
As for the failing to hit the record button issue, the only reason that's not a problem with other shotgun mics is because they don't record. The ability to record a backup 32bit float recording in the "mic" is a bonus feature, not a deficit. If you can remember to press record on a camera, you can remember to press record on a recorder.
Thanks for the comment. I compared what I had available, I didn’t compare them because I thought they were similar or in the same “weight class”. As for the record button, I was simply mentioning how I honestly would forget to push the button since I’m not used to activating the recording on a shotgun mic and that it would get annoying.
That is a very helpful video. Thank you.
Thank you for watching 🤜🤛
Such great review
Thank you 🙏 grateful for you!
Great video! Did you notice any rf interference issues? Typically Zoom products are great but some reviewers experienced interference issues with other M series recorders (M2, M4). So this is the M3, it might have similar guts in there. Any issues, or static if you are close to electric equipment or in the car?
Great comment. I’ll have to test it under those conditions and see how it performs. This is first Zoom mic (I do use the Zoom F6) so I’m not familiar with those issues. But based on my use so far, no complaints or issues.
That issue has been fixed on current models
I bought mine a couple of months ago. Which is probably why I didn’t experience anything like that
I LOVE this mic. I actually use it to capture audio for my guerilla shoots, podcasts, and short video clips. I could not be happier! I use the 32-bit float exclusively and transfer the files directly to and from my computer using the micro SD card.
I'm with you! The more I use it, the more I appreciate its versatility and simplicity. Having 32bit float on top of my camera is great!! Thank you for the comment 🤜🤛
How old is this mic? 1, 2 years? Cost just like the H6 recorder. :)
It’s a couple years old. Yea it costs the same but it’s a completely different tool that serves a different purpose. I’ve been using it for a while now and it’s a great mic for 36bit float during run n gun shooting
Thanks 😊
@You Bet 🙂
What is the quality of the audio send to the camera, is it usable for something more that syncing? Is is stereo?
It’s actually not bad. You just have to make sure your in camera audio settings are dialed in
Hi, thank you for the review! I was wondering, does the microphone start recording the "camera backup audio" when I press record on the camera? The recording button on the actual mic is just for the 32 bit mode or do I have to press it also for the internal backup audio of the camera? Cheers!
Thanks for the comment! No, unfortunately, pushing the camera's record button does not trigger the recording on the mic's 32bit float recorder. You have to remember to push the record button on the mic (and push it to stop recording) in order to get that backup 32Bit Float recording. It's a great mic tho! By implementing the right system, I rarely forget to push record.
@@DetailsMatterTV Got it, thank you for the quick answer! I mainly shoot run and fun documentaries and I'm currently going from an heavy Ursa setup with XLR and everything (24bit internally) to a Lumix S1H which has 16bit internally. I was looking for a solution that gives me at least 24 bits easily, but it's pretty tricky in certain situations with this system. Do you know any other system that could fit my workflow? Thank you in advance! (I currently own a Sennheiser MKE 600, but if I get a XLR to 3.5 cable it would still be a 16bit audio for the camera preamps...)
Yea you’re kinda handcuffed by the camera’s capabilities. I like the M3 MicTrac as a solution for your setup; you just have to maintain a process for production so you don’t forget to press record (and end the recording when your shot is finished).
Very good video! I have two big issue with M3 and I hope you can help me with your experience: 1) internal recording is only 16 bit and I didn't find a way to change this setting by software. 2) 32 bit recording don't start when I press rec on camera: I have to press rec on mic to start recording so it's very frustrating! Is there a way to fix these issues? Thanks
Thank you 🙏
Let’s start with your second question first. Unfortunately there’s no way to get the mic to record internally when you press record on the camera. You always have to remember to push record in the mic (and then again to stop when you’re done recording your clip). This is frustrating for me too, especially when going back to locate the clip and corresponding audio file. Regarding only recording 16bit; which file are you utilizing (primary folder WAV file, or the RAW folder files)? The 32bit float files are located in the RAW audio folder once you pull the internal MicroSD card out of the mic. I hope this helps.
@@DetailsMatterTV thank you for the answer. 16bit is the file paired in the clip video
@@SimoneNunzi yea the 32bit float is gonna be the file you take off of the mic/recorder. You’ll find it in the RAW folder on the MicroSD Card
@@DetailsMatterTVso you can't record 24bit directly on the camera? I tought it sounded bad when connected to the camera directly. Almost like the in built mic in an empty room.
Is it possible you were recording stereo when you connected it directly to the camera. It shouldn't sound like that. Even some of the cheapest 60$ mics sound better (Diety mini).
Can it be connected remotely? Let me explain, if I put the m3 on the end of a stick, connected with a long type C cable to a cell phone or a cable to a Gopro type camera. Could you control the power on and off of the audio on the m3 recorder, without having to hit the end of the stick on the m3 recorder?
