Sound for Video Session: ZOOM F3 Initial Look & Q&A

In this week's Sound for Video Session, we take our first look at the new ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder. This tiny device has two XLR inputs and NO GAIN setting. Because it can record a rather wide dynamic range , it doesn't need a gain or input setting. We'll take a closer look including audio samples, battery power time, how it works, and cover the types of situations where it may be most useful. Then we answer your sound for video related questions.
To learn more about 32-bit float wide dynamic range audio, please have a watch of our previous session on the topic: • Sound for Video Sessio...
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at school.learnlightandsound.com including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. We have a course on sound for live-streaming with the ATEM Mini and just added Introduction to Izotope RX for Dialogue Audio.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Waves, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store geni.us/6RvZm
- ZOOM F6 32-bit float audio recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon geni.us/pCFS
- ZOOM F8n Pro 32- bit float audio recorder - B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon geni.us/fdkN4s
AA Li-Ion rechargeable batteries - Amazon geni.us/gKjQ6G
- Earthworks SV33 studio vocal microphone - B&H, Sweetwater geni.us/jfIw
- Earthworks ETHOS microphone - B&H, Sweetwater geni.us/8G8UdBB
- Neumann U87 Ai microphone - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/phYZH
- Universal Audio Volt 276 USB audio interface - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/H5pbQ7
- Epiphan Pearl Nano live stream encoder - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon geni.us/qXyXR5
- Sound Devices MixPre II Series Recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/O8e0
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon geni.us/InspOl
- Canon C70 Camera - B&H geni.us/ABYB
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS lens - B&H, Amazon geni.us/qwsEs
- TA3-M to XLR-F Adapter cable to feed microphones to C70 or Blackmagic Pocket cameras - B&H bhpho.to/3o2dTOS
- ATEM Mini Extreme & Extreme ISO - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon geni.us/b8my
- Allen & Heath SQ5 Digital Mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon geni.us/sRxFU90
- Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel, pre-amp, EQ, compressor - Sweetwater, B&H geni.us/9ZfE77
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: geni.us/G7by
Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd
Index
00:00 Start
3:19 Beginning of stream
3:57 Agenda
6:43 Zoom F3 overview
49:43 Finding a good dialogue/ambience mic
51:24 Finding a stereo mic for documentary production
52:03 Low-cut use case tutorial request
55:07 Questions from the chat
1:05:47 Wrap-up
1:06:24 End of stream

[@applehillstudios]

So helpful for understanding the F3. Thanks so much!

[@plasticAudio]

Just got my F3 today and went straight to this video. Thank you so much for making it.

[@curtisjudd]

Congrats and happy recording!

[@HansWalkingTours]

This is amazing. Just subscribed, i need this. Thank you

[@lrkx_]

Thanks so much for the review. It certainly helped me make up my mind about the F3 for sound design purposes. :)

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Happy recording!

[@markexploringnewstuff]

Great info. Well done.

[@kqschwarz]

I watched this live session after it was completed, but I have to say the content was great. I am a academic physician who is just starting to make on-line educational content for medical paraprofessionals, trainees and senior physicians. There is a lot to consider when putting together all the pieces needed to make this all work and your KZbin videos are extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Thanks Karl and best wishes on your content!

[@arhon888]

Superb. Thanks for sharing. I think controlling the line out volume via the app is possible from what I could see on your video. There was a control slider button (set at the +6db position approximately 3/4 to the right). You clicked around it but not on it as you did when controlling the headphone volume. I paid particular attention to this part of the video as this was the one feature I was keen to see if it had 17:25

[@PeterMossUkulele]

Thank you once again for sharing your expertise with everyone regarding this device. ETA to the UK is mid / end of April. If ever you do reviews of small digital mixers such as the Behringer Flow 8 - I would be very interested. Thank you again. Peter.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Thanks Peter and happy recording!

[@ahmedadambd1939]

Thank you. Concerning stereo miking for soundscapes, as microphones there are: Usi (pro) from LOM (which are not readily available). They can have 3.5 mm or XLR as termination (using the cable adapter). Otherwise, there are the Clippy EM172 from MicBooster. As an MS configuration, Sennheiser microphones MKH30 + MKH40, can be a good choice. As a small MS microphone, used even on a camera probably the Sanken CMS-50 can be practical (I didn't try it. Michael Wynne shared a video about this mic).

