I was so excited to get this. And for the most part, that excitement has paid off. There are a lot of good features and the quality is top notch. But here's why I'm persuading everyone to NOT go with Zoom: I was on a shoot Friday and recording to my F3. First, I triggered it using the Bluetooth add on. What a piece of work that is. I get that it's a phone issue, but if your phone's focus leaves the F3 app, it disconnects. Reconnect? Nope. You have to go to the unit, power it OFF, turn it back on and then reconnect. So...what's the point? But what really got me was that I recorded the first half of the live event. About half way through I decided to plug my headphones in to the F3's headphone port just to make sure everything was sounding good. As soon as I did that, the F3 shut off. Didn't just stop recording but actually powered down. And to further assure the destruction of my company, it did not write the file. You read that right. Plugging headphones...into the headphone jack... causes this recorder... to not record. But wait, there's more. This recorder operates on 2 AA batteries. I've found that a new pair will typically last a couple hours. Not great at all. To combat this weakness, I plug in an external battery...but it doesn't actually power the unit!! I'm sitting there with an external battery connected which should power this for weeks, watching the battery level decreasing before my eyes. I knew I should have learned my lesson about Zoom after giving my H4N "Pro" away because it was such utter junk. I guess that's just how this company operates.
@@KingCoCo :) Thanks. I have a real love-hate relationship with this recorder. Most of the time it's pretty amazing. But then it doesn't record which is not as amazing.
There's a significant real-world problem being reported with this device - apparently the record slider switch is very easy to operate and it can be knocked accidentally causing recording stopped, possibly unknown to the user when concert recording. Putting it into the "hold" position doesn't fix the problem because knocking it from "hold" to "stop" is too easy. Hopefully this can be fixed with firmware requiring a two-button press to stop recording, as an optional feature for those concerned that this might happen to them. I hope Zoom monitors these comments...
I'm planning on running this on the back of my Sony FX6 - I don't use the FX6's top handle, so this is going to give me great options for capturing audio.
I'd love to see the heavy metal frame be easily removable. You went for a super compact unit, then added a bunch of weight and volume to it. Certainly this is good for keeping it from breaking, gives it some heft, and makes it seem pro, but the idea is small so it would be great if we could just unscrew a couple of screws and ditch that. Thanks.
Nice to see Zoom continuing in developing new recorders. Hope they'll bring a new "F8"-style recorder soon with added EQ's and at least one digital AES3 input.
This is great! But, still waiting on the holy grail: integrated Bluetooth AptX Low Latency monitoring via wireless headphones. Anybody can buy a $20 dongle that delivers that same feature via the headphone port, so this is a near-zero cost/effort idea that's surprisingly ignored (currently, only the Roland R-07 has it, which is a much simpler product).
Very cool feature but; proprietary technology so we also have to let Qualcomm’s patent devision roll their dice to decide *if* they want to share it with Zoom and to how much more expensive each unit would be :-/ kind of retarded that something as basic as a low latency Bluetooth profile can be locked down behind patents. (I have no affiliation with neither Zoom nor Qualcomm, just my personal annoyance that Qualcomm managed to make open Bluetooth suck)
@@randomgeocacher Agreed on the mayhem of patent protection but companies like TROND make high-quality AptX Low Latency dedicated transmitters that are licensed, for just a few bucks. I doubt that Qualcomm would play ball harder against a mass manufacturer like Zoom, wanting to promote the technology. Zoom is probably the culprit refusing to pay a couple bucks more per unit; so it's up to us to put the pressure on (affirming that it's worth the extra buck or two).
is the f8/f8n gonna get 32bit with firmware update? If so then you would just be the best company in this industry. Simply the fact that your devices last very long service cycle and are well supported. The h4 was a legend, and the h6 was well ahead of its time. The F8 delivers incredible result at unbelievable price range, and the Q8 was any musician’s first dream camera. Keep going, Zoom. We have big hopes on you!
The 32bit recorders have specific hardware in the form of dual analog to digital converters in orders to capture the extreme dynamic range suitable for 32bit recording. It would not be possible to upgrade the F8n internal hardware with a firmware update. Sorry to disappoint you.
