Update: After showing the high pass filter options in this video, I mistakenly left the filter turned on. The filter was applied to the audio of the Rode PodMic and the sample of the VideoMic GO II. My apologies! I'm going to re-record those samples and upload the new tests as an unlisted video. I will update the description and this comment with the link once the video is uploaded. Thanks to viewer Chris Robinson for catching this mistake!
Terrific review man! Thank you for demonstrating the 32 bit float noise floor and clipping recovery-- astounding. Good luck on the big build of your new studio and thanks for making such great vids.
I've had my F3 for a few days now, and I love it. I see it as a "set it and forget it" audio recorder. Because its 32-bit float, you can adjust the levels in post. The main concern being that you have a good microphone for capturing the audio. Beyond that, the F3 will take care of capturing high quality audio. As a low budget/indie filmmaker, that's a no-brainer right there. And thank you for this walkthrough. I learned some things about the F3 that had questions for and now you gave me the answers. Many thanks.
I have the zoom h8 which I love and I thought 32 bit would be something cool but unnecessary. I decided to get this f3 for its size to use on a camera rig. Boy was I wrong about 32 bit. It’s a game changer. While technically unnecessary it simplifies audio so much that you could give this to someone with zero know how and they could get good recordings. and and the recovery is just amazing. I’ll probably just use my h8 as an audio interface when recording music or more controlled environments where I need more than 2 inputs.
This is why I bought the F3 :D I am making shirt films again and I know 1 I do not have the time and resources to be a pro with sound 2 but still I need decent audio, because if the audio suck, your movie gonna be a big flop. 3 I have to accept that a mic and a recorder would cost more than 400EUR IF I want decent audio So I ended up buying an F3 and an MKE600 and oh boy! I am a noob, but still I can tell these two together is the bomb!
I use the F3 with a shotgun mic and it’s perfect for that purpose. It doesn’t have a lot of the features my zoom H6 has, but all I need it for is one input on my belt well I hold a boom pole. The 32 bit float is an absolute must for audio recording these days! It’s like when I shoot raw video on the RED cameras I use, but for audio!
Hey man, just picked one up and this was helpful. I have the F2 which I picked up in a pinch when I forgot my mics on a trip and loved it, so the F3 was an easy decision. Regarding the missing 3.5mm jack, I wonder whether Zoom left that off to avoid cannibalizing the F2, since the F3 would be small enough to use as a lav unit.
What a brilliant, thorough and well presented video! Thank you! I've ordered a Zoom F3 and I look forward to using it. BTW what is the microphone mount your are using for your AT4053b? (I have the same microphone - and currently use the mount from the Rode NTG video mic.)
great review thx a lot, I was specifically looking for info on high pass filter (hpf) because Sennheiser mkh8020 omni mic picks up sounds starting at 10Hz
The dealbreaker for me, and for many others working in the field of video or acoustic music, is that inexplicably they haven't offered support for M/S mic monitoring. So if you use M/S mics, you'll have to hope that your mics are correctly placed in relation to the sound source, or you'll have to use something (what?) between the headphone output and the headphones themselves to dematrix the M/S so you can really judge the stereo image. I really hope they can fix that omission in a FW update - I would have thought it wouldn't be at all hard to do.
Yes, that's a very basic but useful function; should be a firmware option at least for monitoring. Another quite useful feature would be a 'start recording at [TIME] to [TIME]' as I think this would be an ideal recorder for bag drops in nature recording, etc.
Thank you for including the silence. But now I have even more questions. The silence at 14:28 and 14:45 reveals a higher noise level than I expected. I am curious if that comes through even with the mics unplugged. Is it just the noise floor or was there some background noise coming in through the mics? I was planning on buying one because I wanted to record some super quiet stuff without a noise floor. Could be a deal breaker. I already have a zoom h5 that is too noisy. I heard that you could get a lower noise floor with a higher bit rate. What settings are you using? The AT seems a little quieter than the rode. Is that because you left on the low cut filter on the rode? Both rode mics sound very thin actually.
I loved the part you lower and increase the levels and reflected on the video so I felt I was using it on the field while adjusting the volume. The silence and clipping test are what I really whated to at home now when mine arrives I can go to field and start using.
Yes, and the pre record function needs a faster switch than the old trick. If it was build a bit stronger, it would be perfect (same for the other buttons and battery door)
Great review. When you the F3 Control app you mentioned you can select either the app "OR you can select timecode". Was that intentional? Does this mean that timecode is not available while using the app or can the F3 connect to the app AND receive timecode at the same time? Many thanks.
What extra's would I need to use timecode with my camera? My BMPCC6k doesn't produce a timecode but I could plug in a timecode device right into both of them and sync them in post right?
I do have to say that this vid was INCREDIBLE! Thank you for all the detail that you put into explaining how the Zoom F3 works. One thing I would like to ask, I'm currently using the Zoom F2-BT for basic voice over dialogue (outside). I was hoping is to test how much better the F3 would sound using the same lav mic (LMF-2) with the F3. Now I know you'll need a voltage XLR adapter. I already have one (the ROD VXLR Pro). So attaching that to the F3 and testing it. I just was looking to see if the F3 would sound better than the F2. That's all. I already ordered the F3 and should be receiving it in a couple of more days to test it out. The one main thing that I like about the F3 is you can increase the sound level before you record your audio (which is something that you can't do with the F2). I know I can do that in post with other audio apps, but I was desiring to see if doing it on the F3 would make it sound better. Let me know if it will make any difference or not. Thank you.
How have you liked your F3 over the F2 BT.. I'm Contemplating getting an F3 but have also been wondering about the f2BT , I currently have a set of RODE wireless Lavs.. Thanks
@@kenyontech I returned the F3 and purchased the smaller F2BT instead and still have it and the LMF-2 Lav Mic that came with it works amazingly well. (Side Note: I used the RODE lav mic and the LMF-2 lav mic works better with Zoom's products and the RODE lav mics work better with RODE's products. I only know this because I tested them both out). I'm able to record my video with using the F2BT and Lav Mic and then import the audio into Premiere and then sync the video with the audio and it sounds sounds just as good in my opinion because the F2BT is ALSO 32 Bit Float. No voice clipping and it's small and can clip it to my pocket while I hide my Lav Mic under my shirt. Again, to me it's much better. Hope that helps.
Beginner's question: when you say you can "bring back" the sound after it's clipped or peaked, how do you do that ? Can you do this in FCPX for instance, or do you need a specific music software ? Thanks.
It should be a case of just turning down the audio file's volume in whatever audio software you're using. This is the benefit of the 32bit Float, which dramatically raises the level at which the audio would actually distort.
great video sorry if i missed it in this video but may I ask when does it also support 32 bit float when used as a usb audio interface, as I believe the tascam does not.
As of right now, the interface only supports 24bit recording, but according to the Zoom website, a firmware update is coming soon that will allow 32bit float with the interface.
