ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder review

[@herbyverstink]

I sure do appreciate your calm, professional, knowledgeable reviews. No smash the like button... no please subscribe pleas.. just calming gear review..Im sure its been said before but felt like it needed repeating. Good day sir!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks herbyverstink, I appreciate that.

[@ahndeux]

And don't forget to smash that like button and subscribe.

[@MayhemJack]

I never really understood this generation's obsession with "smashing" things.

[@IONHowTo]

My man stays true to quality content and no retention editing. Really useful video, thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@Squeeky_Wheel]

Genuinely one of the best reviews for anything I've ever seen. Super insightful and in-depth. Thank you sir

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@EmpireMP]

You are by far the best audio reviewer I have seen! Seriously well done!

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@iPhonedo]

I love my F3 and I'm so happy to hear your thoughts about it. Fantastic video, thank you sir!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for coming by!

[@maxhegner]

3030 upvotes and not a single downvote really speaks for the quality of your videos :) finally pulled the trigger on the F3 today, one year after watching your video on release. Just had to hear your opinion again before buying. Keep up the great work!

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording!

[@jasonlumetta]

I normally do not interact with or comment on KZbin videos, but you should know. I have been following your KZbin channel, a few years now and have always enjoyed your commentary. Many years ago, I was interested in and purchased the Tascam DR-60mkii. Your review was very precise and great content on that product. I just bought the NTG3 and Zoom F3. Again on both of these products you have done another precise and great job explaining your perspective. Over the years, you have continued to up your game and the quality in this field. Very few people seem as capable as you are. The other day I participated for the first time in a live event. Realizing your event wasn't so much a Q&A about the Zoom F3 but how your work flow in creating content for KZbin. Your work flow and keen sense to detail was refreshing to see. I hope to become more proficient in my endeavors. Thank you for taking the time and your sense of perfection in your perspective.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Jason. Happy recording!

[@truecuckoo]

When a Zoom product has a number in its name, it often (usually?) indicates the number of inputs. When I read F3 I was so happy, because 3 is the perfect number of inputs for a lot of simple music video recordings. Stereo input for the instrumental part, and a separate for the vocals. Also in interviews it’d be lovely to have a mix ready with ambience in stereo and Voice with a closeup mono mic. But this is a 2 track system. Made me kinda disappointed.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, they already have an F2 and F1 so their numbering got a bit muddled.

[@jones786]

Agree. They should have something like this with 4 inputs, something less intense than the F6.

[@BincFilm]

This might be the most honest, to the point, and thorough KZbin video review in existence. Well done! Thank you for all the valuable information. 😊

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks 👍

[@rickbiessman6084]

Curtis Judd, man. Rock solid on the technical side, but never fails to address all those little things that are easy to overlook, but really important in practical use. Amazing work as always!

[@curtisjudd]

👍🙏

[@flutechannel]

This is what I've been waiting for Curtis! Bravo!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much!

[@flutechannel]

@@curtisjudd my pleasure!

[@slightlyopinionated8107]

This is one of the best videos on the F3! Awesome video! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@joshdiditt]

If you started doing camera reviews as well your channel would have surpassed 1 million because it seems that's all people care about is cameras these days. I appreciate all your sound reviews. I just purchased a Zoom F3 because of this review and still have the AT-4053Bb due to your recommendations as well.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Josh.

[@PatrikIzing]

Can only repeat what has been said, amazing in-depth videos. Once I see a review here I know I don't need to watch any other videos on that particular product. And that is gold. Also, I did Curtis' course on audio recording and editing, well worth it. Thanks, Sir, have a great day.

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@TLDR_filmmaker]

Always appreciate your time, knowledge, and in-depth look at these audio recorders, Curtis! I was definitely down between the Tascam Portacapture and the Zoom F3 to upgrade from my old Tascam DR40. Looks like the F3 will fit my needs for the time being until I eventually need a Sound Devices Mix Pre! Thanks again!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks so much, TLDR Filmmaker!