@@hjd9157 was thinking the same thing. 32bit float recording requires capable hardware and software. A firmware update alone won't bring this capability to older hardware
Question for ZoomSoundLab: - For the iPad or iPad Pro specifically: What program and/or utility can import and edit/adjust the gain level of the 32-bit floating point file? Example: .3db (accidental / occasional clipping) to -6db Workflow: The file will ultimately be imported into either: Cubasis 3, LumaFusion, or Logic using the latest version of MacOS. Note: Adobe (which requires subscription), Final Cut (for +$300) and Reaper are unrealistic options.
You can sugarcoat this thing all you like but it still has 9 buttons and a convoluted menu on an old Casio watch style screen. But it works great if you can figure out all the levels of info. One person developed an F3 Guide which layers all the features in the menu with the sub menus. I was going to upgrade to an H8 until I saw that it does not have floating point, so I'll have to wait until a better Zoom arrives with floating point and a noise gate. The H8 has the noise gate but no floating point. The F3 does not have the noise gate...so, we want a big touch screen, floating point, noise gate and a robust app system. Oh, it does have bluetooth and an app that works on your cell phone so that helps, but this info shouldn't be available only on the BT app.
If i add to this recorder XLR -> 3.5mm, Wireless go 2 - so there is one mic at left and one mic at right - also for another input i add Rode VideoMic NTG what haves normal recording at left and -20db safetrack at right, can this record all 4 voices?
When will these be available in Canada. Every vendor I checked ls listed, as "coming in from supplier, or waiting for delivery" or some such thing. It becomes academic on a purchase, when a purchase can not be made. They appear to be available in the U.S, though. I want to order through a Canadian vendor though.
So glad I found this! I film freight trains, and am always looking for the clarity of close proximity audio. Of course it is dangerous to get too close to trains, so this device could be placed close to the tracks in advance of a train, while I film a safe distance away. Does it come with a windscreen?
What are the file sizes? I heard that you can record upto 2GB at one go…..how much time that would be considering the highest sampling rate with 32 bit?
From the product description at b&h photo, it appears that no, you will not. "...F3 an ideal match for professional microphones such as handheld dynamics..." (I don't think the fact that SM7B is not hand-held is relevant. It is still a dynamic with low-level output, which is what matters.)
buy rechargeable batteries. Having in-built batteries is a huge disadvantage in a production environment because once the battery is gone you can't use the device again.
Internal proprietary batteries would basically turn the recorder into a throwaway product once the battery is at end of life. Besides, during production you can't just replace the batteries when they are drained. You'll have to wait for the device to charge first. For these reasons I'm very pleased Zoom chose to go with standard user replaceable batteries.
I have a Question. On a Podcast I heard, that even with 32bit float you should level your input. They said when you record with too low levels you loose detail. It's right that you can boost your audio without noise in post, but the detail is missing. Is this right? When you set your gain to low you only have lets say 5 or 8 bits of dynamic.
There is no gain to set. You still need good audio going in to the mic. As long as it doesn’t clip at the mic, it should be good. Of course if you whisper and there is background noise, the background noise will be boosted.
I would have been interested in this but according to the manual, there is NO M/S MONITORING SUPPORT - really??!! For your target market, where a significant number of pro users will be using MS mic rigs, being unable to monitor the decoded MS out of the box is going to be a dealbreaker. It would have been so simple to include it - and it's not as if Zoom are not familiar with the concept! (H2N for instance). Please, in a early firmware update, have an option for headphone monitoriing to be switched to MS decoded, with a width control. This will assist in ensuring correct mic placement for the desired stereo image. Otherwise users are going to have to carry some kind of external MS monitoring device and the point of the compact recorder will be lost. (Without having fully thought it through, I guess an H2N could be used for that purpose - but not a neat solution!).
@ZoomSoundLab I bought zoom F3 with BTA-1 and Tentacle Sync E timecode device. Unfortunately its NOT compatible !! Please extend the support to wider range of timecode device.
it's really great except for small recessed buttons, no separate USB to computer slot, antiquated and too small screen with Casio fonts, and an antiquated menu...but it works superbly...ok for field recording but lame for studio recording. Give us a larger unit with state of the art screen and menu system, larger buttons and a dedicated USB to computer interface. The BT1 is a hassle to use, and a computer interface would be great.
