ZOOM F6 FIELD RECORDER Portable, 14-track, 32-bit float recording, SD/SDHC/SDXC card, 6x mic inputs

Zoom F1 field recorder is a portable two channel audio recording device that supports 24-bit, 96kHz audio in broadcast WAV or MP3 formats, which is recorded directly to micro SD or micro SDHC card up to 32GB in capacity.

Two versions of the F1 are available; Zoom F1-LP includes a lavalier microphone and is designed for ENG use and audio recordists who require a compact recording device to capture audio via external microphone whilst Zoom F1-SP includes the SGH-6 mono shotgun microphone and is designed for ‘run-and-gun’ filmmakers who are using in conjunction with DSLR or video camera. Functionality includes an internal tone generator allows the user to calibrate audio levels between Zoom F1 and DSLR camera or video camera, making the need for an attenuator cable redundant. A ‘sound marker’ tool can be set up to automatically output a tone to enable easier audio/video sync.

Up to 10 hours of operation can be achieved when recording with the lavalier microphone of the F1-LP and using 2x AAA alkaline, NiMH or lithium battery cells.

Battery life

(1) With included lavalier microphone, 48kHz/24-bit, mono, plug-in power ON
(2) With included SGH-6 shotgun microphone, 48kHz/24-bit, mono

The front facing panel of the F1 houses a 1.25-inch monochrome LCD screen along with STOP, REC, and PLAY/PAUSE transport buttons. Beneath the monochrome display four additional buttons give access to functions including recording format, low cut filter, limiter, and recording level. An LED positioned to the bottom-right corner illuminates during recording, and flashes to warn of clipping input level. The left side of the recorder has a microUSB port for connection to computer or iOS device when using as an audio interface or card reader. The USB port is also used when combining with the Zoom AD-17 DC power supply. Volume up and down buttons are also found on the left side of the field recorder. The right side of the F1 has the microSD card slot located beneath a hinged cover and sliding power button which doubles up as a ‘hold’ switch to disable accidental button operation.

The bottom side of the recorder has a 3.5mm locking jack mic/line input that supports 2.5V plug-in power; and a 3.5mm locking jack ‘PHONE’ headphone output. The upper side of the recorder has a 10-pin connector for use with a range of optional Zoom interchangeable microphone capsules.

Included accessories: Zoom F1-LP: F1 recorder, LMF-1 lavalier microphone, WSL-1 windscreen, MCL-1 mic clip, BCF-1 belt clip, 2x AAA batteries, quick start guide. Zoom F1-SP: F1 recorder, SGH-6 shotgun microphone, WSS-6 windscreen, SMC-1 stereo mini cable for DSLR, SMF-1 shock mount, 2x AAA batteries, quick start guide.
Optional accessories: ECM-3 cable extension, ECM-6 cable extension, EXH-6 dual mic/line input module, MSH-6 mid-side microphone module, SGH-6 shotgun microphone module, SSH-6 stereo shotgun microphone module, XYH-5 shock-mounted microphone module, XYH-6 X/Y microphone module.

Supported format: 44.1kHz/16-bit, 48kHz/16-bit, 48kHz/24-bit, 96kHz/24-bit, mono/stereo WAV; 48kbps, 128kbps, 192kbps, 256kbps, 320kbps, mono/stereo MP3; ID3v1 tags supported. Recording media: Single microSD/microSDHC, class 4 or higher, up to 32GB. Input gain: inf. to +50dB, mono shotgun mic (SGH-6); -12 to +36dB, mic/line in; -32dB/1Pa at 1kHz, lavalier microphone. Input impedance: 2kohm or more, mic/line. Output connectors: Unbalanced 3.5mm stereo jack, phone, 11mW + 11mW into 32ohm load. Power requirements: 2x AAA battery cells/AD-17 5V/1A DC adapter. Dimensions (W x D x H): 64 x 79.8 x 33.3mm. Weight: 120g, without microphone.

Zoom F2 is a field recorder is a compact and portable mono audio recording device that utilises 32-bit float recording in broadcast WAV format (BWF), which is recorded directly to microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC card up to 512GB in capacity.

Two versions of the F2 are available – F2 and F2-BT with Bluetooth. Both recorders include a Zoom LMF-2 lavalier microphone making the kit ready to go out of the box, with the exclusion of microSD card.

Up to 18 hours of operation can be achieved when recording with the lavalier microphone of the F2 using 2x AAA alkaline, NiMH or lithium battery cells.

