Zoom F8 MultiTrack Field Recorder

Full Description

Reviews

"I am deeply impressed with the F8... The F8 unquestionably offers remarkable value for money, and nothing else with a comparable number of inputs and recording tracks, let alone the rest of its comprehensive facilities, comes anywhere close." - Sound on Sound - Zoom F8 Review

High-resolution audio

Take your sound further. The F8 is equipped with Zoom's outstanding microphone preamps, offering an extremely-low noise floor, high gain up to 75dB, and +4dB line inputs. With the ability to record at 24-bit / 192kHz resolution, you can experience phenomenal audio performance. The F8 also features onboard limiters that protect from overloading. These limiters can be used across all of the F8's channels simultaneously at full resolution.

State-of-the-art time code

Precision at its finest. The F8's time code uses a TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator). This gives you significantly improved PPM performance over normal crystal oscillators - often up to 40 times better. The time code generated by the F8 is at 0.2ppm accuracy, giving you the ability to sync your audio and video with incredible precision. Supporting all standard dropframe and non-drop formats, the F8 can also jam sync to time code provided by an external device. The I/O connectors utilise standard BNC connectors, letting you integrate your F8 into any sound rig with ease.

Accessible design with versatile recording capabilities

Dual SD card recording, multiple power options, and a wide selection of file formats and resolutions. The F8 is one of the most versatile field recorders around. Capable of recording onto two SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards with up to 512GB on each, you can make use of up to 1TB of space to store, instantly backup, or split your recordings with ease. Files are recorded in a BWF-compatible WAV format at 16 or 24-bit audio resolution. You can set the sample rate all the way up to 192kHz, as well as providing additional support for 47.952kHz and 48.048kHz for HD video compatibility. The F8 also supports MP3 recording at bit rates of 128, 192, or 320kbps.

The F8 also boasts some unique tools and functions to keep your recording going without a hitch. Dual-channel recording lets you create safety tracks on inputs 1 to 4. Each of these safety tracks features level control, limiting, delay, phase inversion, and high-pass filtering. Whilst this halves the input count of the F8, it allows you to take advantage of two different gain structures for each input at the same time - perfect for sound sources with a wide dynamic range. There's also a pre-record function, allowing you to capture up to six seconds of sound before you've even hit record, so you'll never miss your cue again. Plus, with intelligent file protection that automatically saves your files periodically during recordings, you have an added level of security in case you lose power or accidentally remove an SD card

Selectable power sources

Thanks to the 4-pin Hirose connector, you're able to make use of external 9V to 16V DC battery packs. Alternatively, you can place eight AA batteries inside the included BCF-8 battery case, and power your F8 from these. You can easily switch between a connected DC battery pack and the installed AA batteries at a voltage level of your choosing. This lets you take advantage of extended power capabilities when you're out in the field for uninterrupted recording. If you're in an area with accessible mains power, you can simply use the included 12V AC adapter.

Monitor with confidence

Monitoring is a key aspect of getting the perfect sound. With the F8's dedicated 1/4'' headphone jack and front panel level control, you can listen to single tracks, multiple tracks, and the main or sub outputs. You can route your signals to the left and right headphone channels, switch the headphone output to mono, and select between pre- or post-fader listening. You can also set headphone alert tones to notify you of any recording errors, recording status, and low battery warnings. Plus, with a built-in 100mW headphone amp, you can monitor with ease in even the noisiest of environments.

Intuitive hardware, software, and wireless control

Easy-to-use and incredibly efficient. The Zoom F8 gives you endless options for controlling your projects and workflow. Each channel features a dedicated gain control knob, as well as a 6-segment LED meter, Record Ready switch, and a PFL switch. In addition to this, you can take advantage of the F8's flexible onboard mixer. This gives you control over signal routing from all ins and outs with the choice of pre- or post-fader routing, level, panning, and I/O delay. You can also use the onboard limiters on all channels and tracks, high-pass filters to attenuate wind and other noise, phase inversion, and Mid-Side decoding. The F8's menu is easy to navigate on the 2.4'' full-colour backlit LCD, boasting an intelligent file structure with the ability to enter extensive metadata directly on your F8 or through the F8 Control app.

The F8 also gives you the opportunity to experience one of the first field recorders with wireless Bluetooth control. Using the F8 Control app for iOS, you can take control of your rig directly from your iOS device. Transport controls, mixer panning, and fader levels can be adjusted straight from the app, whilst also allowing you to monitor input levels, current time code, and the F8's battery status. Plus, with the ability to rename files and enter metadata, you can keep track of all your files and recordings with ease.

For in-depth specifications, please refer to the Technical Specifications PDF