Description
The Zoom F6 is the first professional field recorder to feature both 32-bit float recording and dual AD converters, providing an unprecedented amount of dynamic range. With 6 inputs, Zoom’s solid time code, multiple power options and wireless control, the F6 is rugged enough to withstand the most demanding scenarios and small enough to fit into the tightest spaces. The F6 is poised to be your new secret weapon.32-Bit float recording with dual a/D converters
6-Channel/14-track field audio recorder/mixer
6 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR connectors
Advanced look-ahead hybrid Limiters for 24-bit recording
Ios wireless control with F control app
Dustin –
Really great quality audio and enough inputs to satisfy my needs.
Mark –
Just a heads up to people upgrading from the F8. The Camera Mount Adapter CMF8 and the 2 TA3 to XLR Cables TXF8 are not included in the new Zoom F8n packaging. I know I should have known that from reading the product description, but I just assumed the same items as the F8 would be included. At the moment, I havent been able to find a price for the camera mount adapter as a separate purchase.So, the Zoom F8n is a great upgrade from the F8. Just be aware that the camera adapter and cables that were with the F8 are not included with the F8n.
Wilbur –
The Zoom F8n is a deep product with a laundry list of features. The one missing feature is to have two channels linked so that one gain trim changes the gain for both channels, but with the ability to have one channels gain offset from the other. That offset would be maintained as the gain is changed with the control of the other channel. Most of the SD recorders do this. However, the F8n has been recording at 192kHz sampling rate without a catch, something the SD recorders have not been able to do. The preamps on the F8n are very quiet and transparent. I would not hesitate to recommend this recorder to anyone that wants firstclass sound, stellar recordings, and an amazingly functional recorder.
nevel88 –
Im use to working with the F8, now wanting to use the F4 for smaller gigs. Zoom makes great quality products for the reasonable prices Instagram nevelbeats
millonphoto2 –
It is a fabulous mixer recorder. FABULOUS For the price, it is a magical answer to any filmmakers needs. Priceless
Bryan –
For live music the input limiter worked great. In a more controlled interview scenario, the automixer did its job. The IOS control app works great, although it has a bit of lag from adjusting a slider to the recorder responding. The FRC8 controller works great with the F8n as well, with less lag than the IOS app perhaps due to being connected by USB instead of bluetooth, and can be powered by the recorder, making for less batteries to have on handkeep charged. I was kind of bummed that I cannot have the F8n connected to both the FRC8 controller and a PC at the same time. I like being able to use the physical fadersbuttons that the controller has, but at the same time I was hoping to be able to have the recorder set as an USB audio device so I could record a third set of backup files digitally Im already recording to both of the recorders SD card slots through Audition. I suppose thats overkill, but for me its nice to visually monitor the recordings for clipping which I guess is a nonissue with the limiters enabled. I also use the recorder to pass clean audio to 3 cameras via the main and sub outputs. Overall, the f8n and its accessories make for a great portable studio.
Nicholas –
This recorder rocked when I was doing a multiday, 1man gig.I simultaneously ran 3 to 5 lavs plus a boom with no problem.Used the new limiter once with the boom and it did its job but also did dual recording just in case. Nice to have the dual recording option when have available spare tracks. Used external batteries via hirose and it changed to using internal AAs without a problem when I swapped out external battery.Had to use its time code clock as the master and no problems with sync reported by post even without rejamming at lunch used a nanolockit box on cam.I used the auto mix as I was also booming most of the time. It worked ok for camera scratch, at least no complaints. Knobs are a bit small for serious mixing. Would want to use that separate zoom Fcontrol mixer I think if I was mixing anything even slightly difficult. Wish the main outs were full sized and pro but made it work as had adapter cables. Headphone preamp was fine to my ears.Good buy as I needed all those extra inputs
Peter –
Ive only had it a day, but I didnt even need to crack the manual to get things all set up very intuitive. The connections even for my Zoom H6 and all its mics is on back are all solid and very professional Neutrik connectors and the HIROS connection is a real plus. I record sound effects in the field, and while the limiters on the F8N arent quite as good as the SD MixPre line, this is a pro machine all the way.
flicker177 –
Ive been doing live recording for years, I started with a tower computer, CRT monitor, bulky interface rack and such. I progressed through a laptop and a smaller interface and have made hundreds of hours of recordings this way. It always terrified me during the recording as I waited for a computer crash, it didnt happen often, I never lost much, but it always felt like trouble waiting to happen. I just get a new Zoom F8n recorder and spent the last week recording about 12 hours of audio on 4 different gigs with it. Im very pleased. It sounds great, I can hold it in my hand, and it just feels rocksolid. I hope it will just keep chugging along the way it is now, I dont have enough experience to comment on longterm reliability, but whoever designed it clearly knew about field recording. Its a complex box so expect a learning curve before you can exploit all its features. Digital recording has sure come a long way in 20 years Bill
wayneb2117 –
This little recorder is very nice. Very clean sound and pretty intuitive to use the menus. I bought it to transfer multiple tapes at once so I make 4 stereo pairs and then run four tapes and capture them all at the same time. But having a video production bakground, I wish Id had one of these years ago for on location sound. Although not needed to run it, I did end up getting the FControl panel which is like a little mixer board that plugs in via USB. Makes it a bit easier to use but I would have been happy enough even if that wasnt available. I dont know what else to say. For me it was a reasonably pricey bit of gear but it is very solid and really nice and from extensive research before buying it seems to be one of the best value for money units for its quality and features. Im more than happy that I bought it.
Nathan –
This is a fantastic recorder for sound effects. Easy to use, powerful, and sounds great. Match that with the amazing customer support, and you cant lose. For my Sound Design recordings I personally prefer this over other name brands for this price point.
Paul –
The F8 and F8n are terrific field recorders. I have my F8 for about 2 yrs and use it with the FRC8 Control when I can, or just by itself in a sound bag. It is packed with features including Time Code inout, Auto Mix, backup recording, etc. just to name a few.The new F6 will offer 32 bit float recording, which is very desirable, other than that the F8n is perfect.
Manav –
Received it this week from BH and put to to the test at a wedding reception. Chose 32bit float format and set the fader to 12db for reception speeches. As the reception finished the DJ increased the volume and the recording clipped. I didnt put the faders down for the dance floor on purpose to see if I could fix it in post I was using this as a back up recorder on the night. Got home and imported the 32 bit file into Adobe Audition and boom Literally cant clip this thing.. I put the dance floor part down by like 30db and it sounded perfect.. no distortion or clipping. I love this recorder Oh and it runs on my NPF battery for hours. Dont have to worry about AA batteries running out.. I ran this off a 9900mah battery and after recording for 4 hours the battery was still at 90
Dale –
Everything was fine in weeks of testing Nice unit UNTIL I had to use it on a shoot. I jammed its timecode with a Tentaclesync E as a normal function, and somehow that also jammed every input on the F6. With other crew and client waiting, the entire shoot was in total jeopardy as I was utterly lost in what was wrong or how to fix it. I finally had no recourse but to do a factory reset and it worked immediately, but this meant I had to rejam the timecode. I rejammed and this time, the F6 kept working. The final kick in the nads was that completely rattled, I forgot the EXTREMELY POORLY DESIGNED FIRMWARE lets the F6 come up as default in a 24 bit poly file mode, instead of the touted 32 bit float stereomono mode. So I didnt get the nonclipping protection of 32 bit mode, and all the audio of multiple inputs was selfmixed together by way of polymode. Im wanting to vomit just thinking about it. What product manufacturer designs a product that comes up in a submode that their product is capable of I contacted Zoom support, but they seemingly are powerless to get the firmware redesigned so this unit starts in 32 bit float mode as default. Not reliable for a shoot, period.
dgsauer –
Good, low cost alternative to Sound Devices, as long as Audio Tech isnt your primary function.
Thabani –
I was in the market for a soundfield recorder and I am glad that I did not purchase a more expensive Zoom product before preordering this darling little magical tool. Coming from owning a Zoom H1 and renting the H6, I feel professional in the audio quality this device produces.There is plenty to learn and apply but starting off simple is allowed. I have had all 6 inputs with lavs and recorded in a poly file. I will not do this again because its easier to already have your monostereo files ready for postproduction.
Acoustic Preserve –
I am still getting to know this little recorder. Recently upgraded from the H6 and I am blown away by the lower preamp noise in this device. The software is a bit different and trying to turn off the phantom power was a bit of a struggle. Its not under phantom power settings its under line settings for the trackinput. So far Im impressed.
Tim –
We own 15 recordermixers and our clients love the F8nFRC8 combo
Tujuane Doughty –
Solid piece of gear. Great size and you can easily turn on and use it without any hassle.
E. Rodriguez –
The Zoom F8N is an amazing product The menus are easy to scroll through and recording is very fluid and smooth. Very user friendly also has its advanced options you can teach yourself how to use very quickly. I highly recommend this product I cant wait to use it again for my next gig
Jon –
I demo drove one of these over the weekend. I recorded with a lav mic on my desktop during a lecture presentation in 32 bit float and changed the gain levels from nothing to max. On importing into Sound Forge, I normalized elements that metered at 110 dB and got perfectly usable audio. I normalized elements that were clipped heavily and got perfectly usable audio.The menu system is not easy to manage but if the app allows for changing settings that is a nonissue.Im buying one of these ASAP
Wayne –
I really have nothing negative to add, except when you mount your quick release baseplate to the bottom, the side metal bars on the bottom sides, interfere with the head. Which means I need to use a spacer between the F6 and my baseplate. I use Manfrotto, maybe thats the reason. Heads up, you might need a spacer cheese plate.
Jonathan –
So far I am blown away This is a must have in my audio kit now With the dual DAC and 32bit audio one would have to work hard to not get great audio. The first project I used it on was run and gun. Over the course of the production we would transition from people yelling, to practically whispering, sometimes in a matter of seconds. In the past the yelling would have clipped until I could bring the gain down, and the wipers would have been noisy when brought up to reasonable levels in post. Not with this recorder. The yelling didnt clip once, and the whispers were brought back up to a normal listening level with no perceptible noise increase. It was like I had recorded both with the correct gain setting. When youre holding a boom, and also recording sound this is a God send Well see how the recorder holds up over time, but the build quality seems solid Also, with the dual battery system you can change batteries mid take if needed This recorder is a keeper
Nyk Fry –
Great sound, great interface. Love the bluetooth to iPad Mini, which becomes a great tool on fast production days, although for many, the emhanced display may likely suffice. Side access SD card slots a little difficult to get to in bag with XLRs, but stubbys fix that. Battery life was an initial concern, but using external BPU seems about the same as F4. AA compartment, no tray. Not a concern if ext. powering, but seems retrograde perhaps Also the previous F8 bag will work, except for AA access, which may or not be a problem for you. Most wont need new bag, but thats the fix. Great new limiters Tested on a short over the weekend. No hesitation using on two upcoming features.
Don –
I bought the zoom f8 but the digital preamps were not acceptable for me and I returned it. The zoom f8n apparently fixed the problems because this mixer is very nice. Great sound
Cintiene –
Sound quality is excellent. Form factor is precise and has a small footprint it wont get in the way of anything
Stephen –
This is a great sounding device Its compact and easy to navigate. I was able to figure out how to change settings without opening the operators manual. I love the 32bit recording feature. My go to mics are Sennheiser EW 512P G4s and Shure SM89s. The Zoom F6 captures outstanding audio at every shoot.
