Zoom F3 Review
We've aggregated 3 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the Zoom F3
The Zoom F3 is a groundbreaking device that fundamentally simplifies audio capture for a specific class of creator. Its standout feature, 32-bit float recording, is genuinely a game-changer, completely removing the need to set and monitor gain levels. For solo operators, documentarians, or sound designers, this means you can press record with the confidence that your audio will be immune to clipping, whether you're capturing the quietest ambiance or a sudden loud sound effect. This 'set-it-and-forget-it' capability is housed in an impressively compact and robust chassis that can be easily mounted to a camera rig or placed discreetly on set.
Of course, this focused design comes with clear trade-offs. With only two XLR inputs, the F3 is not intended for complex, multi-microphone shoots. It's a specialist tool for two-channel recording. The most significant practical drawback is its middling battery life when running on two AA batteries, so investing in a reliable external power source is highly recommended for all-day shoots. Despite these limitations, the F3's excellent preamps, high-quality recording formats, and its ability to double as a capable two-in, two-out USB audio interface for a computer make it an incredibly versatile and powerful tool for its intended purpose.
- Game-changing 32-bit float recording eliminates clipping
- Extremely compact, lightweight, and portable design
- Simple, 'set-it-and-forget-it' operation
- Solid build quality for its price point
- Functions as a clean two-channel USB audio interface
- Mediocre battery life with standard AA batteries
- Limited to only two XLR inputs
- Minimalist screen requires a remote app for detailed monitoring
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
Best reviews
The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.
Editorial reviews
This portable 2-channel recorder is equipped with two XLR balanced inputs and it can record 32-bit float in the WAV format. It also has a ...
The F3 is an extremely portable, professional two-channel recorder. It's also a 32-bit-only recorder, offering more headroom than you will (quite literally) ...
The F3 is a small beast. It's very well built for the most part, with an interesting, almost cubic form factor. It's been ok with bumps and hits ...
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About this product
The Zoom F3 is a portable 2-input / 2-track field recorder designed for videographers and sound recordists. It features two ultralow-noise mic preamps via XLR jacks and utilizes 32-bit float recording to avoid clipping, eliminating the need for gain adjustment. This compact device captures clear, distortion-free sound in a variety of environments.
Specs
- Usb
- 1x USB-C
- Weight
- 8.5 oz / 242 g (with Batteries)
- Display
- Backlit LCD Touchscreen
- App Name
- F3 Control
- Sync I O
- No
- Timecode
- Wireless Only (with Non-Included Adapter)
- Wireless
- Bluetooth *Via Optional Adapter
- Bit Depth
- 32-Bit Float
- Snr Noise
- ≤ -127 dBu EIN
- Analog I O
- XLR / 1/8" (3.5 mm) / 1/8" (3.5 mm) Headphone
- Dimensions
- 3 x 1.9 x 3" / 75 x 47.8 x 77.3 mm
- Microphone
- No
- Form Factor
- Field Recorder
- Network I O
- No
- Battery Type
- 2x AA (Not Included)
- Sample Rates
- 44.1 to 192 kHz
- Phantom Power
- 24 / 48 V Phantom Power
- Power Options
- Battery, USB Bus Power, or AC/DC Power Adapter
- Battery Runtime
- 8 to 18 Hours, Dependent on Settings and Battery Type
- Analog Audio I O
- 2x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line Input 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Line Output 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Headphone Output
- Built In Speaker
- No
- Internal Storage
- No
- Mounting Options
- 3/8"-16 Female (Bottom)
- Number Of Tracks
- 2
- Special Features
- Remote Control Capable (Remote Available Separately)
- App Functionality
- Remote Control
- Digital Audio I O
- No
- Audio File Formats
- BWF, iXML, WAV
- Number Of Channels
- 2
- Ac Dc Power Adapter
- 5 VDC at 1 A (Not Included)
- Maximum Input Level
- +4 dBu (Mic Input) +24 dBu (Line Input)
- Maximum Sampling Rate
- 192 kHz / 32-Bit
- Mobile App Compatible
- Yes (Requires Separate Adapter): Android & iOS
- Headphone Output Power
- 50 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
- Media Memory Card Slot
- Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC [1 TB Maximum]
- Primary Use Applications
- Audio-for-Video
- Audio Interface Capability
- Stereo Only:
- Number Of Microphone Inputs
- 2
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