[@cryptoallmight]

Curtis, you're the king! Thanks for all of your reviews. You can't imagine how often you've helped me!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@EmoEmu]

Thanks! I've been waiting for this video. The F3 sounds just about perfect for me. The size, the weight, the float and being able to mount it to my camera rig sounds really appealing to me as a novice "single operator" getting into filming wildlife and birds. Being able to just turn it on/off and not worry as much about gain would be awesome.

[@tarakdungdes]

Care to share recommended mic for wildlife documentary?

[@EmoEmu]

@@tarakdungdes I'm a complete newbie, but I would say a long hyper-cardioid shotgun mic or get into using a parabolic disc microphone. Personally I'm hoping a shotgun will work as I'm the only one there.

[@EmoEmu]

Mr. Judd would know this far better than me.

[@tarakdungdes]

@@EmoEmu thanks! i think the parabolic mic will do

[@curtisjudd]

Sounds like a good fit for the job! Happy recording!

[@lrkx_]

Thanks Curtis! This review answered all the questions I had about the F3. Looks like it’s going to be put on my list for sure. Thanks again for the really detailed look at it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Mike.

[@arcoholic3]

Great video, Sir. Got my F3 today and I am very impressed. Walking around town today with my BP4025 large diaphragm Stereo mic. Beautiful. Low level BG atmoses and slamming doors at 15cm! All lovely. Great portable tool for us Soundphiles. (I have a Portacapture and several Sound Devices as well, but the toys we get to play with today are so much more versatile than those of only ten years ago. )

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats on the new recorder and happy recording!

[@galachiev]

I didn’t buy F6 before because of lack of 1/4 jack inputs. Hope zoom will release 32 bit product with combo xlr/jack in future

[@curtisjudd]

I’m doubtful they will. It seems like small devices are a primary design goal for them which means they’ll probably NOT use combo jacks which take more internal space in the device.

[@HairyHands]

the Zoom F3 looks really interesting for recording and booming at the same time, when it's not always possible to perform boom acrobatics and perfect mic placement whilst also riding a gain control - a situation I've been in on many low budget indie shoots! 32bit float is a good advantage in this situation too. Thanks so much for the in-depth and objective review, great as always :)

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@princebanini]

i cant explain how many times i've watched this video...its just amazing

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@GregAllen2]

Hey Curtis! Your reviews are always very informative my hat is off to you for a job well done! This has been the device I have been waiting quite some time for. A small affordable 32 bit float recorder that can run for hours on an auxiliary power source. My use case scenario is for ambient nature recordings. It will be installed in a small Pelican case strapped to the base of a tree with two small em272 mics attached further up the tree. It will be left there over night to capture any night time sounds. I am considering adding a trail cam as well... Cheers, Greg

[@curtisjudd]

That’ll be fun!

[@fernandafernandex]

Hi! This is what I'll do with the F3 I bought - with em272 mics and a trail cam... I am using a H5n, but sometimes I got clipping...

[@frankluo230]

Thank you Curtis your review is as always informative, personal, fun to watch. The in depth analysis and comparison to other recorder options are much appreciated

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Frank.

[@alex_montoya]

Great review as always, Curtis! About the F3, I preordered the thing some weeks ago now, but there seem to be some serious production problems.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, or lots of demand.

[@alex_montoya]

@@curtisjudd maybe so, but the distribution has been strange from the start. It landed first in Japan and I've been watching almost all the reviews and there don't seem to be many units out there.

[@bloodmoney88]

@@alex_montoya distribution world wide is hampered by covid, & a war... I wouldn't hang my hat on this being Zooms fault.

[@michaelblack4803]

Alex, just keep trying different retailers. I'm in the Toronto area and all the big camera retailers don't have it. But I found a dedicated video/audio store and to my surprise they had a few in stock. Just picked it up a few days ago. Its much smaller than I thought, which is good.

[@loudandclearmedia]

I just got one overnight from B&H. Had no problem whatsoever.