Michael –
Got to test drive the Zoom In July 2019 before its release. Now we have it in our workflow. Absolutely beautiful clean audio With 32bit float point recordings Weve used this for commercial shoots and highend corporate and docs. Hardly any clean up in post. Rivals higher end devices in the thousands and with more channels. We love it
Mads Bo –
Use the product for a week production, and I love the Quality and the sound thats is coming out.Small adjustments, could be nice. When I put the external timecode in it just update.
Mads Bo –
Great product, I have done a week long production, and it is just work.Great job ZOOM
Archie –
Weve done some tests on a couple of settings. Still new so may not be concise. Were from mic straight to H5 for H6. Going to an F6 is a dream. Very fool proof and easy to use once you get used to the menu very similar to the H series I dont know if its exactly prosound yet as in a sound guy with 15 years experience in features But definitely a few steps up from where we were. Great for line out to the DSLR. The internal recording gives you some wild combinations that work really well..The mounting point could be improved. Those rails on the sides are a joke. What are they for anyway They just get in the way.Otherwise, two thumbs up.
Brandon –
Ive done my best to break this thing, first screaming into the mic with the faders cranked and then whispering as soft as I could with the faders all the way down. No luck, I was able to normalize everything into great sounding audio It. Just. Doesnt. Make. Sense.
absous1945 –
The least expensive field recorder with time code in and out. The menus are extensive but thats the price to pay for this level of quality.
Puzzle Audio Productions, Los Angeles –
While this product was designed specifically for film and video, its uses are not limited. Field recordists will appreciate the compact but sturdy design and built in features such as 32 bit recording and or the on board compressors and limiters. Setup has more challenges than with the H6 due to the way menus work but this is minor and simply requires patience. Im still doing initial testing so I cant speak to how the preamps sound. But I can say that with the other zoom products Ive owned, each new addition has been an improvement over the last. Podcasters may find this unit slightly less intuitive but its absolutely capable and more durable than the H6 if traveling. The display is easy to read and the phone app works great over iOS WiFi accessory card required. The app in my opinion make the unit a huge upgrade over the H6 since nearly all functions are accessible through your phone or iPad. I love mine.
christopher –
For a dedicated sound guy this is great, for a one man band guy like myself who needs this mounted under my camera, it makes my job somewhat difficult because of the poor mount design on the bottom. Its impossible to get a tripod plate attached without wiggle and twisting of the plate which is a pet peeve of mine. Ill certainly make use of it just not the way I was hoping to. I appreciate all the recording features especially at this price point, and the multiple battery options is huge, love using it with a Sony L series battery.
diana –
For the price, you get an excellent and versatile product. This is a big improvement to the F8, in terms of positioning and such. I rigged a talentcell LED battery and a hirose cable to power the device ends up being about 60 and I leave the device on all day, no problems.
Sean –
i love it, its a very handy tool to have.
Laura –
I do a lot of live event coverage. Ive used it for a few jobs recently and have been very impressed. Basically all you have to do is make sure you are getting clean signals coming in then you can forget about checking the levels. Ive had a few recordings go above 0 dbs and have been able to save them with no distortion. There have been a few quiet talkers people who wave the mic about while talking, with these recordings Ive been able to raise the levels back up with no discernable noise. Its a gamechanger.
isaac –
love this powerful little package, having 6 XLR inputs plus timecode inout is fantastic, and it syncs great using the tenticle units. im still trying to figure out the 32bit float recording. the knobs act like gain knobs before you start recording but then work more like mixer fader knobs while its recording. it keeps saying that im above the input limit. in the manual it says you dont have to set the gain at all and 32bit records the entire spectrum. probably after spending more time with it ill figure it out.
Marlon –
I was surprised how small it was and portable. The device is amazing the sound is capture clear and crisp and having all dynamic range on the float files is incredible. Is like RAW files for audio. I highly recommend this device to those people who do not have their own audio crew and do it all as a one man band show. Say good bay to the days where the audio is not longer the cause of your anxiety on location.
Dawnja –
Fantastic management of individual track inputs 32 float bit manages volume spikes small size is great bluetooth control is a plus
Henry –
So many things I wanted to like about this. Unfortunately the SoundDevices MixPre 6 II gets my money. This unit lacks some features available in the MixPre 6 II series14 inputs18 inputAlways available camera mounting solutionDual NPF batteriesEasy to use menu systemTouch screenAnd if you compare the MixPre 3ii to the list above, the only thing it doesnt have is 14 inputs. But for the exact same price of 650, you can get the rest of the list on the MicPre 3ii. Also, while negligible, the MixPre does have a lower noise floor and better sounding preamps.
Hernando –
It is an excellent product, it facilitates the field work and allows to do a more professional work.
Jeremiah –
32 float recording. Do I need say more.
Jon –
32 bit float for an amazing price. The unit itself is high quality and has a good amount of inputs. Perfect for a one person operation because I wont need to keep checking levels as often
Maurice J. –
Dont let the small size fool you Thanks the options of this unit is limitless.
Dale –
Everything was fine in weeks of testing Nice unit UNTIL I had to use it on a shoot. I jammed its timecode with a Tentaclesync E as a normal function, and somehow that also jammed every input on the F6. With other crew and client waiting, the entire shoot was in total jeopardy as I was utterly lost in what was wrong or how to fix it. I finally had no recourse but to do a factory reset and it worked immediately, but this meant I had to rejam the timecode. I rejammed and this time, the F6 kept working. The final kick in the nads was that completely rattled, I forgot the EXTREMELY POORLY DESIGNED FIRMWARE lets the F6 come up as default in a 24 bit poly file mode, instead of the touted 32 bit float stereomono mode. So I didnt get the nonclipping protection of 32 bit mode, and all the audio of multiple inputs was selfmixed together by way of polymode. Im wanting to vomit just thinking about it. What product manufacturer designs a product that comes up in a submode that their product is capable of I contacted Zoom support, but they seemingly are powerless to get the firmware redesigned so this unit starts in 32 bit float mode as default. Not reliable for a shoot, period.
Jacob –
This is the only portable audio recorder Ive ever had 100 confidence in, going all the way back to my Tascam DAP1 DAT deck.The build quality is phenomenal, the interface clever, and the recording results unrivaled. Running on battery power for hours on end with this device is a delight.If you would have described this device to me 20 years ago, I would have though you were rambling on about a scifi movie prop.I have only 1 suggestion for improvement via firmware update add a menu command for inverting the timecode output for functionality on devices that use the tip for input.Congrats to Zoom on a job well done
Acoustic Preserve –
I am still getting to know this little recorder. Recently upgraded from the H6 and I am blown away by the lower preamp noise in this device. The software is a bit different and trying to turn off the phantom power was a bit of a struggle. Its not under phantom power settings its under line settings for the trackinput. So far Im impressed.
Elvis –
Really does sound awesome. 32bit audio works great and sounds great. Love it as a lightweight portable recorder. When I dont want to have a huge bag I can have this thing in a backpack and not worry about levels. Just use my phone to add scene names to the metadata.
Robin –
The ability to record in 32bit float makes it great for solo shooting. I film a lot of interviews. 32bit float eliminates the worry of peaking audio. Cant recommend enough.
Francey –
No mic pod mount and zero water resistance.
Brandon –
Ive done my best to break this thing, first screaming into the mic with the faders cranked and then whispering as soft as I could with the faders all the way down. No luck, I was able to normalize everything into great sounding audio It. Just. Doesnt. Make. Sense.
Nathan –
This is a fantastic recorder for sound effects. Easy to use, powerful, and sounds great. Match that with the amazing customer support, and you cant lose. For my Sound Design recordings I personally prefer this over other name brands for this price point.
Bryan –
For live music the input limiter worked great. In a more controlled interview scenario, the automixer did its job. The IOS control app works great, although it has a bit of lag from adjusting a slider to the recorder responding. The FRC8 controller works great with the F8n as well, with less lag than the IOS app perhaps due to being connected by USB instead of bluetooth, and can be powered by the recorder, making for less batteries to have on handkeep charged. I was kind of bummed that I cannot have the F8n connected to both the FRC8 controller and a PC at the same time. I like being able to use the physical fadersbuttons that the controller has, but at the same time I was hoping to be able to have the recorder set as an USB audio device so I could record a third set of backup files digitally Im already recording to both of the recorders SD card slots through Audition. I suppose thats overkill, but for me its nice to visually monitor the recordings for clipping which I guess is a nonissue with the limiters enabled. I also use the recorder to pass clean audio to 3 cameras via the main and sub outputs. Overall, the f8n and its accessories make for a great portable studio.
Wilbur –
The Zoom F8n is a deep product with a laundry list of features. The one missing feature is to have two channels linked so that one gain trim changes the gain for both channels, but with the ability to have one channels gain offset from the other. That offset would be maintained as the gain is changed with the control of the other channel. Most of the SD recorders do this. However, the F8n has been recording at 192kHz sampling rate without a catch, something the SD recorders have not been able to do. The preamps on the F8n are very quiet and transparent. I would not hesitate to recommend this recorder to anyone that wants firstclass sound, stellar recordings, and an amazingly functional recorder.
Ben –
I would happily buy this unit if it had a 2nd sd card for back up. Without that security I would not feel comfortable using it in a professional environment.
Victor –
This is an incredible recorder. The preamps sound so clean. The 32 bit float feature is a game changer It makes solo video jobs a lot more manageable. The ios app is by far my 2nd favorite feature. What a time saver I hope Zoom will release a Zoom F8 version with these new features soon
Sean –
i love it, its a very handy tool to have.
Dustin –
Really great quality audio and enough inputs to satisfy my needs.
