Zoom F8 Multi-Track Field Recorder

No longer available at zZounds
Zoom's pro-level portable recorder gives you 8 mic preamps, timecode I/O, 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, 8x AA or external battery power, LED metering and more.

Advances in video have made filmmaking accessible to creators everywhere. But the accessibility of professional audio devices has not kept pace. Field recorders, with essential features such as time code, have been unobtainable for most. Until now.

The F8 is made for serious filmmakers and sound designers. With 8-input/10-track recording, super low-noise preamps, and support for 24-bit/192kHz audio, the F8 captures the highest-quality audio.

Mic preamps

Outfitted with our finest mic preamps to date, the F8 features an extremely low noise floor (127dBu EIN) and high gain (up to 75dB), with +4dB line inputs.

High-resolution audio and advanced limiters

The F8 can record at 24-bit/192kHz resolution and is equipped with onboard limiters designed to provide overload protection. Limiting can be applied to all 8 channels simultaneously at full resolution, with 10dB of headroom and controls for setting threshold, attack, and release.

Time code with pinpoint accuracy

The F8's time code is state-of-the-art. It utilizes a precision oscillator that generates time code at 0.2ppm accuracy, enabling rock-solid syncing of audio and video.

The F8 supports all standard dropframe and non-drop formats, and can jam sync to time code being provided by external devices. An input and output are provided on standard BNC connectors, enabling easy integration into any rig.

Weight and build

The F8 is not only versatile and feature rich, it is the smallest field recorder with eight read more XLR combo inputs ever made. Weighing just 2.1 pounds (without batteries), its aluminum chassis is both rugged and durable.

Display

Sound professionals sometimes work in dusty, hard-to-see environments. Level meters with adjustable brightness and its 2.4 inch full-color backlit LCD (which can be set to monochrome mode), make the F8 easy to use in any environment -- from low-light to direct sunlight.

File formats, resolution, and sample rates

The F8 records in BWF-compatible WAV format at 16 or 24-bit resolution, and at any standard sample rate up to 192k. When recording files in MP3 format, you can choose bit rates of 128, 192, or 320kbps.

Dual SD card recording

Record on two SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, up to 512GB each, simultaneously, allowing you to instantly backup or split recordings (for example, save eight tracks onto one card and a stereo mix onto another).

Three power sources

A 4-pin Hirose connector allows the use of external 9-16 volt DC battery packs. Internal power is provided by 8 AA batteries. The F8 can switch power sources from a DC battery pack to the AA batteries at a user-defined voltage level for uninterrupted recording. You can also use the supplied 12 volt AC adapter when not on the go.

File protection

Files are saved periodically during recording. This provides an extra level of protection in the event of unexpected file interruption, for example, power loss or the removal of an SD card.

Dual-channel Recording

The F8's dual-channel recording mode allows you to create safety tracks on inputs 1-4, each with independent level, limiting, delay, phase inversion, and high-pass filtering.

Pre-record

The pre-record function allows you to capture up to 6 seconds of audio before you hit the RECORD button.

Comprehensive Headphone Monitoring

Out in the field, it's important to be able to quickly check levels as you're recording. With the F8, it's simple. A single display lets you monitor single or multiple tracks, as well as any of the Main or Sub outputs, via a dedicated 1/4" headphone jack with a front panel volume control.

Signals can be freely routed to the left and/or right headphone channels, pre- or post-fader, and the headphone output can be switched to mono. You can set headphone alert tones for low battery, recording start/stop, or recording errors.

The F8 comes equipped with a built-in 100mW headphone amplifier, allowing you to monitor in the noisiest of environments.

A first in the field

The F8 is the first field recorder to come with wireless Bluetooth control. The Zoom F8 Control App for iOS provides extensive wireless remote control of the F8 from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch (5th Gen) using Bluetooth LE protocol. Functions include Record, Play, Stop, Fast-Forward, and Rewind, plus mixer pan and fader level. You can also monitor input levels, current time code, and battery status. With Zoom F8 Control, you can rename files, enter metadata, and set date/time information directly from your iOS device.

Inputs

The F8 provides 8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors. Each input has a dedicated gain control knob, a 6-segment LED level meter, and Record Ready and PFL switch. A 10-pin connector on the rear panel enables the use of Zoom mic capsules, with an optional extension cable that allows for remote positioning. There's also a built-in slate mic and a variable frequency slate tone generator to confirm levels.

Outputs

In addition to its 1/4" headphone jack with dedicated volume control, the F8 provides four outputs: two Main Outs (on balanced TA3 mini-XLR jacks) for connection to external mixers and processing devices; and two Sub Outs (on a single unbalanced 1/4" stereo mini-jack) for connection to a camera.

Time Code and USB

Time code I/O is provided on BNC connectors. A USB port enables firmware updates, file transfer, and allows the F8 to be used as an 8-in/4-out USB audio interface operating at sample rates up to 96k.

The Software

The F8's menu is easy to navigate and has a simple file structure. Cataloging is straightforward, with extensive metadata (both BWF and iXML), which can be entered directly on the F8 or with the Zoom F8 Control App.

Onboard Mixer:

The F8's onboard mixer enables flexible signal routing from all inputs to all outputs, either pre- or post-fader, with user-adjustable level, pan, and input/output delay. In addition to advanced onboard limiters (which can be applied to all channels and tracks simultaneously), the F8 also provides high-pass filtering to reduce the sound of wind and other noise, plus phase inversion and Mid-Side decoding.

