Tascam DR-10L vs Zoom F2 - Which is BEST for Wedding Filmmakers?

[@whoismatt]

🧔 Follow me on Instagram for more beard - @WHOISMATT - instagram.com/whoismatt/

[@jackdifferent]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3PUiZZ_iLKBlas

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Yeah, great beard. I had a beard before beards were a thing. My mom hates it.

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

Why do I need to format a card on an audio recorder? Isn't that only necessary if I want to clear the card of file quickly? Or does it help the recorder somehow?

[@jessenorasinfiniteadventur2677]

Bro I still can't believe how engaging your videos are without a music track underneath. It's refreshing. If I hear one more lofi hip hop beat in an instructional tech video my head might pop. Also, super informative review here for a wedding filmmaker like myself. Appreciate how you've helped me elevate my wedding videos over the years. Yes!

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

What they said 🙂 Also, thanks Matt for that video you did on the AMD Ryzen build. 4K video editing is nothing. It crushes it.

[@EdaliaDayCreative]

I so agree. I find added generic music so annoying in videos like this

[@raytry69]

+1 for the content without a so called "music". We came for the content, not for a music what you may or may not like.

[@jordantenenbaum8424]

I've never thought about that on these videos, but I totally agree.

[@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia]

I own both. I would definitely recommend the F2 if you don’t have a recorder already. Like Matt said, if you already have the DR-10L you don’t need to upgrade unless you’ve had audio problems in the past with missing moments and want that BT feature to monitor on your phone. I know so many videographers who forget to hit record on their audio recorders for events, and the 32-bit is great for low or peaking audio.

[@christopherarmstrong2710]

Great comments, thanks!

[@alainbucio3124]

Thanks for your insight I think I'm going to purchase the F2

[@gioscamra3588]

@@alainbucio3124 same

[@Detroupe]

You forgot to mention a very important thing. The ZOOM F2 accepts synchronization via Time Code directly with Bluetooth. Can be used with the Atomos X sync or an UltraSync Blue for example. To synchronize sound and video in post production.

[@AlexUtreras]

If there's one thing I love about the Dr-10, it's that both the lavalier clip and the recorder clip are extremely hard, you hook them and they don't come loose with anything! Even much more expensive lavaliers like Sony or Sennheiser don't hold onto clothes as well. I have not tried the zoom but just for that security that the Tascam gives me that it will never fall or drop, I would choose another one like it.

[@showshow8804]

I have the DR10C and yes i plug it into another wireless transmitter to send the audio to the camera. also i can listen to the audio from the camera to be sure.

[@ianwelsh8516]

My name is ian welsh I am from Jamaica you inspired me so much I just got a canon 80d with a kit lens because of your teaching I know in the future I'm going to be a great wedding film maker

[@ek_studioz]

Ian contrasts! I purchased the 80D almost 2 years ago as an amateur and I have no regrets. Invest in lights and lens and you’ll be a great filmmaker. Cheers🥂 to greatness.

[@MeridianMedia]

Thanks for your objectivity as always Matt! We've been using the Tascam DR-10L for years now, and while the ability to start/stop record remotely is very tempting, I really value how reliable the Tascam DR-10L has been over the years. The build quality is great and it's never let me down, so I'm sticking with the Tascam for now. Hopefully Tascam sees this an opportunity to have a Bluetooth version of their lav in future releases.

[@gunn1ng]

System version 1.2 for the F2 / F2-BT Field Recorder has been released with the following bug fix and function update. Added a function to enable formatting the SD card inserted in F2-BT using F2 Control app (for iOS/Android). Fixed a bug that audio files were not created when recording in rare cases

[@paulfairchild8942]

Anyone that has a Zoom F2, install firmware update 1.20 (released Feb 2022) from the Zoom site. It resolves the issue where the unit sometimes fails to record a file despite being in record mode; and the issue when recording the recording will not stop (the file then also fails to record).

