Best Settings For The Zoom F3 Audio Recorder

I’m going to show you the best settings for the Zoom F3 to record fantastic sounding audio in under 6 minutes!

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[nethanielrosenthal]

The different between line and mic is the gain.
A mic level is passing through the preamp that boosts the signal before converting it to digital numbers.
A line level does not pass through the preamp and it’s for a boosted signal like from a soundboard.
A phantom power is required only for condenser mic and it is from 12v to 48v. For dynamics mics that require up to 5v don’t use the phantom power (you can fry the mic).
So, soundboard = line. Dynamic mic (like the sure sm58) = mic. Condenser mic = phantom power (read the manual to see how much power you need).

There are some dynamic mics that are power hungry (like the sm7b) that need a boost and you need a cloud lifter that convert 48v phantom power to sound good.

[jasonsherry]

Great vid—solidified everything one needs to know to get started with this device. As. a filmmaker who has been crushed when I got back to the editing room and found that sound was distorted, this device looks to be a game changer.

[exile_]

One of, if not the, best Audio gear I ever bought so far. Thanks again, for a nice video matt! Greetings from germany. ;-)

[ssjot]

I ran into an issue with the NTG3 when using it at 48v through mic level—the noise floor was really high. I tried lowering it to 24v, which helped a bit, but I still faced occasional interference. After watching this video, I decided to switch to line level at 48v, and it worked perfectly. So, if you're struggling with background noise on your NTG3, I recommend experimenting with the mic vs. line level settings to find what works best.

[johannes]

Thank you for this great video! The f3 makes audio recording during film production so much easier!!

[matthewshultz]

Love my zoom F3. It’s a huge, yet compact, life saver! 😎

[VentureAddicts]

I bought this the year it came out and it’s the only recorder I’ll ever need the rest of my life. Great for YouTube, social media, and plugging into boards at event gigs

[fullemfilms]

I am slightly confused. Why do you recommend setting the F3 to Mic when plugging into the sound board? Should that not also be Line? Or would it depend on what kind of output on the board it was? I often have to plug into the "Monitor/Headphone" out when there is not another out available.

[StarLightDotPhotos]

I just got this recorder. Thanks for making this video!

[chromabluestudios]

So question, if you use line out on the recorder to the line in on the camera do you still have to record on the recorder or will the camera automatically use the recorder to pick up the audio? If I’m making sense lol

[ingarzonmediagroup]

Thank you so much for all your detailed explanations of all those pieces of equipment! You are a life saver :)

[mdgseasia]

I have actually found that changing the waveform amplification does actually change the input gain of the recording. I have recorded in 2 32 256 512 and 1024 and after downloading and play back in editing software the recordings are vastly different in amplitude. (so what is going on here - it also says in manual it does NOT affect the recording volume)

[konradins]

Great video! thanks a lot!
I have two questions regarding the f3 and was hoping somebody here could help me with that:
1. I recorded an interview with the f3 and a rode wireless go (1. generation) – and listening to it in davinci: it actually clipped also when leveled down... How is this possible? did i mess up with the settings on the transmitter? Probably...
2. How reliable and how good is the quality of the limiter of the line out? Is it analogue or digital? Anyone knows?

Thanks a lot!

[photosbyjames_]

hi matt, whats the battery life with the recommended lithium battery?

[bybenoit]

Can't seem to find an answer to this online: if you plug in the line out into a camera, will that allow the camera to record a version of the audio onto the footage as well as recording to the micro SD in the F3?

[LocustAndWildHoney]

Should I buy a zoom f3 or zoom h4 for essential? Need 32 bit float. I make YouTube videos reviewing sneakers. Ive been getting value from your channel for years. Both my a7siii and zv-e1 are because of you, so Thank you!!

[StorylinePictures-rfvv]

Hi, your tutorial is excellent, thank you.
I have a question, on the Zoom 3 I have both A & B XLR ports active.
When I import the audio file into Premier, I’m only seeing one audio track.
Zoom 3 – set to mono
Can you please help me with this.
Cheers
Daron

[ronflores]

OMG!! THANK YOU THANK YOU! I have one of these but i always get distorted audio and i have tried different cables.

[IberianGeek]

Hi Matt! There is a new Zoom Handy Recorder called H1 XLR that reminds me F3 a bit. Is it a possibility you get that new device and make a Versus? Greetings from Spain.

[MovingtoOhio]

I just got the Rode PodMIc and it looks like it doesn't need phantom power according to their website. I didn't know if you could confirm. Also does the Zoom F3 automatically record in 32 bit float ?