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Thanks for sharing, Ahmed.

[@tommdauenhauer3860]

Hi Curtis, as usual, Excellent First Look at the Zoom F3. I want to use it as a backup to my 8 channel bag mixer/recorder - Even though the F3 would be a safety to a safety to a dual SD Card Backup and Two-Channel WisyCom Camera Hops to Sony FX-9's, 7's, Arri's, etc... I must provide .wav files that have timecode. I'm looking into the Ultrasync Blue box to the Zoom BT Adapter and wondering if the SMPTE TC is inserted into a B.wav file or gets recorded to Ch1 or Ch2? Also, what has your experience been when delivering 32 bit float files to post? Do they know how to work them into the timeline, etc...? Any pushback? Thank you for your expertise! Happy New Year!

[@przybylskipawel]

Thanks for your review. In a future review of F8n Pro if you could cover the topic of the output settings (gain/faders/levels) to properly gain stage in 32-bit float workflow, it would be very helpful.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks Paweł. It turns out you'd use the same process you'd normally use, but also engage the output limiter which ZOOM added. Good topic for a future Session.

[@curtisjudd]

Correction: If you change the amplification level PRIOR to starting a recording, it does adjust the level at which the audio is recorded. It is a fader adjustment, not an analogue preamp (gain) adjustment.

[@manutecpodcast]

Thank you for your Reply

[@petrub27]

How sure you were about gain levels in your video and now this

[@curtisjudd]

@@petrub27 I am human and make mistakes. But I do correct when I’m wrong.

[@petrub27]

@@curtisjudd that was a rushed review without knowing the facts

[@curtisjudd]

@@petrub27 It wasn't a review, I clearly marked it as "Initial look" in the title. The review is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmoc4KXZbqIgNE

[@tilt4728]

I would love to only hit record from one button on camera. Can you connect the ZCam (Camera) USB into the Zoom F3 USB and start and stop record from the camera to the Zoom.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

Yes, was there...was having technical difficulties. :)

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Honored that you made it and I hope you're doing well!

[@alaneddy4575]

Hi Curtis, great little device. 32 BF is developing nicely. I'm guessing this might work well with a couple of wireless mics.

[@curtisjudd]

👍

[@ardiyanto.t]

Hi, if you dont mind to explain about sample rate n the application of each number like 48, 96, 19x kHZ? Many thanks..

[@gilad_paz]

Hi, thanks for another great review. About a month ago you were kind to answer my question concerning headphone routing. I want to be able to hear myself as well as hear a playback music track in my headphones, but to end up with a clean vocal track only. When you upload your review of the F3 will it be possible for you to demonstrate this feature? Thanks greatly

[@curtisjudd]

The F3 does not have headphone routing features. But if you plan to record to this with a computer and DAW, you should be able to configure your DAW to play or mute any existing tracks while you record another.

[@fatihakturko]

Mr. Curtis.... this world I think much more tough than mic world : ) Very hard to decide which one we must invest on according to top limits of our budgets. Which interface you'd suggest about for a moderately treated room and a Dynamic mic ? ... My Researches were focused on Auident mk ii and SSL+2 and MOTU .... still can't decide .... and so on this device ... HELPPP plssss : )) some ppl say MOTU is the best for latency..... some other says Audient preamps are really great and without any noise......woah confused enough

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Hi, Curtis. Great video! I am not sure if I am not seeing properly (with my bad eyes)... But I am wondering if you happen to have a link for the cable which you are using for the Cable Out?

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Sekrit, no, I don't know where I bought this cable. Any decent quality stereo minijack cable (TRS) should do.

[@bluedun9816]

I purchased the F3 for on camera recording, I can now use my MKH 416 with the phantom power provided. Maybe I missed it but was there any discussion on preamp quality? From what I can tell so far this is a pretty solid device considering I have no gain control.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

This was just the first look. The preamps seem to be very similar to the F6 and F8n which is pretty good.

[@grassrunner7983]

Master Judd!

