If you are looking for a professional field recorder with a decent number of XLR inputs and 32-bit float recording then Japanese audio maker Zoom has got you covered.
Their latest offering the Zoom F8n Pro is a sound bag–friendly multitrack field recorder that provides 8-input/10-track recording, separate converters for quiet and loud sounds, and high-grade preamps with mic/line input switching.
The unit features a large, informative color display and user-friendly controls along with flexible powering methods, remote control options, and precision time code functionality.
Image Credit: Zoom
The F8n Pro also offers separate A/D converters for low and high gain resulting in impressive SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) performance for quiet and loud sounds.
The 32-bit float WAV format, on the other hand, can maintain the resolution at the time of recording, and even if normalization processing is performed after recording, the original sound is reproduced without deterioration. The newcomer can also be used as an 8-input/4-output USB audio interface that supports 32-bit float resolution.
The F8n Pro can accommodate all manner of condenser microphones as well as balanced line-level signals via eight locking Neutrik XLR-1/4″ combo inputs.
Eight studio-quality microphone preamps boasting massive gain (up to 75 dB) and ultra-low noise (-127 dBu EIN) ensure that your sound sources will be amplified with sonic accuracy. Plus, the F8n Pro’s advanced look-ahead limiters anticipate clipping before it’s recorded.
On top, the brand new field recorder boasts a slew of recording modes and resolutions to choose from. Users can record all eight inputs at a maximum resolution of 32-bit / 192 kHz, use BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility, or use the built-in Ambisonic mode to capture 360° audio from a compatible VR microphone.
Image Credit: Zoom
The F8n Pro has dual SD card slots supporting SDXC cards up to 1TB, allowing high-resolution recording, even for long shoots. For audio monitoring, while recording, users have access to two TA3 balanced main outputs and an unbalanced 3.5mm submix out.
Since the main and sub outs can be fed from different or identical sources, you can easily route to multiple devices such as a camera, DSLR, mixer, or secondary recorder.
There’s also a rock-solid sync with video cameras, master time code clocks, or additional audio recorders regardless of whether the recorder is powered on all day, or shut down during breaks.
Accurate synchronization is made possible with the F8n Pro’s high-end time code features, including standard BNC jacks for time code I/O and super stable time code accuracy with an error of 0.5 frames or less in 24 hours.
The F8n Pro has a built-in slate mic for recording comments as well as the ability to output a variable frequency tone signal for synchronization with miscellaneous video equipment.
Other noteworthy features include AutoMix function, multifunction Mini-USB port, efficient remote control options including wireless remote control from an iOS mobile device, several methods of powering, and much more.
Zoom F8n Pro Highlights
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- Location Recording and Filmmaking
- 32-Bit Float Recording Avoids Clipping
- 8 x High-Gain, Low-Noise Mic Preamps
- Records 8 Inputs & Stereo Mix
- Ambisonic and WAV Audio Formats
- Supports Control via App or F-Control
- Flexible Powering Options
- Dual SD Card / USB Interface Recording
- AutoMix Software Reduces Mix Noise
- Precision Time Code Reader/Generator
The Zoom F8n Pro is currently available to pre-order. No word on price yet.
[source: Zoom]
B&H Pre-Order Link:
Zoom F8n Pro 8-Input / 10-Track Multitrack Field Recorder
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