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Description

Capture pristine soundscapes with the Zoom F4 Field Audio Recorder, meticulously designed for sound designers, filmmakers, and musicians on the go. This powerhouse device bridges the gap between high-end studio capabilities and the demands of field recording. With six discrete inputs, including XLR/TRS combo connectors and Zoom mic support, the F4 provides unrivaled versatility for capturing every nuance of your audio environment. Whether you're in a bustling city or a serene forest, the F4's robust preamps ensure your recordings are crystal clear, offering up to 75dB of gain.

The F4 features a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator, ensuring rock-solid time code accuracy within 0.2ppm, making it an ideal companion for synchronized sound projects. Its intuitive interface is complemented by a compact design, perfect for slipping into your gear bag while still leaving room for creativity. Dive into a world where portability meets professional quality, and elevate your projects with sound that speaks volumes.

Key Features:

  • Six discrete inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors
  • High-gain mic preamps offering up to 75dB
  • Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator for time code accuracy (0.2ppm)
  • Compact design for easy portability
  • Stereo 3.5mm input and Zoom mic support
  • Dual SD card slots for redundancy and extended recording
  • User-friendly interface with a backlit LCD display

Product specs

Brand Zoom
Model F4 Multitrack Field Recorder
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Recording Gear

FAQs

How many tracks can the Zoom F4 Field Audio Recorder simultaneously record?

The Zoom F4 can record up to 8 tracks simultaneously, which includes 6 input tracks and a stereo mix, providing flexibility for capturing complex audio setups in the field.

Does the Zoom F4 support timecode synchronization for video production?

Yes, the Zoom F4 features precise timecode synchronization, making it suitable for professional video production where accurate audio and video alignment is crucial.

What type of power options are available for the Zoom F4 Field Audio Recorder?

The Zoom F4 can be powered by 8 AA batteries, an external DC power supply, or a USB power source, offering versatility for various recording environments.

Are the microphone preamps on the Zoom F4 considered high-quality?

Yes, the Zoom F4 is equipped with super-low-noise microphone preamps, which are designed to deliver high-quality audio capture, suitable for professional use.

What connectivity options does the Zoom F4 offer for external devices?

The Zoom F4 provides multiple connectivity options, including XLR/TRS combo jacks, a USB port for data transfer, and a headphone output for monitoring, ensuring compatibility with a variety of equipment.

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Zoom F4 Audio Recorder Final Review

Video thumbnail for Zoom F4 Audio Recorder Final Review by Curtis Judd

Zoom F4 Audio Recorder Final Review

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Video thumbnail for Zoom F4 Demo by Gotham Sound

Zoom F4 Demo

Gotham Sound

Gotham Sound

Video thumbnail for Zoom F4 Audio Recorder First Impressions by Curtis Judd

Zoom F4 Audio Recorder First Impressions

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Video thumbnail for How to use Zoom F4 by Matt McGuinness

How to use Zoom F4

Matt McGuinness

Matt McGuinness

Video thumbnail for Zoom F4 Course: Making Great Sound with the Zoom F4 Audio Field Recorder by Curtis Judd

Zoom F4 Course: Making Great Sound with the Zoom F4 Audio Field Recorder

Curtis Judd

Curtis Judd

Video thumbnail for Zoom F4 | 2019 Best Budget Audio Recorder by Video Gizmology

Zoom F4 | 2019 Best Budget Audio Recorder

Video Gizmology

Video Gizmology

Video thumbnail for ZOOM F4 MultiTrack Field Recorder Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

ZOOM F4 MultiTrack Field Recorder Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zoom F4 - Field Audio Recorder.

Features and functionality

  • The Zoom F4 includes full-size XLR outputs and a camera return input, allowing the use of dedicated breakaway cables for enhanced connectivity.

    Source
  • To record separate audio files for each channel, use the "Tr1-6 (Mono/StWav)" setting to save each channel as an individual file.

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  • The recorder's settings include stereo linking options, where linked channels will be saved as a single stereo file, affecting file separation.

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  • The F4 is praised for having balanced outputs, a feature missing in some competitors like the MixPre series, making it a preferred choice for some users.

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Comparisons

  • The F4's preamps are praised for high quality, with users reporting no discernible difference from professional-grade recorders in blind A/B tests.

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  • The F4 is often compared favorably to the F8 and MixPre series, with users appreciating its full feature set and lower price point in comparison to the MixPre's limited inputs and single SD card slot.

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Build quality

  • The Zoom F4 features a dedicated Hirose power input, which is highlighted as a beneficial inclusion for reliable power management in field settings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The F4 offers timecode sync via BNC, which aligns well with existing Atomos and Timecode Systems/Ultrasync setups for precise synchronization.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the F4's ergonomics and routing options, finding them superior to the F6, especially for bag-based field recording purposes.

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  • Many owners express a preference for the F4 over newer models like the F6 due to its superior ergonomics and feature set, despite the F6's newer design.

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Software and compatibility

  • The Zoom F4 can serve as a USB interface, though its support for the latest Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) is problematic, causing feedback issues in certain setups.

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  • Users can separate polywave containers into individual tracks using software like SD Wave Agent for more precise audio management.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Zoom F4 is becoming increasingly hard to find, with used units often selling for their original retail price or more due to its discontinuation.

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Use cases and applications

  • The F4 is frequently regarded as the best budget field recorder, with some owners preferring it for professional gigs over more expensive models due to its reliability and features.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Zoom F4 — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Zoom F4 is an impressive field recorder that strikes a remarkable balance between price and performance. With its robust features, including six inputs, dual SD card slots, and professional-grade preamps, it’s hard to overlook the value it offers compared to competitors. However, the low-resolution monochrome display and lack of Bluetooth functionality may frustrate some users accustomed to more modern interfaces. While it excels in sound quality and durability, those seeking advanced features might feel the pinch with its retro design. Overall, the F4 is a solid choice for budget-conscious filmmakers, but it may not completely satisfy those looking for top-tier features.

positive

Review: Zoom F4 - Audio Media International

audiomediainternational.com

The Zoom F4 field recorder offers impressive functionality for its price, boasting four inputs, expandable to six, along with robust mic preamps and dual SD card slots. However, it suffers from non-motorized encoders that can disrupt workflow and lacks a backup battery for timecode, which could inconvenience users. While its recording capabilities are professional-grade, the lack of certain features found in higher-end models like the F8 might leave some sound engineers wanting more. Ultimately, the F4 is a solid choice for beginners, but it may not satisfy the demands of seasoned professionals due to these shortcomings.

negative

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