Great video and just subscribed. Thank you! I just bought the F3, so this overview was very helpful. And your suggestion on the tabletop tripod is great - just ordered two! May I ask what brand/model the flexible/jointed arm is at your right that your shotgun mic is attached to? I could also use one of those. And what shock mount is that you are using for your shotgun mic? Thanks again!
Hi, as you've mentioned you can connect the zoom f3 directly to a camera, I have a deity connect system that has 2 transmitters with 2 3.5mm to xlr cables and I'm planning to use the the zoom f3 as a recorder/preamp. My question is, if I connect the zoom f3 to the camera will it be able to record separately?
Great review! I'm planning on renting a Zoom F3 for filming a dance recital next spring. I can shoot two of the nights but I can't be there for the third night (I have another recital). So I will leave my camera and the F3 for someone else to shoot that night. The F3 looks easy to use after I initially set everything up. I'll tell them to press record on the camera and press record on the F3 and we should be good to go! My main recorder is a Sound Devices MixPre 6-II and I'll keep that with me for the other recital since it's a lot more complicated. And if the F3 works as planned... I might end up buying one to have as an additional/backup recorder. I have quite a collection of audio recorders already: Zoom F1, Zoom H1, Tentacle Track E, MixPre 6-II... so what's one more? 😎
Is there a way to attach 2 pencil mic directly, do you think Line Audio CM4 will able to fit? Is there a joint adaptor to able to rotate the mic so it can be 90,120 or other form of stereo mix? Do you think it's worth all that or just get a Sennheiser MKE 440 stereo mic? Is it possible to record these 2 XLR as individual track and also the 3.5mm line in as its own track so 2 stereo tracks? I want to record stereo walk video with my behind the camera commentary on a camcorder, I can use the Sennheiser MKE 440 as stereo mic and a single Pencil Condenser CM4 facing backward to me that way, but can it be achieved and can I line all this out to the camcorder so I don't have to sync but still able to record to the Zoom F3 internally as a higher quality and also a backup? Are these build in rotatable stereo mic like Sony A10, many of the Zoom recorder and Tascam X6 good and don't need to make your own stereo pair and don't need Sennheiser MKE 440?
1. How did you adjust gain to demonstrate "recovery"? 2. What is the additional headroom F3 32 bit float recording provides? 3. Can you compare recovery of too low 32 bit float vs 24 bit on F3? 4. How do you understand and for what mode max input levels are? (+4dBu mic, +24dBu line)
1. in post. Simply adjust the volume. The "gain" is more for headphone monitoring. 2. About 750db +/-. Supposedly there is nothing louder than 250db so this is way overkill.
@@HikingWithCooper I use F6 now. The additional 32F headroom is just as you would set minimal gain (12dB) for 24L. Still good and still clipping at +4dBu, not +750dBu ;)
Thanks, subscribed. Question if you have the time. I want to use this as a passthrough device to my red Komodo using the audio out. Is this a viable set-up? I know I'm relying on Red's preamps so I won't get as good a sound, but it's not super important to get the absolute highest quality audio, I only really need the 32 bit float capabilities. Thanks!
Thank you for such an informative video. Can I ask if you felt the TASCAM x8 or Zoom F3 has better sound or preamps? Would love to see more in-depth comparison between the two. Heard of problems on the X8 in stability, monitoring, etc.
@@gaips The initial firmware on the X8 had issues with flickering screen, audio hiss on certain frequencies, etc. Many youtubers reported that the zero-day firmware was not appropriate for professional use-- I think it might have changed though? Seeing a lot of these around.
@@muen1842 just saw this, announced today. “With the introduction of the V1.30 firmware update, the Portacapture X8 now has the capability to use 32-bit float point resolution when using the unit as a USB audio interface to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). This facilitates wider dynamic range, higher resolution, and greater audio quality for better overall record quality. The 32-bit float technology enables audio to be dynamically controlled and edited virtually without limitations. Clipped audio segments can easily be corrected and, similarly, low level audio passages can be adjusted to a higher dB level. Paul Youngblood, Director of Product Marketing at TASCAM, commented on the new features offered by the V1.30 firmware update, “The Portacapture X8 has proven itself to be a full-featured, powerful handheld recorder both on its own or when used in tandem with a computer. As a company, we strive to listen carefully to our users, as this enables us to learn first-hand how our equipment gets used in a wide range of applications-and the V1.30 update is a perfect example of this. We’ve taken the most requested capabilities and turned those into new features that make the Portacapture X8 even more versatile and useful.”
Any chance you could provide the recorded wav files? For my use case I am only interested in the soft voices and noise floor (yes, yes, I know, every mic is different) and actually I don't trust the yt audio quality :D
Amazing review, the Zoom F3 I think is the perfect foolproof recorder, excelent for me I think =D. I'm just getting into recording video, and I want to record really low noises and having that editing power to lower or increase the levels... Amazing. One question that I have regarding the Zoom F3, did you use a IOS device or an Android device (smartphone) when you test it? Do you know if it would be possible to connect the Zoom F3 to my android phone and record video + 32 bit float internaly to the phone and this way I do not have to sync the audio in post? I'm totally new to all of this so all the help is usefull. Thanks alot, and again dope review.
wow your video really gives me something to aspire to. Great review, I already ordered my F3 but being in the middle of no where Canada up north there isn't even a major city of any sort for 7.5 hours of a drive so I am stuck waiting. For me the purpose is to reduce the size of my setup and not use my bulky in comparison Vocaster Two which can clip audio if not being careful and have no way to recover clean audio. Also since this is mono and Stereo it acts like the Scarlett 2i2 did without being locked to 2 channel mono like the more expensive kind of upgrade yet downgrade double the price same price as this device Vocaster Two mono system. Lastly I HATE being tied to a computer :P
Thanks for that great review. I can't seem to get an answer out of Zoom. Do you know if the F3 will connect with the AtomX Sync into NinjaV the same way the F6 does? Or is it only via BLUE?
The biggest issue for me is the F3 does not allow for recording to the microSD card while in Audio Interface mode - you have to choose one or the other. With my Zoom F6, I can do both as long as I choose "32/24" mode. The 24-bit signal goes to the PC/Mac via USB while the SD card gets a 32-bit float recorded WAV file. I generally like this approach since renaming the files can be a bit of a hassle on the device so I just use those files as a backup in case I clip my recording - normally this isn't an issue but I love the insurance policy this approach gives me.
Thank you for this video. Question about the zoom f3. I want to use it as a dslr camera interface. Running my mic into the f3 then use the 3mm jack output directly into my camera to record both video and audio together. Does this allow me 32bit float with the line out 3mm jack to camera? If so, how do I set it as I don't see anything about this anywhere online. I only see volume line level adjustments. In other worlds, can I still get 32 bit float directly into my camera? Thank you
No, your camera is going to record whatever your camera is capable of, probably 16-bit. You can take the audio recording on the f3, line it up with the audio track on the video in post, and replace the audio with the 32-bit float version.
I'm not surprised boom operators and sound engineers hate 32-bit float. They've spent decades mastering their craft, and suddenly those skills are drastically less necessary.