[@MichaelFrazer]

This is an awesome review. I’ve been waiting for you to reviews this before making my decision to purchase one, and now I really want one ! Thanks for another great video and taking the time to make it so informative, not trying to condense everything into 10minutes.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Michael.

[@HeathcliffBlair]

Great review, thanks, and a lovely machine! Pity about the battery door though. I have a Zoom F1. A fine device but its plastic door fastening mechanism gave out last year. The batteries are now held in place by wedging bits of metal between the broken door and the F1's belt brackets! Scary liability. Zoom's blind side regarding battery doors is inexplicable. Nevertheless, your review makes the F3 seem like an attractive proposition. Thanks again.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Heathcliff. Those little things…

[@HeathcliffBlair]

@D R I emailed them about that ages ago. No reply! 😟

[@totoroutes5389]

ZoomF3 very low noise, tried it indoors with cloudlifter and sm57. Great form factor and simple operation and its current price point. However, It would be nice if it had a 3.5mm *stereo input (and with the same preamp and on one of the tracks). Perhaps with the version 2.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@jamesgaszak3685]

You are the best reviewer of audio by far!

[@chrishoesel]

I've been playing around with one of these. It's a tiny, powerful recorder/audio interface. It has taken my audio capture to another level. One thing I noticed and not sure if you ran into it as well, but when powering the F3 via USB C, using a wall adapter, you will get a loud buzzing sound in your capture, no matter what microphone/s you use. If powered from a battery bank or V-Mount battery, there is no problem. I used 2 types of wall adapters: Apple 20Watt charger, and Canon USB C wall adapter. Just something to keep in mind. This issue is not limited to just the F3. If I use a wall adapter to power any of my cameras (Sony/Canon), then you will inject this buzzing into all of your audio. 32 bit or not.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@AnandaGarden]

Thank you, Curtis. Your review of the Zoom F3 was very helpful. I'm of an age when forgetting tp press buttons is increasingly an issue. :) I ordered the F3 from Amazon using your link today - very happy to help, as I am grateful to you for sharing your insights so freely. BTW, the Zoom F3 is on special, $50 off until March 1.

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording! 🎙️

[@energieinfo21]

Thanks for the video! Ordered the F3 ~ one week ago and this little thing does everything I wanted: small/moderately light for mounting it on the camera, sound with a M5 matched pair is very good. Now I can do what I always wanted: ORTF microphone config on a video camera without large recorder or clumsy phantom power supply + the "32-bit safety". Your video confirms the good audio quality (should have checked your measurements/comments before but went right this time ;-). Audio isn't that loud with an 80 Ohm headphone (32 would be better) but with 32-bit a headphone isn't no longer that important if you just want to record high quality ambience sound. By the way: was also interested in the Tascam hot shoe XLR adapter but this thing is large, costs 2x the money. Plus F3 can be used for 2 additional channels (2x wireless lavalier + 2x ambience) or as safety recording at least for audio for two channels after feeding the line out into the camera.

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats on the new F3 and happy recording!

[@lwinaus8810]

Hey Curtis! Great review and thanks. Just ordered one of these for voice recording based on the really low noise floor for fixed booth recording as well as a “doubling” for use as a 32 bit interface. The ability to color the voice and inflection from a whisper to a yell while reading and NOT need to use a Mac with the NT1 5th Gen in USB mode, or even a dynamic mic is appealing. Appreciate your work!

[@curtisjudd]

👍 note that your mic will need to be capable of capturing that dynamic range as well. Happy recording!