I wish the F1's had 32bit float. I think the F3 should have been called the F2 & the F2 should be in its own category for example the P1 because it just doesnt fit in this lineup of recorders..
You would have to disconnect, power the F3 down, turn it back on and then connect to it. If your phone changes focus away from the F3 app, it disconnects and you have to turn the F3 off again.
Ah I missed the statement about the same pres as the F6. Okay then that means it sounds hella good. Cause apparently the F6 sounds like the F4 and bruh that thing had me fooled. Seriously when I listened to the Holly Wood Sound goes Indi vid I was like bruh this thing sounds like a Sound Devices 744-T almost. Bruh and that thing's $4000. Or was when it was a thing. Now it's been replaced by the 833. These F recorders well seem to also be as silent as the 833. Meaning mixer quiet. Or pretty dam near mixer quiet. But I've not heard an F recorder with an NT1-A mic yet. So can't really say. But if what I've heard is something to truely judge buy, hell yeah these things are silent with the Rode NT1-A.
I agree, that the F6's use of Sony NF-P batteries is excellent. However, personally I like AA batteries, as they are ubiquitous and can be found practically everywhere. With Lithium AA batteries I believe runtimes could be quite good for the F3. Let's see what the independent reviewers say when they get their hands on the device. Happy recording!
A usb c battery bank is more than enough for a unit like this and it makes more sense to offer compatibility with AA’s internally as well on such a small unit.
@@HikingWithCooper I don't know why you would reply so confidently to a 1 year old comment when you clearly have no idea what you're talking about. The F3 -- which I've literally owned since the moment it was available -- has a USB C port which can be used to deliver power, either from a computer, battery bank or even a plug in charger. I have literally powered it continuously for 30+ hours on a single USB C PD battery. If it's not working for you you're either not supplying the correct power or have a damaged unit. You not knowing how to use it correctly doesn't make it a bad product.
Calm down buddy. I was not attacking you so maybe return the kindness? I have tried powering it through multiple different sources and not one has worked. Yes, it is possible that my unit is faulty. Let's not get worked up, okay?@@thaBigGENERAL
I was so excited to get this. And for the most part, that excitement has paid off. There are a lot of good features and the quality is top notch. But here's why I'm persuading everyone to NOT go with Zoom:
I was on a shoot Friday and recording to my F3. First, I triggered it using the Bluetooth add on. What a piece of work that is. I get that it's a phone issue, but if your phone's focus leaves the F3 app, it disconnects. Reconnect? Nope. You have to go to the unit, power it OFF, turn it back on and then reconnect. So...what's the point?
But what really got me was that I recorded the first half of the live event. About half way through I decided to plug my headphones in to the F3's headphone port just to make sure everything was sounding good. As soon as I did that, the F3 shut off. Didn't just stop recording but actually powered down. And to further assure the destruction of my company, it did not write the file. You read that right. Plugging headphones...into the headphone jack... causes this recorder... to not record.
But wait, there's more. This recorder operates on 2 AA batteries. I've found that a new pair will typically last a couple hours. Not great at all. To combat this weakness, I plug in an external battery...but it doesn't actually power the unit!! I'm sitting there with an external battery connected which should power this for weeks, watching the battery level decreasing before my eyes.
I knew I should have learned my lesson about Zoom after giving my H4N "Pro" away because it was such utter junk. I guess that's just how this company operates.
your review was hilarious "and to further assure the destruction of my company" sorry that happened to you
@@KingCoCo :) Thanks. I have a real love-hate relationship with this recorder. Most of the time it's pretty amazing. But then it doesn't record which is not as amazing.
What do you recommend instead?
@@NgaraWamambo Probably a Mix Pre 3. I've never had the fortune of using one but I hear they're pretty good.