The other cool thing you might mention about the Bluetooth module is that it gives you timecode sync with Atomos Sync modules. They let you sync multiple cameras, audio recorders, and even iPhones. Meanwhile, as I wait for my F3 to arrive, I'm wondering if anyone makes a small stereo XLR mic assembly that would turn this thing into a handy recorder like other handheld field recorders. Ideas?
I have actually looked into this recently. The smallest option I found was the CEntrance PivotMic PM1 but I couldn't find much info about them to confirm that they would work with the F3. I know Audio-Technica makes a few XY microphones that would connect via XLR cable.
@@GearTestTVTech Thanks! Those would be perfect... if they hadn't chosen an abnormal orientation of their XLR pins. Everybody else puts the middle pin at the bottom or the top of the jack. CEntrance has rotated the jacks on their devices 90 degrees, so the pins are on the side. Therefore you can't orient these mics correctly.
@@SoundOfYourDestiny Yeah I don't know why they would do that. I actually sent them an email to ask if they would work and they basically said the same thing. They could have appealed to a much wider audience if they went with a standard orientation.
odd question.... but would you know if you're able to use this as like an upgraded preamp for in camera recording to a blackmagic or red camera by daisy-chaining it via headphone jack. For example, plug in a RODE WIRELESS Go Receiver to an Ursa 12K and then attach the f3 to the headphone jack on the ursa or a gemini for 32bit internal recording? Make sense?
Huh, "lazy" is a curious term. I would liken it to raw image capture (often tied up with "HDR). You're going to capture whatever stimulus was impinging on the device at any given moment. With a camera it's light, and here it's sound. With a camera you have a choice of aperture and shutter speed, whereas with sound you pretty much only have the choice of where you put the mic. So put the mic in the best place you can, and let it roll in float. In float, isn't "gain" only metadata?
For me, it is a life saver. I am not a professional, just like to record city sounds - actually noise, hehe - occasionally. It means I have close to zero control on the sound sources (buses, trains, people, etc). And it sometimes involves a huge dynamic range.
No tool is lazy, there are only lazy people who do not want to learn and do the work. Its a useful tool under certain circumstances, but personally in most cases I would stick with 24 bit, even if you're a beginner, in fact I would be harsh and say most beginners should learn in 16 bit 44.1khz before moving to 24 bit. One thing I notice with 32 bit float is how inaccurate the sound becomes once you start playing with the dynamic range within its exponent values. This is why even in the world of IT, Fixed Integers are always preferred over Floating Point Values as computers by their nature cannot naturally process decimal numbers or negative values, so weird calculations and equations must be done to essentially do what is speedy guess work with a stupid number of potential values. Alan from Sound Speeds has a video explaining this. Basically if you're like me and believe in preserving the integrity and accuracy of your sound, then 32 bit Float is really only useful under certain conditions and its just too easy to set levels, even at 16 bit. So I'm good with 24 bit. But if you're someone who is just getting into work and the integrity of the overall product is necessary, whilst I don't promote it I can understand why people would champion 32 bit float. Its here to stay and has been around for a lot longer than people realise, so if it can be put to good use, then may as well.
Depends on the battery type. I used alkalines and had it running for about 3 hours this weekend. Battery meter went down 1 bar. Lithium batteries supposedly last something like 6 hours. This is with phantom on (to 1 mic anyway.)
@D R Yeah, that battery door is already notoriously bad. I am just super extra careful with it. Hopefully somebody reverse engineers it and sells better 3D printed versions because last I looked, Zoom doesn’t offer a replacement. I like that a battery door is the worst thing I can find with this recorder :)
NO L/R routing is a deal breaker. The signal coming out of the F3 line out is a mixed down stereo signal. I can't believe Zoom would not implement this in their F3 when it's on all their other mixers. :-/
Yes, but it records 2 stereo tracks. The point of this unit is to be small, simple and great sounding. There are certainly a lot of features of something like a mix pre that are missing...but so is 3/4 of the cost and size.
I'm curious if the overpriced bluetooth adapter could be replaced with a generic model that uses the same internal chipset? If you connect the Zoom Bluetooth adapter to your PC, does it show up as a regular Bluetooth device or is it proprietary?
Unfortunately, I think it is proprietary (or at least the plug is). Its not a USB port/plug so I don't see any way of using a generic USB adapter with the F3.
Bump. This alone would be reason to buy that adapter. If I were making this, I'd enable it to work through the bmpcc bluetooth. Start / stop recording, slating. That would essentially create a timecode (ok, not via timecode but via file length) sync. Dream big.
I preordered within the first few minutes that preorders were available. They probably sold out their first batch on preorders and it's their second batch that will be available Mar 22nd.
So you need an adapter that will take the headphone out and link via Bluetooth to a pair of Bluetooth audio headphones and tada - full remote control. It's a dirty way to solve what you should have thought be done with the hardware they sold you. Alas, even the Tascan DRnnWL models (22 and 44) that had WiFi control couldn't even stream the audio. Definitely, a shortcoming that field recorders have that should not be.
@@DR_1_1 There’s no reason to be rude. Did you look at it again.? Of course we know phantom power is for active mics and DIs. That’s why I was questioning the Line (+48V) choice in the input source menu. It’s there in the video. BTY I am retired after 40 years professional audio technician.
Wow, for $349.99, I would expect a lot more than this. The Tascam X8 does everything that this does except for inserting a Timecode and it has far more options. The X8 is a $150.00 more, but it has six more mic connections and it also comes with apps to use for each specific function. Really, there is no comparison between the two.
And the X8 is like 15 times larger and uses a huge interface. On set, simplicity is a must (in my flow anyway.) Plus of course you can actually see the F3 screen when outdoors so... Of course if you need 8 inputs on a field rig then the choice is made.
@@HikingWithCooper Hmmm, I keep hearing that you can't see the X8 screen outdoors and that is not true. You can see the screen in bright sunlight and I am betting that the smaller display on the F3 is more difficult to see in bright sunlight. BTW, I own the X8 and so I KNOW you can see the screen in bright sunlight. Also the F3 forces you to record in 32 bit audio quality and many times, that high level of recording is not required. This eats of a LOT of space on the SD card and if you don't have high level mics, it doesn't accomplish anything to help with audio quality. Finally, the X8 is about the same size or smaller than the Zoom H6 and it is MUCH smaller than the Zoom H8 (which I purchased and returned). It is true that if you want to camera mount your audio recorder, THEN the F3 would be easier. But in reality, most people who by a 32 bit recorder are going to be using mics and not mounting their recorder to their camera unless it is on a tripod. And if your camera is on a tripod, then the X8 is a viable option. I use 2-4 mics when I record and it is MUCH easier to mount the X8 on its own tripod and run the XLR cables into it. I have a quick release mechanism that allows me to remove the X8 with one lever in a second. The F3 probably is not the best choice for any 32 bit recorder unless you must have a very small recorder for your sound projects.
