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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: goodcooker on December 09, 2015, 08:29:23 AM

Title: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: goodcooker on December 09, 2015, 08:29:23 AM
The first thread is out to 30 pages.


Zoom F8 thread part 1
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=172643.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=172643.0)

In depth review of Zoom F8 by tonedeaf
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175264.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175264.0)

Product page from Zoom with marketing speak and links to additional info
https://www.zoom.co.jp/products/handy-recorder/zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder (https://www.zoom.co.jp/products/handy-recorder/zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder)

You can download the Zoom F8 Firmware v2.00 here: https://zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder#downloads (https://zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder#downloads)



Features at a glance -

 •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, less than -127 dBu EIN, and +4 dB line inputs
 •Support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording as well as 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, 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) 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)
 •Automatic switching of power source from DC to batteries at user-defined voltage levels
 •Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for each channel
 •Phantom power (+48V/+24V) on every input
 •Advanced onboard limiters for input and output
 •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 ⅛" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
 •Dedicated headphone output (100mW) with front panel volume control
 •2.4" full-color backlit LCD with monochrome 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
 •Built-in tripod mount; camera mount adapter also included
 •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


Firmware 2.0 update

1.   Added Trim Knob option that enables adjusting fader/pan settings with input trim knobs.
2.   Added the function of moving the previously recorded take to the new FALSE TAKE folder.
3.   Expanded Function Shortcuts as well as Shortcut List Menu.
4.   Added the function of selecting alphabet letters for the scene number.
5.   Added Trim Link function for adjusting the input levels of multiple tracks simultaneously.
6.   Added the function of editing track name in Meta data.
7.   Added the function of showing track names on the level meters.
8.   Added the function that enables selecting “Scene_***” for the format of take name.
9.   Added the function of adjusting L/R track volume.
10.   Added SOLO function that enables monitoring signals of specific tracks only during playback.
11.   Added sound report function for exporting CSV format file including recorded take information, etc.
12.   Changed the location of Next Take menu on MENU>REC>Next Take to MENU>META DATA (for next take).
13.   Added the function of applying edits of the selected card to the other card when two SD cards are inserted.
14.   Changed the track order of Poly WAV recorded files from Tr1, Tr2, …, Tr8, L, R to L, R, Tr1, Tr2, …, Tr8.

You can download the Zoom F8 Firmware v2.00 here: https://zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder#downloads (https://zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder#downloads)

Discuss...and please link to recordings done with this new recorder.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on December 09, 2015, 04:15:23 PM
Checking in...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on December 09, 2015, 04:54:11 PM
Any retailer have them in stock? I'm on waiting list with Amazon.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 09, 2015, 05:14:51 PM
Discuss...and please link to recordings done with this new recorder.

Here's a recent show I did straight into the internal preamps.  Consider The Source opened for Kung Fu.  CTS sounds boomier because the room was virtually empty when they started.  It filled up as they played to the point where the room was fairly well filled by the time Kung Fu started.

https://archive.org/details/kungfu2015-12-03.mk4_24bit (https://archive.org/details/kungfu2015-12-03.mk4_24bit)

https://archive.org/details/cts2015-12-03.mk4_24bit (https://archive.org/details/cts2015-12-03.mk4_24bit)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on December 09, 2015, 06:52:42 PM
Discuss...and please link to recordings done with this new recorder.

Here's a recent show I did straight into the internal preamps.  Consider The Source opened for Kung Fu.  CTS sounds boomier because the room was virtually empty when they started.  It filled up as they played to the point where the room was fairly well filled by the time Kung Fu started.

https://archive.org/details/kungfu2015-12-03.mk4_24bit (https://archive.org/details/kungfu2015-12-03.mk4_24bit)

https://archive.org/details/cts2015-12-03.mk4_24bit (https://archive.org/details/cts2015-12-03.mk4_24bit)

Sounds very sweet! thanks for another F8 Source!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 10, 2015, 04:16:07 AM
I've been trying to get a reliable and reasonable-cost way to have external battery power for my Zoom F8.

I have one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Portable-Technology/dp/B00GSLRKJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449738157&sr=8-2&keywords=Anker+2nd+Gen+Astro+Pro2

It comes with a cable terminating in a 5.5 X 2.1mm plug for its 12V outlet.  I also have a load of adapter plugs, at least one of which fits in the F8's main 12V DC input.  But I've found it difficult to get the Zoom to reliably work with this.  Either it won't start up at all, or, if it does (after repeated trying), it has a tendency to shut down again, though last weekend I managed to power it through a 4 hour recording session with hardly a dent in the Anker's available power (even with 6 mics, all on phantom power).

Perhaps it's because when the F8 does come up working it's showing the voltage as 11.8V, so maybe it's just a tad on the low side for that DC input to be happy.

If I could find (in the UK) a cable connecting a HiRose 4-pin plug to standard 5.5 X 2.1mm socket, I suspect it might behave more reliably, as it's supposed to support 9 - 16V, but so far I can't find anything like that.

Anyone else found similar problems trying to power the F8?


Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 10, 2015, 05:12:37 AM
Here's a trial recording of an amateur big band's rehearsal I did the other day using my Zoom F8 (and to put you all in the Christmas spirit!)

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/robs-music-files/jingle-bells.wav

I used a Tony Faulkner-style phased array with an ORTF pair of DPA 2011C + 2 Line Audio OM1s outliers (67 cm apart).  Vocals were picked up from a PA speaker by a lone Calrec CM652D

Recorded directly into the F8's mic inputs, originally at 192/24.  Mixed down using Audacity to 44/16

Unfortunately the layout of the instruments in the rehearsal room wasn't ideal and I couldn't get an optimal position for recording, but quite pleased as an initial test of the gear.  Really pleased with the F8, and it was the first outing for the DPAs and OM1s

I'm due to record their Christmas concert on Sunday and hoping to get a better positioning for the mics.


Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: goodcooker on December 10, 2015, 09:44:44 AM
I'm an Android user both phone and tablet. I guess I could pick up a used iPhone or iPad mini off Craiglist or something to utilize the Bluetooth control features.

These are starting to show back up at retailers with estimated ship dates within the next week. B&H shows anticipated ship of Dec 15th. Markertek shows 3-10 days.

I think I'm going to take the plunge.

Going to have to get a new set of rechargable AAs and a new charger. My old ones are all dead and the ex hippie in me hates myself for using alkalines.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 10, 2015, 11:06:08 AM
I'm an Android user both phone and tablet. I guess I could pick up a used iPhone or iPad mini off Craiglist or something to utilize the Bluetooth control features.

These are starting to show back up at retailers with estimated ship dates within the next week. B&H shows anticipated ship of Dec 15th. Markertek shows 3-10 days.

I think I'm going to take the plunge.

Going to have to get a new set of rechargable AAs and a new charger. My old ones are all dead and the ex hippie in me hates myself for using alkalines.

I might have mentioned this once but my hearing aids are Bluetooth equipped and the initial app released was the ios app.  Caused me to swith to my iPhone, which i hate comparitively speaking.  Starkey explained that licensing and app development are more involved on the Android end.  They released the post-beta Android version of the same app about a year after the release of the ios version.  Obviously i have no idea if a similar plan and schedule is planned for the F8, but it would make sense.  Now that my service contract has been fulfilled on my iphone, I'm going to hang in with it bc of the zoom interface, but the day the droid app comes out I'm getting the latest Galaxy S phone.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on December 10, 2015, 11:26:27 AM
Not to take this way off topic BUT Android is an open platform, there should be more difficult licencing with Apple as well as cost. Anyone who can write a program can do Android. I think while more expensive to deal with Apple it does offer higher bang for the buck as a captive audience so it makes sense for a company to invest there IMO.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 10, 2015, 11:37:57 AM
Yeah I'm not sure all the technicalities.  So based on your comment, perhaps the issue wasn't licensing but app development, not sure...i was just conveying something i was told some months ago related to the hearing aid app.  I was also struck by the apparent similarity in timeline for roll out between the Starky app and so far how the Zoom app is moving along.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: lamacchiacosta on December 10, 2015, 12:25:10 PM
Here I am with my first hand ot it.

It's small, very small. Also the knobs and buttons are accordingly small, keep that in mind if you have sausage fingers. Is lightweight, of course.
Three ways to feed power: 8 AA batteries, external power supply on a circular connector and 1 external power supply on a Hirose 4 pin connector. Battery level meter on the main screen.
I guess you can have them all connected together at the same time and the machine will recognise which is the better, but I haven't tried because I didn't need to, so I may have just written some idiocy.
Inputs are on the hybrid Neutrik XLR/6.3plug connector. Mic level on XLR; line level (only -10dBV) on plug connector. Automatically selected also during a recording if you plug/unplug for whatever reason.
Outputs are: main OUT on two TA3s and sub OUT on one stereo minijack3.5. One headphone output with loads of volume to drive your cans.
2 SD cards for redundant simultaneous recordings or other options to select from the menu.
Menu is very easy to use.
There is some degree of file naming and metadata and I guess there are better options using the external iOS app but I haven't tried that yet.
The WI-fi electronics are already embedded in the machine and we just need to install a software extension to make it work.
Time Code IN and OUT on 2 separate BNC connectors. Quite stable and reliable Time Code. When the machine is turned off it will drift (Zaxcom does the same, right?) because they saved in internal button battery. So any time the machine is turned on we need to remember to rejam.
Work flawlessly, so far.
RF spray. Yes and please make a test recording before starting your day to check if is interfering with your radiomics. Today I had one set to 606.450Mhz which became unusable once pressed the REC button.
I then did some test and the broadbad RF spray settled and minimize once the whole startup bootstrap is over, so the idling machine is not affecting much. Once the REC button is pushed, the data transfer create a wideband RF spray with some main peaking frequency. Mine are 603.250Mhz, 636.450Mhz, 603.250Mhz, 711.000Mhz. I guess any machine has its own peaking frequency, like the 788T, so please check yours.

File management resemble a bit the Sound Devices one so is quite familiar to all of us.

Sound quality. I cannot say much yet. I recorded dialogue via Line level from my 552 and I am quite happy, sound nice and quiet. They declare 127dBu Equivalent Input noise (120dBu on the H6, the 788T is not declared but I think should be between 128 to 133dBu, the 552 is 126dBu), so I am expecting great quality sound out of that little beast.
A colleague told me he measured a difference of 15dBu between the H6 and the F8 but he didn't tell me, yet, which one is declared wrong.

I think for what it cost is worth having. I would buy a second one if needed.
Knowing the brand I am not expecting any post selling assistance or any customer care. I wrote to them in the past and they usually don't answer.
Also I am not expecting many firware revisions, like our beloved brands, to improve the machine facilities. They are probably already working on the developement of the next recorder which will be out in a year or so, I guess, but that's just my immagination so dont' trust me on that.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: fguidry on December 10, 2015, 10:09:02 PM
...
Knowing the brand I am not expecting any post selling assistance or any customer care. I wrote to them in the past and they usually don't answer.
Also I am not expecting many firware revisions, like our beloved brands, to improve the machine facilities. They are probably already working on the developement of the next recorder which will be out in a year or so, I guess, but that's just my immagination so dont' trust me on that.

You're now dealing with a new organization in the US. The former distributor has been replaced by Zoom North America (zoom-na.com) and I have had very prompt response to support requests when dealing with the new guys.

And the H6 definitely benefited from a firmware update.

Fran
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 10, 2015, 10:55:26 PM
For what it's worth, the zoom itself has already received a firmware update and the app has as well.  The app had some significant glitches in the initial release, so that update was desperately needed.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: earmonger on December 11, 2015, 01:26:23 AM
Yeah I'm not sure all the technicalities.  So based on your comment, perhaps the issue wasn't licensing but app development, not sure...i was just conveying something i was told some months ago related to the hearing aid app.  I was also struck by the apparent similarity in timeline for roll out between the Starky app and so far how the Zoom app is moving along.

I once spoke to an app developer about iStuff vs. Android. iOS apps run on Apple's hardware which is a very limiited number of devices. You can test them all, easily, because there are only a few toys at a time in the Apple walled garden. 

Meanwhile, Android apps have to run on umpty-gazillion devices, from Samsung to weird names you never heard of released only in China. So Android app development is way more complicated and expensive. It's not the licensing fees, it's trying to make things bulletproof for everything that runs Android. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on December 11, 2015, 02:04:37 PM
I've been trying to get a reliable and reasonable-cost way to have external battery power for my Zoom F8.

I have one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Portable-Technology/dp/B00GSLRKJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449738157&sr=8-2&keywords=Anker+2nd+Gen+Astro+Pro2

It comes with a cable terminating in a 5.5 X 2.1mm plug for its 12V outlet.  I also have a load of adapter plugs, at least one of which fits in the F8's main 12V DC input.  But I've found it difficult to get the Zoom to reliably work with this.  Either it won't start up at all, or, if it does (after repeated trying), it has a tendency to shut down again, though last weekend I managed to power it through a 4 hour recording session with hardly a dent in the Anker's available power (even with 6 mics, all on phantom power).

Perhaps it's because when the F8 does come up working it's showing the voltage as 11.8V, so maybe it's just a tad on the low side for that DC input to be happy.

If I could find (in the UK) a cable connecting a HiRose 4-pin plug to standard 5.5 X 2.1mm socket, I suspect it might behave more reliably, as it's supposed to support 9 - 16V, but so far I can't find anything like that.

Anyone else found similar problems trying to power the F8?

Bingo, that's it. What you probably need to do is reduce the "shutdown voltage." You really do have to set the voltage you want to use with this thing at or below what the voltage is, or otherwise it will simply not look to that power source. I had a Tekkeon that was set at 9V while the unit was set to 12V. Didn't recognize it at all. I switched the Tekkeon to 12V, with shutdown voltage at 9V, and presto -- works like a charm. I also note that the Tekkeon is only reading at 11.8V most of the time, too.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on December 11, 2015, 02:25:05 PM
I'm powering my F8 off the same battery pack with no issues. I didn't even adjust the threshold voltage, mine reads 12v on the display. I ran it for 5 hours with 4 channel's of phantom recording four tracks & used 24%.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 11, 2015, 02:40:15 PM
Aha!  On mine the Nominal Voltage was set to 14.8V and the Shutdown Voltage was 9V.  I Reduced the Nominal Voltage to 12V and now the Anker starts it up first time

Thanks for bringing those settings to my attention!

Rob
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: phanophish on December 11, 2015, 05:13:41 PM
checking in and seriously considering....
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ukiah Bass on December 11, 2015, 07:00:27 PM
I ordered an F8 from Sweetwater on Nov. 17.  The rep said a "large shipment would be in next week."

On Dec. 5th I inquired about status and the rep said "hopefully in two weeks."  He said Zoom is back ordered and trying to get a production run done and into the US.

So my decision to not sell my H6 early paid off.  I bet they'll show up at Sweetwater after Christmas, maybe even into January.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: yltfan on December 11, 2015, 10:23:24 PM
He said Zoom is back ordered and trying to get a production run done and into the US.

This probably means no sales for a while, maybe even a price hike...
Musician's Friend had a 20% off anything the other day, but no sign of any F8's :(
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 12, 2015, 11:59:24 AM
He said Zoom is back ordered and trying to get a production run done and into the US.

This probably means no sales for a while, maybe even a price hike...
Musician's Friend had a 20% off anything the other day, but no sign of any F8's :(

I don't think you should read anything into the back order.  These units have been backordered since Day 1.  Zoom hasn't been able to keep up with demand on these units since the first units shipped and people started reporting positively.  While I don't think a price hike is out of the question at some point, with all the hype and publicity of the $999 USD price point, I'd be kinda surprised if they hiked it this soon after initial release.  My random thoughts anyway.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 14, 2015, 08:08:05 AM
Quick mixdown of a piece from a live amateur big-band concert last night, recorded on my F8 in a small village hall:

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/robs-music-files/wishumerryxmas.flac

Mics used were an ORTF pair of DPA 2011C + 2 Line Audio OM1s set up as a Tony Faulkner phased array.  Tracks from the OM1s mixed 7dB down from those from the DPAs, otherwise no processing - what you hear is pretty much straight off the mics as captured by the F8 (originally at 192k/24).  F8 was battery powered using my Anker power pack - barely used any of its capacity for the full 2 hour concert.  This track was split across 2 files by the F8, but I was easily able to merge it together seamlessly using Audacity (which I also used for mixdown) without any loss at all.

Being able to use the F8 remote on my iPhone was great - so I could sit in the audience and watch the performance while recording.  Meanwhile the F8 was mounted on a camera tripod (which means it's at eye-level when I set everything up), and tucked out of the way at the side of the band.

Overall, very pleased with the F8 - very easy to set up and control in a live environment.  Can't wait to get out doing more with it!


Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: yltfan on December 15, 2015, 03:33:57 AM
He said Zoom is back ordered and trying to get a production run done and into the US.

This probably means no sales for a while, maybe even a price hike...
Musician's Friend had a 20% off anything the other day, but no sign of any F8's :(

I don't think you should read anything into the back order.  These units have been backordered since Day 1.  Zoom hasn't been able to keep up with demand on these units since the first units shipped and people started reporting positively.  While I don't think a price hike is out of the question at some point, with all the hype and publicity of the $999 USD price point, I'd be kinda surprised if they hiked it this soon after initial release.  My random thoughts anyway.

Agreed, but I still think it means no sales (like this 20% coupon).
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on December 15, 2015, 06:28:12 AM
Quick mixdown of a piece from a live amateur big-band concert last night, recorded on my F8 in a small village hall:

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/robs-music-files/wishumerryxmas.flac

Mics used were an ORTF pair of DPA 2011C + 2 Line Audio OM1s set up as a Tony Faulkner phased array.  Tracks from the OM1s mixed 7dB down from those from the DPAs, otherwise no processing - what you hear is pretty much straight off the mics as captured by the F8 (originally at 192k/24).  F8 was battery powered using my Anker power pack - barely used any of its capacity for the full 2 hour concert.  This track was split across 2 files by the F8, but I was easily able to merge it together seamlessly using Audacity (which I also used for mixdown) without any loss at all.

Being able to use the F8 remote on my iPhone was great - so I could sit in the audience and watch the performance while recording.  Meanwhile the F8 was mounted on a camera tripod (which means it's at eye-level when I set everything up), and tucked out of the way at the side of the band.

Overall, very pleased with the F8 - very easy to set up and control in a live environment.  Can't wait to get out doing more with it!

Very nice.  Did the band have a strange layout?  Sounds like saxes are normal, but trombones to the right and then trumpets to the very far right.  Typically they'd be in rows behind one another.

Please post more jazz recordings - there isn't enough of it here!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 15, 2015, 10:05:42 AM
Thanks voltronic!

Yes it was an unusual layout and pretty much as you'd figured, except on the right were two rows - trombones at the front, trumpets behind them.

You can get an idea of the band layout from the photo I took here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/14645984@N05/23640258872/in/album-72157661820194240/

You'll also see my mics on the wonderful brute of a Superlux MS200 stand.  The aluminium bar holding the mics in the array format is my own creation, all pre-marked out for quick rigging and orientation at the correct angles.

I'm also wanting to get more jazz recordings done - hoping to get some solo piano work recorded soon.  I'll post what I can here :-)

Rob
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on December 15, 2015, 10:10:39 AM
cool pic! thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 15, 2015, 02:07:05 PM
Some more Big Band jazz specially for voltronic!

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/robs-music-files/silentnight.wav

Again from the Zoom F8 recordings made on Sunday, straight from the DPAs and Line Audios - I think this one showcases the F8's abilities pretty nicely, especially on the quiet sections.  96k/24 mixdown by the way.

Rob
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on December 15, 2015, 07:10:59 PM
Some more Big Band jazz specially for voltronic!

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/robs-music-files/silentnight.wav

Again from the Zoom F8 recordings made on Sunday, straight from the DPAs and Line Audios - I think this one showcases the F8's abilities pretty nicely, especially on the quiet sections.  96k/24 mixdown by the way.

Rob

Wow, really nice!  The band was feeling it a bit more on this one, I think.  SO much better sounding than the typical jazz recording where there's lots of spot mics but no natural stereo image.  I don't want to hear the sound of a mic 4 inches from a bari sax; I want to hear the whole band sound like it does when you're there!  Given where I'm posting this, I suspect I'm preaching to the choir in a big way...

I'm curious - did you adjust the default spacing of the "Faulkner II" array since you're using cards and not subcards?  Either way, I think it sounds great.  I came across this kind of array after picking up my subcard CM3s, wondering what interesting things you can do with that pattern of mic. 

I'm sure you know about this, but for those here who don't, here is Mr. Faulkner himself posting about this setup:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/492654-faulkner-array-insta-snake-action.html#post5400879 (https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/492654-faulkner-array-insta-snake-action.html#post5400879)
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/930912-three-mixes-boojum-jnorman-case-study.html#post10946336 (https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/930912-three-mixes-boojum-jnorman-case-study.html#post10946336)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on December 16, 2015, 01:22:48 AM
Some more Big Band jazz specially for voltronic!

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/robs-music-files/silentnight.wav

Again from the Zoom F8 recordings made on Sunday, straight from the DPAs and Line Audios - I think this one showcases the F8's abilities pretty nicely, especially on the quiet sections.  96k/24 mixdown by the way.

Rob

Wow, really nice!  The band was feeling it a bit more on this one, I think.  SO much better sounding than the typical jazz recording where there's lots of spot mics but no natural stereo image.  I don't want to hear the sound of a mic 4 inches from a bari sax; I want to hear the whole band sound like it does when you're there!  Given where I'm posting this, I suspect I'm preaching to the choir in a big way...

I'm curious - did you adjust the default spacing of the "Faulkner II" array since you're using cards and not subcards?  Either way, I think it sounds great.  I came across this kind of array after picking up my subcard CM3s, wondering what interesting things you can do with that pattern of mic. 

I'm sure you know about this, but for those here who don't, here is Mr. Faulkner himself posting about this setup:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/492654-faulkner-array-insta-snake-action.html#post5400879 (https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/492654-faulkner-array-insta-snake-action.html#post5400879)
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/930912-three-mixes-boojum-jnorman-case-study.html#post10946336 (https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/930912-three-mixes-boojum-jnorman-case-study.html#post10946336)

Thanks for the links to the firsthand Faulkner comments! +T
I recently ran a Milab DC196 figure 8 Faulkner  array  at an out door venue and it sounded fantastic, and I was curious about slightly wider spacing.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 16, 2015, 03:34:22 AM

Wow, really nice!  The band was feeling it a bit more on this one, I think.  SO much better sounding than the typical jazz recording where there's lots of spot mics but no natural stereo image.  I don't want to hear the sound of a mic 4 inches from a bari sax; I want to hear the whole band sound like it does when you're there!  Given where I'm posting this, I suspect I'm preaching to the choir in a big way...

I'm curious - did you adjust the default spacing of the "Faulkner II" array since you're using cards and not subcards?  Either way, I think it sounds great.  I came across this kind of array after picking up my subcard CM3s, wondering what interesting things you can do with that pattern of mic. 

I'm sure you know about this, but for those here who don't, here is Mr. Faulkner himself posting about this setup:
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/492654-faulkner-array-insta-snake-action.html#post5400879 (https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/492654-faulkner-array-insta-snake-action.html#post5400879)
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/930912-three-mixes-boojum-jnorman-case-study.html#post10946336 (https://www.gearslutz.com/board/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/930912-three-mixes-boojum-jnorman-case-study.html#post10946336)

Many thanks!  Yes this band was much more together on the slower numbers and I loved this piece myself. 

The trouble with this style of recording is you get everything warts and all, and in an awful lot of detail, so mistakes you don't necessarily notice or put up with in the live concert, are there in stark detail in the recording to be heard back time after time.

Regarding the Faulkner II (for want of a better name) array set-up:  I've kind of returned to this recording hobby after quite a gap, and decided to upgrade the gear I was using.  This recording was really the first time I'd tried all my new toys: the DPAs, the OM1s and the Zoom F8....and I'd come across the marvellous Tony Faulkner video where he describes the ORTF/Omni array and I figured I'd start trying that out too.  So for this recording I used the TFII array exactly as he described in the video - ie the DPAs in pure ORTF configuration with their diaphragms 17cm apart, and the OM1s angled out at 90 degrees to each other and their diaphragms 67cm apart, to see how it worked and what it sounded like.  For this track in particular, in my opinion I think it worked very well - particularly for headphone listening.

The DPA 2011Cs are interesting - they're actually almost exactly the same sensitivity as the OM1s - I had both set at +30db gain on the F8.  They actually get quite noisy if you have to crank up the gain high - the OM1s at similar gain are almost completely silent.  That surprised me: I'm not sure if this is a feature of DPAs generally or just this particular capsule and/or the compact (C) amp.  However at the gain used here, the self-noise was non-existent to my ears.  On the other hand, they have a real clarity and sparkle to the sound - I love the detail they bring out.  I think they also have a lower-end lift which I feel is helpful for this kind of recording.  They seem to work well in classic ORTF orientation and create a nice wide but very precise stereo landscape - that's maybe due to their off-axis response which is supposed to be excellent.  I couldn't justify spending more that what I paid for the 2011Cs but I liked the fact that they were modular so I can upgrade to 4000-series capsules in future if I feel rich! 

I might get a pair of Line Audio CM3s to compare with them - a lot easier to justify their price, and from the samples I've heard and what I've read about them, they appear to be quite amazing mics.

The TF articles you provided links to were really interesting - I love listening to and reading Tony's wisdom.  It was largely due to an article and review he wrote back in the 1980s in a UK HiFi magazine (I still have the copy and was reading it the other day) that I got into live-to-stereo recording in the first place and I purchased my still-trusty Calrec mics on the basis of his recommendation in the article.

He makes what I think is a very telling comment about the fact that in an orchestra, the conductor believes it's his/her job to get the balance right.  If that balance is right, then Tony's approach makes a lot of sense - a simple and unobtrusive mic technique to capture essentially what the conductor wanted the sound to be.

If you read about recording big bands, a similar approach is rarely used - lots of spot mics everywhere and the balance and stereo image reconstructed after the event.  I've always thought a simple mic technique *should* be appropriate for big bands, but of course that's going to require the band to be properly self-balanced and/or under the control and discipline of a band-leader who acts just like an orchestral conductor to get the sound he wants the audience to hear.  Unfortunately I don't think that's often the case, and it's made worse by the band often needing a PA for singers, keyboards etc.

It made me think about the Sheffield Labs King James Version recording that used a very simple mic technique:
http://www.auldworks.com/bbandrecord/bbandrec2.htm#kingjames

Here was a recording made by guys who knew the kind of sound they wanted to capture, and a band-leader who undoubtedly understood how to achieve a great, balanced sound from his band.

So back to the tracks I recorded a few days ago - that Silent Night track worked because it was a nice self-balancing number.  All the musicians had their individual levels under control and weren't just blasting away full tilt.  As such the trick to capturing it was very simple and I think the TFII array worked really well and pretty accurately sounds like what the audience heard.

I'm looking for more opportunities to record live music in the London/SE England area, so hopefully I'll get another chance soon to try some more experiments with this rig.

Rob
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on December 16, 2015, 06:13:13 AM
OK, so you used the "old" TF arrangement with ORTF cardioids in the center - that may have been the better choice with your mics.  He since changed to using subcardiods at 47 cm, 90 deg, still with the omnis 67 cm, 90 deg.  That's the only arrangement I've done, since I have subcards only.