[@curtisjudd]

🙏

[@becketu]

Hi Curtis, do you have any advice on how to reduce the noise floor when recording with the MKH 416? I see you put a HPF at 50Hz, and I tried to copy the other settings you used. I noticed in your F3 review video you were able to get the levels to around -60db, but mine still hover around -45db when I normalize the audio. I record in an office with lots of reflective surfaces, and low AC rumble. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and thank you for your amazing videos.

[@curtisjudd]

I don't know how far your mic is positioned from you? Closer will optimize the signal to noise ratio. You really have to turn off HVAC and other noise in the room to achieve levels around -60 dB RMS max. The purpose of these samples was to demonstrate what can be achieved in near ideal situations. I hope that helps!

[@becketu]

@@curtisjudd thank you!

[@DevonBlack]

I was little nervous hearing you say magnifying before recording didn't adjust the recording levels as I had already ordered my own F3 but I just got my F3 and tested it and in fact if you do magnify before recording it does effect the file's level when you open it up later. Still a little unclear if it's really a mic trim or just a fader level type thing. Maybe that's what you meant though- that it's still not a proper gain. But yeah, excellent review regardless. Thank you so much for all you do. I'm really looking forward to your video about it

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, just tested and you're right, it does change the recording level if you adjust before recording. Note that it is a fader adjustment, not an analogue gain adjustment you're making.

[@laurentb.2064]

Hello Curtis. Thank you for the live (I watched the replay on KZbin). I am a "newbie" in "recording" world and found your great Chanel. Please excuse me if my questions are stupid. 1. F3 comes with XLR connectors only. Can F3 be used to record "line out" from synthesizers or it is designed to record via external mics only ? 2. Do you know why does Zoom provide some recorders with XLR/TRS combo (H6, F8n, H5,...) and others with XLR only (F3, F6, ...) ? Thank you. Have a nice day.

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Laurent, 1) If the synth puts out a line level signal, yes, it will work. 2) Because combo jacks take up more space inside the device, they cannot put them in these tiny devices. Their bigger recorders like the F8n have combo jacks.

[@daudet1]

Sir, it appears that the + and - do serve as a gain control for what is actually RECORDED as long as you set the levels BEFORE you start recording. I bought the device last week and I just retested this after watching this video. You might remember I had this question for your F6 review. I now like this device much more. There are only a couple disappointment disappointments for me. They recently released a firmware upgrade which allowed float32 via the USB output (live vs recorded). It turns out this doesn't work with my PC. I need to be set to LINEAR (which is 24 bit). I don't know if this the cable or something that I have set incorrectly on my PC. The other thing is that if you have set it to passthrough out to the USB, to record live on your PC, you can't simultaneously write to a file on the device. You have to switch things in the menu to either use the USB as a passthrough or the alternative which is for file copying.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Thanks Daniel. I'll take another look.

[@cre8ivecommerce]

Hi 🙂Thx for video. If we use the SM7B,,, would we need to use the CLOUDLIFTER? Thx :-)

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

No, these preamps are clean enough.

[@TekiTeacher210]

Thank you for that review. Question, I have the F3 and am looking for a mic under 500 for recording sound with the F3 while recording using a 360 camera(Insta360 x2). The idea is to be able to record discussions and sounds from about 2-3 yard distance. I will have the F3 mounted under the 369 camera. Thanks in advance.

[@curtisjudd]

Do you need the microphone to be directional or Omni-directional?

[@michaelscott9266]

Thanks for the review. Can the F3 be used as an audio interface and audio recorder at the same time

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

I'll find out when I work with it in preparation for the formal review.

[@curtisjudd]

Just tested and with the current firmware (2.0) it is NOT possible to record and use the F3 as an audio interface at the same time. It is possible they'll add this in the future, but I cannot say for sure.

[@Sonoquilibrium]

Is there a possibility to record Mid-Side with F3? I love this stereo setup in various situations also outdoors is very useful! I didn't find the question below asking about MS, so I ask now. Thank you for your kind answer!

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

No, it is a 2 track recorder and M/S requires 3 tracks as I understand it.

