The ZOOM F8n Pro is a 32 Bit, 8 channel field recorder featuring dual AD converters that also supports 32-bit float recording.
What is 32-bit float recording you ask?
Well, older 16-bit and 24-bit options encode audio as fixed-point numbers supporting up to 65,536 levels (96dB) with 16-bit encoding and up to 16 million levels (144.5dB) with 24-bit encoding.
Whereas 32-bit float recording, supports a dynamic range of more than 1500dB, and because it doesn’t use a fixed-point to encode, there is no specified maximum sound level.
The benefit of this, is that you can turn the gain all the way up and not have to worry about clipping from loud sounds in your recording and adjust the sound levels later using a compatible 32-bit digital audio workstation (DAW).
ZOOM F8n Pro Field Recorder
The F8n Pro features 8 XLR inputs and can record up to 10 tracks (8 inputs + L/R) simultaneously in 192kHz 32bit float WAV format (16-bit and 24-bit can also be selected).
It also features dual A/D converters and pro-grade preamps which make it possible to capture clip-free audio without having to adjust gain.
Built-in processing provides flexible signal routing from all inputs to outputs, phase inversion, mid-side decoding and high-pass filtering to reduce extraneous noise.
The Automix function will automatically adjust mix levels to help reduce ambient sound and the timecode function is accurate to 0.2 ppm.
It also features full metadata entry including, track name, scene names, notes and more via a virtual keyboard on the unit, or via the Zoom F8 Control app on an iOS device.
The F8n Pro is powered by AA batteries that provide up to 5 hours of use, or alternatively, it can be plugged into an external power source via the AD-19 AC adapter. External 9-18 volt DC battery packs can also be used via a 4-pin Hirose connector.
The dual memory SD card slots will each accept cards up to 1TB in size allowing for redundant recording when out in the field.
Finally, the F8n Pro isn’t the only 32-bit float recorder that ZOOM offers, the smaller F3 MultiTrack Field Recorder and handheld F2 Field Recorder and F2-BT Field Recorder also include it.
ZOOM F8n Pro Full List of Features
- Dual AD converter for overwhelming dynamic range
- 32-bit float recording support that can maintain resolution at the time of recording (16bit / 24bit can also be selected)
- 8 channel input, up to 10 tracks (8ch + L / R) simultaneous recording
- Up to 192kHz sampling / High-resolution recording in 32-bit float WAV format
- Gain of up to 75 dB, high definition preamplifier with ultra-low noise floor design of EIN -127 dBu or less
- Neutrik XLR / TRS combo input with 8 locking mechanism
- Microphone / line (+ 4dBu support) input source switching is possible
- High-precision timecode within 0.5 frames of error within 24 hours to realize accurate synchronization with video
- Advanced limiter to anticipate peaks and prevent overloading
- ZOOM automix function that automatically adjusts the level of multiple microphone inputs
- 3 Power supply support: 8 A×A batteries, external DC power supply, 12V AC adapter can be used
- Independent track knob, 6-segment LED level meter, PFL / solo switch
- 2 mini XLR (TA3) balance specification main outputs and stereo mini specification sub-outputs
- Headphone terminal with volume control (output 100mW)
- 2.4 inch full color, backlit LCD (with monochrome mode)
- Double SD card slot for up to 1TB SDXC
- Built-in slate microphone / slate tone with switch
- 8 in / 4 out, USB audio interface function with up to 96kHz / 32bit float
- Backup recording to PC with USB audio output is possible at the same time
- VR With the built-in Ambisonic mode that enables recording of 360° spatial audio using a microphone
- Bluetooth connection, remote control from the Android * / iOS app “F8 Control” (*Android version will be released in March 2022)
- Optional mixer type controller ” F-Control” enables physical fader operation
- Zoom microphone capsules sold separately can be connected (XAH-8, EXH-8, VRH-8 are not supported)