Yeah, I prefer bands where everything is balanced by the director so that spot-everything approach isn't necessary.  Because if it's not balanced live, then what are you giving your audience who showed up to hear your concert?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on December 17, 2015, 11:35:58 AM
B&h has these in stock currently
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on December 17, 2015, 12:47:54 PM
Amazon does, too. Says mine won't ship until tomorrow and arrive Tuesday. Bummer as have a show Sunday.

Got an update that mine on way and will arrive Friday.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on December 17, 2015, 11:15:27 PM
I just sprung for one of these. ;D  Is there an off the shelf Hirose power cable available, or do these need to be custom made by Ted or Darktrain?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on December 18, 2015, 06:55:36 AM
I haven't even bothered with the Hirose yet since the barrel connector from my 680 fits perfectly into the Zoom. Just another great feature of the Zoom, you can use the Hirose, the included battery sled or the 12v power adapter input to power it in the field.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Len Moskowitz (Core Sound) on December 18, 2015, 08:08:40 AM
Sweetwater has them too.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Life In Rewind on December 18, 2015, 08:56:19 AM
Damn...I just got a nice check from my uncles estate...

Must resist...must resist...

Arggghghhghghghhhhh!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on December 18, 2015, 09:08:15 AM
I haven't even bothered with the Hirose yet since the barrel connector from my 680 fits perfectly into the Zoom. Just another great feature of the Zoom, you can use the Hirose, the included battery sled or the 12v power adapter input to power it in the field.

Thanks!  Great to know that I can just use my DR-680 battery setup.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: kleiner Rainer on December 18, 2015, 11:15:35 AM
Damn...I just got a nice check from my uncles estate...

Must resist...must resist...

Arggghghhghghghhhhh!

Why resist? Remember: there is a life before death...

or as we say here in Germany: "Das letzte Hemd hat keine Taschen" - your last shirt has no pockets!

(Seasons) Greetings,

Rainer
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: aaronji on December 18, 2015, 11:36:05 AM
Pretty enthusiastic review in Sound on Sound:  http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec15/articles/zoom-f8.htm (http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec15/articles/zoom-f8.htm).
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 18, 2015, 01:22:36 PM
Thanks!  Great to know that I can just use my DR-680 battery setup.

Just be aware that you may need to adjust the Nominal Voltage setting on the F8.  Mine was set at 14.8V and it wouldn't reliably start up from my Anker battery pack.  As soon as I lowered that setting (Menu/SYSTEM/Power Source) to 12V, it's worked perfectly.  YMMV
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 18, 2015, 01:37:53 PM
How soon before someone tries syncing multiple F8s?  Should be possible via its built-in timecode in/out, right?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on December 18, 2015, 02:16:59 PM
I just sprung for one of these. ;D  Is there an off the shelf Hirose power cable available, or do these need to be custom made by Ted or Darktrain?

Thanks!

I asked Ted this on his thread he said:
Since your battery cable thread http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=131680.30  (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=131680.30)is over 2year since the last posting I'll ask here:

Have you made any hirose power cables for the zoom f-8 yet?
 I may be interested in a Naztech Powerbank to Hirose for a F-8, as that is the one thing that I want to be sure i can power it with what I got.

--Ian

Not yet but it is the same pin assignment as the Sonosax and Sound Devices units that use a Hirose connector.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: 404 Not Found on December 18, 2015, 03:36:24 PM
I have made note of this before in re. to the Hirose connection, as I have been powering my F8 with a NP Battery Cup.  Same as what I use for my Sound Devices MixPre-D and my SD552. I am actually running all my gear now off of my NP1 NP-1 Style NiCd battery using a Hirose "cable-techniques-battery-bud II" I picked up.   6+ hrs running all mixers with the F8.

If you have been powering a SD mixer/recorder in this manner, it works the same way.  I assume it will work just as well for powering from a Naztech Powerbank.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on December 18, 2015, 05:19:23 PM
How soon before someone tries syncing multiple F8s?  Should be possible via its built-in timecode in/out, right?

Check in the F8 thread on the GS board, they are already doing it in the field - 16 tracks through a pair of linked F8s.

Here's the link:

https://www.gearslutz.com/board/11377744-post106.html
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on December 18, 2015, 09:11:37 PM
Mine just arrived. How do I use the USB connection to power it up? Can't figure out. Got Hirose to work but want USB, if possible.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Hypnocracy on December 18, 2015, 09:29:05 PM
Tonedeaf didn't mention USB for power in his review...

4.0   POWERING

The Zoom F8 can be powered from three different sources; the AA battery tray/sled, the 12V connector on the rear panel, or the 9-16V hirose connector on the left panel. 

The hirose connector is a four-pin connector (though only two of the pins are actively used) that locks onto the corresponding socket to prevent accidental disconnects.  When powering from this connector, an external battery of voltage between 9V and 16V can be used.  To provide the correct low voltage alerts, the user should set the proper low voltage shutdown settings in the menu (see Section 5).  Unfortunately, Page 20 of the user manual (see Hint box) states that the manual specifies the shutdown voltage that should be set for the external DC power supply; however, this information is not provided in the manual.

The AA battery tray/sled was already described in Section 1. 

The connector on the rear panel accepts the power supply (wall wart) provided with the unit.  This connects to an AC wall outlet.  As noted in the pictures, the voltage at the connector is 12VDC.  (The wall wart is a power transformer that coverts 120VAC, or 220VAC in some countries, to 12VDC at the output of the transformer.)  I checked the generic connectors that came with my Tekkeon 3300 batteries and one of those connectors fits perfectly onto the 12V power input on the back of the F8.  The connector on the unit is recessed and the adaptaplug connectors are right angle, so when inserted, the right angle connector fits perfectly snug into the socket while also hugging the back of the unit close enough so that when it's sitting in the bottom on a gear bag there's no concern with the cable coming out of the bottom of the unit into the bottom of your bag, especially since the weight of the unit is holding the right angle connector in place.....
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on December 18, 2015, 10:03:14 PM
You're right, thanks. Dunno how to connect Anker to 12v.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on December 18, 2015, 11:34:57 PM
You're right, thanks. Dunno how to connect Anker to 12v.
As I understand : It won't power up via 5v usb, it's only for file transfer.
You'd likely need a hirose or whatever the normal 12v power tip would be for the normal AC to DC wall power plug. - The same plug that the DR680 takes (M?) will work, I hear.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: david-p on December 21, 2015, 01:43:39 AM
I have an F8 on backorder at Thomann.de,  Delivery is supposed to be at the end of January.  I have been unable to see one where I live and have a question for those more fortunate:

When the F8 is being used as a USB audio interface to a laptop, is it possible simultaneously to record on the internal SD cards and on the computer?  I am in the habit of doing this with my RME UFX (USB thumb drive on the UFX and hard drive in the computer), and being able to do so gives me the security of diversity in backup.  As I have to take all my gear on public transport, reducing the weight by leaving the UFX at home -- excellent though it is -- is one of the objectives for concert recording, plus the UFX is exclusively mains powered!

Many thanks!

David
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: kleiner Rainer on December 21, 2015, 08:01:09 AM
Hi all,

powering from USB has its limits: after negotiation, you can draw a maximum of 500mA from a standard USB port, without negotiation, 100mA.

As a rule of thumb, 48V phantom power requires about 500mW maximum (48V x 10mA, plus losses from conversion). So if you want to use a Zoom F8 with 8 phantom powered mics, you need 4W worst case only to power the mics! Compare that with 2.5W available from the standard USB port. Then you still have not powered the rest of the device.

BTW more power is available only from USB dedicated charger ports (thats what your USB charger or power bank are), but then there is no communication possible (a dedicated charger shorts the two data lines with less than 200 Ohm). Alternative ways to signal a charger port is fixing the two USB data lines at certain voltages (you guess it - there is an Apple way and a rest-of-the-world way to do this). Again, no data.

So running the F8 from 12V makes sense - multiplying the input voltage ten times to get 48V is not very efficient, and the high peak currents are hard to keep out of sensitive preamp circuits (magnetic stray fields), unless you can separate them physically (not an option here).

So powering a digital recorder with phantom powered mic inputs is limited to two mic channels (1W mics, 1.5W rest of device), if you want to power it from an USB port.

Hope that clarifies this issue.

Greetings,

Rainer
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on December 21, 2015, 11:42:40 AM
My first time out with the F8 was a good experience. Loved the extra channel ability. Levels def take a bit getting used to.

https://soundcloud.com/vwmule/jazz-is-phish-dec-20-2015-fee (full show at etree)

Jazz is Phish
20 December 2015 (Sunday)
The Howard Theater
Washington, D.C.

Source: AKG ck61 > Naiant Couplings/PFA (on stage, left) + DPA 4023 (on stage, right) + SBD > Zoom F8
Transfer: Zoom F8 > iMac. Mixed with Audacity. Tracked via Sound Studio. FLAC via xACT
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on December 21, 2015, 10:22:00 PM
I'm also having problems using external power. I've got one of these Anker's (http://www.amazon.com/20000mAh-Aluminum-Portable-Multi-Voltage-Technology/dp/B005NGLTZQ/ref=pd_bxgy_107_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0JYAT4AEQWCPQ4MAJ6QH) and a hirose cable. The Zoom will recognize this for a few seconds but usually it flashes off. I've got the nominal at 12v.

Bad cable?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on December 21, 2015, 10:27:36 PM
Nope, not a bad cable just a royal pita to fire up. There's a tiny little window with that battery pack to fire up anything without a manual switch. The 12v will flash then just before it stops flashing & disappears you have to fire up the deck. It's a lot easier when I'm running my V2 & deck off that battery because once it stops flashing I just flip the switch for the V2, then I can fire up the deck whenever. The battery has to sense power demand to fire up which is nice at the end of the night when you power your deck off the battery pack will power itself down after the demand for voltage is gone. Keep messing with it, you'll get it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on December 21, 2015, 10:37:47 PM
I've tried that and did get it to turn on. But touch the cable and it powers down right away. Recall it happening with 744, and never used cable again. I'll have to contact the maker.

Speaking of powering, the DC-in on rear of recorder is very tight. You really have to pull the cord to remove -- at least on mine.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on December 22, 2015, 04:26:22 AM
I've tried that and did get it to turn on. But touch the cable and it powers down right away. Recall it happening with 744, and never used cable again. I'll have to contact the maker.

Speaking of powering, the DC-in on rear of recorder is very tight. You really have to pull the cord to remove -- at least on mine.

I found I had to try a number of power tip adaptors - I'd previously bought this set (I guess other similar sets are available):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CM2F2MA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Eventually I found one that fitted the Zoom F8 - I now get a reliable connection from my Anker power supply (after setting Nominal Voltage to 12V):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GSLRKJO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

BTW I have velcro strips on the top of my F8 and the bottom of the Anker power pack - so I can stick it on the top of the F8 without fear of it falling off or pulling out the power cable during recording.  I usually attach the F8 to a camera tripod - that way I can have it at eye-level and tilted back which I've found makes it easy and comfortable to access and adjust.


Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 23, 2015, 07:25:22 AM

Speaking of powering, the DC-in on rear of recorder is very tight. You really have to pull the cord to remove -- at least on mine.

Same.  After years of having wimpy power connectors that pull out too easily, I like that it takes an actual pull to get the connector out of this one.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on December 23, 2015, 11:30:23 AM
FYI: got an email from B&H last night in stock:
Quote
           
Dear Customer

Thank you for your interest in the following item:

Zoom F8 Multi-Track Field Recorder
(B&H # ZOF8)

You are receiving this message because you asked to be notified when this item becomes available. Please be aware that this item is currently in stock*. Please click the URL below to view the item:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1140426-REG/zoom_zf8_f8_field_recorder/BI/E15 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1140426-REG/zoom_zf8_f8_field_recorder/BI/E15)

I've gotta wait until after the new year.... :(
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ultfris101 on December 24, 2015, 04:28:26 PM
I was able to get one through Amazon and it arrived Monday. First outing last night and the bluetooth was nice to have as I needed to stash my bag in the FOH booth. Tekkeon 3450i > DC 12v in. Will use the hirose primarily once I get the cabling together.

https://archive.org/details/congress2015-12-23.mk41.zoomf8.flac24

It's an aud + sbd matrix. I included a sample of the raw mic source which you can download under the "show all files" link. The final mix is mostly mics in any case. I did one pass of parallel compression applying a small amount of EQ scooping out mids and bringing down highs a little, slight presence boost. Otherwise no EQ. FOH did decent work in my opinion.

Very happy with the recorder. I used some RCA > 1/4" adapters and then RCA to XLR adapters and gender benders to get the board feed. Worked fine. at some point I'll try XLRs with/without pads and see how it goes.

Next outing I believe I will run two mic pairs and with the second one put one mic direct to F8 and the other through the USBPre2 > F8 for comparison.

I've been wanting more channels and features like timecode so I can play with video in a more professional way.  That would mean an HS-P82 or a 744t/788 which are obviously nice gear but expensive and big (hs-p82 in particular, which otherwise I really like). I also like the form factor made for running in a bag. This F8 is exactly what I wanted right now. Merry Christmas to me!  :P

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: 404 Not Found on December 25, 2015, 06:18:19 PM
Firmware update for the F8 is now up on the Zoom NA site. Just saw the notice on FB.  Can't paste the link, as I'm using a Kindle Fire at the moment.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on December 25, 2015, 06:36:50 PM
I just noticed this comment in an F8 review on BH: 3. The input channel gain is controlled digitally, so changing gain, especially quickly, results in "zipper" noise, which will be recorded. Normally, the gain should be pre-adjusted and then left alone during a recording session, so this should not be an issue, but if you find you're recording "too-hot" and need to make a gain adjustment, it's important to know that this may result in some noise.
 
Is the reviewer saying that the Zoom has digital pots and that when you adjust the trim there is stepping noise? This was the case with the original Tascam DR-60D and was a significant problem for many users. This is a little concerning, especially for someone like me who does run n' gun documentary and does have to adjust trim "on the fly" in unpredictable sound environments.

Maybe the reviewer -- Lotus 7 can elaborate if he/she is on the forum? Thanks.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on December 25, 2015, 07:32:59 PM
Firmware update for the F8 is now up on the Zoom NA site. Just saw the notice on FB.  Can't paste the link, as I'm using a Kindle Fire at the moment.

Trim link was added!?!? What? The ability to gang channel's & use one input knob to adjust gain? Sweet!

https://zoom-na.com/sites/default/files/products/downloads/pdfs/E_F8v2.00.pdf
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on December 25, 2015, 08:53:51 PM
From the Zoom FaceBook page:
Quote
In the short period of time the new ‪#‎ZoomF8‬ has been available, we have received some great feedback. Here’s a link to 14 improvements that we think you’ll like…a lot.
https://zoom-na.com/F8_Firmware-v2 (https://zoom-na.com/F8_Firmware-v2)

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy Holiday.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on December 25, 2015, 11:50:59 PM
Here's the list of improvements.  There is a Santa!

"In the short period of time the new Zoom F8 has been available, we have received some great feedback. Here are 14 improvements that we think you’ll like…a lot.

1.   Added Trim Knob option that enables adjusting fader/pan settings with input trim knobs.
2.   Added the function of moving the previously recorded take to the new FALSE TAKE folder.
3.   Expanded Function Shortcuts as well as Shortcut List Menu.
4.   Added the function of selecting alphabet letters for the scene number.
5.   Added Trim Link function for adjusting the input levels of multiple tracks simultaneously.
6.   Added the function of editing track name in Meta data.
7.   Added the function of showing track names on the level meters.
8.   Added the function that enables selecting “Scene_***” for the format of take name.
9.   Added the function of adjusting L/R track volume.
10.   Added SOLO function that enables monitoring signals of specific tracks only during playback.
11.   Added sound report function for exporting CSV format file including recorded take information, etc.
12.   Changed the location of Next Take menu on MENU>REC>Next Take to MENU>META DATA (for next take).
13.   Added the function of applying edits of the selected card to the other card when two SD cards are inserted.
14.   Changed the track order of Poly WAV recorded files from Tr1, Tr2, …, Tr8, L, R to L, R, Tr1, Tr2, …, Tr8.

You can download the Zoom F8 Firmware v2.00 here: https://zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder#downloads

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy Holiday, from your friends at Zoom"
***************
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 26, 2015, 07:20:33 AM
Yep.  Channel linking added.  Yay!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Len Moskowitz (Core Sound) on December 26, 2015, 07:06:40 PM
Can you set up two groups of ganged controls? For example gang four channels together, controlled by one knob, and another four by another knob?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 26, 2015, 09:52:22 PM
Can you set up two groups of ganged controls? For example gang four channels together, controlled by one knob, and another four by another knob?

I'm not home from holidays yet so i haven't installed the update to check this directly on my unit, but if i interpret the revised menu diagrams and instructions properly, the user is provided with the ability to set up as many as four different user defined gang configurations (named group A, B, C, or D).  For the selected group, the trim knob of the lowest numbered channel in the group controls the entire group.  The one unfortunate caveat is the instructions say that no single channel can appear in more than one group.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Len Moskowitz (Core Sound) on December 26, 2015, 11:09:45 PM
I'm not home from holidays yet so i haven't installed the update to check this directly on my unit, but if i interpret the revised menu diagrams and instructions properly, the user is provided with the ability to set up as many as four different user defined gang configurations (named group A, B, C, or D).  For the selected group, the trim knob of the lowest numbered channel in the group controls the entire group.

That's very promising - thanks!

We have an F8 coming, so we'll test it ourselves over the next week or so.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: efksound on December 28, 2015, 08:57:49 AM
I just made a cheat sheet with the new added shortcut functions, in case those of you want to print it & stick it on the top of your recorder  :D
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on December 28, 2015, 10:17:36 AM
SOS (Sound on Sound) review of the f8: http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec15/articles/zoom-f8.htm
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sonus Captor on December 29, 2015, 06:29:53 AM
I just noticed this comment in an F8 review on BH: 3. The input channel gain is controlled digitally, so changing gain, especially quickly, results in "zipper" noise, which will be recorded. Normally, the gain should be pre-adjusted and then left alone during a recording session, so this should not be an issue, but if you find you're recording "too-hot" and need to make a gain adjustment, it's important to know that this may result in some noise.
 
Is the reviewer saying that the Zoom has digital pots and that when you adjust the trim there is stepping noise? This was the case with the original Tascam DR-60D and was a significant problem for many users. This is a little concerning, especially for someone like me who does run n' gun documentary and does have to adjust trim "on the fly" in unpredictable sound environments.


I'm also a bit concerned about the stepping noise issue. That would be a dealbreaker and is not acceptable at this price point. Tonedeaf didn't mention any "zipper" noise in his review, though.

.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on December 29, 2015, 09:28:10 AM
I just noticed this comment in an F8 review on BH: 3. The input channel gain is controlled digitally, so changing gain, especially quickly, results in "zipper" noise, which will be recorded. Normally, the gain should be pre-adjusted and then left alone during a recording session, so this should not be an issue, but if you find you're recording "too-hot" and need to make a gain adjustment, it's important to know that this may result in some noise.
 
Is the reviewer saying that the Zoom has digital pots and that when you adjust the trim there is stepping noise? This was the case with the original Tascam DR-60D and was a significant problem for many users. This is a little concerning, especially for someone like me who does run n' gun documentary and does have to adjust trim "on the fly" in unpredictable sound environments.


I'm also a bit concerned about the stepping noise issue. That would be a dealbreaker and is not acceptable at this price point. Tonedeaf didn't mention any "zipper" noise in his review, though.

.

No, he didn't. In fact, the BH reviewer is the only one to my knowledge to mention it. Maybe just an issue with his unit?...

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on December 29, 2015, 10:34:03 AM
I just noticed this comment in an F8 review on BH: 3. The input channel gain is controlled digitally, so changing gain, especially quickly, results in "zipper" noise, which will be recorded. Normally, the gain should be pre-adjusted and then left alone during a recording session, so this should not be an issue, but if you find you're recording "too-hot" and need to make a gain adjustment, it's important to know that this may result in some noise.
 
Is the reviewer saying that the Zoom has digital pots and that when you adjust the trim there is stepping noise? This was the case with the original Tascam DR-60D and was a significant problem for many users. This is a little concerning, especially for someone like me who does run n' gun documentary and does have to adjust trim "on the fly" in unpredictable sound environments.

Yeah, I've adjusted levels on it, both using the knobs and using the bluetooth app, and not had this issue.
I'm also a bit concerned about the stepping noise issue. That would be a dealbreaker and is not acceptable at this price point. Tonedeaf didn't mention any "zipper" noise in his review, though.

.

No, he didn't. In fact, the BH reviewer is the only one to my knowledge to mention it. Maybe just an issue with his unit?...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: hi and lo on December 29, 2015, 11:00:32 AM

That would be a dealbreaker and is not acceptable at this price point.

This is a common issue with digitally controlled gain. There are units that cost 4x as much that do this.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sonus Captor on December 29, 2015, 11:55:02 AM
My Tascam DR-70 has digital pots too, but doesn't produce any audible stepping noise.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on December 29, 2015, 01:05:59 PM
My Tascam DR-70 has digital pots too, but doesn't produce any audible stepping noise.

To my knowledge it was only an issue with the DR-60D MK I.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: hi and lo on December 29, 2015, 02:16:51 PM
My Tascam DR-70 has digital pots too, but doesn't produce any audible stepping noise.

Implemting click-less digital gain is complicated. There are huge application notes and patents dedicated to the issue, so it's hardly trivial. It's cool that the Tascam has implemented this feature on the 70-D, but was that really a good use of development resources when the unit can barely record a show without the memory card taking a shit? That's rhetorical, of course.

The real point I'm trying to make is that the F8, for as good as it may be, is still unquestionably being sold at a low-end price point and purely in the consumer, not professional, market. I don't disagree that click-less digital gain should be a requested feature, but to complain about this missing feature "is not acceptable" is absurd.



Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sonus Captor on December 29, 2015, 03:37:06 PM
No comment...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 29, 2015, 07:13:19 PM
I just checked my F8 for trim knob noise by recording my living room's background sound (quiet with no music or TV sounds) with Schoeps mics plugged directly into the unit (no preamp) while moving the trim knobs on channels 1 and 2 up and down a number of times both rapidly and slowly/gradually.  I then loaded the file on my DAW and amplified the pertinent sections.  On playback I heard plenty of room background noise as I moved the gain knobs up to max level and back down again, but no zipping or clicking sounds. 

This certainly wasn't an extensive test by any means.  Simply three or four quick cycles through the complete gain range both fast and slow...first on channel 1 and then on channel 2.  The resulting file was three minutes long.

I record live music and have used the unit now to record two festivals and a good number of shows.  Although I suppose it's possible that any noise that might have happened could have been masked by the volume of the music, I haven't heard any noise issues thus far on any of my recordings. 

Others might reach different conclusions if they conduct more extensive testing and/or record in low-decibel environments, but as far as I'm concerned, this is a non-issue.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 29, 2015, 07:21:57 PM
My Tascam DR-70 has digital pots too, but doesn't produce any audible stepping noise.

This is the Zoom F8 forum, but with respect to the DR70D, you might want to check the DR70D history forum.  Plenty of users have reported digi-noise issues on the pots on their recorders, me included.  This was discussed back prior to the hulabaloo started about the approved cards.  My digi-noise issues don't show up until the gain settings are at mic-in on the input menu and the level is at the one of the two higher gain settings.  To prevent this, I've only used Line In on the input menu. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 29, 2015, 08:00:44 PM
I loaded V2.0 earlier today and played around with it a bit.  Change is good, but I'm not sure I like all of the changes, especially the change that allows the trim knob to control mixer settings.  I don't see the point since the select encoder does the same thing.  It makes it frustrating if you've changed the setting to 'mixer' but then forget to switch it back.  You start recording and go to adjust levels and they're disabled due to this selection.   

I really don't like how they implemented the channel ganging control at all.  I mean, it's definitely nice to have and an improvement, but right now IMHO it's VERY cumbersome to implement and I think one more tweak is needed to make it work right. 

So, in order to implement ganging, you go into the Input Menu and choose Trim Link.  Whenever more than one channel is highlighted under a Group A, B, C, or D choice in the Trim Link submenu, the first channel in that group controls the levels of all the channels in that group.  The channels in that group cannot be controlled individually until the channels are un-linked by deselecting all of the channels in the Trim Link submenu, or by choosing 'Clear All' at the bottom of the submenu. 

So, let's say you're running four channels and the show starts.  Almost everyone I know would want to leave channels un-linked for the first part of the show so that all of the channels can be set so they're peaking around the same point.  Fortunately, the user is now able to open the Input menu while recording and call up the Trim Link submenu to choose to link all four channels.  However, unfortunately at this point, the user must select each of the four channels in the submenu to include in the ganged group (rather than say having them already pre-set and simply toggling the preset group ON).

So, the show progresses and you've changed to ganged level controls.  Now let's say your level on one of the channels starts to diverge from the levels of the others and you need to tweak a single channel.  The only way I can see to do this is to go back into the Trim Link submenu and, either one-by-one clear all of the selected channels from the groups or go to the bottom and select 'clear all'.  Now, since there are no channels highlighted in the Trim Link submenu, channel linking is now disabled so you can adjust the one channel that needs adjustment. 

Now that you've got the channels balanced again, next thing is you want to go back and re-link all of the channels again, right?  Well, in order to do that you've got to start all over again and redefine the channels you want assigned to the linked group.  That's just very cumbersome.

A much better design would have been to implement a channel linking ON/OFF toggle on the shortcut menu so that once you set up your groups in the Trim Link menu, you don't have to re-enter them every time you want to implement channel linking.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on December 29, 2015, 11:00:44 PM
^ Once again, really appreciate the input. Trying it out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on December 29, 2015, 11:13:18 PM
Very interesting.  Some things have really changed in the last 24 months!  Thanks for the input tonedeaf.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on December 29, 2015, 11:25:02 PM
I just checked my F8 for trim knob noise by recording my living room's background sound (quiet with no music or TV sounds) with Schoeps mics plugged directly into the unit (no preamp) while moving the trim knobs on channels 1 and 2 up and down a number of times both rapidly and slowly/gradually.  I then loaded the file on my DAW and amplified the pertinent sections.  On playback I heard plenty of room background noise as I moved the gain knobs up to max level and back down again, but no zipping or clicking sounds. 

This certainly wasn't an extensive test by any means.  Simply three or four quick cycles through the complete gain range both fast and slow...first on channel 1 and then on channel 2.  The resulting file was three minutes long.

I record live music and have used the unit now to record two festivals and a good number of shows.  Although I suppose it's possible that any noise that might have happened could have been masked by the volume of the music, I haven't heard any noise issues thus far on any of my recordings. 

Others might reach different conclusions if they conduct more extensive testing and/or record in low-decibel environments, but as far as I'm concerned, this is a non-issue.

Thanks, Tonedeaf. You've been a great resource for feedback on the unit...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sonus Captor on December 30, 2015, 03:27:20 AM
I just checked my F8 for trim knob noise (...) but as far as I'm concerned, this is a non-issue.

