Zoom F3 - Easy To Use & Powerful Audio Recorder For Wedding Filmmaking (Review)

[@whoismatt]

❓ Are you getting the Zoom F3 or Tascam X8? I have a video coming soon that compares the two recorders in-depth! P.S. This video was colored with my presets! Get them here - whoismatt.com/luts

[@rbunpat]

Neither, I'm broke lmao

[@naisangfilms]

Already pre-ordered it a couple of weeks ago!

[@brennanspark]

Can't wait for the comparison! Thanks Matt. 32 bit float audio is amazing for wedding filmmakers. One less thing we need to stress about.

[@shotbro8521]

wish one of them had internal timecode then they would be perfect!

[@rosyaugust7095]

Zoom F3 field recorder is awesome and 32 float bit. I wish I can buy after I got wedding booked

[@RossBarnett02]

These are game changer! I Immediately bought 2 for our wedding videography company. It's already making a huge difference being able to click record and not stress about audio.

[@Xtr3mice]

Niice, hat is your audio setup for weedings?? hugs from Brazil!

[@RossBarnett02]

@@Xtr3mice When getting audio from The DJ/Band or soundboard, these are my go to for weddings!

[@Xtr3mice]

@@RossBarnett02 nice, I recently bough a Lark Max Duo to weedings, and Im thinking to get this F3, to connect with the Lark and the soundboard (when it haves), to get a safer sound

[@sladjj]

@@RossBarnett02 Do you connect it directly to the DJ soundboard? Does it work well that way?

[@RossBarnett02]

@@sladjj Because you can change the inputs from line or mic in. It works very well running to the DJ soundboard directly. I always keep a 1/4 to XLR cable and an XLR to XLR cable in the bag with me. Typically can go into the line out of the back of a DJ's speaker, or - through the soundboard directly (if you trust the DJ to run proper outs to your recorder) ...speaker is always a better option so you know what you're getting though!

[@RaphealPersaud]

I cannot wait to use this thing at a wedding! If I wasn't sold before, the audio level waveform zooming function sealed it for me. I know traditionally people like to stick to -12 to -6 decibels, but I often find myself just trying to find what 'sounds good', while trying to imagine what the waveform will look like. I finally don't have to imagine anymore!

[@TheCollabCurator]

3:12 to further your point, it also has a 1/4 20 thread on the back so we can use a clamp to attach it to a pole.

[@totoroutes5389]

For the F3 why did Zoom skip from including a locking 3.5mm mic input?

[@stevenuseda6317]

Bought the x8 after your review but cancelled after hearing about firmware issues and glitches. Now I just got my f3 in today! Lol

[@whoismatt]

Nice! Enjoy it! :)

[@MrKilluminati84]

The best, the one and only Matt!!!!!!! Love your videos man, keep up the good work.

[@Supercatie]

I was holding off on buying the X8 due to numerous reviews reported issues/glitches about it. I really need to decide since I need one of these. Can't wait for the comparison!

[@whoismatt]

Thanks! They're both good recorders! Comparison video will be out soon

[@EmoEmu]

I bought one of these. I'm a photographer first and foremost, so this was my FAST way into good audio. I'm hoping to not just photograph and film birds but also catch their songs. It's a 1-man operation so 1-button operation is amazing.

[@SquidlyFishBeans]

How did it work out for you?

[@EmoEmu]

I love it! I havn't gotten to use it as much as I'd have liked to, but it hasn't failed me so far.

[@fabimesizae]

It is my opinion that Zoom F3 and Tascam X8 are two different animals and consequently both useful for different reasons. The XLR combo of the Tascam X8 are extremely useful and the menu setting is also very detailed while the F3 is much smaller and simpler, switch on and record. I have the Tascam X8 and will also buy the F3. Thanks Matt. A hug

[@whoismatt]

Thanks for the hug! 😂👍

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I don't have this myself, but perhaps I can suggest something for folks who are asking about its not having a 3.5mm lav mic input. If you already have a nice lav mic of that kind and want to use it with this device, you might want to read about the Rode adapters that let you plug a 3.5mm mic into an XLR input and convert phantom power down to plug-in power. (I tested one inserting a COS 11-D that has a Sennheiser-style plug into the XLR input on a device and it worked nicely.)

