ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder review

In this week’s episode, we have a look at the ZOOM F3 audio recorder. This sound recorder can record wide dynamic range sound with its dual analogue to digital converters per input and 32-bit float recording capabilities. This tiny recorder features two high quality microphone inputs and a solid body that can attach to a camera or your belt or even to your wrist with a strap.

To learn more about 32-bit float wide dynamic range audio, please see this sound for video session: https://youtu.be/x4Kc_IFgRXo

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. Https://school.learnlightandsound.com

Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com http://ko-fi.com/curtisjudd

Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

- ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/6RvZm
- ZOOM BTA-1 bluetooth adapter — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/vqICA1
- ZOOM F8n Pro 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/fdkN4s
- Sound Devices MixPre II series 32-bit float recorders — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/O8e0
- Tascam Portacapture x8 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/BE098
- Sennheiser MKH416 Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/AVgsgHZ
- AA Li-Ion rechargeable batteries — Amazon https://geni.us/gKjQ6G
- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store https://geni.us/3fj3g0g
- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H https://geni.us/pJEgP
- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon https://geni.us/A3HByXB
- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon https://geni.us/kfAj
- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H https://geni.us/GWKt
- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/InspOl
- Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/6cvOQ

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Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

#ZOOM #F3 #Sound

Index:
00:00 Start
00:11 Summary
00:21 Introduction
00:32 XLR inputs & self-noise
01:14 32-bit float wide dynamic range
01:35 32-bit float demonstration
05:45 Sample rates
05:49 No gain setting, just amplification (post fader)
06:47 No meters
07:13 Amplification level (post fader)
08:32 2 track recorder, mono or stereo
09:07 Build quality
09:38 Mounting with 1/4 screw or belt
09:57 Powering the F3
10:42 USB audio interface
11:01 Loopback
11:15 Direct monitoring
11:49 Screen
11:59 microSD cards
12:08 Bluetooth BTA1 add-on with app control
12:28 Ultrasync Blue timecode
12:45 Line/mic output
13:09 Output limiter for live sound or sending sound to camera
13:56 Headphone jack
14:24 RF immunity
15:00 Size and weight
15:12 Price and warranty
15:27 No 1/4 or 3.5mm inputs
15:49 Plastic battery door
16:08 Bluetooth add-on BTA1
16:53 Belt loops can get in the way
17:10 Colored headphone amplifier
17:37 Buttons and ergonomics
17:55 Cannot record at same time as USB interface
18:14 Timecode limitations — not a lot of camera report
18:57 Max input level +4dBu & loud sound
19:39 Set amp level before recording
20:19 My take
20:59 Which situations is it NOT good for?
22:11 Which situations is it good for?
23:15 Versus Tascam Portacapture x8
24:57 Versus Sound Devices MixPre
27:02 Please buy my courses