Zoom F8n Field Recorder

THE ZOOM F8N
Some make sound. Others make history.
When developing the F8n, it was our mission to provide every sound professional with the tools to create something exceptional. With features such as Advanced Look-Ahead Hybrid Limiters, Zoom AutoMix™, and mic/line options for both XLR and TRS inputs, the F8n is the next generation of professional field recording.

A Recorder You Can Depend On. Every Day.
"When you’re putting together a kit, you shouldn’t have to compromise. I don’t think there’s anything that I couldn’t do with the F8n."

–Anne Tolkkinen | Sound Designer

We Stacked the Deck

Advanced Look-Ahead Hybrid Limiters
The F8n is equipped with Advanced Look-Ahead Hybrid Limiters that provide overload protection no matter what comes your way. By adding a 1 millisecond delay, the limiters “look ahead” anticipating clipping before it’s recorded. Limiting is applied to each of the 8 channels simultaneously at full resolution, with 10 to 20 dB of headroom to ensure pristine audio on every take.

Mic Preamps
The F8n features a super-low noise floor (−127 dBu EIN) and high gain (up to 75 dB). Mic/line levels are selectable for both XLR and TRS inputs.

Zoom AutoMix™
Meet your new assistant sound editor, the Zoom AutoMix™. This smart software automatically adjusts the levels of your mix to reduce the amount of ambient sound, so you can focus on what really matters – capturing a well-balanced mix.

State-Of-The-Art Time Code
The F8n utilizes a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) that generates time code at 0.2 ppm accuracy, enabling rock-solid syncing of audio and video. When powered off, the F8n will maintain up to 0.2 ppm accuracy. Time code I/O is provided on BNC connectors.

Simultaneous-Recording
The F8n can record to an SD card and your computer via USB simultaneously. For use during livestreaming, file back-up and more. And you can easily back up your files and stream live while recording.

Safeguard Your Recordings

Dual SD Card Recording
Record simultaneously on two SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, up to 512 GB each, allowing for redundant recording.

Three Power Sources
A 4-pin Hirose connector allows the use of external 9-18 volt DC battery packs. Power can also be provided by 8 AA batteries or the AD-19 AC adapter included with your device. The F8n can switch power sources at a user-defined voltage level for uninterrupted recording.

Dual-Channel Recording
The F8n’s dual-channel recording mode allows you to create safety tracks by doubling up the recordings from inputs 1-4 onto tracks 5-8. Tracks can be controlled independently, allowing you to customize each safety track with different gain, limiting, and more.

Pre-Record
The pre-record function allows you to capture up to 6 seconds of audio before you hit the RECORD button.

Louder, Cleaner, and Clearer Monitoring
Volume, clarity, and immersion are equally important for proper monitoring in the field. That’s why updates have been made to the F8n’s headphone processing to maximize all three. A digital gain boost has been added to minimize ambient bleed, which can cause comb filtering resulting in poor audio quality.

Signals can be freely routed to the left and/or right headphone channels, pre- or post-fader. Additionally, the headphone output can be switched to mono. You also can set headphone alert tones for low battery, recording start/stop, or recording errors.

Andrew Jones | Location Sound Engineer

Zoom F8n Product Tour

Ä‚Ë۬ DISPLAY: The F8n’s 2.4-inch full-color backlit display with monochromatic mode makes field work equally easy in low or direct lighting.
Ä‚Ë۬ SLATE SWITCH: The F8n has a built-in slate mic for recording comments as well as the ability to output a variable frequency tone signal.Ä‚Ë۬
TRANSPORT CONTROLS: The control panel features stop, search forward and search backward keys as well as illuminated play/pause and record buttons.
Ä‚Ë۬ INPUT CONTROLS:Ä‚Ë۬ Each input features a built-in preamp with a dedicated gain control knob and a 6-segment LED level meter.

Ä‚Ë۬USB PORT: Ä‚Ë۬A USB port enables firmware updates, file transfer, and allows the F8n to be used as an 8-in/4-out USB audio interface operating at sample rates up to 96kHz.Ä‚Ë۬
INPUTS: Ä‚Ë۬The F8n provides 8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors, allowing you to plug in any microphone, wireless pack, or line level device. Any input can also be used as a camera return.
SD CARD SLOT: Ä‚Ë۬Record on two SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, up to 512 GB each, simultaneously, allowing you to instantly backup or split recordings.Ä‚Ë۬

Ä‚Ë۬ HEADPHONE JACK: The unit’s 1/4" headphone jack also comes with dedicated volume control.Ä‚Ë۬
MAIN OUTPUTS: The F8n provides four outputs: two Main Outs (on balanced TA3 mini-XLR jacks) for connection to external mixers and processing devices; and two Sub Outs (on a single unbalanced 1/8" stereo mini-jack) for connection to a camera. The F8n also provides a selectable +4 dBu output.