Get an overview of the Zoom F8 Eight Channel Field Portable Digital Recorder in this video demo:


Features:

- 8-channel/10-track field audio recorder/mixer
- 8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors
- Compact and lightweight aluminum chassis, weighing just 2 pounds (without batteries)
- High quality mic preamps with up to 75dB gain, less than -127dBu EIN, and +4dB line inputs
- Support for up to 24-bit/192kHz recording as well as 96k, 88.2k, 48k, and 44.1k, plus 47.952k / 48.048k for HD video compatibility; 16-/24-bit resolution
- Accurate Time Code (0.2ppm) I/O on standard BNC connectors; dropframe/non-drop formats with Jam Sync
- Three different power supply options: 8x AA batteries, external DC battery pack with Hirose connector, or 12V AC adapter (AA's and DC battery pack not included)
- Automatic switching of power source from DC to batteries at user-defined voltage levels
- Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for each channel
- Phantom power (+48V/+24V) on every input
- Advanced onboard limiters for input and output
- High pass filter, phase invert, and Mid-Side decoder
- Input delay of up to 30 msec per channel / output delay of up to 10 frames per output
- Compatible with Zoom microphone capsules; optional extender cable enables remote positioning
- Dual mini-XLR (TA3) balanced Main Outs plus 1/8" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
- Dedicated headphone output (100mW) with front panel volume control
- 2.4" full-color backlit LCD with monochrome mode
- Dedicated PFL display with viewable trim settings
- Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, up to 512GB each
- Records in BWF-compliant WAV or MP3 file formats
- Support for extensive metadata (BWF and iXML); input time, date, project, scene number, etc.
- Built-in slate mic/slate tone with front panel switch
- Built-in tripod mount; camera mount adapter also included
- Use as an 8-in / 4-out USB audio interface (@ 96kHz)
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- Accessories: Camera mount adapter, Zoom AD-19 12V AC Adapter, Operation manual, TA3 to XLR cable x2, Cubase LE and WaveLab LE download codes
- Dual SD card slot supports: 16MB-2GB SD cards, 4GB-32GB SDHC cards, 64GB-512GB SDXC cards

Inputs: 1-8:
- Connectors: XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR: 2 hot, TRS: TIP hot)

Inputs: XLR (MIC):
- Input gain: +10 - +75 dB
- Input impedance: 3.3 kOhm
- Maximum input level: +14 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)
- Phantom power: +24/+48V 10mA maximum for each channel

Inputs: TRS (LINE):
- Input gain: 10 - +55 dB
- Input impedance: 28 kOhm
- Maximum input level: +34 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)

- Equivalent input noise: 127 dBu or less (A-weighted, +75dB input gain, 150Ohm input)
- Frequency characteristics: 10 Hz - 80 kHz +0.5dB/1dB (192kHz sampling rate)
- A/D dynamic range: 120 dB type (60dBFS input, A-weighted)
- Crosstalk: 90 dB or less (between adjacent channels, 1kHz)
- MIC IN: ZOOM mic capsule input (use disables Inputs 1/2)
- SLATE MIC: Built-in mic for voice memos can freely be assigned to tracks

Outputs: MAIN OUT 1/2:
- Connectors: TA-3 connectors, balanced output (2: hot)
- Output impedance: 150 Ohm or less
- Reference output level: 10 dBV (Normal Output Type), 40 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 600Ohm load
- Maximum output level: +10 dBV (Normal Output Type), 20 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 600Ohm load

Outputs: SUB OUT 1/2:
- Connector: 3.5mm stereo mini unbalanced output jack
- Output impedance: 100 Ohm or less
- Reference output level: 10 dBV (Normal Output Type), 40 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 10kOhm load
- Maximum output level: +10 dBV (Normal Output Type), 20 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 10kOhm load

Headphone:
- Connector: 1/4" unbalanced stereo output jack
- Output impedance: 15 Ohm or less
- Maximum output level: 100mW + 100mW (32Ohm load)

- D/A dynamic range: 106 dB typical (60dBFS input, A-weighted)

Recording Formats: When WAV Selected:
- Supported formats: 44.1/47.952/48/48.048/88.2/96/192kHz, 16/24-bit, mono/stereo/2-10 ch poly, BWF and iXML
- Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 10 (8 inputs + stereo mix), 8 (with 192kHz sampling rate)

Recording Formats: When mp3 Selected:
- Supported formats: 128/192/320kbps, 44.1/48kHz, ID3v1 tags
- Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 2

Timecode:
- Connector: BNC
- Modes: Off, Int Free Run, Int Record Run, Int RTC Run, Ext, Ext Auto Rec (audio clock can be synchronized to timecode)
- Frame rates: 23.976ND, 24ND, 25ND, 29.97ND, 29.97D, 30ND, 30D
- Precision: +/-0.2 ppm
- Supported input levels: 0.2 - 5.0 Vpp
- Input impedance: 4.6 kOhm
- Output level: 3.3 Vpp
- Output impedance: 50 Ohm or less

Power Supplies:
- Batteries: 8 AA
- AC adapter: AD-19 DC12V 2A (center plus)
- External DC power supply: HIROSE HR10A-7R-4S 4-pin connector (1 pin: , 4 pin: +), 9-16 V

Display:
- 2.4" full-color LCD: 320x240

- USB: MASS STORAGE OPERATION
- Class: USB 2.0 High Speed
- Dimensions: (W x D x H) 7 x 5.5 x 2.1" (178.2 x 140.3 x 54.3mm)
- Weight: 2.1 pounds (960 g)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted May 21, 2017 by Rafael C in Tampa, FL

"Professional Field recorder at a affordable price."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This field recorder is amazing. Price, Features and Pre amps are amazing.
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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No longer available at zZounds

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