Topic: Zoom F8

[pohaku]

Bedtime reading.  I notice you can at least link two tracks as a stereo track by pressing 2 track keys at the same time.  Presumptively adjusting the level on one track then adjusts the level on the other track.  Apparently you can link tracks 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, etc.

[Jonmac]

Bedtime reading.  I notice you can at least link two tracks as a stereo track by pressing 2 track keys at the same time.  Presumptively adjusting the level on one track then adjusts the level on the other track.  Apparently you can link tracks 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, etc.

If it's the same as the H6, with a linked stereo track, you will have to adjust the left and right individually. It's never caused me any problems with the H6.

[pohaku]

Bedtime reading.  I notice you can at least link two tracks as a stereo track by pressing 2 track keys at the same time.  Presumptively adjusting the level on one track then adjusts the level on the other track.  Apparently you can link tracks 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, etc.

If it's the same as the H6, with a linked stereo track, you will have to adjust the left and right individually. It's never caused me any problems with the H6.

Yeah, it doesn't specifically say that adjusting the level on one track of a stereo track adjusts the other.  I was hoping, but you are probably correct if that is how it works on the H6.

[carlbeck]

Reading the manual so far I really like what I see but it appears if you use XLR inputs the pre is only adjustable from +10 - 75db & using TRS it's automatically a line level input? So from my preamp I have to use TRS so I don't automatically add 10db on top of my preamp gain? I would have liked a menu option allowing me to select mic input or line level regardless of my cable connection. Am I reading that right?

[pohaku]

Reading the manual so far I really like what I see but it appears if you use XLR inputs the pre is only adjustable from +10 - 75db & using TRS it's automatically a line level input? So from my preamp I have to use TRS so I don't automatically add 10db on top of my preamp gain? I would have liked a menu option allowing me to select mic input or line level regardless of my cable connection. Am I reading that right?

Yeah, that is what it appears to be.  I see nothing that lets you toggle from line to mic on an input regardless of cabling.  Seems odd.

[H₂O]

Reading the manual so far I really like what I see but it appears if you use XLR inputs the pre is only adjustable from +10 - 75db & using TRS it's automatically a line level input? So from my preamp I have to use TRS so I don't automatically add 10db on top of my preamp gain? I would have liked a menu option allowing me to select mic input or line level regardless of my cable connection. Am I reading that right?

This is probably a hardware decision where the TRS bypass the Pre (directly wired after the pre circuit) - this would simplify the design and require no relays to be put into the design to allow switching in the circuit network on a single set of input lines.


This would cut costs and free up real-estate on the board.


It may still be software but my guess is what I mentioned above - The Korg MR-1000 had the same setup. 

[pohaku]

Reading the manual so far I really like what I see but it appears if you use XLR inputs the pre is only adjustable from +10 - 75db & using TRS it's automatically a line level input? So from my preamp I have to use TRS so I don't automatically add 10db on top of my preamp gain? I would have liked a menu option allowing me to select mic input or line level regardless of my cable connection. Am I reading that right?

This is probably a hardware decision where the TRS bypass the Pre (directly wired after the pre circuit) - this would simplify the design and require no relays to be put into the design to allow switching in the circuit network on a single set of input lines.


This would cut costs and free up real-estate on the board.


It may still be software but my guess is what I mentioned above - The Korg MR-1000 had the same setup.

I suppose another upside if that architecture is correct is that it would bypass the onboard pres, rather than just pad them.  Not a bad thing.  I suppose I will wait to hear how good the onboard pres truly are.  No point in lugging more boxes around than necessary, although there is a SD 442 in the yard sale that might make a nice front end for 4 channels.

[Benderman11]

That's what I do.  Run SD442 >H6 via TRS cables.

[carlbeck]

That's what I do.  Run SD442 >H6 via TRS cables.

So on the H6 TRS cables makes it a line level input? Ie bypasses the preamps?

I was eyeing that 442, I'd love to own one but can't justify it at the moment.

[pohaku]

That's what I do.  Run SD442 >H6 via TRS cables.

So on the H6 TRS cables makes it a line level input? Ie bypasses the preamps?

I was eyeing that 442, I'd love to own one but can't justify it at the moment.

Me too!  I think I will wait to see how good the preamps on the F8 truly are before I go spending more money to replace them.

The impending release of the F8 has certainly modified my spending on gear - I'm holding off buying any other recorders and pres until I know whether it is worth buying the F8.

[myke2241]

there is a show and tell at Location Sound in North Hollywood tomorrow from 10am-1pm for those in the area. i mite try to catch the end but as others have said pres are the deciding factor on if it is a winner or not. I just have a hard time believing that Zoom could doing solid TC and high end pres in a box under $1k. i suppose it is possible but at what cost....

[voltronic]

there is a show and tell at Location Sound in North Hollywood tomorrow from 10am-1pm for those in the area. i mite try to catch the end but as others have said pres are the deciding factor on if it is a winner or not. I just have a hard time believing that Zoom could doing solid TC and high end pres in a box under $1k. i suppose it is possible but at what cost....

...Cheap Chinese labor?

In all seriousness, putting eight high-end pres in a $1k box is the thing I have to see/hear to believe, even given cheap overseas labor costs.  I suppose the nearest competitor price-wise that has similar features would be the Tascam HS-P82, but at more than double the price of the F8.

[pohaku]

But the manual says they are "super-high-quality preamps"

The DR-680 has 6 decent preamps and now retails for $426.80 at B&H.  So, not out of the realm of possibility.

[Gutbucket]

^^^
Does the manual for the new 680 mkII claim "decent preamps"? 

[2manyrocks]

I'm not knowledgeable about the internal circuitry, but I wonder if there have been some advances in manufacturing that make it possible for the claim about the preamp quality to actually be true at this new price point? 


But I'm not running out and buying regardless....