Zoom F3 2-Channel Field Recorder: Small Design, Professional Sound
The Zoom F3 2-Channel Field Recorder packs professional field-recording capabilities into an exceptionally compact and durable design. With 32-bit float recording, dual AD converters, two locking XLR inputs, and ultra-low-noise microphone preamps, the F3 captures everything from subtle ambient sounds to high-level sources without requiring traditional input gain adjustment. Whether you're recording film and video production, interviews, live events, sound effects, or location audio, the F3 delivers high-quality recordings in a recorder small enough to go virtually anywhere.
32-Bit Float Recording with Dual AD Conversion
The F3 uses dual AD converter circuits to provide an exceptionally wide dynamic range while eliminating the need for conventional input gain adjustment. Record mono or stereo WAV files at resolutions up to 192kHz/32-bit float, giving you the flexibility to capture delicate details and demanding high-level sources while reducing the risk of clipped recordings.
Professional XLR Inputs and Ultra-Low Noise
Two discrete locking XLR inputs accept microphone and line-level sources, with support for +24V or +48V phantom power. The F3's high-quality microphone preamps provide an equivalent input noise specification of −127 dBu or less, making it well suited for detailed location recording where a clean, quiet signal path matters.
Monitor Your Audio in Real Time
The F3 features a backlit LCD with a real-time waveform display, allowing you to visually monitor incoming signals while recording. A dedicated headphone output with volume control makes it easy to monitor your recordings directly from the unit.
Built for Location Recording
With dimensions of just 75 × 77.3 × 47.8mm and a weight of approximately 242 grams including batteries, the F3 is designed to fit into demanding production environments without getting in the way. Its compact design can be attached to a boom microphone with Velcro, making it a practical solution for film crews, videographers, and field recordists.
Flexible Recording and Connectivity
The F3 records directly to microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 1TB and supports WAV, BWF, and iXML formats. Connect the recorder to a computer via USB-C and use it as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with support for up to 32-bit float/96kHz audio. An optional BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter adds wireless remote control from iOS or Android devices and enables wireless timecode synchronization when paired with a compatible UltraSync BLUE device.
Key Features
- 2-channel / 2-track professional field recorder
- 32-bit float recording with dual AD converter technology
- Record up to 192kHz/32-bit float WAV audio
- Supports mono and stereo recording
- Two discrete locking XLR microphone/line inputs
- +24V/+48V phantom power
- High-quality microphone preamps with −127 dBu or less equivalent input noise
- No traditional input gain adjustment required
- Real-time waveform display on backlit LCD
- 3.5mm stereo mini line and headphone outputs
- Dedicated headphone volume control
- Records directly to microSDHC/microSDXC cards up to 1TB
- WAV, BWF, and iXML format support
- USB-C connectivity
- 2-in/2-out USB audio interface
- USB audio support up to 32-bit float/96kHz
- Optional wireless remote control using the Zoom BTA-1 adapter
- Optional wireless timecode synchronization with BTA-1 and compatible UltraSync BLUE hardware
- Powered by two AA alkaline, NiMH, or lithium batteries
- USB bus power supported
- AC power supported with Zoom AD-17 adapter
- Compact design suitable for boom-mounted and location recording
Recording Formats
- 44.1kHz / 32-bit float
- 48kHz / 32-bit float
- 88.2kHz / 32-bit float
- 96kHz / 32-bit float
- 192kHz / 32-bit float
- Mono or stereo WAV recording
- BWF and iXML support
Power and Portability
- Two AA batteries: alkaline, NiMH, or lithium
- Approximately 8 hours of operation with alkaline batteries under specified recording conditions
- Approximately 8.5 hours with 1900mAh NiMH batteries under specified conditions
- Approximately 18 hours with lithium batteries under specified conditions
- USB bus power supported
- Zoom AD-17 AC adapter supported
- 5W maximum power consumption
- 75.0 × 77.3 × 47.8mm
- 242g including batteries
Small enough for the rig. Powerful enough for professional production. The Zoom F3 gives location recordists, filmmakers, videographers, and content creators the dynamic range, connectivity, and low-noise performance needed to capture critical audio with confidence.
Bring professional 32-bit float recor