[@jimmy_james_bannister]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Zoom F3. I used mine for the first time on Thursday and absolutely love it. Looking forward to learning how to optimize it better for my needs. but straight out of the box and using it for the first time seemed fairly straight forward and easy to use. For a creative who is not audio savvy.... I captured some incredible audible at the interviews I filmed.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@tiburd7]

Great review, thanks! One minor mechanical detail I've noticed is that, if you pick up the unit by holding the sides, it's all to easy to accidentally pop open the memory card door and disconnect the memory card. While it's easy to re-insert the memory card, it would be a disaster if it occurred during recording. Otherwise, my impression is that the various features have been very thoughtfully selected. Even some aspects that may seem puzzling make sense to me. For instance, a major reason to decouple the volume control from the recording level, after recording has started, could be to allow the user to adjust the headphone monitoring level without disrupting levels on the recorded file - which could be impossible to undo perfectly in post. I had actually worried about that possibility before learning that the amplification levels only affect the file if set before recording begins, so I was relieved to see that feature.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@jarekweckwerth1390]

Much appreciated. And the little smirk for the battery door... I laughed out loud! Made my day! The subtlelty of your humour is on another level.

[@curtisjudd]

😉

[@Docfly62]

Actually one could say the battery door looks and feels too rubbery to break?

[@curtisjudd]

@@Docfly62 My guess is that it can break pretty easily but time will tell!

[@VOByRobbins]

Your reviews are so thorough and well done--- among the best out there, thank you for this, this will be helpful for those deciding on what recorder to get for their needs, Bravo!!!!!!

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@kevinbillington9773]

My hobby is filmmaking, all amateur. In our club, we have some ex professionals, but it is the enjoyment of making the films we love. I am director, cameraman and soundguy on productions, this is ideal. Thanks Curtis for your views on this tool.

[@curtisjudd]

👍🎥🎙️

[@HikingWithCooper]

I've been doing indie filmmaking for decades and this blows my mind. There are surely old timers who will poo poo float 32 because they spent so much time honing their gain level skills. No me. Any tool like this that frees me up to focus more on the art is fully welcome. Now they just need to make a camera that will record everything everywhere all the time in like 20k :)

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording without worrying about clipping!

[@alaneddy4575]

Awesome little recorder. A few compromises but oveall I think they nailed it for the price point. This would be a great vlogger/starter KZbinr or even a low budget Indie film situation. I have the F6 and your course but I could see myself with one of these in a compact run and gun use case. Perhaps we will get a few of the compromises resolved in the 'n' version one day. It'll be interesting to hear what they give the F6 at that upgrade point. Thank you Curtis. You deserve to be to be too big to answer our questions personally, sir. Thank you for all the time and courtesy you have given thus far.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Alan!

[@NightWLKR1]

This is gonna be great for weddings!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@amaninfilms8577]

Thank you sir. I never owned a recorder and as someone hoping to do interviews as a one man team, this seems applicable to me. Appreciate the thorough review!

[@curtisjudd]

👍 happy recording!

[@Pantikan]

According to manual one can set input type to "line" (max level 24dBu) and still apply phantom power. That would be a solution for microphones that have higher than 4dBu max output.

[@curtisjudd]

Indeed, you are right.

[@MusabTahaTarik]

Your works are like a lesson. Thank you for your hard working efforts.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Mustafa.

[@BijuViswanathfilmmaker]

The best review in youtube about this recorder. you are the best ,curtis. thank you

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks, Biju 🙏

[@jpemile]

One piece of information that might help a lot of your viewers is that I got this recorder specially for weddings and I am sure there is probably a way for a competent DJ to send me a better output with proper levels but most of the time, the signal ends up exceeding the input level (+4dBu) of the F3 and distort my audio. It happens less often with voices (speeches) cause a lot of the speakers don't hold the mic properly but I had a few announcers (MC) clip my input level before. So yeah, there's that. Understanding the specs is crucial; don't just run and buy anything that says 32bit float out there. Still LOVE my F3 though.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing.

[@OrenArieli]

XLR barrel attenuator is crucial if you're getting main outs from the board or powered out from a the PA's loop-through. I have a -20/-30/-40dB, and just got the -50dB attenuator for those events where the DJ has everything blasted at max output.

[@jpemile]

@@OrenArieli O M G, I was exactly looking at 2 models of in-line attenuator from Shure and from Audio-Technica. My only hesitation was that I noticed they use phantom power and I was wondering if it would be an issue when plugging on the XLR « Link » port on the back of a speaker for example. Do you have any experience with plugging an attenuator to a XLR port that does NOT need phantom power?