[@Holtenstein]

So now I want to know what the F2 sounds like with the DR-10L's mic? haha. The F2 may sound that much better. Using the headphone jack to output audio to a transmitter was the reason for the Tascam DR-10SC that wasn't sold in the U.S. for patent laws. Probably why the white F2 isn't available here either. For weddings, as you know, being able to swap cards and batteries is mandatory. IMO, a Bluetooth app is not a good replacement for a screen. For film, when using a better mic and a dedicated person running audio, these would be great. I just don't see this current version of the F2 replacing the DR's any time soon. That 32bit float is a fantastic feature though and I hope to see more of that. But if I was in the market for my first mic, I would get the F2BT. Easy choice

[@EventfilmsUk]

There have been several reports of the zoom F2 freezing , then failing to save the audio track. I can confirm this with my copy. Purchased in Jan 2022. I had to send it back the next day. I tested it several times, even just turning off without stopping recording first and it was fine. Then after a longer test, record 45 mins , it froze. it wouldn't respond to the record button. I waited for the red record light to go out (about a minute) before turning off, but the file hadn't saved, I really cannot risk this happening on a paid shoot. I have also had a Rode wireless go 2 shut down on its own , battery issue? but showing nearly full. Now moving to Tascam, I need reliability.

[@JuniorTobias525]

Just shot a baby Shower a few days ago and let me tell you the Zoom F2 DOES peak because when they both screamed and even during super loud talking it peaked when it tried to bring it back in audition. This was with the stock mic it came with. I know this has to do with the mic limitation

[@natasha_glenn]

Great video, how about the picomic 2 pro and its statement "An ultra-fast DSP algorithm constantly monitors the audio level and adjusts the microphone gain sample-per-sample when the microphone may saturate - with no audible artifacts! It will save your recording when loud sounds saturate the microphone!"

[@jdmitchell6995]

Rode just needs to add 32bit internal recording to the Wireless Go. Game over.

[@samuelgosling116]

check their instagram, something new coming looks like a new version of the go, have to wait and see

[@olledahlquist3784]

No matter what version of Zoom F2 you buy - you will need the USB-C cable as you can't format the memory card via BT. In the version sold in USA you can't use the headphone output to connect to a transmitter like Rode, but the European models allows it. Editing 32-bit float is not available on all audio software programs. As for now you will need a program that can handle 32-bit float.

[@whoismatt]

The USA version works with the headphone out, as I say in the video.

[@olledahlquist3784]

@@whoismatt Ok. In some other reviews they said that was not possible. I stand corrected. ;-)

[@david243121]

@@whoismatt what is stopping us from plugging a Rode wireless transmitter into a DR10 L?

[@KBProduction1988]

I like your videos matt!! I want only one thing to learn: which audio effects did you applied to your audio from the lav micro's?

[@RamaSivamani]

For the sd card formatting if you need to format a card at a wedding wouldn't you just format the card the night before or morning of before you leave for the wedding? Once go to the wedding you should already have a formatted card ready to go. It's not like your going to reformat it mid wedding unless you are also transferring files off of the card mid wedding.

[@8mmmauserman]

This was really helpful. I make technical-historical firearms content and frequently go back and forth between shooting and talking. I think the background track feature would work really well for me to record the gunshots at a lower DB and mix the two in post.

[@makatron]

The tascam dr-10cs has the output on top for connecting the wireless TX and cost the same. Just not in the US.

[@JasmineApple]

Great comparison! I bought the DR10L about 3 years ago based on your recommendation, and I've loved it ... EXCEPT turning it off, as you mentioned. The on/off switch has worn down so much, that I can no longer turn it off at all with my finger or fingernail -- I have to use something else (usually, the end of a usbc cable). It's frustrating enough to make me look for something else, but after this review, I think I'll just stick with the DR10L -- I love, love, love it, until it's time to turn it off.