[@Sonoquilibrium]

@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions Thank you for your answer! Some 2-channels handy recorders like Tascam DR100-MKIII has a possibility to record in MS Mode. The F3 has some advantages compared to Tascam DR100-MKIII, but it is possible that it doesn't have this possibility of MS Recording. It's true, MS Recording needs 3-channels for successful recording, but it's possible to make it also with 2 channel recorders.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Sonoquilibrium You're right, my mistake. M/S uses a cardioid microphone plus a figure 8 microphone. But to confirm, no, the F3 does not have a M/S stereo mode.

[@Sonoquilibrium]

@@curtisjudd Thank you!

[@RobKristjansson]

Curtis, do you think this would make a good recorder for an on-the-road VO kit?

[@curtisjudd]

Indeed!

[@persvanstrom]

As KZbinr hoping to progress into Interview filming and recording (solo) would this be enough or would you recommend the F6n? Also would it work recording directly into Audition on my PC when I do my own KZbin?

[@curtisjudd]

This would be a great start. For two person interviews, you'd be limited to one mic per person. In most circumstances, I like to use a Lavalier and boom mic for each person.

[@persvanstrom]

@@curtisjudd I'll order the F6

[@curtisjudd]

@@persvanstrom Thanks and happy recording!

[@mobolajiadeolu1289]

Hi Curtis, thanks alot for this, I connected the F3 to a Dj's mixer, i kept getting this error "Maximum input level exceeded". Please help!

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Switch the input on the F3 to line level (he SOURCE setting)

[@Robert.DeCorah]

So there’s no way to use something like the Tentacle Sync to sync time code with other cameras using Tentacle Sync devices?

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Yes, if you use one of the XLR inputs to record audio timecode. Or you can use the ATOMOS UltraSync Blue.

[@stanleystevens6278]

Could you recommend an adapter that can connect a lavalier mic with a standard 3.5mm jack to the XLR port?

[@curtisjudd]

The RODE VXLR+ or VXLR Pro are worth a look. (not the original VLXR)

[@stanleystevens6278]

@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis!

[@manutecpodcast]

Thank you, I have a doubt, may not be related to Zoom Recorder. How can one decide or choose a microphone based on Frequency Response, I mean 40 Hz - 20000Hz or 100 Hz - 16000Hz how does one relate to his voice and select the microphone. If you have already any videos please provide a link. Thank you.

[@curtisjudd]

This specification tells one very little about the performance of the microphone. I'd recommend you listen to as many samples recorded with the microphone you're interested in. That will tell you a lot more about it than the frequency response specification.

[@manutecpodcast]

@@curtisjudd Thank you

[@petrub27]

You need the freq response graph 📉

[@winnegehetoch]

What Zoom F3 needs is a way to edit and store a few presets. Examples: Boom plus lavalier, dual pencil condensers ORTF, big condenser and boom, big condenser and lavalier, dual dynamic (no Phantom power!), ribbon (absolutely no Phantom) + condenser (Phantom 48V), M-S no Phantom, M-S + Phantom etc. There are a huge diversity of possible preset options - especially when mixed microphones are used - some needing Phantom, others certainly not, if you want to avoid “death by Phantom” on a near antique expensive ribbon microphone with the “smooooth” sound. No need to convert your wonder mic to a Jimmy Hendrix distortion emulator for eternity (also expensive in the long run). Each user may personally only need two, tree or four presets, but they may save your day, if you avoid accidentally frying your very expensive ribbons due to the BSFoTFB (big sausage fingers on tiny, fiddly buttons) syndrome. Zoom F6 has presets, but it is extremely cumbersome in use (except preset selection, but that cannot be done from the App either). Presets only allow 20 character filenames - names longer than that (excluding the extension) are simply ignored (I often use names like 1MP32-2M48-3LP12-4L0 (example: Ch1Mic Phantom fader: + 32dB, Ch2 Mic no Phantom fader: +48db, CH3 Line Phantom fader: +12dB for an especially "hot" condenser and Line no Phantom fader 0dB for phone call-in signal). Especially for the F6 it would be really nice, if one could edit the presets in the App (preferably iPad) or in a control program on PC and Mac, including various routing requirements. The latter would be perfect, and if the preset also allowed inclusion of a short description (avoiding convoluted file names), that would be shown on the F6 screen (or the smartphone/tablet), it would be near perfect. Perfection requires support for an Android remote control App. It exists for the F2-BT and seems to be promised for F3 and F8 on Android. Why not include F6 - it’s high time (especially since Apple has begun a regime of marketing induced bugs in each new iOS version ;-) As an example: I use a special headset Y-cable, with separate microphone in and headphone sound out (connected via a jack to dual XLR) to the F6 CH2 (+12dB Line no Phantom) and CH3 (+0dB Line no Phantom - safety channel) and CH1 for Lavalier (with Phantom to bias converter) or "hot" big condenser including Phantom (my voice). Headphones routed as usual, but Line out only carries my voice in both channels, that have active soft knee limiter and -20dB output level (for the mic signal to the headset Y-cable). That way I only need to select the preset, connect i.e. the lavalier, headphone and smartphone to cables and F6, and I get a complete phone conversation everything recorded 48kHz 32-bit float for later use. A lot of airlines no longer support email in real life, and they record all conversations - obviously only for educational use - one bank also as documentation for any online agreements. In the latter case, I asked for a copy of the conversation containing any "arrangements" - aaaand waddajuno: not possible (purely for backup of "their recordings"... ahem ;-) Later the same day, I may need to select a preset for an often used live recording setup (ORTF specific stereo microphone, one or two similar sounding pencil condensers (one for center and one for optional rear "embience") plus one boom microphone and one wireless lavalier, with a completely different setup for power, fader, routing and whatnot in 32-bit float 192kHz for a choir performance - called "green music" of all things - my farts "schlepping" gear obviously do not count in the big scheme of things :-) Simple preset juggling and everything is cool. If it could be done from my smartphone or tablet, it would be of even greater help. Regards