[@Kevlexicon]

this looks pretty cool and the price is right. fwiw, the zoom f6 is my favorite piece of filmmaking equipment. great for onemanband. 32bit float (never peaks), much much improved menu system, solid build quality, 96kHz, phantom power, 6 inputs, stereo/mono file grouping. set it and forget it. admittedly, coming from zoom h4n, the zoom f6 is a giant leap foward (32bit float, can +48v phantom power an mkh416, sony L-type batteries last 8hrs, 6 inputs,) but the satisfaction of bein able to record with my g4 lavs and mkh 416 boom as a safety, without having to worry about powering the mics, peaking, audio quality, battery life ....it jus dramatically improved my filmmaking quality of life. reallly glad products like these exist

[@MattSpaugh]

Kevlexicon, I hate the word game-changer... but y'know... it actually changed the game so...

[@jcvera]

Matt, minute 5:20. After the battery died, the F3 saved the file before shutdown? Like always, thank you for your reviews.

[@YoungBlaze]

far as 32 bit recording, even though the actual recording will not peak but wouldnt the Mics thats being used distort before that is even a factor?

[@vidcamp]

Hi Matt. Can you go into more detail about hooking this up to a DJ speaker line out or a DJ mixer board. During the dinner music his volume is low and when he starts to announce or when the dancing begins the volume is high from his line-out both from the speaker out and board out. My question is, how important is it to set the F3 recorder to line in and set the audio graph before I start recording to have a nice, recorded level on the micro-SD card? Also why does Zoom have a mic and a line-in source menu setting on the recorder since it’s a 32bit recorder?

[@AJCoReTV]

Was thinking of grabbing the F2, now an F3 is out. Def would’ve been cool to have more inputs like 3.5mm line in.

[@buller2400]

Its not the 32 bit float audio recorder we WANTED, its the 32 bit float audio recorder we NEEDED. Looks great!

[@whoismatt]

Hahaha! The dark knight of audio recorders

[@DavidBrackett385]

Silly question but if I have a shore SM 7B or any other gain hungry mic, would a cloudlifter be needed? I’m guessing it would help to bring down noise floor just like any interface?

[@whoismatt]

I would try the recorder without it to see if it’s necessary

[@leobardobivianomedia]

Can I just drop this in FCPx and edit the sound level?

[@sonnyabdul4355]

Very important note Use a fast Micro SD card otherwise your audio will be corrupted as it happed to me I used SanDisk Ultra and the 4 hours of wedding recording became 2.5 hours and I was using 192Khz WAV and now I got the Extreme pro and it works perfect

[@18yearsoldnot]

Thanks! You’re the only one who warned me 😮

[@sonnyabdul4355]

@@18yearsoldnot You're Welcome

[@StephenTilmon]

I bought this because of your review. Great job brother. Love your videos!

[@xonx209]

How about recording a very quiet audio segment and see how much noise the recorder adds to it?

[@petrub27]

just remember 32bit won't work with many nle. it will work with adobe audition ( pay per month to use ) or izotope rx ( expensive) also, it won't help with the quality of the sound , you still need a good mic and the right placement of it

[@KK47..]

Hey mat. I know this is a f3 video. But when I record 6 mics ( DJI wireless) I keep getting clicks and pops in the recording. Do you think it’s the cables or. The settings on the zoom 😢

[@grassrunner7983]

can it accept a timecode to sync audio to an action cam?

[@HOWDYVLOG]

Great Video!!! Always helping out the film maker in all of us! Thanks Matt

[@papsny]

Here's my experience when connecting audio to the main sound system or DJ: 1. Some DJs are douchebags and will max the audio leaving you with useless audio 2. Someone will go to an unmanned audio system and play around the knobs 3. Douchebag guests moves the dial on a Zoom H6 4. Some DJs disconnect or do not want any connection to their system So: -32 bit float helps when the DJ cranks up the audio -Always, always, always have a backup -Never rely on the main audio system for audio, mic up people as much as you can With the Zoom F3, you can hide it in a case and just leave the cable out, you also wont have to worry about audio peaking. You can connect it to a powerbank. Great video, thanks Matt!