Zachary –
SummaryMine is getting returned shortly. For a similar price Id rather run a used MixPre6 v1 at 24bit limiter rather than spend my time fighting the F6 user interface just for 32bit. Everybody has different needs, though like timecode, and I applaud Zoom for the costfeatures ratio.PROS I love the battery life and Lseries power way better than MixPre6 6 inputs are great, and the preamps really are just as lownoise as the MixPre tested with Rode NT1a. I prefer the F6 headphone encoder layout. Its much easier to access than the MixPre knob, but strangely its not used much in the menu system, so the ergonomics partly go to waste. Timecode, duh. I dont need this for my application but its a gamechanger compared to the MixPre6 v1.CONSMy problems are mostly with the UI, which seems to have inherited more from a 90s VCR than from the mature interface on the Zoom F4F8n recorders Want to turn on phantom power on channel 5 or adjust pan, HPF,etc Hit the PFL button 5 times to cycle through the channels even the ones that are off so you can access the options for channel 5. Youre soloing each channel as you cycle, so your headphone mix is all over the place. Also theres a 14 sec switching latency so you cant just pound the button 5 times. Gotta click, wait, click wait… The linking seems crazy. Rather than having it in the options menufor the channel like MixPre theres a separate submenu for linkingwith a matrixstyle display. I guess its nice to see all the groups at aglance, but it takes a lot of digging. Also, gaintrim isnt linked bydefault thats a whole separate menu again so if you plug in a stereo mic you need to visit both menus to get intuitive results.Speaking of linking, on the MixPre you get a bonus balance control in each linked pair. The oddnumbered knob controls linked gain, the even numbered knob controls balance. Its a little thing but so handy, and missing on the F6. The frontpanel knobs control fader, and cant be assigned togaintrim. Zoom confirmed this via email. Maybe fixable in a futurefirmware So, if youve got a hot mic clipping then youll get nobenefit from grabbing the knob. Instead you need to hit that PFL button and cycle through all the channels, then drill down to the trim submenu, then use the updown buttons to adjust 1 dB at a time. By then your take is toast. To Zooms credit, this doesnt matter in 32bit mode since the knobs are just for show in 32bit recording By comparison, on the MixPre v1 you have 2 options In basic gain mode the knobs control gaintrim and the faders are locked at unity perfect if youre focusing on ISOs and not the LR mix. In advanced gain mode you just need to click the channel knob once and youre ready to use the headphone encoder or touchscreen to adjust gaintrim. Its so much better. The power button is way down near the back of the recorder. If thenearby XLR jacks are occupied you pretty much need to take the recorder out of the bag just to turn it onoff each time. I didnt think Id miss the 18 input, but I also use a smallhandheld recorder with low noise binaural mics. Its great to be able to plug those into the big recorder too. XLR to pluginpower 18adapters exist, and could be adapted to the TRS plug, but kinda fiddly. 14 combo jacks are really handy and available on even the cheapest Zoom recorders, but not the F6. Yes, the knobs really are that small and wiggly Most buttons arent backlit, so you cant see them in the dark.
DAN –
As a professional video producer AND voiceover artist, the Zoom F6 has been a gamechanger I use it as my field recorder on all my corporate and event shoots. It SHINES on events because if I have a panel discussion with people with all different levels the 32bit Float removes the nightmare and lost time I used to deal with leveling everyone and dealing with clipping. On the Voiceover side, I use this as my audio interface into my Mac to record my VO and the lownoise floor and great preamps have improved my VO quality. This thing is a beast I love the compact form factor. I can deal with th tight space for the knobs. The placement of the SD card is a little wonky but not enough to deduct a star on this review. The fact that it can take Sony batteries is incredible. I am a happy creative.
Sam –
The F6 absolutely baffles me. On one hand, its a 6pre recorderinterface with digitallycontrolled gain and almostunclippable 32bit float recording, which bizarrely gives my rack full of pro gear a run for its money with noise performance… all with the form factor of a modest sandwich. On the other, as remarked by others, even the word designed doesnt seem to jive with the user experience of actually using this thing. Did Zoom seriously not have anyone test this in realworld situations or somethingWorking in audioonly recording situations mostly, this took a lot of configuration to set up with logical default settings. When you get your unit, plan to spend 1015 minutes menudiving around to change all the things that are uselessimportant for your particular use case. Some good things to change for audioonly recordingtracking are to reduce screen brightness, turn off timecode entirely, turn off LR record, set up Input Link and Trim Link if you like always plugging a primary stereo pair into 12 or plan on using an ambisonic mic, switching battery type to match, change File Format to MonoStereo and Mode to 24bit or 32bit. Reading the manual is a MUST I read it before, while, and after buying it and there are still features Im figuring out. Its not a bad manual although obviously translated, and it actually contains a ton of information, diagrams, and specs most interface makers would refuse to even share with customers.Following the signal flow, lets start with the mic pres. There are six, all with phantom power capability configurable between 24 and 48v. The pres on the F6 actually appear to be fixed gain there is a trim function, but according to the diagrams in the manual its after the AD conversion stage i.e. after pres. I have no idea how this manages to work, and from my limited understanding of audio electronics this sounds like a terrible idea. However, in practice this doesnt seem to matter all that much, as the noise performance Ive tested seems if anything better than my professional interfaces integrated pres, but I have managed to clip the converters an Exceeding maximum input level message pops up by using an extraordinarily sensitive mic and an extremely loud clap. Linearity seems alright, maybe 1 dB from 20Hz to 20 kHz, but I dont have the gear to test that properly. Noise performance is pretty exceptional, much better 10 dB at matched signal levels than equallypriced interfaces in some quick tests, though I suspect this is a sideeffect of the dualconverter architecture.Zoom has both input linking and trim linking parameters. Input linking links the onoff and knob values for the tracks selected, while trim linking matches the trim setting you set in the PFL screen only useful in linear modes 1624bit. The Input Linking has settings for mono, stereo, MS, and ambisonic, ensuring your mics are gainmatched.Speaking of the converters, 32bit is not at all a gimmick. Im sure every engineer on earth worth their salt is hissing gain staging under their breath, but even the best set levels sometimes prove to be wrong and this thing can absolutely save takes that otherwise would be failureslost, while also saving every ounce of noise performance it can at the same time. Honestly I am absolutely blown away it works at all, and would even be satisfied if it worked half as well as it does. Its so idiotproof that Ive actually loaned out the F6 with the equallyidiotproof NTSF1 ambisonic mic to performing groups so that they could record themselves at a concert when I had another engagement. It took no more than 10 minutes to explain the entire setup process and the recording quality was nearly as good as I could have done while all fitting in a remarkably small bag and requiring literally zero audio engineering experience to setup and operate.I genuinely believe that 32bit float recording is the future of audio recording. It is like wearing a helmet or a seatbelt youd be a fool not to use it if you have it. Its safer, easier, and much more flexible, like shooting in RAW on a digital camera or drawing using multiple layers on a computer. Yes, this is among the handful of first products exploring this relatively new concept, but if this is any sign, a few years from now were going to see some of the quietest and most powerful interfacesAD converters ever created.Sound quality is very good subjectively. It strikes me as a little less linear than maybe some higherend converters, and I wouldnt use it to scientifically study local earthquakes, but I can honestly say Ive recorded some of my absolute best recordings on it. It has no problem with any of my mics, even passive ribbons and dynamics. Ive tracked everything from big bands to trios to choirs on it, surprisingly without any noticeable lack of quality compared to my usual gear.Compared to Zooms H series, this guy consumes batteries pretty heavily, especially in 32bit mode with phantom running on all channels. In that use case, Id reckon 4 lithium AAs will last you about 56 hours side note dont forget to configure which type of batteries you have installed. I was looking at the prongs on the back and realized that the external battery holder sure looked familiar turns out I had some Ltype batteries lying around. With a large Ltype battery, you can get some pretty insane battery life out of it, but I recommend keeping a set of Lithium AAs installed just in case you run out of juice.As an interface, the F6 works surprisingly decently. The drivers seem a little less stable than some other manufacturers and theres no desktop control software to speak of, but I had no problem using it over USB Type C on a variety of Windows devices. Even cooler, it will happily run off bus power while in Interface mode, which makes it one of the only buspowered or batterypowered 6pre USB Type C interfaces in existence, a handy capability for sessions without accessible power or again, in the rare event you run out of battery. Also, good luck finding even a 4pre as small as this It is important to note, however, that only up to 24bit is allowed in Interface mode, so no 32bit float tracking direct in the DAW… yet.Whats not so good Whoever thought the primary thing the mic knobs should control in 1624bit mode is mix volume for the LR mixout, not preamp trimgain levels. This one tripped me up for about 15 minutes before, once again, the manual came to the rescue. I contacted Zoom NA support and it sounds like enough people complained about this that they might change it in firmware. The PFL menu system gave me flashbacks to menudriving early 90s hardware samplers that is NOT a compliment, but the solution to that system is not all that obvious. However, you can almost completely circumvent the menudriving by using the control app or Zooms fancy hardware controller if you shell out for the extra dongle. The knobs sometimes bug out and need to be moved updown in order to start making changes to the trim again.My biggest tips 1 get a clampon arm and 58 to 38 ball adapter if necessary so you can just clamp it on the side of your main mic stand see photos, 2 go through the menus and PFL screens and set up all your mics, bit depthsamplerate, and inputtrim links before you even get to the session, 3 get a Lmount battery or external 5V power bank, but keep a set of AAs installed as backup, 4 turn down the LCD and LED brightness levels they default to work in outdoor conditions, but if youre indoor you can save a lot of power, 5 take care to observe the numbers next to the inputs as I have on more than one occasion plugged a cable into input 3 intending it to go into 1, then thought the device or mic had malfunctioned, and 6 you can save and backup device settings i.e. presets to the SD card and save time manually configuring it for a regular gigsetupOverall, I would highly recommend the F6 to anyone looking for the absolute most portable 6pre device out there, while sacrificing very little in exchange. Yes, the menudriving is a bit rough, yes, the UX is often inexcusable, yes, maybe there are better converterspres out there, but once you figure out how to use the thing it will pay for itself with every take salvaged and pound of extra gear you can leave at home.
Paul –
The F8 and F8n are terrific field recorders. I have my F8 for about 2 yrs and use it with the FRC8 Control when I can, or just by itself in a sound bag. It is packed with features including Time Code inout, Auto Mix, backup recording, etc. just to name a few.The new F6 will offer 32 bit float recording, which is very desirable, other than that the F8n is perfect.
Anonymous –
The Zoom F6 features 32bit float recording, which is a real game changer for me. It helps avoid the pressure of making sure levels are set correctly in the field. As a journalist who records his own interviews, it frees me from having to check levels while recording on location. I am no longer distracted about whether my levels are correct. When working alone, this takes a lot off my mind and allows me to concentrate on the interview, not the technology. This mixer is great for many applications, but for me as a journalist it changes everything. It is very compact and light in weight as well.
Anonymous –
32 bit float makes gain staging a thing of the past. The design doesnt fit in a sound bag to well but adjustments can be made, although a bit cluncky. Priced right
Manav –
Received it this week from BH and put to to the test at a wedding reception. Chose 32bit float format and set the fader to 12db for reception speeches. As the reception finished the DJ increased the volume and the recording clipped. I didnt put the faders down for the dance floor on purpose to see if I could fix it in post I was using this as a back up recorder on the night. Got home and imported the 32 bit file into Adobe Audition and boom Literally cant clip this thing.. I put the dance floor part down by like 30db and it sounded perfect.. no distortion or clipping. I love this recorder Oh and it runs on my NPF battery for hours. Dont have to worry about AA batteries running out.. I ran this off a 9900mah battery and after recording for 4 hours the battery was still at 90
Anthony –
This recorder is a life saver and allows you to just focus more on the essence of whatever you are recording, without having to battle with gain knob. 32 bit Float is the truth
Anonymous –
It give me a great sound and when testing it Im hope you all will start selling the asserery
James –
This is great for instrumental recordings. The 32bit allows huge dynamic range and avoids clipping. User interface is easy to navigate and intuitive. I use it for instrumental videos and record brass, strings, and pianos and have had great results that require little processing.
Marco –
Its all about the 32bit float and the quiet pre amps for me. It totally eliminates any hassles with clipping and hiss. What else can you ask for Well, the only thing missing was a hissless line out signal to my video cams, but I fixed that for 30 bucks with a Kopul 35db attenuator cable. Now its perfect. Runs all day on sony L type batteries.