[@bikeweeknation7833]

TI have both lithe DR10s ( I have 2) but the F2 for me, is part of a package I use for documentary production. I can put it on the primary character at start of a day of shooting and leave it on protagonist all day. The ability to use time code with F2 is huge for me in terms of being able to toggle the body pack recording on and off and then sync clips with the Ultra Syc One the my A Cam and the audio from my Zoom f3 which is recording my Boom. The entire package has great value from a time code perspective. Great stuff, enjoy your work.

[@AlanHouser]

Fantastic video. Great audio too! Where do I get one of those dead cats for mine? Oh- that's a beard. Heyooooo.

[@DaveSy]

Knew I would find the definitive, one-stop comparison video from you! Still such a tough decision as to whether I should get another Tascam DR-10L or Zoom F2-BT, given the insane prices of aftermarket lav mic upgrades. While it wasn't a huuuge difference I could hear the DR-10L's edge in the crispness of the high-end. The two lav mic upgrades you recommended are 290+ and it seems like there should be one that edges out the Tascam DR-10L's stock mic for under $150?

[@MilitaryHistoryVisualized]

thank you! I had 3 Zoom F1s, 2times the flimsy battery door broke. Looking for a replacement, seems the F2 does not fully fix that flaw. Time to switch to Tascam.

[@carlraetzsch]

Good comparison. That bluetooth monitoring is easily the #1 reason to consider switching.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks Carl!

[@danieldougan269]

I think the Zoom needs a little refinement before it can overtake the Tascam, especially with that whole microSD card formatting issue. Maybe the next version from Zoom will be the undisputed winner.

[@thomassmithfilmuk]

Great vid! Question - if you had two F2-BTs, would you be able to use the app to control both simultaneously?

[@djlobugit]

no.

[@CSGPhotos]

It seems as though the f2 is geared more towards a longer experience, such as being out on a trail for several days and wanting to document the experience without having to bring a lot of extra gear, or be concerned about running out of memory or battery.

[@devin_leary]

I feel like you would want to have the zoom on a groom for the vows. 32 bit audio will also pick up the bride. I have a tascam but I might just put that on the officiant and use the zoom on the groom.

[@diceflawless9115]

Dang I just bought my Tascam yesterday. Kinda wishing I saw this video before and got the zoom

[@Hardrainstudio]

By far the best comparison video - thank you

[@nillarafael3883]

And that moment when I just had this feeling... that this video was very helpful, thanks!

[@jaymeez]

Good Job... The DR-10L's regularly go on sale on Amazon btw :)

[@63MacGuy]

Great video Matt! I already have a black and a white (I bought the white one after watching your video on making the bride) now I need a third for the officiant. I was thinking maybe the zoom because sometimes when the priest starts to sing it can Peak even on my DR-10L

[@rosyaugust7095]

Full depth comparison. Thanks for sharing it. Loved it

[@joshuawest6050]

Love your videos! Sill can’t wait for your Sony a7siii setup and custom button layout video to come out! 🙏🏼😃

[@gunnarb16091]

Great video. I bought the tentacle sync

[@Mediamazing]

It is a cool concept, but my Tascams have been doing a great job!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Me too. Never failed me

[@JaysonBumbalough]

I was leaning towards the tascam. Think I’ll go with those

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

The dr 10 has never failed me. The safety track works great. The Tascam dr 10c in Europe allows you to use a wireless transmitter. I have two of them, and pair them with the Sennheiser G3.

[@whoismatt]

Nice!

[@thewriter2549]

Excellent videos, can you address lav mic placement? I got scratching sounds using lav mic's that severely compromised my audio. One person wearing the lav mic (that I had carefully attached to his shirt pocket) later savagely wrapped up the mic in his shirt and my audio was completely ruined with loud scratching sounds. I was looking for tech in one of your videos about how to mic a person to get good audio. I won't use wireless anymore, either, due to bad experiences with the signal cutting out from time to time, both from a Rode set up and a Sennheiser. I thought I could use the F2-BT on a subject and sync the recording to the video, but my problems with lav negates that for now.

