Zoom F1 Field Recorder Review *Updated*

[@JanChoc]

Finally some review showing how the F1 acts with the XLR module. Thank you, now i know i can buy this with no doubts!

[@actingcoachjohnpallotta3645]

Though I appreciate the great review and it covered what needed to be covered. You sped up through my two biggest problems with the recorder - battery door and removing the SD cards are my biggest issues. Other then that I really like this recorder

[@Biggsisviews]

Awesome review my friend… real talk.. I think everyone else needs to take there reviews and walk-throughs down including Zoom…THANK YOU!!

[@skakdosmer]

The size and shape reminds me of an electronic pocket metronome I had for a while. Actually I still have it, but it stopped working before I'd got much use out of it. This is hopefully going to work much longer.

[@stargatepioneer]

Great review. Thank you for compiling it and testing the F1 out for us.

[@JoeSchuch]

Hi Jeff, thanks for the great review! At 10:11 you switched to the lav, what was the signal chain of the audio PRIOR to that switch? -- It was FAR superior.

[@GregConquest]

There was no mic connected to the F1 then, so he was apparently recording to an entirely different device.

[@Imagesbyheimz]

I recently purchased a Zoom f1 with a lavalier mic and was very disappointed. I have used Sennheiser mostly when I have worked for companies in the past and I have been in video production since 2009. My company didn't give me a budget for gear and so I bought the zoom f1 out of my own pocket. I tested with different setting and my conclusion was it does not record well with clipping the mic to my clothes as all the pictures show and I expected it to. No matter the settings there was always an echo and background noise. The only way I was able to capture great audio was I had to hold the mic to my mouth to get a rich crisp sample. Talent should not have to hold their mic to capture good audio. Are there any settings you would suggest before I decide to return this product?

[@video1974]

Very professionally made tutorial. Thanks for this, you showed me how to convert from mono to stereo. 5 stars.

[@NicolaLarosa]

Thank you for the review! Yes, your voice has quite a bit of bass. I hope you use it for singing. :-)

[@WaxDat8800]

Can you use the x/y capsule from the zoom h5 and plug in the lav to the capsules 1/8 plug in port?

[@adsertheblade]

Wow, when you. Changed to the zoom sound, it got very muffled by comparison. I guess it could be adjusted with eq, but it's nice not to need to

[@reviewmirror]

Thanks for showing this. My Sennheiser clip mic recently stopped working so I would like to have something more professional for Interviews, Voice over work and fairs/exhibitions. I am very close to buy one of these. Thumbs up and subscribed!

[@vek0vek0]

Hi, can it be mounted on a 1/4 inch tripod head screw with the thread on the bottom ? Thanks

[@matango1979]

The battery door is definitely not "professional". I wonder what kind of screen they have, because my H5 is so delicate that a microfiber clat scratches it every time I use it.

[@MasterOfBasses]

I've loved mine until a talent accidentally dropped it from a chair to a wooden floor (wasn't even a big fall). The battery door broke open. I tried repairing the locking part of the door with no use since it just would not hold the batteries in place anymore. So now I'm stuck with an otherwise perfectly fine recorder with no practical solution for closing the battery door. I tried industrial Velcro but doesn't feel as secure. I guess gaffer's tape will be the way to go 😔😔

[@j.r.regenold9094]

Bought a Zoom H6 and really like it, tried the F1 and it didn't serve my purpose. I wanted to mount it to a gimbal or camera and really needed a tripod or hot-shoe mount. I will wait for the next version of it or maybe the Tascam competitor. I know I could jerry-rig the mount, but I'm tired of having to do that with accessories.

[@mariogonzales4071]

Hey J.R I suspect this reply may be too late, but just in case you still want to acomplish that Gimbal or Boom Mount with the F1, ZOOM always supplied the accessory: Zoom HS-1 Hot/Cold Shoe Mount Adapter To 1/4" . which you can purchase from B&H # ZOHS1 MFR # ZHS-1. Very handy accessory, yes?