Wayne –
I really have nothing negative to add, except when you mount your quick release baseplate to the bottom, the side metal bars on the bottom sides, interfere with the head. Which means I need to use a spacer between the F6 and my baseplate. I use Manfrotto, maybe thats the reason. Heads up, you might need a spacer cheese plate.
Anonymous –
I had seen a video review and wanted to try this for myself The results blew me away I recorded sound that entailed a lot of loud laughter and quiet sober moments which was handled pretty well by the zoom f6 I was able to balance the sound after recording in 32gb float without hassles. The power consumption is the best I have seen in any sound recorder I have used and it seems I am the first to get this recorder in Nigeria I also love the free gifts that came with it I would like them to add other connections not just XLR. This is an excellent product A millennial filmmaking product
Boris –
Ive been using this device for a half a year now, I was pleased with its performance until recently.suddenly, in the middle of the shoot, it returned error. card protected its said.Ive tried all the other sd card available at home, by the error remain…does anyone knows what to do in this case
Michael –
I bought the Zoom F6 to replace my Zoom H6. I really wanted to be able to not worry about clipping during a video shoot. I shoot alone a lot and cant always watch to see if the sound levels are to high. Adjusting afterwards in post is a piece of cake. The set up of the F6 took a little of testing to get it the way I wanted it. I am ordering a SDI to 3.5mm cable for time code to my GH5S to sync the start times on the camera and recorder. I really like the USB interface. Works great with Sonar Producer and Adobe Audition in multitrack mode. I also like the fact that I can use my Sony L batteries with this recorder. I have 5 Sony L batteries and use them for monitor power and to power my camera. I built a very inexpensive dual Sony L setup for the camera that woks great. Will put up on YouTube soon. I highly recommend the Zoom F6. Only draw back was no 14 inputs in the XLR connections. I have a 14 to XLR adapter so not that big of a deal for me.
Sam –
The F6 absolutely baffles me. On one hand, its a 6pre recorderinterface with digitallycontrolled gain and almostunclippable 32bit float recording, which bizarrely gives my rack full of pro gear a run for its money with noise performance… all with the form factor of a modest sandwich. On the other, as remarked by others, even the word designed doesnt seem to jive with the user experience of actually using this thing. Did Zoom seriously not have anyone test this in realworld situations or somethingWorking in audioonly recording situations mostly, this took a lot of configuration to set up with logical default settings. When you get your unit, plan to spend 1015 minutes menudiving around to change all the things that are uselessimportant for your particular use case. Some good things to change for audioonly recordingtracking are to reduce screen brightness, turn off timecode entirely, turn off LR record, set up Input Link and Trim Link if you like always plugging a primary stereo pair into 12 or plan on using an ambisonic mic, switching battery type to match, change File Format to MonoStereo and Mode to 24bit or 32bit. Reading the manual is a MUST I read it before, while, and after buying it and there are still features Im figuring out. Its not a bad manual although obviously translated, and it actually contains a ton of information, diagrams, and specs most interface makers would refuse to even share with customers.Following the signal flow, lets start with the mic pres. There are six, all with phantom power capability configurable between 24 and 48v. The pres on the F6 actually appear to be fixed gain there is a trim function, but according to the diagrams in the manual its after the AD conversion stage i.e. after pres. I have no idea how this manages to work, and from my limited understanding of audio electronics this sounds like a terrible idea. However, in practice this doesnt seem to matter all that much, as the noise performance Ive tested seems if anything better than my professional interfaces integrated pres, but I have managed to clip the converters an Exceeding maximum input level message pops up by using an extraordinarily sensitive mic and an extremely loud clap. Linearity seems alright, maybe 1 dB from 20Hz to 20 kHz, but I dont have the gear to test that properly. Noise performance is pretty exceptional, much better 10 dB at matched signal levels than equallypriced interfaces in some quick tests, though I suspect this is a sideeffect of the dualconverter architecture.Zoom has both input linking and trim linking parameters. Input linking links the onoff and knob values for the tracks selected, while trim linking matches the trim setting you set in the PFL screen only useful in linear modes 1624bit. The Input Linking has settings for mono, stereo, MS, and ambisonic, ensuring your mics are gainmatched.Speaking of the converters, 32bit is not at all a gimmick. Im sure every engineer on earth worth their salt is hissing gain staging under their breath, but even the best set levels sometimes prove to be wrong and this thing can absolutely save takes that otherwise would be failureslost, while also saving every ounce of noise performance it can at the same time. Honestly I am absolutely blown away it works at all, and would even be satisfied if it worked half as well as it does. Its so idiotproof that Ive actually loaned out the F6 with the equallyidiotproof NTSF1 ambisonic mic to performing groups so that they could record themselves at a concert when I had another engagement. It took no more than 10 minutes to explain the entire setup process and the recording quality was nearly as good as I could have done while all fitting in a remarkably small bag and requiring literally zero audio engineering experience to setup and operate.I genuinely believe that 32bit float recording is the future of audio recording. It is like wearing a helmet or a seatbelt youd be a fool not to use it if you have it. Its safer, easier, and much more flexible, like shooting in RAW on a digital camera or drawing using multiple layers on a computer. Yes, this is among the handful of first products exploring this relatively new concept, but if this is any sign, a few years from now were going to see some of the quietest and most powerful interfacesAD converters ever created.Sound quality is very good subjectively. It strikes me as a little less linear than maybe some higherend converters, and I wouldnt use it to scientifically study local earthquakes, but I can honestly say Ive recorded some of my absolute best recordings on it. It has no problem with any of my mics, even passive ribbons and dynamics. Ive tracked everything from big bands to trios to choirs on it, surprisingly without any noticeable lack of quality compared to my usual gear.Compared to Zooms H series, this guy consumes batteries pretty heavily, especially in 32bit mode with phantom running on all channels. In that use case, Id reckon 4 lithium AAs will last you about 56 hours side note dont forget to configure which type of batteries you have installed. I was looking at the prongs on the back and realized that the external battery holder sure looked familiar turns out I had some Ltype batteries lying around. With a large Ltype battery, you can get some pretty insane battery life out of it, but I recommend keeping a set of Lithium AAs installed just in case you run out of juice.As an interface, the F6 works surprisingly decently. The drivers seem a little less stable than some other manufacturers and theres no desktop control software to speak of, but I had no problem using it over USB Type C on a variety of Windows devices. Even cooler, it will happily run off bus power while in Interface mode, which makes it one of the only buspowered or batterypowered 6pre USB Type C interfaces in existence, a handy capability for sessions without accessible power or again, in the rare event you run out of battery. Also, good luck finding even a 4pre as small as this It is important to note, however, that only up to 24bit is allowed in Interface mode, so no 32bit float tracking direct in the DAW… yet.Whats not so good Whoever thought the primary thing the mic knobs should control in 1624bit mode is mix volume for the LR mixout, not preamp trimgain levels. This one tripped me up for about 15 minutes before, once again, the manual came to the rescue. I contacted Zoom NA support and it sounds like enough people complained about this that they might change it in firmware. The PFL menu system gave me flashbacks to menudriving early 90s hardware samplers that is NOT a compliment, but the solution to that system is not all that obvious. However, you can almost completely circumvent the menudriving by using the control app or Zooms fancy hardware controller if you shell out for the extra dongle. The knobs sometimes bug out and need to be moved updown in order to start making changes to the trim again.My biggest tips 1 get a clampon arm and 58 to 38 ball adapter if necessary so you can just clamp it on the side of your main mic stand see photos, 2 go through the menus and PFL screens and set up all your mics, bit depthsamplerate, and inputtrim links before you even get to the session, 3 get a Lmount battery or external 5V power bank, but keep a set of AAs installed as backup, 4 turn down the LCD and LED brightness levels they default to work in outdoor conditions, but if youre indoor you can save a lot of power, 5 take care to observe the numbers next to the inputs as I have on more than one occasion plugged a cable into input 3 intending it to go into 1, then thought the device or mic had malfunctioned, and 6 you can save and backup device settings i.e. presets to the SD card and save time manually configuring it for a regular gigsetupOverall, I would highly recommend the F6 to anyone looking for the absolute most portable 6pre device out there, while sacrificing very little in exchange. Yes, the menudriving is a bit rough, yes, the UX is often inexcusable, yes, maybe there are better converterspres out there, but once you figure out how to use the thing it will pay for itself with every take salvaged and pound of extra gear you can leave at home.
Anthony –
This recorder is a life saver and allows you to just focus more on the essence of whatever you are recording, without having to battle with gain knob. 32 bit Float is the truth
Stephen –
This is a great sounding device Its compact and easy to navigate. I was able to figure out how to change settings without opening the operators manual. I love the 32bit recording feature. My go to mics are Sennheiser EW 512P G4s and Shure SM89s. The Zoom F6 captures outstanding audio at every shoot.
Jim –
Im not going to bore you with all of the wonderful features of this recorder as Im sure you would have researched it by now. However, I do have one big complaint about it. When using the line out feature to plug directly into my GH5 and GH4 bodies, I get a horrible noise distortion. My GH5s does not have this issue. This is big for me because I like having a backup recording on the cameras audio track in case something happens to the ONE SD card that this recorder accepts. Some people have had nightmare issues with corrupted files, and I would never rely on a piece of equipment without a backup feature. NeverAfter many emails to Zoom, today they finally admitted that theres an issue with this line out feature and that they are working on a firmware upgrade to fix it. So, just be warned if you use line out in this manner. Do tests to see if your camera is susceptible to the issue.With that said, I LOVE the features and sound quality of this very fine instrument.
ws –
32 bit recorder. Intuitive interface. Stellar preamps. 6 xlr inputs. remote controllable via bluetooth. Purchased for a location sound gig and it traveled well. Battery life with a sony 970 was over 20 hours. SlateTimecodeLineHeadphone USB C. This thing kicks serious butt. ws
ws –
32 bit recorder. Intuitive interface. Stellar preamps. 6 xlr inputs. remote controllable via bluetooth. Purchased for a location sound gig and it traveled well. Battery life with a sony 970 was over 20 hours. SlateTimecodeLineHeadphone USB C. This thing kicks serious butt. ws
DeaDFinger –
Amazing what comes out of such a small box The sound comes out very clear i would highly recommend this for good feed back on sound
Bryce –
For starters, Im an audio person by necessity. I tend to fly solo or work with small crews so 32bit Float recording is an absolute life saver. HOWEVER, it is not as fire and forget as some may say. Mic placement is absolutely vital if your placement is garbage then you are just amplifying or bringing down garbage.Construction is solid Everything is metal and buttons and knobs are recessed and wont be damaged tossing into a bag or dropping. Controls are super intuitive and easy to use. Three power options is super helpful. Batteries can be hot swapped if another source is hot.I went from an H4N or borrowing other to using this so I cant speak much on buying this if you already have an H6 or similar.