[@sladjj]

Does it works well connected to a DJ mixer at a wedding? I've read somewhere that when connected to a DJ mixer the 32bit won't help much, is that right?

[@Edgardbmedia]

I have the zoom h6 and just ordered this because how more simple and the 32 bit.. great review matt

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

do you have a video of adding the audio from this device to final cut pro or da Vinci?

[@jazzcornertv]

Great video. The reality is finding out that it could use a battery warning light. In dark venues it is hard to see what is taking place. With 2 mics plugged in your battery power is challenged. Could have added a back up battery power, 2 sd slots. Overall a very good investment especially if you are no expert. Glad i listened and bought. It is editable.

[@ciekaweurzadzenia]

When AA batteries are installed and I connect to a smartphone via USB C, does it consume AA batteries or smartphone batteries? Does it have settings which battery takes priority when USB C cable is connected?

[@BBQCrasher]

Thank you Zoom. You got this one right. Been on the sidelines waiting on a portable and affordable 32 bit float recorder. Just need to update the zoom h1 to 32bit float that allows lav mics and field xy and you will have a homerun double play.

[@psysword]

Thanks man. I was too lazy to read the manual and as a musician I'm thrilled to be using 32 bit external recording for my pedals and synthesizers.

[@sean-victoria]

I with they'd make a 32bit float version of the H2n... I just love the ambient audio I can capture with that device. Being able to put it down in front of musicians or singers and create great sounding audio without plugging into soundboards which may or may not exist is just such an easy way to work. Perhaps the X8 is for me, but it seems so large and clumsy

[@whoismatt]

Seeing as they’re slowly adding 32 bit float to recorders I’m sure they’ll have something similar to the h2n eventually

[@TylerLeeKenyon]

I know this comment is late, but you could just plug a couple condenser pencil mics directly into the F3 and it would function fairly similarly.

[@sean-victoria]

@@TylerLeeKenyon I did think about that, but I can't find mics that would plug in via XLR and allow the mic to pivot the angle, so I could set it up either X/Y config or A/B.

[@personaltrainersg]

When you have 2 XLR inputs connected (and working fine when using the f3 to record) And you use the lineout to your camera, does each lineout channel represent 1 of the XLR inputs? E.g. 1x shotgun, 1x wireless system. The stereo lineout is 1 channel shotgun, 1 channel wireless? thanks!

[@davidhay1303]

Hey Matt, I have a Lom Elektrousi that I can’t seem to get any sound from. I’m using the 3.5mm output. Someone told me I need to assign the out to 3.5 but I can’t seem to find out how to do that for the life of me. I keep searing all menu and setting options and looking at the manual but I’m obviously missing something. Thank you for your time

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

why do you have to plug quarter inch cables into this recorder ?for weddings ? also will this still be 32 bit float if I synch this the zoom f3 into c70 camera ?

[@paulshawbailey]

Definitely getting it. So small and compact for portability.

[@whoismatt]

So much smaller than your F6! :)

[@paulshawbailey]

@@whoismatt LOL so true!

[@patrickreynolds5262]

You the best in the biz...thank you once again.

[@TheFendertak]

Hi Matt , F3 well done on a super introduction, I have the zoom h4n and it's great to record using the external mics but XLR s to main out on my mixing desk the playback is distorted and honestly annoying, I just want as you said a recorder that will be basically plug and play and record crystal clear ,is this for me , as just of late it was said to me I cannot connect the zoom h4n directly to my main outs I need to attach attenuators 🤔 something simple straight forward and gets the job done and pop in my aux cable in the vans stereo and listen to my gig just played , thanks in advance for your help

[@MattSpaugh]

