The VIDEOGRAPHER'S GUIDE to the ZOOM F2 // Is 32 Bit Float worth it?
Vložit
- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- We received our Zoom F2-BT this weekend and we put that little thing through it's PACES. Here are our discoveries and your one stop guide to the Zoom F2-BT.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:31 - Build Quality, Ins & Outs, Size
1:30 - Bluetooth & App
2:39 - Annoying Things
3:31 - Live Stream Options
4:06 - The Kit Microphone
6:05 - Can it be used recording from DJ?
7:32 - Zoom F6 Comparison and 32 Bit Float Capability
10:25 - Conclusions and what we like
11:10 - Noise floor, pre-amps, & durability
13:21 - KEJ Audio Masterclass
Subscribe to our channel ↣ tiny.cc/y3yhkz
Book us for your wedding ↣ kejproductions.com
Stalk us on the Gram ↣ / kejproductions
Join the KEJ Audio Masterclass ➡ www.kejaudiomasterclass.com
Out Wedding Filmmaking Kit - kit.co/KEJProductions
#ZoomF2 #audioforweddingfilmmakers
Dig the music? ↣ share.mscbd.fm/kejproductions
We colorgrade with Gamut.io ↣ gamut.io/ref/12/
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means we will receive a small percentage if you make a purchase. - Jak na to + styl
*Hey! Here to answer a common question: "Can you use an attenuator with a line level signal." You CAN use an attenuator but we HIGHLY discourage it for several reasons. One, it's just bad practice and poor gain structure. Two, you're introducing more points of failure into your signal flow and it's a temporary solution which will eventually cause more issue down the line (whether that's in fidelity or flat out failure.) Ultimately, this recorder is not meant for line level and we're advocates of using the right tool for the right job.* Are you a wedding filmmaker? Have you received your Zoom F2? What are your thoughts?
Put in my return request today lol
Not yet...😕
Thanks for the low down on this little device! Any chance you’ll be picking up one of the new Tentacle Sync recorders to compare?
@@wildfernweddings4187 😆 hey you can definitely get it done with the gear you have!!!
@@TamarackFilmCo if we can get our hands on one, for sure.
Could you use a zoom f3 to record a DJ?
Y'all got this out fast! Love it!
Thanks buddy! 👊🏾
Such a good explanation of the line level signal not working with the F2! Excellent! Thanks!
I love your energies and your knowledge on audio! It's what I'm trying to learn more of right now, and for that, I will get into that master class audio you guys have. Keep up the amazing work!
This was extremely helpful and informative. Thanks!
This is just what I was looking for, super informative . Thanks!
Excellent knowledge of the F2! Thanks for taking the time to test and report back your findings.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Awesome overview, learned so many nuances to 32-bit recording that I haven't heard from other people. Thanks!
By far the best review on the Zoom f2! Liked & subbed. Can't wait to see more content from you two! :)
This was awesome, answered all my questions
Ah yes, thanks for letting us know! So stoked we could help!!!
Perfect review guys! Much appreciated and great answers to questions
Thank you Josh!! Happy New Year brother!
This was great.
You answered all the questions I had about this device.
I’m definitely subscribing and can’t wait to see more of your videos.
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
One of the best reviews of the F2, thank you.
Great review and video, thanks for sharing.
thanks for watching!
Kaleb! Just bought this mic because I'm getting into the wedding videography world. Did a quick google search and was delighted to see a familiar face. Great video and I'll definitely be checking out more of your work!
super helpful video guys. love the detail - the 32bit float explainer in particular. thank you!
Such quality content! I thank and salute you.
Thank you for the great information. You helped me make a few decisions on what I’m going to buy. Just subscribed. Looking forward to watching many of your videos.
You're welcome! So glad we could help and thanks for the sub!
This answered literally every question I could think of as a wedding videographer about the F2. THANK YOU KEJ!!!
So happy we could help!!
God Bless this woman, that was my problem, i had the mic plugged into output... i feel so much better now!! Girl you are my Queen!! for real for real!
Some practical things I did not hear in other reviews on CZcams. Well done.