[@OrenArieli]

@@jpemile attenuators do not 'use' phantom power. They are passive in nature, relying on resisive voltage dividers. So I've had no issues plugging them into a loop-through of a PA or a particularly hot main output from a mix board.

[@jpemile]

@@OrenArieli it makes total sense but I am right in front of the product page as we speak on B&H and it says « For use with all low-impedance and phantom-powered condenser microphones » which led me to believe that phantom power must always be enabled when using the attenuator XLR barrel.

[@michaelblack4803]

Thanks for the review! I've been waiting for this. For weddings, this is perfect. I have been attaching my Zoom H5 to a board at reception halls and even some churches. But I find that the MC is often louder when its show time than they were during sound check. I had my ways to mitigate that with the H5 but the F3 will make thst easier. And after some introspection, I realize I never really use the XY mics. Only their 3.5mm jack. Outside of weddings I do corporate and indistrial work photo and video and this will be beautiful for the one man operator that I am. Can't wait to give it its first run.

[@curtisjudd]

I hope it works well for you!

[@mikcnmvedmsfonoteka]

I really love Zoom H5 XY microphone, great sound, very low noise, very portable - especially when you need to set everything up fast, although I have the same problem when recording audio from concerts and someone is doing talking between parts so F3 could be very handy when having access to XLR microphones! I am also using a battery pack with H5 via a mini USB port last for days and it's also very handy when I need to use Zoom meeting lol ! Overall I really love Zoom H5!

[@charleskenwright7036]

Thanks! I recently bought one -very pleased so far. Orca bags now do a small bag for itt´s OK, well made and more weather proof.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@kdsteele7]

Great work, Curtis! I appreciate the detail you provided in this review to help me make an informed decision to purchase this recorder. I will be sure to use one of your links to help support the channel.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and happy recording!

[@frmtheden]

just a helpful tip for mounting. I used the Ulanzi F38 Quick release Top mounted to the F3 and the bottom plate mounted to my A7III Cage. fits perfect between the bars. Alternatively there are simple screws under the rubber pads of the side bars that can actually be removed without taking apart completely. Awesome video!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for sharing the tip 👍

[@baljinderpanesar5739]

Great review Curtis. A lot of people were waiting for it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Baljinder.

[@tblv9300]

Seems like a great solution for event panel video where there is a venue audio mixer and they are providing you an aux out from their board. Combine mic level out to a dji tx and you can monitor at the camera and have the floating point file intact for post

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@d0jima]

Great review. Answered a lot of the questions I had about this unit. Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks and happy recording!

[@alotl1kevegas860]

Have been waiting on your review for this. Thank you

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@martinwoodfilms]

Wish they had a 4 channel version like the H6. Perfect size and inputs for my workflow. F6 is overkll

[@curtisjudd]

That’d be nice 👍

[@Elazam]

Oh this is really what I wanted when I bought the F1! A small recorder for 2 inputs.

[@curtisjudd]

It’s here 🙃

[@sophieboisvert]

Wow what a complete review well explained I sure will like all your videos

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@johnlentokone7318]

EIN is -127 dBu and max input level +4 dBu so 24 bit format is in practice enough (131 dB vs 144 dB). Signal to noise ratio of 32 bit float is 144 dB which is same as SNR of 24 bit fixed. SNR of 32 fixed format is 192 dB.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the maths.

[@McAlby]

Finally I got the F3 and your great review helped a lot. Coming from the H2n the jump in quality is really impressive. Now I only need to find a pair of decent mics to start recording better sound effects and voices. Thank you very much for the excellent review!

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording! 🎙

[@50450720]

Wow, great work from zoom, that's an awesome piece of kit for single shooters. Thanks for the review, very thorough and informative as always. Appreciate your efforts! 👍

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks!