[@a.davidgriffin2377]

I am not a sound tech pro but I am a professional speaker. I’ve been searching for the optimal device for recording my presentations. This video was very very helpful. I have a question though; for capturing responses from an audience of 15 - 30 people during a presentation where move around the room, what device or strategy would you recommend. I suppose if I were to walk over to people as they spoke the lavaliere mic might suffice? What are your suggestions?

[@buchsg]

Hi guys, what do you think of the zoom F1 vs the H1N ? both can fit in a pocket but the H1N is at half the price, has in built stereo mic and seems to have the sames fonctionnalities than the F1... I'm looking for a simple audio recording setup, and it'll be my first (and probably the only one) audio recorder just for some review/vlogging type videos

[@stephans1061]

I am thinking of getting a Zoom F1 and your review helped a lot! One question though, can you record dual channel in WAV format if you attach a dual channel mic capsule (the zoom XYH-6 for example, or the XLR adapter that you used)? The manual is a bit vague here and it almost sounds like you can only record dual channel in mp3 format. So does it switch automatically to mp3 when you connect a dual channel capsule?

[@PeteWoronowski]

Thank you Jeff, very helpful video and review. Cheers, Pete

[@vagelisbilios7858]

best review.very helpful!

[@adrianglamorgan9486]

Thanks for this, Jeff, very helpful.

[@123andjump]

I like it a lot and use it for voice over and interviews

[@hjd9157]

Thanks for your review! :-) As you have the optional XLR-module, do you know if the F1 will record a line level signal through the XLR/TRS inputs on the XLR-module?

[@cloud9photography126]

Nice! So i can just plug a male minni trs to 2x female minni into the line in and be able to do a 2 person interview with a 2ND lav without having to buy an 2nd Zoom F1. ill just need to get a extender cable for one of the lav cables.....SWEEET!!

[@RobinParmar]

So, does this record STEREO through the 3.5mm PIP input? I don't think that was mentioned.

[@ThirdCoastCrypto]

Thanks for the thorough review; helped much more than any other I've watched.

[@Uri18]

Awesomely thorough!

[@HeathcliffBlair]

Thanks for the great review. I was hoping Zoom would produce something like this. BUT I don't like those stick-out bars for the shockmount attachment. For me, that's a waste of space and hurts the low physical profile of the unit. Can they be removed?

[@Photonarmy]

Dremel :)

[@HeathcliffBlair]

Uh-oh. :D Ok, thanks.

[@gordonderouyan9980]

Those bars are also for your belt!!!

[@HeathcliffBlair]

I would have preferred just the included belt clip on the lav version, minus the bars. As it is, they make an already slightly "fat" unit even bigger. Odd choice.

[@GoPappyGo]

Dremel is what I M thinking also.

[@danielsifuentes-bradford8028]

They should make and sell zoom lav mics like the smart rode and the shure mvl

[@rodneykoh2258]

I bought the Zoom F1 thinking it would record a stereo pair on the 3.5mm input. BIG MISTAKE!!!! This is only good for a single Lav mic unless you add the XYH-5. But that makes it larger and more expensive than the Zoom H2n.

[@kriskendall4378]

What went wrong when using an external stereo pair with the 3.5mm jack? Everything I’ve read leads me to believe that should work...

[@davidp158]

Excellent review. Clear and concise. By any chance, have you tested the Tascam DR-10L? I'm curious how these two units compare.

[@Photonarmy]

I have the dr-10l. With the exception of the on/off/record button arrangement, I still like it better in general, primarily due to the size. There's nothing "great" about the 10l except for the fact that there's nothing "bad" about the 10l.

[@davidp158]

I agree the tiny size of the DR-10L is a "big" feature, especially for it's intended use. That said, I much prefer the interface of the Zoom F1. Also, the Tascam DR-10L only records uncompressed WAV format, which can result in unnecessarily large files for mono voice recording. Thanks again for your review, Jeff.

[@TrueToTheCraft]

Everyone be warned. A major design flaw in this unit is the battery compartment. If the tiny plastic catch that holds the door in place is broken, it renders the unit useless. It always amazes me that companies continue to do this. I had the same issue with the Leica Sofort instant camera, Little plastic catch breaks and it's cheaper to buy a new one than to send it off to repair.

[@cybervix1387]

Thank you very much for this video. I need 2 of these recorders ASAP!