Good to hear. Thanks yery much for testing!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: IronFilm on December 30, 2015, 04:09:23 AM
Another review of the F8 with pics of it showing a couple of other common ones (well, at the low end.... such as Tascam DR-70D) so you can see its relative size:
http://www.lightformfilm.com/blog/zoom-f8-impressions/
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ukiah Bass on December 30, 2015, 04:27:51 PM
Installed firmware 2.0 and tested the Trim Link (ganging) feature.  Easy to use. I implemented it with two channels for a stereo X/Y pair of Telefunken M60s.  Perfect application, and it worked perfectly.  So far I'm very pleased with the F8.  It's a big step up from my H6, which I've used extensively for live performance recording.  The F8's preamps sound much better than the H6 in recording tests of my bass. Using the F8 will be a solid step up in recording quality.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Jonmac on December 30, 2015, 05:54:47 PM
I loaded V2.0 earlier today and played around with it a bit.  Change is good, but I'm not sure I like all of the changes, especially the change that allows the trim knob to control mixer settings.  I don't see the point since the select encoder does the same thing.  It makes it frustrating if you've changed the setting to 'mixer' but then forget to switch it back.  You start recording and go to adjust levels and they're disabled due to this selection.   

The mixer setting is required by the Film and Video people, who want to send a real time controllable mix to a camera or separate stereo track, without changing the levels of the recorded ISO tracks.

A facility essential for the Film and Video recordists, who are the main target for the F8, but of little use to the taper community.






Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Life In Rewind on December 31, 2015, 08:01:12 AM
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/F8d

$899.99

Demo unit...but, its Sweetwater...

(posting this here instead of retail - since its only 1 unit.)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on December 31, 2015, 11:53:03 AM
Ran with trim link last night, both using the physical pots and bluetooth. Works like a charm.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on December 31, 2015, 02:35:08 PM
I loaded V2.0 earlier today and played around with it a bit.  Change is good, but I'm not sure I like all of the changes, especially the change that allows the trim knob to control mixer settings.  I don't see the point since the select encoder does the same thing.  It makes it frustrating if you've changed the setting to 'mixer' but then forget to switch it back.  You start recording and go to adjust levels and they're disabled due to this selection.   

The mixer setting is required by the Film and Video people, who want to send a real time controllable mix to a camera or separate stereo track, without changing the levels of the recorded ISO tracks.

A facility essential for the Film and Video recordists, who are the main target for the F8, but of little use to the taper community.

Thanks for this feedback.  It's good to know.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on December 31, 2015, 03:35:48 PM
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/F8d

$899.99

Demo unit...but, its Sweetwater...

(posting this here instead of retail - since its only 1 unit.)

There have been a couple units that have shown up on E-Bay for that price as well.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: 2manyrocks on January 01, 2016, 10:48:12 AM
With it being a new and still hot item, I don't foresee the retail price coming down anytime soon. 

I could be mistaken because I haven't followed Zoom products that closely in the past, but my impression is that Zoom leaves their prices where they set them unlike Tascam who introduced the 70d at $299, dropped it to as low as $179 and now put it back up to $299.  I am not aware of Zoom doing similar promotional pricing, but I'm not sure on it. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on January 01, 2016, 11:44:28 PM
Zoom does some discounting. I have seen the H6, H4N come down from time to time, but nothing like Tascam which drastically slashes prices. I predict the F8 will eventually come down a bit after the initial buzz dies down ($799-$899)...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on January 02, 2016, 01:25:29 AM
Anybody pick up a case for the F8?  If so, what did you get and what do you think of it?  I'm looking at the usual Porta Brace, but was wondering if anyone found any other options.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Jonmac on January 02, 2016, 06:55:31 AM
Anybody pick up a case for the F8?  If so, what did you get and what do you think of it?  I'm looking at the usual Porta Brace, but was wondering if anyone found any other options.
Zoom make a custom bag for the F8.

http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Zoom-F8-Soft-Case/1FEW?origin=product-ads&utm_campaign=PLA+Shop+-+Zoom&utm_medium=vertical_search&network=google&adgroup=2+-+Brand+Level+-+Zoom&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=66632d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=76979174127&gclid=CKj69ruIi8oCFQsKwwodlLsNug

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on January 02, 2016, 09:50:21 AM
True, but the Zoom bag is more bag than I am looking for.  I am more interested in a protective case for the unit that will then fit in my regular field bag.  I can't tell from the pictures whether the section holding the unit in the Zoom bag is detachable.  Even if it was, it wouldn't have a top or closure, which would be a problem.  So far, all I have been able to find is the Porta Brace, which is closer to what I am looking for.  Didn't know whether anyone had come across anything else.  Unit may still be too new for third parties to be producing accessories.
Title: Zoom F8 Gang Feature, Update Wish List and Bag
Post by: wigglepuppy on January 02, 2016, 02:36:47 PM
In regards to the Zoom F8 bag which I own, it's pretty nice and you can separate the front storage bag from the actual case that holds the unit.
As far as the new gang feature goes, I just updated mine in the New Yorker by MSG and will try it tonight. From what I can tell, there is kind of a scary quick way to the ganging menu while recording. "press and hold 'stop' then press the '3' button and then release both. It then brings you to the gang menu. From there, say you have 1/2 ganged and want to raise/lower one of them. Deselect the one you want to change and then adjust the trim knob using the led meter on that channel for reference of the changes. Then reselect the box to gang it again and hit menu to return to the screen for metering. I say this is scary because if your balls aren't screwed on tight and you mess up this key combo, you run the risk of stopping the recording. As far as a couple more updates I'd like to see would be a way to clear the clip indicators on the display screen so you are aware if it happens again after lowering the gain. An input pad would be another helpful feature. I have some extremely sensitive Sennheiser MKH 8000 series mics but don't have the inline pad and need to keep the gain on the F8 all the way off/at 0 and it's still close to clipping. Other that that, I am really happy with this unit.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on January 02, 2016, 05:33:13 PM
My F8 just arrived today and I am very happy with the unit so far.  Downloaded the firmware update and got it set in the bag to run tonight.  Tomorrow i will be pimping it out with custom cables.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on January 02, 2016, 08:32:00 PM
From what I can tell, there is kind of a scary quick way to the ganging menu while recording. "press and hold 'stop' then press the '3' button and then release both. It then brings you to the gang menu. From there, say you have 1/2 ganged and want to raise/lower one of them. Deselect the one you want to change and then adjust the trim knob using the led meter on that channel for reference of the changes. Then reselect the box to gang it again and hit menu to return to the screen for metering.

FWIW, the same thing can be done while recording without using the shortcut.  Just press the menu key and access the 'trim link' option from the input menu, which is active even when you're recording.  I actually prefer this method because, as you've mentioned, to implement the shortcuts you have to first press stop, which I'm not going to risk.

I say this is scary because if your balls aren't screwed on tight and you mess up this key combo, you run the risk of stopping the recording.

Agreed 100%. 

Zoom has gotten most everything right with the design of the F8, but using the 'stop' button as the shortcut prompt is a real head scratcher.  I've played around with the shortcuts and it's really easy to accidentally stop your recording.  In fact, I found that I stopped the recording more than I activated the shortcut.  As a result, as a best practice, I've decided that I'm just not going to use the shortcuts at all if I'm recording.  For me, it's just not worth the risk of messing up a recording. 

The question is, why wouldn't they use the select encoder as the shortcut prompt?  Isn't that what the encoder is for? 

As far as a couple more updates I'd like to see would be a way to clear the clip indicators on the display screen so you are aware if it happens again after lowering the gain.

That's actually one of the shortcuts they provided on v2.0 of the firmware update...'stop' plus 'five'.  Personally, I'm not gonna risk accidentally stopping my recording just to clear the clip indicators though.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ukiah Bass on January 03, 2016, 01:08:06 PM
True, but the Zoom bag is more bag than I am looking for.  I am more interested in a protective case for the unit that will then fit in my regular field bag.  I can't tell from the pictures whether the section holding the unit in the Zoom bag is detachable.  Even if it was, it wouldn't have a top or closure, which would be a problem.  So far, all I have been able to find is the Porta Brace, which is closer to what I am looking for.  Didn't know whether anyone had come across anything else.  Unit may still be too new for third parties to be producing accessories.

Check out WalMart's selection of pouches for electronics and esp. guns.  A gun pouch often does the trick.  About $10-15 max.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: jielka on January 03, 2016, 03:38:04 PM
hello!
what is about the inputs limiters?
JLK
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on January 04, 2016, 01:29:08 AM
My F8 just arrived today and I am very happy with the unit so far.  Downloaded the firmware update and got it set in the bag to run tonight.  Tomorrow i will be pimping it out with custom cables.
Nice Ted... looking forward to see the cabling you do!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: DigiGal on January 08, 2016, 10:58:56 PM
True, but the Zoom bag is more bag than I am looking for.  I am more interested in a protective case for the unit that will then fit in my regular field bag.  I can't tell from the pictures whether the section holding the unit in the Zoom bag is detachable.  Even if it was, it wouldn't have a top or closure, which would be a problem.  So far, all I have been able to find is the Porta Brace, which is closer to what I am looking for.  Didn't know whether anyone had come across anything else.  Unit may still be too new for third parties to be producing accessories.

Check out WalMart's selection of pouches for electronics and esp. guns.  A gun pouch often does the trick.  About $10-15 max.

The later is probably not the best choice for security checks or the peace of mind of attendees ;)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2 (Gain Link Shortcut & Gain Knobs)
Post by: wigglepuppy on January 09, 2016, 05:36:37 PM
Zoom, if you are reading this, why not use any other button except the 'stop' 3 combo to access the link/unlink gain function? Someone mentioned the select encoder. That would work for me. I know it can be accessed in the menu but it would be nice to have a safer shortcut. As far as the gain/mix knobs go, how many people would prefer those knobs to be the same as select encoder? I think it would be way easier to have a round knob with 360 degrees of points for your fingers to contact as opposed to just two. Other than that, happy so far.
Ted
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: justme on January 13, 2016, 08:30:28 AM
I have no real use for the F8, the DR-680/680mkII would be more then enough and the 70D would probably be perfect.
But the F8 looks as sexy as it can and is packed with performance at a very attractive price.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ukiah Bass on January 14, 2016, 09:10:04 PM
Just completed my first project with the Zoom F8.  Works great!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuwLlkqJzco&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on January 15, 2016, 02:43:51 AM
Just completed my first project with the Zoom F8.  Works great!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuwLlkqJzco&feature=youtu.be

WOW Telefunken tubes xy to mic a bass cabinet, now that's unusual! very nice job.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: 404 Not Found on January 15, 2016, 10:26:15 AM
Telefunkens sound sweet!....is that an F8 I see recording in the background j/k  of course it is?  Nice recording and video.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ukiah Bass on January 15, 2016, 05:01:09 PM
Just completed my first project with the Zoom F8.  Works great!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuwLlkqJzco&feature=youtu.be

WOW Telefunken tubes xy to mic a bass cabinet, now that's unusual! very nice job.

Yeah, the M60s are now my "best" mics but I've tried a bunch and despite expectations, was very pleased the M60 stereo pair on my bass cab did the best job.  I tried using just one M60 and it sounded a bit thin. But the stereo pair was superb, perhaps because I am using a 2-way cab with a super fine crossover.  Whatever.  Goes to show one should not be judgmental and be willing to experiment with mics and positioning.

FWIW, the other mics I've tried include a Sennheiser MD421, an ElectroVoice RE-20, Shure SM57, and one of the original AKG Perception 400s (large diaphragm condenser).  Of these, I prefer the Perception 400 in cardioid mode; the MD421 is a close second to that.  The X/Y pair of M60s beats everything hands down.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on January 18, 2016, 10:42:29 PM
I am a sucker...
I ordered one on Saturday from Amazon it arrived on Sunday! I waited until Saturday since I was going to be out of town, until Monday. I have prime and had a bunch of points because of my Amazon bank card so I too the leap!
I was hoping it would arrive today Monday as I just returned home but I received a notification that it was delivered yesterday. One day shipping for free was pretty sweet. The box was at our door when we arrived home! It's clod so i am waiting until it reached room temp until I check it out.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on January 19, 2016, 07:58:02 AM
I am a sucker...
I ordered one on Saturday from Amazon it arrived on Sunday! I waited until Saturday since I was going to be out of town, until Monday. I have prime and had a bunch of points because of my Amazon bank card so I too the leap!
I was hoping it would arrive today Monday as I just returned home but I received a notification that it was delivered yesterday. One day shipping for free was pretty sweet. The box was at our door when we arrived home! It's clod so i am waiting until it reached room temp until I check it out.

Nice.  You'll love it. 

Don't forget to install the latest firmware and you'll have channel ganging capability. 

If I might make a suggestion, you also might want to consider getting a pair (or two or three pairs) of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-E23103-3-Ft-1-4-TS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-Female-Microphone-Cable-/221395387092?hash=item338c3182d4:g:kFUAAMXQyY1TSGpi (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-E23103-3-Ft-1-4-TS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-Female-Microphone-Cable-/221395387092?hash=item338c3182d4:g:kFUAAMXQyY1TSGpi)

The key feature of these cables, of course, is they're right angle TRS.  If you record really loud shows, you'll find the extra headroom using Line In to be needed.  At first I didn't like that I had to buy new cables in order to use the Line In function of the Zoom F8, but now that I have right angle TRS connectors going into the recorder, I actually love them because they rotate freely in the recorder so I can adjust the exit angle to any angle I need.

Anyway, these Audio2000 cables are inexpensive, well made, and come in lengths of I think 1, 3, 6, 12, and 25 feet.  Pay attention to whether you need male or female XLR on the one end.  Just search ebay for other listings for the various combo's of lengths and/or connectors.


Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: noahbickart on January 19, 2016, 12:01:05 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Those are TS not TRS, don't you want to keep your signals balanced?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on January 19, 2016, 12:11:54 PM
I noticed they weren't TRS as well but still ordered a pair to have in the bag, curious to hear everyone's thoughts on them.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on January 19, 2016, 12:14:18 PM
I am a sucker...
I ordered one on Saturday from Amazon it arrived on Sunday! I waited until Saturday since I was going to be out of town, until Monday. I have prime and had a bunch of points because of my Amazon bank card so I too the leap!
I was hoping it would arrive today Monday as I just returned home but I received a notification that it was delivered yesterday. One day shipping for free was pretty sweet. The box was at our door when we arrived home! It's clod so i am waiting until it reached room temp until I check it out.

Nice.  You'll love it. 

Don't forget to install the latest firmware and you'll have channel ganging capability. 

If I might make a suggestion, you also might want to consider getting a pair (or two or three pairs) of these...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-E23103-3-Ft-1-4-TS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-Female-Microphone-Cable-/221395387092?hash=item338c3182d4:g:kFUAAMXQyY1TSGpi (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-E23103-3-Ft-1-4-TS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-Female-Microphone-Cable-/221395387092?hash=item338c3182d4:g:kFUAAMXQyY1TSGpi)

The key feature of these cables, of course, is they're right angle TRS.  If you record really loud shows, you'll find the extra headroom using Line In to be needed.  At first I didn't like that I had to buy new cables in order to use the Line In function of the Zoom F8, but now that I have right angle TRS connectors going into the recorder, I actually love them because they rotate freely in the recorder so I can adjust the exit angle to any angle I need.

Anyway, these Audio2000 cables are inexpensive, well made, and come in lengths of I think 1, 3, 6, 12, and 25 feet.  Pay attention to whether you need male or female XLR on the one end.  Just search ebay for other listings for the various combo's of lengths and/or connectors.
Thanks! I downloaded the firmware, need to install it.
Now only if they had an android app . perhaps I can get a refurbed iPad mini for the sole purpose of remote control... I am an all Mac man except have an android Republic Wireless phone. no ipads (except my wife's and I dont see her wanting me to take it to shows. Oh and I do have ubuntu linux dell laptop for travel... but don't do windoz except at work... :(

The photo of those cables in the link are only TS not TRS  which I know will work fine and the Right Angle is cool, but not "balanced".  I've got some of these while not right angle they are nice and can be ordered in many colors http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9I3XY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9I3XY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00) & http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9JDGK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9JDGK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00) which help out for ins and outs from boards or used to be helpful on the DR-680 ch 5&6 to run balanced and Phantom  via TRS.
Q? does the F8 pass the Phantom on the TRS I see it's noted as -20db line in which would me think not.
I've also got some of their starquad cables also well built and inexpensive with "Neutrik" style gold xlr ends in various lengths and colors, easy to track cable runs and also identifiable.: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZQGGXW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZQGGXW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00)

--Ian
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on January 19, 2016, 12:14:52 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Those are TS not TRS, don't you want to keep your signals balanced?

Sorry about that.  Yes, I bought foot long TS cables to run between my preamp and my F8.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on January 19, 2016, 12:38:13 PM

Thanks! I downloaded the firmware, need to install it.
Now only if they had an android app . perhaps I can get a refurbed iPad mini for the sol purpose of remote control... I am an all Mac man except have an android Republic Wireless phone. no ipads (except my wife's and I dont see her wanting me to take it to shows. Oh and I do have ubuntu linux dell laptop for travel... but don't do windoz except at work... :(

The photo of those cables in the link are only TS not TRS  which I know will work fine and the Right Angle is cool, but not "balanced".  I've got some of these while not right angle they are nice and can be ordered in many colors http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9I3XY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9I3XY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00) & http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9JDGK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XK9JDGK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00) which help out for ins and outs from boards or used to be helpful on the DR-680 ch 5&6 to run balanced and Phantom  via TRS.
Q? does the F8 pass the Phantom on the TRS I see it's noted as -20db line in which would me think not.
I've also got some of their starquad cables also well built and inexpensive with "Neutrik" style gold xlr ends in various lengths and colors, easy to track cable runs and also identifiable.: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZQGGXW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WZQGGXW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00)

From a quick review of the manual, it looks to me like phantom is not available from the Line In connection.  Page 137 provides specifications and phantom is defined under the XLR inputs only.  Also, FWIW on Page 7 it doesn't say anything about mics being connected directly via line in...it shows keyboards and mixer.

As far as the app goes, I currently have an iphone but I want to go back to a droid in the worst way.  I'm strongly considering buying a used later generation ipod touch and just dedicating that to my gear bag as a sorta remote for my recorder.  Unless I'm mistaken, the later gen ipod touches have bluetooth, whereas the early gens don't.  That's probably a much cheaper option than a used ipad as well.  Now that I've gotten used to using the smaller screen on the iphone, I like the size and convenience of having it in my pocket at the show.  I think an ipad or even one of the smaller tablets might get overbearing to deal with at a show.  Alot probably depends on whether you're out in the audience like I usually am or back out of the crowd at the board and have someplace to stash your ipad when it's not in use. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: noahbickart on January 19, 2016, 01:19:45 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Those are TS not TRS, don't you want to keep your signals balanced?

Sorry about that.  Yes, I bought foot long TS cables to run between my preamp and my F8.

This seems like a big mistake to me. Why own balanced equipment only to forgo all the benefits by buying the wrong cable?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: jbell on January 19, 2016, 01:30:01 PM
Here you go!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-C20003P2-3-Ft-1-4-TRS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-Female-Cable-2-Pack-/221332078911?hash=item33886b813f:g:5uMAAOxy3NBSolXy


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-E20101P2-1Ft-1-4-TRS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-3-pin-Female-Cable-2-Pack-/221820135421?hash=item33a582a7fd:g:5t0AAOSwyQtVnDiE

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio2000s-C14001P2-1Ft-1-4-TRS-Right-Angle-to-XLR-Male-Balanced-Cable-2Pack-/321278537369?hash=item4acdb16e99:g:V7AAAOxy4dNSsjtJ
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on January 19, 2016, 03:09:54 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Those are TS not TRS, don't you want to keep your signals balanced?

Sorry about that.  Yes, I bought foot long TS cables to run between my preamp and my F8.

This seems like a big mistake to me. Why own balanced equipment only to forgo all the benefits by buying the wrong cable?

LOL.  You'd think.  I run the older Schoeps VMS preamps that have RCA outs, so my only option is unbalanced between my preamp and the F8.  Anyway, they're only a foot long. 

But yeah, most people would want to go with the balanced version of the cables that Jon Bell linked to, not those I mistakenly linked to.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on January 19, 2016, 03:36:00 PM
I bought the 1' version's too, I'm not concerned about them being unbalanced at that length. Sure, had I known they offered a balanced version I would have bought those but oh well, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: phanophish on January 26, 2016, 01:58:47 PM
Checking in, on the way from B&H to me.  Excited to give the F8 a go. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on January 26, 2016, 08:08:12 PM
Stuipd question of the day:
How can I enable the unit to record stereo wav files?
like 1 & 2  one stereo wav, and 3 & 4 a second stero wave.... like I can on my Tascam decks, and others.
I don't need 4 mono waves only 2 stereo waves.

Thanks in advance
--Ian

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Benderman11 on January 26, 2016, 08:42:02 PM
Stuipd question of the day:
How can I enable the unit to record stereo wav files?
like 1 & 2  one stereo wav, and 3 & 4 a second stero wave.... like I can on my Tascam decks, and others.
I don't need 4 mono waves only 2 stereo waves.

Thanks in advance
--Ian

I believe you can.  You have to hold the arm buttons down at same time.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on January 28, 2016, 09:20:53 AM
Checking in, on the way from B&H to me.  Excited to give the F8 a go.
I was just at BH and the audio guys there are super high on the F8. I trust their judgement because they don't work on commission :)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on January 28, 2016, 04:46:08 PM
Stuipd question of the day:
How can I enable the unit to record stereo wav files?
like 1 & 2  one stereo wav, and 3 & 4 a second stero wave.... like I can on my Tascam decks, and others.
I don't need 4 mono waves only 2 stereo waves.

Thanks in advance
--Ian
You don't have to hold down multiple arm buttons each time - you can create one stereo pair and it'll stay the whole time until you change it. As to how it saves files (paired vs individual wavs vs a poly), there is a setting in the menus -- I don't recall off the top of my head, but you can read Steve's guide or the manual and figure it out.
I believe you can.  You have to hold the arm buttons down at same time.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 01, 2016, 06:02:43 PM
Not sure if this F8 review has been posted yet: http://www.videomaker.com/article/r04/18469-zoom-f8-multitrack-field-recorder-review
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Jonmac on February 02, 2016, 06:43:25 AM
The F8 won the award for the best recording device in the NAMM Tec awards, beating the Sound devices 688, Aaton Cantar X3, and others.

https://www.tecawards.org/

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 03, 2016, 09:33:05 AM
Has anyone dealt with Reverb audio reseller? They have a good deal on an F8 but I've never heard of them before: https://reverb.com/item/1602945-zoom-f8-field-recorder?_aid=pla&currency=USD&pla=1&gclid=CjwKEAiA58a1BRDw6Jan_PLapw8SJABJz-ZW4iZIlBK4yjusYfiY6mOzi028sGkyNkGBqBGvzGaJJBoCSWXw_wcB
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: 404 Not Found on February 03, 2016, 09:47:06 AM
I have dealt with them and have purchased Guitars off their site.  It's similar to any online selling site who hosts sellers...eBay, Amazon and so on.

Never had any issue buying from them and am always looking there.  The seller, like on any other site is what is to question. 

The seller is "William's Gear Bazaar" and they have 1 ***** Star review and they are selling from Australia.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: phanophish on February 03, 2016, 09:32:53 PM
First run last night.  Room sounded like crap but recording is as good as could be expected.

First and foremost it is power hungry.  Fresh AAs running 4 channels with 48v Phantom and I was sweating after 2 hours, love the detail of battery voltage but it makes you sweat when it is low.  Everything turned out fine but it consumes some power.  Hirose cable on the way to build an external pack.

Love the metering and control.  Wish there was a better implementation of gain through the app.  maybe a tap moves it up/down 1db.

I had right angle XLRs and it was tight on the side, ordered some of the TRS 90 degree stubbie cables to free up some space and keep things clean.

Show was not all that loud and I was only running maybe 16db gain with my MBHOs so I think moving to line input will also help with some input headroom.

Had some issues with reconnecting Bluetooth when waking iPad back up while recording.  the iPad just did not connect on the 2dn or 3rd time I woke it up.  Once you are recording if you turn off Bluetooth you can't re-enable until you stop.  I'm guessing a safety feature.  Not sure if it is also perhaps a power saving "feature"  as both times where when battery was getting down a bit.

Overall though it is a great deck for the $.  Think im going to like it a lot.  I
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on February 04, 2016, 01:27:36 AM
Next Question I have is:
Is there a pad or attenuation in the deck somewhere?  I don't think so but I'm just asking.

The maiden voyage was last Friday at the Wood Brothers at the McDonald here in Eugene.  I was 7 th row dead center head high with my Milab DC 196's NOS & VM 44's DIN, no preamps just direct into the F8. I usually don't need to or like to run the pads on the mics, but at this show which was not really that loud I had the gain knobs at about 9:00 for both sets of milabs. It seemed low and made the knobs a bit sensitive to movements.

I'll be going to see Lettuce this Saturday and will like run the  same set up , and I suppose I'll flip the -12 and -10 pads on each set of mics, though previously I've only need to do this way FOB at a few really loud shows.

Any ideas or suggestions would be great.

PS I like the sound and ran one of my Naztec power bank - at 12 it didn't eve seem to drain the power at all, that their set was only a bit longer than 90 minutes.

thanks in advance
--ian
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 04, 2016, 07:22:23 PM
Has anyone ordered from Tai Audio in Fla.? Thinking about picking up a Zoom F8 bundle there: http://www.taiaudio.com/zoom-f8-8-channel-multitrack-recorder-with-time-code-bundle/
Are they legit?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: thunderbolt on February 04, 2016, 07:59:10 PM
They are legit.  That is an excellent deal.  Cans are worth $100 alone.  Works out to a lot of free goodies at that price. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 04, 2016, 08:41:00 PM
They are legit.  That is an excellent deal.  Cans are worth $100 alone.  Works out to a lot of free goodies at that price.
Thanks. Yeah and those are great monitors. I have a pair of the v6 but I can always use them for my edit suite....
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on February 05, 2016, 02:53:44 PM
Next Question I have is:
Is there a pad or attenuation in the deck somewhere?  I don't think so but I'm just asking.

The maiden voyage was last Friday at the Wood Brothers at the McDonald here in Eugene.  I was 7 th row dead center head high with my Milab DC 196's NOS & VM 44's DIN, no preamps just direct into the F8. I usually don't need to or like to run the pads on the mics, but at this show which was not really that loud I had the gain knobs at about 9:00 for both sets of milabs. It seemed low and made the knobs a bit sensitive to movements.

I'll be going to see Lettuce this Saturday and will like run the  same set up , and I suppose I'll flip the -12 and -10 pads on each set of mics, though previously I've only need to do this way FOB at a few really loud shows.

Any ideas or suggestions would be great.

PS I like the sound and ran one of my Naztec power bank - at 12 it didn't eve seem to drain the power at all, that their set was only a bit longer than 90 minutes.

thanks in advance
--ian

It's a major annoyance of the deck that they should fix with a firmware update -- if you are plugged in XLR, you get "MIC" sensitivity; if you're plugged in TRS, you get "LINE" which will be more like most decks you've probably owned. I've had this same issue - didn't quite clip but got really close. My solution (and what tonedeaf does) was just use inexpensive TRS interconnects. They should still carry the phantom; only problem of course is TRS doesn't lock, but the interconnects he recommends (go back in this thread) are pretty sturdy.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: bdasilva on February 05, 2016, 03:13:17 PM
It's a major annoyance of the deck that they should fix with a firmware update -- if you are plugged in XLR, you get "MIC" sensitivity; if you're plugged in TRS, you get "LINE" which will be more like most decks you've probably owned. I've had this same issue - didn't quite clip but got really close. My solution (and what tonedeaf does) was just use inexpensive TRS interconnects. They should still carry the phantom; only problem of course is TRS doesn't lock, but the interconnects he recommends (go back in this thread) are pretty sturdy.