[@Luisdbarber]

I just bought the tascam, but I think I’m gonna returned because I just can’t stand the little button to hit record ! It’s to small and almost impossible to deal with sometimes !

[@rodneyturnerphoto]

I"m waiting to see your review of the New DR-10L Pro

[@musubifilms5597]

Hey Matt, thanks for the useful video, love how you present information and talk. I am in a situation where I need some advice on microphones. I am going to work for a company where we will do videos weekly with a chef cooking, presenting recipes and ingredients, but also will film food expos with a presenter and some food documentary style restaurant videos. I have worked with the Sennheiser AVX which is a monster and really easy to use, but I dont think they have the budget to invest that money in just one microphone when most likely we will need 2. Would you recommend the Zoom F2 for such videos?

[@DTrejo33]

Hey Matt, Could you use the tascam mic on the F2?

[@J_GPersonal]

The Zoom lav has something funky going on in the higher frequencies - kinda buzzy. I think that I would definitely use a different mic if I were using this device.

[@ArraialHD]

Tascam will be perfect by adding feautures like 32bit float on Zoom, timecode sync on Track E 👍... Maybe in the next Christmas 🤗

[@TheSeanBampton]

Or just buy the Track E and you get all of that, with a GREAT app.

[@socc3r7k1ng]

What's the best budget lav for $100-$150? The Sennheiser? or should you just put the $89 tascam mic on the F2?

[@matthewrobinson2704]

I only just purchased DR 10l l two weeks ago. Not sure if I should even watch this video haha

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

You will love your Tascams. I do sound for low budget indies. Use the safety track, plus I boom everything. I absolutely LOVE the fact my little Tascam runs all day on a lithium battery. Put it on talent, press record, go do something else. Sound is great, what more fo you want? Do you know how much you can record on a 32 gig micro sd card? I boom and record on an 8 gig SD card, and I have never run out of card space. 32 gb is fine...

[@JonDotExe]

crazy good comparison and exactly what I needed to figure out how to setup 2 lav channels and a shotgun!

[@Lexington101]

I just sold my three Tascam's on eBay and picked up three zoom F2's for one simple reason, 32bt Float.

[@stevofoo]

Oh Matt, you made it more difficult to choose!!!

[@hectorsilva3340]

the bluetooth sold me... have you compared the expanded files on the zoom vs tascam non expandable files?

[@GregThurtle]

The app now supports format of memory card so you can do it on the phone now at least

[@wcsdiaries]

so which SOUNDS the best? the zoom f2?

[@JohnDoukasPhotography]

This video was helpful. Did you get a chance to try them with the Rode Wireless Go? I was thinking of doing a similar setup for easier syncing in post.

[@Haolekine888]

I can't help but notice you didn't sample the bride's audio from the first look. Is it because float allowed much more flexibility with her that made the 24bit wave file obsolete?

[@crr5699]

What? So, you're accusing him of cherry-picking examples to try and prove a biased outcome? If a mic is good, it's good, regardless of bride or groom. It sounds like you don't like the results of someone's honest test comparison gives because it doesn't favor the device you wanted to prevail. Trying to throw the integrity of someone who has shown nothing but honesty and transparency into question simply because your mind cannot wrap itself around the fact that just because 32 bit float is a better recording technology, that if it's shipped with a crappier lav mic, the old tried and true recording technology with a superior lav mic is going to prevail. It has nothing to do with the 32 bit float vs 24 bit. Those only really come into play if you're peaking/distorting and needing to bring things down in post. It has nothing to do with the fidelity of the audio signal coming in from the lav mics.

[@DavidWagelmans]

Great video as always Matt 👌🏼 I enjoy your content each time 😊

This is so useful Matt!!! Thanks so much for your work!

