Zoom BTA-1/F6 Control App review and Set Up Guide (Zoom F6 Part 4)
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- Опубліковано 14 лип 2024
- Zoom has a wireless option that could have crippled the Audio Device market, but left one major thing out...
Feel free to leave a comment and ask any audio, tech and gear questions
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Segments:
00:00 - Intro
1:10 - Build Breakdown (Hardware)
2:00 - Set up and Connection
4:50 - Zoom F6 Control App Breakdown
6:00 - Rename tracks in Finder
6:35 - F6 and App Differences
7:14 - Pros and Cons
12:42 - Final Thoughts
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#Zoom F6 #zoomaudio #ZoomBTA1 #Bluetoothadapter #Wirelessaudio #Bluetooth #gear #Audiogear #IPhoneapp #IPadApp
Update: It's been a long time since this video has been released. A lot has happened since then. Tons of Zoom F6 videos have m=come out on this channel and some tackle the topics covered in this video. So before you leave a Like/dislike and/or comment please refer to the Zoom F6 playlist that has all the newer videos talking about things I missed and maybe changed my tone about. Thank you all for the support and I look forward to talking with you in the comments!
Dude, GAME CHANGER! Many thanks! Loved the F6, hated the microscopic buttons and the amount of key presses it takes to navigate. Mind Blown. Liked and subscribed. Cheers!
I'm glad this helped! It's nice to see a new F6 fan to join the crew. I appreciate you checking out the video and for subbing!
Super helpful; gear just arrived and I'm following along.
Sweet, thanks for checking out the video! Let me know if you have any questions. also I have a bunch more Zoom F6 videos if you wanna check those out as well.
Great review. Still wonder why they don't just ship it along with the unit and add that price. So annoying!
I'm just happy about the 32 bit float. What a game changer. No need to monitor! 😉👍
It definitely makes audio production much easier. I kinda disagree, you should monitor the audio. With 32 bit float it helps knowing you technically won’t peak or be too low. But there’s a ton of outside noise that mics hear that you may not notice during a shoot. Kinda like with monitoring your camera. There are some lighting and visual things that may change during a shoot so you just have to keep an eye on it. If you’re a one person production, I can see not monitoring audio. But you still run the risk, possibly small, of having a issue with audio. Either way it’s a great feature, sorry for the long winded response. Thanks for checking out the video!
Rebel Tech, for sure! I was exaggerating. I was thinking more in terms of not having to worry too much when talent suddenly shouts 😉
Oh absolutely, I could have used it so many times before I got it. Adjusting on the fly is a pain in the ass. I did a movie a couple of years ago and one of the actors was very dynamic with his voice. It was so tough to track the level. We did a lot of ADR on that one lol
Rebel Tech, oh yeah and ADR is always a pain in the butt lol
Thanks
You’re welcome, I’m glad it helped!
Thank you for all the Zoom f6 videos. Do you know if there is a way to record a stereo MS (mid and side) microphone into 2 xlr input and record both the decoded stereo signal along with the individual undecoded signals?
I think there is a way, I just haven’t tried it yet. When I get a stereo pair I will stare to test that stuff. Not sure when but it is on the list.
Thanks for checking out the video!
the problem with monitoring on bluetooth is the delay, if you're mixing on the go a dialogue for example when you hear something and you want to correct the levels is just too late.
It happened to me with a diy solution, it's ok for phone calls and music listening but for clean critical audio evaluation there's just too much lag/delay/latency. That's why you can't also edit on airpods or wireless earphones.
Great stuff as always.
I’m totally with you, I just feel that it was a thing that they kinda forgot about. Maybe it kept the cost down but I’m not sure why they would have a Bluetooth option and not be able to transmit audio. I get the latency problem but they say that the Rode wireless system is almost instant. Also I think there’s a Sony handy recorder that has Bluetooth audio. I’m not worried, we are almost at the point of having the technology to get everything wireless. My next thing is finding a wireless xlr transmitter that supply’s phantom power for my MKH 416, but that’s another topic for a future video. Thanks for checking out the video, I appreciate it!