You're right about that.... couldn't it just be a setting one the PFL menu... ?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on February 05, 2016, 03:20:12 PM
Next Question I have is:
Is there a pad or attenuation in the deck somewhere?  I don't think so but I'm just asking.

The maiden voyage was last Friday at the Wood Brothers at the McDonald here in Eugene.  I was 7 th row dead center head high with my Milab DC 196's NOS & VM 44's DIN, no preamps just direct into the F8. I usually don't need to or like to run the pads on the mics, but at this show which was not really that loud I had the gain knobs at about 9:00 for both sets of milabs. It seemed low and made the knobs a bit sensitive to movements.

I'll be going to see Lettuce this Saturday and will like run the  same set up , and I suppose I'll flip the -12 and -10 pads on each set of mics, though previously I've only need to do this way FOB at a few really loud shows.

Any ideas or suggestions would be great.

PS I like the sound and ran one of my Naztec power bank - at 12 it didn't eve seem to drain the power at all, that their set was only a bit longer than 90 minutes.

thanks in advance
--ian

It's a major annoyance of the deck that they should fix with a firmware update -- if you are plugged in XLR, you get "MIC" sensitivity; if you're plugged in TRS, you get "LINE" which will be more like most decks you've probably owned. I've had this same issue - didn't quite clip but got really close. My solution (and what tonedeaf does) was just use inexpensive TRS interconnects. They should still carry the phantom; only problem of course is TRS doesn't lock, but the interconnects he recommends (go back in this thread) are pretty sturdy.

Can anyone confirm that phantom passes via the 1/4" TRS?  It would seem that that would not be the case as line in would not require phantom power. While Mic in may or may not need Phantom, at least that's my interpretation.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on February 05, 2016, 03:30:16 PM
Next Question I have is:
Is there a pad or attenuation in the deck somewhere?  I don't think so but I'm just asking.

The maiden voyage was last Friday at the Wood Brothers at the McDonald here in Eugene.  I was 7 th row dead center head high with my Milab DC 196's NOS & VM 44's DIN, no preamps just direct into the F8. I usually don't need to or like to run the pads on the mics, but at this show which was not really that loud I had the gain knobs at about 9:00 for both sets of milabs. It seemed low and made the knobs a bit sensitive to movements.

I'll be going to see Lettuce this Saturday and will like run the  same set up , and I suppose I'll flip the -12 and -10 pads on each set of mics, though previously I've only need to do this way FOB at a few really loud shows.

Any ideas or suggestions would be great.

PS I like the sound and ran one of my Naztec power bank - at 12 it didn't eve seem to drain the power at all, that their set was only a bit longer than 90 minutes.

thanks in advance
--ian

It's a major annoyance of the deck that they should fix with a firmware update -- if you are plugged in XLR, you get "MIC" sensitivity; if you're plugged in TRS, you get "LINE" which will be more like most decks you've probably owned. I've had this same issue - didn't quite clip but got really close. My solution (and what tonedeaf does) was just use inexpensive TRS interconnects. They should still carry the phantom; only problem of course is TRS doesn't lock, but the interconnects he recommends (go back in this thread) are pretty sturdy.

Can anyone confirm that phantom passes via the 1/4" TRS?  It would seem that that would not be the case as line in would not require phantom power. While Mic in may or may not need Phantom, at least that's my interpretation.

^^^^ Just Confirmed::::: In Fact as suspected the 1/4" TRS is LINE IN and does NOT pass the phantom, as it does on the DR-680. Unless ther is some way to switch this internally, but I did a quick look and could not see a way to do so.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on February 05, 2016, 04:13:38 PM
On another note, I ran the F8 last night again without a preamp in front of it & really pleased with the results. Both the tubes & MBHO's sound great, a little eq to trim the bottom end, maybe add a little boost up top but that's it. I can't believe the quality we are getting in today's market, I never imagined a few years ago that I would pleased without a preamp but tech has come a long way in these last few years.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ultfris101 on February 06, 2016, 09:05:58 PM


^^^^ Just Confirmed::::: In Fact as suspected the 1/4" TRS is LINE IN and does NOT pass the phantom, as it does on the DR-680. Unless ther is some way to switch this internally, but I did a quick look and could not see a way to do so.

Correct and no there's no way to change this. Either here or on another board a Zoom rep confirmed it's a physical implementation and can't be changed but will certainly be noted for future consideration.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on February 06, 2016, 09:20:29 PM


^^^^ Just Confirmed::::: In Fact as suspected the 1/4" TRS is LINE IN and does NOT pass the phantom, as it does on the DR-680. Unless ther is some way to switch this internally, but I did a quick look and could not see a way to do so.

Correct and no there's no way to change this. Either here or on another board a Zoom rep confirmed it's a physical implementation and can't be changed but will certainly be noted for future consideration.

FWIW I had a response from Zoom prior to the physical launch that the channel's could not be ganged due to hardware implementation but they've released a firmware revision to enable that.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 06, 2016, 09:29:08 PM
It's a major annoyance of the deck that they should fix with a firmware update -- if you are plugged in XLR, you get "MIC" sensitivity; if you're plugged in TRS, you get "LINE" which will be more like most decks you've probably owned. I've had this same issue - didn't quite clip but got really close. My solution (and what tonedeaf does) was just use inexpensive TRS interconnects. They should still carry the phantom; only problem of course is TRS doesn't lock, but the interconnects he recommends (go back in this thread) are pretty sturdy.

You're right about that.... couldn't it just be a setting one the PFL menu... ?
Hm, that's weird. So there is no "line/mic" switch on the XLR inputs or in the menu? Even the inexpensive Tascam recorders I owned have had the option :/
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 06, 2016, 09:45:47 PM


^^^^ Just Confirmed::::: In Fact as suspected the 1/4" TRS is LINE IN and does NOT pass the phantom, as it does on the DR-680. Unless ther is some way to switch this internally, but I did a quick look and could not see a way to do so.

Correct and no there's no way to change this. Either here or on another board a Zoom rep confirmed it's a physical implementation and can't be changed but will certainly be noted for future consideration.

Chris.  With your response, do you mean with respect to phantom on the TRS or the ability to do line in on the xlr?

PS: are you going to either of the UM shows at The National next weekend?. Thinking of doing a road trip.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Ultfris101 on February 07, 2016, 01:07:34 AM


^^^^ Just Confirmed::::: In Fact as suspected the 1/4" TRS is LINE IN and does NOT pass the phantom, as it does on the DR-680. Unless ther is some way to switch this internally, but I did a quick look and could not see a way to do so.

Correct and no there's no way to change this. Either here or on another board a Zoom rep confirmed it's a physical implementation and can't be changed but will certainly be noted for future consideration.

Chris.  With your response, do you mean with respect to phantom on the TRS or the ability to do line in on the xlr?

PS: are you going to either of the UM shows at The National next weekend?. Thinking of doing a road trip.

Both actually - was the Zoom rep here or am I thinking of over on jwsoundgroup.net?   Phantom via TRS/Line via XLR - the current F8 will never be able to do either. I'll have to find the reference and add a pointer.

Edit: This is where Zoom weighed in - I see it's just referring to switching from mic to line via software so maybe I just extrapolated to phantom as well. http://jwsoundgroup.net/index.php?/topic/25217-zoom-f8/&page=7

Concerning UM at The National - not sure yet. Lots of stuff I need to do that weekend but I haven't seen/taped them before so I'm thinking about it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 08, 2016, 09:53:17 AM


^^^^ Just Confirmed::::: In Fact as suspected the 1/4" TRS is LINE IN and does NOT pass the phantom, as it does on the DR-680. Unless ther is some way to switch this internally, but I did a quick look and could not see a way to do so.

Correct and no there's no way to change this. Either here or on another board a Zoom rep confirmed it's a physical implementation and can't be changed but will certainly be noted for future consideration.

Chris.  With your response, do you mean with respect to phantom on the TRS or the ability to do line in on the xlr?

PS: are you going to either of the UM shows at The National next weekend?. Thinking of doing a road trip.

Both actually - was the Zoom rep here or am I thinking of over on jwsoundgroup.net?   Phantom via TRS/Line via XLR - the current F8 will never be able to do either. I'll have to find the reference and add a pointer.

Edit: This is where Zoom weighed in - I see it's just referring to switching from mic to line via software so maybe I just extrapolated to phantom as well. http://jwsoundgroup.net/index.php?/topic/25217-zoom-f8/&page=7

Concerning UM at The National - not sure yet. Lots of stuff I need to do that weekend but I haven't seen/taped them before so I'm thinking about it.

Thanks for the link. 

(I'll PM you if I'm going to the UM shows...right now it's much less than 50/50)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 08, 2016, 10:30:46 AM
  Phantom via TRS/Line via XLR - the current F8 will never be able to do either. I'll have to find the reference and add a pointer.

Regarding the response about Line In vs Mic In, if you look at the schematic, I can understand their response in terms of hard wiring an analog solution.  However, I don't really understand why they couldn't give us the option of applying a digital pad to any of the input signals.

Another potential option might be apply a digital pad to the Dual Record function, since according to the schematic that resides upstream of the fader split.  It might not be an optimal solution (decreases your inputs from 8 to 4), but for example when invoking the Dual Record add another preset option to make the dual channel with a preset of -20db of gain, effectively changing the input from Mic to Line levels. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 08, 2016, 10:31:13 AM
If you absolutely hate using TRS connectors or don't have any available, there's an option available to us right now that everyone should keep in mind.  The two L/R channels can be set up as either pre or post fader, so if you set them up to be post-fader you can apply attenuation to the inputs via the faders.  Now, most will want to use this option if you're only recording two channels of inputs, but if you're running two channels and your inputs are peaking and you have no more headroom on the trim knobs, just make sure you're recording L/R to the SD card and apply attenuation via the fader.  I suppose you could use this option if you're using more than two channels too, but you'd need to do your L/R mixdown on the fly.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on February 08, 2016, 11:24:37 AM
If you absolutely hate using TRS connectors or don't have any available, there's an option available to us right now that everyone should keep in mind.  The two L/R channels can be set up as either pre or post fader, so if you set them up to be post-fader you can apply attenuation to the inputs via the faders.  Now, most will want to use this option if you're only recording two channels of inputs, but if you're running two channels and your inputs are peaking and you have no more headroom on the trim knobs, just make sure you're recording L/R to the SD card and apply attenuation via the fader.  I suppose you could use this option if you're using more than two channels too, but you'd need to do your L/R mixdown on the fly.

But wait -- I thought "pre or post fader" was only applicable to the mixer outs, not to what gets recorded to the card. Am I wrong on that? Are you suggesting that if you set them up as "post fader" you can somehow lower the input sensitivity of the entire input? That would be useful... just wasn't aware that was how it worked....
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 08, 2016, 12:30:09 PM
If you absolutely hate using TRS connectors or don't have any available, there's an option available to us right now that everyone should keep in mind.  The two L/R channels can be set up as either pre or post fader, so if you set them up to be post-fader you can apply attenuation to the inputs via the faders.  Now, most will want to use this option if you're only recording two channels of inputs, but if you're running two channels and your inputs are peaking and you have no more headroom on the trim knobs, just make sure you're recording L/R to the SD card and apply attenuation via the fader.  I suppose you could use this option if you're using more than two channels too, but you'd need to do your L/R mixdown on the fly.

But wait -- I thought "pre or post fader" was only applicable to the mixer outs, not to what gets recorded to the card. Am I wrong on that? Are you suggesting that if you set them up as "post fader" you can somehow lower the input sensitivity of the entire input? That would be useful... just wasn't aware that was how it worked....

Yes, the faders are applicable to the SUB and MAIN outputs, but you also have a fader for controlling L/R, which can be recorded to the SD card as shown on Page 23 of the manual.  In my previous response, I thought you could route L/R either pre or post fader, but right now I'm not seeing any options for setting them up pre-fader, which makes sense since each of the eight inputs goes directly to SD card pre fader.  In any case, the L/R channels are on the output of the mixer which is shown on one of the input screens.  OK, so here's how to set it up...

The mixer option changed slightly with V2.00 of the firmware, but if you have V2.00 installed, first go into the SYSTEM menu and make sure that under the 'Trim Knob Option' menu, you've selected 'Trim'.  The other option is 'Mixer' which is a new feature installed in V2.00.

Now back out of the menu and toggle through the input screens.  Page 10 of the manual shows the input screen for the mixer.  Notice again that one of the outputs of the mixer is the L/R channels, which are displayed at the bottom of that screen.  On the mixer screen, as you toggle through the channels, you have to toggle through two separate settings for each channel; pan and fader.  When the fader is highlighted, click the big round toggle knob to engage the fader.  You're able to apply post fader gain from MUTE all the way up to +12db to each channel.

The above controls are redundantly available from two other places.  If you press the pfl buttons for each channel, as you toggle through the choices on the pfl menu, two of the choices given are fader and pan.  These are the same settings, so you'll notice that if you change those settings on the mixer screen, the setting will also change on the pfl screen.

Finally, you can pull up your ipod or ipad app.  On the mixer screen of the ipod app, the fader sliders for post-fader level control of the L/R channels are all the way to the right. 

One thing you might wish to note from all of this...if you set up your headphones up to monitor the L/R channels, don't forget to pan the L/R channels or else you'll hear a mono signal out of your headphones.  I actually always monitor L/R with my headphones because a) I can change the headphone volume without changing the input levels of what's being written to SD card and b) since I don't use the L/R channels to record and I like to get my headphones REALLY loud during the show by adding up to +12db to the L/R and headphone signal.  Obviously, if you're intending to use L/R for attenuation, you wouldn't want to use L/R the way I use it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on February 08, 2016, 03:16:05 PM
^ Got it. I see what you're saying. I forgot that you can route the L/R outputs back as a saved file. I guess it's still not totally clear to me that if what went in was clipped from being too hot that attenuating it on the way out would fix it, but curious...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on February 08, 2016, 03:19:03 PM
In any case, the L/R channels are on the output of the mixer which is shown on one of the input screens.

Wouldn't the signal have already passed the ADC at that point? I can't seem to find the ADC in the block diagram printed in the manual, but I would guess that happens before the mixer (so that you have a digital signal to mix). If that is the case, wouldn't you just be attenuating an already distorted signal?

Sorry if I'm adding further confusion to the discussion. ;)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 08, 2016, 04:33:39 PM
In any case, the L/R channels are on the output of the mixer which is shown on one of the input screens.

Wouldn't the signal have already passed the ADC at that point? I can't seem to find the ADC in the block diagram printed in the manual, but I would guess that happens before the mixer (so that you have a digital signal to mix). If that is the case, wouldn't you just be attenuating an already distorted signal?

Sorry if I'm adding further confusion to the discussion. ;)

Don't be sorry.  That's what these forums are for.   :coolguy:

I don't know the answer.  I'm sure you and acidjack have a valid concern though. 

In addition to the comment about where in the chain the mixer is located, I think there's also the question about how the recorder gain structure is setup.  I'm not smart when it comes to interpreting recorder specs, but the specs on the F8 say that the maximum input level is +14dBu (at 0dBFS, limiter ON), but I don't know how that relates to the trim scale from XLRs/mic in, which the specs say is +10db when the trim knob is completely to the left.  So, again I'm no expert, but I suppose the question is, how much headroom, if any, do we have available to us when the trim knob won't go down any farther?

Perhaps next time I go out to record I'll run a second pair of mics and run L/R at say -20db versus the input and test out how high I can take the input above 0db before I start to hear the music distort.  Then I'll listen to both the input and L/R channels to verify whether they both distort at the same points.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: carlbeck on February 08, 2016, 05:15:39 PM
Has anyone run their F8 with a Tekkeon 3300? What kind of run time should I expect with two or four channel's phantom power? The 3300 is rated for 36Wh. I've been running mine with my Astro & with the display lit, powering four channel's (two with phantom) I'm usually about 75% left at the end of a show, typically 6 hours total since I never turn my gear off once I set up. The Astro is rated at 20000mAh, run at 12v so I am thinking it's 20Wh? Make sense?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 09, 2016, 12:05:32 PM
In any case, the L/R channels are on the output of the mixer which is shown on one of the input screens.

Wouldn't the signal have already passed the ADC at that point? I can't seem to find the ADC in the block diagram printed in the manual, but I would guess that happens before the mixer (so that you have a digital signal to mix). If that is the case, wouldn't you just be attenuating an already distorted signal?

Sorry if I'm adding further confusion to the discussion. ;)

Well, the input limiters and high pass filters are after the analog to digital conversion stage. But from what I understand the unit has plenty of headroom to handle most potential clipping. And then there is the safety tracks (if you're recording 4 or less tracks). Is this what is being discussed? Anyway, my technical knowledge of these things is somewhat limited but I have read this in several reviews...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 12, 2016, 09:03:27 PM
Anyone finding the Porta Brace bag (AR-Z8) a little snug for the F8 (to say the least). I had to really break it down to get the recorder in there...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Benderman11 on February 12, 2016, 09:09:50 PM
Anyone finding the Porta Brace bag (AR-Z8) a little snug for the F8 (to say the least). I had to really break it down to get the recorder in there...

Not the biggest fan of this bag.  The plastic cover seems way too long and would provide minimal protection in rain.  The zoom doesn't sit level in the bag either.  Probably won't get much use with it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 12, 2016, 09:29:57 PM
Yeah, it's not great. The recorder sits OK when you loop the top straps into the F8. I have my buddies SD 702T and his Petrol bag is designed much better.. Anyone have the one Zoom makes?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on February 12, 2016, 11:16:42 PM
Wiggle puppy has one.  See his response to my inquiry back on page 7.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 12, 2016, 11:38:32 PM
Wiggle puppy has one.  See his response to my inquiry back on page 7.
Thanks. Probably just going to live with the Porta Brace. It's functional but not ideal (and I don't feel like shipping it back :/)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on February 13, 2016, 12:34:41 AM
Mostly what I want is a protective sheath with access points since the unit would primarily live in my larger recording bag.  I just want something to keep it from getting dinged and scratched up in my bag.  May have to wait for the accessory market to catch up.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on February 13, 2016, 05:36:11 AM
Is there any way to reset the clip indicator (rightmost bar on the level indicator that goes on when the signal is too hot)? I'd like to be able to make it disappear after I have adjusted levels, so that I can see if the signal is still to hot.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 13, 2016, 09:36:40 AM
Is there any way to reset the clip indicator (rightmost bar on the level indicator that goes on when the signal is too hot)? I'd like to be able to make it disappear after I have adjusted levels, so that I can see if the signal is still to hot.

Yes, but unfortunately it's one of the shortcuts, so I don't know if you'd want to try using it.  Stop Button + 5 key at the same time.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on February 13, 2016, 09:51:07 AM
Just for the sake of conversation, I'm curious if anyone has approached Doug Oade about potentially modding the F8? 

The F8 price is more than attractive.  The review of the F8 preamps are the sticking point for me.  If I'm going to leave the Neve Portico 5012, the Grace V3's, the FiveFish TS-2's, the Mytek 192 adc or the sd722 at home I want the F8 preamps to perform on a higher level.  I am well aware that "you can't always get what you want".  If that wasn't the reality of the situation I'd be rocking a sd788 and not looking back.

No flames please.  As I said, just for the sake of conversation. 

Do I like a bargain?  You betcha...

;)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on February 13, 2016, 10:29:52 AM
Just for the sake of conversation, I'm curious if anyone has approached Doug Oade about potentially modding the F8? 

The F8 price is more than attractive.  The review of the F8 preamps are the sticking point for me.  If I'm going to leave the Neve Portico 5012, the Grace V3's, the FiveFish TS-2's or the sd722 at home I want the F8 preamps to perform on on a higher level.  I am well aware that "you can't always get what you want".  If that wasn't the reality of the situation I'd be rocking a sd788 and not looking back.

No flames please.  As I said, just for the sake of conversation. 

Do I like a bargain?  You betcha...

;)

Send a PM to Wifijeff and ask if he can share a sample of his classical piano recordings.  After hearing what the F8 preamps can do with a pair of Josephson omnis, I don't see much of any room for improvement.  Not flaming, just one man's opinion (who owns a modded recorder).
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on February 13, 2016, 10:31:12 AM
Yes, but unfortunately it's one of the shortcuts, so I don't know if you'd want to try using it.  Stop Button + 5 key at the same time.

Ouch! Just tried that 5 times and couldn't get it to work without stopping recording. ;(

Guess I'll write Zoom a nice e-mail proposing a better way to reset the clip light.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on February 13, 2016, 10:43:45 AM
^^
I hear you Voltronic.  I physically can't haul 50+ lbs of gear, batteries and a mic stand around anymore but I am reluctant to compromise on the pre's and not have the digi-in option.  But that is my problem to deal with and I realize that.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on February 13, 2016, 11:59:15 AM
^^
I hear you Voltronic.  I physically can't haul 50+ lbs of gear, batteries and a mic stand around anymore but I am reluctant to compromise on the pre's and not have the digi-in option.  But that is my problem to deal with and I realize that.

Well based on what I heard, you wouldn't be making much or any compromise on that respect.  To my ears, the pres are as good as Sound Devices 7-series.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 13, 2016, 12:31:36 PM
^^
I hear you Voltronic.  I physically can't haul 50+ lbs of gear, batteries and a mic stand around anymore but I am reluctant to compromise on the pre's and not have the digi-in option.  But that is my problem to deal with and I realize that.

Well based on what I heard, you wouldn't be making much or any compromise on that respect.  To my ears, the pres are as good as Sound Devices 7-series.

^ I think this is about right...at least with respect to the earlier SD units.  I did some pretty good a/b when I first got F8 and my opinion was that the internals are solid.  External pre's such as PSP3 and VMS52 and VMS32 still sound a little bit better to me, but it's one of those things where if you listen to one sample and then come back 10 minutes later and listen to the other, I don't think you're going to perceive the difference.  The Oade m118 (which is the 18V version of the M148) is pretty close. 

David, if I had to guess, I'd guess that the F8 preamps sit between your portico and the older version of the Sound Devices.  The sound is warmer and less brittle than the SD sound, yet without a hint of muddiness or breakup.  The detail is still there.  I understand that the 788 has improved preamps though so I can't really say about that comparison.

What's interesting to me about your comment is that I haven't read any on-line reviews that haven't given the internal preamps other than F8 sparkling reviews.  I kinda thought my own feeling that they are quite good, but not sparkling kinda put me in an opinion by myself.  Admittedly, I'm REALLY picky about my sound.  So, I'm curious if your comment above is based on my review comments or have you read someone else's opinion that preamps aren't the sh**?

Oh and to add...I personally haven't inquired about mods.  I'm an external preamp nut and don't see myself changing until I find an all-in-one that i think sounds as good as my vintage VMSs (which could well be a SX-R4+ or 788 or 4MINx but I'm not spending that much).
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on February 13, 2016, 12:54:36 PM
^
Thanks for weighing in.  My comments were referring to your comments on the F8 preamps in your comprehensive review.  Thanks for that detailed review by the way.  Excellent job!!  Online reviews by people that I don't know or that don't do what we do really don't mean that much to me.

I know that you are a discriminating listener and a critical reviewer of gear.  I do appreciate that!!

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on February 13, 2016, 03:13:41 PM
^ ^ TD, my comments were based solely on the samples wifijeff sent me of his recordings of solo piano using a pair of Josephson C617s straight into the F8.  Quiet hall, solo piano, and I'm a pianist so something I can really be critical about with the sound.  I've never had my hands on an F8 in person, but I have I feeling that I will eventually. ;)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on February 14, 2016, 09:01:03 AM
Finally getting around to posting some pics of my Zoom 8 with custom cables.  Various chopped 1/4" connectors and a right angle Hirose.  Hit me up if you are looking for something similar.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on February 14, 2016, 10:28:20 AM
Various chopped 1/4" connectors and a right angle Hirose.

Where did you find the right angle Hirose? Or is that a custom thing?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on February 14, 2016, 10:42:05 AM
Various chopped 1/4" connectors and a right angle Hirose.

Where did you find the right angle Hirose? Or is that a custom thing?

Ted is one of our excellent custom cable builders here.  Many of us here have all of our cables custom made by him or Robb (Darktrain (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=110932.0)).
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133186.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=133186.0)
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=131680.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=131680.0)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on February 14, 2016, 10:48:44 AM
Ted is one of our excellent custom cable builders here.  Many of us here have all of our cables custom made by him or Robb (Darktrain (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=110932.0)).

I know. Just haven't seen the right angle Hirose connector before.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on February 14, 2016, 12:37:10 PM
Various chopped 1/4" connectors and a right angle Hirose.

Where did you find the right angle Hirose? Or is that a custom thing?

Audio Root in France: http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/321141987192
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 14, 2016, 08:43:31 PM
I'm assuming most people are engaging the limiters on their F8. If so, could you share your settings i.e. threshold, attack time, etc. I know this will vary depending on what you're recording, but some general suggestions would be appreciated...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on February 14, 2016, 08:46:36 PM
I'm assuming most people are engaging the limiters on their F8. If so, could you share your settings i.e. threshold, attack time, etc. I know this will vary depending on what you're recording, but some general suggestions would be appreciated...
I never use limiters. I have found I often don't like how they limit.
However I'd also  be interested in hearing what settings others may use.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 14, 2016, 08:53:44 PM
I'm assuming most people are engaging the limiters on their F8. If so, could you share your settings i.e. threshold, attack time, etc. I know this will vary depending on what you're recording, but some general suggestions would be appreciated...
I never use limiters. I have found I often don't like how they limit.
However I'd also  be interested in hearing what settings others may use.

Same here.  I just don't need them because I always keep my levels peaking conservatively low.

In a very small sample size, I played around with the limiters using the default settings and they seemed to work well.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on February 15, 2016, 03:10:35 AM
I'm curious how people here power their F8.

This is the ghetto-style battery I'm using:
(http://www.use.com/images/s_5/400e33773252f7e51d7b_1.jpg?is=true&ps=true)

This is a $2 battery clip with another $2 worth of connectors/cables terminating into a Hirose connector. Took it out to a show last night and taped the opening band and the main band with three MBHO mics, one Schoeps CCM8 and a SBD feed. After the show, the voltage was still at 12.0V. And these are only cheap 2.4A NiMH rechargeables.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Benderman11 on February 15, 2016, 07:32:43 AM
Tekkeon 3300 > Hirose (cable made by Ted)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 15, 2016, 07:53:05 AM
I use Tekkeon 3300 and 3450 on both the Hirose and the rear 12V connector.  Since I have cables for both, I plug a battery into both for redundancy.

Regarding the sled with 8 AA batteries, if you aren't already, you might want to wrap the sled with velcro ties or do something to keep the individual cells secure like put the sled inside another plastic box of some sort.  I could see the AA's dislodging from the sled mid-show if you reach into your bag for something or if someone walks by and kicks your bag.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 15, 2016, 08:44:04 AM
I'm curious how people here power their F8.

This is the ghetto-style battery I'm using:
(http://www.use.com/images/s_5/400e33773252f7e51d7b_1.jpg?is=true&ps=true)

This is a $2 battery clip with another $2 worth of connectors/cables terminating into a Hirose connector. Took it out to a show last night and taped the opening band and the main band with three MBHO mics, one Schoeps CCM8 and a SBD feed. After the show, the voltage was still at 12.0V. And these are only cheap 2.4A NiMH rechargeables.