[@dorythomas1816]

with a 512GB sd card you only have to format the card once every 200 weddings or so :)

[@richardjehl1455]

If you get a problem with this card...you loose all 200 weddings at once as well ;-)

[@dorythomas1816]

@@richardjehl1455 I did not say you offload the card every 200 wedding though

[@saidcisneros2933]

If I already have 1 Tascam Dr-10L and I plan to get another lavalier recorder. Should I get a Zoom F2? Or would it be better to keep the brands consistent?

[@TamarackFilmCo]

OK, I don't even get around to watching this before Rode goes and releases the Wireless GO II. Specs are a bit fuzzy, can't tell if it has internal 32-bit float recording, or just export, or what the difference is..?

[@TheArtisticPhotographycom]

So I assume that this ZoomF2 takes mic input, but can you input a Line level signal input to it? I never saw anything that says you cant. Instead of using a Lavalier Mic can I input a Line level signal from a mixer?

[@lurichdesigner]

La mejor comparacion. Gracias amigo!!!

[@Pharesm]

Much thanks for the comparison! Very informative! I already have an F2-BT on order, but wondering what other microphones would be good choices to plug in, especially non-lavalier mics...? - Groom sounds like a robot on either recording. Was it possible to format SD cards on the Zoom F2 from the phone app? I'm not 100% sure anymore

[@aislingmeilleur]

Matt, make a video testing a shotgun mic plugged into the Zoom F2.

[@hcepeda]

Will the F2 be lighter since it needs 2 batteries instead of one like the Tascam?

[@isaacbedford3644]

Tentacle track E for the win

[@jeffrey3205]

Yea I'm waiting on that comparison

[@Kojance]

@@jeffrey3205 Gerald undone did that if you’re interested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6PMdpmkfaqJbsk

[@MikeBabsBC]

DR-10L Pro just got released and the feature that excites me most over the F2 is the ability to monitor and change settings for up to 5 units on the app.

[@RayDeLuca]

I'm not sure how you could review something that has a main feature like (32bit Audio) and do a comparison of a non 32bit float recorder without putting forward the huge advantage that 32bit audio recording is what Raw video was to video.

[@boardgamecloset]

Great video! So enjoyable to watch which sounds weird for a comparison video but hey 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@TheFPSChannel]

Thanks Matt. Cool product. Like the size and features. I used to own a Zoom product and every time the batteries died the file it was recording was destroyed. That happened twice too many times. 😡 Does this product have this issue?

[@razvanionita3489]

Hy. Tks for the work that you do. Can I record the sound from a Yamaha MG12XU or beringer... on Zoom F2 ???? Sorry for my poor english.

[@charlesmckenna6164]

Hey Matt, thanks for the video. Will your next on person recorder you buy be the tascam or the Zoom?

[@chefnoelA]

Hi Matt. Great vid as usual. Quick question. Would you go with one of these over the new Rode wireless go ii especially with the new firmware update that allows the transmitters to be stand alone field audio recorders? (for wedding use) Thanks!

[@paulgero]

Superb Review Matt!!! Does the F2 sound better if you use the Tascam mike?

[@crr5699]

I would assume so. I've watched several reviews comparing these two, and I really think the Tascam Lav mic is much clearer and higher quality. I'm thinking of getting the F2 BT and paying the $90 for the Tascam Lav by itself (Tascam TM-10LB or Tascam TM-10LW). Or possibly the Rhode Go II and the Tascam Lav.

[@Zelegant_tv]

Thanks so much,please can any of these devices can be used for film making? aside from wedding film makers.Thanks

[@JirehTorres]

Can you use the tascam TM-10LW lav mic (the mic for the dr-10L) on the zoom f2? Does the locking connector works as well?

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Awesome video, Matt. Thank you so much.

[@michaelgaraphoto]

If I'm using the F2 with a shotgun mic like the Rode Video Mic NTG (on camera) would the 32bit float recording be more of an advantage?