Another great video - you're so good at this. I have the F6 and sing its praises every chance I get. As an audio engineer with possibly more years of experience than you've been on the planet, I can say that nothing has changed audio recording like 32-bit float. I might take issue with your assertion that this is a 'beginner model' recorder. This thing smokes many much more expensive 'pro' recorders I've used. The only real shortcoming would possibly be the preamps, and that lack of combi-jacks. But none of that is said to take away from your overview. Keep up the great work. OH... and you can use those 'feet' to hang this on your belt. I use a stiff tactical belt. No more audio bag needed: run one channel to your boom, slap a Hollyland receiver in channel two for lav backup audio, done dealio.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks fellow Matt! Haha you’re right about beginner model, it’s definitely an advanced beginner model 😂 I’m was talking about it more in terms of ease of use which makes it harder for beginners to screw up.

[@MattSpaugh]

@@whoismatt Spot on there for sure. Keep up the great work. If you're ever in Atlanta, beers are on me.

[@tvm2209]

f6 or two F3 's ?

[@MattSpaugh]

@@tvm2209 F6

[@GrayandGardnerPhotography]

late to th game, but would you recommend the zoom h4 essential over the F3? Need help!

[@fandralofasgard]

My Zoom H1 has had gaf tape on the card door for probably 4 years. I feel you, and that is really cool!

[@whoismatt]

😂 gaff tape fixes everything

[@fandralofasgard]

@@whoismatt I've gotten cuts on gigs before and tapped them up with my gaf tape real quick

[@nightdonutstudio]

Does left port record in left channel? or can I do left and right channel seperatly?

[@spyridonv]

Is it possible to connect a Rode VXLR+ to a Zoom F3, followed by a lavalier mic such as the Rode Lavalier II? Would this configuration result in good sound quality? Which lavalier mic do you recommend I buy under $300?

[@AllThingsFilm1]

The Zoom F3 looks like a no brainer to me. I'm sold.

[@clickartstudios8666]

When we press record button then it will start recording ?

[@mhmnmhmn4213]

Can I apply input 1 as mic input and change input 2 to line level?

[@toddwiseman1421]

Yes, the source settings for each of the two inputs can be set individually

[@Totustuus2022]

I like this device to be used mainly with my podcast when I do interviews in the field. The size and weigh it make it perfect but my question is… can I record using a lav mic? How it can be done?

[@RunKingFilm]

Can it be used as an input for XLR mics on the camera via the line out? Does it provide phantom voltage?

[@5857521ManitobaInc]

Thank you for the heads up on the battery door. The reality is zoom deliberately engineers their products to fail and I learned my lesson from the F one when they refused to sell me a replacement battery door and instead insisted that I buy a whole new recorder from them! F#ck those guys! Perfectly good recorders are winding up in landfills because of engineered obsolescence which is a form of consumer fraud that this company needs to be called out on!

[@joel.wuestehube]

I would Love something like a zoom h2 with onboard mics and 32bit recording. Maybe with one xlr and one 3.5mm Input. That would be a banger. Plus an internal battery that lasts actually a bit

[@whoismatt]

Maybe they’ll make an F4 😂

[@rMr.big13]

Hey matt, great videos. Have a question. After watching your review, I decided to buy the F3. Question is, since limited to only 2 inputs, are we able to use an xlr splitter, plug one into a dj console (with a quarter jack,if necessary) and the other side of the splitter to use with the deity timecode sync. In this case,the second xlr input will tied up it , say wireless go ii mics…thanks

[@TimelineVideoProductions]

What's up Matt, do you have any samples of audio using the Zoom F3 from a reception, going from speeches to the DJ music? Does 32bit really adjust it perfectly so I don't have to keep running and checking the levels?

[@sladjj]

also would like to know

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Nicely done I currently use the h4n pro and them quite happy with it. 😮😮

[@distensione11]

in your opinion, it could replace the sony klm-3 xlr audio unit? Thanks :-)

[@ArchAangel21]

What's with ur camera that changes the blooming of the lights in the background (are you using a mist lens?)

[@SeanRobbins.]

I finally made my decision!! I'll get the F3 to use as a self defense weapon and grab the X8 to record audio! lol thanks for a great review as always

[@whoismatt]

😂 perfect! Thanks!