Nice... If Rat Shack had just kept selling components to make these they might still be in business  :P
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on February 15, 2016, 07:11:19 PM
I'm curious how people here power their F8.
Naztech Power bank 15000 (have 2 one for back up power)  with the power cord that fit(s) my Tascam DR680 > 12v DC in (not the Hirose plug)
http://www.amazon.com/Naztech-PB15000-Universal-Charger-Extended/dp/B007URKIGC (http://www.amazon.com/Naztech-PB15000-Universal-Charger-Extended/dp/B007URKIGC)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on February 15, 2016, 07:42:00 PM
I'm curious how people here power their F8.
Naztech Power bank 15000 (have 2 one for back up power)  with the power cord that fit(s) my Tascam DR680 > 12v DC in (not the Hirose plug)
http://www.amazon.com/Naztech-PB15000-Universal-Charger-Extended/dp/B007URKIGC (http://www.amazon.com/Naztech-PB15000-Universal-Charger-Extended/dp/B007URKIGC)

...and there's one on sale in the YS right now (no affiliation).
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 16, 2016, 01:12:37 PM
When I record dual channel on the F8 I'm getting a wav file with embedded L/R channels that I have to separate into two mono tracks in my NLE. Is there a setting where I can just get two separate mono tracks when dual recording is on? Thanks
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 16, 2016, 05:03:58 PM
When I record dual channel on the F8 I'm getting a wav file with embedded L/R channels that I have to separate into two mono tracks in my NLE. Is there a setting where I can just get two separate mono tracks when dual recording is on? Thanks


The general answer to your question is that under the REC menu, you want to choose the mono WAV file format instead of poly WAV.

However, I don't really understand specifically what you're trying to do, but here are two answers.  I think one of them addresses your question.

****

Are you asking how to make channels 1 and 2 and/or the L/R channels record as mono files?  If so, I think the answer is the following menu selection...

REC > Rec to SD1 (or SD2) > Track1-8 + L/R(mono/stereo WAV)

You probably have the last item above set to Track 1-8 + L/R(poly WAV)

****

If your issue is simply that you don't want to record the L/R channels and you just want mono tracks for channels 1 and 2, then you'd need to set the unit up like this...

To keep the L/R channels from recording to your SD card, go into the menu and make the following selections.

REC > Rec to SD1 (or SD2) > Track1-8(mono/stereo WAV)

Instead of 'Tr1-8(mono/stereo WAV)', you have it set it to either 'Track1-8 + L/R (poly WAV)' or 'Track1-8 + L/R (mono/stereo WAV)'

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 16, 2016, 05:58:09 PM
When I record dual channel on the F8 I'm getting a wav file with embedded L/R channels that I have to separate into two mono tracks in my NLE. Is there a setting where I can just get two separate mono tracks when dual recording is on? Thanks


The general answer to your question is that under the REC menu, you want to choose the mono WAV file format instead of poly WAV.

However, I don't really understand specifically what you're trying to do, but here are two answers.  I think one of them addresses your question.

****

Are you asking how to make channels 1 and 2 and/or the L/R channels record as mono files?  If so, I think the answer is the following menu selection...

REC > Rec to SD1 (or SD2) > Track1-8 + L/R(mono/stereo WAV)

You probably have the last item above set to Track 1-8 + L/R(poly WAV)

****

If your issue is simply that you don't want to record the L/R channels and you just want mono tracks for channels 1 and 2, then you'd need to set the unit up like this...

To keep the L/R channels from recording to your SD card, go into the menu and make the following selections.

REC > Rec to SD1 (or SD2) > Track1-8(mono/stereo WAV)

Instead of 'Tr1-8(mono/stereo WAV)', you have it set it to either 'Track1-8 + L/R (poly WAV)' or 'Track1-8 + L/R (mono/stereo WAV)'

Thanks, Tonedeaf. I think the issue is I was recording poly...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: digging90650 on February 21, 2016, 03:10:48 PM
For F8 users who are looking for a nice versatile carrying option, I've been working on this little thing called the Mixer Cage. I'm a location sound guy so it's definitely geared toward that world, but it may be a good solution for the taper world. I'm still working on it but hope to get a kickstarter going soon and do a small run. Check it out and let me know what ya think!
www.facebook.com/mixercage
-Daniel Powell
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 21, 2016, 06:50:48 PM
Hey Daniel. I record film sound but usually with just a stand alone recorder in a bag... Interesting concept. How would ones mixer, recorder, etc. attach to the cage?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: digging90650 on February 21, 2016, 10:23:31 PM
Hey Daniel. I record film sound but usually with just a stand alone recorder in a bag... Interesting concept. How would ones mixer, recorder, etc. attach to the cage?
Hey! Mixer/Recorder attaches to the cage in much the same way a CL9 attaches to a 788T. The top, underside screws get unscrewed and then screwed back in through slots on the cage. I have a few ways to attach wireless receivers. One I'm working on right now has them slide into or clip onto a kind of aluminum sleeve.
Thanks for checking it out!
-Daniel Powell
www.facebook.com/mixercage
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 22, 2016, 09:52:35 AM
I have used this 12V L-ion battery from Ebay to power a Tascam DR-680. Does anyone know if it will be good with the F8? Thanks.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: digging90650 on February 22, 2016, 04:46:25 PM
I have used this 12V L-ion battery from Ebay to power a Tascam DR-680. Does anyone know if it will be good with the F8? Thanks.
Should be good. Probably regulated 12V. As long as you don't feed it higher than 17V all should be fine. And depending on how many mah your bat goes, it'll power F8 for a long time!
I did a test just running internal batts. I was able to record 2 channels for 6 hours before it cut out. And when it cut out it closed the file so there was no data loss.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 22, 2016, 10:38:23 PM
I have used this 12V L-ion battery from Ebay to power a Tascam DR-680. Does anyone know if it will be good with the F8? Thanks.
Should be good. Probably regulated 12V. As long as you don't feed it higher than 17V all should be fine. And depending on how many mah your bat goes, it'll power F8 for a long time!
I did a test just running internal batts. I was able to record 2 channels for 6 hours before it cut out. And when it cut out it closed the file so there was no data loss.
Cool.. Out of curiosity what AA's were you using in the F8 and were you running headphones/phantom?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: digging90650 on February 23, 2016, 12:41:58 PM
I have used this 12V L-ion battery from Ebay to power a Tascam DR-680. Does anyone know if it will be good with the F8? Thanks.
Should be good. Probably regulated 12V. As long as you don't feed it higher than 17V all should be fine. And depending on how many mah your bat goes, it'll power F8 for a long time!
I did a test just running internal batts. I was able to record 2 channels for 6 hours before it cut out. And when it cut out it closed the file so there was no data loss.
Cool.. Out of curiosity what AA's were you using in the F8 and were you running headphones/phantom?
Either Powerex 2700 NiMHs or eneloop pro NiMHs.
One channel was phantom, powering a shotgun mic, other was not phantom.
Yes, I had headphones connected and amp turned half up.
I was surprised at how long it went! My Nomad goes 20 minutes on internal batts.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 23, 2016, 05:11:52 PM
I have used this 12V L-ion battery from Ebay to power a Tascam DR-680. Does anyone know if it will be good with the F8? Thanks.
Should be good. Probably regulated 12V. As long as you don't feed it higher than 17V all should be fine. And depending on how many mah your bat goes, it'll power F8 for a long time!
I did a test just running internal batts. I was able to record 2 channels for 6 hours before it cut out. And when it cut out it closed the file so there was no data loss.
Cool.. Out of curiosity what AA's were you using in the F8 and were you running headphones/phantom?
Either Powerex 2700 NiMHs or eneloop pro NiMHs.
One channel was phantom, powering a shotgun mic, other was not phantom.
Yes, I had headphones connected and amp turned half up.
I was surprised at how long it went! My Nomad goes 20 minutes on internal batts.
Nice, I use the eneloops..
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on February 26, 2016, 10:18:51 AM
what media is everyone using? everyone sticking with the approved list?

im ordering today. wanted to order a couple cards as well
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: digging90650 on February 26, 2016, 12:01:02 PM
what media is everyone using? everyone sticking with the approved list?

im ordering today. wanted to order a couple cards as well

These Transcend SDXCs are doing well for me: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00AFTV3FC
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on February 26, 2016, 12:14:01 PM
done and done!

ordered 2 of those cards and an f8!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 26, 2016, 01:04:04 PM
I wonder how important it is to keep to the list vis a vis sd cards. Coming from the video world the approved list for a camera is gospel but given the lower data rates/transfer speeds of audio how important is it? Just asking because I really am not sure  :-\
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on February 26, 2016, 01:43:13 PM
what media is everyone using? everyone sticking with the approved list?

im ordering today. wanted to order a couple cards as well

These Transcend SDXCs are doing well for me: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00AFTV3FC

Yep those are the one's I am using. I always buy Transcend Sd and MicroSD cards I have many of them and to date have never had issues with them. Prior I had some issues with other brands , though that was years ago and quality and speed has improved greatly sine then.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on February 26, 2016, 02:27:02 PM
what media is everyone using? everyone sticking with the approved list?

im ordering today. wanted to order a couple cards as well

These Transcend SDXCs are doing well for me: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00AFTV3FC

Yep those are the one's I am using. I always buy Transcend Sd and MicroSD cards I have many of them and to date have never had issues with them. Prior I had some issues with other brands , though that was years ago and quality and speed has improved greatly sine then.

excellent. ive been using sandisk media for years. But with their recent sale to western digital (i think thats right) i have had second thoughts about buying the new stuff.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on February 26, 2016, 04:01:12 PM
what media is everyone using? everyone sticking with the approved list?

im ordering today. wanted to order a couple cards as well

These Transcend SDXCs are doing well for me: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00AFTV3FC

Yep those are the one's I am using. I always buy Transcend Sd and MicroSD cards I have many of them and to date have never had issues with them. Prior I had some issues with other brands , though that was years ago and quality and speed has improved greatly sine then.

Good to know!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on February 26, 2016, 10:08:47 PM
Anyone getting the new portabrace that is preorder now?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on February 26, 2016, 10:41:40 PM
Anyone getting the new portabrace that is preorder now?

AR-Z8?  Looks to be shipping from B&H right now though I think if I was in the market, the one made by Zoom looks like it's more the size I'd need.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 26, 2016, 10:58:17 PM
Anyone getting the new portabrace that is preorder now?
If you mean the AR-Z8 I have it. The first bag I got was a misfit (too tight for my F8), so I emailed Portabrace and they sent me another one (after testing it with an F8). I have to say PB is a stand-up company...As far as for what I do (location sound) it works, but for you guys it might not be enough real estate for your gear...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on February 26, 2016, 11:11:31 PM
Ar-z8xc

Higher priced. Preorder now at b&h
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on February 26, 2016, 11:30:22 PM
I saw that bag. Looks like they just put a little extension on the AR-Z8 -- IMO not worth the extra $100 or so. ORCA has a new F8 bag that looks interesting but not sure it's as durable as the Portabrace...http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1226514-REG/orca_or_28_mini_sound_bag_for.html
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on February 27, 2016, 12:22:44 AM
Like the orca. But i dislike the open top bags like that. Makes me nervous
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on February 27, 2016, 08:13:05 AM
I also dislike the open-top pro sound bags.  I get the reasons for them being made that way, but I feel like for the price they should also include a complete top closure as an option for keeping out rain / dust, etc.

Why not save yourself a ton of money and get this cheap but awesome bag (http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Large-Gadget-Orange-interior/dp/B00CF5OHZ2/) which I use for my DR-70D?  Dimensions of the 70D are very close to the F8.  No side openings, so you probably want chopped / angled XLRs.  I have since had the cables shown in the pictures below altered as such - as shown, they are chopped but with a straight-out exit. 

When this bag wears out, I'm buying another one.  It holds everything I need on a gig except mic cables and longer stereo bars.  Here's a thread (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=169994.msg2110322) I started when researching the bag with more discussion about it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on February 27, 2016, 09:03:37 AM
Great bag suggestion. Just ordered this one (was on Amazon DE's refurbished program for 20 EUR) and the smaller model to see which one fits my needs best.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on February 29, 2016, 08:24:37 AM
I also dislike the open-top pro sound bags.  I get the reasons for them being made that way, but I feel like for the price they should also include a complete top closure as an option for keeping out rain / dust, etc.

Why not save yourself a ton of money and get this cheap but awesome bag (http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Large-Gadget-Orange-interior/dp/B00CF5OHZ2/) which I use for my DR-70D?  Dimensions of the 70D are very close to the F8.  No side openings, so you probably want chopped / angled XLRs.  I have since had the cables shown in the pictures below altered as such - as shown, they are chopped but with a straight-out exit. 

When this bag wears out, I'm buying another one.  It holds everything I need on a gig except mic cables and longer stereo bars.  Here's a thread (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=169994.msg2110322) I started when researching the bag with more discussion about it.

This will be looking a lot "slicker" in a couple days  ;)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 03, 2016, 10:38:22 PM
got mine today! such a sweet little package. love the feel of it. really digging it so far

ordered up some cables from ted to get me lined out right. cant wait to get this baby out there and record something!

once i got my final setup in my bag with the f8. ive decided i need to downsize my bag.

im sticking with 2 small pres, so my overall size is going to be pretty small compared to my old setup.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 03, 2016, 10:43:16 PM
Size comparison with some other gear before half of it gets sold

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/dustinlewis/Mobile%20Uploads/6A6D8A3D-4D89-449C-9672-5AA3AF8335EC.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dustinlewis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6A6D8A3D-4D89-449C-9672-5AA3AF8335EC.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: HSM3 on March 04, 2016, 07:05:20 AM
Hi everybody,

Just registered. I have a F8 arriving today, along with the Amazon bag voltronic likes. Thanks for the recommendation!

I'd like to get external power via a multi voltage battery charger. The Naztech 1500 keeps getting mentioned. I'm only really familiar with Anker. Is Naztech better? There are higher capacity units. Shouldn't I get the highest possible?

Next, I need to get some of Ted's awesome cables. I saw someone doing redundant power cables - hirose and other...? Is this overkill?

Any other recommendations about what I need?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 04, 2016, 10:33:25 PM
Sid u look around there have been a bunch of defective naztechs from Amazon. But they have been replaced I believe. The price is low right now too!

I'm also wondering about redundant power cables. I ordered a hirose setup from Ted, but should I ocd out and run both?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on March 05, 2016, 12:51:21 PM
Size comparison with some other gear before half of it gets sold

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/dustinlewis/Mobile%20Uploads/6A6D8A3D-4D89-449C-9672-5AA3AF8335EC.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dustinlewis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/6A6D8A3D-4D89-449C-9672-5AA3AF8335EC.jpg.html)



The size of the F8 compared to your V3 is enlightening.  The F8 is smaller than I envisioned.  Thanks for the photo!

Let me know what your impressions are of the F8 with and without the use of your other pre's.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 05, 2016, 01:26:18 PM
I was delighted by the size too. Such a solid feel too. Very surprising!

Contemplating ditching the v3 too. Which would decrease my footprint drastically.

I've been looking at a new bag as my portabrace car-1 is huge. I like the sachtler eargonizer I think. Quite a price tag on it tho
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on March 05, 2016, 07:24:20 PM
Do it.

The deck is great.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on March 06, 2016, 02:04:00 PM
Maybe not best place to post this but ...

Last night, recording Drive-By Truckers, I had a power issue that was triggered by someone spilling a drink on my gear. Now I have a corrupt file. It won't open in Audacity or Sound Studio but VLC (a Mac application) will play it, so the data is there.

What can I do to repair the file?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on March 06, 2016, 02:17:17 PM
Last night, recording Drive-By Truckers, I had a power issue that was triggered by someone spilling a drink on my gear. Now I have a corrupt file. It won't open in Audacity or Sound Studio but VLC (a Mac application) will play it, so the data is there.

What can I do to repair the file?

Try importing it as a raw file. In Audacity, this is under File / Import / Raw (or something similar).
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on March 06, 2016, 02:42:33 PM
Thanks for the suggestion. I tried but got static.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on March 06, 2016, 03:41:24 PM
Maybe not best place to post this but ...

Last night, recording Drive-By Truckers, I had a power issue that was triggered by someone spilling a drink on my gear. Now I have a corrupt file. It won't open in Audacity or Sound Studio but VLC (a Mac application) will play it, so the data is there.

What can I do to repair the file?

Oh man :( Making me want to put my gear in a plastic bag...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on March 06, 2016, 03:46:25 PM
Yeah, lesson learned (again :) ... the water and ice didn't shut down the deck but as I was scrambling to prevent it from doing so, the Tekkeon battery voltage was changed and deck shut down. It does show that the F8 will save a file in event of sudden shutdown but that the file likely will be corrupt, as is mine. I'm going to revert to having backup AAs in the battery sled.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on March 06, 2016, 04:17:22 PM
It sounds like the same issue that comes up every so often with decks that prematurely shut down due to power interruption.  If the unit isn't shut down properly, the unit doesn't write the file header properly.  The file was present on the SD card, but the computer would show it with a 0gb file size (since that information is apparently part of the file header information).   

Somewhere along in the post-processing/software forum, there's a link to a program someone wrote that fixes the file header.  I tried using it several times, but I was never successful in having it fix a file that was messed up.  Others reported success.  Might be worth a try.  Sorry, I can't remember the name of the software but seems like it has the words 'file header' in the name...or at least that's in the thread subject title.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on March 06, 2016, 04:34:31 PM
Yeah, lesson learned ...I'm going to revert to having backup AAs in the battery sled.
I learned a long time ago that if a deck can auto switch power sources, you MUST always have batteries in the  bay to prevent such losses. While I hate having AA's either rechargeable or single use, it is a necessity.  I have had this save my As* even when using a wall wort  power suppliy and the power glitches. Digital mixing boards shut down, the main house PA is out, but band keeps on playhing on, and my pair of mics keeps recording.
As we used to say back in the day: "Waste Tape Not Music"  in this case waste batteries not files.

--Ian
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on March 06, 2016, 05:29:37 PM
Yeah, lesson learned ...I'm going to revert to having backup AAs in the battery sled.
I learned a long time ago that if a deck can auto switch power sources, you MUST always have batteries in the  bay to prevent such losses. While I hate having AA's either rechargeable or single use, it is a necessity.  I have had this save my As* even when using a wall wort  power suppliy and the power glitches. Digital mixing boards shut down, the main house PA is out, but band keeps on playhing on, and my pair of mics keeps recording.
As we used to say back in the day: "Waste Tape Not Music"  in this case waste batteries not files.

--Ian

Funny because I was just thinking something similar last night when I was taping a band that went on a bit late.  I'd been rolling for something like 45 minutes and they still hadn't gone on but I was like, no big deal to me because I have plenty of juice and plenty of memory on my SD cards.  I don't necessarily need to be standing at my unit to press play as soon as they take the stage.  Course I had my bluetooth app rolling anyway, so I can start it rolling from the app, but the reason I started rolling early in the first place is that I had to take a leak and didn't want the show to start while I was in the can.

I always have both the hirose and rear 12v cables connected to separate batteries.  One of the great features of the Zoom F8 is the three different ways you can power it.  Might as well take advantage of it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 06, 2016, 05:36:47 PM
Steve are you running tekkeon on both inputs?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on March 06, 2016, 05:41:02 PM
Steve are you running tekkeon on both inputs?

Yes.

One of the tips that came with the Tekkeon's fits that rear 12v jack nice and snug. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 07, 2016, 09:59:40 PM
Looks like the new orca and portabrace bags are shipping. I don't like the open top or I'd go with the orca.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: phil_er_up on March 08, 2016, 08:16:23 AM
Maybe not best place to post this but ...

Last night, recording Drive-By Truckers, I had a power issue that was triggered by someone spilling a drink on my gear. Now I have a corrupt file. It won't open in Audacity or Sound Studio but VLC (a Mac application) will play it, so the data is there.

What can I do to repair the file?

Had the same thing happen to me recently. Not beer spilling on the deck though it had a power down of machine before file was written. So no header and file would not open in audio Software.

Used fixwav.exe to fix it and it DID! Yahoo!

Here is the link:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=72936.0

Simple program...it asks you like 3 qestions then tries and write the header file. MAKE SURE you make a backup of that file due to the Software writes over it.

Good luck.
Let us know if it works.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on March 08, 2016, 07:53:58 PM
sorry if this was covered before: I just picked up the Anker Astro Pro 2 for my F8 -- does anyone know what the shutdown voltage for this battery should be set to? Thanks
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: goodcooker on March 09, 2016, 08:56:07 AM
Maybe not best place to post this but ...

Last night, recording Drive-By Truckers, I had a power issue that was triggered by someone spilling a drink on my gear. Now I have a corrupt file. It won't open in Audacity or Sound Studio but VLC (a Mac application) will play it, so the data is there.

What can I do to repair the file?

I've had success with this issue by opening it in CD Wave Editor (the program a lot of people use for track splits) and resaving as direct WAV. It writes a new header then you are off and running.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 14, 2016, 06:20:41 PM
Got all my custom cables for the new f8 setup from Ted today. Wow! Loving this setup!

I was always concerned about 1/4 inputs for line in since I run external pres. Dut damn these chopped right angle 1/4" cables are fantastic!

What voltage is everyone running on external inputs? I plan on runnin a switchable Telekom on both inputs. Is it more efficient to run it at 9v?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: mepaca on March 14, 2016, 09:36:45 PM
You should at least try the built in preamps. I run 12v with my tekkeon with cut off at 9v.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 14, 2016, 09:48:37 PM
I'm assuming I have to do 12v to run both external do inputs? I've been digging through tonedeafs manual finally
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 15, 2016, 03:44:22 AM
Ted hooked me up right! So happy with this setup. Trial run tonight at home. All went smooth.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/dustinlewis/Mobile%20Uploads/F104F91D-15FC-48ED-8D9D-9422A9E958CD.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dustinlewis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/F104F91D-15FC-48ED-8D9D-9422A9E958CD.jpg.html)

My bad setup. V3 on stilts and everything else attached with velcro.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/dustinlewis/Mobile%20Uploads/F3CCEFFF-F02D-4E7E-B098-E68F69329DCF.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/dustinlewis/media/Mobile%20Uploads/F3CCEFFF-F02D-4E7E-B098-E68F69329DCF.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on March 15, 2016, 07:24:54 AM
Yes, all those RA are awesome.  I love that setup Dustin.  Great job Ted!

Dustin, as far as your question about 9V vs 12V, as mentioned previously in this thread I've been connecting two Tekkeon's whenever I use my F8; one on the rear 12V jack and one on the hirose.  I love the redundant power options on the F8, so I make sure and have at least one backup power source active whenever I use my F8.  I have the shutdown voltage set for a 9V Tekkeon setting on the hirose, but for local shows I just set both of my Tekkeon's at 12V since the runtime I get from either battery always exceeds the length of the show.  Setting them both at 12V is simpler since I don't need to figure out which power cable is which. 

For festivals, I'm not sure what I'm going to do.  I think I might set the Tekkeon at 9V from the hirose and leave the rear jack disconnected, but put AAs in the sled as my backup power source.  That way I can get the longest run times from my Tekkeons.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on March 15, 2016, 12:22:46 PM
Please pardon my ignorance, but what is the advantage of using the hirose connector over the simpler center-pin power connector?  I get that hirose is a more durable "pro" connector, but does that input allow a greater range of voltages?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on March 15, 2016, 12:40:21 PM
Hirose is multiple voltages, the regular dc input is only 12v
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on March 15, 2016, 01:54:31 PM
^ Right and to expound just a bit, zoom assumed the hirose connector would be used for external batteries while the rear 12v would be the input from the wall wart.  Of course for those of us that like to try to destroy our gear the first day we have it, one of the first things i did as an early owner/ tester was connected a battery where zoom wanted me to connect the wall wart.  Not surprisingly, everything worked just fine, but yeah that rear connection is fixed at 12v in for that reason.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on March 15, 2016, 05:06:35 PM
^^, ^

Thanks for the explanation.  So it sounds like you could safely run off a battery to the DC input all the time, even though that's not what was intended.  Not to belabor the point, but is there any time where you would want or need to power your F8 with greater than 12V through the hirose?  Maybe powering 8 mics at once with high current consumption, you need the higher voltage for stability?  Or is it just a waste of battery since the power is getting converted through the F8 supply circuits to supply the mics with what they need?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on March 15, 2016, 05:47:58 PM
Not to belabor the point, but is there any time where you would want or need to power your F8 with greater than 12V through the hirose?  Maybe powering 8 mics at once with high current consumption, you need the higher voltage for stability?  Or is it just a waste of battery since the power is getting converted through the F8 supply circuits to supply the mics with what they need?

I think this is basically for better flexibility, so that you can use whatever 9-16V battery you might already have. I have successfully run 4 pairs of mics with a 12V battery.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on March 15, 2016, 06:02:25 PM
Not to belabor the point, but is there any time where you would want or need to power your F8 with greater than 12V through the hirose?  Maybe powering 8 mics at once with high current consumption, you need the higher voltage for stability?  Or is it just a waste of battery since the power is getting converted through the F8 supply circuits to supply the mics with what they need?

I think this is basically for better flexibility, so that you can use whatever 9-16V battery you might already have. I have successfully run 4 pairs of mics with a 12V battery.

Ah, OK that makes sense.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on March 15, 2016, 06:52:31 PM
Not to belabor the point, but is there any time where you would want or need to power your F8 with greater than 12V through the hirose?  Maybe powering 8 mics at once with high current consumption, you need the higher voltage for stability?  Or is it just a waste of battery since the power is getting converted through the F8 supply circuits to supply the mics with what they need?

I think this is basically for better flexibility, so that you can use whatever 9-16V battery you might already have. I have successfully run 4 pairs of mics with a 12V battery.

Sebastian, I'm glad to read that you've had success using all eight inputs at once because I have yet to run my F8 that way.  I have a couple of questions, if you don't mind.

-  Earlier today, I read in another section where someone mentioned the possibility of problems using all of the inputs if you're supplying 9V through the hirose connector.  That's the first I'd heard of that.  Do you have any experience or feedback on this, or have you heard the same thing?

-  You mention above running 8 mics.  Were all the mics being supplied 48v phantom power from the F8? 

Thanks.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on March 15, 2016, 10:24:08 PM
I have tried both a DVD battery and a tekkeon at 9v through the hirose and I don't recommend either.  The dvd batt lasted about 3 seconds before powering off and the tekkeon made the battery voltage indicator flicker between red and white, not a solid green as you want.

Thanks for the props, you rig does looker super sexy Dustin!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on March 16, 2016, 03:05:45 AM
Sebastian, I'm glad to read that you've had success using all eight inputs at once because I have yet to run my F8 that way.  I have a couple of questions, if you don't mind.

-  Earlier today, I read in another section where someone mentioned the possibility of problems using all of the inputs if you're supplying 9V through the hirose connector.  That's the first I'd heard of that.  Do you have any experience or feedback on this, or have you heard the same thing?

-  You mention above running 8 mics.  Were all the mics being supplied 48v phantom power from the F8? 

No, the maximum I've run is 4 mics (@ P48) at once plus two line inputs. I powered those using this battery pack (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=175697.msg2176711#msg2176711) (ten 1.2V NiMH rechargeables). This works like a charm.

I currently have 5 phantom-powered mics at my disposal (2x Schoeps MK4 w/ Naiant PFAs, 1x Schoeps CCM8, 2x MBHO 603a/KA200N) and I can conduct a test using those if it is of any help (but I doubt it, see below). I'd just need to see how I can get a 9V battery.