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Thanks for sharing!

[@yinYangMountain]

The question I’ve often asked is (and have seem many others ask in various forums): * What iPad App can import a 32-bit floating point file (especially one that has ‘clipped’), normalize it so that any clipped portion is now 0db, and then output said file to a workable 24-bit / 48kHz file for use in a preferred DAW? > I was able to get AudioShare for iPad to do this. (One click to normalize to 0dB. One click to convert.) Why is it important to know this (IMO)? Many content creators use programs such as LumaFusion or Cubasis 3 while away from a computer. Note: SOUND-DEVICES will answer the above question. Zoom Corp. and TASCAM, for whatever reason, won’t. If there are any other iPad Apps which will perform the above, please advise. Thanks.

[@curtisjudd]

I don't do post production work on iPad so I don't know, but interested to see what others have to say.

[@WaltDBrack]

Can the usb c serve as a output to record all Mac sound as a seperate track to edit either the mic or pc audio in post easier?

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Yes with the loopback feature.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I just got the F3 a few days ago. I use DaVinci Resolve for editing, etc. I tried the Mark feature in the App, but when I brought it into Resolve, I didn't know what to look for when seeing where I hit the "Mark" button. Any suggestions?

[@curtisjudd]

I haven't used Resolve recently, but will try and see what I can find next time I do. Anyone else out there know based on experience?

[@arielsalazar8645]

Hi, Sir Curtis. I own a deity connect system and I'm planning to purchase a preamp like the beachtek or saramonic but stumbled upon this zoom f3. My question is, if I connect the 2 xlr cables of the deity connect to the xlr ports of the zoom f3 will it be able to record separately while the line out of the zoom f3 is connected to my camera and is also recording?

[@curtisjudd]

Yes.

[@arielsalazar8645]

@@curtisjudd will it also work with the zoom h6? Thank you for responding to my question.

[@curtisjudd]

@@arielsalazar8645 No, I believe the H series recorders only output a mix of all microphones, not isolated channels. But you might be able to hack it if you have no more than 2 mics and the H6 allows you to pan one hard left and the other hard right.

[@mww-ew6oz]

Is it that you're both being picked up by each other's mics or is there channel bleed? I know some Zoom products have had bleed issues in the past, and there were spikes on channel 2 before the second mic was connected, though that could just be handling noise. Which I guess also brings up the question of "What's the handling noise situation?" If one's using it in the field and a cable or something hits the casing, are you going to hear it? I know on my Tascam DR-10X, when I all I had was a locking connector for the headphone output (which isn't locking), anytime the connector would slide into the body of the recorder, it'd register as a "thump" on the recording. Obviously, one wouldn't want anything to bump the recorder while it's recording, but in the filed, sometimes things happen. And, of course, channel bleed would be extremely concerning. I'm hoping those spikes are the mark of a less than stellar quality connector and not the mark of an overall quality issue with the design of the unit. But if you pause the video at 12:29, you can see that there's definitely something happening on the right channel despite no microphone being connected to that jack yet.