Thank you for making this guys!
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching. 🙏🏾
Great job you guys! Keep up the good work!
The ONLY F2 video review worth watching. You guys are the best!
*kicks sand*...shucks, thanks friend.
Dude!!! You guys are so helpful!!! Thank you for being so down to earth and informative. Keep up the great work!
Thank, you!!
Wow! This video is SUPER valuable to me as it answered the most important questions I had about the Zoom F2. I pre-ordered the NON-Bluetooth version, but now I'm wondering if I should spring for the Bluetooth version (because of your tip about checking to make sure the recording has been started)!
Thanks for the video. I just did a reception last night and did a line-in directly to the audio board, not knowing its limitations. When reviewing the audio later that evening I discovered audio distortion exactly as you described (during the loud music sections). I didn't know that distorted 32-bit audio could not be recovered under those circumstances. Thanks for the explanation. Now I know that I must change my workflow in order to use this device. Mic input only.
thank you, very very helpful.. subscribed and liked
Best guide out there. You two tackled some important topics I don't see anyone else talking about! Or at least, I have not come across yet. And yeah, even the nitty gritty (that tape tip! YES! When you're tired or rushing and whoops... plugged it in wrong ;) happens to the best! )
Wow thank you for the concise, fun review. Hoping this becomes available here soon ^^;
Cheers!
Cheers! Thanks for watching!
THANKYOU for finally answering the question regarding line level input for this recorder, I couldn’t find anyone who actually had a solid answer from real world experience for recording line level. It’s a little misleading when Zoom labels the input as also “Line In” - so good to actually see someone who has tested it properly and given the answer
🙏🏻🙏🏻thanks for making all this techy stuff understandable for common folks like me😁
This is the greatest compliment ever!! So glad we can be of help to break down some pretty complicated concepts.
So clear and useful trahnk you !
Thanks for watching!
I really enjoyed this video. I have both the Zoom F2 and Zoom F2-BT. I wanted to buy a third unit but they're sold out everywhere!
First time seeing you guys on CZcams and I just SUBSCRIBED.
Thanks for watching and subscribing Jared!
This is a really nice review. I have recently bought the F2-BT and so far it has given great result. I also have the F6 and the use of them are quite different.
Where did you get yours?
@@mikeblack_pw Hello. I bought mine from Foto.no in Oslo.
The fact you kept the throwing of the shiny object - priceless!
Breh. 🤦🏾♀️
Great work, Elaine and Kaleb.
Thank you kindly!
Matt Whoismatt sent me here and I love this channel already.
Heyyy welcome!!! Thanks for watching. That guy Matt is pretty rad haha
GREAT CLARITY IN THIS VIDEO👍
Thanks for watching!
Really good video
thank you for watching!
You guys are great!! i wish you lived in my town to hire you as a consultant!
Men ... you guys... what a great video... THank you. Muchas Gracias....
great practical info for video shooters in the field. insta sub! thank you!
Thanks for the sub!
I have a few of these and what I found is that they are optimized for the mics that are included in the package. I have tried far more expensive mics with them but none sound better than the included ones. Great review and great review style!
Thank you for watching Al! The mic sensitivity is definitely optimized for the unit the mic comes with, however there are definitely mics out there with significantly better fidelity than the TM10-L (Tascam DR10-L kit mic) and the F2 kit mic. When it comes to microphones, you get what you pay for!
@@KEJProductions Of course, there are many better mics. Too many to list. :)
great review guys! so big a question might be, are you replacing your DR10L's with this or keeping what you have?
We're thinking the F2s will eventually replace our DR10Ls - we're still holding on to them just to make sure though, hahahah.
Liked and Subscribed!!
Thanks for the helpful review. I'd never expect this to be used to record a line level signal. Maybe with my H1, but the F2 with the lav will always be mic-only.
i love what im seeing here!
Thank you!