[@rmp5s]

Wow. That's friggin amazing. I've never seen anything that could recover clipped digital audio like that...I didn't know that was something that's even possible. Like with digital photos...if you blow out some highlights, that's all she wrote. The data is simply not there. This is really cool!!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@rmp5s]

@@curtisjudd Gotta say, you're the best big(-ish?) "KZbin-er" when it comes to comment replies. I know how much of a pain keeping up can be. Props, man.

[@curtisjudd]

@@rmp5s 🙏

[@Mucarofilms]

I was waiting for this video to make the purchase. Thanks Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

👍 happy recording.

[@CoriTV]

So apprecited for your review!! It will be awesome if Curtis can perform a comparison for music playing recording with those different 32-bit float recorders. It's been a while that I know I need a 32f recorder to capture the wide dynamic range of various type live performances, but hard to know which dual-ADC approach did the better job on it.

[@curtisjudd]

I don’t do a lot of instrument recording, but will try if I have the opportunity.

[@michaelcorle0ne]

The best reviews , Fantastic video, thank you curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@michaelcorle0ne]

Dear Curtis, I will use zoom f3 on a digital slr camera, what should the line out level setting be? or what other settings do you recommend? thank you very much for your answer.@@curtisjudd

[@curtisjudd]

@@michaelcorle0ne We cover how to do that here: kzbin.infoFQwRy_MUebc?feature=shared&t=1020

[@michaelcorle0ne]

Dear Curtis, Thank you so much, no matter how much I express it. God bless you. You're doing a wonderful job. I hope you get the recognition you deserve. @@curtisjudd

[@Aegean-Light]

THE BEST sound equipment reviews!

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks. 🙏

[@rosstrend1177]

Hi Curtis, thank you for the great review.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@ElliotSlade]

Curtis thanks so much im on the hunt for my next audio recorder and the F3 has been on my mind for ages. I'm absolutely a little bit of a self shooter and really want to pair this with a fantastic microphone (Still up in the air about that as I'm hearing different things) but this thing will be perfect for indie films!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@MisterMayhem17]

As a wedding shooter, this is absolutely interesting for me. I need it so bad. ❤️

[@batesarch]

Great review. Thank you Curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@LoganMannstrane]

Great video. This video sealed my purchase. This device is absolutely amazing. It's like an HDR audio recorder from the future. The con you have for the battery cover is laughable, but I respect your details. ;P This device is perfect for stereo. The "Good Bye, See You" on power off always puts a smile on my face. Thank you Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Happy recording!

[@imark7777777]

I'm really hoping that there's another video explaining how that background is generated (with lights) it looks really cool and eye-catching.

[@curtisjudd]

That's just the Aputure Spotlight mount and a Rosco prismatic glass gobo (links in the description)

[@imark7777777]

@@curtisjudd I saw the thumbnail in a previous video and it looks amazing. Thanks, forgot to look in the description.

[@curtisjudd]

@@imark7777777 No worries and thanks!

[@coinopanimator]

Love the summary. Great video.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@jazzcornertv]

Really interesting trying to predict audio level before recording in different environments.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes.

[@EnglishEloquenceMoscow]

Curtis, I am using my Zoom F3 as an audio interface and my question is this: how do I unplug my mic from it? Normally (on my Babyface pro), I'd lower the gain to zero, then turn the phantom power off, then physically disconnect my XLR cable. With this magnificent gadget, what are my steps? Thank you! Your videos help me with getting the gear I need! -Sergey

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Just recently, I have seen this unit combined with a matched pair of capsule mics to create a high end stereo handheld recorder (foley etc) The mics just plug straight into the F3.

[@curtisjudd]

Nice

[@JohnnyMotel99]

@@curtisjudd Perhaps this would make a nice short video, selecting mics, pickup patterns etc. I don't have a matched pair, but I do have a top notch stereo mic that I think I will pair with an F3 just for capturing high quality foley. Less hassle than using my MixPre. Every handheld (except maybe the top end Sony D100) are let down by the built in mics.

[@curtisjudd]

@@JohnnyMotel99 Can't wait to see your video!

[@The_Daliban]

Thank you for the comprehensive review. Seems to be a beast and a really good deal.