@@franklong6269 I agree to disagree. I typically only record 1 mic and prefer to keep my setup small instead of strewn about a room. Obviously if I were shooting big budget movies then that would be different. But running a pair of lavs to the recorder on-cam is a pretty tight setup. Great that you can see the X8 in bright sunlight. I’m just going off what I’ve heard. In my experience, RGB screens perform terribly in direct sunlight. I have a pair of Synco G2 and that screen is completely blank in the sun. Float 32 uses about 1gb of storage an hour. That’s almost a month and a half of non-stop recording on a 1tb card. If I needed a clip that is 2 months long then I am SOL LOL.
@@HikingWithCooper I am glad you have found a recorder that fits your needs. It sounds like that for what you want, the F3 works. Short of my Galaxy S22 Ultra, no screen is wonderfully visible in strong daylight (the S22 Ultra goes up to 1500 NITs in brightness), but the X8's screen is useable in bright sunlight. It has a tint that makes the screen legible. Because I kept hearing this, I actually checked it in the AZ sun and I could clearly read it and I could use it. I guess I should have been clearer about 32 bit recording. I am just learning audio but from what I hear, 32 bit is difficult to transfer to clients because of the file sizes. If you have no second-person clients, this won't be an issue thought. I actually have been using 44.1 kHtz and 24 bit recording and it has produced high quality recordings. I write original songs and perform them on guitar, so audio quality is a huge issue. At some point, I will try 32 bit to see if it makes a difference. You don't have to be shooting big budget movies to need 2 - 4 mics. I can use two for the guitar and one for vocals if I do not use my guitar's pickup system. I am not sure why you would think that locating your audio recorder in one place would make things "strewn about the room." It's quite the opposite. All of your audio cables go to one location. Your system will require the same thing if you use more than one mic. I am glad your system works and the F3 records great audio according to reviews I have read. Have a great day.
Is this sponsored by Zoom? Sorry, but the F3 is a turd. Here's why: When recording if you plug your headphones in to monitor briefly, it turns the unit off. Doesn't just stop recording. Cuts power. It doesn't matter if you're half way through recording a live event for a paying client. Your recorder is turning off. Oh, and it also doesn't write the audio that had been recorded up to that point. I learned this one last week so now I get to spend hours and hours piecing together and cleaning up on-camera audio. Awesome. The Bluetooth app itself is pretty awesome, yes. That was covered entirely in this video. What wasn't covered and what is never covered is that if you switch apps on your phone (i.e. to adjust your Aputure lights) then the connection is cut. Ok, reconnect, right? Not that hard. Well, it actually is that hard...harder even. In order to reconnect, you have to power the F3 all the way off. No, seriously. You have to stop your recording, power it off then power it back on again and it will then finally connect. I really don't see the point in having this $40 trigger that only starts recording and does nothing else unless you have an assistant who can constantly keep the app focused and you never need your phone for anything else. FFS, it won't even pass the audio to your phone!! Bluetooth on phones basically IS audio, yet this turd can't do it?!?!? Those two faults make this recorder entirely useless for long form recording. Never mind that there are no mic plugs like they put on their H4N years ago. Never mind that the battery door is flimsy AF and is not replaceable. Never mind that you only get a couple hours on the batteries and you can't use external power. It's a turd.
I still don't see the point of recording in 32 bit. Having more headroom doesn't mean you'll never clip. If your capture source clips the mic, you'll still have clipped audio. Both loud and quiet tests still rely on the microphone having a high SPL and low self noise and are not a conclusive pro to 32 bit. There's also the issue of moving into floating point. Computers are not capable of representing floating numbers accurately and many audio editors will internally convent float audio to integer, rendering the "advantage" pointless.
32 bit records to about +750db. It's not physically possible to clip that on earth. Possibly on Jupiter. Of course if you blow out your mic, no recorder is going to fix that.
@@HikingWithCooper Considering anything above 160 dB causes permanent hearing loss, it's unnecessary to use it. This is similar to some people claiming recordings that extended beyond 20k are better because of certain sonic frequencies...When music is mixed based on the frequency spectrum humans can hear.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Absolutely. My point was just that if you do get a sound that peaks way up there, it’s not going to clip…of course assuming the mic doesn’t distort it.
Hi Paul (@GearTest_Tech), I explored and found zoom f3 with BTA is not compatible with Tentacle Sync E MKII for timecode sync. there is a temporary workaround but not via bTA. I Wish they make it compatible !!
Update: After showing the high pass filter options in this video, I mistakenly left the filter turned on. The filter was applied to the audio of the Rode PodMic and the sample of the VideoMic GO II. My apologies! I'm going to re-record those samples and upload the new tests as an unlisted video. I will update the description and this comment with the link once the video is uploaded. Thanks to viewer Chris Robinson for catching this mistake!
Perhaps that explains why the podmic and the Videomic Go II mic sounded so terribly thin compared to the audio technica mic.
Any update links?
Did you do these updated tests in the end?
Where they at
where is the link 1 year later?
Terrific review man! Thank you for demonstrating the 32 bit float noise floor and clipping recovery-- astounding. Good luck on the big build of your new studio and thanks for making such great vids.
Just picked up an F3 because of your vid!
can it use Zoom capsules?
Pretty sure if you slide the record button to record and then move it to "hold" you won't have to worry about it bumping or buttons being hit.
F3 noise floor is less than the x8 noise floor. F3 does not have 3.5mm mic input.
You can get a 3.5mm to xlr Rode adapter for $10, main issue is they are relatively big/heavy (compared to a lavalier, etc).
I've had my F3 for a few days now, and I love it. I see it as a "set it and forget it" audio recorder. Because its 32-bit float, you can adjust the levels in post. The main concern being that you have a good microphone for capturing the audio. Beyond that, the F3 will take care of capturing high quality audio. As a low budget/indie filmmaker, that's a no-brainer right there. And thank you for this walkthrough. I learned some things about the F3 that had questions for and now you gave me the answers. Many thanks.
I have the zoom h8 which I love and I thought 32 bit would be something cool but unnecessary. I decided to get this f3 for its size to use on a camera rig. Boy was I wrong about 32 bit. It’s a game changer. While technically unnecessary it simplifies audio so much that you could give this to someone with zero know how and they could get good recordings. and and the recovery is just amazing. I’ll probably just use my h8 as an audio interface when recording music or more controlled environments where I need more than 2 inputs.
This is why I bought the F3 :D
I am making shirt films again and I know 1 I do not have the time and resources to be a pro with sound 2 but still I need decent audio, because if the audio suck, your movie gonna be a big flop.
3 I have to accept that a mic and a recorder would cost more than 400EUR IF I want decent audio
So I ended up buying an F3 and an MKE600 and oh boy! I am a noob, but still I can tell these two together is the bomb!
I use the F3 with a shotgun mic and it’s perfect for that purpose. It doesn’t have a lot of the features my zoom H6 has, but all I need it for is one input on my belt well I hold a boom pole. The 32 bit float is an absolute must for audio recording these days! It’s like when I shoot raw video on the RED cameras I use, but for audio!
Best Zoom F3 review yet
Hey man, just picked one up and this was helpful. I have the F2 which I picked up in a pinch when I forgot my mics on a trip and loved it, so the F3 was an easy decision. Regarding the missing 3.5mm jack, I wonder whether Zoom left that off to avoid cannibalizing the F2, since the F3 would be small enough to use as a lav unit.