There's a significant real-world problem being reported with this device - apparently the record slider switch is very easy to operate and it can be knocked accidentally causing recording stopped, possibly unknown to the user when concert recording. Putting it into the "hold" position doesn't fix the problem because knocking it from "hold" to "stop" is too easy. Hopefully this can be fixed with firmware requiring a two-button press to stop recording, as an optional feature for those concerned that this might happen to them. I hope Zoom monitors these comments...
I'm planning on running this on the back of my Sony FX6 - I don't use the FX6's top handle, so this is going to give me great options for capturing audio.
I'd love to see the heavy metal frame be easily removable. You went for a super compact unit, then added a bunch of weight and volume to it. Certainly this is good for keeping it from breaking, gives it some heft, and makes it seem pro, but the idea is small so it would be great if we could just unscrew a couple of screws and ditch that. Thanks.
My Zoom F3 just arrived today. I can't wait to start creating with this sweet little puppy.
Still like it?
Nice to see Zoom continuing in developing new recorders. Hope they'll bring a new "F8"-style recorder soon with added EQ's and at least one digital AES3 input.
what an anticipated piece of art for me .. Please begin to sell this little gem in amazon turkiye as soon as possible.
This is great! But, still waiting on the holy grail: integrated Bluetooth AptX Low Latency monitoring via wireless headphones. Anybody can buy a $20 dongle that delivers that same feature via the headphone port, so this is a near-zero cost/effort idea that's surprisingly ignored (currently, only the Roland R-07 has it, which is a much simpler product).
Very cool feature but; proprietary technology so we also have to let Qualcomm’s patent devision roll their dice to decide *if* they want to share it with Zoom and to how much more expensive each unit would be :-/ kind of retarded that something as basic as a low latency Bluetooth profile can be locked down behind patents. (I have no affiliation with neither Zoom nor Qualcomm, just my personal annoyance that Qualcomm managed to make open Bluetooth suck)
@@randomgeocacher Agreed on the mayhem of patent protection but companies like TROND make high-quality AptX Low Latency dedicated transmitters that are licensed, for just a few bucks. I doubt that Qualcomm would play ball harder against a mass manufacturer like Zoom, wanting to promote the technology. Zoom is probably the culprit refusing to pay a couple bucks more per unit; so it's up to us to put the pressure on (affirming that it's worth the extra buck or two).
Please make the zoom F4 in the similar form factor as H4n with 32bit/192kHz and built in mics. It will be an instant buy for me.
ye speak of heretical ideas they only announced in 2025 ye scrivener ye
+1
Launch date? That’s all we need
I'm definitely getting one. I can't wait!
For the price, this is a game changer!
Hi, can you tell me the frequency range of the mic pres please?
😂😂😂
Great Video, Very Inspiring! Thanks!
Great recorder! Cool app too. But how about showing some love for all your android users out there! We creators are here, but we're still waiting!
is the f8/f8n gonna get 32bit with firmware update? If so then you would just be the best company in this industry. Simply the fact that your devices last very long service cycle and are well supported. The h4 was a legend, and the h6 was well ahead of its time. The F8 delivers incredible result at unbelievable price range, and the Q8 was any musician’s first dream camera. Keep going, Zoom. We have big hopes on you!
The 32bit recorders have specific hardware in the form of dual analog to digital converters in orders to capture the extreme dynamic range suitable for 32bit recording. It would not be possible to upgrade the F8n internal hardware with a firmware update. Sorry to disappoint you.
@@hjd9157 was thinking the same thing. 32bit float recording requires capable hardware and software. A firmware update alone won't bring this capability to older hardware
Absolutely great - thank you for inventing such a smart device, Zoom! 🙂
Question for ZoomSoundLab:
- For the iPad or iPad Pro specifically: What program and/or utility can import and edit/adjust the gain level of the 32-bit floating point file? Example: .3db (accidental / occasional clipping) to -6db
Workflow: The file will ultimately be imported into either: Cubasis 3, LumaFusion, or Logic using the latest version of MacOS.
Note: Adobe (which requires subscription), Final Cut (for +$300) and Reaper are unrealistic options.