@@RebelTech1990 the wireless go is not Bluetooth, it's a 2.4ghz custom connection (almost like wifi), an entirely different standard and protocol. Bluetooth just CAN'T get around the latency problem, it's in the specs, it's meant to pass instructions and commands and data, not real audio or video signals.
Not all wireless is the same, uhf, 2.4 ghz, 5ghz are entirely different things, maybe with 5g we will be able to have an universal wireless system but i doubt it.
If you want wireless phantom power for your boom there are a plethora of options from rode, sony, comica zaxcom ecc, you will need of course another receiver foe your camera, i would recommend Sony or rode.
Cheers
@@RebelTech1990 and again sending prerecorded music is different than real-time audio, so professional sound equipments doesn't even bother to do that on Bluetooth.
Yea that’s my mistake, I meant wireless signals in general. I know Bluetooth is a limited technology, so that’s gonna be for a general market. I did get a wireless transmitter, that works good but of course still has that latency. The other issue is the headphone side of it. All these headphones use Bluetooth and if you wanna make it a good wireless signal, you have to strap a transmitter to it. I guess it’s a good conversation starter if anything lol
Of course not delay things because I have a Roland R07 which got Bluetooth monitoring built-in.
thanks a lot for review! Is there other (no Zoom) Bluetooth adapters compatible with F6? for example, Trendnet TBW-106UB?
As far as I can tell there's only the BTA-1. Which as of looking it up no, is $40. It went up since the last time I saw it. Still a great price for it and the app is still free as well.
The slot is a dedicated port for the BTA1 and a USB-A wont fit. So if a third party makes it, it would have to be the same style as the BTA-1.
From what I have seen over the past year Zoom hasn't really done much for the F6. 3 updates, that didn't change much, at least for me. Also a $50 increase on the F6 and now a $10 increase on the BT adapter. I'm a bit salty about it because I'm one of two or three people, on UA-cam that cover this device with detail and Zoom hasn't done anything to make the users experience better. To be honest I feel they gave up on the F6 and focus on new gear that won't change anything.
The F6 is still a great device and if they put out a Mk2, with enough upgraded features, I'll still buy it. I just love it so much regardless of the companies lack of updates. That all being said, the F6 doesn't really "need" much as far as updates are concerned but it would be nice to be heard.
Sorry for the rant/long answer. I just have a lot invested and it means a lot that everyone can get the most out of this device.
Thanks for checking out the video! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Is it possible to replace the bluetooth adapter with any other adapter in the markets? I'd really love to know if you test some adapter like orico or else in zoom f6
This adapter is just for linking up with an IOS device to use the F control app. If you are looking to transmit audio, wirelessly, you can use a Orico from the headphone jack. The only issue is that Bluetooth signals have latency. It works well with movies, music and video games but if you wanna use it for recording it can be tough to get used to. You would have to get a device like the Rode wireless go to transmit almost instant audio. There is a comment below that explains wireless signals very well. Let me know if you need any more help
I’m assuming you can’t use other apps with it on your iPhone..keep in mind I have the h8 and it has a specific app but like you I hate the fact I can’t get audio sent back to my iPhone...I have seen people use the multi out option to record to other apps on iPad but I don’t know how it exactly works.
I never had an issue hopping between apps. it seems to bounce back when I go back to it. granted I haven't used it recently but it could have changed. I'm currently testing some wireless options but not ready for a video just yet. How is the app with the H8?
Ok so apparently after doing my research you need a adapter that goes from your iPhone input to a female USB port then you have to plug the micro usb into your H8 and go to audio interface and select the option for iPad..I’m pretty sure I can do it from my iPhone but that’s only because it’s been updated...kinda takes the wireless experience out of buying a specific Bluetooth gadget that doesn’t give you that kind of freedom but I’ll agree that it’s probably very straining on the device..Isotope found a way to get around this by connecting through a WiFi signal but again the quality could be better.
