ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder review

In this week’s episode, we have a look at the ZOOM F3 audio recorder. This sound recorder can record wide dynamic range sound with its dual analogue to digital converters per input and 32-bit float recording capabilities. This tiny recorder features two high quality microphone inputs and a solid body that can attach to a camera or your belt or even to your wrist with a strap.

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

#ZOOM #F3 #Sound

Index:
00:00 Start
00:11 Summary
00:21 Introduction
00:32 XLR inputs & self-noise
01:14 32-bit float wide dynamic range
01:35 32-bit float demonstration
05:45 Sample rates
05:49 No gain setting, just amplification (post fader)
06:47 No meters
07:13 Amplification level (post fader)
08:32 2 track recorder, mono or stereo
09:07 Build quality
09:38 Mounting with 1/4 screw or belt
09:57 Powering the F3
10:42 USB audio interface
11:01 Loopback
11:15 Direct monitoring
11:49 Screen
11:59 microSD cards
12:08 Bluetooth BTA1 add-on with app control
12:28 Ultrasync Blue timecode
12:45 Line/mic output
13:09 Output limiter for live sound or sending sound to camera
13:56 Headphone jack
14:24 RF immunity
15:00 Size and weight
15:12 Price and warranty
15:27 No 1/4 or 3.5mm inputs
15:49 Plastic battery door
16:08 Bluetooth add-on BTA1
16:53 Belt loops can get in the way
17:10 Colored headphone amplifier
17:37 Buttons and ergonomics
17:55 Cannot record at same time as USB interface
18:14 Timecode limitations — not a lot of camera report
18:57 Max input level +4dBu & loud sound
19:39 Set amp level before recording
20:19 My take
20:59 Which situations is it NOT good for?
22:11 Which situations is it good for?
23:15 Versus Tascam Portacapture x8
24:57 Versus Sound Devices MixPre
27:02 Please buy my courses

[herbyverstink]

I sure do appreciate your calm, professional, knowledgeable reviews. No smash the like button... no please subscribe pleas.. just calming gear review..Im sure its been said before but felt like it needed repeating. Good day sir!

[IONHowTo]

My man stays true to quality content and no retention editing.
Really useful video, thank you!

[iPhonedo]

I love my F3 and I'm so happy to hear your thoughts about it.
Fantastic video, thank you sir!

[EmpireMP]

You are by far the best audio reviewer I have seen! Seriously well done!

[Squeeky_Wheel]

Genuinely one of the best reviews for anything I've ever seen. Super insightful and in-depth. Thank you sir

[rickbiessman]

Curtis Judd, man. Rock solid on the technical side, but never fails to address all those little things that are easy to overlook, but really important in practical use. Amazing work as always!

[slightlyopinionated]

This is one of the best videos on the F3! Awesome video! Thank you 🙏🏼

[truecuckoo]

When a Zoom product has a number in its name, it often (usually?) indicates the number of inputs. When I read F3 I was so happy, because 3 is the perfect number of inputs for a lot of simple music video recordings. Stereo input for the instrumental part, and a separate for the vocals. Also in interviews it’d be lovely to have a mix ready with ambience in stereo and Voice with a closeup mono mic. But this is a 2 track system. Made me kinda disappointed.

[jasonlumetta]

I normally do not interact with or comment on YouTube videos, but you should know. I have been following your YouTube channel, a few years now and have always enjoyed your commentary.

Many years ago, I was interested in and purchased the Tascam DR-60mkii. Your review was very precise and great content on that product.

I just bought the NTG3 and Zoom F3. Again on both of these products you have done another precise and great job explaining your perspective.

Over the years, you have continued to up your game and the quality in this field. Very few people seem as capable as you are.

The other day I participated for the first time in a live event. Realizing your event wasn't so much a Q&A about the Zoom F3 but how your work flow in creating content for YouTube.

Your work flow and keen sense to detail was refreshing to see. I hope to become more proficient in my endeavors. Thank you for taking the time and your sense of perfection in your perspective.

[TLDR_filmmaker]

Always appreciate your time, knowledge, and in-depth look at these audio recorders, Curtis! I was definitely down between the Tascam Portacapture and the Zoom F3 to upgrade from my old Tascam DR40. Looks like the F3 will fit my needs for the time being until I eventually need a Sound Devices Mix Pre! Thanks again!

[BincFilm]

This might be the most honest, to the point, and thorough YouTube video review in existence. Well done! Thank you for all the valuable information. 😊

[PatrikIzing]

Can only repeat what has been said, amazing in-depth videos. Once I see a review here I know I don't need to watch any other videos on that particular product. And that is gold. Also, I did Curtis' course on audio recording and editing, well worth it. Thanks, Sir, have a great day.

[flutechannel]

This is what I've been waiting for Curtis! Bravo!

[maxhegner]

3030 upvotes and not a single downvote really speaks for the quality of your videos :) finally pulled the trigger on the F3 today, one year after watching your video on release. Just had to hear your opinion again before buying. Keep up the great work!

[joshdiditt]

If you started doing camera reviews as well your channel would have surpassed 1 million because it seems that's all people care about is cameras these days. I appreciate all your sound reviews. I just purchased a Zoom F3 because of this review and still have the AT-4053Bb due to your recommendations as well.

[cryptoallmight]

Curtis, you're the king!
Thanks for all of your reviews. You can't imagine how often you've helped me!

[HairyHands]

the Zoom F3 looks really interesting for recording and booming at the same time, when it's not always possible to perform boom acrobatics and perfect mic placement whilst also riding a gain control - a situation I've been in on many low budget indie shoots! 32bit float is a good advantage in this situation too. Thanks so much for the in-depth and objective review, great as always :)

[princebanini]

i cant explain how many times i've watched this video...its just amazing

[arcoholic]

Great video, Sir. Got my F3 today and I am very impressed. Walking around town today with my BP4025 large diaphragm Stereo mic. Beautiful. Low level BG atmoses and slamming doors at 15cm! All lovely. Great portable tool for us Soundphiles. (I have a Portacapture and several Sound Devices as well, but the toys we get to play with today are so much more versatile than those of only ten years ago. )

[kevinbillington]

My hobby is filmmaking, all amateur. In our club, we have some ex professionals, but it is the enjoyment of making the films we love. I am director, cameraman and soundguy on productions, this is ideal. Thanks Curtis for your views on this tool.