[@BagzAndPresident]

Get an H5

[@JasonOFlaherty]

Is that a quarter inch screw hole on the back side for standard tripod type attachments?

[@GregConquest]

I've wondered the same thing. It would be useful for some mounting options, but it looks too small, maybe not a screw hole at all: www.ginichi.com/shop/upload/save_image/4515260018802_05.jpg

[@JasonOFlaherty]

@@GregConquest I've since bought one. It's not. It's for screwing the optional belt clip on.

[@detunized_sound_libraries]

Can the F1 record stereo?

[@ShlomoNizin]

Hello! I've bought such recorder. When I connect it to the PC to use like and interface, it clipping on -6dB and sound is distorted. Limiter is on or off - doesn't help. Any suggestions?

[@englinesianvodcast6929]

Shlomo Nizin What do you mean by distorted? If i am coreect, it was wifi interference. Keep it away from phone/laptop which conencts to wifi.

[@ShlomoNizin]

@@englinesianvodcast6929 I mean like input overdrive

[@GoPappyGo]

You do an awesome review, should do more, You would be a KZbin SuperStar.

[@michael86734]

saw small I’m use to bigger recorders

[@likahim0528]

GREAT VIDEO ! THANKS YOU A LOT

[@bakedutah8411]

I just bought the shotgun capsule version and literally just opened it. I’m a bit miffed to find that they don’t provide a bloomin’ SD card! And it’s a micro, so I don’t have any spares lying about. Actually I’m even more miffed at my local camera store; if they’d only told me it was “SD card not included” I could have bought one at the time. Sigh. Off to Best Buy. 😠

[@nugrik]

Hi dudes! Does it make an effort to use it in this array: Sound Devices MixpreD XLR line outs to EXH-6 TRS inputs to F1 to record stereo from field? Does it sound professional at all? Compared to F8 for example?

[@remektekmedia6641]

I don't have one, but many people complained about the high self noise at H+ recording level, which you need for the Lav. I don't think the preamp on this device is that good.

[@Goose619]

Why is it that even on hi - you can’t even hit -12? I have this thing and it seems you need to use hi+ just to make it sound loud. And at that point there is a lot of noise introduced. It’s worse than the zoom h1 with the same lav! Just tested it myself.

[@GnarGnar9000]

Thanks for this experiment because that's very helpful! I was comparing this to getting an H6/H5 and if it's subpar to the H1 I know I don't need this at all hah!

[@protoman247]

Mitch Rico, typical best practice in gain staging is to set the gain so that the signal is around -18dbfs at peak levels. This is best practice in all areas of audio engineering. this is to allow a good amount of headroom. You then process the audio in post. a lot of noise is introduced in your experience because the gain is set too high and you are clipping.

[@ol1dammara]

Thank you

[@Sutterjack]

Big question to anyone who's used both - how does the F1 compare to the Tascam DR10L? What is the best "bang for the buck" ? I own the DR and have been happy with it so far, but I'm a Zoom fan too, owning the H5, H6 and Q2N.

[@TheBCProject]

Sutterjack I currently own both and use both! They a fairly similar. In my honest opinion, there are only a few tiny design differences between them that may appeal to preferences, but both are solid options in this form factor. Compared to the Tascam Dr-10L, the Zoom F1 feels a little more sturdy, has a larger, easier to read LCD screen that shows levels, slightly better battery life (when using alkaline anyway) and (in my opinion) an easier record button to access. However, the Zoom F1 is also bulkier and therefore somewhat harder to hide. Zoom F1 also does not have the option to record a safety track like the DR-10L. Sound quality and noise floor is fairly similar. I'd say the choice to buy a Tascam DR-10L or a Zoom F1 mostly should come down to preference and use case as I am quite pleased with both. Hope that helps!

[@remektekmedia6641]

How do they compare for self noise? Aka noise floor?

[@RushingProductions]

For me the choice came down to being able to use the Zoom capsules. That was huge for me and why I bought the F1 instead of the DR-10L.

[@laughingboy-tk6ut]

so the option button isn’t disabled when hold is on?

