Topic: Zoom F3 Part 2

[MakersMarc]

So I don’t see any way to adjust the mic inputs for particular mikes? If you input clip you’re out of luck?

[unidentified]

Sorry, not sure exactly what you mean by mic input adjustments , but the F3 cannot clip.

[MakersMarc]

I mean, is there a pad needed/available.

[unidentified]

To the best of my knowledge, no pad would be needed because the F3 cannot clip

[SMsound]

I have been reading eman's posts in the old Zoom F3 thread where he took a Dremel and removed the steel cage around the F3, which dropped half the weight and a bunch of size.

It looks like you can remove the entire steel cage by unscrewing the 4 watchmaker's screws in the bottom side of the unit.

If so, then instead of Dremel-ing the legs in order to leave the metal faceplate (which is needed), can someone 3dprint a plastic faceplate for all of us to use?

If I am correct, this would mean you could just use the 4 screws to make the unit pocket-sized without any permanent damage.

Or if someone can confirm this is correct (eman?), then maybe I will sendcutsend some faceplates for us to all use.

[aaronji]

To the best of my knowledge, no pad would be needed because the F3 cannot clip

You can overload the input (+4 dBu for mic-in).

[unidentified]

Thanks -- I did not realize that. 


https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/field-recorders/field-recorders/f3/
Inputs
MIC/LINE (MONO)   Connectors:   2 XLR (2: HOT)
Input gain:   Adjustment unnecessary (dual AD converter circuits used)
Input impedance:   MIC: 3 kΩ or more
LINE: 3 kΩ or more
Maximum input level:   MIC: +4 dBu
LINE: +24 dBu

[MakersMarc]

To the best of my knowledge, no pad would be needed because the F3 cannot clip

You can overload the input (+4 dBu for mic-in).

and cannot be adjusted, correct?

[wordgroove]

i just got one

so any tips on starting to integrate it into my taping flow

i'm getting a cable made from nick for baby box and mk41v

i'm interested in that 3d printed plastic replacement for metal cage

thanks everyone ahead of time

any infor for mod and any tips on starting to use

- it seems a lil bit of challenge to sneak into certain venues?

Taz

[Chanher]

To the best of my knowledge, no pad would be needed because the F3 cannot clip

You can overload the input (+4 dBu for mic-in).

and cannot be adjusted, correct?

Yea the only adjustment you can make is choosing between mic (+4dB max) and line (+24dB max). You can definitely overload the analog input stage. I stack taped a metal band last weekend with no issues.

What I've been doing: If I'm using an external preamp or sbd, line setting. If it's an active power box/ batt box/ or mics straight in, use mic setting. Try to get the magnification close. Hit record and enjoy the show.  Do this a few times and see how the results are.

[unidentified]

Thanks for the information. But I can't help but wonder, if you stack taped a metal show with no issues, what would it take to overload the analog input in a real life situation? Or were you using Line In for the stack taping? 

[Chanher]

Thanks for the information. But I can't help but wonder, if you stack taped a metal show with no issues, what would it take to overload the analog input in a real life situation? Or were you using Line In for the stack taping?

I used the mic setting for the metal stack recording. I've actually recorded 2 metal shows now with my F3 and no problems.

Barring real-life tests, I can't answer what it would take to overload the analog input.

I don't think any of our (musical) applications would do it, as I've TRIED to read through practically every thread on ALL the 32fp products (especially Zoom) and I haven't read about anyone experiencing this in a concert setting (doesn't mean it hasn't happened though) but I can safely say it's not a widespread problem.

The best piece of advice I read regarding 32fp is you have to see it to believe it. Record your living room speakers at a QUIET volume, magnification x1, transfer the file and boost the gain. Then record your speakers at the highest possible volume, x1024 (should LOOK like clipping), transfer the file and reduce the gain. Listen critically to both files after you've adjusted the gain to a listenable level.

 For my dumb ass, once I did these tests (multiple times mind you), it made reading through the threads much easier as I had my own experience to compare it to.

[aaronji]

To hit that +4 dBu, you would need either sensitive mics or a very loud source or, most likely, a combination of the two. The mics people here typically use are in the 10 - 15 mV/Pa range; with those, it would take a really loud signal (~ 133 dBSPL) to overload the F3 mic input. Some mics, though, are more sensitive (such as my DPA 2006s at 40 mV/Pa) and it gets more plausible. Put those things on stage, near the snare or bass drum, and it could definitely overload.

I believe the F3 has P48 on the line input? If so, you could just use that and your chances of overloading the input are tiny.

[jefflester]

I believe the F3 has P48 on the line input? If so, you could just use that and your chances of overloading the input are tiny.

It's a (surprising) option. Pg 33 of manual:

"Line (+48V) Use when connecting equipment with line level input that requires
phantom power"

https://zoomcorp.com/media/documents/E_F3v2.pdf

[aaronji]

^ Thanks for checking! My guess is that, using that option (and if the multiple ADC set-up is well implemented), you will never have a problem unless you have REALLY sensitive mics or you're taping grenades going off at close range...