Hi.
I see that you got an question about the BT dongle. But i didn’t understand your answer :)
Can you use another BT dongle than Zooms BTA1 to connect to the iOS.
Regarding the BT sound transfer. Do you really want to be at set with an delay at the sound that you still have for sure at the BT signal? Am really prefer a cable straight to the recorder to Hera the sound. I will not run to long way from that anyway:)
I actually put up a follow up video about the Zoom F6. I went through some of the comments and talked about the issue I have with wireless monitoring.
I also had a conversation, in the comments, about how the technology is available to make things low latency audio. I guess my issue wasn’t with the forgetting to put audio transmitting. It’s actually with the hardware itself not having it. It’s just frustrating knowing we have the tech and we don’t utilize it. If it costs more, who cares, it’s just another selling point.
I don’t mean to rant I just feel these companies hold back and dribble out gear just to have us wait for the next thing to come out.
To answer your question about the dongle. The only one I know is the BTA-1. It’s a unique dongle to Zoom. I don’t think there is a third party one out. It’s only $30 so it doesn’t cost much especially considering the recorder is over $600. Maybe they will in the future.
I think the next step for them is getting the app on android. At least that’s what I feel is next.
Thanks for checking out the video. Let me know if you have anymore questions!
@@RebelTech1990 Hi. Yes I can understand your point. They should already be rid of the latency at BT. :)
It’s not about the cost, but just that I doesn’t have a dealer near me that have BTA 1 at stock.... who wants to wait :)
Thanks for your videos. :)
Does the BTA-2 do the same thing? You can't really find the BTA-1 anymore...
That’s a different device all together. It won’t work with the F6. The BTA 2 connects to a 3.5mm and a smaller Jack simultaneously. It’s made for other zoom devices
Sweetwater has the BTA 1
@@RebelTech1990 Thanks. I ordered the BTA-1, but it won't work. When I check my bluetooth option on the phone, it says its connected, but the app is stuck with the white screen overlay that shows the bluetooth devices list (though its blank..)
I'm having some issues trying to get my iPAd to connect with my F6 and the BTA-1. Running version 13.5.1 on the ipad. But the Ipad does not seem to see the F6 as a bluetooth device. And the F6, when I try to "Connect (iOS13) I get the searching wheel spinning forever. I did notice your BTA-1 lights up blue when you plug it in. Mine does not. I'm wondering if I've got a defective BTA? The Ipad did connect once or twice so far, but then within the Zoom app, under Bluetooth devices I mostly get nothing listed, or if it is listed, does not let me input the password generated by the F6. The Blue "Bluetooth" indicator within the app has not lit up at all yet. I've started and re-started all devices, still nothing. Any ideas appreciated. I've found nothing about this issue in other google searches.
My first suggestion is to update the firmware for the F6. I have version 1.5 in mine. I actually have a video out about all of the firmware updates and how to do it.
If that doesn’t help, let’s just go through the steps. Sometimes it’s one oversight that could mess everything up. Also I use my iPhone but I don’t think that would make a difference. If it does then I can borrow one to see if it’s an iPad issue. So let’s go through the steps, I just did it to confirm the steps.
1) Turn on F6, with BTA-1 plugged in
2) Make sure BT is turned on, on your phone/iPad
3) Open F6 app, on your phone/iPad
4) Open BT settings on F6 and select F Control(ios13)
5) at this point your F6 should pop up in the F6 app. Keep the app open, you should have to leave it if your BT is on
6) Once selected just give it time to load and it should say connected on both
Hopefully this helps, if it doesn’t I can borrow an iPad to see if it’s and iPad issue.
@@RebelTech1990 OK, mine has 1.2 so I guess that's something to do. However, today I tried again and now it IS connecting. SO I will look into a firmware update and make sure things stay the same. Thanks for your suggestions.
