Zoom F8n Digital Field Recorder - discontinued
Here's the F8n recorder from Zoom. It really is quite remarkable what they've managed to pack into this little device. And especially at this price!
The F8n is equipped with Advanced Look-Ahead Hybrid Limiters that provide overload protection no matter what comes your way. By adding a 1 millisecond delay, the limiters "look ahead" anticipating clipping before it is recorded. Limiting is applied to each of the 8 channels simultaneously at full resolution, with 10 to 20 dB of headroom to ensure pristine audio on every take.
The mic preamps have a very low noise floor of −127 dBu EIN and high gain of up to 75 dB and there are switchable signal attenuators for line level inputs.
The Zoom AutoMix™ feature automatically adjusts channel levels to reduce the amount of ambient sound helping you to capture a clean, well balanced mix.
The F8n has a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) which generates time code at 0.2 ppm accuracy enabling rock-solid syncing of audio and video using standard BNC connectors. Even when switched off the F8n will maintain up to 0.2 ppm accuracy.
Simultaneous recording to an SD card and a computer via USB making it ideal for livestreaming an audio feed.
Three Power Sources
The Zoom F8n can be powered by 8 internal AA batteries but there is also a standard 4-pin Hirose connector for an external 9-18 volt battery pack or you can use the included AD-19 mains adaptor. The F8n can switch between these power sources at a user-defined voltage level for uninterrupted recording.
Dual-Channel Recording
The F8n's dual-channel recording mode allows you to create safety tracks by doubling up the recordings from inputs 1-4 onto tracks 5-8 with different gain and limiter settings.
The pre-record function captures up to 6 seconds of audio before you hit the RECORD button.
iOS Wireless Control
The Zoom F8 Control App for iOS provides extensive wireless remote control from your iPhone or iPad using Bluetooth LE protocol. Functions include mixer pan and fader levels and transport controls. It also monitors input levels, current time code, and battery status and when you’re finished you can enter file and metadata info directly from your iOS device.
Zoom F-Control
Sold separately, the Zoom F-Control FRC-8 is a control surface with 60mm faders and clear channel indicators making fine control of your balance much easier. And when used with the Zoom F8 Control App your iPhone or iPad can display signal levels for easy reading.
File formats, resolution, and sample rates
The F8n records in BWF-compatible WAV formats up to 24-bit resolution and at sample rates up to 192 kHz. When recording files in MP3, you can choose bit rates of 128, 192, or 320 kbps.
Processing
The F8n features flexible signal routing from all inputs to all outputs. In addition to advanced hybrid limiters, the F8n also provides high-pass filtering to reduce wind noise and traffic rumble plus phase inversion and Mid-Side decoding. Input and output delays are also available.
Ambisonics
Capable of recording 360 deg audio, the F8n is a must-have for engineers of the future. The F8's Ambisonics mode features A to B format decoding, gain and settings linking, and a customized metering screen. For the ultimate VR rig, pair the Zoom F8n with a Sennheiser AMBEO mic. Built for mobility and backed by two quality names, this combination lets you capture premium 360-audio anywhere and everywhere.
Delivery includes mains power adaptor and Cubase LE and WaveLab LE download codes.
Here's an introductory video :-
And another one - from Al at PPM6 TV:-