Topic: Zoom F3 Part 2

[Billy Mumphrey]

Don't forget that whenever you're running any kind of phantom adapter that reduces voltage, you can set the F3 to output 24v (instead of 48v) and that will use less battery life. You actually don't use the Menu button to change this, the little settings buttons on the front is what you use.

I think I posted this a while ago, but I've had so much success with these little portable batteries that I'll post again: the Miady 5000 mAh portable batteries are quite small (see pic below) and have given me zero issues. I think I recently did a ~9-hour festival (at 24v) and there was still 3/4 remaining on the batt meter. A 2-pack is currently $14:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T8TDS8S?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I also use these right angle USB cables:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM3QS7SM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1


I've actually bought 6 Miady batteries and haven't had any issues. I have 4 of the 15000mAh batts. These aren't a name brand like Anker, and some people have had issues with cheaper (probably Chinese) batteries like this, but I've used all 6 of my Miady's for 75+ shows without a single issue. YMMV, but hopefully not.

[yousef]

I've just done a test and got just over two hours out of the Engergizer Max Plus AAs with the battery indicator down to one bar with the DPA 4022s.

I didn't bother running it down to empty as I don't anticipate needing that long. I hope this helps someone else too.

[yousef]

I used the 4022 > F3 set up to tape the Sex Pistols/Frank Carter gig last week and am very happy with the ease of use and results.

Also used it with AT-853s and a USB power pack to record my own band and support on Saturday - similarly happy.

I think were it not for the chunky metal casing and the hold switch seemingly being designed to facilitate failure, this may be my ultimate (2-track) recorder.

[adrianf74]

I used the 4022 > F3 set up to tape the Sex Pistols/Frank Carter gig last week and am very happy with the ease of use and results.

Also used it with AT-853s and a USB power pack to record my own band and support on Saturday - similarly happy.

I think were it not for the chunky metal casing and the hold switch seemingly being designed to facilitate failure, this may be my ultimate (2-track) recorder.

What I love is that I can place it on hold and then hit record from the app with the BT dongle before locking it in the device.  Can also change input to mic/ph in that as well.  So much easier than using the buttons on the deck and pretty bulletproof.

[dallman]

I used the 4022 > F3 set up to tape the Sex Pistols/Frank Carter gig last week and am very happy with the ease of use and results.

Also used it with AT-853s and a USB power pack to record my own band and support on Saturday - similarly happy.

I think were it not for the chunky metal casing and the hold switch seemingly being designed to facilitate failure, this may be my ultimate (2-track) recorder.

I don't quite get it. For me this is one of the best Hold buttons, and I have quite a few decks. It is virtually impossible to take hold off accidentally. I think the design is brilliant.

[yousef]

What I love is that I can place it on hold and then hit record from the app with the BT dongle before locking it in the device.  Can also change input to mic/ph in that as well.  So much easier than using the buttons on the deck and pretty bulletproof.

I didn't realize this - hadn't really thought about getting the bluetooth adapter but this might make me think again.

[yousef]

I don't quite get it. For me this is one of the best Hold buttons, and I have quite a few decks. It is virtually impossible to take hold off accidentally. I think the design is brilliant.

I don't like the way if hold gets accidentally disengaged, the same movement that would have done this will also stop the recording too. Made worse by the fact that the switch itself isn't recessed. A nudge in a bag could quite easily achieve this, I'd reckon. Gaffa taped it into place though.

[DuctTaper42]

Or if it could be like most every other recorder (even the F4!) where hitting record while it's rolling seamlessly starts a new track then it wouldn't be an issue. I've accidentally stopped a recording before by trying to take it off hold and sliding the button too far 

[yousef]

Interestingly, I'm sure I read in the instructions (or possibly on the website) that it was designed so that if the hold switch was disengaged, the same actuation would not also stop recording. But this is demonstrably not the case.

[Rairun]

Interestingly, I'm sure I read in the instructions (or possibly on the website) that it was designed so that if the hold switch was disengaged, the same actuation would not also stop recording. But this is demonstrably not the case.

Strange, this is demonstrably the case with my unit. Once Hold is active, pushing the button the opposite way will not start or stop recording, only disengage Hold. It takes letting it go and pushing it again to start/stop recording. I've done this dozens of times without fail.

[yousef]

I wonder if there's a firmware update I need to get...

[Edit: have just done some experimenting with this and it seems that even a microsecond's delay in moving the switch from hold through to REC will cause the recording to stop. Presumably this timing is something that could be fixed in firmware though]

[adrianf74]

I wonder if there's a firmware update I need to get...

[Edit: have just done some experimenting with this and it seems that even a microsecond's delay in moving the switch from hold through to REC will cause the recording to stop. Presumably this timing is something that could be fixed in firmware though]

I'd get in touch with Zoom about this then because they can probably fix the issue.

[mepaca]

Amazon sale today for $218.49. Lowest price I've seen. Smokin' deal.  https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-F3-Professional-Recording-Converters/dp/B09SVN6J35/ref=sr_1_2?crid=20707J1ESDMK8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fhG6e6b4M1n4uEOoQxLAodVwMXVza1-wZnE-qhSjBDakcr6VFlmvcNGDyhGhicD4cS4Hudj_C4zRCm2gaIzrgO9vIA9Uwq1knMk-DuBOmkNjQ6SZRjKWlaoiZsULofp1bX6XHxH29YGcY6PzDDBQNhGhBp3Oo4F1JbgKsIRe3tBAoZs2YU5b4_NE-Cl-QN465sM6MxPq04Auh-Y9dlSkwRQ2jS7M7sVUcJ5rUf9wQW7QjdYaXLdk2H_EeTCf4wmrcaRJtBilyx0EY0q2G9EHvTzf_JZ9IRTkRcW1ugBy8Zg.Lu-WxDOo08w135I76ZDzO-4oJIsTvXOGTkjID77Vkm0&dib_tag=se&keywords=zoom%2Bf3&qid=1728400259&sprefix=zoom%2Bf3%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-2&th=1

[yousef]

Ahhh...

Third stealth outing with the F3 and the first time I forgot to bring some tape to secure the hold switch 

The inevitable did indeed happen and I ended up missing the final song of the night. Thankfully it was just a slightly lacklustre Travelling Wilburys tribute act that I was only taping to keep my hand in.

I had the recorder in my bag and it looks like the switch must have been knocked when I stood up (the band asked everyone to stand while they took a photo of themselves from the stage...) I initially thought that the batteries had died but when I switched it back on I still had two bars left.

Lesson very much learned - I'm going to keep a small strip of gaffa permanently stuck to the back of the F3 so it's always to hand.

[TheJez]

Ahhh...

Third stealth outing with the F3 and the first time I forgot to bring some tape to secure the hold switch 

The inevitable did indeed happen and I ended up missing the final song of the night. Thankfully it was just a slightly lacklustre Travelling Wilburys tribute act that I was only taping to keep my hand in.

I had the recorder in my bag and it looks like the switch must have been knocked when I stood up (the band asked everyone to stand while they took a photo of themselves from the stage...) I initially thought that the batteries had died but when I switched it back on I still had two bars left.

Lesson very much learned - I'm going to keep a small strip of gaffa permanently stuck to the back of the F3 so it's always to hand.

I'm sorry for your mishap... Fortunately it doesn't sound like the most important recording ever... I recently got my Tascam FR-AV2 and I am very worried about accidentally stopping the recording too, as there is no real hold switch on that one. (Accidentally) pressing the stop button for three seconds is enough, and it feels it's something that could easily happen when it's in a bag or in my pocket. And no way to prevent that by gaffa tape