Flipteezy –
Pros 32bit float in post makes everything easy, no more clipping and no problem at really low volume capture small light combination of rechargeable AAs and Sony L batteries lasts more than a day even if using all 6 xlr channels with phantom power able to power with battery bank knobs are accurate get the bluetooth attachment and use an ipadiphone as a remote KTek KSF6 makes a great bag for this and can hold up to 6 wireless receivers Cons menu diving takes some getting used to but its like excel where if you dont use it on a weekly basis you will forget some of the features doesnt have a secondary slot but havent a card go corrupt on any zoom product Overall this is the best recorder that fits the budget and has enough channels for most projects. This is a slight overkill for podcasts but Id use it because its affordable if you want quality recordings. If you are looking at a mix pre or a f8n this will do the job. Save some bucks and get other accessories. Using the iPad with this makes it all too easy.
Anonymous –
It give me a great sound and when testing it Im hope you all will start selling the asserery
Ali –
F6 is a great little device. It is easy to carry, easy to power and easy to learn. Im happy with the results.Lately i am using my F6 as an usb audio interface for web meetings. When i turn the device on i need to switch to usb audio interface mode every single time. Shouldnt it remember the mode i used it last time when i turn it onWhen i was in the market for a new recorder i was between F6 Mixpre6 ii .Lately Sound Devices is releasing a lot of big updates to their devices. With the latest update Mixpres can stream 32bit float audio over usb in Windows 10. This is a great feature which i think every F6 owners should have as well.
Michael –
I bought the Zoom F6 to replace my Zoom H6. I really wanted to be able to not worry about clipping during a video shoot. I shoot alone a lot and cant always watch to see if the sound levels are to high. Adjusting afterwards in post is a piece of cake. The set up of the F6 took a little of testing to get it the way I wanted it. I am ordering a SDI to 3.5mm cable for time code to my GH5S to sync the start times on the camera and recorder. I really like the USB interface. Works great with Sonar Producer and Adobe Audition in multitrack mode. I also like the fact that I can use my Sony L batteries with this recorder. I have 5 Sony L batteries and use them for monitor power and to power my camera. I built a very inexpensive dual Sony L setup for the camera that woks great. Will put up on YouTube soon. I highly recommend the Zoom F6. Only draw back was no 14 inputs in the XLR connections. I have a 14 to XLR adapter so not that big of a deal for me.
Michael –
Got to test drive the Zoom In July 2019 before its release. Now we have it in our workflow. Absolutely beautiful clean audio With 32bit float point recordings Weve used this for commercial shoots and highend corporate and docs. Hardly any clean up in post. Rivals higher end devices in the thousands and with more channels. We love it
Anonymous –
32 bit float makes gain staging a thing of the past. The design doesnt fit in a sound bag to well but adjustments can be made, although a bit cluncky. Priced right
Brandon –
I owned a sound devices 744t for years so I was skeptical going to a Zoom. Ive owned original zoom pocket recorders and they were not very reliable. This unit is GREAT The flexibility is amazing, and it sounds awesome. Using the recorder as sound card while recording simultaneously is a big bonus. The app is really hand too. Only bummer is the power options. I wish it had a place to clip on a Sony battery, but it isnt a deal breaker.
Steven –
Theres a LOT to like about this recorder. The BT app is great for remote control, 4 different ways to power the unit, and more. They put a lot of thought into the design in my opinion. And finally, 32 bit float is the next big thing in digital audio not having to set input gains and no longer needing to worry about an accidental clip ruining your entire recording. Its like shooting photographs and video in RAW, but with audio.
Daniel –
Needed something to record classical piano, wide volume and frequency range are finally realized.Wish they included an USBc cable and printed manual
Puzzle Audio Productions, Los Angeles –
While this product was designed specifically for film and video, its uses are not limited. Field recordists will appreciate the compact but sturdy design and built in features such as 32 bit recording and or the on board compressors and limiters. Setup has more challenges than with the H6 due to the way menus work but this is minor and simply requires patience. Im still doing initial testing so I cant speak to how the preamps sound. But I can say that with the other zoom products Ive owned, each new addition has been an improvement over the last. Podcasters may find this unit slightly less intuitive but its absolutely capable and more durable than the H6 if traveling. The display is easy to read and the phone app works great over iOS WiFi accessory card required. The app in my opinion make the unit a huge upgrade over the H6 since nearly all functions are accessible through your phone or iPad. I love mine.
Laura –
I do a lot of live event coverage. Ive used it for a few jobs recently and have been very impressed. Basically all you have to do is make sure you are getting clean signals coming in then you can forget about checking the levels. Ive had a few recordings go above 0 dbs and have been able to save them with no distortion. There have been a few quiet talkers people who wave the mic about while talking, with these recordings Ive been able to raise the levels back up with no discernable noise. Its a gamechanger.
Will L. –
Great piece of audio recording equipment, works very well and love the 32 bit float recording.
Grant –
This things hardware is sturdy as a tank and the interface is fast. Its also really robust in its features and capabilities to the point that I know Ill be learning more about sound mixing as a whole by using this mixer.
LiveWire –
Received on time and this item worked perfect as described. Used for video and was great. Loved the floating 32 bit.
Stephen –
Zoom has served me well over the years. Yet the F6 is over the top in design, engineering, build quality, size, function and new tricks. It is simply superb in servicing my needs.Of course this is the norm for BH who consistently provides unparalleled quality products and services of which I, and those receiving my services, are appreciative beneficiaries. Kudos And thank you.
christopher –
For a dedicated sound guy this is great, for a one man band guy like myself who needs this mounted under my camera, it makes my job somewhat difficult because of the poor mount design on the bottom. Its impossible to get a tripod plate attached without wiggle and twisting of the plate which is a pet peeve of mine. Ill certainly make use of it just not the way I was hoping to. I appreciate all the recording features especially at this price point, and the multiple battery options is huge, love using it with a Sony L series battery.
Timothy R –
Its crazy how little it is and yet how capable. Seems rugged, too. Were hoping to make our small job audio recording more consistent and foolproof.
Jon –
I demo drove one of these over the weekend. I recorded with a lav mic on my desktop during a lecture presentation in 32 bit float and changed the gain levels from nothing to max. On importing into Sound Forge, I normalized elements that metered at 110 dB and got perfectly usable audio. I normalized elements that were clipped heavily and got perfectly usable audio.The menu system is not easy to manage but if the app allows for changing settings that is a nonissue.Im buying one of these ASAP
Lawttery Productions –
We use this recorder for both music video and short film productions. Its super easy to use and the audio quality that it captures has helped the videos sound professional, audio is definitely one of the most important parts in a production. I give it two thumbs up for sure
isaac –
love this powerful little package, having 6 XLR inputs plus timecode inout is fantastic, and it syncs great using the tenticle units. im still trying to figure out the 32bit float recording. the knobs act like gain knobs before you start recording but then work more like mixer fader knobs while its recording. it keeps saying that im above the input limit. in the manual it says you dont have to set the gain at all and 32bit records the entire spectrum. probably after spending more time with it ill figure it out.
Kevin –
Ive only used this unit twice so far, but the first project out of the gate used all 6 tracksThe design is odd good in some ways, strangely not in others. I love that it uses standard Lseries batteries as well as AAs. Ive had an H4n for a decade, and battery power is almost worthless it eats batteries so fast. I always have to plug it into the wall. The F6 has a slot for the Sony battery, which I already had for one of my cameras. Odd design putting the SD card slot underneath the battery, and Ive found that it doesnt fit between my tripod and camera as intended because of the little struts on the sides. Still, Im very pleased with my purchase.
Grant –
This things hardware is sturdy as a tank and the interface is fast. Its also really robust in its features and capabilities to the point that I know Ill be learning more about sound mixing as a whole by using this mixer.
Flipteezy –
Pros 32bit float in post makes everything easy, no more clipping and no problem at really low volume capture small light combination of rechargeable AAs and Sony L batteries lasts more than a day even if using all 6 xlr channels with phantom power able to power with battery bank knobs are accurate get the bluetooth attachment and use an ipadiphone as a remote KTek KSF6 makes a great bag for this and can hold up to 6 wireless receivers Cons menu diving takes some getting used to but its like excel where if you dont use it on a weekly basis you will forget some of the features doesnt have a secondary slot but havent a card go corrupt on any zoom product Overall this is the best recorder that fits the budget and has enough channels for most projects. This is a slight overkill for podcasts but Id use it because its affordable if you want quality recordings. If you are looking at a mix pre or a f8n this will do the job. Save some bucks and get other accessories. Using the iPad with this makes it all too easy.
Peter –
Ive only had it a day, but I didnt even need to crack the manual to get things all set up very intuitive. The connections even for my Zoom H6 and all its mics is on back are all solid and very professional Neutrik connectors and the HIROS connection is a real plus. I record sound effects in the field, and while the limiters on the F8N arent quite as good as the SD MixPre line, this is a pro machine all the way.
Mark O. –
I record interviews, lectures, and concerts with the F6 and it does extremely well. Very happy about its power source options.
Jim –
Im not going to bore you with all of the wonderful features of this recorder as Im sure you would have researched it by now. However, I do have one big complaint about it. When using the line out feature to plug directly into my GH5 and GH4 bodies, I get a horrible noise distortion. My GH5s does not have this issue. This is big for me because I like having a backup recording on the cameras audio track in case something happens to the ONE SD card that this recorder accepts. Some people have had nightmare issues with corrupted files, and I would never rely on a piece of equipment without a backup feature. NeverAfter many emails to Zoom, today they finally admitted that theres an issue with this line out feature and that they are working on a firmware upgrade to fix it. So, just be warned if you use line out in this manner. Do tests to see if your camera is susceptible to the issue.With that said, I LOVE the features and sound quality of this very fine instrument.
sizelarge –
Well thought out and very affordable…
Edward –
The F8n is a significant improvement over the older F8 recorders Ive used for several years. Among other features, the F8n can designate any input as MIC or LINE 10v or 4 dBU, via XLR or TRS. I frequently use board feeds, and it was an annoyance to carry all those TRS to XLR adapters. The USB port also provides power to an FRC8 mixing board, so one less power supply is required. The limiters seem better too, for those inevitable surprises. My main wish is to see 32bit float recording, like in the F6. Also, the modular battery holders are gone, replaced by a fixed battery compartment. Id prefer a Sony mount like the F6 powerful and easily swapped.
Darius U –
Awesome recorder. A huge step up from amateur recorders if youre getting into more serious audio or video production.
StevenKAudio –
first and foremost, this things sounds amazing, especially in 32b float. Most people think recording at 32b float is just for loud sounds but its way more than that. So much more dynamic range means a finer resolution, and coupled with very clean mic pres, youre going to get great sound Very easy to learn to use
userneo888 –
Small yet SUPER powerful. Aside from the amazing specs, the preamps are able to drive gainhungry microphones such as the Neumann TLM 170R, the Oktava MKH012 and the Shure SM58, all with a clean signal. Love how SMALL it is.
Jon –
32 bit float for an amazing price. The unit itself is high quality and has a good amount of inputs. Perfect for a one person operation because I wont need to keep checking levels as often
Jack –
I purchased for remote filming andor audio recording. The product a recorder or player does do both without the use of a DAW. Runs off batteries, power banks and a supplied plug in power supply. The preamps are clean without coloration. Its very well thought out with some indepth features, simply not plug and play product. With some studying, can achieve professional products. The best feature is its size and build. Looking forward to doing remotes without worrying about electricity and hauling bulky gear.