Battery life

The front facing panel of the compact field recorder features a record button positioned within a power on/off and hold turning toggle. A red LED illuminates when the unit is in active record mode. When the power toggle is set to ‘Hold’, the buttons are disabled to prevent accidental operation. To the left of the front facing panel are two colour-changing LEDs. One LED illuminates according to the input level received, and the second illuminates to signify the remaining battery charge with solid green signifying full charge; solid orange signifying less than full charge; blinking orange signifying low charge; and blinking red signifying empty battery cell. Two buttons allows the increase and decrease of output level, whilst a further two buttons allow stop and play functions.

The top of the F2 has a USB-C connector for transferring files or adjusting settings using the F2 Editor software. This USB-C connection can also be used with the optional AD-17 power adapter. To the right of the USB-C connection is a 3.5mm stereo jack connection for connecting headphones, and a second 3.5mm locking jack connector for use with the included lavalier microphone or other compatible input source. The rear panel of the field recorder features a belt clip, along with media card slot with cover.

Included accessories: 1x LMF-2 omnidirectional lavalier microphone with 160cm fixed cable terminating with locking 3.5mm stereo jack plug, 3x WSL-1 windshield, 1x MCL-1 microphone clip, 2x AAA alkaline batteries, Wavelab Cast software, Operation manual.

Supported format: WAV, 44.1kHz/32-bit float mono, 48kHz/32-bit float mono. Recording media: Single microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC, class 4 or higher, up to 512GB. Input gain: None, dual AD conversion system. Input impedance: 2kohm or more. Maximum input level: -5.5dBu. Output connector: 3.5mm stereo jack, 20mW + 20mW into 32ohm load. Power requirements: 2x AAA battery cells or AD-17 adapter. Dimensions (W x D x H): 57.5 x 46.4 x 22.4mm. Weight: 32g, without microphone.

F2-BT has all the specifications and features of the Zoom F2, however in addition has built in Bluetooth. This enables the user to control the F2-BT remotely via the free to download Zoom F2 Control app. Controls include start/stop recording, adjusting output volume, control lo-cut, and display important information including battery levels. A full list of Bluetooth functionality can be found on the supporting datasheet.

Zoom F3 field recorder is a portable two channel audio recording device that supports 32-bit float recording to broadcast WAV format to microSDHC or microSDXC media. Dual analogue to digital converters allow recording low level to high level audio without the need to adjust the input gain.

F3 has two ‘discreet’ 3-pin XLR microphone inputs, each with the option of global +24/+48V phantom power. These inputs can also be used at line level for linking to outputs from other audio equipment. Note: The direct input of passive guitar or bass instruments is not supported. To link such instruments, a pre-amplifier such as mixing console is required in the chain and before the F3 recorder.

The front facing panel of the recorder houses an LCD for menu navigation and visual reference to recording levels and time data, play/stop/menu buttons, record and record hold buttons with associated LED to signify recording status, and four navigation buttons. The rear facing panel has a tripod mounting thread and also allows access to the battery compartment that houses 2x AA battery cells.

The left side of the field recorder has a USB-C connection for use with compatible computer, smartphone or tablet. This connection also allows the user to use the Zoom F3 as an SD card reader or audio interface for the connected device. USB bus power is also supported. To the right of the USB connection is the covered microSD card slot. The right-hand side of the F3 has the main power on/off switch, and a covered connection that can be used with the optional Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter. Using this adapter allows the user remote operation via smartphone. It also enables the input of SMPTE timecode.

The front edge of the recorder has a 3.5mm jack line connection for stereo audio output, 3.5mm headphone jack output, and volume up/down buttons. The rear edge of the F3 houses the two 3-pin XLR mic/line inputs.

Battery life

Notes: (1) 48kHz/32-bit float, 2-channel recording without headphones, LCD backlight off, and phantom power turned off. (2) 48kHz/32-bit float, 2-channel recording with 32ohm headphones, LCD backlight off, and phantom power at 48V.

Included accessories: 2x AA battery cells, quick guide.
Optional accessories: AD-17 DC power supply, BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter.