Amazing review. I liked the most when you speak through at4053b. Which pro mic would you suggest for violin recording to use with zoom f3?
What a brilliant, thorough and well presented video! Thank you! I've ordered a Zoom F3 and I look forward to using it. BTW what is the microphone mount your are using for your AT4053b? (I have the same microphone - and currently use the mount from the Rode NTG video mic.)
Thanks for this review! Congrats on your knew studio!
great review thx a lot, I was specifically looking for info on high pass filter (hpf) because Sennheiser mkh8020 omni mic picks up sounds starting at 10Hz
thanks for this, very thorough review, really showing off the capabilities!
The dealbreaker for me, and for many others working in the field of video or acoustic music, is that inexplicably they haven't offered support for M/S mic monitoring. So if you use M/S mics, you'll have to hope that your mics are correctly placed in relation to the sound source, or you'll have to use something (what?) between the headphone output and the headphones themselves to dematrix the M/S so you can really judge the stereo image. I really hope they can fix that omission in a FW update - I would have thought it wouldn't be at all hard to do.
agreed! I am also hoping a FW would fix this.
Yes, that's a very basic but useful function; should be a firmware option at least for monitoring. Another quite useful feature would be a 'start recording at [TIME] to [TIME]' as I think this would be an ideal recorder for bag drops in nature recording, etc.
Thank you for including the silence. But now I have even more questions. The silence at 14:28 and 14:45 reveals a higher noise level than I expected. I am curious if that comes through even with the mics unplugged. Is it just the noise floor or was there some background noise coming in through the mics?
I was planning on buying one because I wanted to record some super quiet stuff without a noise floor. Could be a deal breaker. I already have a zoom h5 that is too noisy. I heard that you could get a lower noise floor with a higher bit rate. What settings are you using?
The AT seems a little quieter than the rode. Is that because you left on the low cut filter on the rode? Both rode mics sound very thin actually.
Hello,
Have you got information about noise floor of Zoom f3 ?
Thanks for the great video. I just ordered an F3 via your link. Hope you get a few buckaroos.
I loved the part you lower and increase the levels and reflected on the video so I felt I was using it on the field while adjusting the volume. The silence and clipping test are what I really whated to at home now when mine arrives I can go to field and start using.
That first clip of the Podmic scared me until I realized you still had the 240 Hz high pass on. 😂
Oh wow. Good catch! I didn't even realize that I accidentally left that enabled. Nooby mistake. I'll record those tests again and post that update.
I enjoyed this review. Can't wait to get my hands on my own F3
I'd like to know how you rig your overhead Sony A7C. Thank you for your F3 video and I watched it more than once.
Excellent video. The comparisons with the Tascam are also helpful.
Doesn’t the hold button serve the purpose of not turning off the recording by accident?
Yes, and the pre record function needs a faster switch than the old trick.
If it was build a bit stronger, it would be perfect (same for the other buttons and battery door)
Great review.
When you the F3 Control app you mentioned you can select either the app "OR you can select timecode". Was that intentional? Does this mean that timecode is not available while using the app or can the F3 connect to the app AND receive timecode at the same time?
Many thanks.
I'm intrigued to know how you use markers in your audio workflow, if you could possibly do a video about that?
What extra's would I need to use timecode with my camera? My BMPCC6k doesn't produce a timecode but I could plug in a timecode device right into both of them and sync them in post right?
Will the F3 operate without batteries in USB audio interface mode when connected to a PC via USB cable?
How do you synch your video footage with the audio recording of the Zoom F3 recorder? Please explain in detail. Thanks 😎😎
I do have to say that this vid was INCREDIBLE! Thank you for all the detail that you put into explaining how the Zoom F3 works. One thing I would like to ask, I'm currently using the Zoom F2-BT for basic voice over dialogue (outside). I was hoping is to test how much better the F3 would sound using the same lav mic (LMF-2) with the F3. Now I know you'll need a voltage XLR adapter. I already have one (the ROD VXLR Pro). So attaching that to the F3 and testing it. I just was looking to see if the F3 would sound better than the F2. That's all. I already ordered the F3 and should be receiving it in a couple of more days to test it out. The one main thing that I like about the F3 is you can increase the sound level before you record your audio (which is something that you can't do with the F2). I know I can do that in post with other audio apps, but I was desiring to see if doing it on the F3 would make it sound better. Let me know if it will make any difference or not. Thank you.
How have you liked your F3 over the F2 BT.. I'm Contemplating getting an F3 but have also been wondering about the f2BT , I currently have a set of RODE wireless Lavs.. Thanks
@@kenyontech I returned the F3 and purchased the smaller F2BT instead and still have it and the LMF-2 Lav Mic that came with it works amazingly well. (Side Note: I used the RODE lav mic and the LMF-2 lav mic works better with Zoom's products and the RODE lav mics work better with RODE's products. I only know this because I tested them both out). I'm able to record my video with using the F2BT and Lav Mic and then import the audio into Premiere and then sync the video with the audio and it sounds sounds just as good in my opinion because the F2BT is ALSO 32 Bit Float. No voice clipping and it's small and can clip it to my pocket while I hide my Lav Mic under my shirt. Again, to me it's much better. Hope that helps.
Can we do timecode with the f3
Beginner's question: when you say you can "bring back" the sound after it's clipped or peaked, how do you do that ? Can you do this in FCPX for instance, or do you need a specific music software ? Thanks.
It should be a case of just turning down the audio file's volume in whatever audio software you're using. This is the benefit of the 32bit Float, which dramatically raises the level at which the audio would actually distort.
great video sorry if i missed it in this video but may I ask when does it also support 32 bit float when used as a usb audio interface, as I believe the tascam does not.
As of right now, the interface only supports 24bit recording, but according to the Zoom website, a firmware update is coming soon that will allow 32bit float with the interface.
Would be perfect if it was a bit more rugged/weatherproof... it's a "field" recorder!
Great video and just subscribed. Thank you! I just bought the F3, so this overview was very helpful. And your suggestion on the tabletop tripod is great - just ordered two! May I ask what brand/model the flexible/jointed arm is at your right that your shotgun mic is attached to? I could also use one of those. And what shock mount is that you are using for your shotgun mic?
Thanks again!
I'd love to know what tripod is attached to that arm too!
Hi, as you've mentioned you can connect the zoom f3 directly to a camera, I have a deity connect system that has 2 transmitters with 2 3.5mm to xlr cables and I'm planning to use the the zoom f3 as a recorder/preamp. My question is, if I connect the zoom f3 to the camera will it be able to record separately?
Yes. You can record to the F3 while also recording to your camera at the same time.