This looks awesome! I need this.... Thank you
You can sugarcoat this thing all you like but it still has 9 buttons and a convoluted menu on an old Casio watch style screen. But it works great if you can figure out all the levels of info. One person developed an F3 Guide which layers all the features in the menu with the sub menus. I was going to upgrade to an H8 until I saw that it does not have floating point, so I'll have to wait until a better Zoom arrives with floating point and a noise gate. The H8 has the noise gate but no floating point. The F3 does not have the noise gate...so, we want a big touch screen, floating point, noise gate and a robust app system. Oh, it does have bluetooth and an app that works on your cell phone so that helps, but this info shouldn't be available only on the BT app.
If i add to this recorder XLR -> 3.5mm, Wireless go 2 - so there is one mic at left and one mic at right - also for another input i add Rode VideoMic NTG what haves normal recording at left and -20db safetrack at right, can this record all 4 voices?
When will these be available in Canada. Every vendor I checked ls listed, as "coming in from supplier, or waiting for delivery" or some such thing.
It becomes academic on a purchase, when a purchase can not be made.
They appear to be available in the U.S, though.
I want to order through a Canadian vendor though.
So glad I found this! I film freight trains, and am always looking for the clarity of close proximity audio. Of course it is dangerous to get too close to trains, so this device could be placed close to the tracks in advance of a train, while I film a safe distance away. Does it come with a windscreen?
Cool! it doesn't look like it has any built in mics.
I would love to have seen this with a small built in speaker just to monitor/playback without headphones
But how do we mount it to a DSLR? You need to combine what you have here, with a hotshoe and mic shockmount holder.
Hello! 😊 Can I use the F3 to record calls made from an iPhone 15 that has a USB-C port?
What are the file sizes? I heard that you can record upto 2GB at one go…..how much time that would be considering the highest sampling rate with 32 bit?
An I connect my wireless road to this device? I like to use lav mic on the field but I don’t know if I can use it here
So will I need a cloud lifter for an SM7B?
From the product description at b&h photo, it appears that no, you will not. "...F3 an ideal match for professional microphones such as handheld dynamics..." (I don't think the fact that SM7B is not hand-held is relevant. It is still a dynamic with low-level output, which is what matters.)
So I should sell my F4 and H5 and get this instead? It really does need Android support for the app ASAP.
Amazing 💚
Love anything small and lightweight
Do wish it had a rechargeable internal battery and a 3.5mm input though
buy rechargeable batteries. Having in-built batteries is a huge disadvantage in a production environment because once the battery is gone you can't use the device again.
Internal proprietary batteries would basically turn the recorder into a throwaway product once the battery is at end of life. Besides, during production you can't just replace the batteries when they are drained. You'll have to wait for the device to charge first. For these reasons I'm very pleased Zoom chose to go with standard user replaceable batteries.
I totally agree about the 3.5mm input!
We want to buy it but it's unavailable!
March 22nd I think?
Is there any way to connect Zoom capsule microphones to this device?
Another Zoom recorder with Micro SD?
Will it ship with tweezers?
On the box it says "Tweezers sold separately."
can you use this to get sound straight from audio mixer, can it record good audio from a live concert when pluggin to the mixer directly? thank you.
You can connect the outputs of a mixer directly to the inputs of the F3.
Can i connect my rode wireless mic with the F3?
I have a Question. On a Podcast I heard, that even with 32bit float you should level your input. They said when you record with too low levels you loose detail. It's right that you can boost your audio without noise in post, but the detail is missing. Is this right? When you set your gain to low you only have lets say 5 or 8 bits of dynamic.
There is no gain to set. You still need good audio going in to the mic. As long as it doesn’t clip at the mic, it should be good. Of course if you whisper and there is background noise, the background noise will be boosted.
32bit... at 192kHz?
wait... this thing just got waaaay more interesting for me. :D
honestly, if you made the screen color and you had 1/4 in jacks with the XLR... yeah, $350 would be worth it. the F6 is a better buy.
I would have been interested in this but according to the manual, there is NO M/S MONITORING SUPPORT - really??!! For your target market, where a significant number of pro users will be using MS mic rigs, being unable to monitor the decoded MS out of the box is going to be a dealbreaker. It would have been so simple to include it - and it's not as if Zoom are not familiar with the concept! (H2N for instance). Please, in a early firmware update, have an option for headphone monitoriing to be switched to MS decoded, with a width control. This will assist in ensuring correct mic placement for the desired stereo image. Otherwise users are going to have to carry some kind of external MS monitoring device and the point of the compact recorder will be lost. (Without having fully thought it through, I guess an H2N could be used for that purpose - but not a neat solution!).