DC POWER: INÄ‚Ë۬ The F8n can be powered by a 9-18V external DC power supply.
TIME CODE IN/OUT: Ä‚Ë۬Timecode can be generated internally or transmitted from an external timecode generator.Ä‚Ë۬
10-PIN MIC CONNECTOR: Ä‚Ë۬Our proprietary 10-pin connector enables the use of interchangeable Zoom mic capsules, with optional extension cables that allow for remote positioning.

iOS Wireless Control
The Zoom F8 Control App for iOS provides extensive wireless remote control of the F8n from your iPhone or iPad using Bluetooth LE protocol. Functions include mixer pan and fader levels as well transport controls. It also monitors input levels, current time code, and battery status. When you’re finished, you can even enter file and metadata info directly from your iOS device.

Zoom F-Control
Sold separately, the Zoom F-Control FRC-8 is the control surface that no serious rig is complete without. With 60mm faders and clear channel indicators, the F-Control’s simple, ergonomic design gives you complete authority over your workflow. Pair your F-Control with the Zoom F8 Control App to turn your iPhone or iPad into a large-scale meter monitor for easy reading.

The Software
File formats, resolution, and sample rates
The F8n records in BWF-compatible WAV formats up to 24-bit resolution and at sample rates up to 192 kHz. When recording files in MP3, you can choose bit rates of 128, 192, or 320 kbps.

Metadata
Full Metadata entry is available including track name, scene names, notes, and more. Use your smartphone or tablet to enter your data via the Zoom F8 Control App for iOS or input it directly on the F8n.

Processing
The F8n features flexible signal routing from all inputs to all outputs. In addition to advanced hybrid limiters, the F8n also provides high-pass filtering to reduce the sound of wind and other noise, plus phase inversion and Mid-Side decoding. Input and output delays are also available.

360° Audio
Ambisonics
Ä‚Ë۬Capable of recording 360-audio, the F8n is a must-have for engineers of the future. The F8n’s Ambisonics mode features A to B decoding, gain and settings linking, and a customized metering screen.

The VR Dream Team
For the ultimate VR rig, pair the Zoom F8n with a Sennheiser AMBEO mic.  Built for mobility and backed by two quality names, this combination lets you capture premium 360-audio anywhere and everywhere.

It's time to make history.
Mark Lanza

F8n Features

8-channel/10-track field audio recorder/mixer
8 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors
Compact and lightweight aluminum chassis, weighing just
2 pounds (without batteries)
High quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain and less than -127 dBu EIN
Switchable +4dB inputs with mic/line options for both XLR and TRS
Advanced Look-Ahead Hybrid Limiters
Zoom AutoMix™ software
Support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording, and 44.1 kHz, plus 47.952 kHz/48.048 kHz for HD video compatibility;
16-/24-bit resolution
Accurate Time Code (0.2 ppm when on and up to 0.2 ppm when powered off) I/O on standard BNC connectors; dropframe/non-drop formats with Jam Sync
Three different power supply options: 8x AA batteries, external DC battery pack with Hirose connector, or 12V AC adapter (AA’s and DC battery pack not included)
Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for each channel
High pass filter, phase invert, and Mid-Side decoder
Input delay of up to 30 msec per channel / output delay of up to 10 frames per output
Compatible with Zoom microphone capsules; optional extender cable enables remote positioning
Dual mini-XLR (TA3) balanced Main Outs plus Ä‚Ë…›" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
Dedicated headphone output (100 mW) with front panel volume control
2.4" full-color backlit LCD with monochromatic mode
Dedicated PFL display with viewable trim settings
Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, up to 512 GB each
Records in BWF-compliant WAV or MP3 file formats
Support for extensive metadata (BWF and iXML); input time, date, project, scene number, etc.
Built-in slate mic/slate tone with front panel switch
Use as an 8-in/4-out USB audio interface (@ 96 kHz)
Free Zoom F8 Control App for iOS allows wireless remote control, file renaming, and metadata entry
Ä‚Ë۬

What's in the Box
Here's what comes included with the F8n

Zoom AD-19 12V AC Adapter
Cubase LE and WaveLab LE download codes
Operation manual
Optional Accessories

• PCF-8n Field Bag

• PCF-4 Field Bag

• ECM-3 Mic Capsule Extender Cable

• ECM-6 Mic Capsule Extender Cable

• XYH-5 X/Y Mic Capsule

• XYH-6 X/Y Mic Capsule

• MSH-6 Mid-Side Mic Capsule

• SGH-6 Shotgun Mic Capsule

• SSH-6 Stereo Shotgun Mic Capsule

• EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Input Capsule

• CMF-8 Camera Mounting Bracket

• TXF-8 TA3 to XLR Cables