Topic: Zoom F3 Part 2

[Chanher]

I tried to use my words carefully but I meant when directly facing the inputs. I consider this upside down because well, the actual number “1” (and the “2”) that they physically emboss on the recorder, are upside down from the angle in your pic.

[wordgroove]

ok did some battery test runs
 got the Nih battery nickels
rechargables Powerex

i been recording for over 5 hours - on line in - no phantom
and it still has three bars

i'mma use with preamp so i don't need phantom

but will do tests with phantom
and i also have some li ion rechargbles

Taz

[sdbirder]

I was about to purchase an external power source for my Zoom F3 when I remembered that my newer Wurkkos TS25 flashlight has a power bank feature. Last night, I conducted a test with my Rycote HC-22 Shotgun Mic (48v phantom @ 96k/32bit-float), and I was able to record for 16 hours straight using just the flashlight. I used a premium Molicel 21700 P45B 4500mAh 45A Battery. While it's definitely pricier than some Anker options out there, you also get a great flashlight. Just thought I'd share...

[spyder9]

This all you need to power the F3 externally.  Footprint is almost the same as the F3. 

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A294P4X9EWVXLJ&th=1

[unidentified]

This all you need to power the F3 externally.  Footprint is almost the same as the F3. 

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=A294P4X9EWVXLJ&th=1

This is exactly what I use with my F3. Works great.

[Papaphunk]

Just picked up one of these used, off Reverb for $225 shipped. Looking forward to joining the 32 Bit Revolution !

Thank you Fantasy Football Gods 

[detroit lightning]

Reposting here for some thoughts:

So, I’m in the midst of changing my philosophy with taping a bit. Quick backstory - have been at this, off an on, for about 20 years now. Started very simple with cheapo set up - eventually settled into a CA rig. Over the years made my way up into multichannel, but in recent years have just not been into the hassle of the setup & more advanced post production.

For now, I’m basically running a share MV88 into an iPhone and calling it a day. I’m probably fine with that, but I do have a Zoom F3 and the ability to run that setup when needed (I basically only mess with mic stand taping when it’s crystal clear that the band is ok with it, and it’s not going to be a hassle getting it in).

I DO like the ease of taping 32 bit, so I’m wondering the best way to utilize the F3 in a kind of / low profile way - like running a pair of DPAs, or something cheaper like CA / SP mini mics into it. Is my best bet some sort of XLR adapter?

Like, ultimately running 4061 > F3 would be ideal. Even if I needed a battery box, that would still be pretty straightforward. But it would be super easy to set up, and generally post work would be fairly straightforward.

[grawk]

if you can find one a dpa mma:a dvice and any microdot microphones and an iphone make a dead simple and super low profile setup.

[detroit lightning]

if you can find one a dpa mma:a dvice and any microdot microphones and an iphone make a dead simple and super low profile setup.

Yup, I actually ran that rig for a few years. As good as it gets in terms of low profile…IMO.

That said, the dvice is a pricy piece of gear…and I’m looking for something 32Bit.

If that deity 32 bit recorder ever sees the light of day, I might give that a look.

I mean, I’m being pretty particular here…going to 32Bit isn’t THAT big of a deal…I’m just looking to see what sort of options are best with the F3 that I already have (and like).

[breakonthru]

Im going to go out on a limb and say that the deity won’t reach the performance of the d:vice which has a well-designed mic preamp circuit and a very high dynamic range for its size.

Just a hunch tho.

Adding 32bit is a nice feature but imo pretty academic to 406x series mics that have (relatively) high self-noise. In most cases (esp environment) you’re working with a signal that can easily fit into a 16 bit container, and very very easily into a 24 bit container.

d:vice with the gain turned all the way down will still pull a recording in a loud environment with decent levels above -24 dB so plenty of headroom there

[Papaphunk]

Folks have a preferred small protection bag they put this unit in ? Currently have a mesh bag found amongst my things, but looking for something with a little more cushion to keep it in within my larger bag.

[mccordo]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1JJLHFN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I picked up this hard case made for the F3 on Amazon for $15. Not much bigger than the unit and has room for a power cable too.

[voltronic]

The 32 FP autoranging ADC stuff becomes a game-changer when you are recording things with somewhat unpredictable dynamic range and you can't do a proper sound check.

So while I agree with what breakonthru posted above, it's more on the upper end of levels that this format has been most useful for me where I don't have to think about gain levels, limiters, etc. If the dynamics of what you are recording are rather consistent/predictable, the benefits of this recording format are not nearly as great.

Case in point: I am recording a school district choral festival next week. I'll have my 788 back in house from its fresh once-over at the mothership. But I will record this concert with my F6, Even though I find the 788 to have a little better sound quality. This is because I will be supervising a large bunch of kids, conducting my own students, and having a compressed setup window with two separate mic arrays. The 788 would mean I'm taking a second peli case in with me and I need to travel a bit more light and compact. I won't have time to do a proper level check for the 788. Heck, I won't even be able to get at my gear once the concert begins.

[Papaphunk]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1JJLHFN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I picked up this hard case made for the F3 on Amazon for $15. Not much bigger than the unit and has room for a power cable too.

Ordered, Ty!

[unidentified]

I bought the same hard cases for my two F3s--they seem pretty robust.