So the mic is always listening as long as the power is on, and if it’s plugged into a camera, you’re going to be capturing audio (not 32bit float). But if you want to capture the raw audio track on the SD Card, you have to press the record button every time, the camera doesn’t control the mic in any way. But for the rest of your question, you should be able to put the mic in a boom pole and run a long cable from the mic to the camera and use it that way. I hope this helps.
@DetailsMatterTV could you boom this microphone by itself and just have it record?
@@A1Bokeh Sure can. There are all kinds of creative ways to use this mic.
@@DetailsMatterTV that's pretty freakin dope
@@A1Bokeh especially at that price point
Is it sound the same as Sennheiser MKE 440 in stereo and MKE 600 in mono? Is XLR mic necessary nowadays? I thought to get a stereo mic MKE 440 for everyday and TH-cam videos on a Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder, a shotgun mic MKE 600 to source outdoor sounds for game development and a pencil condenser mic Line Audio CM4 to source indoor voice and instruments, should I get these or Zoom M3 instead? Can M3 record behind the camera voice clearly when in stereo modes? Is there an adaptor to able to plug the CM4 45⁰ directly into the Zoom F3 to make a small 90⁰ stereo mics pair? Can you cover the sides vents and it will basically become a small diaphragm condenser mic?
By the way, I'm a freelance logo designer and are you interested to have a logo redesign to have a simpler and memorable logo that reflect your idea of details matter? Let me know if you interested to allow me to have the honour to design your next logo! :-D
Oh I see you compare it to 416 now and they say MKE 600 is nearly the same, I can hear the difference with my phone mono speaker, the M3 do catch more echo, was it in mono or stereo?
Thanks, I'll definitely keep you in mind for future logo designs.
Is it possible to set the gain level with the software (because there is no physical gain wheel)? Will it be saved into the device for using it with a smartphone for example? (Just like with the Rode Video mic go 2)
(I know that i don't have to set the gain level when i record in 32 bit float, but there will be many times in which I don't want to use 32 Bit float recordings... so I wonder if it's possible to set the gain in the device when using it via USB with my Smartphone for example.)
Unfortunately there is no way to set the gain. It’s really important to make sure the audio settings are set in your camera just in case you forget to hit record on the mic.
@@DetailsMatterTV thanks you:))
You bet 👍
It’s ugly design but dam those features! I have had it on back order for 2 weeks in Australia! I wish you could use an 18650 Cell instead on AA batteries though.
Sooo ugly 😂. But yea I was shocked to see some of these results. Yea AAs are just another point of failure to be on top of. Thanks for watching and commenting Jeff. I appreciate you 🙏
I power mine with a USB-C powerbank.
Picking up human voices in a noisy environment, if we humans can focus on our voices without too much trouble if we're good with our hearing, why then do we complicate things by using mics without ears?
Welp, it’s either so deep that it went over my head… or it’s satire and I completely missed it. Either way, thanks for the comment. Care to elaborate?
Software mix ?
Can you elaborate on your question?
it doesn't have a figure of 8 pick up polar pattern.
Great content, very useful, but Music too loud and not necessary when testing the mic
Yea that’s a mistake I won’t make again. Thank you for watching and for the encouragement 🙏
so I bought this and I thought green meant record, not red lol. Hate that it doesn't have a screen. Also, I'm shocked you can't connect through usb-c to offload the audio and that you instead need to remove the micro sd card! Why?? I really hope Zoom creates a better version of this unit....
LOL!!! For sure, we're on the same page. There are so many little things that frustrate me about the unit, but for $200 I can't really complain. One thing I didn't mention in the video was that you can't batch-export the tracks from the Zoom app, which was frustrating too. But someone in the comments mentioned that Zoom has a plugin for DaVinci Resolve, so you can edit the RAW audio right in Resolve. Thanks for the comment! Subscribe if possible my friend. I have more content like this in the works 🫡
I honestly think you should re-upload this with the music removed. It's clearly potentially a really good video and so useful but I literally cannot hear the recordings due to the music. There's no shame in a reupload and I would rewatch.
Thanks for the feedback.
Garcia Donna Jackson Donald Martin Kenneth
I am sorry. I tried to watch it but the music was just too annoying. Anyway, wish you luck with future videos.
Thomas Frank Gonzalez Dorothy Harris Jessica
You put a background music track on this review, completely invalidating your tests.
LOL!! Not exactly an original comment; it's already been pointed out and I've acknowledged it. But I appreciate your engagement in the comments section. God bless you 👍
That sucks . Ill forget too. Crap. Thanks
The more I use it, the more it becomes second nature. For $200, it's a powerful little tool
Have you used it to film sound design? Interested to know what it sounds like. This mic looks like a good buy tho.
I haven’t. But in one of Zoom’s ads they do, and it sounds pretty decent. I’m sure if you do some EQ work (which I didn’t do in this video for the sake of raw comparisons) it could sound even better.
Yeah why on earth do you have music playing 🥲
Yeah, sorry about that. I'm fighting to get better with every upload, and that was a pretty big oversight. But thankfully, because of you and the other comments around this subject, I won't be making this mistake again... Thanks for the comment!
Garcia Donna Jackson Donald Martin Kenneth