Recording format: 44.1/48/88.2/96/192kHz 32-bit float, BWF/iXML format. Recording media: 4-32GB microSDHC card, 64GB-1TB microSDXC card. Input gain: Adjustment unnecessary. Input impedance: 3kohm or more, mic/line. Maximum input level: +4dBu, mic; +24dBu, line. Output connectors: 3.5mm stereo jack, phone, 50mW + 50mW into 32ohm load; 3.5mm stereo jack, line, +1dBu, 100ohms or less. Power requirements: 2x AA battery cells/AD-17 5V/1A DC adapter/USB bus power is supported. Dimensions (W x D x H): 75.0 x 77.3 x 47.8mm. Weight: 242g, including batteries

Zoom F8N Pro field recorder is a 32-bit float, field multi-track recorder designed for audio recordists in film, television, and broadcast. F8N Pro provides up to 5 hours of operation using the caddy-less 8x AA battery cell drawer, and can simultaneously record up to ten tracks of audio, recording to two SD/SDHC/SDXC cards if desired. This field recorder can be used as an 8-in/4-out USB audio interface, operating at 96kHz. A 10-pin connector positioned on the rear of the unit allows the user to connect optional and interchangeable audio input capsules to provide a number of different input methods including X/Y or mid-side pickup, or additional audio inputs.

Internal processing allows the user to employ look-ahead ‘hybrid limiters’ that adds a 1ms delay that anticipates any input signal clipping, high pass filtering, phase inversion, mid-side decoding, and Zoom AutoMix software. Time code I/O on BNC connectors can be adjusted to frame rate of 23.976ND/24ND/25ND/25.97ND/25.97D/30ND/30D with a precision of +/-0.2ppm. An Ambisonic mode can be used to achieve A to B decoding when combining with the Sennheiser AMBEO microphone, see SENNHEISER MICROPHONES - Multichannel, Ambisonic Surround Sound. Bluetooth LE protocol enables the wireless connection of the iOS Zoom F8 Control app to remotely monitor and adjust input levels, start/stop recording or playback, or monitor battery status.

The recorder can be powered via 8x AA battery cells, external DC battery pack via Hirose connection, or included AD-19 12V DC power supply.

Battery life

Notes: (1) Recording 2 channels at 48kHz/32-bit floating/16-bit linear/24-bit linear to SD1 with MAIN/SUB OUT OFF, TIME CODE OFF, LED/LCD Brightness 5, 32Ω headphones, PHANTOM OFF. (2) Recording 8 channels at 48kHz/32-bit floating/16-bit linear/24-bit linear to SD1 with MAIN/SUB OUT OFF, TIME CODE OFF, LED/LCD Brightness 5, 32Ω headphones, PHANTOM OFF. (3) Recording 8 channels at 192kHz/32-bit floating/16-bit linear/24-bit linear to SD1/2 with MAIN/SUB OUT ON, TIME CODE Int Free Run, LED/LCD Brightness 60, 32Ω headphones, PHANTOM 48V.

The front facing panel of the F8N Pro has transport buttons, including backlit play/pause and record buttons. A green backlit power LED is positioned in the lower right-hand corner and a rotary headphone output level controller is positioned to the centre of the recorder. Above the transport buttons each of the eight input channels has a dedicated rotary input level control, PFL switch, and 6-stage LED level meter. Above the headphone volume control, a menu button and jog wheel allows the user to adjust settings as well as scroll through the menu that is displayed on the 2.4inch, 320x240 pixel full colour backlit LCD that can be set to monochrome mode if desired.

The left side of the recorder has four locking balanced Neutrik XLR/TRS combo inputs for channels 1-4, Hirose connection, USB port, and two SD media slots. The right side of the F8N Pro has four more balanced Neutrik XLR/TRS combo inputs (channels 5-8), sub output on 3.5mm unbalanced jack socket, 6.3mm headphone output connection, and two TA3 connections for main out. These TA3 outputs can be converted to 3-pin male XLR connectors using the optional TXF-8 breakout cable. The rear of the field recorder has BNC I/O connections for time code, 10-pin MIC IN for optional capsules listed below, DC power supply connection, and access to the caddy-less battery tray.

Included accessories: Zoom AD-19 12V AC power adapter, operating instructions.
Optional accessories: FRC8 F-Control, PCF-8n carrying case, ECM-3 extension cable, ECM-6 extension, CMF-8 camera mount adapter, TXF-8 TA3 to 3-pin XLR cable.