[@curtisjudd]

That is being picked up from both mics - we were in very close proximity here. Bumping the recorder, which does NOT have any in-built microphones should not be picked up in the recording. I haven't noticed any internal cross-talk between channels.

[@brianpimental2948]

Training I would like to get more knowledge on audio and lighting. Where is the best place?

[@curtisjudd]

Right here is a good place to learn about audio for video. The Sound for Video Sessions we do each week here are meant as a supplement to our courses over at School.LearnLightAndSound.com. My other channel "Curtis Judd" also covers a good bit on lighting.

[@daniannaci3258]

Hi Curtis! On the F3: After committing a 32 floating bit audio file to the SD card, what bit rate would a connected PC see upon playback through the USB port? I can’t find an answer to that anywhere. Thanks!

[@curtisjudd]

Hi Dan, I don't entirely understand your question. The F3 is a 32-bit float only recorder. When connected as an audio interface, you set it either to 24-bit linear or 32-bit float. If you set it to 32--bit float it will play back at 32-bit float. But note, analogue outputs, including the F3's headphone or line outputs, cannot play back sound above 0dBFS without distortion.

[@daniannaci3258]

@@curtisjudd Thank you, Curtis, for your quick answer. My PC won’t accept anything other than 16 bit, not 24. Might be time to update my PC as the F3 seems to be the near perfect solution for 2 channel concert recordings with its quiet mic preamps and unmatched portability

[@johnnyray5515]

I thought that I can use the 3.5 TRS out to connect a Diety TC-1 and generate timecode and then take another TC-1 and connect it to my camera and sync the timecode to that.

[@curtisjudd]

On the F6, but not on the F3.

[@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??

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

I’d suggest you contact Zoom support for that.

[@michaelscott9266]

I can’t wrap my head around not having level control. If this is used in audio interface mode connected via USBC, how world I go about increasing or decreasing levels on a live stream or zoom call?

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

You can adjust the level control when not recording. If livestreaming, you can boost or attenuate the level in your streaming app.

[@markmaisonneuve7596]

Curtis, does the F3 allow you to change frame rates to match camera framerates (i.e. 23.98, 29.97...)

[@curtisjudd]

I believe you set the frame rate on the Ultrasync Blue when you connect to it.

[@markmaisonneuve7596]

@@curtisjudd So the only way is to have the UltraSync Blue? Are options like Diety's TC1 workable?

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

@@markmaisonneuve7596 Unfortunately, no. The only compatible option of which I'm aware is the ATOMOS Ultrasync Blue.

[@hoodaffairstv]

do you think this would be a good match with the shure twinplex tl47 with the xlr extension

[@curtisjudd]

Sure. 😉

[@joshpassaretti5408]

How can you make sure that the dbs coming from board audio is coming in at a good level if you cannot see the levels on the recorder ?

[@curtisjudd]

If you cannot see the meters showing signal, then there either isn't enough signal or the levels aren't set high enough on the F3.

[@joshpassaretti5408]

@@curtisjudd and on the other end, in terms of it coming in too hot, are we just relying on keeping the multiplication down at like x8 and then watching the levels that are coming in, i know the 32 bit float is going to help me from recovering low or high outputs but the audio from the board still needs to be coming in at a solid level that’s not distorting, i had a line level recently that whoever was on the board must have turned the mix up after i checked my levels and the entire concert came in clipped and unrecoverable, which I’m not sure the recorder would have been able yo change because the point of error happened before it got to the recorder

[@curtisjudd]

@@joshpassaretti5408 just to confirm, you have the inputs on the F3 set to line level?

[@curtisjudd]

Short version: Mixing boards almost always deliver line level which is much hotter than mic level signals.

[@pagpapaitim]

i just wanna know which brand the AA's are.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

I added a link to the description for you.

[@ropeyarn]

I want to hang the F3 on Broadway singers/actors. I would like a lavalier mic, either omni or dynamic, that uses a XLR connector, so that I can take advantage of the locking feature of XLR connectors.