[@kylnman]

#adapterkit

[@sharifiahs]

Hey Matt, I'm beginning to record some of my track day footage, and i'd like to pick up something portable to secure within the car, and (3) mics - exhaust, engine, and on person. Wondering if this F3 would suffice or something like an Zoom H6? Not sure if both of these are overkill....

[@gbwalther3198]

Matt, how are you synching your audio of the FX3 with your camera? Tentacle Synch E apparently will NOT work. Are u using an analog slate? 😎😎

[@seaninherts]

Thanks for the content. I tend to think this is for a very advance film maker who does know what they need. I have an F8N and a Mix Pre 6 ii plus an F6 etc etc. If you need two channels for run and gun and working alone, this is great.

[@ArchAangel21]

can you pan the channels ? (does this even matter with field recording)

[@giannisozo7928]

?They were so close to perfect. Why oh why do they insist on shunning the combo jack?

[@roland2371]

Hi you can record from a mixer too? thank you

[@bobmusikk]

Hellloo ! Can you set phantom independently on each channel ?

[@mariocrb]

I have a zoom an old H2N and the sd door is a rubber one as this

[@RyanRakowski]

Excellent review both in quality and content. Thank you for posting this video.

[@DavidBrackett385]

Does this record in multi track in real time like the h6 does? For instance if I’m in interface mode with loopback can it record seperate into a daw

[@TheGalacticWest]

Sweetwater knows they just send the product and get mentioned as a reliable seller. I can respect that.

[@HikingWithCooper]

They are the best. Their customer service is absolutely incredible.

[@gugong]

would it be possible if I use Sm7b or mv7 directly to f3 without cloudlifter ? Thank you Sir.

[@philpritchard8772]

so would this be good for recording car reviews when the car ins loud and the driver is doing the review with a lav. Guess the thing is a little bulky and how would you connect a lav?

[@whoismatt]

Get a zoom f2 instead

[@MichaelWTurner]

Really wish it had a combo input like my Tascam Dr40, but the 32-bit float is really appealing. Great battery life too. The DR40 gets like 2.5 hours

[@whoismatt]

It’s def better battery than 2.5 hours! 😂

[@galindovisita6482]

How long would the regular batteries last on this device, using them continuosly

[@aalleejjoo]

Please! Do a review of Zoom R4 for field recording. Thank you

[@bayerphotos]

i just received it today, is amazing but i noticed a problem :( we all know that when we zoom i the wave form it affect the line out and the recording, BUT if you set the Zoom and start recording then any changes on the zoom will affect the Line out only, not the recording, in my case i need this feature as i record everything coming out of the DJ, so i would set different zoom level when people dance than the level at speeches time and i don't want to keep stop and starting the recording!! anyone knows any thing about that??

[@cre8ivecommerce]

Hi 🙂 Would you suggest a Cloudlifter if we use a Sure SM7B? Thx!

[@jumpropepro6901]

Hue dude, hope all is well. How would I connect the Zoom F3 to a MV7 Shure microphone? Thanks for any help :) If there is something can you put a link for me so I buy the correct thing? Thanks again!

[@jacobsnightmare1807]

Hey Matt! Great video. If you plug this directly into camera, do you still get all the functionality of this little beast? I'd rather not have to synch separate audio in post if possible. I will, of course, but if I get the same quality direct to camera, that would be my preference. Thank you!!

[@seaninherts]

Hi there. Not quite. You would not get the 32 bit float, however if you set levels fine, and your camera pre-amps as low as they will go, you’ll enjoy the sound. Never will it be as good as that recorded to the micro SD but it will be very good and if your audio is not hissing or popping - too quiet or loud, it’s fine. If it does, then you’ve hopefully pressed record too and have an insurance policy. Good luck.

[@wilswilcox]

How about a case or a sound bag for the Zoom F3? There are very nice cases available for other Zoom recorders and audio gear. Does the Sachtler SN615 case which fits the Tascam X8 compatible with the Zoom F3?

[@Max_filmatic_music]

What about timecode? Do I have to buy an atomos when I already have tentacle sync?