Great review! I'm planning on renting a Zoom F3 for filming a dance recital next spring. I can shoot two of the nights but I can't be there for the third night (I have another recital). So I will leave my camera and the F3 for someone else to shoot that night. The F3 looks easy to use after I initially set everything up. I'll tell them to press record on the camera and press record on the F3 and we should be good to go! My main recorder is a Sound Devices MixPre 6-II and I'll keep that with me for the other recital since it's a lot more complicated. And if the F3 works as planned... I might end up buying one to have as an additional/backup recorder. I have quite a collection of audio recorders already: Zoom F1, Zoom H1, Tentacle Track E, MixPre 6-II... so what's one more? 😎
Did the F-3 come in a bag as shown in the unboxing? They now come in some cleverly folded cardboard.
Is there a way to attach 2 pencil mic directly, do you think Line Audio CM4 will able to fit? Is there a joint adaptor to able to rotate the mic so it can be 90,120 or other form of stereo mix? Do you think it's worth all that or just get a Sennheiser MKE 440 stereo mic? Is it possible to record these 2 XLR as individual track and also the 3.5mm line in as its own track so 2 stereo tracks? I want to record stereo walk video with my behind the camera commentary on a camcorder, I can use the Sennheiser MKE 440 as stereo mic and a single Pencil Condenser CM4 facing backward to me that way, but can it be achieved and can I line all this out to the camcorder so I don't have to sync but still able to record to the Zoom F3 internally as a higher quality and also a backup? Are these build in rotatable stereo mic like Sony A10, many of the Zoom recorder and Tascam X6 good and don't need to make your own stereo pair and don't need Sennheiser MKE 440?
1. How did you adjust gain to demonstrate "recovery"?
2. What is the additional headroom F3 32 bit float recording provides?
3. Can you compare recovery of too low 32 bit float vs 24 bit on F3?
4. How do you understand and for what mode max input levels are? (+4dBu mic, +24dBu line)
1. in post. Simply adjust the volume. The "gain" is more for headphone monitoring.
2. About 750db +/-. Supposedly there is nothing louder than 250db so this is way overkill.
@@HikingWithCooper I use F6 now. The additional 32F headroom is just as you would set minimal gain (12dB) for 24L. Still good and still clipping at +4dBu, not +750dBu ;)
Awesome review!
Thanks, subscribed. Question if you have the time. I want to use this as a passthrough device to my red Komodo using the audio out. Is this a viable set-up? I know I'm relying on Red's preamps so I won't get as good a sound, but it's not super important to get the absolute highest quality audio, I only really need the 32 bit float capabilities. Thanks!
Thank you for such an informative video. Can I ask if you felt the TASCAM x8 or Zoom F3 has better sound or preamps? Would love to see more in-depth comparison between the two. Heard of problems on the X8 in stability, monitoring, etc.
I would say that the F3 has better preamps, but I haven't specifically tested that side by side to see if that's true. Planning to do that soon.
Stability? Can you elaborate?
@@gaips The initial firmware on the X8 had issues with flickering screen, audio hiss on certain frequencies, etc. Many youtubers reported that the zero-day firmware was not appropriate for professional use-- I think it might have changed though? Seeing a lot of these around.
@@muen1842 thank you. I’ve been looking at B&H reviews/TH-cam videos and they mention the day-zero issues. I am really interested in the Tascam X8.
@@muen1842 just saw this, announced today. “With the introduction of the V1.30 firmware update, the Portacapture X8 now has the capability to use 32-bit float point resolution when using the unit as a USB audio interface to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). This facilitates wider dynamic range, higher resolution, and greater audio quality for better overall record quality. The 32-bit float technology enables audio to be dynamically controlled and edited virtually without limitations. Clipped audio segments can easily be corrected and, similarly, low level audio passages can be adjusted to a higher dB level.
Paul Youngblood, Director of Product Marketing at TASCAM, commented on the new features offered by the V1.30 firmware update, “The Portacapture X8 has proven itself to be a full-featured, powerful handheld recorder both on its own or when used in tandem with a computer. As a company, we strive to listen carefully to our users, as this enables us to learn first-hand how our equipment gets used in a wide range of applications-and the V1.30 update is a perfect example of this. We’ve taken the most requested capabilities and turned those into new features that make the Portacapture X8 even more versatile and useful.”
Any chance you could provide the recorded wav files? For my use case I am only interested in the soft voices and noise floor (yes, yes, I know, every mic is different) and actually I don't trust the yt audio quality :D
Amazing review, the Zoom F3 I think is the perfect foolproof recorder, excelent for me I think =D. I'm just getting into recording video, and I want to record really low noises and having that editing power to lower or increase the levels... Amazing. One question that I have regarding the Zoom F3, did you use a IOS device or an Android device (smartphone) when you test it? Do you know if it would be possible to connect the Zoom F3 to my android phone and record video + 32 bit float internaly to the phone and this way I do not have to sync the audio in post? I'm totally new to all of this so all the help is usefull. Thanks alot, and again dope review.
So 32db float is both for recovering peaks and also lows?
wow your video really gives me something to aspire to. Great review, I already ordered my F3 but being in the middle of no where Canada up north there isn't even a major city of any sort for 7.5 hours of a drive so I am stuck waiting. For me the purpose is to reduce the size of my setup and not use my bulky in comparison Vocaster Two which can clip audio if not being careful and have no way to recover clean audio. Also since this is mono and Stereo it acts like the Scarlett 2i2 did without being locked to 2 channel mono like the more expensive kind of upgrade yet downgrade double the price same price as this device Vocaster Two mono system. Lastly I HATE being tied to a computer :P
Thanks for that great review. I can't seem to get an answer out of Zoom. Do you know if the F3 will connect with the AtomX Sync into NinjaV the same way the F6 does? Or is it only via BLUE?
So strange that they don't include BT inside...
The biggest issue for me is the F3 does not allow for recording to the microSD card while in Audio Interface mode - you have to choose one or the other. With my Zoom F6, I can do both as long as I choose "32/24" mode. The 24-bit signal goes to the PC/Mac via USB while the SD card gets a 32-bit float recorded WAV file. I generally like this approach since renaming the files can be a bit of a hassle on the device so I just use those files as a backup in case I clip my recording - normally this isn't an issue but I love the insurance policy this approach gives me.
You could use a TRS to USB cable, but without the same quality (double A/D conversion).
Will it only connect bt to app or sync blue or to both at the same time?
Thank you for this video. Question about the zoom f3. I want to use it as a dslr camera interface. Running my mic into the f3 then use the 3mm jack output directly into my camera to record both video and audio together. Does this allow me 32bit float with the line out 3mm jack to camera? If so, how do I set it as I don't see anything about this anywhere online. I only see volume line level adjustments. In other worlds, can I still get 32 bit float directly into my camera? Thank you
No, your camera is going to record whatever your camera is capable of, probably 16-bit. You can take the audio recording on the f3, line it up with the audio track on the video in post, and replace the audio with the 32-bit float version.
When connected to a DJ mixer (wedding) doest it still records in 32bit? Someone said it's kind of useless for that. I'm an audio noob.
I'm not surprised boom operators and sound engineers hate 32-bit float.
They've spent decades mastering their craft, and suddenly those skills are drastically less necessary.
