Zoom F3 at DVinfo.net

Greg Miller · January 31st, 2023, 01:25 PM

Out of curiosity, has anyone tried the Zoom F3? (The search engine isn't working for me today.)

I'd be curious to hear your comments.

Thanks!

Pete Cofrancesco · February 1st, 2023, 10:57 AM

It's ideal for unattended event work where you don't want your audio to clip.

Greg Miller · February 4th, 2023, 11:16 AM

Thanks, Pete. I appreciate your feedback. I was hoping a few more voices would be heard, at least from folks who had tried the F3 and did not find any reason to dislike it.

How much extra work is created, in post, adjusting the recorded levels to the desired "standard" levels? Just one quick step, I'm guessing ...

David Peterson · February 21st, 2023, 03:04 AM

Be warned that the Zoom F3 lacks 24bit, and is awkward to use with TC, plus is only two channels.

Those factors means it is completely ruled out ever being for professional use for my purposes as a Sound Mixer.

Rick Reineke · February 21st, 2023, 11:27 AM

The Zoom F3 may not have a 24 bit mode, but according to specs, it does offer FP32 (floating point 32 bit), which is basically impossible to digitally clip. Of coarse that does not prevent overloading the mics or the analog input stage. It is also necessary to have a NLE or DAW that can take advantage of FP32 bit and eventually convert to the 24 bit.

Ron Evans · February 25th, 2023, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Peterson

Be warned that the Zoom F3 lacks 24bit, and is awkward to use with TC, plus is only two channels.

Those factors means it is completely ruled out ever being for professional use for my purposes as a Sound Mixer.

The whole point of the F3 is to record with no input from user and not worry about levels at all. I use when I record video so I do not have to worry about levels to get a clean recording. Works very well. I use one input for my Rode NT2 and the other line from the theatre sound board. I only have to check that it is actually recording and has power. There is a lock so that one cannot accidentally stop etc. I am sure for someone recording audio as their job something like the F8n Pro is a better choice.

Pete Cofrancesco · March 3rd, 2023, 09:51 AM

I recently bought the Zoom F3 and will be using it to record stage performances left unattended for remote mics and sound boards that are too far away from the camera to run a cable. This weekend I've got a musical using it to record two floor mics at the front of the stage.

Here are some minor drawbacks:

1. No 1/8 or 1/4 input jacks. Not a big deal you can use xlr adapters but would be nice.

2. The interface is a little clunky and time consuming to change some settings.

3. No built in Bluetooth Wireless control. You have to pay an additional $40 for a usb adapter. This enables phone app to start/stop and provides a better interface settings and monitor that it's recording (see wave forms but not hear it). Only downside is it has 30ft range, if the connection is broken I believe it won't reconnect unless restarted.

4. Powered by two AA batteries with decent runtime but I wouldn't be comfortable leaving for more than an hour with phantom powered mics. It can also be powered via usb-c which is how I will use it.

5. Timecode is possible but you need to pair it with a specific device. I don't use timecode but if it's important to your work flow it might not be right for you.

6. It's not obvious when it is recording. On a tiny black/white screen Rec and a icon next to it turns from a circle to a square. I also don't like the sliding latch instead of a standard record button but I understand it's design to prevent inadvertent presses.

7. It records to one source, a micro usb card that I hate. I'm going to use the usb c port to import recording instead of dealing with a micro usb card.

Overall I'm very happy with the quality of the preamps, the tiny form factor, and the ability to record 32bit takes the worry out of setting levels for live events. It isn't meant to replace a quality field mixer but does its narrow job well.

January 31st, 2023, 01:25 PM	#1
Greg Miller Trustee Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,791	Zoom F3 Out of curiosity, has anyone tried the Zoom F3? (The search engine isn't working for me today.) I'd be curious to hear your comments. Thanks!

February 1st, 2023, 10:57 AM	#2
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,005	Re: Zoom F3 It's ideal for unattended event work where you don't want your audio to clip.

February 4th, 2023, 11:16 AM	#3
Greg Miller Trustee Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,791	Re: Zoom F3 Thanks, Pete. I appreciate your feedback. I was hoping a few more voices would be heard, at least from folks who had tried the F3 and did not find any reason to dislike it. How much extra work is created, in post, adjusting the recorded levels to the desired "standard" levels? Just one quick step, I'm guessing ...

February 21st, 2023, 03:04 AM	#4
David Peterson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 361	Re: Zoom F3 Be warned that the Zoom F3 lacks 24bit, and is awkward to use with TC, plus is only two channels. Those factors means it is completely ruled out ever being for professional use for my purposes as a Sound Mixer. __________________ http://IronFilm.co.nz/Sound/ (Location Sound Recordist based in New Zealand) http://www.YouTube.com/c/SoundSpeeding

February 21st, 2023, 11:27 AM	#5
Rick Reineke Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New York Posts: 2,039	Re: Zoom F3 The Zoom F3 may not have a 24 bit mode, but according to specs, it does offer FP32 (floating point 32 bit), which is basically impossible to digitally clip. Of coarse that does not prevent overloading the mics or the analog input stage. It is also necessary to have a NLE or DAW that can take advantage of FP32 bit and eventually convert to the 24 bit.

March 3rd, 2023, 09:51 AM	#7
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,005	Re: Zoom F3 I recently bought the Zoom F3 and will be using it to record stage performances left unattended for remote mics and sound boards that are too far away from the camera to run a cable. This weekend I've got a musical using it to record two floor mics at the front of the stage. Here are some minor drawbacks: 1. No 1/8 or 1/4 input jacks. Not a big deal you can use xlr adapters but would be nice. 2. The interface is a little clunky and time consuming to change some settings. 3. No built in Bluetooth Wireless control. You have to pay an additional $40 for a usb adapter. This enables phone app to start/stop and provides a better interface settings and monitor that it's recording (see wave forms but not hear it). Only downside is it has 30ft range, if the connection is broken I believe it won't reconnect unless restarted. 4. Powered by two AA batteries with decent runtime but I wouldn't be comfortable leaving for more than an hour with phantom powered mics. It can also be powered via usb-c which is how I will use it. 5. Timecode is possible but you need to pair it with a specific device. I don't use timecode but if it's important to your work flow it might not be right for you. 6. It's not obvious when it is recording. On a tiny black/white screen Rec and a icon next to it turns from a circle to a square. I also don't like the sliding latch instead of a standard record button but I understand it's design to prevent inadvertent presses. 7. It records to one source, a micro usb card that I hate. I'm going to use the usb c port to import recording instead of dealing with a micro usb card. Overall I'm very happy with the quality of the preamps, the tiny form factor, and the ability to record 32bit takes the worry out of setting levels for live events. It isn't meant to replace a quality field mixer but does its narrow job well.