[@Reel-Kiwi-Fishing]

Hi Matt I just have a quick Q for you I do like the Tascam over the Zoom but when I am filming I don't always have my audio recording constantly. I have a fishing channel and have been using a GoPro in my pocket with a lavalier mic, once I hook up to fish most times I then push record on my GoPro. This has a setting where I push the button which then automatically turns it on then starts recording after a second. This is why I like using the GoPro as I don't even have to take it out of my pocket as I can feel the button which also beeps telling me it has turned on and is now recording. I can no longer get the Lav mic for it so looking at up grading - out of the 2 I feel the zoom is going to be a little easier to turn on and record by just pushing the button? I'm picking I'll probably just have to keep it switched on then I can just push the button to start and stop - with the Tascam do I have to slide it down to on then once on slide the switch up to record or can you slide it up straight away which will turn it on and instantly start recording? Thanks

[@whoismatt]

You can slide up the Tascam and it will turn on and start recording automatically.

[@videostreamingprosa]

I hope tascam is working on a new model with 32bit float

[@MrAlbertein]

Hey Matt, Thanks for the comparison, I was wondering if the zoom has the same kind of feature to split the file every few minutes in case the battery die during the recording. Also, no one talk about the timecode sync of the zoom f2 bt when connected to an atomos sync x or blue ultra something.. I think it's a distinctive feature and important one for some people. Cheers

[@whoismatt]

Hey! The F2 does not have the split feature from the DR-10L, but it will split audio recordings approximately every 3 hours.

[@MrAlbertein]

@@whoismatt thanks! Too bad, that feature saved me a few time already.. I guess with two batteries there is less need for it.

[@stormsofevermore]

Matt, What Lithium rechargeable battery do you recommend for the Tascam DR-10L? When I purchased the DR-10L I was so disappointed in the battery life with regular alkaline batteries, I returned it. I only got about 6 hours.. not sure if my batteries were old? I am considering getting one again, if you can recommend a good Lithium rechargeable that can last... let's say 10 hours? Thanks

[@whoismatt]

Energizer lithium are awesome

[@DonEvans1]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but when monitoring the audio on your phone, is that monitoring the meter, or are you able to actually listen to the audio on your phone via the phone speakers or Bluetooth earphones?

[@JoeCastellon]

Very helpful comparison!

[@ThierryAZIMUTTT]

could you tell me if in an evening where the music can be loud sometimes .... if the recording of the F2 remains manageable? Thanks.

[@silmaril86]

What about the new DJI mic ?

[@ryanhamstra49]

I mean, I’m not wearing studio headphones or anything… but I can’t hear a difference between them…. Granted now that the tascam has 32 bit that edge is gone from the zoom…

[@KypHeM]

thats some shaky cam from that wedding ouch.

[@78Centavos]

Thank you!

[@suthxvisxuals5847]

beautiful colours man

[@Ronniegti]

How does the Rode Wireless Go ii compare to these for wedding filmmaking?

[@Automan9]

Matt are any of these waterproof ? Do you know of ways to waterproof them ? (or at least make them water resistant)

[@Chokkan]

There can't be many people who don't have a USB-C cable at this point.

[@andrecha6367]

Hi Matt - I have a question. Can you connect the Tascam DR10L directly into a microphone receiver or a speaker to record the audio output coming from them?

[@whoismatt]

You would want to look into a Tascam dr-10X for that

[@royvandeborne326]

What do you think about the DJI Mic? Does it compete?

[@whoismatt]

Haven’t tried it yet

[@ethangood959]

great video! quick question. With the F-2 Bluetooth can you format the card through the phone? or it has to be the computer Thanks

[@whoismatt]

Computer only, unfortunately

[@ourtexasfamilyvideos62]

How do you sync output from an audio recorder to video? I'm a complete noob to audio and I don't use Premier Pro. I use PowerDirector. I've watched several videos and I'm still in the dark.

[@SubhadeepGayen]

Plural eyes