Zoom F1-SP 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder with Shotgun Microphone

The Zoom F1-SP 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder with Shotgun Microphone is a compact, professional audio recording solution designed for filmmakers, videographers, and content creators who need high-quality sound capture in a small, portable package. The combination of the Zoom F1 field recorder and the Zoom SGH-6 shotgun microphone delivers precise, directional audio, making it an ideal choice for interviews, dialogue, and location sound recording in film or video production.

Key Features:

1. Compact and Portable Design:

• The Zoom F1 Field Recorder is designed to be lightweight and compact, weighing only 0.26 lbs (116g). Its small size allows it to be easily attached to a camera rig, mounted on a boom pole, or even worn on a belt. Despite its size, it delivers professional-quality audio, making it perfect for mobile sound capture.
• The SGH-6 shotgun microphone is similarly compact and easily attaches to the F1, turning the setup into a high-quality, directional recording solution. This compact form factor makes the F1-SP ideal for run-and-gun shooting scenarios where portability and discretion are essential.

2. Professional 2-Input, 2-Track Recording:

• The F1 recorder features two inputs: one 10-pin Zoom mic capsule input (for microphones like the included SGH-6 shotgun capsule) and one 3.5mm stereo input with plug-in power, providing versatility for capturing various audio sources.
• The system records in 2-track mode, capturing high-quality, broadcast-ready sound for professional projects. It supports WAV files (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz) for uncompressed audio, as well as MP3 format for longer recording times with smaller file sizes.

3. Directional Audio with the SGH-6 Shotgun Microphone:

• The included Zoom SGH-6 shotgun microphone capsule is highly directional, making it ideal for capturing dialogue or focused sound in noisy or uncontrolled environments. The super-cardioid polar pattern ensures excellent off-axis rejection, reducing background noise and enhancing the clarity of your subject’s voice.
• This makes the F1-SP an excellent choice for interviews, documentaries, news gathering, or any situation where clear, focused audio is required.

4. Simple, Intuitive Operation:

• The F1-SP features an easy-to-read LCD display and simple control buttons for adjusting settings and managing recordings. Its intuitive interface allows users to quickly adjust levels, start/stop recording, or switch between different recording formats, making it ideal for those who need quick, on-the-fly adjustments in fast-paced recording environments.
• Additionally, the recorder’s display is backlit, ensuring that you can easily see your settings even in low-light conditions.

5. Safety Track Recording:

• The F1-SP offers the option to record a “safety track” alongside your main audio track. This feature records a second track at a lower level to prevent distortion from unexpected loud sounds. This is an essential feature for professionals who need reliable, distortion-free audio, especially when recording live or in uncontrolled environments.

6. Flexible Power Options:

• The F1-SP is powered by two AAA batteries, which provide up to 10 hours of recording time depending on usage and settings. This makes it an ideal solution for extended shoots or long recording sessions where access to power may be limited.
• It also supports USB power via the USB Micro-B port, allowing it to be powered by external USB power banks or a computer for even longer recording sessions.

7. Broadcast-Quality Audio Formats:

• The F1-SP supports high-resolution WAV recordings at 24-bit / 96 kHz, delivering professional-quality, uncompressed audio that is perfect for broadcast, film production, and video projects.
• For extended recording times, the device can also record in MP3 format, making it versatile for various recording needs while conserving storage space.

8. Expandable with Zoom Microphone Capsules:

• One of the key advantages of the F1 recorder is its compatibility with the Zoom interchangeable microphone capsule system. While the package comes with the SGH-6 shotgun mic, the recorder can also be paired with other Zoom mic capsules, such as the XYH-5 or XYH-6 X/Y stereo capsules, allowing for further flexibility and versatility in sound capture.
• This modularity makes the F1-SP a highly adaptable recording solution for different audio environments and needs.

9. Real-Time Monitoring and Output:

• The F1-SP features a 3.5mm stereo headphone output for real-time monitoring during recording, ensuring that you can accurately hear and adjust the sound quality on the go.
• It also features a line output, allowing it to send audio directly to a camera, eliminating the need for syncing audio in post-production, which simplifies the workflow for filmmakers.

10. Ample Storage Options:

• The recorder uses microSD and microSDHC cards (up to 32GB) for recording storage, providing ample space for extended recording sessions in high-quality WAV format or MP3.

Specifications:

• Inputs:

  • 1 x 10-pin Zoom mic capsule input
  • 1 x 3.5mm stereo mini input with plug-in power (2.5V)

• Outputs:

  • 1 x 3.5mm headphone output
  • 1 x 3.5mm line output (for connecting to a camera)

• Microphone:

  • SGH-6 shotgun mic capsule (super-cardioid polar pattern)

• Recording Formats:

  • WAV: 16-bit/24-bit, 44.1/48/96 kHz
  • MP3: 128 to 320 kbps

• Storage:

  • microSD/microSDHC cards (up to 32GB)

• Power:

  • 2 x AAA batteries or USB power

• Battery Life:

  • Up to 10 hours (depending on usage)

• Dimensions (F1 recorder):

  • 2.56 x 2.46 x 0.83 inches (65.2 x 62.7 x 21.8 mm)

• Weight (F1 recorder):

  • 0.26 lbs (116g)

In the Box:

• Zoom F1 Field Recorder
• Zoom SGH-6 Shotgun Microphone Capsule
• Windscreen
• Shock mount
• Stereo mini cable (for connecting to camera)
• Belt clip
• AAA batteries
• Quick start guide

Conclusion:

The Zoom F1-SP 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder with Shotgun Microphone is an excellent audio recording solution for filmmakers, videographers, and field recordists who require professional-grade sound in a lightweight, portable package. Its 32-bit float recording, professional shotgun microphone, and ability to handle a variety of recording environments make it a go-to tool for capturing crystal-clear audio in challenging conditions. Whether you're capturing interviews, documentary sound, or ambient audio, the F1-SP is versatile, reliable, and easy to use.