I wholeheartedly support your request!😉👍
Can I use it with my iPhone 13? With or without AA batteries?
You can use the F3 with your iPhone 13. When it is connected to an iPhone it has to be powered with AA batteries.
I wish it had a timecode in/out !! not sure if thats something possible with Zoom BTA-1
The F3 can accept timecode from a wireless timecode device through the BTA-1 adapter!
@ZoomSoundLab I bought zoom F3 with BTA-1 and Tentacle Sync E timecode device. Unfortunately its NOT compatible !! Please extend the support to wider range of timecode device.
Just preordered mine. Can't wait to try it out! Can the play/pause button be configured to set markers while recording?
Can anyone recommend a good lav mic (omnidirectional) to go with the F3? I want to try stealth recording. Thanks!
it's really great except for small recessed buttons, no separate USB to computer slot, antiquated and too small screen with Casio fonts, and an antiquated menu...but it works superbly...ok for field recording but lame for studio recording. Give us a larger unit with state of the art screen and menu system, larger buttons and a dedicated USB to computer interface. The BT1 is a hassle to use, and a computer interface would be great.
They have larger units. The point of this one is being small. That necessitates a smaller screen. The menu system is actually very good and intuitive.
Can you jam the timecode like on the F6?
I wish the F1's had 32bit float. I think the F3 should have been called the F2 & the F2 should be in its own category for example the P1 because it just doesnt fit in this lineup of recorders..
Is it possible to use the phone app to trigger record on 2 separate F3? If not, is there any way to do so with another solution? Thanks!
For the F2BT the app only connects to one system at a time , with no audio monitoring. Probably this is the same.
You would have to disconnect, power the F3 down, turn it back on and then connect to it. If your phone changes focus away from the F3 app, it disconnects and you have to turn the F3 off again.
Ah I missed the statement about the same pres as the F6. Okay then that means it sounds hella good. Cause apparently the F6 sounds like the F4 and bruh that thing had me fooled. Seriously when I listened to the Holly Wood Sound goes Indi vid I was like bruh this thing sounds like a Sound Devices 744-T almost. Bruh and that thing's $4000. Or was when it was a thing. Now it's been replaced by the 833. These F recorders well seem to also be as silent as the 833. Meaning mixer quiet. Or pretty dam near mixer quiet. But I've not heard an F recorder with an NT1-A mic yet. So can't really say. But if what I've heard is something to truely judge buy, hell yeah these things are silent with the Rode NT1-A.
32BİT+192 KHZ?
I was completely sold on this until the AA batteries. Zoom f6 it is then.
I agree, that the F6's use of Sony NF-P batteries is excellent. However, personally I like AA batteries, as they are ubiquitous and can be found practically everywhere. With Lithium AA batteries I believe runtimes could be quite good for the F3. Let's see what the independent reviewers say when they get their hands on the device. Happy recording!
A usb c battery bank is more than enough for a unit like this and it makes more sense to offer compatibility with AA’s internally as well on such a small unit.
@@HikingWithCooper I don't know why you would reply so confidently to a 1 year old comment when you clearly have no idea what you're talking about. The F3 -- which I've literally owned since the moment it was available -- has a USB C port which can be used to deliver power, either from a computer, battery bank or even a plug in charger. I have literally powered it continuously for 30+ hours on a single USB C PD battery. If it's not working for you you're either not supplying the correct power or have a damaged unit. You not knowing how to use it correctly doesn't make it a bad product.
Calm down buddy. I was not attacking you so maybe return the kindness? I have tried powering it through multiple different sources and not one has worked. Yes, it is possible that my unit is faulty. Let's not get worked up, okay?@@thaBigGENERAL
Where do i buy it? amazon doesn't have it.
I want it
⚜️x🤘🏻x⚜️
I'm definitely getting one. I can't wait!