Zoom F3 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder (Black)

The Zoom F3 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder (Black) is a compact, professional-grade audio recorder designed for filmmakers, field recordists, and sound designers who require high-quality, portable audio capture in demanding environments. Despite its small size, the F3 offers advanced features like 32-bit float recording, dual A/D converters, and professional XLR inputs, making it an ideal solution for capturing clear, distortion-free audio in a variety of conditions.

Key Features:

1. 32-Bit Float Recording with Dual A/D Converters:

• The Zoom F3 features 32-bit float recording, a game-changing technology that allows for capturing a wide dynamic range without worrying about gain levels, distortion, or clipping. This feature ensures that the quietest whispers and the loudest sounds are recorded with exceptional clarity and detail.
• The dual A/D converters ensure optimal audio quality, regardless of the input level, by dynamically adjusting to the loudest and quietest sounds, which is especially useful in unpredictable environments like film shoots, outdoor recordings, or live events.

2. Two Professional XLR Inputs with High-Quality Preamps:

• The F3 is equipped with two XLR inputs, each powered by high-performance preamps that provide up to 75 dB of gain. These preamps are designed to deliver ultra-low noise, even with low-output microphones such as dynamic mics or when using sensitive condenser mics.
• The recorder supports phantom power (+24V / +48V) for condenser microphones, making it versatile for various recording setups.

3. Compact and Portable Design:

• Designed for field recording, the F3 is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry or mount to a boom pole, camera rig, or microphone stand. Its portability makes it an ideal choice for solo filmmakers, journalists, podcasters, and sound recordists who need a highly mobile recording solution.
• Despite its small size, the F3 is built with a rugged metal chassis, ensuring durability in the field.

4. 2-Track Recording for Simple Yet Professional Capture:

• The Zoom F3 is capable of recording 2 tracks simultaneously, ideal for setups where two microphones are needed, such as interviews, dialogue recording, or stereo field recording.
• Each track is recorded in high-resolution 32-bit float WAV format, ensuring the highest quality sound capture for post-production, with ample headroom for adjustments in gain.

5. Advanced Monitoring and Control:

• The F3 offers real-time monitoring via a 3.5mm headphone jack, which allows users to hear the recording as it happens to ensure everything sounds correct. The headphone output has its own dedicated volume control for fine-tuning your monitoring experience.
• Additionally, a bright, clear LCD screen displays crucial recording information, such as input levels, recording time, and battery status, making it easy to manage recordings on the go.

6. Dual SD Card Slot for Storage:

• The Zoom F3 supports a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card (up to 1TB) for recording storage. While it doesn't offer dual card slots like higher-end models, the large SD capacity ensures that users have enough storage for extended recording sessions in the field.

7. Flexible Power Options:

• The F3 can be powered by two AA batteries, making it highly portable and ideal for mobile use. Additionally, it can be powered via USB-C, which allows it to be used with external battery packs or connected directly to a computer or USB power source for extended recording sessions.
• AA batteries provide up to 8 hours of recording time, depending on the usage and phantom power settings.

8. Bluetooth Control with Optional Adapter:

• With the optional Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter, the F3 can be remotely controlled using the Zoom F Control App (available for iOS and Android). This feature provides wireless control over recording levels, start/stop functions, and other settings, offering greater flexibility for field recording or camera-mounted setups.

9. Seamless Integration into Film and Video Workflows:

• The F3 integrates seamlessly into professional workflows with its compact size and high-quality audio capture, making it perfect for sound-for-picture scenarios, documentary work, or run-and-gun video production where high-quality, distortion-free audio is critical.

Specifications:

• Inputs: 2 x XLR (balanced) with phantom power (+24V/+48V)
• Outputs: 3.5mm headphone out
• Recording Formats: 32-bit float WAV
• Sample Rates: 44.1/48/96/192 kHz
• Storage: 1 x SD/SDHC/SDXC card (up to 1TB)
• Power: 2 x AA batteries, USB-C bus power, or external USB power bank
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours (with AA batteries)
• Dimensions: 3.06 x 2.22 x 1.33 inches (77.9 x 56.2 x 33.9 mm)
• Weight: 0.59 lbs (267g)

In the Box:

• Zoom F3 Field Recorder
• USB Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Conclusion:

The Zoom F3 offers the perfect blend of portability, professional audio quality, and advanced recording features. Its 32-bit float recording, compact design, and robust build make it an excellent choice for solo content creators, filmmakers, and sound professionals who need reliable, distortion-free sound in the field. With its dual XLR inputs, professional-grade preamps, and flexible power options, the F3 is a powerful, compact solution for capturing audio in any environment, from film sets to remote outdoor locations.