Yes, this is a great video for most people. Just the right amount of technical data but tendered with wisdom, experience, AND common sense. Thank you. I do instructional videos indoors and outdoors, looking for this simple solution for voice. Even though I am an audio engineer for the last 30 years, when this one-man show is filming, capturing voice audio, and audio from the instrument I am teaching, I don't want to worry about levels, I want to concentrate on the task of teaching, and teaching well. Microphone levels can be very difficult to just set and then forget, especially outdoors; if I was just the engineer filming someone else, then I would be monitoring levels constantly, but I am alone in these ventures. We can always use compressors, noise gates, and limiters instead of 32float, but that involves more equipment and finding more portable power sources, and more to go wrong and carry. Question: Has Zoom solved the undependable issues such as not being able to stop the recording, locked out of the stop function so we have to power down, then after powering down the file is not saved? And the battery door breaking easily?
Any clue if you can use two recorders with the app. I have one for the groom and one for the bride.
I have Tascam DR-10's L and X ... as they get older, or I need an additional device I will be looking at 32-bit float. I already ordered the Tascam Portacapture to replace my DR-100 MK III ... 32-bit float is the future of field audio recording. Cheers and great show guys!
Any way to get a purple panda lavaliere mic to work with this thing ? I can’t seem to get it to recognize one at all.
Hello,this is a question about Zoom F2 ,
Can I use it to record Cardo(motorcycle intercom) audio output (splited from Cardo's in-helmet speaker) by using an attenuation cable and a TRS extension cable whose Male will be insert into Zoom F2's input?
I am a motovloger, trying to figure out a better solution of recoding Cardo audio.Thanks.
Nice channel
Subbed from Germany
Thanks for watching and the sub!
Love this! Any thoughts on using the built in lo cut option in the control app? Thanks!
DJ mixing boards output a line level signal. This is about 1 volt. The F2 has a mic input, which receives a mic level signal, which is around 0.01 volt. You are sending the F2 100 times the voltage that is is designed for. You need to use a passive DI box to convert the line level signal of the sound board down to the mic level signal that the F2, or any mic level input can handle.
8:00 Thanks my dear. Very well explained, even l got it 🤓😎
Great solid review of the Zoom F2 thank you guys we really appreciate some deeper dive opinions from the working professionals you are. ❤👍🤙 Cheers, #SeattleRingHunter
Excellent. Very illuminating. (I'm a technical writer, not an audio guy. You explained it well.)
thanks
3:29 Actually its a screw lock. A twist lock is a different engagement entirely. This has a narrow threaded color that screws down on to the audio jack post to secure it like a bolt and nut.
Thinking about using this on the blue tooth channel for my Rode Podcaster, during remote recordings. Thanks!
Great video guys! I'm also in the process of doing a review of the F2 and I tested it with my mixer. I was able to record a line level signal no problem. I tried all the different outputs... the main out, ctrl room out and CD/Tape out and none of them clipped the recording. Hmmmm
Hmm, something definitely sounds amiss with your setup. The F2 will not receive any level above -5.5dBu without distortion which is significantly under line level (+4dbu).
@@KEJProductions Thanks for responding. I am wondering if my mixer is outputting a signal that's less than -5.5dBu... I am using a Behringer 2202. I will try again with a DJ mixer
First time viewer... now I'm just a sub! ;-)
awesome! Thanks for watching and subbing!
Fantastic overview! Just wondering how a bunch of people were able to get a hold of one, I'm being told that the one I ordered isn't due until April.
The pre orders went pretty fast!
Nice!!!!!
Thanks!
Hi. Thx for the info. I got my F2 yesterday. Does it make any sense to use it with shotgun mics (like videomic NTG) on camera and use line-out for camera recording?
You could likely run a Rode Videomic Pro into the F2 and then into camera from the line-out of the F2 but that seems a little laborious to us. We're not sure the Zoom F2 supplies enough voltage to power an NTG (shotgun condenser mic). We would have to test that.
Thanks for the review. When you're connected via bluetooth to the mobile app, can you still use the physical record button on the Zoom F2 to start and stop recording? Or is that button disabled when the device is connected and controlled by the phone?
I ask because I like to use my phone for monitoring only. I want to start and stop recording with the Zoom F2 button.
Can I connect ax xlr shotgun mic with converters ? Something like the sennheiser mke 600?