The main problem with 9V batteries is probably that they fall below those 9V quickly when being discharged (as most batteries do). Therefore, you might want to use a battery with a flat discharge curve (e.g. Lithiums) when running 9V. For example, with my 12V NiMH battery pack I have set a cutoff voltage of 9V. That means the 12V pack will go all the way down to 9V. Now imagine a 9V battery that has a similar discharge curve. It'll go down way below 9V - and therefore out of spec for the F8.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on March 16, 2016, 06:00:51 PM
I have tried both a DVD battery and a tekkeon at 9v through the hirose and I don't recommend either.  The dvd batt lasted about 3 seconds before powering off and the tekkeon made the battery voltage indicator flicker between red and white, not a solid green as you want.

Thanks for the props, you rig does looker super sexy Dustin!

I just checked and we can't set the shutdown voltage any lower than 9V with the current firmware.  I didn't realize that about going 9V on a Tekkeon though I think someone else may have mentioned it way back in this forum.  Seems like if Zoom is going to say that it runs from 9V to 16V they should give us a firmware update that allows the shutdown voltage to be set at something lower than 9V, assuming of course the unit can actually run at...say 8.5V or so.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: jeansebastienbg on March 18, 2016, 01:04:54 PM
Anybody else have "clips" and "clicks" when using the trim knob. I've seen this issue named as "zipper" or stepping noise in this thread. My unit and my friend's unit both have this problem and it's very noticeable. It makes on th fly adjustments of the gain completely unusable. Tonedeaf said that in his test with two schoeps this artifact is a non-issue. On my unit, you can hear it very easily in the headphones and it's definitely recorded. No need to import in a DAW and amplify it, just regular playback in any software. What do you guys think? Both our units are faulty? I will do further tests in the weekend and put the files online.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on March 18, 2016, 05:34:36 PM
I haven't noticed any clicks or such and I tend to have pretty "fidgety" fingers on the trim (I adjust my levels a lot). I also do mostly film dialogue so I record in pretty quiet environments, too...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: jeansebastienbg on March 18, 2016, 09:30:02 PM
Thank's for your input Scorsesefan. I probably have a problem with my Zoom F8. I'm in touch with the manufacturer.

Here's a test with Schoeps CMC6 MK41 in input 1 with phantom power.

https://soundcloud.com/user-472998921/f8-trim-knob-test-1wav
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rigpimp on March 24, 2016, 07:49:00 PM
^^
I hear you Voltronic.  I physically can't haul 50+ lbs of gear, batteries and a mic stand around anymore but I am reluctant to compromise on the pre's and not have the digi-in option.  But that is my problem to deal with and I realize that.

Oh snap!  I just read through 42+ pages about this recorder and I just discovered there is no digi in.  I'm looking away now...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: HSM3 on March 25, 2016, 11:32:03 AM
I thought I would let you guys know that I am powering my new F8 with the Anker 2nd Gen Astro Pro2 20000mAh http://www.amazon.com/Anker-20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B005NGLTZQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/Anker-20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B005NGLTZQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00)

I haven't tested it yet other than plugging in the fantastic cable Ted made for me. I'm a dork and got the wrong tip. Ted had me send the cable back and he put the correct tip on. Fantastic customer service!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on March 26, 2016, 12:15:16 PM
I thought I would let you guys know that I am powering my new F8 with the Anker 2nd Gen Astro Pro2 20000mAh http://www.amazon.com/Anker-20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B005NGLTZQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/Anker-20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Technology-Smartphones/dp/B005NGLTZQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00)

I haven't tested it yet other than plugging in the fantastic cable Ted made for me. I'm a dork and got the wrong tip. Ted had me send the cable back and he put the correct tip on. Fantastic customer service!
+1. Ran my F8 for about 3 hours with the Anker on a corporate video shoot with no problems.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 29, 2016, 06:22:09 AM
Thank's for your input Scorsesefan. I probably have a problem with my Zoom F8. I'm in touch with the manufacturer.

Here's a test with Schoeps CMC6 MK41 in input 1 with phantom power.

https://soundcloud.com/user-472998921/f8-trim-knob-test-1wav

I just don't hear what you're talking about? I just hear the F8 adding/subtracting gain, but I don't hear this click that you speak of? That's just the noise floor of your mics recording something very quiet! If you added a signal, and lowered the gain, I don't think you'd hear what you're speaking of ;) I record the TV sometimes, just so I can run some battery tests and whatnot, and I hear the same thing adding/subtracting the gain! Just the noise floor of recording silence IMO! When I lower the gain and record live music, or something much louder than just silence, then the noise floor vanishes 8)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on March 29, 2016, 06:42:44 AM
Thank's for your input Scorsesefan. I probably have a problem with my Zoom F8. I'm in touch with the manufacturer.

Here's a test with Schoeps CMC6 MK41 in input 1 with phantom power.

https://soundcloud.com/user-472998921/f8-trim-knob-test-1wav

I just don't hear what you're talking about? I just hear the F8 adding/subtracting gain, but I don't hear this click that you speak of? That's just the noise floor of your mics recording something very quiet! If you added a signal, and lowered the gain, I don't think you'd hear what you're speaking of ;) I record the TV sometimes, just so I can run some battery tests and whatnot, and I hear the same thing adding/subtracting the gain! Just the noise floor of recording silence IMO! When I lower the gain and record live music, or something much louder than just silence, then the noise floor vanishes 8)

It's faint, but I hear it.  I wonder if it's noticeable if moving the gain pots slowly also.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 29, 2016, 06:54:44 AM
Thank's for your input Scorsesefan. I probably have a problem with my Zoom F8. I'm in touch with the manufacturer.

Here's a test with Schoeps CMC6 MK41 in input 1 with phantom power.

https://soundcloud.com/user-472998921/f8-trim-knob-test-1wav

I just don't hear what you're talking about? I just hear the F8 adding/subtracting gain, but I don't hear this click that you speak of? That's just the noise floor of your mics recording something very quiet! If you added a signal, and lowered the gain, I don't think you'd hear what you're speaking of ;) I record the TV sometimes, just so I can run some battery tests and whatnot, and I hear the same thing adding/subtracting the gain! Just the noise floor of recording silence IMO! When I lower the gain and record live music, or something much louder than just silence, then the noise floor vanishes 8)

It's faint, but I hear it.  I wonder if it's noticeable if moving the gain pots slowly also.

Yea I admit, I didn't crank my volume because its before 7am, but I will check it out again in a second with my earbuds cranked! I'll report back! :)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: jeansebastienbg on April 05, 2016, 12:32:58 AM
Ok, sorry for the late reply, I was very busy. After contacting zoom, here's their answer (wich came very quickly BTW, they have excellent customer service):

Hello,
Thank you for the audio examples. We do as well here those sounds occasionally on our F8's. What you are hearing is normal operation. Since it is digital gain staging you may hear noise. It is a especially noticeable with phantom power. These clicks should not effect your recordings once you set your level. 


So, there's definitly a clicking noise, and it's especially noticeable with the limiter and phantom power activated. Since phantom power is crucial for my intended use, that was a big issue for me. I resolved the problem by first deactivating the limiter (wich is not good anyway) and by using an external phantom power supply:
http://www.denecke.com/Support/Documents/Power%20Supplies_2013.pdf

For those of you who didn't noticed this before, or still don't hear it, I suggest you look more deeply into it, as this has been seen by me and other field recordists friends of mine, on two different units, and confirmed by the manufacturer. You might not notice it on set, or might not have the gear to monitor your recordings with the necessary accuracy, but someone in post-production will definitly notice and you might get in trouble. This problem won't show on your wireless mics, but most certainly on your boom mic if it's phantom powered by the F8. So either use an external phantom power supply, or don't touch the trim during recording. Dual channel recording will be very useful if you choose to work without touching the trim knob.

In the end, even without the "clicks", it's still digital gain incrementing by 1db steps. It's not ideal, because it's not linear, and a trained ear will notice the "steps" in volume (like comparing a staircase and a slide). So, use the trim knob with caution, and try to keep a "clean" track with the dual channel feature.

Even with the additionnal 175$ for a good phantom power supply, the F8 is still the best quality/price piece of equipment on the market. I'm sure the next model will be even better. Have fun with your's.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on April 05, 2016, 05:43:40 AM
That is somewhat disconcerting though! I know a lot of people are running mics>preamp>F8, so it probably wont be as noticeable, but I would really count on the F8 being CLEAN, when I did choose to run mics directly into it! caps>KCY>PFA>F8 is a killer small rig, but hearing that digital gain noise kind of puts me off! Carrying ANOTHER Phantom Power Supply would be a huge turnoff for me, as the F8 has its own Phantom power! Kind of pointless to have to run an external PP supply when the F8 already has its own! But as always, YMMV ;)

Has anyone with a Tascam 70d noticed this? I have never noticed ANY noise, especially when changing the gain, with my 70d!

Please keep us posted and thanks for all of the info! I'm going to listen to your sample again right now, this time with my stereo cranked :)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on April 05, 2016, 01:49:13 PM
Tested my F8 with a Rode NTG˙3 running phantom power with and without limiter in a quiet room. There is definitely a very faint "clicking" noise on both but to my ear less pronounced with the limiter off. Also sounds more like faint static with the limiter off, as opposed to on where it sounds more "clicky". Also, with limiter on AND off slow trim adjustment (up or down) seems to lessen frequency (i.e. amount of occurrences) of the noise. Not sure it would be noticeable with dialogue or other atmospheric noise... Is this just how it is with digital pots at this price point?

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on April 05, 2016, 02:14:37 PM
Quick side note: I just called Zoom NA (they're near me on Long Island) and as Jean notes they are acknowledging the issue. The person I spoke to also recommended external phantom power which for me is a bummer ( I like to travel light :)... On the positive side, I asked him if it could be fixed via a firmware update and he said it's a possibility and something that Zoom is looking into. I really impressed on him that the F8 is an awesome recorder and that if that could really be accomplished it would make their customers very happy. Not sure how what seems to be a hardware issue could be fixed this way but we'll see...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: digging90650 on April 05, 2016, 02:23:24 PM
Zaxcom Nomad has this issue as well. The gain is controlled digitally and there is an audible step change when increasing or decreasing. Sound Devices preamp gain is analogue I believe and the rotary faders are smooth. But I haven't worked with one in a couple months so it's possible they have the same step change. I don't hear that change as much with F8 but it is an issue I expect.
Sam is a nice guy and he's definitely listening to what mixers are telling him about the F8. Pretty sure they'll get new firmwares out that make it better and better!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: jeansebastienbg on April 05, 2016, 07:38:55 PM
Nomad also has digital preamps with 1db incrementing, and you can hear the "steps". The thing is, with a nomad, you have a nice and smooth fader, and a bulletproof and natural sounding limiter. In my opinion, f8 faders are useless for field recording.  If Input  is too hot , you can only fade down an already badly distorted signal. Plus, the "0" position is at like 80% of the knob's course. So if you want to keep gain low and fader high, you only have a 12db headroom on 20% of an already very small knob. Bottom line, you have to "mix" with the trim knob, and live with the staircase effect. Which is totally fine at this price point, but with the clicking issue, it's not so fine.

Get a denecke phantom power supply, "mix" with the trim knob when you have to, do it while to avoiding dialogues so you won't hear the 1db steps too much, and keep a safe track at a lower level "clean" from any trim manipulation a with the dual channel feature.

An small Denecke or PSC phantom power supply won't make that much difference in a sound bag. I mean, the F8 is the first of it's kind in terms of features and size. Are we already used to a recorder being this small we can't accept an external PPS in our bag?

I hope a firmware upgrade could fix this, but I doubt it. Maybe they could change the fader knob pattern and allow the F8 to record post-fader ISO tracks, but then again, the way the digital processing chain is built, I doubt it.

For me it's case closed. I've found a workaround that works for me. I'll try to post some pics of my rig when possible.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on April 05, 2016, 09:51:52 PM
Nomad also has digital preamps with 1db incrementing, and you can hear the "steps". The thing is, with a nomad, you have a nice and smooth fader, and a bulletproof and natural sounding limiter. In my opinion, f8 faders are useless for field recording.  If Input  is too hot , you can only fade down an already badly distorted signal. Plus, the "0" position is at like 80% of the knob's course. So if you want to keep gain low and fader high, you only have a 12db headroom on 20% of an already very small knob. Bottom line, you have to "mix" with the trim knob, and live with the staircase effect. Which is totally fine at this price point, but with the clicking issue, it's not so fine.

Get a denecke phantom power supply, "mix" with the trim knob when you have to, do it while to avoiding dialogues so you won't hear the 1db steps too much, and keep a safe track at a lower level "clean" from any trim manipulation a with the dual channel feature.

An small Denecke or PSC phantom power supply won't make that much difference in a sound bag. I mean, the F8 is the first of it's kind in terms of features and size. Are we already used to a recorder being this small we can't accept an external PPS in our bag?

I hope a firmware upgrade could fix this, but I doubt it. Maybe they could change the fader knob pattern and allow the F8 to record post-fader ISO tracks, but then again, the way the digital processing chain is built, I doubt it.

For me it's case closed. I've found a workaround that works for me. I'll try to post some pics of my rig when possible.

Thanks for the advice, Jean. I'm a little different here I think because I'm a film sound guy, but I do a lot of run n' gun verite stuff, so I usually film in pretty noisy environments which makes me think I can get away with some of the issues with the F8. I would prefer to run without an external phantom power unit (my kit is VERY stripped down) but I will if necessary. Hopefully, Zoom can address the issue via firmware (their rep on the phone sounded reasonably hopeful to me) but it's good that there are workarounds... BTW how is Montreal?  I've spent many a day on Blvd Saint Laurent :)...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: jeansebastienbg on April 07, 2016, 06:36:25 PM
Haha! Montreal sucks right now! We had a snowstorm yesterday, and now it's washed away with rain. It's damp, slushy and cold. Lucky for me, I'm leaving sunday for a feature in Cuba!
Here's a few pics of my F8 kit. To my eye it's pretty stripped down. The Denecke PPS fits tightly next to my NP1.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on April 07, 2016, 08:55:03 PM
Haha! Montreal sucks right now! We had a snowstorm yesterday, and now it's washed away with rain. It's damp, slushy and cold. Lucky for me, I'm leaving sunday for a feature in Cuba!
Here's a few pics of my F8 kit. To my eye it's pretty stripped down. The Denecke PPS fits tightly next to my NP1.
Yeah I stay away from the winters there ;) ... So is your Denecke in the bottom of your bag?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on April 07, 2016, 09:09:23 PM

For those of you who didn't noticed this before, or still don't hear it, I suggest you look more deeply into it, as this has been seen by me and other field recordists friends of mine, on two different units, and confirmed by the manufacturer. You might not notice it on set, or might not have the gear to monitor your recordings with the necessary accuracy, but someone in post-production will definitly notice and you might get in trouble. This problem won't show on your wireless mics, but most certainly on your boom mic if it's phantom powered by the F8. So either use an external phantom power supply, or don't touch the trim during recording. Dual channel recording will be very useful if you choose to work without touching the trim knob.

I record loud live music and don't usually change gain settings too much after the first notes of a performance, so I haven't noticed any of these issues on my unit. 

I'm curious if adjusting gain from the IOS app makes any difference.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on April 08, 2016, 11:14:20 AM
Speaking of gain, etc ... My only complaint so far with the otherwise outstanding F8 is the levels. They suck. Anyone have tips on how to get the most accurate read? You can scroll through different views but I find none really great.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: bdasilva on April 09, 2016, 12:15:03 PM
some fuckin crackhead broke in my house and stole my f8   and of course the 256 g  of memory and the bright orange pelican case


I remember the last 3 of the s/n was 319... can someone post a full s/n  so i can reconstruct it...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: scorsesefan on April 09, 2016, 04:36:47 PM

For those of you who didn't noticed this before, or still don't hear it, I suggest you look more deeply into it, as this has been seen by me and other field recordists friends of mine, on two different units, and confirmed by the manufacturer. You might not notice it on set, or might not have the gear to monitor your recordings with the necessary accuracy, but someone in post-production will definitly notice and you might get in trouble. This problem won't show on your wireless mics, but most certainly on your boom mic if it's phantom powered by the F8. So either use an external phantom power supply, or don't touch the trim during recording. Dual channel recording will be very useful if you choose to work without touching the trim knob.

I record loud live music and don't usually change gain settings too much after the first notes of a performance, so I haven't noticed any of these issues on my unit. 

I'm curious if adjusting gain from the IOS app makes any difference.

Good question. I'm on android so I can't test it...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on April 09, 2016, 05:34:56 PM
some fuckin crackhead broke in my house and stole my f8   and of course the 256 g  of memory and the bright orange pelican case


I remember the last 3 of the s/n was 319... can someone post a full s/n  so i can reconstruct it...

B70000282
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on April 09, 2016, 07:25:57 PM
some fuckin crackhead broke in my house and stole my f8   and of course the 256 g  of memory and the bright orange pelican case


I remember the last 3 of the s/n was 319... can someone post a full s/n  so i can reconstruct it...

B70000282

OUCH!!! :( so not cool :(
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: mepaca on April 09, 2016, 07:46:14 PM
Mine is B70000231. The s/n is on the box if you still have it. Hopefully the perpetrator will choke to death soon.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on May 01, 2016, 01:31:55 PM
I recorded an all night thing in NOLA called the Bayou Rendezvous and experienced my first ever glitch using the F8 in probably around 100 recordings.  That's the bad news...the good news is that the machine design saved me from losing anything.  Here are the details.

So I was recording a thing during Jazz Fest where the music started at 9:30pm and ran until daylight the following morning.  I set up my Zoom F8 with external Tekkeon batteries on both the 12V connector and the hirose connector.  Both Tekkeon's were set to 12V.  Plenty of juice to last the whole night, so I just set it up at the beginning of the night and let it roll, only checking every so often to make sure everything was still OK.  No problems were visually observed while recording...good levels all night long, no power losses, etc.

However, when I started to master the recordings, it turns out that two of the files on one of my two cards have some strange issues.  See the screen shots below.  Notice that in the first screen shot, the left channel goes bad randomly part way into the file.  Then when a new file is automatically started (see the second screen shot), the left channel is OK...but strangely the right channel goes bad right at the end of file. 

This is the first file...the left channel brick goes all the way 'till the 2:04 mark, which is where a new file is automatically created. 
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/70e98497-9ba9-40b8-82c4-fb008ab6f70b_zpsseb6d6z5.jpg)

Then this is the file that was created after the previous file was saved.  Strangely, the brick no longer exists on the left channel but started up again on the right channel (and not on the left) a ways into this file.  This recording was the last act of the night, so fortunately the second brick happened just before I stopped recording for the evening.
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/a1559fd4-1384-4f44-8d94-07ecfc097dee_zpsc1dkwgef.jpg)

OK, so again that's the bad news.  It would be nice to know what happened to cause this, but at the point I have no clue.  It happened on a card that's performed flawlessly since I first got the F8.  The card isn't on the official approved cards list, but since its worked fine for me, I haven't worried that its not on the list.  It's a Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB microSDXC card in an SD card adapter.  I just ran it through the F8 performance test this morning and it checks out OK.  The card was in Slot 1 of the F8.  It wasn't freshly formatted, but the format had been performed only one show previously so only about 5GB of space had been used on it.

And here's the good news.  Since the F8 has two card slots, I was also recording the same data onto the second card.  When I loaded those files into my DAW, here's what I got...

(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/8fc00db9-f6f5-4863-85ee-ef1518e7d901_zpsdshnmuzv.jpg)
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/3d196947-aa56-4da4-91de-1d48dc15a975_zpsmqoqqema.jpg)

So the good news is that my data was properly saved onto the card in Slot 2 even though something was wrong with the files that were saved to the card in slot 1.

Finally and interestingly, I had also saved the L/R tracks onto the same card that the glitchy files were saved to.  Here's what the L/R files looked like!

(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/6b5dbed0-d3ce-4c16-beb9-8dfdcaa2fd61_zpswgw1l6hr.jpg)
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/stevetoney/4c543259-18e5-4e4d-9a2e-4ce417921d91_zpshpfrhojx.jpg)

So as you can see, even though L/R got recorded at the same time as the glitchy files, they saved just fine.

The moral of this story seems to be to take advantage of the backing-up capabilities provided with this recorder.  The glitchy files were during a set that I thought was smokin' so the backups really saved me from the disappointment of losing one of the channels of a great set of music.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on May 01, 2016, 01:37:30 PM
This happened to me last weekend also using a scandisk 128 class 10. Like you I had a second sd card as s back up.  I was planning to post to the group but hadn't got around to it.  I plan on running smaller cards hoping that this won't happen again.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on May 01, 2016, 03:35:18 PM
As the other card is fine, it's pretty clear that the problem occurred when writing to the SD card. I would expect the recorder to inform the user about write errors, not continue to write an unusable file. Have any of you reached out to Zoom about this? This could actually be a bug.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: acidjack on May 01, 2016, 05:01:48 PM
I also had an odd one -- two cards in, second card was set to "primary" by mistake. Second card ran out. First card didn't write until second card died. Not how it's supposed to work. I didn't lose any music, but it was odd. Has happened twice.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on May 01, 2016, 05:56:15 PM
As the other card is fine, it's pretty clear that the problem occurred when writing to the SD card. I would expect the recorder to inform the user about write errors, not continue to write an unusable file. Have any of you reached out to Zoom about this? This could actually be a bug.

I'll send Zoom a summary.  One thing I didn't mention in the post above is that I recorded Tracks 1 and 2 as mono files.  What I showed a screen shot of was after I'd joined the mono files together in Audition.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on May 01, 2016, 06:15:54 PM
I recorded in stereo and both channels were bricked
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on May 01, 2016, 08:33:50 PM
Not trying to turn this into another recorder discussion thread where everyone just talks about card write errors (please, no more!), but here are a few things I thought of to possibly narrow down the issue.  Note that I don't own an F8, but am strongly considering one in the future if and when they make an Android version of the remote app.

For those who have had this happen:

1. Did the error happen on an off-list card?  (Sub-question: Do you think the on-board test app can be trusted to thoroughly test card performance to the level Zoom is testing cards themselves?)
2. Was the offending card in Slot 1 and/or set to Primary?
3. If the second card wrote a good file where the first glitched, was the second card an approved card?

I also would think there should be an on-screen notification of a write error, but maybe you'd have to be watching the screen when the error occurred.  I'm not sure if Sebastian is suggesting that recording should have stopped upon the write error occurring, but IMO, it's a good thing that the unit continued to write (to both cards) because otherwise you wouldn't have gotten your whole show.  Even if the second one had a glitch at a different time you could still paste together a clean take from both cards as long as they didn't go bad in the same place.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on May 01, 2016, 09:46:58 PM
1. Did the error happen on an off-list card?  (Sub-question: Do you think the on-board test app can be trusted to thoroughly test card performance to the level Zoom is testing cards themselves?)

Neither of my cards were on the list.  (I have no idea about the answer to your second question.)

2. Was the offending card in Slot 1 and/or set to Primary?

Yes and yes.

3. If the second card wrote a good file where the first glitched, was the second card an approved card?

No my second card is an el cheapo but I've used it since the start without any issues.  The second card I use doesn't even pass the performance test (Patriot LX series).  That said, since it doesn't pass the performance test, my expectation is that it's not fast enough to keep up with the Zoom in case I were ever to have ten channels of data being written to it...Channels 1 through 8, plus L/R.  The most I've done so far is six...four mics plus L/R and both of my cards handled that situation fine.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on May 02, 2016, 12:21:11 AM
1. Did the error happen on an off-list card?  (Sub-question: Do you think the on-board test app can be trusted to thoroughly test card performance to the level Zoom is testing cards themselves?)

Neither of my cards were on the list.  (I have no idea about the answer to your second question.)

2. Was the offending card in Slot 1 and/or set to Primary?

Yes and yes.

3. If the second card wrote a good file where the first glitched, was the second card an approved card?

No my second card is an el cheapo but I've used it since the start without any issues.  The second card I use doesn't even pass the performance test (Patriot LX series).  That said, since it doesn't pass the performance test, my expectation is that it's not fast enough to keep up with the Zoom in case I were ever to have ten channels of data being written to it...Channels 1 through 8, plus L/R.  The most I've done so far is six...four mics plus L/R and both of my cards handled that situation fine.


Thanks for the info! Very strange ??? I wish the 70d had a 2nd SD slot like the F8, just in case this ever happened! But to me it sounds like there is a bug somewhere in there since it happened to a few of you!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on May 04, 2016, 06:19:45 AM
I'm not sure if Sebastian is suggesting that recording should have stopped upon the write error occurring, but IMO, it's a good thing that the unit continued to write (to both cards)

No. I think the F8 should inform the user that there has been a write error on card 1, but card 2 is still fine. With two cards, there's not much of a problem since the recording can be restored from the other card. But if you're only recording to one card to begin with, it could be a problem if the recorder seems to continue recording just fine, while in fact what is being recorded is white noise.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on May 04, 2016, 10:57:24 AM
I'm not sure if Sebastian is suggesting that recording should have stopped upon the write error occurring, but IMO, it's a good thing that the unit continued to write (to both cards)

No. I think the F8 should inform the user that there has been a write error on card 1, but card 2 is still fine. With two cards, there's not much of a problem since the recording can be restored from the other card. But if you're only recording to one card to begin with, it could be a problem if the recorder seems to continue recording just fine, while in fact what is being recorded is white noise.

Has there ever been a recorder that does this?  Just curious if this is even possible.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on May 04, 2016, 01:47:07 PM
Has there ever been a recorder that does this?  Just curious if this is even possible.

I had a write error with the Tascam DR-2d once. It displayed a message when it happened. Unfortunately, I didn't look at the display until after the show. ;(
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on May 05, 2016, 11:21:14 PM
Has there ever been a recorder that does this?  Just curious if this is even possible.

I had a write error with the Tascam DR-2d once. It displayed a message when it happened. Unfortunately, I didn't look at the display until after the show. ;(

That's never happened to me on any of the decks Ive run[D8 DAT/JB3/722/R9/M10/70d], aside from maybe digi noise on DAT tapes or something wrong with my mics or powering of mics/preamp! Very strange! That would be super cool if the F8 warned you that the write error was going on, but I'm not sure if that's possible with a firmware update, is it?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on May 06, 2016, 01:53:11 AM
That's never happened to me on any of the decks Ive run[D8 DAT/JB3/722/R9/M10/70d]

To be fair, I think that was my fault. I ran the deck in a closed bag during a festival in a very hot environment (around 40°C/104°F). It was probably just too hot.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 09, 2016, 05:35:50 PM
Anyone running any of the lowepro bags? What used to be nova 4, nova 5 etc. i was thinking about picking up something thats kind of cheap compared to my big portabrace for summercamp. In the past it has been a dust bowl. I like the lowepro aw models but not sure what the size is of my old nova 5 to correlate it to the new model #'s
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: kindms on May 11, 2016, 04:07:01 PM
Anyone running any of the lowepro bags? What used to be nova 4, nova 5 etc. i was thinking about picking up something thats kind of cheap compared to my big portabrace for summercamp. In the past it has been a dust bowl. I like the lowepro aw models but not sure what the size is of my old nova 5 to correlate it to the new model #'s

NOVA 200 AW Its the bag I have

I have the older version but its pretty close to the old nova 5
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 11, 2016, 05:37:01 PM
Thats exactly the one im looking at and have in my cart @ b&h
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: thunderbolt on May 14, 2016, 01:24:09 PM
Some guy in the UK is selling 3D-printed large fader knobs for the F8.

https://m.facebook.com/efksound3D/
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on May 14, 2016, 04:06:54 PM
Some guy in the UK is selling 3D-printed large fader knobs for the F8.

https://m.facebook.com/efksound3D/
Kinda a cool idea,  don't know if I need all those colors though.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: thunderbolt on May 14, 2016, 04:40:28 PM
It's aimed at film sound mixers I think.  They color code their wireless mics.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on May 14, 2016, 08:35:17 PM
It's aimed at film sound mixers I think.  They color code their wireless mics.