Sounds good, feel free to reach out if you need any help. Also refer to my firmware video if you need help updating it.
Doesn't work. It pops up on the app, I click on it to connect, and then the F6 pops up a password with a code and on the app the bluetooth device white screen pops back up blank???
You have to use the f control. They changed it after one of the updates. I think the iOS option has a password now
@@RebelTech1990 I have the same problem. What do you mean by f control?
Instead of choosing the ios option, choose the f6 control option. Since the phones have updated and the app hasn’t they aren’t compatible. At least that’s how I see it. I just tested it, it still works with firmware 1.9. Hope this helps!
@@RebelTech1990 Duh - sorry I forgot about the other option in the F6 - by selecting that INSTEAD of ios - it works! thanks
You got it bud! No need to be sorry. I miss things all the time. So I know how it feels lol
can you adjust eq curves on the app and add a compressor?
The app is basically an extension of the Zoom F6 menu system. The only "Editing" or altering you can do is add a high pass filter (Low Cut Filter) and a limiter. they didn't add any effects or editing features to the app. I think they just wanted to add a convenience aspect to their line of recorders. Also you can set this on a mount or under your camera, if it's on a tripod, and run it without having to touch the actual device. I haven't heard any updated on it but i'll keep an eye out. to be honest, they don't even market the Zoom F6, which sucks because it's an excellent little recorder. They focus on their handy recorders, which i under stand has a bugger market but it still doesn't help all your products. Sorry for the rant, I can go on for a while about this stuff. Hope this helped, let me know if you need any more help.
@@RebelTech1990 I love the zoom f6 and h5. They really do put an emphasis on the h line. I wish the f6 was shaped like the pixpre series
That's what I love about it, it looks so difference and unlike anything else out there. I see where your coming from because it doesn't fit a rack or a traditional mount
@@RebelTech1990 no, I just find the front to busy, maybe if the controls were on a long edge, I would like it much more.
I get what ya mean. maybe that's why it hasn't done that well. Also that may be the reason why Zoom doesn't advertise it
Your video was helpful and I got a lot out of it but I will say this. Less talk, less babel, less emotion would go a long way. It's like an episode of Dragnet. Just the facts please" Also as far as why. I don't know but it's easy enough to understand without knowing. Like. Perhaps all those tracks of high res audio. Large files by the dozen I could easily understand why that could not be transmitted wirelessly with a simple blue tooth connection. Perhaps it's that or some other tech reason. IT is also possible that they don't want to give to much. Planned obsolescence it's called. They hold back of feature for profit. Many of the new DJI drones don't have an aperture control. They could put it in easily but they don't. You need to buy the 1600 dollar model it you want that ability. Can I ask you. Have you used it much since this video. Deep down I want to buy the H6 but only the H8 has the blue tooth and that is very important to me when recording bands. Have you used it much and are you a fan? Does it work well? Thank you.
Thanks for checking out the video. The reason why I do the videos the way I do it is because I hate videos that are bland and just spit the facts. I want my videos to be more like a show and have some life to it. I don't wanna be a robot spewing info. I can understand that it's not for everyone but that's just my style. I hope that doesn't come off harsh, I don't mean it in a bad way. Just pointing out my style and my process.
To answer your question I have a ton more videos on the Zoom F6. I have covered a lot more since this one. Which means I love it. Second best purchase I have made, gear wise. My 416 will be my number 1 for a while.
I use the F6 almost every day on videos and projects I help out with. If you are using it for work and paid gigs then it's totally worth it. Or if you have it in your budget to get it regardless of the use then I would say yes as well. I have used the H6 and H5 and I can say they have some upsides but the F6 is much better. The H8 looks cool but I feel its a mess of a device. I can imagine holding that thing or finding a way to mount it comfortably. These observations are coming from a Boom Operator/Field recorders perspective so that may have a bias to it.
