{"id":567,"date":"2024-08-08T07:37:42","date_gmt":"2024-08-07T22:37:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/?p=567"},"modified":"2024-08-08T07:37:42","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T22:37:42","slug":"zoom-f3%ef%bd%9cthe-best-compact-field-recorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/sounds\/zoom-f3%ef%bd%9cthe-best-compact-field-recorder\/","title":{"rendered":"ZOOM F3\uff5cThe Best Compact Field Recorder!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u2713 This is not a sponsored review.<br>In this article, I review the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4dDhXhb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Zoom F3<\/a><\/strong> based on my actual experience using it after purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To summarize my review: the XLR balanced inputs, 32-bit float recording, and compact size make it unique. For situations where multi-track recording isn\u2019t needed, this one device is sufficient. With only two inputs, it is perfect for stereo recording or using special microphones like contact mics and hydrophones. The limited functionality makes it very user-friendly and convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Ad3mKV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Input:<\/strong> 2 channels \/ XLR balanced \/ Phantom power (+24 \/ +48 V)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Output:<\/strong> 2 channels \/ PHONE, LINE<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recording format:<\/strong> 44.1\/48\/ 88.2\/96\/192 kHz, 32-bit float mono\/stereo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Media:<\/strong> microSD up to 1TB (to be confirmed)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For an overview, refer to the official Zoom description below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Small Design, Big Sound<\/strong><br>With 32-bit float recording, the F3 effortlessly captures the quietest raindrops and the loudest explosions. Its small footprint allows for this recorder to be placed anywhere, as you capture and monitor up to 192 kHz of high-quality audio.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Example of solid vibration sound recording. (Geof\u00f3n \u2013 LOM Audio)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C7lct2CSpyf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C7lct2CSpyf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C7lct2CSpyf\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by bgd peco (@barbe_generative_diary)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It is easy to use even in unpredictable field recording situations and for beginners.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In typical field recording, appropriate input level settings are made to avoid clipping and noise. Usually, the gain is adjusted to -12db when pointing the mic at the target sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the Zoom F3, dual AD converters and 32-bit float allow recording without adjusting the gain, making it possible to record just by turning on the power. This eliminates concerns about gain-related clipping in unpredictable field recording environments, making it a user-friendly device for beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dual AD Converters<\/strong><br>The Zoom F3 features dual AD converters for low and high gain. Normally, the gain level is adjusted based on the loudness of the sound being recorded. Low gain lowers the gain level for loud sounds, while high gain increases the gain level for faint sounds. With dual AD converters, the Zoom F3 can record loud sounds without clipping and capture faint sounds with a high S\/N ratio, minimizing self-noise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>32-bit float<\/strong><br>This recording format accurately captures sounds from faint to loud. In audio recording, bit depth represents the dynamic range without distortion. Especially for faint sounds, it records details finely, allowing reproduction of non-degraded sound even after normalization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u26a0\ufe0f While the dual AD converters and 32-bit float enable accurate recording without clipping, checking the microphone specifications is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Features in a Palm-sized Recorder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design and Build Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Zoom F3 features a compact and robust design. Its two XLR balanced inputs for stereo recording and palm-sized compactness are appealing. It can be attached with Velcro to arms or boom mics, making it valuable for demanding field recording. The aluminum body is durable against shocks and environmental changes, suitable for outdoor use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-01.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-569 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-01.webp 1024w, https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-01-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-01-768x432.webp 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inputs and Outputs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It has two XLR balanced inputs and two stereo mini-jack outputs (PHONE, LINE). It also supports phantom power (+24\/+48V) required for condenser mics. The recording format is WAV, and sampling rates can be chosen from 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 192 kHz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Usability and Interface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Zoom F3 features an intuitive and simple interface. The large LCD screen is highly visible, with a backlight that makes it easy to read even in nighttime field recording environments. The physical buttons are sturdy and easy to press, allowing smooth operation during recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Battery Life and Storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many sources claim that it operates for eight hours on two AA batteries, but the actual continuous usage time varies with conditions. For general recording using condenser mics with phantom power and monitoring headphones, it lasts around two hours. The manual example shows about two hours with alkaline batteries at 48 kHz \/ 32-bit float, 2 channels, microSD card recording, headphone use, and phantom power (48V, 5mA). For long recording sessions, it supports USB bus power, allowing extended recording time with a portable battery. It uses microSD cards, supporting up to 1TB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It can also be controlled wirelessly via smartphones or tablets. Attach a dedicated wireless adapter (like the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4dxlM7x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"><strong>BTA-1<\/strong><\/a>) to the F3 and use the dedicated controller app &#8220;F3 Control.&#8221; It can also be used as an audio interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Zoom F3: Pros and Cons, Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compact and very user-friendly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can be used without worrying about gain adjustment due to 32-bit float recording.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Very easy to set up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limited to two inputs, so multi-track recording is not possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not suitable for long recording sessions on battery power (an external battery is recommended).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No gain adjustment, so levels may exceed depending on mic sensitivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Zoom F3 is a favorite among many field recordists due to its usability. Having one as a mobile secondary recorder is very convenient. It is recommended for a wide range of users, from those seeking professional sound quality to beginners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an additional note, the battery compartment has a strap for easy battery removal, a small detail that reflects thoughtful user consideration, which I personally appreciate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-02.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-570 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-02.webp 1024w, https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-02-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ZOOM-F3-review-02-768x432.webp 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"BGD_SOUNDS\">BGD_SOUNDS (barbe_generative_diary SOUNDS)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>barbe_generative_diary SOUNDS will start sharing and selling a variety of field recordings collected for use in my artwork \u201cSound Visualization\u201d experiments. All sounds are royalty-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.bandcamp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Link \/ BGD_SOUNDS on bandcamp<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-src=\"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/240801_bandcamp-top-BGD_SOUNDS.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-554 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/240801_bandcamp-top-BGD_SOUNDS.webp 1024w, https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/240801_bandcamp-top-BGD_SOUNDS-300x214.webp 300w, https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/240801_bandcamp-top-BGD_SOUNDS-768x548.webp 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/731;\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Zoom F3 is an excellent recorder for compact setups. It\u2019s palm-sized and can be attached to your arm or a boom mic with Velcro, allowing for lightweight recording. It&#8217;s user-friendly, even for beginners, as there is no need to adjust the gain. I often use it for recordings with contact mics and hydrophones.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":568,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,20,12,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-567","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-field-recording","category-field-recording-gear","category-gear-and-tools","category-sounds"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=567"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":572,"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/567\/revisions\/572"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/568"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=567"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=567"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/barbegenerativediary.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=567"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}