I'm all about the round knobs though.  Easier to fine tune a round knob than a chicken head knob.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on May 15, 2016, 01:56:03 AM
Anyone running any of the lowepro bags? What used to be nova 4, nova 5 etc. i was thinking about picking up something thats kind of cheap compared to my big portabrace for summercamp. In the past it has been a dust bowl. I like the lowepro aw models but not sure what the size is of my old nova 5 to correlate it to the new model #'s

Dustin, this is my FAVORITE gear bag of all time, especially for festies, since its a backpack and not a shoulder strap system! Ive had all of those LowePro/Portabrace/etc bags with shoulder straps, and this one is cheaper and easier to carry stuff! I am sooo sick of carrying gear miles at some festies and spots in the cities I tape and my shoulder KILLING ME because of the shitty shoulder strap system IMO!!!! Well, this is the solution! This thing can get HEAVY, and should still be a breeze to carry with your health issues, since its a BACKPACK ;D You can run cables in the top and bottom parts, and there should be plenty of room to run your VMS sideways like I do, and to run your F8 with stubby right angle connectors like you already have ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Evecase-Camera-Laptop-Travel-Backpack/dp/B00WQTLB0G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/Evecase-Camera-Laptop-Travel-Backpack/dp/B00WQTLB0G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00)

EDIT: I can also EASILY carry ONE mic stand with this, since it has a pullout compartment on one side that holds the leg/s of a mic stand! Then you just strap down that side and you can easily carry a big mic stand+umbrella in the side! This is SOOO badass at shows, since you have your HANDS FREE, since this bag can carry one stand hands free ;D Here's a few pics!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on May 16, 2016, 01:30:28 PM
Some guy in the UK is selling 3D-printed large fader knobs for the F8.

https://m.facebook.com/efksound3D/
Kinda a cool idea,  don't know if I need all those colors though.

Very nice. In the comments he says black ones are available also.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 16, 2016, 01:59:33 PM
Anyone order or going to order a set of knobs? Anyone inquire about shipping charges?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on May 16, 2016, 02:18:48 PM
Anyone order or going to order a set of knobs? Anyone inquire about shipping charges?

I ordered a green set yesterday and they are shipping today.  Total cost was 21 euros Paypal as a friend to avoid fees.  I thought green would be easier to see in low light situations.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 16, 2016, 02:22:35 PM
Ooh. Thats sexy. I was contemplating multiple colors. But i like your logic
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: tgakidis on May 16, 2016, 02:25:20 PM
I thought green would look good with the meter lights also.  I almost went all purple. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 16, 2016, 02:31:18 PM
Love to see what the purple looks like once you get them on.

I ordered green as well. Really like the way they look with the unit!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on May 17, 2016, 07:32:33 AM
Anyone running any of the lowepro bags? What used to be nova 4, nova 5 etc. i was thinking about picking up something thats kind of cheap compared to my big portabrace for summercamp. In the past it has been a dust bowl. I like the lowepro aw models but not sure what the size is of my old nova 5 to correlate it to the new model #'s

Dustin, this is my FAVORITE gear bag of all time, especially for festies, since its a backpack and not a shoulder strap system! Ive had all of those LowePro/Portabrace/etc bags with shoulder straps, and this one is cheaper and easier to carry stuff! I am sooo sick of carrying gear miles at some festies and spots in the cities I tape and my shoulder KILLING ME because of the shitty shoulder strap system IMO!!!! Well, this is the solution! This thing can get HEAVY, and should still be a breeze to carry with your health issues, since its a BACKPACK ;D You can run cables in the top and bottom parts, and there should be plenty of room to run your VMS sideways like I do, and to run your F8 with stubby right angle connectors like you already have ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Evecase-Camera-Laptop-Travel-Backpack/dp/B00WQTLB0G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/Evecase-Camera-Laptop-Travel-Backpack/dp/B00WQTLB0G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00)

EDIT: I can also EASILY carry ONE mic stand with this, since it has a pullout compartment on one side that holds the leg/s of a mic stand! Then you just strap down that side and you can easily carry a big mic stand+umbrella in the side! This is SOOO badass at shows, since you have your HANDS FREE, since this bag can carry one stand hands free ;D Here's a few pics!

Bean I like the looks of that bag!  Do you have any photos of the bag in action with the gear inside?  Can you run cables inside of the bag from the top to the bottom compartment?

David
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on May 17, 2016, 11:25:58 AM
Anyone order or going to order a set of knobs? Anyone inquire about shipping charges?

I order a set in Black.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 17, 2016, 07:03:57 PM
I felt unprepared for festival season. Grabbed a couple naztechs and a set of powerex 2700mH aa's for the f8. Moved the tekkeon i had on the f8 to the schoeps pre. Im in good shape now!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on May 19, 2016, 02:10:59 AM
Anyone running any of the lowepro bags? What used to be nova 4, nova 5 etc. i was thinking about picking up something thats kind of cheap compared to my big portabrace for summercamp. In the past it has been a dust bowl. I like the lowepro aw models but not sure what the size is of my old nova 5 to correlate it to the new model #'s

Dustin, this is my FAVORITE gear bag of all time, especially for festies, since its a backpack and not a shoulder strap system! Ive had all of those LowePro/Portabrace/etc bags with shoulder straps, and this one is cheaper and easier to carry stuff! I am sooo sick of carrying gear miles at some festies and spots in the cities I tape and my shoulder KILLING ME because of the shitty shoulder strap system IMO!!!! Well, this is the solution! This thing can get HEAVY, and should still be a breeze to carry with your health issues, since its a BACKPACK ;D You can run cables in the top and bottom parts, and there should be plenty of room to run your VMS sideways like I do, and to run your F8 with stubby right angle connectors like you already have ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Evecase-Camera-Laptop-Travel-Backpack/dp/B00WQTLB0G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 (http://www.amazon.com/Evecase-Camera-Laptop-Travel-Backpack/dp/B00WQTLB0G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00)

EDIT: I can also EASILY carry ONE mic stand with this, since it has a pullout compartment on one side that holds the leg/s of a mic stand! Then you just strap down that side and you can easily carry a big mic stand+umbrella in the side! This is SOOO badass at shows, since you have your HANDS FREE, since this bag can carry one stand hands free ;D Here's a few pics!

Bean I like the looks of that bag!  Do you have any photos of the bag in action with the gear inside?  Can you run cables inside of the bag from the top to the bottom compartment?

David

Sure do! And yes, you can run cables from the top>bottom or whatever you want to do! I used to run my gear in the bottom compartment, but now I have everything in the top compartment, and just keep accessories and shit in the bottom part! I'll send you a PM with some pics so I don't highjack this thread ;) You can even take the bottom part out, as in the pics on Amazon, and use the bottom part as a beer/water cooler if you wanted to! I might try that next weekend at my 1st festie of the year! This bag can EASILY hold BOTH of my Schoeps setups with every accessory that I own, in this thing, with ROOM TO SPARE ;)

For realz, its my FAVORITE gear bag of all time! I even have room to put a hoodie INSIDE the bottom part, loaded down with every piece of gear and accessory that I own! And this thing is PADDED down to the MAX! The padding is everywhere and is THICK stuff, so your gear will certainly be safe inside this tank of a bag! And its actually comfortable when wearing it, even under HEAVY loads ;) Anyway, I'll snap some new pics and send you a PM today Dactylus!!!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on May 19, 2016, 08:18:17 AM
^
Thanks Bean!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: fobstl on May 19, 2016, 11:07:40 AM
Hey Bean, if you don't mind I would love to see the photos of that bag in action also. Thanks!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 19, 2016, 11:30:06 AM
He shipped out my green knobs today. Quick turnaround!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on May 19, 2016, 12:16:22 PM
Hey Bean, if you don't mind I would love to see the photos of that bag in action also. Thanks!

Sure, I'll post a link in this thread or PM the pics to you 8)

He shipped out my green knobs today. Quick turnaround!

Nice! Those are badass lil knobs ;D Id love to see a pic once you have them on!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on May 21, 2016, 12:59:02 AM
^
Thanks Bean!

Hey Bean, if you don't mind I would love to see the photos of that bag in action also. Thanks!

Here's the link to the EveCase bag pics :) Sorry I cant get better picture quality, but you can def tell from these pics what the bag is all about ;D

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BzaK8joEP_fMTDcxOU1PUmpEdE0&usp=sharing
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dactylus on May 21, 2016, 08:27:41 AM

^
Thanks Bean!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 21, 2016, 06:32:56 PM
im all set for festy season!

got my second naztech in today. I had ted make me a couple cables so i could run both.

picked up some 2700mah powerex AA's too.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 21, 2016, 06:34:04 PM
has anyone received their colored knobs? he shipped mine out the next day.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on May 21, 2016, 08:15:27 PM
has anyone received their colored knobs? he shipped mine out the next day.

Shipping from the EU can take 2 or 3 weeks depending on the service the seller paid for.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on May 23, 2016, 12:56:55 AM
im all set for festy season!

got my second naztech in today. I had ted make me a couple cables so i could run both.

picked up some 2700mah powerex AA's too.

+T nice! 8)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on May 25, 2016, 04:37:32 PM
has anyone received their colored knobs? he shipped mine out the next day.

I got mine today...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on May 25, 2016, 05:11:50 PM
has anyone received their colored knobs? he shipped mine out the next day.

I got mine today...

Could you please give a real quick critique?  I've held off ordering pending hearing from you guys.  I'm mainly interested in hearing that the replacement knobs are adequately snug that there's no chance of them falling off or being bumped off.  Id also like to hear your impression about whether they seem theyll be durable and not subject to cracking.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 25, 2016, 05:16:48 PM
no sign of mine. bummer, i was hoping to have them for summercamp!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on May 26, 2016, 12:06:43 AM
has anyone received their colored knobs? he shipped mine out the next day.

I got mine today...

Could you please give a real quick critique?  I've held off ordering pending hearing from you guys.  I'm mainly interested in hearing that the replacement knobs are adequately snug that there's no chance of them falling off or being bumped off.  Id also like to hear your impression about whether they seem theyll be durable and not subject to cracking.  Thanks.


I bought an all black set. Now that I have them, it occurred to me a different color for each pair would have made sense. Otherwise I like them very much. They fit fairly well over the production knobs and seemingly are a vast improvement in usability. I am using the deck tomorrow so Ill find out but trying to fine tune the default knobs is painful. I really like the Zoom 8 in general but round knobs like these 3d printed ones really should be the default. The only thing I would like to see to better these is a different color mark on top to indicate where you are in DBs etc. I think 3D printing of items that may help tapers is a great idea and the guy selling them seems totally legit.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on May 29, 2016, 12:54:05 AM
I just looked more closely at his page and he appears to be selling colored caps for the existing knobs, rather than larger knobs.  So I don't think you get larger knobs out of this deal - maybe a little taller, but not otherwise larger.

"Zoom F8 snap on caps for original fader pots"

Some guy in the UK is selling 3D-printed large fader knobs for the F8.

https://m.facebook.com/efksound3D/
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on May 30, 2016, 07:48:54 PM
Depends on your definition of larger. The caps are about 1 1/2 taller but 3/4 wide as the menu knob. I personally would say the knobs are definitely larger than the stock knobs...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 30, 2016, 08:31:50 PM
Long weekend with the f8 finally. Kinda weird doing a festival on my first outing with new gear!

Havent listened to all of my recordings yet. What i did sounded great.

That being said. Im not sold on the f8 at all. Feels like the level meters are about half as responsive as im used to. Several buttons that arent illiminated during use that should be, is the stop button supposed to be illuminated?

While i do have an amzing setup on the inout cables, and bag setup, the 1/4 inputs make it awkward to get in and out of the bag to mess wth AA's at all

I loved having the aa's in there, it saved me a few secs on a set i was running late too. Power up and hit record then mess with batt setup.

My days of carrying so much gear are over. I hauled my whole setup out to Family Groove Company thursday, then half of it sat in the rv the rest of the weekend! I think the only way i could carry 4ch is to switch out my vms for another nbox. Eliminating all the cables, batteries, pfas and everything that comes with that

If i could do it all over again id have two kcy cables instead of normal nbobs. What a pain
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on May 30, 2016, 10:07:03 PM
I really like the F8 but there are some shortcomings. The stop button does not illuminate which is very annoying. You need a flashlight if its dark to make sure you hit the correct button. The need to use 1/4 for line in is also annoying. The gain controls are too small - larger round knobs would be much better.   

I use DC connector - tekkeon and hirose - tekkeon so I don't have to fuss with batteries. Im used to the meters so thats not a problem to me. And I had Ted make me a cable with 1/4 connectors where the wires come out at an angle such that they minimize the annoyance. In general I love it, especially at the price point. The recordings sound great.  I only need four channels so a F4 would be nice however.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on May 31, 2016, 12:44:39 AM
I also have all that stuff. All right angle chopped 1/4" input cables, and ra dc and hirose cables as well.

Hopefully my new knob additions come soon and they improve it some for me
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on May 31, 2016, 10:19:03 PM
My white knobs arrived today from Spain. Quick shipping as they were sent on May 24 arrived May 31.
I've included this pic of 4 knobs on and 4 off for comparison.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on June 01, 2016, 12:55:22 AM
Nice! Mine arrived today but required a signature and i wasnt home
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on June 01, 2016, 06:53:32 AM
As a potential future buyer of the F8, I'm curious about the tactile difference between the stock and aftermarket knobs.  Just looking at the pictures, I would think the stock knobs would be easier to manipulate and have an idea of where you were just be feel simply because of their shape.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on June 01, 2016, 08:49:32 AM
My white knobs arrived today from Spain. Quick shipping as they were sent on May 24 arrived May 31.
I've included this pic of 4 knobs on and 4 off for comparison.

Nice!  Definitely bigger than standard knobs.  I guess I better order a set.

 Thanks for posting the pic.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on June 01, 2016, 09:12:54 AM
As a potential future buyer of the F8, I'm curious about the tactile difference between the stock and aftermarket knobs.  Just looking at the pictures, I would think the stock knobs would be easier to manipulate and have an idea of where you were just be feel simply because of their shape.

The stock knobs are one of the F8s shortcomings in my opinion. They are so small and so close to each other its hard to manipulate them with any granularity. A notch or something on the top of the custom knobs might provide useful for knowing where you are but I use the meters to determine that. I love the custom knobs but have already had two disappear...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: F.O.Bean on June 01, 2016, 09:31:45 AM
As a potential future buyer of the F8, I'm curious about the tactile difference between the stock and aftermarket knobs.  Just looking at the pictures, I would think the stock knobs would be easier to manipulate and have an idea of where you were just be feel simply because of their shape.

I agree! Since there aren't any markings on the larger aftermarket knobs, they must be a PITA to know where they are on the levels/knobs! id rather deal with the smaller stock knobs, since they at least have a marking on the knob to know where you are at gain-wise on the levels/knobs! Does that make sense?

Long weekend with the f8 finally. Kinda weird doing a festival on my first outing with new gear!

Havent listened to all of my recordings yet. What i did sounded great.

That being said. Im not sold on the f8 at all. Feels like the level meters are about half as responsive as im used to. Several buttons that arent illiminated during use that should be, is the stop button supposed to be illuminated?

While i do have an amzing setup on the inout cables, and bag setup, the 1/4 inputs make it awkward to get in and out of the bag to mess wth AA's at all

I loved having the aa's in there, it saved me a few secs on a set i was running late too. Power up and hit record then mess with batt setup.

My days of carrying so much gear are over. I hauled my whole setup out to Family Groove Company thursday, then half of it sat in the rv the rest of the weekend! I think the only way i could carry 4ch is to switch out my vms for another nbox. Eliminating all the cables, batteries, pfas and everything that comes with that

If i could do it all over again id have two kcy cables instead of normal nbobs. What a pain


Cayman, can you please elaborate on why you didn't like dealing with the NBob KCY's, either in this thread or a PM? Thanks :) Because personally, my NBob's are EASIER to deal with than my Schoeps KCY 250/5, since I can easily connect/disconnect the "Collettes" section of the NBob KCY from the rest of the KCY cable/extension. This makes putting my NBob KCY up or tearing it down much quicker IMO! In fact, I want Nicky to mod my KCY 250/5, to a 250/05, by putting another Binder[Series 712 this time around] connection about 6" or so AFTER the "KCY Junction Box", just like my NBob KCY is! That way I can disconnect/connect the caps/collettes section to the KCY extensions that run to my VMS02IB & 70d 8)

Also, you NEED a nice camera backpack for gear if you're doing 4 channel in one bag/setup IMO! At SCamp in the past, I ran [2] separate rigs, so I never had that much gear in one bag like you did! However, with this EveCase bag, it's NO problem carrying 4 channels worth of stuff in ONE bag 8)
https://www.amazon.com/Evecase-Camera-Laptop-Travel-Backpack/dp/B00WQTLB0G?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Also Cayman, if you keep the AAs in your F8 at ALL times, and just power it externally, then you shouldn't have to move the F8 around much! That way the 1/4" cables aren't such a PITA, and you don't have to access the back of the F8 nearly as often! Once my 70d is hooked up with all [4] XLRs to all 4 channels, it stays put, and I just have to SLIGHTLY move it around for new USB batteries, just like your F8 situation! I also leave some AAs in my 70d, just so it saves the date/time and stuff too! So once your cables are all plugged in, you should be good to go and shouldn't need to move your F8 around! That said, just like Rippleish20 said, having to use 1/4" cables for the LINE IN is just silly IMO! I MUCH prefer the locking connectors of XLR's, and I wish the F8 used XLR's for its LINE inputs instead of the non-locking 1/4" connectors!

My white knobs arrived today from Spain. Quick shipping as they were sent on May 24 arrived May 31.
I've included this pic of 4 knobs on and 4 off for comparison.


+T Thanks for the pic AA 8) Those are schweet knobs for sure! I'd love to hear if you guys prefer those knobs to the stock ones?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on June 01, 2016, 12:11:13 PM
As a potential future buyer of the F8, I'm curious about the tactile difference between the stock and aftermarket knobs.  Just looking at the pictures, I would think the stock knobs would be easier to manipulate and have an idea of where you were just be feel simply because of their shape.

The basic issue with the knobs besides their size is that the natural tendency is to grip the flats.  To rotate the knob requires you rotate from the wrist with the flats gripped between the thumb and forefinger.  Rotating round knobs only requires the movement of your thumb and forefinger...as if you're rubbing them together... which is easier to do quickly with multiple knobs and for fine tuning.

As far as the knobs having position indication, yes that's a consideration though I tend to set levels by checking the meters more than the knob positron.

The reason I've held off buying these replacement knobs is the concern they'd fall off so the report that happens isn't encouraging. Please keep the feedback coming folks.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on June 01, 2016, 01:06:09 PM
The stock knobs are as close to useless as ive ever seen

Its almost a joke

Getting gain even using them is virtually impossible. Too small, and dont stick out far enough for a fat finger to feel comfortable with

I should have my new knobs in a couple hours to compare
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on June 01, 2016, 01:23:59 PM
As a potential future buyer of the F8, I'm curious about the tactile difference between the stock and aftermarket knobs.  Just looking at the pictures, I would think the stock knobs would be easier to manipulate and have an idea of where you were just be feel simply because of their shape.

The basic issue with the knobs besides their size is that the natural tendency is to grip the flats.  To rotate the knob requires you rotate from the wrist with the flats gripped between the thumb and forefinger.  Rotating round knobs only requires the movement of your thumb and forefinger...as if you're rubbing them together... which is easier to do quickly with multiple knobs and for fine tuning.

As far as the knobs having position indication, yes that's a consideration though I tend to set levels by checking the meters more than the knob positron.

The reason I've held off buying these replacement knobs is the concern they'd fall off so the report that happens isn't encouraging. Please keep the feedback coming folks.

They are a huge improvement to me in usability and they really do fit pretty well, but I am going to see if I can use some sort of sticky tape to secure them better. And the knobs do have a ridge on the side to indicate position buy you cant see it when you are turning them. I was thinking maybe a notch or colored band (this might be difficult with 3d printing) on the top indicating position would help.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on June 01, 2016, 03:01:01 PM
As a potential future buyer of the F8, I'm curious about the tactile difference between the stock and aftermarket knobs.  Just looking at the pictures, I would think the stock knobs would be easier to manipulate and have an idea of where you were just be feel simply because of their shape.

The basic issue with the knobs besides their size is that the natural tendency is to grip the flats.  To rotate the knob requires you rotate from the wrist with the flats gripped between the thumb and forefinger.  Rotating round knobs only requires the movement of your thumb and forefinger...as if you're rubbing them together... which is easier to do quickly with multiple knobs and for fine tuning.

As far as the knobs having position indication, yes that's a consideration though I tend to set levels by checking the meters more than the knob positron.

The reason I've held off buying these replacement knobs is the concern they'd fall off so the report that happens isn't encouraging. Please keep the feedback coming folks.

They are a huge improvement to me in usability and they really do fit pretty well, but I am going to see if I can use some sort of sticky tape to secure them better. And the knobs do have a ridge on the side to indicate position buy you cant see it when you are turning them. I was thinking maybe a notch or colored band (this might be difficult with 3d printing) on the top indicating position would help.

Just a thought but sharpie makes gold or silver colored paint pens.  Perhaps they'd be good for marking a dot on the face of your knobs.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on June 01, 2016, 03:13:24 PM
The stock knobs are as close to useless as ive ever seen

Getting gain even using them is virtually impossible. Too small, and dont stick out far enough for a fat finger to feel comfortable with


Having much larger knobs on an eight channel recorder would be a tradeoff between having either probably a larger recorder with eight larger knobs on the face, or having fewer knobs but making them multi function.  The problem with multi function level knobs is you can't adjust individual channel gains quickly, though ganging helps.  Lots of ppl like the dr680 system but zoom went another route.  I don't have an issue with them...because I've used as many as six channels and find the tradeoff worthwhile, especially given the sound quality and features packed into a $999 package.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on June 01, 2016, 03:38:42 PM

Just a thought but sharpie makes gold or silver colored paint pens.  Perhaps they'd be good for marking a dot on the face of your knobs.

I have a couple of these sharpies around somewhere I will try it...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: H₂O on June 01, 2016, 04:39:20 PM
Just a thought but sharpie makes gold or silver colored paint pens.  Perhaps they'd be good for marking a dot on the face of your knobs.

Or just use a soldering iron to burn a slight indentation on the top and drop in paint to fill in the indentation
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on June 01, 2016, 04:40:12 PM
The stock knobs are as close to useless as ive ever seen

Getting gain even using them is virtually impossible. Too small, and dont stick out far enough for a fat finger to feel comfortable with


Having much larger knobs on an eight channel recorder would be a tradeoff between having either probably a larger recorder with eight larger knobs on the face, or having fewer knobs but making them multi function.  The problem with multi function level knobs is you can't adjust individual channel gains quickly, though ganging helps.  Lots of ppl like the dr680 system but zoom went another route.  I don't have an issue with them...because I've used as many as six channels and find the tradeoff worthwhile, especially given the sound quality and features packed into a $999 package.

Well that makes me think of an interesting idea: put the larger knobs only on your master level control for ganged pairs.  It might look weird, but could cut down on the chances of you grabbing the wrong knob for a fast level adjustment of a stereo linked pair.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on June 01, 2016, 05:06:50 PM
Just a thought but sharpie makes gold or silver colored paint pens.  Perhaps they'd be good for marking a dot on the face of your knobs.

Or just use a soldering iron to burn a slight indentation on the top and drop in paint to fill in the indentation

Oooh.  I likey!!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on June 01, 2016, 05:24:45 PM
Another comment on level adjustments is that i usually set levels at the recorder when the music starts but after that I fine tune with my iPhone.  I'm thinking about buying a cheap old gen iPad for 100 or whatever and dedicating it to my F8.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on June 06, 2016, 02:49:33 PM
Finqlly diving into my summercamp recordings which was my first outing with the f8

Sounds fantastic schoeps > nbox platinum

The change in the sound when i barely adjusted levels is drastic. It was one of the last sets i taped, my levels were pretty damn close to begin with.

Im not sure how to explain it. Not smooth at all. It makes me cringe every time
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on June 07, 2016, 10:07:19 PM
> Another comment on level adjustments is that i usually set levels at the recorder when the music starts but after that I fine tune with my iPhone.  I'm thinking about buying a cheap old gen iPad for 100 or whatever and dedicating it to my F8.

Not sure the app will work on older models. I have a not to old ipad and the Zoom app will not work.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on June 08, 2016, 03:08:41 AM
Not sure the app will work on older models. I have a not to old ipad and the Zoom app will not work.

According to the info on the App Store, it's supposed to work on 3rd Generation iPads and later.  You'll need to make sure Bluetooth is on.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on June 08, 2016, 12:21:46 PM
Finqlly diving into my summercamp recordings which was my first outing with the f8

Sounds fantastic schoeps > nbox platinum

The change in the sound when i barely adjusted levels is drastic. It was one of the last sets i taped, my levels were pretty damn close to begin with.

Im not sure how to explain it. Not smooth at all. It makes me cringe every time

You mean this sound issue happens as you are adjusting levels but not after.  If so, that's the digital gain pots.  This is apparently a common issue on recorders that use digital gain and isn't isolated to the F8.  It was discussed earlier in this thread if you want to read more.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Jamos on June 11, 2016, 05:04:41 PM
We've decided to sell our F8, if anyone here is interested...

It's in the yard sale too, but PM me if you'd like to buy it!

Edit - deck is SOLD
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sonus Captor on June 12, 2016, 02:34:33 PM
Hi everyone.

Last week I finally got my F8, but had to return it because of several issues:

1. Three brand new Kingston SD cards (SDX10V/64GB) from Zoom's list of compatible cards failed the performance test.
  Older, slower cards tested ok.
  The cards were all formatted in the F8. The formatting process only took a split second, which is odd.
 "Quick Format" in a Tascam DR-70D took about 17 seconds.

2. After the performance test the F8 needed approx. 90 seconds to go back to the previous screen after pressing the menu button.

3. In dual channel recording mode the pots no. 5-8 were still active. This should not be the case since the safety tracks should be set automatically to -12db in relation to the primary tracks.

4. Set to "Recording - Mark Only" the F8 paused the recording anyway when pressing the play key to add a mark when recording mp3's.
  Obviously it's not possible to add marks to an mp3 file. The manual remains silent about that. But the recording should definitely never be paused in the "Mark Only" setting since that can ruin the whole file.
  A message should be displayed instead. No problems with wav's, though.

Greyfoxx, Piero and Sixnon in the jwsoundgroup forum had similar issues with their F8's. So it's not an isolated case.

I just hope the problems are software-related and can be eliminated with a firmware update.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vegeta_ban on June 12, 2016, 11:09:23 PM
Hi everyone.