[@curtisjudd]

I agree.

[@stevenkralovec]

Great review! Thank you. You said in the past that the MKH416 doesn’t suit your voice, but it sounded just fine to me!

[@curtisjudd]

Not horrible.

[@WeddingDocumentary]

What about recording line level DJ feeds? Will I be able to ensure the audio is not clipping coming into the f3? Sometimes the F6 when plugged into the line out of a speaker, I need to use an attenuator. My other workaround is to plug into the board and then set the f6 to mic level. But that’s not always an option and I usually like to have one recorder plugged into the speaker and one recording off the mixer or another speaker.

[@curtisjudd]

The F3 can handle line level signals up to +24dBu so should not require and attenuator cable.

[@spelunkerd]

What a revolutionary concept, almost like the automatic transmission in cars. At first automatic transmissions weren't embraced, but in the end almost everybody moved over.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@bernardadesina5106]

Mate you are so authentic. Thank you!

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@Zyablow]

Thank you so much for the release. As always, very detailed.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@steze]

Great review, Curtis, thanks! Looking forward to getting my F3 soon!!

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording!

[@RhettBrownatRetroWreck]

Great job on the review. I will be using the F3 for the first time on a musical performance in the coming week. I will be recording stereo X-Y pair with the Lewitt LCT 040 matched pair of microphones. This will free me to work my camera settings and staying in focus. Thanks for the help.

[@curtisjudd]

👍 happy recording!

[@VivoBuenosAires]

Hola Rhett, how did it go with the recording? I'm recording live shows with the the same setup as you (pair of LCT 040 in XY) with a Zoom H5 at level 3 (aprox). Chris mentioned the F3 might not be the best option for loud environment recording. Is love to know your opinion/experience. Saludos!

[@RhettBrownatRetroWreck]

@@VivoBuenosAires This setup worked great for me! I didn't notice any degraded audio in my recording at all. I was able to normalize the audio with out any problems. Good luck on your recordings. Live music is the best.

[@VivoBuenosAires]

@@RhettBrownatRetroWreck Gracias, I was worried about it clipping, what Chris said got me bit confused. Your input is really helpful

[@syafiqzailan]

Love my f6, thinking getting this one for the size. Thanks curtis.

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording! 🎙

[@dharr069]

"Exceeding maximum input level!" is the message I see on my F3 when plugging in my Rode NTG5. You use an NTG5 as well - do you get that message when plugging in the XLR cable to the F3? My Rode Filmmaker Kit lav set works just fine, as does my Rode NT1 studio mic.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, that will happen as you plug in a mic, especially if the phantom power is on when you do. But once it settles, all is good.

[@robinbaldrian3352]

Fantastic review. Thank you for sharing!

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@kazlepek6552]

Excellent review - very thorough yet succinct and articulate. Man, it’s too bad this is lacking the timecode, it’s size and price is nearly perfect for my use case I hope Sound Devices will make a version of this with timecode

[@curtisjudd]

You can use the wireless timecode solutions from ATOMOS but you’re right, it doesn’t have an in-built timecode generator.

[@BrendanEvan]

Got a new one today on Amazon for $232🎉 Thanks Curtis

[@curtisjudd]

👍 Happy recording!

[@northillvideo]

Excellent review, thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@RobertGlotzbach]

Thanks a lot Curtis for this review :-) I am amazed that it's not possible to jam the F3 with their own F8n Pro, but that you will need another device to sync it.

[@curtisjudd]

Jamming two audio recorders is probably not something they considered in their product design planning. I would guess they're assuming you'll not need more than the 8 inputs of the F8n Pro.

[@abefroman8528]

Thank you for the great reviews. I just purchased the Zoom F3 and would appreciate your opinion on the best mics for nature soundscape. You are the man! 🎉

[@curtisjudd]

Maybe the RODE TF5s?