Hernando –
It is an excellent product, it facilitates the field work and allows to do a more professional work.
Francey –
No mic pod mount and zero water resistance.
Jonathan –
So far I am blown away This is a must have in my audio kit now With the dual DAC and 32bit audio one would have to work hard to not get great audio. The first project I used it on was run and gun. Over the course of the production we would transition from people yelling, to practically whispering, sometimes in a matter of seconds. In the past the yelling would have clipped until I could bring the gain down, and the wipers would have been noisy when brought up to reasonable levels in post. Not with this recorder. The yelling didnt clip once, and the whispers were brought back up to a normal listening level with no perceptible noise increase. It was like I had recorded both with the correct gain setting. When youre holding a boom, and also recording sound this is a God send Well see how the recorder holds up over time, but the build quality seems solid Also, with the dual battery system you can change batteries mid take if needed This recorder is a keeper
StevenKAudio –
first and foremost, this things sounds amazing, especially in 32b float. Most people think recording at 32b float is just for loud sounds but its way more than that. So much more dynamic range means a finer resolution, and coupled with very clean mic pres, youre going to get great sound Very easy to learn to use
Edward –
The F8n is a significant improvement over the older F8 recorders Ive used for several years. Among other features, the F8n can designate any input as MIC or LINE 10v or 4 dBU, via XLR or TRS. I frequently use board feeds, and it was an annoyance to carry all those TRS to XLR adapters. The USB port also provides power to an FRC8 mixing board, so one less power supply is required. The limiters seem better too, for those inevitable surprises. My main wish is to see 32bit float recording, like in the F6. Also, the modular battery holders are gone, replaced by a fixed battery compartment. Id prefer a Sony mount like the F6 powerful and easily swapped.
Robin –
The ability to record in 32bit float makes it great for solo shooting. I film a lot of interviews. 32bit float eliminates the worry of peaking audio. Cant recommend enough.
David –
excelente producto, increble sonido porttil, funcional y muy verstil para su operacin lo recomiendo ampliamente
nevel88 –
Im use to working with the F8, now wanting to use the F4 for smaller gigs. Zoom makes great quality products for the reasonable prices Instagram nevelbeats
Victor –
This is fantastic little beast I bought this as my Sound Devices MixPre 10T back up. Those preamps are comparable to MixPres in quality. This is a great recorder for all my one man band guerilla style projects. I hope Zoom will release an F8 32 bit float version soon
Glenn –
But in a good way. The peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens during a session the F6 will probably record usable audio. Ive been recording choir and band performances with a wide range of volumes. The F6 records it all.The menu isnt the most friendly to work with and the power button is awkwardly placed hard to reach when in a bag, but overall I am really pleased with the F6. I would certainly buy it again.
Donald –
Ive had ZOOM products for years and find them very reliable, easy to use and they sound great. I needed at least 8 inputs for video production with timecode built in. This was the oerfect unit and worth twice the price.Very happy with all aspects. You wont be disappointed.
Victor –
This is fantastic little beast I bought this as my Sound Devices MixPre 10T back up. Those preamps are comparable to MixPres in quality. This is a great recorder for all my one man band guerilla style projects. I hope Zoom will release an F8 32 bit float version soon
Stephen –
Zoom has served me well over the years. Yet the F6 is over the top in design, engineering, build quality, size, function and new tricks. It is simply superb in servicing my needs.Of course this is the norm for BH who consistently provides unparalleled quality products and services of which I, and those receiving my services, are appreciative beneficiaries. Kudos And thank you.
Timothy R –
Its crazy how little it is and yet how capable. Seems rugged, too. Were hoping to make our small job audio recording more consistent and foolproof.
Kelly –
This product is a must have for all indie filmmakers with small budgets. The quality you get is amazing. One less thing to worry about on set
Elvis –
Really does sound awesome. 32bit audio works great and sounds great. Love it as a lightweight portable recorder. When I dont want to have a huge bag I can have this thing in a backpack and not worry about levels. Just use my phone to add scene names to the metadata.
Henry –
So many things I wanted to like about this. Unfortunately the SoundDevices MixPre 6 II gets my money. This unit lacks some features available in the MixPre 6 II series14 inputs18 inputAlways available camera mounting solutionDual NPF batteriesEasy to use menu systemTouch screenAnd if you compare the MixPre 3ii to the list above, the only thing it doesnt have is 14 inputs. But for the exact same price of 650, you can get the rest of the list on the MicPre 3ii. Also, while negligible, the MixPre does have a lower noise floor and better sounding preamps.
Paul –
This thing is great, love it, if you need this kind of thing buy it
Brian –
Ive had the F6 for about a good two weeks and havent really tested on the field. Right off the bat just recording some test dialogue, theres a noticeable difference. Cleaner preamps and a definite upgrade from my zoom H5. 6 XLR inputs, takes Sony NPF batteries, and the fact that this things is so tiny, it literally fits in the palm of my handI love the possibilities of recording higher quality sound at such an affordable price. The dialogue Ive recorded so far feels more present without being so tweaked. 32bit float recording makes it easier to know theres a failsafe when Im in a position to run everything as a solo shooter.I cant really say theres anything I feel disappointed on with the F6. Audio has always been my pain point during productions even with the Zoom H series. As portable as those units were, I felt I was still compromising with sound. With the F6 I am feeling a but more confident Im going to get the quality of audio I have been reaching for in a very portable package. Seriously wish I had invested in this a lot sooner.
Jacob –
This is the only portable audio recorder Ive ever had 100 confidence in, going all the way back to my Tascam DAP1 DAT deck.The build quality is phenomenal, the interface clever, and the recording results unrivaled. Running on battery power for hours on end with this device is a delight.If you would have described this device to me 20 years ago, I would have though you were rambling on about a scifi movie prop.I have only 1 suggestion for improvement via firmware update add a menu command for inverting the timecode output for functionality on devices that use the tip for input.Congrats to Zoom on a job well done
E. Rodriguez –
The Zoom F8N is an amazing product The menus are easy to scroll through and recording is very fluid and smooth. Very user friendly also has its advanced options you can teach yourself how to use very quickly. I highly recommend this product I cant wait to use it again for my next gig
userneo888 –
Small yet SUPER powerful. Aside from the amazing specs, the preamps are able to drive gainhungry microphones such as the Neumann TLM 170R, the Oktava MKH012 and the Shure SM58, all with a clean signal. Love how SMALL it is.
David –
The F6 is a lovely device that is not just a fine field recorder, but a fine all round portable recorder for those who insist on using good mics even on the go.
Marco –
Its all about the 32bit float and the quiet pre amps for me. It totally eliminates any hassles with clipping and hiss. What else can you ask for Well, the only thing missing was a hissless line out signal to my video cams, but I fixed that for 30 bucks with a Kopul 35db attenuator cable. Now its perfect. Runs all day on sony L type batteries.
KOUROSH –
Great product
Kevin –
Ive only used this unit twice so far, but the first project out of the gate used all 6 tracksThe design is odd good in some ways, strangely not in others. I love that it uses standard Lseries batteries as well as AAs. Ive had an H4n for a decade, and battery power is almost worthless it eats batteries so fast. I always have to plug it into the wall. The F6 has a slot for the Sony battery, which I already had for one of my cameras. Odd design putting the SD card slot underneath the battery, and Ive found that it doesnt fit between my tripod and camera as intended because of the little struts on the sides. Still, Im very pleased with my purchase.
wayneb2117 –
This little recorder is very nice. Very clean sound and pretty intuitive to use the menus. I bought it to transfer multiple tapes at once so I make 4 stereo pairs and then run four tapes and capture them all at the same time. But having a video production bakground, I wish Id had one of these years ago for on location sound. Although not needed to run it, I did end up getting the FControl panel which is like a little mixer board that plugs in via USB. Makes it a bit easier to use but I would have been happy enough even if that wasnt available. I dont know what else to say. For me it was a reasonably pricey bit of gear but it is very solid and really nice and from extensive research before buying it seems to be one of the best value for money units for its quality and features. Im more than happy that I bought it.
James –
This is great for instrumental recordings. The 32bit allows huge dynamic range and avoids clipping. User interface is easy to navigate and intuitive. I use it for instrumental videos and record brass, strings, and pianos and have had great results that require little processing.
diana –
For the price, you get an excellent and versatile product. This is a big improvement to the F8, in terms of positioning and such. I rigged a talentcell LED battery and a hirose cable to power the device ends up being about 60 and I leave the device on all day, no problems.
DeaDFinger –
Amazing what comes out of such a small box The sound comes out very clear i would highly recommend this for good feed back on sound
Herbert –
So far I am pleased with the purchase. With current restrictions for Covid, our church music department is relying upon a lot of recorded projects, and this has definitely made a difference. Flexibility has been invaluable. We are using it to mix audio from multiple mics into live stream projects, as well as recording mutitrack projects that can be mixed in my DAW. Probably would have liked it to be a tad larger I was surprised at how small it was. Also, wish it had facility for a plug in onboard mic array, but that is a small niggle. The F6 app works perfectly on my iPad very pleased.
Bob –
I purchased the F6 for my audio recording for narrative and documentary work, as well as live streaming. I love the 32bit floating point recording mode for the filmmaking work Very forgiving for loud and soft sounds For livestreaming, the six 6 inputs are perfect for my host and up to five more guests Its a small device and runs for a long time on one NPF style battery. The internal AA batteries allow recording to continue if I need to swap NPF batteries without stopping a recording.Do I recommend Yes, definitely
Mark –
Just a heads up to people upgrading from the F8. The Camera Mount Adapter CMF8 and the 2 TA3 to XLR Cables TXF8 are not included in the new Zoom F8n packaging. I know I should have known that from reading the product description, but I just assumed the same items as the F8 would be included. At the moment, I havent been able to find a price for the camera mount adapter as a separate purchase.So, the Zoom F8n is a great upgrade from the F8. Just be aware that the camera adapter and cables that were with the F8 are not included with the F8n.
Glenn –
But in a good way. The peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens during a session the F6 will probably record usable audio. Ive been recording choir and band performances with a wide range of volumes. The F6 records it all.The menu isnt the most friendly to work with and the power button is awkwardly placed hard to reach when in a bag, but overall I am really pleased with the F6. I would certainly buy it again.
millonphoto2 –
It is a fabulous mixer recorder. FABULOUS For the price, it is a magical answer to any filmmakers needs. Priceless
Archie –
Weve done some tests on a couple of settings. Still new so may not be concise. Were from mic straight to H5 for H6. Going to an F6 is a dream. Very fool proof and easy to use once you get used to the menu very similar to the H series I dont know if its exactly prosound yet as in a sound guy with 15 years experience in features But definitely a few steps up from where we were. Great for line out to the DSLR. The internal recording gives you some wild combinations that work really well..The mounting point could be improved. Those rails on the sides are a joke. What are they for anyway They just get in the way.Otherwise, two thumbs up.