Last week I finally got my F8, but had to return it because of several issues:

1. Three brand new Kingston SD cards (SDX10V/64GB) from Zoom's list of compatible cards failed the performance test.
  Older, slower cards tested ok.
  The cards were all formatted in the F8. The formatting process only took a split second, which is odd.
 "Quick Format" in a Tascam DR-70D took about 17 seconds.

2. After the performance test the F8 needed approx. 90 seconds to go back to the previous screen after pressing the menu button.

3. In dual channel recording mode the pots no. 5-8 were still active. This should not be the case since the safety tracks should be set automatically to -12db in relation to the primary tracks.

4. Set to "Recording - Mark Only" the F8 paused the recording anyway when pressing the play key to add a mark when recording mp3's.
  Obviously it's not possible to add marks to an mp3 file. The manual remains silent about that. But the recording should definitely never be paused in the "Mark Only" setting since that can ruin the whole file.
  A message should be displayed instead. No problems with wav's, though.

Greyfoxx, Piero and Sixnon in the jwsoundgroup forum had similar issues with their F8's. So it's not an isolated case.

I just hope the problems are software-related and can be eliminated with a firmware update.

Was it using the most up to date firmware? Just curious, the only issues I have had so far have been my fault with learning the recorder and bluetooth disconnecting. But that is why i still run a SD722 as a backup.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sonus Captor on June 13, 2016, 12:01:44 AM
Firmware was v.2.0.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on June 16, 2016, 06:34:02 PM
I've recorded 30+ shows with my F8 with no problems. I originally used some older 32GB cards I had, replaced those with 64GB and more recently 128GB cards and have formatted them all several times with no problems. I dislike the little gain knobs and the fact that you have to use 1/4 to get line in etc but otherwise like the F8 a lot...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: phanophish on June 20, 2016, 02:56:19 PM
I've recorded 30+ shows with my F8 with no problems. I originally used some older 32GB cards I had, replaced those with 64GB and more recently 128GB cards and have formatted them all several times with no problems. I dislike the little gain knobs and the fact that you have to use 1/4 to get line in etc but otherwise like the F8 a lot...

Question related to the need for 1/4" to get line levels.  Can I run the 1/4" adapter as line in while pushing phantom to my mics?  I think I tried this once and could not turn on phantom but want to confirm this is the case?  Using the XLRs with my MBHOs I need very little gain and I worry a bit about running the pre amps too hot.

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Sebastian on June 20, 2016, 04:06:49 PM
Question related to the need for 1/4" to get line levels.  Can I run the 1/4" adapter as line in while pushing phantom to my mics?  I think I tried this once and could not turn on phantom but want to confirm this is the case?  Using the XLRs with my MBHOs I need very little gain and I worry a bit about running the pre amps too hot.

No, the 1/4" inputs don't pass phantom power to the mics. That's why I made myself right-angle XLR adapter cables with 12dB attenuation. Now my level dials are usually right in the middle, which gives me a good feeling when recording loud bands.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on June 24, 2016, 07:27:18 AM
For any Zoom F8 users in the UK.  I've just had a custom cable made up for me:

Hirose 4-pin male to 5.5 X 2.5mm coax female with 25cm cable

Works perfectly with my Anker Power Bank and the cable it came with - a much cheaper power option than an NP1 battery pack, and a much better connection than via the DC connector.

If others are interested, here's the company that made it for me as a custom job:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/182181329774?lpid=122&chn=ps&googleloc=1007274&poi=&campaignid=207297426&device=c&adgroupid=13585920426&rlsatarget=pla-75952154106&adtype=pla&crdt=0
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: smokenburn on July 07, 2016, 11:48:39 AM
Re: Orca OR-28 bag

I purchased one yesterday at Trew Audio.  It works with SD744/722/702, Zoom F8, Tascam DR70-d...  As for the 'open top' someone mentioned, though it has room for radio antenna's, you can tighten the cover by pulling the side/pocket section apart and fasten the slack with velcro if it starts to rain.  Still probably best to store a rain cover or poncho.  It's a nice bag.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Hypnocracy on July 07, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
had my eye on this bag...but wonder about space for battery(s)?  If I go F8 I'd have to bring along my V2 and Aerco pre's that makes three to power (two at minimum Aerco is internal power optionally). Actually it appears that is an either or with the pre's not enough room for all three?  8.5"l X 4.5"w X 6.5"h
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: smokenburn on July 07, 2016, 06:19:24 PM
had my eye on this bag...but wonder about space for battery(s)?  If I go F8 I'd have to bring along my V2 and Aerco pre's that makes three to power (two at minimum Aerco is internal power optionally). Actually it appears that is an either or with the pre's not enough room for all three?  8.5"l X 4.5"w X 6.5"h


Here are a couple pic's

(I don't know why they are upside down.)

You can fit two 744's, but I doubt a V3 would fit since the XLR's are on the back/bottom.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Hypnocracy on July 07, 2016, 07:58:18 PM
Thanks for the foto...I run stilts on the V2...hmm that makes it 8" high...What about space for batteries?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: thunderbolt on July 07, 2016, 09:09:12 PM
Thanks for the foto...I run stilts on the V2...hmm that makes it 8" high...What about space for batteries?

You can take off the stilts.  This bag has bendable metal supports that conform exactly to the deck/preamp and raises it to the proper height.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: smokenburn on July 07, 2016, 09:48:03 PM
Yeah, the bag comes with adjustable stilts.  There is plenty of room for batteries.  Two large side pockets both have access to the main compartment so you can store an external battery and run a cable to the preamp/recorder/mixer.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on July 09, 2016, 03:08:04 PM
Having aa battery tray issues.

New tested powerex. Fully charged. tested.  F8 wont come on. all in tray the correct direction

When u guys look into the chamber for the battery sled, are all the contacts in there the same?

I see one appears as if the female contact from the sled stuck over the contact inside my unit.

Is this stock to further eliminate flipped aa sleds? Or do i have a dec.fective unit?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on July 09, 2016, 06:05:15 PM
Not all the contacts are the same



Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: WiFiJeff on July 09, 2016, 09:04:00 PM
Have you set the battery type to NiMH in the menu system?  You have a choice of alkaline, lithium or NiMH, if it is set to Li or alkaline the NiMH voltage may be too low for the machine to turn on.

Jeff
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on July 10, 2016, 12:08:14 AM
Have you set the battery type to NiMH in the menu system?  You have a choice of alkaline, lithium or NiMH, if it is set to Li or alkaline the NiMH voltage may be too low for the machine to turn on.

Jeff

You're probably set on Lithium Dustin.  My charged NiMH batteries power it fine when the setting is either NiMH or Alkaline, but it won't power on from NiMH batteries when the unit is set at Lithium.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: sixnon on July 10, 2016, 10:48:15 AM


3. In dual channel recording mode the pots no. 5-8 were still active. This should not be the case since the safety tracks should be set automatically to -12db in relation to the primary tracks.

Greyfoxx, Piero and Sixnon in the jwsoundgroup forum had similar issues with their F8's. So it's not an isolated case.

I just hope the problems are software-related and can be eliminated with a firmware update.

Is it the case that this "should" be the case? I thought that logically it should be so, but the manual suggests it is simply a separate recording i.e. suggesting the levels can be set independently. One can't use the trim link function to set a common -12db or the like, because when channels are trim linked they are linked with the same levels automatically.

It seems very counterintuitive in an other wise pretty decent machine.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on July 11, 2016, 05:59:25 PM
I bet that is what it is.

It acted a little funny at the show this happened at. Several things were changed for the display and stuff. Was weird.

How hot are you guys running your f8's line in via 1/4"? I keep oushing it a little further each show. Still some headroom in there based on how much im still boosted levels in post

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robin0112358 on July 29, 2016, 06:28:32 PM
I have ordered my F8 and now only need to sort out powering before it arrives.

Oddly the Zoom manual and spec sheet say no more about the DC input than it is 12V with centre positive. But what size is it?
5.5mm outer 2.5mm inner?
5.5mm outer 2.1mm inner?
Something else?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on July 30, 2016, 10:07:10 PM
are you planning to use dc input and hirose? that is what i do for festivals and such

i use internal AA's and the hirose for regular shows
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on July 30, 2016, 11:46:14 PM
I believe its 5.5mm outer 2.1mm inner. I use it and the hirose port also.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robin0112358 on July 31, 2016, 12:28:19 PM
My immediate time-frame is tight, so I may not have the luxury of making up Hirose connectors. In that case, I will use the DC in. Still looking for a definitive answer on the connector size so I order the right thing! (Got a couple PMs out.)

Will likely keep a set of AA in the unit as backup. I am doing field recording and don't need extraordinarily long run times.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on July 31, 2016, 01:19:08 PM
whats your time frame? i have one ted made =me naztech > hirose and naztech dc in. i actually left my naztechs in chicago after phish at my buddies house and ive been using my tekkeon setup that i already had cables made for too
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on July 31, 2016, 01:20:08 PM
i finally got the ballsw to really jam on the 3d printed knobs. love them now!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robin0112358 on July 31, 2016, 01:23:54 PM
whats your time frame? i have one ted made =me naztech > hirose and naztech dc in. i actually left my naztechs in chicago after phish at my buddies house and ive been using my tekkeon setup that i already had cables made for too

Well, I'm across the Atlantic and need them for Friday. But I have a PM into Ted for information. :-)
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: noahbickart on July 31, 2016, 11:28:28 PM
Do I understand correctly that with this: https://www.zoom-na.com/products/product-accessories/zoom-exh-6-dual-xrltrs-input-capsule-zoom-h5-and-h6

you can run 10 channels into the f8?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: WiFiJeff on August 01, 2016, 12:03:08 AM
No.  It does 8 channels in (recording L/R mix for a total of 10).  When you use the "mic capsule" from the H6 or other Zoom mic attachments, directly or via the extension cable, it is assigned to tracks 1 and 2, and you can't use tracks 1 and 2 via XLRs.

Jeff
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: caymanreview on August 01, 2016, 06:06:29 AM
whats your time frame? i have one ted made =me naztech > hirose and naztech dc in. i actually left my naztechs in chicago after phish at my buddies house and ive been using my tekkeon setup that i already had cables made for too

Well, I'm across the Atlantic and need them for Friday. But I have a PM into Ted for information. :-)

hmm. well that is def a tight schedule to get em all the way there! id have sent u mine if it were possible. I wont be needing them until i retrieve my batteries from ~5hrs away on my next trip to the city.

its been years since ive shipped anything across. i have no idea how long it takes anymore
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robin0112358 on August 01, 2016, 07:57:52 AM
Thanks so much for the offer. I think I will be OK using the DC inputs for now, since the batteries I am looking at are well regulated. When I am back from this trip I can get some custom cables and go to town!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robtweed on August 04, 2016, 02:33:44 AM
Thanks so much for the offer. I think I will be OK using the DC inputs for now, since the batteries I am looking at are well regulated. When I am back from this trip I can get some custom cables and go to town!

I got these guys to make me up a custom Hirose adapter cable for my Zoom F8 - just took a couple of days:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/productionwiring/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on August 04, 2016, 11:30:55 AM
This works for the Zoom F8 and SD7xx

http://www.markertek.com/product/hr4m-dcp21-18in/hirose-hr10a-4pin-male-to-2-1mm-dc-plug-dc-out-power-cable-1-5ft
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: robin0112358 on August 05, 2016, 12:18:55 PM
I will be writing about the F8 on my blog. First article has just been posted. It's nothing a tapehead wouldn't already know! ;-)

EDIT: Two more articles up. A fourth tomorrow. A fifth planned for, er, sometime after I do more recording!

1. Overview and features
2. Firmware suggestions
3. Powering the recorder
4. Comparing power methods

http://www.theatreofnoise.com/
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Scooter123 on August 19, 2016, 08:10:30 PM
There was some interest in a spare battery sled for the Zoom to swap out.  Zoom has those.  It is a BCF-8 and can be ordered from any dealer which carries the Zoom recorder.  Its about $20
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: Lenry on August 29, 2016, 06:08:25 PM
I bought a cable off ebay, a cable terminating in a 5.5 X 2.1mm plug for its 12V outlet. The other end is a 4 pin hirose connector, that fits on the Zoom F8 9-16 volt input. I found a battery pack that holds 2 sony batteries and is wired in series, for about 16 volts. There are other cables that have an Anton Bauer connection so you can use any of those battery holders and the batteries that fit them. The 12volt input is supposedly designed for the 12 volt AC adapter. If your batteries start at a higher voltage, you may get longer F8 operating time form them from between recharges.




I've been trying to get a reliable and reasonable-cost way to have external battery power for my Zoom F8.

I have one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Portable-Technology/dp/B00GSLRKJO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449738157&sr=8-2&keywords=Anker+2nd+Gen+Astro+Pro2

It comes with a cable terminating in a 5.5 X 2.1mm plug for its 12V outlet.  I also have a load of adapter plugs, at least one of which fits in the F8's main 12V DC input.  But I've found it difficult to get the Zoom to reliably work with this.  Either it won't start up at all, or, if it does (after repeated trying), it has a tendency to shut down again, though last weekend I managed to power it through a 4 hour recording session with hardly a dent in the Anker's available power (even with 6 mics, all on phantom power).

Perhaps it's because when the F8 does come up working it's showing the voltage as 11.8V, so maybe it's just a tad on the low side for that DC input to be happy.

If I could find (in the UK) a cable connecting a HiRose 4-pin plug to standard 5.5 X 2.1mm socket, I suspect it might behave more reliably, as it's supposed to support 9 - 16V, but so far I can't find anything like that.

Anyone else found similar problems trying to power the F8?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on August 29, 2016, 09:31:39 PM
Weird issue at Lockn' Festival.

A few minutes into recording my first set, Peter Wolf, the screen went bonkers. It stayed that way for two days. Fortunately it did record without incident but I had to more or less guess at levels. Temps were well into the 90s so I suspect heat. On the final day it randomly snapped back to normal.

I called Zoom today and they are going to replace under warranty. The rep said he doubted heat was issue and that the unit was tested at even more extreme temperature. I thanked them for developing an affordable, great sounding recorder.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: rippleish20 on August 29, 2016, 09:55:17 PM
This cable works:

http://www.markertek.com/product/hr4m-dcp21-02/hirose-hr10a-4pin-male-to-2-1mm-dc-plug-dc-out-power-cable-2ft

I actually find the 12v port to be more stable but...


I was at three festivals this summer where it was quite hot and had no trouble withe the deck, although I didn't run it for every band. Saturday at the BeKind Festival was 98 degrees for example... How many hours in a row did you have it on?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on August 30, 2016, 09:58:43 AM
The screen crapped out minutes into my first recording.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on August 30, 2016, 01:02:59 PM
Maybe I've missed it in the manual, but is there a way to separately adjust levels for the summed L/R tracks?  The individual component track levels are fine, but the summed stereo L/R tracks are recorded way too hot.  I grant that the summed L/R tracks are unnecessary since I will do my own matrix in post, but it would be kind of nice just to hear them on the fly.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: ArchivalAudio on August 30, 2016, 01:07:33 PM
Weird issue at Lockn' Festival.

A few minutes into recording my first set, Peter Wolf, the screen went bonkers. It stayed that way for two days. Fortunately it did record without incident but I had to more or less guess at levels. Temps were well into the 90s so I suspect heat. On the final day it randomly snapped back to normal.

I called Zoom today and they are going to replace under warranty. The rep said he doubted heat was issue and that the unit was tested at even more extreme temperature. I thanked them for developing an affordable, great sounding recorder.
That's a bummer, but it's nice to hear that Zoom will correct and replace the unit. Glad it seemed to record ok.
good luck.
--Ian
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: efksound on September 06, 2016, 02:34:59 AM
New Zoom F4 announced!

https://www.zoom.co.jp/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-f4-multitrack-field-recorder

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5tlJYn3hci0

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7g-7wTzEQzM

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: aaronji on September 06, 2016, 04:18:30 AM
^ Very interesting.  I wonder how much they will cost.  It looks like they went with the same XLR = mic and 1/4" = line arrangement as the F8...
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: connloyalist on September 06, 2016, 05:53:53 AM
That Zoom F4 is definitely something to keep an eye on! Perhaps a Christmas release? The price point they choose is going to be a big consideration. And the existence of the F4 might also suggest the F8 won't be coming down in price any time soon. The F8 is the one I really want, but just a bit too expensive for me at the moment. And since I rarely need more than four channels, this F4 might be just the thing.

Regards, Christine

Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on September 06, 2016, 09:53:55 AM
B&H preorder price for the Zoom F4 is $649. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: connloyalist on September 06, 2016, 10:31:38 AM
The discussion about the F4 on (ahem) GS is turning toxic. I must say it pains me to see that happen.

Regards, Christine
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on September 06, 2016, 11:35:40 AM
Maybe I've missed it in the manual, but is there a way to separately adjust levels for the summed L/R tracks?  The individual component track levels are fine, but the summed stereo L/R tracks are recorded way too hot.  I grant that the summed L/R tracks are unnecessary since I will do my own matrix in post, but it would be kind of nice just to hear them on the fly.

Thanks!

On page 72 of the manual... In the F8 menu choose...

Output > headphone > headphone routing

When you see the grid, toggle so the red triangle is in the upper left under the L column on the first line.  Then toggle so the red triangle is in the lower right under the R column in the second line.  Finally continue to toggle on this same screen to set these up as being post fader in the boxes below the grid.

Lock that selection in by pressing the big black knob.

Now go back to the home screen  and rotate the big black knob until you get the mixer screen which shows all eight channels.  This is the screen similar to page 10 in the manual.  (It doesn't look exactly the same as the manual anymore bc of a firmware update.) 

Press the big black knob.  Now toggle through each channel to set your monitoring details for what you hear in your headphones.  Each channel has a pan and level control so you can send whatever you want into the headphones.  Remember this is a mixer so you're mixing all of the active channels to the summed l and r output, which youre monitoring through your phones. 

So let's say you have four mics flying and they're connected to channels 1 through 4.  By monitoring l and r post fader, you can listen to any combination of inputs however you want to on the headphones.  Here's what I'd do with four mics...Pan mics 1/3 all the way to the left and 2/4 all the way right.  Now if you want to hear what the 1/2 pair sounds like, raise the level of 1/2 and lower the level of 3/4 pair to zero using the individual channel sliders on the mixer controls.  If you want to monitor the 3/4 pair raise their level and drop the level of channels 1/2 to zero.  Then pay around with the ratio of each to get a feel for whether the combo sounds better than each pair by itself.  Once you've figured out which sounds best, make a note of it and replicate that in post.

Another use is simply to use the monitor to boost the monitoring volume during the show so you can hear better what you're recording.  So say your inputs are set at -12db and you can't hear through the headphones all that well, just crank the post fader monitor level...i think you can add up to 12db.  I do this all the time.

I love the monitoring capabilities of the f8.  I do wish the headphone amp was better quality but it does the job for what I need it to do.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: voltronic on September 06, 2016, 06:02:03 PM
I'm curious if any Team Classical / Jazz / Quiet Acoustic / etc. folks have had experience recording straight into the the F8 and can post samples.  I remember WiFi Jeff was using his for solo piano sessions, but that's the last I've heard any quiet acoustic music recorded with the F8.  I can't really judge the quality of a preamp from an AUD tape, maybe because that's so different from what I'm doing.

My long-term plan has been to save my pennies until I can afford a SD 788, since I'd like 6 or 8 channels of P48, with preamps that offer low(ish) noise at high gain.  Currently I can only do that with my FP-24, and the F8 obviously looks attractive.

I don't expect the F8 preamp performance to equal Sound Devices.  I just am curious how close it gets. ;D
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on September 06, 2016, 10:19:11 PM
Maybe I've missed it in the manual, but is there a way to separately adjust levels for the summed L/R tracks?  The individual component track levels are fine, but the summed stereo L/R tracks are recorded way too hot.  I grant that the summed L/R tracks are unnecessary since I will do my own matrix in post, but it would be kind of nice just to hear them on the fly.

Thanks!

On page 72 of the manual... In the F8 menu choose...

Output > headphone > headphone routing

When you see the grid, toggle so the red triangle is in the upper left under the L column on the first line.  Then toggle so the red triangle is in the lower right under the R column in the second line.  Finally continue to toggle on this same screen to set these up as being post fader in the boxes below the grid.

Lock that selection in by pressing the big black knob.

Now go back to the home screen  and rotate the big black knob until you get the mixer screen which shows all eight channels.  This is the screen similar to page 10 in the manual.  (It doesn't look exactly the same as the manual anymore bc of a firmware update.) 

Press the big black knob.  Now toggle through each channel to set your monitoring details for what you hear in your headphones.  Each channel has a pan and level control so you can send whatever you want into the headphones.  Remember this is a mixer so you're mixing all of the active channels to the summed l and r output, which youre monitoring through your phones. 

So let's say you have four mics flying and they're connected to channels 1 through 4.  By monitoring l and r post fader, you can listen to any combination of inputs however you want to on the headphones.  Here's what I'd do with four mics...Pan mics 1/3 all the way to the left and 2/4 all the way right.  Now if you want to hear what the 1/2 pair sounds like, raise the level of 1/2 and lower the level of 3/4 pair to zero using the individual channel sliders on the mixer controls.  If you want to monitor the 3/4 pair raise their level and drop the level of channels 1/2 to zero.  Then pay around with the ratio of each to get a feel for whether the combo sounds better than each pair by itself.  Once you've figured out which sounds best, make a note of it and replicate that in post.

Another use is simply to use the monitor to boost the monitoring volume during the show so you can hear better what you're recording.  So say your inputs are set at -12db and you can't hear through the headphones all that well, just crank the post fader monitor level...i think you can add up to 12db.  I do this all the time.

I love the monitoring capabilities of the f8.  I do wish the headphone amp was better quality but it does the job for what I need it to do.

Thanks!  Let me give that a whirl.  I did not consider that the mixing function would control the recording level for the L/R tracks.  I have used it for the headphones to monitor the different channels, but not to control the levels of the recorded mixed tracks.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: 2manyrocks on September 07, 2016, 04:12:42 PM
pohaku.-you own a fair sampling of recorders.   If you could keep only one recorder, which one would you keep and why?  If there's a runner-up, which one would you pick as number two?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on September 07, 2016, 06:01:51 PM
Right now, I am really quite happy with the F8.  I don't stealth, so size really isn't an issue as long as it is reasonably luggable.  Second choice is the M10.  It is small, pretty fool proof and runs forever.  If I am just doing a two track, I don't really need more for a recorder.  I would use a tiny box or USBPre2 for the pre.  My DR680 has become superfluous (I suppose I can keep it as back up or lend it out to friends) and the DR70 has also been bumped by the F8.  The F8 is so small that there really isn't any particular advantage to using the DR70 if I am looking to record more than 2 tracks.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: stevetoney on September 07, 2016, 07:46:06 PM
Right now, I am really quite happy with the F8.  I don't stealth, so size really isn't an issue as long as it is reasonably luggable.  Second choice is the M10.  It is small, pretty fool proof and runs forever.  If I am just doing a two track, I don't really need more for a recorder.  I would use a tiny box or USBPre2 for the pre.  My DR680 has become superfluous (I suppose I can keep it as back up or lend it out to friends) and the DR70 has also been bumped by the F8.  The F8 is so small that there really isn't any particular advantage to using the DR70 if I am looking to record more than 2 tracks.

My line up is similar...F8, D50, DR70, DR100mkii, PMD660, and two paperweight micro-crappers (uggh!).  The order I have them listed is my 'line-up' for just about all of the same reasons you list pohaku.  I like the feature set of the F8 and the size, even when I'm doing 2 track recording.  The D50 comes out on occasion when I feel like a really light load or of course if I'm undercover.   One limitation of the D50 is you can't control channels independently, so I really liked the D100 alot better when I had one, but it's so much more expensive.  The D50 is also the recorder I run at the second stage when I'm doing more than one stage at a festival.  The DR70 makes it out if I'm covering multiple stages at a festival or if either of the other two recorders might be having issues.  I rarely use the DR100mkii anymore, but it's so well used that it's worth more to me sitting in the basement than the $50 or so I'd sell it for.  I actually used the PMD660 recently because I was short on time and had about five minutes to put together a rig so just grabbed the 660, mics, cables and batteries.  Recording sounded fantastic.  The PMD660 is an Oade mod and even though it's only 16 bit, it's still one of the best sounding modded all-in-one units I've ever heard, so when I had a chance to pick it up for $100 a couple years ago, I went ahead and got it.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: 2manyrocks on September 07, 2016, 09:56:56 PM
Thanks.  If anyone else would like to pick their no. 1 recorder and no. 2 recorder,  it would be interesting to see what other members have to say. 
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: dogmusic on September 08, 2016, 09:24:48 AM
Right now, I am really quite happy with the F8.  I don't stealth, so size really isn't an issue as long as it is reasonably luggable.  Second choice is the M10.  It is small, pretty fool proof and runs forever.  If I am just doing a two track, I don't really need more for a recorder.  I would use a tiny box or USBPre2 for the pre.  My DR680 has become superfluous (I suppose I can keep it as back up or lend it out to friends) and the DR70 has also been bumped by the F8.  The F8 is so small that there really isn't any particular advantage to using the DR70 if I am looking to record more than 2 tracks.

How do the preamps of the F8 and the DR70D compare? Do the F8's sound better?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: pohaku on September 08, 2016, 01:20:14 PM
Right now, I am really quite happy with the F8.  I don't stealth, so size really isn't an issue as long as it is reasonably luggable.  Second choice is the M10.  It is small, pretty fool proof and runs forever.  If I am just doing a two track, I don't really need more for a recorder.  I would use a tiny box or USBPre2 for the pre.  My DR680 has become superfluous (I suppose I can keep it as back up or lend it out to friends) and the DR70 has also been bumped by the F8.  The F8 is so small that there really isn't any particular advantage to using the DR70 if I am looking to record more than 2 tracks.

How do the preamps of the F8 and the DR70D compare? Do the F8's sound better?

While the pres in both units sound perfectly acceptable to me on an individual basis, especially for recording amplified rock music, I haven't done a split feed from a single pair of mics to be able to do a side by side with different kinds of music.  In my most recent foray with the F8 I actually used my USBPre2 to feed it, so another variable introduced.  Has anyone else here actually done a comparison?
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: vwmule on September 08, 2016, 11:15:35 PM
can someone remind me if there's a cheat sheet for menu settings that fit our use? Just got a new unit after LCD went bad on my last one and want to be sure I've got everything correct.
Title: Re: Zoom F8 - Part 2
Post by: swaneon on September 17, 2016, 04:55:06 PM
Right now, I am really quite happy with the F8.  I don't stealth, so size really isn't an issue as long as it is reasonably luggable.  Second choice is the M10.  It is small, pretty fool proof and runs forever.  If I am just doing a two track, I don't really need more for a recorder.  I would use a tiny box or USBPre2 for the pre.  My DR680 has become superfluous (I suppose I can keep it as back up or lend it out to friends) and the DR70 has also been bumped by the F8.  The F8 is so small that there really isn't any particular advantage to using the DR70 if I am looking to record more than 2 tracks.

How do the preamps of the F8 and the DR70D compare? Do the F8's sound better?

While the pres in both units sound perfectly acceptable to me on an individual basis, especially for recording amplified rock music, I haven't done a split feed from a single pair of mics to be able to do a side by side with different kinds of music.  In my most recent foray with the F8 I actually used my USBPre2 to feed it, so another variable introduced.  Has anyone else here actually done a comparison?
I did a rough comparison a while back with the Mix Pre D and F8 and the F8 literally was astounding. The F8 is much better than the DR70d imo.