[@dezfyah]

What are you using to shoot this video? Its very clear!!!!

[@0shojomanga0]

I like the idea of how compact it is but definitely not have the 1/4 inch plug is a deal breaker. Hope zoom upgrades

[@whoismatt]

I doubt they'll change it, will have to wait for the F3n or whatever update they make someday

[@HikingWithCooper]

The omission of plug ports is confounding. They would add like $0.47 more in terms of materials and may make the unit 2.2% larger.

[@Promikes]

i bought tascam x8 based on your experience, but it looks like that i cant stand microphone to capture through it in stereo, like binaural Roland CS-10EM is there any way? Looks like no way...

[@PaavoLammikko]

I can't really wrap my head around this concept... How does 32bit float help when shooting weddings? If you use wireless mics and the signal is to hot to the wireless preamp, 32bit float won't correct that. Same thing if the signal is too weak, it's the wireless system noise floor that governs. Same thing if you tap from a mixing console. As I understand it, the only situation when you would benefit from 32bit float is, when the mics are hardwired to the XLR-inputs and and the F3's preamps are used. Are you using wired mics to the F3 at weddings? I'm a newbe in video (but not in audio) and don't really get the hype... Please help me understand. :-)

[@sladjj]

is that so?? It's no good to tap it to a dj mixer at a wedding??

[@upmedia2018]

Can F3 use like a audio card? I need a microphone and record sound on my PC or use sound to livesteam. thanks

[@whoismatt]

Yes

[@jacobbontrager]

It sounds like the audio drops out for a split second at 11:37 and 11:49. Do you know what caused that?

[@whoismatt]

Haha literally me getting hoarse from not pausing to drink some water halfway through recording the video 😂 Not an issue with the recorder

[@basilistitieh5862]

thanks you for the great review Matt, can it be used as Lav? if yes any recommendations for a good Lav mic to go with it

[@newyorkcitycomics6702]

Matt, I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this but can you change the recording levels when using the wireless blue tooth adaptor? Or it more just stop record and see the meters?

[@whoismatt]

You can change the levels

[@aliosha123]

the firsst link gets me on a page that says this: The link you clicked on is malformed. Contact the editor of the originating page.

[@JoshuaCarbaughProductions]

I have an h6, worth to switch for weddings???

[@quiztasiarocks]

Hey Matt, just got the F3, which sd card do are you using?

[@jordanbey870]

Can I use the F3 with my Samsung S23??

[@jamessmithfilms]

just in time...picked it up last week....3 weddings in the next 2 weeks...

[@whoismatt]

Good timing!

[@JPLUSLSTUDIOS]

How does this compare to the Zoom essential F4?

[@whoismatt]

Planning on testing one soon!

[@captainentropy2725]

It looks like you could take a Dremel to those plastic support parts that are holding the metal rods and do some shrinkifying oneself...

[@MeniMor]

hi matt like the video i have one ? to ask you did you try to put in direct sound from the mixer band system did it worked? did you had no issues with over sound on it or distortion plz let me know thanks

[@Mike0193Azul]

If only it had a 3.5mm input mic it would have been perfect 💚

[@MetalAlive]

There are adapters from two xlr to 3.5mm

[@kylnman]

Does. Adapter.

[@Mike0193Azul]

No.

[@DavidHauserLoveGuide]

What about mono?

[@joseangel4428]

Thank you very much for this useful video. A question: to record to a Zoom H6, in a event, from a speaker, should I use the 1/4 cable -like from a mixer- or the XLR cable? I would say, the out of a speaker is line or microphone level? Thank you very much again.

[@whoismatt]

It shouldn't matter which cable you use as long as you have the recorder set to mic or line level

[@joseangel4428]

@@whoismatt The problem is the Zoom H6 doesn´t have line-mic knob... Only a 20 db knob

[@ryanhinmanfilms]

Could setting this incorrectly wreck the file?

[@luucamNY]

This is dope I work with kid drummers and sometimes mic them up with a rode wireless and using 2 different gains is an extra step in post I can avoid with this I can now have speech and drum audio all in one 😳