Daniel –
Needed something to record classical piano, wide volume and frequency range are finally realized.Wish they included an USBc cable and printed manual
JI –
I use this recorder for my visual recordings. It has been a great to obtain a good quality audio track. The ability to utilize timecode has been a great time saver for editing purposes. I have had this F6 for almost 3 months now. The 32 bit has been a great tool to work with. It really helps with maintaining a good quality audio. It has been a satisfying purchase The knobs are a little small and compact. I use my ipad to control when Im on site to allow for more ease of use.
Shaba –
Ease of use, very compact, solid build, featurepacked, 32bit float recordings.
Paul –
This thing is great, love it, if you need this kind of thing buy it
Steven –
Theres a LOT to like about this recorder. The BT app is great for remote control, 4 different ways to power the unit, and more. They put a lot of thought into the design in my opinion. And finally, 32 bit float is the next big thing in digital audio not having to set input gains and no longer needing to worry about an accidental clip ruining your entire recording. Its like shooting photographs and video in RAW, but with audio.
David –
The F6 is a lovely device that is not just a fine field recorder, but a fine all round portable recorder for those who insist on using good mics even on the go.
Donald –
Ive had ZOOM products for years and find them very reliable, easy to use and they sound great. I needed at least 8 inputs for video production with timecode built in. This was the oerfect unit and worth twice the price.Very happy with all aspects. You wont be disappointed.
Brian –
Ive had the F6 for about a good two weeks and havent really tested on the field. Right off the bat just recording some test dialogue, theres a noticeable difference. Cleaner preamps and a definite upgrade from my zoom H5. 6 XLR inputs, takes Sony NPF batteries, and the fact that this things is so tiny, it literally fits in the palm of my handI love the possibilities of recording higher quality sound at such an affordable price. The dialogue Ive recorded so far feels more present without being so tweaked. 32bit float recording makes it easier to know theres a failsafe when Im in a position to run everything as a solo shooter.I cant really say theres anything I feel disappointed on with the F6. Audio has always been my pain point during productions even with the Zoom H series. As portable as those units were, I felt I was still compromising with sound. With the F6 I am feeling a but more confident Im going to get the quality of audio I have been reaching for in a very portable package. Seriously wish I had invested in this a lot sooner.
absous1945 –
The least expensive field recorder with time code in and out. The menus are extensive but thats the price to pay for this level of quality.
Gregory P. –
I am new to the world of video, but I have been in the Audio industry for almost 30yrs. It was important to me to have great audio. As I looked for which recorder would work best for me the highest priority for me was audio quality, price, and durability. That was my order of importance. This recorder is not cheap, but it is not the most expensive per channel you can buy. I believe you cant go wrong with what the F6. The quite mic pre is worth the purchase price. You also cant beat 32bit Float for situations that do not allow for proper gain staging. I have used this F6 for all types of recording situations. Single channel booming, multi channel lapels, 6 channel podcast, audio recording. Everything I through at the Zoom F6 it takes and delivers.
Jeremiah –
32 float recording. Do I need say more.
Tim –
We own 15 recordermixers and our clients love the F8nFRC8 combo
JI –
I use this recorder for my visual recordings. It has been a great to obtain a good quality audio track. The ability to utilize timecode has been a great time saver for editing purposes. I have had this F6 for almost 3 months now. The 32 bit has been a great tool to work with. It really helps with maintaining a good quality audio. It has been a satisfying purchase The knobs are a little small and compact. I use my ipad to control when Im on site to allow for more ease of use.
andecom –
I have been using the F6 for about a month and have found it to be a joy to use. I have dedicated the F6 to being the outboard recorder for my Sound Devices 552. The SD552 has 5 direct outs and I send these direct outs straight into the F6 prefade. The F6 has performed well with the exception of what appears to be inconsistent levels across its inputs. When 1k tone is sent out of the 552 via line or mic through the direct outs into the inputs of the F6 and say all inputs are set to 5 dB gain internal and 0.0 knob gain there is a fair amount of inconsistency in those input levels. Channels 1 5 read a good 34 dB hotter than channels 24 which seem to be consistently the same. Im a camera guy and not an audio tech so perhaps Im doing something wrong. But I trust the output of the 552 and will continue further testing. One last note the time code on this little guy is FANTASTIC The F6 will jam from camera tc out or I use a Denecke SB1 TC box. This capability makes this little recorder a powerful tool as a standalone recorder or as a dedicated recorder as in how I am using it.
Mads Bo –
Use the product for a week production, and I love the Quality and the sound thats is coming out.Small adjustments, could be nice. When I put the external timecode in it just update.
Trenillo –
I can say many things about this unit, but I will only mention a few. First, the 32bit Float audio is insane. I did a film shoot with 3 luvs, and the audio got a little loud because of laughing in the dialog. In any other situation this would be some very bad distortion. But not with the 32bit Float. You open up the file in Adobe Audition, simply bring the level down under the 0db digital mark, and its fixed. Yes, its that simple.Then the unit records 6 iso audio tracks, plus the stereo master left and right. You can beat all of this for the price point. And on top of it all it takes and creates Timecode. I have 2 BMPCC 6K cameras that I jam sync the time code via the mini audio plug input. After my shoot I load everything into Adobe Premiere where I can see all the Timecode from both videos and audio files, making editing a breeze. I love it
Mark O. –
I record interviews, lectures, and concerts with the F6 and it does extremely well. Very happy about its power source options.
Jack –
I purchased for remote filming andor audio recording. The product a recorder or player does do both without the use of a DAW. Runs off batteries, power banks and a supplied plug in power supply. The preamps are clean without coloration. Its very well thought out with some indepth features, simply not plug and play product. With some studying, can achieve professional products. The best feature is its size and build. Looking forward to doing remotes without worrying about electricity and hauling bulky gear.
Brandon –
I owned a sound devices 744t for years so I was skeptical going to a Zoom. Ive owned original zoom pocket recorders and they were not very reliable. This unit is GREAT The flexibility is amazing, and it sounds awesome. Using the recorder as sound card while recording simultaneously is a big bonus. The app is really hand too. Only bummer is the power options. I wish it had a place to clip on a Sony battery, but it isnt a deal breaker.
Don –
I bought the zoom f8 but the digital preamps were not acceptable for me and I returned it. The zoom f8n apparently fixed the problems because this mixer is very nice. Great sound
Thomas C –
Jumping from the foundation of the f4 straight to the f8n makes it so much easier to absorb the tech. The new features bring to this unit more capability than I anticipated. I use it for all my live video music recording. My working setup
dgsauer –
Good, low cost alternative to Sound Devices, as long as Audio Tech isnt your primary function.
Lawttery Productions –
We use this recorder for both music video and short film productions. Its super easy to use and the audio quality that it captures has helped the videos sound professional, audio is definitely one of the most important parts in a production. I give it two thumbs up for sure
Alan –
Takes a little reading to become familiar with it, but really a great quality mixer, recorder, time code generator
andecom –
I have been using the F6 for about a month and have found it to be a joy to use. I have dedicated the F6 to being the outboard recorder for my Sound Devices 552. The SD552 has 5 direct outs and I send these direct outs straight into the F6 prefade. The F6 has performed well with the exception of what appears to be inconsistent levels across its inputs. When 1k tone is sent out of the 552 via line or mic through the direct outs into the inputs of the F6 and say all inputs are set to 5 dB gain internal and 0.0 knob gain there is a fair amount of inconsistency in those input levels. Channels 1 5 read a good 34 dB hotter than channels 24 which seem to be consistently the same. Im a camera guy and not an audio tech so perhaps Im doing something wrong. But I trust the output of the 552 and will continue further testing. One last note the time code on this little guy is FANTASTIC The F6 will jam from camera tc out or I use a Denecke SB1 TC box. This capability makes this little recorder a powerful tool as a standalone recorder or as a dedicated recorder as in how I am using it.
Thabani –
I was in the market for a soundfield recorder and I am glad that I did not purchase a more expensive Zoom product before preordering this darling little magical tool. Coming from owning a Zoom H1 and renting the H6, I feel professional in the audio quality this device produces.There is plenty to learn and apply but starting off simple is allowed. I have had all 6 inputs with lavs and recorded in a poly file. I will not do this again because its easier to already have your monostereo files ready for postproduction.
Dawnja –
Fantastic management of individual track inputs 32 float bit manages volume spikes small size is great bluetooth control is a plus
Bryce –
For starters, Im an audio person by necessity. I tend to fly solo or work with small crews so 32bit Float recording is an absolute life saver. HOWEVER, it is not as fire and forget as some may say. Mic placement is absolutely vital if your placement is garbage then you are just amplifying or bringing down garbage.Construction is solid Everything is metal and buttons and knobs are recessed and wont be damaged tossing into a bag or dropping. Controls are super intuitive and easy to use. Three power options is super helpful. Batteries can be hot swapped if another source is hot.I went from an H4N or borrowing other to using this so I cant speak much on buying this if you already have an H6 or similar.
Richie B. –
Ive been doing weddings for almost 20 years and Ive seen the progression of audio recorders during that time and I have to say, this little gem has changed everything in how I capture audio. I use Sennheiser mics and having this unit in a sound bag with several mics running through it has reduced my work flow tremendously. The great thing with 32bit float is I dont worry about clipping anymore in noisy environments. I use FCPx and Adobe Audition and pulling this audio in is so simple and the audio is in such good shape when I import that it needs very little work. You can record so many different way with this recorder, you can mix internally, record copies in lower db, if you feel like recording in other than 32bit I dont know why you would but this recorder is so versatile and easy to use. Its a great recorder and I cant recommend it higher enough.
Boris –
Ive been using this device for a half a year now, I was pleased with its performance until recently.suddenly, in the middle of the shoot, it returned error. card protected its said.Ive tried all the other sd card available at home, by the error remain…does anyone knows what to do in this case
Nyk Fry –
Great sound, great interface. Love the bluetooth to iPad Mini, which becomes a great tool on fast production days, although for many, the emhanced display may likely suffice. Side access SD card slots a little difficult to get to in bag with XLRs, but stubbys fix that. Battery life was an initial concern, but using external BPU seems about the same as F4. AA compartment, no tray. Not a concern if ext. powering, but seems retrograde perhaps Also the previous F8 bag will work, except for AA access, which may or not be a problem for you. Most wont need new bag, but thats the fix. Great new limiters Tested on a short over the weekend. No hesitation using on two upcoming features.
Bob –
I purchased the F6 for my audio recording for narrative and documentary work, as well as live streaming. I love the 32bit floating point recording mode for the filmmaking work Very forgiving for loud and soft sounds For livestreaming, the six 6 inputs are perfect for my host and up to five more guests Its a small device and runs for a long time on one NPF style battery. The internal AA batteries allow recording to continue if I need to swap NPF batteries without stopping a recording.Do I recommend Yes, definitely
Marlon –
I was surprised how small it was and portable. The device is amazing the sound is capture clear and crisp and having all dynamic range on the float files is incredible. Is like RAW files for audio. I highly recommend this device to those people who do not have their own audio crew and do it all as a one man band show. Say good bay to the days where the audio is not longer the cause of your anxiety on location.
