Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder - 2 Channel, Battery Powered, Wireless Control.
The Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder is the perfect audio recording device for filmmakers, sound designers, and musicians. With its 32-bit float recording and dual AD converter…
Product review summary
This page is intentionally secondary to the manual page and exists to provide review-oriented context.
The Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from users. With 32-bit float recording, the F3 captures audio with full dynamic range and clip-free audio capture without the need to set gain. Its two locking XLR/TRS inputs and dual AD converters ensure high-quality recordings in any setting or situation. The F3 is also compact and built with durable side bars, standard tripod mount, and slide-resistant rubber feet, making it easy to place and mount anywhere. Users appreciate the headphone output and line output for monitoring and connecting to other gear, as well as the ability to record up to 192 kHz sampling/32-bit float WAV format, mono or stereo files to SD cards up to 512GB. The F3 also displays audio as real-time waveforms, allowing for seamless accuracy in monitoring recordings.
Pros:
- 32-bit float recording for full dynamic range and clip-free audio capture
- Dual AD converters and low-noise preamps ensure high-quality recordings
- Compact and durable design with mounting options
- Headphone and line outputs for monitoring and connecting to other gear
- Real-time waveform display for accurate monitoring
Cons:
- Lack of monitoring for common formats like mid-side
- Lack of minijack input limits compatibility with certain mics
- No gain or limiters for immediate recording adjustments
- USB-C battery can be unreliable
Overall, the Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder is a great option for those looking for high-quality audio recording without the need to constantly adjust gain levels. Its compact and durable design make it easy to use in a variety of settings, and its real-time waveform display ensures accurate monitoring. However, its limited compatibility with certain mic formats and lack of immediate recording adjustments may be a drawback for some users.
FAQ
Q: What are the key features of the Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder?
A: The Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder comes with 32-bit float recording and dual AD converters for full dynamic range and clip-free audio capture without the need to set gain. It has 2 locking-XLR inputs, a compact yet rugged metal casing, mounting bars, and a tripod mount. It also has high-quality mic preamps with a super-low noise floor (−127 dBu EIN) and can record up to 192 kHz sampling/32-bit float WAV format, mono or stereo files to SD cards up to 512GB.
Q: What is the weight and size of the Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder?
A: The Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder weighs 1.1 pounds and has product dimensions of 6.5 x 8.4 x 2.4 inches.
Q: Is the Zoom F3 compatible with laptop or tablet via USB-C?
A: Yes, the Zoom F3 can be connected to a laptop or tablet via USB-C.
Q: Can the Zoom F3 be powered by USB-C or does it always require batteries?
A: The Zoom F3 does not need batteries to run when plugged in via USB-C.
Q: Can a lav mic that needs plug-in power of 5v be directly connected to the Zoom F3 with a straight XLR to TRS adapter?
A: Yes, it is possible to connect a lav mic that needs plug-in power of 5v directly to the Zoom F3 with a straight XLR to TRS adapter.
Q: Does the line-out feature output 32-bit floating audio?
A: No, the line-out feature does not output 32-bit floating audio.
Q: Can two cameras be used for weddings by attaching a splitter to the timecode device and Zoom F3?
A: It might be possible to use a splitter to connect two cameras for weddings, but it would depend on the type of splitter used and how the channels are configured on the Zoom F3.
Q: How can one ensure that the Zoom F3 preamp is not overdriven by a hot input?
A: The Zoom F3 has level indicators on the display and will give a message when the levels are too high.
Q: Is it possible to have Bluetooth and timecode with the Zoom F3?
A: Yes, it is possible to have Bluetooth and timecode with the Zoom F3 using an add-on adapter.
Q: What are some customer reviews of the Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder?
A: Customers have praised the ease of use, stress-free recording, and small size of the Zoom F3. They also appreciate the 32-bit float recording feature, which eliminates the need to adjust gain during recording. Some customers have noted limitations such as lack of monitoring for certain formats and compatibility with fewer mics.
Source documents
Official manuals and related source files discovered for this product.
Specifications
Structured product details pulled from the latest available product data.
| Brand | Zoom |
|---|---|
| Model Number | F3 |
| Category | Electronics > Musical Instruments > Studio Recording Equipment > Multitrack Recorders > Digital |
| Color | Grey |
| Weight | 1 pounds |
| Dimensions | 3 x 3.5 x 2 inches |
| First Available | February 18, 2022 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 3.5 x 2 inches |
| ASIN | B09SVN6J35 |
| Item model number | F3 |
| Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 382 ratings 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,473 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #2 in Digital Multitrack Recorders |
| Date First Available | February 18, 2022 |
| Color Name | Grey |
| Compatible Devices | Microphone |
| Hardware Interface | MicroSD |
| Battery type | Alkaline |
| Media Format | WAV |
| Standing screen display size | 2 Inches |
| Microphone Form Factor | Built-In |
| Format | WAV |
| Headphones Jack | 3.5 millimeters |
| Number of Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
| Product Dimensions | 3"D x 3.5"W x 2"H |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 512 GB |
| Item Weight | 454 Grams |