The other cool thing you might mention about the Bluetooth module is that it gives you timecode sync with Atomos Sync modules. They let you sync multiple cameras, audio recorders, and even iPhones.
Meanwhile, as I wait for my F3 to arrive, I'm wondering if anyone makes a small stereo XLR mic assembly that would turn this thing into a handy recorder like other handheld field recorders. Ideas?
I have actually looked into this recently. The smallest option I found was the CEntrance PivotMic PM1 but I couldn't find much info about them to confirm that they would work with the F3. I know Audio-Technica makes a few XY microphones that would connect via XLR cable.
@@GearTestTVTech Thanks! Those would be perfect... if they hadn't chosen an abnormal orientation of their XLR pins. Everybody else puts the middle pin at the bottom or the top of the jack. CEntrance has rotated the jacks on their devices 90 degrees, so the pins are on the side. Therefore you can't orient these mics correctly.
@@SoundOfYourDestiny Yeah I don't know why they would do that. I actually sent them an email to ask if they would work and they basically said the same thing. They could have appealed to a much wider audience if they went with a standard orientation.
odd question.... but would you know if you're able to use this as like an upgraded preamp for in camera recording to a blackmagic or red camera by daisy-chaining it via headphone jack. For example, plug in a RODE WIRELESS Go Receiver to an Ursa 12K and then attach the f3 to the headphone jack on the ursa or a gemini for 32bit internal recording? Make sense?
Do you think 32-bit recording is lazy, or is it a helpful tool?
Huh, "lazy" is a curious term. I would liken it to raw image capture (often tied up with "HDR). You're going to capture whatever stimulus was impinging on the device at any given moment. With a camera it's light, and here it's sound. With a camera you have a choice of aperture and shutter speed, whereas with sound you pretty much only have the choice of where you put the mic. So put the mic in the best place you can, and let it roll in float. In float, isn't "gain" only metadata?
For me, it is a life saver. I am not a professional, just like to record city sounds - actually noise, hehe - occasionally. It means I have close to zero control on the sound sources (buses, trains, people, etc). And it sometimes involves a huge dynamic range.
No tool is lazy, there are only lazy people who do not want to learn and do the work. Its a useful tool under certain circumstances, but personally in most cases I would stick with 24 bit, even if you're a beginner, in fact I would be harsh and say most beginners should learn in 16 bit 44.1khz before moving to 24 bit. One thing I notice with 32 bit float is how inaccurate the sound becomes once you start playing with the dynamic range within its exponent values. This is why even in the world of IT, Fixed Integers are always preferred over Floating Point Values as computers by their nature cannot naturally process decimal numbers or negative values, so weird calculations and equations must be done to essentially do what is speedy guess work with a stupid number of potential values. Alan from Sound Speeds has a video explaining this.
Basically if you're like me and believe in preserving the integrity and accuracy of your sound, then 32 bit Float is really only useful under certain conditions and its just too easy to set levels, even at 16 bit. So I'm good with 24 bit.
But if you're someone who is just getting into work and the integrity of the overall product is necessary, whilst I don't promote it I can understand why people would champion 32 bit float. Its here to stay and has been around for a lot longer than people realise, so if it can be put to good use, then may as well.
@@doublemm06 computers can't process binary numbers or negative values? what?
@@cornoc was a mistake, was meant to say they can't naturally process decimal and negative values
Did you test the timecode?
Nice review! How long is the battery life? 2 hours perhaps with phantom power?
Depends on the battery type. I used alkalines and had it running for about 3 hours this weekend. Battery meter went down 1 bar. Lithium batteries supposedly last something like 6 hours. This is with phantom on (to 1 mic anyway.)
@D R Yeah, that battery door is already notoriously bad. I am just super extra careful with it. Hopefully somebody reverse engineers it and sells better 3D printed versions because last I looked, Zoom doesn’t offer a replacement. I like that a battery door is the worst thing I can find with this recorder :)
WHEN USING the blueetooth can oyou plug headphones into your phone and listen?
That's cool, it should work with Boya 35C XLR-Pro
Does the line out can be change to mic level?
32 bit float is truly amazing. I just wish the recorder had a 3.5mm input it would be near perfect
It's pretty mind boggling that they omitted that. Adapting works but of course you're adding connections and bulk.
Just got myself a F3 but those Rode mics sound really harsh compared to the Audio-Technica AT4053B.
NO L/R routing is a deal breaker. The signal coming out of the F3 line out is a mixed down stereo signal. I can't believe Zoom would not implement this in their F3 when it's on all their other mixers. :-/
Yes, but it records 2 stereo tracks. The point of this unit is to be small, simple and great sounding. There are certainly a lot of features of something like a mix pre that are missing...but so is 3/4 of the cost and size.
Great stuff!
How to connect zoom h6 vs iphone video
¿How good is the Zoom F3 works for room tone
?
How is the time ode feature?
I'm curious if the overpriced bluetooth adapter could be replaced with a generic model that uses the same internal chipset? If you connect the Zoom Bluetooth adapter to your PC, does it show up as a regular Bluetooth device or is it proprietary?
Unfortunately, I think it is proprietary (or at least the plug is). Its not a USB port/plug so I don't see any way of using a generic USB adapter with the F3.
Great review. 👍
❤AT I use several 4031s
Mate please never run phantom power to a trs mic through an xlr adapter again.
Can you enter Slate information through the app?
Bump. This alone would be reason to buy that adapter. If I were making this, I'd enable it to work through the bmpcc bluetooth. Start / stop recording, slating. That would essentially create a timecode (ok, not via timecode but via file length) sync. Dream big.
@@HikingWithCooper That would make this the best indie low budget audio recorder in the market!
What is the Android App called? Is it the F2 Control? I've got my Zoom F3 in hand, just waiting on the Bluetooth adaptor. Thanks
The app should be called F3 Control, but I just checked the Zoom website and it says the Android app is "coming Spring 2022."
@@GearTestTVTech Thanks!
How did you get it from BH THEY say
Available not until March 22?
I preordered within the first few minutes that preorders were available. They probably sold out their first batch on preorders and it's their second batch that will be available Mar 22nd.
Thanks
dang, this would be a no-brainer if it used XLR-1/4" combo inputs.
does it can be powered by the usb c?
Yes!
Were did you order from?
B&H was the first website to start taking preorders, so I ordered there.
the Tascam x8 sounds so much better
It's connected to a different mic. Also, the low pass filter isn't filtering out audio under 250 Hz which it is doing on the F3.
So you need an adapter that will take the headphone out and link via Bluetooth to a pair of Bluetooth audio headphones and tada - full remote control. It's a dirty way to solve what you should have thought be done with the hardware they sold you. Alas, even the Tascan DRnnWL models (22 and 44) that had WiFi control couldn't even stream the audio. Definitely, a shortcoming that field recorders have that should not be.
Dude- you should read some playboy articles in that quiet voice! hahahhahah
No time code input? Should be standard these days.
Why would a person need 48v on a line level source?
- 48 dB (not volts) is the max line output level.
48 v is the higher phantom power setting for the mic.