Supported format: 44.1/47.952/48/48.048/88.2/96/192kHz, 16/24-bit linear, 32-bit float, BWF and iXML; 128/192/320kbps, 44.1/48kHz, mp3. Recording media: SDHC card, 4GB to 32GB; SDXC card, 64GB to 1TB. Input gain: +10 to +75dB, mic; -10 to +55dB, line. Input impedance: 3kohm or more, mic; 5kohm or more, line. Maximum input level: +4dBu, XLR; +24dBu, line (at 0dBFS, limiter on). Phantom power: +24/+48V, 10mA maximum, mic inputs. Equivalent input noise: -127dBu or less, A-weighted, +75dB input gain. A/D dynamic range: 113dB typical. Crosstalk: -90dB or less. Output connectors: 2x balanced TA3, main out 1/2; unbalanced 3.5mm jack, sub out 1/2. Output impedance: 150ohms or less, main; 100ohm or less, sub. Headphone output: 18ohm, output impedance; unbalanced 6.3mm stereo jack socket, connection; 100mW + 100mW into 32ohm load, maximum output level. Power requirements: 8x AA battery cells/AD-19 DC adapter/DC-HIROSE cable. Consumption: 15W. Dimensions (W x D x H): 178.2 x 140.3 x 54.3mm. Weight: 1200g.

FRC8 F-CONTROL Control Surface

Zoom F-Control FRC8 mixing control surface is compatible with the Zoom F6 and F8N Pro and has been designed to give the user ‘more control and flexibility’ when recording in the field. This compact controller has 9x 60mm faders (8x channel and 1x master) with controls for trim, pan, and track arming. 12-segment LED meters gives a visual indication of each channel’s levels. An external USB keyboard can be connected to enable the user to type track information such as name, scene name, notes, and ‘false take’. A 6.3mm jack headphone socket allows the connection from the headphone output of the F8N Pro to enable the user to monitor.

Power options: 4x AA batteries, 4-pin HIROSE connector with external battery pack, or USB bus power (F8N Pro only). Power consumption: 2.5W. Dimensions (W x D x H): 243.8 x 180.6 x 45.7mm. Weight: 980g

BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter

BTA-1 is a Bluetooth adapter compatible with F3 field recorder. It allows remote recording control from iOS or Android device with F3 control app.

ECM-3, ECM-6 Extension Cable

These items are extension cables designed to give the user the option of remote mounting their Zoom microphone/input capsules for better placement. ECM-3 is a 3m extension, and ECM-6 is a 6m extension, both include a hot shoe adapter to allow the user to mount to a tripod or boom pole.

EXH-6 Input Module, dual mic/line

This module has two balanced 6.3mm/XLR combination inputs to give the user additional inputs to their compatible Zoom recording device. Each input has a 0/20dB pad switch along with rotary input level controller.

Compatible with H6, H5, Q8, U-44, F8, F6, F1-LP and F1-SP.

MSH-6 Microphone Module, mid-side

Zoom MSH-6 capsule contains a unidirectional forward-facing microphone element as well as a bi-directional, side-facing microphone element to capture audio otherwise known as ‘mid-side’. The compatible recorder’s MS (mid-side) decoder allows the capture of a stereo image that can be later adjusted – particularly handy for film, video and television application.

Compatible with H6, H5, Q8, U-44, F8, F6, F1-LP and F1-SP.

SGH-6 Microphone Module, shotgun

SGH-6 is a shotgun microphone capsule designed to capture audio front the front of the microphone and reject audio from the side or rear.

Compatible with H6, H5, Q8, U-44, F8, F6, F1-LP and F1-SP.

SSH-6 Microphone Module, stereo shotgun

Zoom SSH-6 microphone capsule features a ‘super-directional’ microphone element for capturing audio in the front or centre, and a bi-directional microphone element to capture audio from the left and right of the capsule. This results in a ‘mono-compatible’ stereo image that can be adjusted in post-production, often desired in film, video and television applications. Includes hairy windscreen.

Compatible with H6, H5, Q8, U-44, F8, F6, F1-LP and F1-SP.

XYH-5 Microphone Module, shock mounted stereo

This capsule is designed for live broadcast and podcast applications and provides two unidirectional condenser microphones, each fixed at a 90degree angle. Capable of handling input levels up to 140dB SPL, this capsule is also well equipped to capture audio from live concerts or electronic news gathering (ENG) applications.

Compatible with H6, H5, Q8, U-44, F8, F6, F1-LP and F1-SP.

XYH-6 Microphone Module, adjustable stereo

Like XYH-5, Zoom XYH-6 is an X/Y audio capturing microphone capsule however it doesn’t have shock mounting properties. The angle of the microphone capsules can be altered from 90 to 120 degrees for a wider stereo image.

Compatible with H6, H5, Q8, U-44, F8, F6, F1-LP and F1-SP.

CMF-8 Camera Mount Bracket

A camera mount bracket for F8N Pro field recorder, allowing the physical connection of the F8N Pro to a DSRL camera.

TXF-8 Cable

Zoom TXF-8 is a dual female TA3 to dual male 3-pin XLR adapter cable designed for use with F8N Pro field recorder.