Topic: Zoom F3 Part 2

[daspyknows]

Previous Thread  https://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=198715.0

[roffels]

I picked up one of these while it was on sale, even though I already had an F6. I figured it gave me a little flexibility in case I wanted to run a rig FOB and one on stage.

I've only taken it out twice. My experience is that you can't trust rechargeable AA batteries on it - they barely made it through a gig just taking a line signal from a board, I can't imagine how fast they'd drain running phantom to power mics. The 2nd time, I had it running off a USB powerbank and running two mics - it was fine, but cumbersome. I need to test out the lithium ion (non-rechargeable) batteries everyone has been using.

[darby]

these have been posted on the Facebook taper groups

I'm not sure myself about having the battery directly plugged into the unit

[mepaca]

I have gotten 8 hours recording at 32/44.1 with phantom using eveready lithium AA batteries.

[Colin Liston]

just marking thread, carry on

[breakonthru]

I picked up one of these while it was on sale, even though I already had an F6. I figured it gave me a little flexibility in case I wanted to run a rig FOB and one on stage.

I've only taken it out twice. My experience is that you can't trust rechargeable AA batteries on it - they barely made it through a gig just taking a line signal from a board, I can't imagine how fast they'd drain running phantom to power mics. The 2nd time, I had it running off a USB powerbank and running two mics - it was fine, but cumbersome. I need to test out the lithium ion (non-rechargeable) batteries everyone has been using.

they will go a lot longer due to the higher voltage. around 7 hrs with phantom

[cd2go]

Yes, I've been very happy with the Energizer Lithiums, about 6.5 hours @48K powering a CCM 4 pair. I tried Duracell Optimums and got 3.2 hours, pretty good for the price; lithiums are insane lately.

[mccordo]

Took my F3 out for its maiden voyage last night. I just used the Anker USB-C battery that powers my MixPre 3 and 6. The MixPre 3 with 48V on usually uses about 2/10 bars on the meter. The F3 with 48V on didn’t even use a single bar after keeping it on the entire 3+ hour show. Using a small external battery and cable seems like a good fit if you don’t mind having that in your bag or on your person.

[Popmarter]

Just to add this info on the right places.

I used the Zoom F3 now several times with the Schoeps MK41 > Nbob Actives > Baby Nbox > Zoom F3 setup. The Zoom has 4 input settings (Line, Line 48+, Mic, Mic 48+). The Baby Nbox is there to power the Schoeps mic. Therefore you should NOT use the Phantom Power on the Zoom, so that leaves the MIC (minus 48+) or LINE in (minus 48+) as options. I have used the MIC IN (minus 48+) at some big PA concerts at DFC and it works perfect. Good levels, nothing different from a normal microphone (mic in 48+) > Zoom F3 recording. I have not used the Line In and can not comment on sonic differences.

This is gonna be crossposted on the Schoeps Team forum aswell.

[mepaca]

Smokin' deal $244.99 today at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-F3-Professional-Recording-Converters/dp/B09SVN6J35/ref=sr_1_2_pp?crid=1MVNHXX598MGQ&keywords=zoom%2Bf3&qid=1696949793&sprefix=zoom%2Bf3%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-2&th=1

[Colin Liston]

Most all Zoom recorders are on sale today

M2 MicTrak $140 -- $50 off

https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-M2-Normalization-Monitoring-Podcasters/dp/B0BN4GKHJL/ref=sr_1_14?crid=OF98571E45UZ&keywords=zoom%2Bmic%2Btrak&qid=1696960691&sprefix=zoom%2Bmic%2Btrak%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-14&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&th=1

[unidentified]

these have been posted on the Facebook taper groups

I'm not sure myself about having the battery directly plugged into the unit

I don't like the form of the combination.  Moreover, the combination's mass could flex and stress the USB-C port of the recorder if the combination was not simply sitting flat on a shelf.     

[MakersMarc]

Been ducking with this thing for hours, nice little brick!

But I’m not sure I understand the magnification settings. What’s a good setting? I was confused and thought it had to be set at 32 but I know that’s not right, the living room recording was pretty low when normalized. Can someone give a down and dirty?

Tanks!

[Chanher]

We’ve confirmed that the magnification settings is POST adc and does NOT affect your end result. Think of it as an after-the-fact level fader. I’ve recorded my living room speaker blasting very loud at x1024 (the highest magnification setting) and while everything APPEARED to be clipping very badly, once you’ve transferred the file to software and reduced the gain, the recording is completely normal. It seems like magic and is hard to accept, but it’s true!

I like around x8 for loud rock, but sometimes go higher so that raw playback is at a nice consumer level playback volume. No more normalizing!

The last 3-4 pages of the 1st Zoom F3 thread covers the topic thoroughly if you want to read more about it. Love my F3!

[MakersMarc]

Thank you!