[@abefroman8528]

@@curtisjudd what a hero you are for answering these questions

[@VeganLinked]

I'm shopping around, I mostly do interviews. But I've need doing more with my stabilizer and want to capture audio away from my camera with XLR K3m weighing it down on the stabilizer. I'm trying the H4n Pro and the H6 right now. I like the H6 best except I hate the XLR inputs not having locks. It seems like the F3 is going to better so I may return the others and get the F3. Sound is most important and XLR locks are important too. I may be able to find a way to secure the XLR cables on the H6 but I don't know how yet and I have a feeling it's going to be something that annoys me everytime I use it. If the F3 is most likely going to sound better, so it seems like the best for me. I am mostly run and gun, solo, doing it all. I need something predictable, quality and easy. I think two inputs will be fine most if not all the time when I'm using the stabilizer. My wireless system is two Sennheiser G3s with countryman lavs. If the F3 sounds significantly better than anything else I have than I may use it for everything. Do you worry about the power switch being easy to hit or record button? Someone was complaining about something like that on the f3. And do you think it'll be significantly easier, more predictable or at least consistently great audio, than the H6? It seems like the F3 is clearly the way to go for me.

[@curtisjudd]

I have NOT yet accidentally powered it off and there is a hold switch so if you engage that, you cannot accidentally turn it off. The F3 definitely sounds cleaner and can handle more dynamic range than any of the H series recorders. Seems like a good fit for you from what I can tell.

[@JamesClark1991]

Great review as always Curtis! 😄

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Clark.

[@quiztasiarocks]

Just ordered an F3, looking forward to using it.

[@curtisjudd]

Happy recording!

[@quiztasiarocks]

@@curtisjudd hey Curtis, what are your thoughts on the NTG5 vs the Rycote HC-15? I keep hearing about the RF interference issues with the NTG5 so it makes me wonder whether I should expand the budget or not.

[@curtisjudd]

@@quiztasiarocks I haven't experienced any issues with my copy of the NTG5, though I've heard of some early copies having issues. I prefer the sound of the NTG5.

[@Ozpeter]

As far as I can see, if you want to use the F3 with high level sounds or with a high sensitivity mic and you are concerned about the +4dB limitation, you can simply set it to line input - which also offers phantom power and has the same input impedance - and you've got +24dB max level. So there's not really an issue in this respect. Am I right?

[@curtisjudd]

I don’t know. Have you tried it?

[@ITSolutionsNetwork]

Aand you helped me to make a decision buying it for my YT videos, thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

👍 happy recording!

[@TheExpatExpert]

Wonderful review. Regarding using a dongle instead of an onboard Bluetooth transmitter: If I’m not mistaken and remember my FCC dealings correctly, each device that emits on designated OTA freq’s requires their own transmission certification. The dongle allows interchangeability between devices, while using the same government-approved device.

[@curtisjudd]

Interesting. So it means they wouldn't have to go through the FCC certification process for each new recorder? That's convenient for them, I suppose.

[@TheExpatExpert]

@@curtisjudd Exactly. Each device model had an application fee, and usually requires cert's in multiple countries. It's on the small print on the item or box. No need to retool the production line, just the same dongle for all compatible recoders. Like telco modems back in the day.

[@Jeffis2k]

Spot on, this is the reason. More importantly, this is not just FCC time & money saving, but all other country spectrum regulators as well.

[@davidayoun]

Amazing review ! Thank you so much !

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks David.

[@amangrayfilms1538]

Wow! So many Hollywood and Bollywood movies where they messed up audio where the actor yells. This technology is long awaited. It'll make the life easier for the boom operator.

[@curtisjudd]

It should help in most cases.

[@emancia]

What do you consider an "extraordinarily loud" sound? In other words, what sources do you think would distort? And are we talking about distortion because of the mic not handling well the spl of the source, or because of the Zoom?

[@curtisjudd]

Jet engines within 10 meters, performance vehicle engines within the engine compartment, thunder. Yes, it depends on the microphone and if you work with a microphone with very high SPL handling capabilities, you might need to consider switching the F3's input to line level when recording sounds like these or risk clipping/analogue preamp saturation.