So basically I love the F6 and I don't regent getting it at all. If you wanna learn more about it, like I said I have a bunch more and and more to come.
@@RebelTech1990 That's cool. I checked out the 416 WOW ...that is a beauty. I agree about the H8 being a mess which is why I would rather the H6 but no blue tooth. I'm a musician, entertainer on Broadway in NYC but since covid Broadway is shut down. I have had a passion for video and video editing for a long time and love it passionately. I'm recording bar bands and jazz and blues bands and I do what I call the Ma giver and get them a pretty good video and pretty good sound. So I'm only charging 2 or 3 hundred depending but I need to up my recording game a bit. More channels I need. I do pretty well with a Tascam DR40 but it's not cutting it really. So as much as I'd love the f6, it's a little more than I need at this time but we will see how things pan out with covid and see if there are enough bands to warrant the cost. I nitch will be good sound and video cheap. Anyhow, Looking forward to checking out more of your videos. Thanks, Tom
I would say if you are planning on doing this stuff for a while then I would go with the F6. You have plenty of inputs for a PA system to out put to. You can also mic up 6 different sources, if you decide to mix something on your own. I feel for the price the F6 is worth it. The other ones aren't that much cheaper to justify restricting yourself. Also it may be future proofing yourself for bigger things. Of course you're not gonna do full studio recording with it but it does a lot. Best of luck with everything, let me know how it goes!
@@RebelTech1990 Yes Lots to think about. Thank You very much.
Sound Devices has intergrated bluetooth in its MixPre-3 that sells in the same price range. No reason in 2022 to have to buy a separate USB type Bluetooth adapter for a sound recorder.
can I monitor with the app with AirPods pros?
Unfortunately the audio signal doesn’t go to the app. It’s kinda silly but that’s what they did. Maybe in the future they will have a device and app combo that can do that.
Thanks for checking out the video!
@@RebelTech1990 that would be cool but then again I started thinking how monitoring audio that way would present a delay via Bluetooth and might not be good for critical video/audio work. But great explanation on the using with iPhone. I got that part up and running
I’m glad it helped!
It sounds to me that they didn't forget, but this is an Apple restriction. Apple is quite well known for restricting all their environment. I've heard a lot about limitations on Iphones to get audio from different devices, for example, when you record videos. I think it's just a limitation imposed by the brand. Hopefully they will create the Android version with this feature.
That’s definitely a part of it. I’m not a fan of exclusivity, especially with video games. But with apps it doesn’t make much sense not to have it on multiple platforms.
The BT audio issue was explained in a comment down below. I also talk about it in a new Zoom F6 video.
Thanks for checking out the video!
Is there a Android App for this?
I don’t think they released an Android app. Your other options could be using a newer iPad or iPod touch. You don’t need data to have it work, it’s just a Bluetooth connection. So if you have one of those you are set. If not, the iPod touch is much cheaper than a phone and an iPad can be used for a ton of things. I don’t know if they have any plans for an Android app. I would assume they would because they are releasing more devices with the Bluetooth option. If you have anymore questions I’ll be happy to answer them. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@RebelTech1990 ya I don't have anything APPLE the last thing and only thing apple I ad was a used Apple II+ w/ 2-5&1/4" floppy drives.
Yea I get ya, it’s annoying but I’ve heard it’s easier for companies to make IOS apps. I don’t know if that’s true or they might just have an exclusive license with them. Hopefully it changes. They just announced the H8 and it has a BT port as well. So let’s hope they port the app to android
No android support
It’s unfortunate that the Android market doesn’t get as much support as the iOS devices. I don’t think they will make it for Android, only because they barely update the iOS version
Zoom L series works
What a scam!!! Why not just give it to ppl for free!
I agree, I mean they could have built the BT functionality into the F6 and charged an extra 50-100 for it. I wouldn't mind it at all. it would still be more affordable than some other field recorders on the market.