Tim –
it needs a bit more professional studio audio quality like unsurpassedunprocessed wav 192khz 24bit big edion with a 11 copyfull pure lossless sound with zero noise floorsdistortion and without hissing and crystal clear full range sound quality stereo 2.0 channel if zoom can add its feature f9 recorderhand held audio recorders I will buy them.
flicker177 –
Ive been doing live recording for years, I started with a tower computer, CRT monitor, bulky interface rack and such. I progressed through a laptop and a smaller interface and have made hundreds of hours of recordings this way. It always terrified me during the recording as I waited for a computer crash, it didnt happen often, I never lost much, but it always felt like trouble waiting to happen. I just get a new Zoom F8n recorder and spent the last week recording about 12 hours of audio on 4 different gigs with it. Im very pleased. It sounds great, I can hold it in my hand, and it just feels rocksolid. I hope it will just keep chugging along the way it is now, I dont have enough experience to comment on longterm reliability, but whoever designed it clearly knew about field recording. Its a complex box so expect a learning curve before you can exploit all its features. Digital recording has sure come a long way in 20 years Bill
DAN –
As a professional video producer AND voiceover artist, the Zoom F6 has been a gamechanger I use it as my field recorder on all my corporate and event shoots. It SHINES on events because if I have a panel discussion with people with all different levels the 32bit Float removes the nightmare and lost time I used to deal with leveling everyone and dealing with clipping. On the Voiceover side, I use this as my audio interface into my Mac to record my VO and the lownoise floor and great preamps have improved my VO quality. This thing is a beast I love the compact form factor. I can deal with th tight space for the knobs. The placement of the SD card is a little wonky but not enough to deduct a star on this review. The fact that it can take Sony batteries is incredible. I am a happy creative.
Cintiene –
Sound quality is excellent. Form factor is precise and has a small footprint it wont get in the way of anything
Trenillo –
I can say many things about this unit, but I will only mention a few. First, the 32bit Float audio is insane. I did a film shoot with 3 luvs, and the audio got a little loud because of laughing in the dialog. In any other situation this would be some very bad distortion. But not with the 32bit Float. You open up the file in Adobe Audition, simply bring the level down under the 0db digital mark, and its fixed. Yes, its that simple.Then the unit records 6 iso audio tracks, plus the stereo master left and right. You can beat all of this for the price point. And on top of it all it takes and creates Timecode. I have 2 BMPCC 6K cameras that I jam sync the time code via the mini audio plug input. After my shoot I load everything into Adobe Premiere where I can see all the Timecode from both videos and audio files, making editing a breeze. I love it
Anonymous –
The Zoom F6 features 32bit float recording, which is a real game changer for me. It helps avoid the pressure of making sure levels are set correctly in the field. As a journalist who records his own interviews, it frees me from having to check levels while recording on location. I am no longer distracted about whether my levels are correct. When working alone, this takes a lot off my mind and allows me to concentrate on the interview, not the technology. This mixer is great for many applications, but for me as a journalist it changes everything. It is very compact and light in weight as well.
Victor –
This is an incredible recorder. The preamps sound so clean. The 32 bit float feature is a game changer It makes solo video jobs a lot more manageable. The ios app is by far my 2nd favorite feature. What a time saver I hope Zoom will release a Zoom F8 version with these new features soon
Shaba –
Ease of use, very compact, solid build, featurepacked, 32bit float recordings.
Herbert –
So far I am pleased with the purchase. With current restrictions for Covid, our church music department is relying upon a lot of recorded projects, and this has definitely made a difference. Flexibility has been invaluable. We are using it to mix audio from multiple mics into live stream projects, as well as recording mutitrack projects that can be mixed in my DAW. Probably would have liked it to be a tad larger I was surprised at how small it was. Also, wish it had facility for a plug in onboard mic array, but that is a small niggle. The F6 app works perfectly on my iPad very pleased.
Ben –
I would happily buy this unit if it had a 2nd sd card for back up. Without that security I would not feel comfortable using it in a professional environment.
Anonymous –
I had seen a video review and wanted to try this for myself The results blew me away I recorded sound that entailed a lot of loud laughter and quiet sober moments which was handled pretty well by the zoom f6 I was able to balance the sound after recording in 32gb float without hassles. The power consumption is the best I have seen in any sound recorder I have used and it seems I am the first to get this recorder in Nigeria I also love the free gifts that came with it I would like them to add other connections not just XLR. This is an excellent product A millennial filmmaking product
Mads Bo –
Great product, I have done a week long production, and it is just work.Great job ZOOM
Ali –
F6 is a great little device. It is easy to carry, easy to power and easy to learn. Im happy with the results.Lately i am using my F6 as an usb audio interface for web meetings. When i turn the device on i need to switch to usb audio interface mode every single time. Shouldnt it remember the mode i used it last time when i turn it onWhen i was in the market for a new recorder i was between F6 Mixpre6 ii .Lately Sound Devices is releasing a lot of big updates to their devices. With the latest update Mixpres can stream 32bit float audio over usb in Windows 10. This is a great feature which i think every F6 owners should have as well.
Maurice J. –
Dont let the small size fool you Thanks the options of this unit is limitless.
Gregory P. –
I am new to the world of video, but I have been in the Audio industry for almost 30yrs. It was important to me to have great audio. As I looked for which recorder would work best for me the highest priority for me was audio quality, price, and durability. That was my order of importance. This recorder is not cheap, but it is not the most expensive per channel you can buy. I believe you cant go wrong with what the F6. The quite mic pre is worth the purchase price. You also cant beat 32bit Float for situations that do not allow for proper gain staging. I have used this F6 for all types of recording situations. Single channel booming, multi channel lapels, 6 channel podcast, audio recording. Everything I through at the Zoom F6 it takes and delivers.
KOUROSH –
Great product
Zachary –
SummaryMine is getting returned shortly. For a similar price Id rather run a used MixPre6 v1 at 24bit limiter rather than spend my time fighting the F6 user interface just for 32bit. Everybody has different needs, though like timecode, and I applaud Zoom for the costfeatures ratio.PROS I love the battery life and Lseries power way better than MixPre6 6 inputs are great, and the preamps really are just as lownoise as the MixPre tested with Rode NT1a. I prefer the F6 headphone encoder layout. Its much easier to access than the MixPre knob, but strangely its not used much in the menu system, so the ergonomics partly go to waste. Timecode, duh. I dont need this for my application but its a gamechanger compared to the MixPre6 v1.CONSMy problems are mostly with the UI, which seems to have inherited more from a 90s VCR than from the mature interface on the Zoom F4F8n recorders Want to turn on phantom power on channel 5 or adjust pan, HPF,etc Hit the PFL button 5 times to cycle through the channels even the ones that are off so you can access the options for channel 5. Youre soloing each channel as you cycle, so your headphone mix is all over the place. Also theres a 14 sec switching latency so you cant just pound the button 5 times. Gotta click, wait, click wait… The linking seems crazy. Rather than having it in the options menufor the channel like MixPre theres a separate submenu for linkingwith a matrixstyle display. I guess its nice to see all the groups at aglance, but it takes a lot of digging. Also, gaintrim isnt linked bydefault thats a whole separate menu again so if you plug in a stereo mic you need to visit both menus to get intuitive results.Speaking of linking, on the MixPre you get a bonus balance control in each linked pair. The oddnumbered knob controls linked gain, the even numbered knob controls balance. Its a little thing but so handy, and missing on the F6. The frontpanel knobs control fader, and cant be assigned togaintrim. Zoom confirmed this via email. Maybe fixable in a futurefirmware So, if youve got a hot mic clipping then youll get nobenefit from grabbing the knob. Instead you need to hit that PFL button and cycle through all the channels, then drill down to the trim submenu, then use the updown buttons to adjust 1 dB at a time. By then your take is toast. To Zooms credit, this doesnt matter in 32bit mode since the knobs are just for show in 32bit recording By comparison, on the MixPre v1 you have 2 options In basic gain mode the knobs control gaintrim and the faders are locked at unity perfect if youre focusing on ISOs and not the LR mix. In advanced gain mode you just need to click the channel knob once and youre ready to use the headphone encoder or touchscreen to adjust gaintrim. Its so much better. The power button is way down near the back of the recorder. If thenearby XLR jacks are occupied you pretty much need to take the recorder out of the bag just to turn it onoff each time. I didnt think Id miss the 18 input, but I also use a smallhandheld recorder with low noise binaural mics. Its great to be able to plug those into the big recorder too. XLR to pluginpower 18adapters exist, and could be adapted to the TRS plug, but kinda fiddly. 14 combo jacks are really handy and available on even the cheapest Zoom recorders, but not the F6. Yes, the knobs really are that small and wiggly Most buttons arent backlit, so you cant see them in the dark.
Nicholas –
This recorder rocked when I was doing a multiday, 1man gig.I simultaneously ran 3 to 5 lavs plus a boom with no problem.Used the new limiter once with the boom and it did its job but also did dual recording just in case. Nice to have the dual recording option when have available spare tracks. Used external batteries via hirose and it changed to using internal AAs without a problem when I swapped out external battery.Had to use its time code clock as the master and no problems with sync reported by post even without rejamming at lunch used a nanolockit box on cam.I used the auto mix as I was also booming most of the time. It worked ok for camera scratch, at least no complaints. Knobs are a bit small for serious mixing. Would want to use that separate zoom Fcontrol mixer I think if I was mixing anything even slightly difficult. Wish the main outs were full sized and pro but made it work as had adapter cables. Headphone preamp was fine to my ears.Good buy as I needed all those extra inputs
Tujuane Doughty –
Solid piece of gear. Great size and you can easily turn on and use it without any hassle.
Thomas C –
Jumping from the foundation of the f4 straight to the f8n makes it so much easier to absorb the tech. The new features bring to this unit more capability than I anticipated. I use it for all my live video music recording. My working setup
sizelarge –
Well thought out and very affordable…
Kelly –
This product is a must have for all indie filmmakers with small budgets. The quality you get is amazing. One less thing to worry about on set
Richie B. –
Ive been doing weddings for almost 20 years and Ive seen the progression of audio recorders during that time and I have to say, this little gem has changed everything in how I capture audio. I use Sennheiser mics and having this unit in a sound bag with several mics running through it has reduced my work flow tremendously. The great thing with 32bit float is I dont worry about clipping anymore in noisy environments. I use FCPx and Adobe Audition and pulling this audio in is so simple and the audio is in such good shape when I import that it needs very little work. You can record so many different way with this recorder, you can mix internally, record copies in lower db, if you feel like recording in other than 32bit I dont know why you would but this recorder is so versatile and easy to use. Its a great recorder and I cant recommend it higher enough.
LiveWire –
Received on time and this item worked perfect as described. Used for video and was great. Loved the floating 32 bit.
Will L. –
Great piece of audio recording equipment, works very well and love the 32 bit float recording.
Darius U –
Awesome recorder. A huge step up from amateur recorders if youre getting into more serious audio or video production.
Tim –
it needs a bit more professional studio audio quality like unsurpassedunprocessed wav 192khz 24bit big edion with a 11 copyfull pure lossless sound with zero noise floorsdistortion and without hissing and crystal clear full range sound quality stereo 2.0 channel if zoom can add its feature f9 recorderhand held audio recorders I will buy them.
Alan –
Takes a little reading to become familiar with it, but really a great quality mixer, recorder, time code generator