Zoom F8n Pro 8-Input / 10-Track Multitrack Field Recorder

Efficiently and effectively capture audio at every location with the Zoom F8n Pro, a multitrack field recorder designed to fit seamlessly into sound bags. This device utilizes 32-bit float technology, providing an extensive dynamic range that eliminates concerns about clipping and the need for manual gain adjustments. With capabilities for 8-input and 10-track recording, it features distinct converters for both quiet and loud sounds, along with high-quality preamps that allow for mic/line input switching. The F8n Pro combines both quantity and quality within a durable design, making it exceptionally suitable for filmmaking, production and location sound mixing, sound effects recording, and electronic news gathering.

The F8n Pro is designed to satisfy both beginners and experienced professionals, featuring a large, informative color display and intuitive controls. It offers versatile powering options, remote control capabilities, and precise time code functionality. Whether you require extended stereo recording for interviews, redundant capture of multiple microphones for video production, or Ambisonics sound files for virtual reality and 360-audio projects, the F8n Pro provides the necessary modes, resolutions, and media support to effectively manage your essential audio requirements.

Enhancements on the Pro Model

The F8n Pro builds upon the foundation established by the F8n, incorporating dual analog-to-digital converters and 32-bit float recording capabilities. This advancement facilitates exceptional audio recording quality without the need for gain adjustments or the risk of clipping. The separate A/D converters for both low and high gain ensure that the F8n Pro delivers remarkable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance across a wide range of sound levels, from quiet to loud. The 32-bit float WAV format preserves the resolution during recording, allowing for post-recording normalization processing without any loss of the original sound quality. Additionally, it functions as an 8-input / 4-output USB audio interface that supports 32-bit float resolution.

Studio-Quality Performance for Discerning Professionals

The F8n Pro is designed to support a wide range of condenser microphones and balanced line-level signals through its eight locking Neutrik XLR-1/4" combo inputs. It features eight high-quality microphone preamps that provide substantial gain of up to 75 dB and an exceptionally low noise floor of -127 dBu EIN, guaranteeing precise amplification of your audio sources. Additionally, the F8n Pro is equipped with sophisticated look-ahead limiters that predict and prevent clipping prior to recording.

Zoom Mic Capsule Input

The F8n Pro features a Zoom mic capsule input that allows for the use of Zoom's interchangeable capsules (sold separately) in lieu of inputs 1-2. With options including mid-side, X/Y, and shotgun mic capsules, you can efficiently capture music, dialogue, or sound effects without the need for an external microphone setup.

Configurable Recording Settings for Any Situation

The F8n Pro offers a wide array of recording modes and resolutions. Users can record all eight inputs at a peak resolution of 32-bit / 192 kHz, utilize the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and compatibility with industry standards, or employ the integrated Ambisonics mode to capture 360° audio using a compatible VR microphone.

Redundant Recording and Pre-Recording

Record directly to an SD card while simultaneously capturing USB audio to a computer, ensuring a secure and redundant backup of your recordings. The F8n Pro features dual SD card slots that accommodate SDXC cards with capacities of up to 1TB, enabling high-resolution recordings suitable for extended sessions. You can choose to record identical content on both cards or opt for different file formats for each. Additionally, the pre-record function enables you to save up to six seconds of audio prior to pressing the Record button, ensuring that no take is overlooked.

Multiple Output Feeds

Equipped with two TA3 balanced main outputs and an unbalanced 3.5mm submix output, the F8n Pro serves as a proficient field mixer. The flexibility of routing allows the main and sub outputs to be sourced from either different or identical inputs, facilitating connections to various devices such as cameras, DSLRs, mixers, or secondary recorders.

Additionally, the F8n Pro features a transparent and high-output headphone amplifier, delivering 100mW per channel through a dedicated 1/4" stereo output. This design ensures clear and efficient monitoring of pre- or post-fader levels, independent left and right signals, as well as notifications for battery and recording status.

Ambisonics Support for VR, AR, and 360-Audio

The Ambisonics mode of the F8n Pro provides accurate A-to-B decoding along with balanced gain linking, facilitating the capture of high-quality spatial audio suitable for Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and additional applications. While the first four channels are dedicated to Ambisonics recording, channels 5-8 can be employed for other audio sources, such as boom and lavalier microphones, or for an alternative Ambisonics format. Additionally, a built-in Ambisonics stereo monitor converter enables real-time monitoring of your recordings. To enhance your experience, you can download the complimentary Zoom Ambisonics Player software, which offers intuitive decoding and editing capabilities for your 360-audio projects.

Built-In Processing

The F8n Pro features flexible signal routing from all inputs to all outputs, phase inversion, and mid-side decoding. It also provides high-pass filtering to reduce the sound of wind and other noise. Input and output delays are also available.

Precision Time Code and Synchronization Features

The F8n Pro ensures reliable synchronization with video cameras, time code clocks, and supplementary audio recorders, regardless of whether it remains powered on throughout the day or is turned off during breaks. Its advanced time code capabilities facilitate precise synchronization. Dedicated standard BNC jacks are provided for time code input and output, while the Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) guarantees exceptional time code accuracy within ±0.2 ppm. Additionally, the F8n can be jam-synced even in the absence of a continuous external time code.

Efficient Remote Control Options

For those requiring comprehensive external control, Zoom provides an excellent solution. The Zoom F-Control, sold separately, is perfect for rapid and seamless hands-on remote management. It is equipped with smooth 60mm faders and tactile controls for functions such as trim, pan, track arming, transport operations, and additional features.

To facilitate convenient wireless remote control from an iOS device, the complimentary "F8 Control" application allows users to efficiently monitor and adjust levels, manage transport controls, and add metadata, among other functionalities. An Android version of the F8 Control app is anticipated to be released in 2022.

Power for Hours

To maintain the demands of on-location production, the F8n Pro provides multiple power options. It can be powered by eight AA batteries (sold separately), connected to a Hirose-compatible 9-18V DC battery pack (also sold separately), or plugged into a wall outlet using the included 12V power adapter.

Multifunction Mini-USB Port

A mini-USB port on the F8n Pro serves several functions. Connect it to a computer for file backup or live audio streaming, or connect it to the Zoom F-Control (available separately) for hands-on remote control.

Highly Visible Display

At any time of day or night, essential information including audio levels, recording duration, battery status, and additional details can be easily viewed on the 2.4" full-color backlit LCD, which also features a monochromatic mode. The transport controls, including illuminated play/pause and record buttons, along with navigation buttons and per-channel gain, PFL, and 6-segment meters, are conveniently located nearby to facilitate sound bag-friendly and efficient operations.

Zoom AutoMix Software Reduces Ambient Noise

Allow Zoom's AutoMix feature to streamline your tasks. This intelligent software automatically calibrates the levels of your mix, minimizing ambient noise, thereby enabling you to concentrate on achieving a well-balanced sound. You have the flexibility to activate or deactivate AutoMix for each channel, granting you full control over its application.

Compact, Portable, and Durable

The rugged build quality and compact size make the F8n Pro an excellent choice for location recording on set and in the field. It's equally well suited for placement in an audio bag or a camera-mounted configuration.

Metadata for Simplified Postproduction

Add metadata such as notes and track/scene names in BWF and iXML formats to easily catalog your files in preparation for loading them into your video or audio editing workstation. Make it a habit to make organization and collaboration in postproduction easy.

Built-In Slate Function and Tone Generator

The F8n Pro has a built-in slate mic for recording comments as well as the ability to output a variable frequency tone signal for synchronization with miscellaneous video equipment.