[@curtisjudd]

Interesting. Hadn't thought of that as a use-case. It'll be a substantially bulkier than traditional wireless packs but should work for recording. I assume they'll also wear a wireless transmitter?

[@ropeyarn]

@@curtisjudd I'm getting requests from the producer for post mixes for videos. Since I'm also working the cameras, I need foolproof audio for post, since theatrical technicians vary widely in quality and the venues aren't so hot either. A Rode Wireless Go clipped to a music stand saved me at a play reading in what amounted to a classroom acoustically. A Zoom H6 captured the chorus. There is also a limit to the amount of equipment I can carry around NYC. So, maybe the Zoom F3 with perhaps the Movo Photo LV8-C Cardioid Lavalier on each principal actor?

[@curtisjudd]

@@ropeyarn Understood. I have never had good luck with cardioid lavaliers. They are very difficult to position and keep in place. Have you had luck with them?

[@ropeyarn]

@@curtisjudd Not as much experience with them as I would like before commenting. But, I have the AT System 10 wireless with both a J-K omni and the AT831 Cardioid so I just compared them. The cardioid has very good side rejection, almost as much as a hand held. Handling noise is high, requiring the wire to also be secured to prevent noise traveling up to the mic. AT supplies a clip with angle detents of 45 degrees. To take advantage of proximity effect and stay 'on mic' I would mount the cardioid up on the collar, if the costume and facial hair allowed.

[@slownoice]

I'm not quite clear on this, can someone explain the difference between this F3 and the Zoom H5?

[@curtisjudd]

The F3 has more metal in its build and the preamps are FAR superior to the H5's. The ZOOM H series are consumer level devices. The ZOOM F series are prosumer devices.

[@slownoice]

@@curtisjudd Could you grace me with your insights once more? I'm running my ship with an iPad as my main computer. Is it conceivable to fine-tune the F3 recordings (especially those silky 32-bit captures) using apps operable on the iPad?

[@curtisjudd]

@@slownoice Unfortunately, I don't know the answer to that question. Sorry about that. 😟

[@Mucarofilms]

Hey Curtis . Make sure to compare it with the Tascam X8 on your final review. I’m a wedding filmmaker that’ll eventually do some corporate work.

[@curtisjudd]

I can say right now that I, personally, prefer the ZOOM F3. Not a huge fan of the big screen and not so great battery life on the X8. Will cover this in the review.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

I’d suggest to use a $1 bill as a size reference.

[@LearnLightAndSoundSessions]

Thanks

[@FrankETaylor]

I can't believe Zoom keeps using the Bluetooth dongle instead of making it an internal part. Also it's so inconvenient to use the app (at least for me using the F6) and if you want to change something that's not in the app, you have to disconnect it to use the built in menu system. I haven't used the app in the past year because it hasn't been worth it.

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for the insights, Frank.

[@imark7777777]

I think it has to do with regulatory reasons. Since it is a consumer ish device where as there more pro line stuff they can integrate it. Some countries won't allow Bluetooth and I'm sure there's some patent trademark infringements like we saw with a wireless mic being able to record internally because sarcastically there's no prior art for that.

[@PeterMossUkulele]

Hey Curtis - I'm still awaiting my Zoom F3 at the time of writing. Can't wait!...... I did find another video from Zoom that was a bit confusing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJmWZaGpiaqHeKs - At around 1 minute the presenter said by adjusting the buttons on the front, you could increase the headphone volume AND it would effect the recording level. He then proceeded to record the inputs too low and high and then the usual normalisation recovery demo in post. You suggested that those buttons would only effect the headphones and line output levels. Please take a look and clarify if you have time. Thanks. Peter.

[@curtisjudd]

Yes, it is a little nuanced: If you set the amplification level before you start a recording, it affects the recording level. If you start a recording and THEN adjust the amplification level, it only affects the output and headphone levels.

[@PeterMossUkulele]

@@curtisjudd Thank you so much Curtis. Much appreciated. Peter.

[@angelalonsosarmiento1940]

so no 24 bit mode, bummer

[@curtisjudd]

As an audio interface you can record in 24-bit, but not on the F3 itself.