No. Look at 7:25. One of the four input source choices is Line (+48V). He even says so.
@@edjefferson9175 Not line, phantom power for MICROPHONE... You need to go back to school, kid ;-)
@@DR_1_1
There’s no reason to be rude.
Did you look at it again.?
Of course we know phantom power is for active mics and DIs. That’s why I was questioning the Line (+48V) choice in the input source menu. It’s there in the video.
BTY I am retired after 40 years professional audio technician.
Wow, for $349.99, I would expect a lot more than this. The Tascam X8 does everything that this does except for inserting a Timecode and it has far more options. The X8 is a $150.00 more, but it has six more mic connections and it also comes with apps to use for each specific function. Really, there is no comparison between the two.
And the X8 is like 15 times larger and uses a huge interface. On set, simplicity is a must (in my flow anyway.) Plus of course you can actually see the F3 screen when outdoors so... Of course if you need 8 inputs on a field rig then the choice is made.
@@HikingWithCooper Hmmm, I keep hearing that you can't see the X8 screen outdoors and that is not true. You can see the screen in bright sunlight and I am betting that the smaller display on the F3 is more difficult to see in bright sunlight. BTW, I own the X8 and so I KNOW you can see the screen in bright sunlight.
Also the F3 forces you to record in 32 bit audio quality and many times, that high level of recording is not required. This eats of a LOT of space on the SD card and if you don't have high level mics, it doesn't accomplish anything to help with audio quality.
Finally, the X8 is about the same size or smaller than the Zoom H6 and it is MUCH smaller than the Zoom H8 (which I purchased and returned).
It is true that if you want to camera mount your audio recorder, THEN the F3 would be easier. But in reality, most people who by a 32 bit recorder are going to be using mics and not mounting their recorder to their camera unless it is on a tripod. And if your camera is on a tripod, then the X8 is a viable option.
I use 2-4 mics when I record and it is MUCH easier to mount the X8 on its own tripod and run the XLR cables into it. I have a quick release mechanism that allows me to remove the X8 with one lever in a second.
The F3 probably is not the best choice for any 32 bit recorder unless you must have a very small recorder for your sound projects.
@@franklong6269 I agree to disagree. I typically only record 1 mic and prefer to keep my setup small instead of strewn about a room. Obviously if I were shooting big budget movies then that would be different. But running a pair of lavs to the recorder on-cam is a pretty tight setup.
Great that you can see the X8 in bright sunlight. I’m just going off what I’ve heard. In my experience, RGB screens perform terribly in direct sunlight. I have a pair of Synco G2 and that screen is completely blank in the sun.
Float 32 uses about 1gb of storage an hour. That’s almost a month and a half of non-stop recording on a 1tb card. If I needed a clip that is 2 months long then I am SOL LOL.
@@HikingWithCooper I am glad you have found a recorder that fits your needs. It sounds like that for what you want, the F3 works.
Short of my Galaxy S22 Ultra, no screen is wonderfully visible in strong daylight (the S22 Ultra goes up to 1500 NITs in brightness), but the X8's screen is useable in bright sunlight. It has a tint that makes the screen legible. Because I kept hearing this, I actually checked it in the AZ sun and I could clearly read it and I could use it.
I guess I should have been clearer about 32 bit recording. I am just learning audio but from what I hear, 32 bit is difficult to transfer to clients because of the file sizes. If you have no second-person clients, this won't be an issue thought.
I actually have been using 44.1 kHtz and 24 bit recording and it has produced high quality recordings. I write original songs and perform them on guitar, so audio quality is a huge issue. At some point, I will try 32 bit to see if it makes a difference.
You don't have to be shooting big budget movies to need 2 - 4 mics. I can use two for the guitar and one for vocals if I do not use my guitar's pickup system.
I am not sure why you would think that locating your audio recorder in one place would make things "strewn about the room." It's quite the opposite. All of your audio cables go to one location. Your system will require the same thing if you use more than one mic.
I am glad your system works and the F3 records great audio according to reviews I have read. Have a great day.
I'm still thinking I'll keep my F4.
(* Raises his Zoom F4 over his head for all to see. *)
From my cold, dead fingers!
Is this sponsored by Zoom? Sorry, but the F3 is a turd. Here's why:
When recording if you plug your headphones in to monitor briefly, it turns the unit off. Doesn't just stop recording. Cuts power. It doesn't matter if you're half way through recording a live event for a paying client. Your recorder is turning off. Oh, and it also doesn't write the audio that had been recorded up to that point. I learned this one last week so now I get to spend hours and hours piecing together and cleaning up on-camera audio. Awesome.
The Bluetooth app itself is pretty awesome, yes. That was covered entirely in this video. What wasn't covered and what is never covered is that if you switch apps on your phone (i.e. to adjust your Aputure lights) then the connection is cut. Ok, reconnect, right? Not that hard. Well, it actually is that hard...harder even. In order to reconnect, you have to power the F3 all the way off. No, seriously. You have to stop your recording, power it off then power it back on again and it will then finally connect. I really don't see the point in having this $40 trigger that only starts recording and does nothing else unless you have an assistant who can constantly keep the app focused and you never need your phone for anything else. FFS, it won't even pass the audio to your phone!! Bluetooth on phones basically IS audio, yet this turd can't do it?!?!?
Those two faults make this recorder entirely useless for long form recording. Never mind that there are no mic plugs like they put on their H4N years ago. Never mind that the battery door is flimsy AF and is not replaceable. Never mind that you only get a couple hours on the batteries and you can't use external power. It's a turd.
I still don't see the point of recording in 32 bit. Having more headroom doesn't mean you'll never clip. If your capture source clips the mic, you'll still have clipped audio. Both loud and quiet tests still rely on the microphone having a high SPL and low self noise and are not a conclusive pro to 32 bit. There's also the issue of moving into floating point. Computers are not capable of representing floating numbers accurately and many audio editors will internally convent float audio to integer, rendering the "advantage" pointless.
32 bit records to about +750db. It's not physically possible to clip that on earth. Possibly on Jupiter. Of course if you blow out your mic, no recorder is going to fix that.
@@HikingWithCooper Considering anything above 160 dB causes permanent hearing loss, it's unnecessary to use it. This is similar to some people claiming recordings that extended beyond 20k are better because of certain sonic frequencies...When music is mixed based on the frequency spectrum humans can hear.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino Absolutely. My point was just that if you do get a sound that peaks way up there, it’s not going to clip…of course assuming the mic doesn’t distort it.
It means you won’t clip your A/D stage. Most mics can handle much more SPL than we encounter in everyday life.
this thing is severely overrated. Rode wireless mic ii and the new dji mic are better.
while those look cool, they aren't really comparable in terms of features. different intended uses.
LOL ok. Let's see the clipping test done on those units.
@@HikingWithCooper they're all 32 bit float. I just expect more from zoom is all.
its overpriced af
Hi Paul (@GearTest_Tech), I explored and found zoom f3 with BTA is not compatible with Tentacle Sync E MKII for timecode sync. there is a temporary workaround but not via bTA. I Wish they make it compatible !!