Zoom F3 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder Review
We've aggregated 9 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the Zoom F3 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder
The Zoom F3 represents a significant shift in field recording, packaging professional-grade 32-bit float technology into an incredibly compact and durable unit. Its core strength is its 'set-it-and-forget-it' nature. By virtually eliminating the risk of digital clipping and removing the need for meticulous gain-staging, it allows creators to focus on their performance or subject without worrying about ruined audio. This small, robust box with dual XLR inputs can be tucked anywhere, making it a powerful tool for solo videographers, sound effects recordists, and anyone who needs a reliable audio drop kit.
This specialization, however, comes with trade-offs. The F3 is a purpose-built device for those bringing their own XLR microphones, as it includes no built-in mics for quick scratch audio. While the build is solid, the user interface feels dated, with a simple screen and menu system that can feel clunky in operation. These usability quirks are somewhat offset by the option for modern Bluetooth control via a smartphone app. Ultimately, the F3 excels at its primary mission: capturing clean, un-clippable audio from professional mics in the smallest possible package.
- Game-changing 32-bit float recording prevents digital clipping
- Extremely compact and lightweight design
- Solid build quality for its price point
- Dual professional XLR inputs
- Functions as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface
- Can be controlled remotely via a Bluetooth app
- User interface and menu system feel outdated
- No built-in microphones for ambient or scratch audio
- Screen is small and very basic
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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About this product
The Zoom F3 is a portable 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 prevent clipping without the need for gain adjustment. Known for its compact size and distortion-free audio capture, it supports high-quality sample rates and various powering options.
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
- Functionality
- Remote Control
- 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)
- 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]
- Signal Processing & FX
- No
- Number Of Input Channels
- 2
- Primary Use Applications
- Audio-for-Video
- Audio Interface Capability
- Stereo Only: /
- Number Of Microphone Inputs
- 2
- Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
- No Bias/Plug-In Power; 24 / 48 V Phantom Power
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