F8n Field Recorder

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.

Watch Video Specs & Details

Anne Tolkkinen, Sound Designer, using the F8n

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.

F8n field recording set up in a case with the F-Control and wireless receivers

Safeguard Your Recordings

Dual SD Card Recording
Record simultaneously on two SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, up to 1 TB 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.

location sound engineer using sound cart

Andrew Jones | Location Sound Engineer

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.

iPad with the F8n app, headphones and a F8n

Wireless Control

The Zoom F8 Control App (for iOS / for Android) provides extensive wireless remote control of the F8n from your iPhone, iPad, or Android 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 / Android device.

Sound designer Paula Fairfield connecting a F-Control to the Zoom F8n in the field

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, iPad, or Android into a large-scale meter monitor for easy reading.

Sound engineer using an iPad to adjust recording with F8n and an Ambeo microphone

360° Audio

Ambisonics
Capable 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.

Paula Fairfield, sound designer, at work in the Palm Desert, California, with her F8n

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 / Android 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.

Sound professionals Mark Lanza, Anne Tolkinnen and Andrew Jones at Sony Studios in Burbank, California

What's in the Box

Here's what comes included with the F8n

F8n Field Recorder
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

The F8n Professional Multi-Track Field Recorder

Recording on the F8n with an Ambeo microphone using the F8n iOS app

F8n Images

Input gain:	+10 – +75 dB
Input impedance:	2 kΩ
Maximum input level:	+14 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)
Phantom power:	+24/+48V 10mA maximum for each channel

Input gain:	-10 – +55 dB
Input impedance:	2.6 kΩ
Maximum input level:	+24 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)

Equivalent input noise:	−127 dBu or less (A-weighted, +75dB input gain, 150Ω input)
Frequency characteristics:	10 Hz – 80 kHz +0.5dB/−1dB (192kHz sampling rate)
A/D dynamic range:	120 dB typ (−60dBFS input, A-weighted)
Crosstalk:	−90 dB or less (between adjacent channels, 1kHz)
MIC IN:	ZOOM mic capsule input (use disables Inputs 1/2)
SLATE MIC:	Built-in mic for voice memos can be assigned to tracks freely

Connectors:	TA-3 connectors, balanced output (2: hot)
Output impedance:	150 Ω or less
Reference output level:	−10 dBV (normal output level), +4 dBu (Output Level: Line), 1 kHz, 600Ω load
Maximum output level:	+10 dBV (normal output level), +24 dBu (Output Level: Line), 1 kHz, 600Ω load

Connector:	3.5mm stereo mini unbalanced output jack
Output impedance:	100 Ω or less
Reference output level:	−10 dBV (normal output level), −40 dBV (mic output level), 1 kHz, 10kΩ load
Maximum output level:	+10 dBV (normal output level), -20 dBV (mic output level), 1 kHz, 10kΩ load

Supported formats:	44.1/47.952/48/48.048/88.2/96/192kHz, 16/24-bit, mono/stereo//2-10ch poly, BWF and iXML
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks:	10 (8 inputs + stereo mix)
	8 (at 192kHz sampling rate)

Supported formats:	128/192/320kbps, 44.1/48kHz, ID3v1 tags
Maximum simultaneous recording tracks:	2

Using a 32GB card:	30:51:00 (48 kHz/24-bit stereo WAV)
	7:42:00 (192 kHz/24-bit stereo WAV)

Connector:	BNC
Modes:	Off, Int Free Run, Int Record Run, Int RTC Run, Ext, Ext Auto Rec (audio clock can be synchronized to timecode)
Frame rates:	23.976ND, 24ND, 25ND, 29.97ND, 29.97D, 30ND, 30D
Precision:	±0.2 ppm
Supported input levels:	0.2 – 5.0 Vpp
Input impedance:	4.6 kΩ
Output level:	3.3 Vpp
Output impedance:	50 Ω or less

Some make sound. Others make history.

A Recorder You Can Depend On.

Every Day.