[@01newmap]

Hi Jeff As I use a tentacle sync connected to left channel and the right channel for the Lavalier mic . Do you know if 2 channels could be connected at the 3.5 Jack ?

[@Photonarmy]

Gerard Renou mmm... I suppose you could try combining two mono signals with a male stereo to dial mono 3.5 splitter.

[@laughingboy-tk6ut]

i have also been led to believe that this does have phantom power - confirm?

[@Photonarmy]

It has plugin power(for lavs), not phantom.

[@florisb1]

normally it does have phantom power. Anyway, the menu has an option to turn the Phantom Power OFF

[@florisb1]

Also, it wouldn't be able to power the shotgun mic in the shotgun package with this recorder.

[@azizulzulzaha]

can that belt clip be use on the H1n?

[@34Kuro]

nice video, but what can be wrong with those alkaline batteries, it is what it is

[@bobstechreviews8942]

Are those AAA batteries? Does the date and time reset when you take the batteries out?

[@BrewReview]

Bob's Tech Reviews I’ve found on my H1N that if you only change one battery at a time, it will not reset the devices’ time/date. Probably the same for this one. Stupid that it even does this, though..

[@michaelauknz]

To:Deniz Arkali Deniz Arkali Product Support Specialist at Zoom North America 10 Aug at 1:15 PM Ask a busy person to do something and it gets done.. SMF-1 shock mount for the F1 Ref For well over 5 months we have been pushing Zoom to get this mount ... Why there is no way to attach our Zoom F1 to our gimbal bracket... It has been a total pain that I could not share with you - We even got so frustrated we brought the new Sennheiser Memory Mic Wearable Wireless Smartphone Mic But Deniz you came through... Deniz - You are our hero .. YES - You are Truely the ZOOM MAN PRODUCT CHAMPION FOR 2018 We sent out 43 requests for this mount to Zoom and the dealer network globally to just see how it would be followed up.. And you were The Only Guy who actually followed up and made it happen... You are a TRUE champion and in the1% of humans who can actually make things happen. If you ever decide to Vist New Zeland I have a cold fresh beer in the fridge waiting. I will also write to the President of Zoom and shareholders to share my experience. I will ask them to give you a pay rise, a week off in holiday time with full pay! You simply never gave up and never gave in .... So in the world, we are the only guys with this setup and it works brilliantly Thank You Mike

[@kaj-nagibe]

Can you bring audio directly into the camera through the mini-jack input?

[@Photonarmy]

Yes, the headphone out can be plugged into the camera, and the device will also play a tone so you can set your audio level on the camera accordingly.

[@kaj-nagibe]

thanks bro!

[@ChrisFrancia]

i get alot of noise from the audio output from the F1, do you as well?

[@emolovetree]

I read it does 24 bit 192 kHz

[@revelationvideoproductions1168]

Can you power it by the micro usb port?

[@GregConquest]

He showed that.

[@flipteezy]

That ducks no phantom power

[@Photonarmy]

*quack quack*

[@jacksp8de]

I know it’s not a fair comparison but the Zoom doesn’t sound too good after hearing your other mic

[@BagzAndPresident]

I hated my F1 returned it for an H5

[@mikemcglasson1286]

Why?

[@BagzAndPresident]

The meter only shows one audio track (unles plugged into a pc then it shows stereo) Battery Life is abysmal (about 45 minutes on lithium batteries) Horrible SD USB slot. H5 is way better Im so happy

[@techexamined]

You didn't have your Rec File setup properly.. 5:41 of this video... Batteries has never been great on these things... I do like it's ability to auto shut off.. I always forget to turn mine off...

[@BagzAndPresident]

Michael T Panetta no the Zoom F1 SUCKS get a H5. IVE OWNED EVERY ZOOM

[@techexamined]

ASMR Ross So have I.. besides the lack of Phantom Power I don’t think it is..

[@J3llo3]

can i hook this up to a sound board ?

[@seanwebb605]

It's a stand alone mic and recorder.

[@emolovetree]

If you convert the output of the board into an 1/8th inch cable then yes. I would ask what board they are using as most x32 boards can record wav to a USB which is a lot easier then bringing a rig then asking for a send