7:30 the meat and potatoes of the F2... Very well said on the technical details. She is spot on with her assessment! 👍👍👍
What is the best lavalier mic to use with the F2 for outdoor vlogging purposes (walking and talking)?
Hi there, thx for this cool video. But may i ask you one question....is it possible to capture audio from an active mic like an Rode VideoMic NTG without the risk of clipping audio? Or is the recorder only made for passiv mics?
Позитивно и понятно :-) Спасибо Вам!
Are there popping noises when you wiggle the lav mic at the input? I’m planning on getting this for basketball audio so I need a recorder that is good with being a little hit sometimes.
We haven’t noticed any loose connections or popping at all. The connections are quite sturdy on our units.
Hi,
I was interested in mounting the F2 on my camera rig, and sending the output to my camera (eos M50) so that I can sync my audio more easily, can I do this without sending too strong a signal to my camera? I'm looking at a secondhand solution, but wondered if I would not be able to download 'WaveLab Cast', from Steinberg, which is included when new. It seems the Zoom software only requires a serial number, but please correct me if I'm wrong.
If you could label the take / recording from the phone app that would be amazing plus monitor from headphones from phones
Too
Nice review. Maybe keep the lav mic screwed in at all times to avoid potential input/output confusion. Why remove the mic?
Hi, are you having any mic input issues if you rock the input left and right? This is a realistic scenario and I'm now considering returning my F2 and getting Tentacle Sync Trac E.
We haven’t noticed any loose connections or popping at all. The connections are quite sturdy on our units.
@@KEJProductions From Zoom: "We have had this type of issue reported with the F2 on several occasions and would like to offer a warranty replacement F2 for the enduser in this situation."
@@AsianWithHat so happy to see they're acknowledging it and offering a solution!
I have been experimenting with my Zoom F2 and you are correct. The F2 is not meant for line level inputs, use the Zoom H series for that. Also, the noise floor is not the limiting factor, but ambient noise is, i.e. you are not going to be able to hear the best man over everyone tinging their glasses, unless he has his own mic. The temptation is going to be always having the mic connected to the unit, and it looks like the lav. cable is strong enough, only time will tell. I don't have the BT version, but I can see input on the change in glowing input LED to know the cable is good.
Great video! Regarding the DJ recording.... what if you just padded the XLR output before you pumped audio into the F2? I do that with my DR-10L and it works magic.
You can definitely do that. We are just cautious when implementing more points of failure to the signal flow. We have a DR40 that accepts line level, so we just rely on it for any high level recording.
Does the app handle two recorders for those 2 person interviews?
A bit late to the party but I actually managed to send a clean line signal through a Sound Devices Field Mixer 3.5mm port into the ZoomF2 and it's all about how you regulate the output gain. Signal was crispy clean. I am pretty sure that also a DJ station has a regulation that could fit (a dedicated one of course, not the Master). One more thing: I can confirm 1K signal is absolutely unreliable for regulation on the ZoomF2 (tested that too). If you use that as a reference it would definitely clip.
First off, great video. Looks like they've been super popular and we won't be able to get them anywhere until end of March? Boo. What are your thoughts in comparison to the DR-10L? I have four of them already - is it worth selling two and buying two Zooms? What are your thoughts on mixing them both or moving to them over the DR-10L?
If you're getting great audio with the DR-10Ls, we wouldn't recommend rushing out to get the F2. The F2 is a great device, but we still think the DR10 will hold the flagship title for a while. By all means, use both!
Guys hits been a year. Has the recorder stood the test over that time? Are you still using them? Any follow up? I need a 32 bit solution and I'm seeing these recorders on sale. Thought? Oh great video btw (saw it last year when it first dropped.)
I have the MixPre 3 II so I'm not worried about plugging this into a DJ board, BUT the problem solver in me has a question:
What if you used an attenuation cable that drops the line level to mic level? Do you think that would work?
You CAN do that but we highhhhly discourage it for several reasons. One, it's just bad practice and poor gain structure. Two, you're introducing more points of failure into your signal flow and it's a temporary solution which will eventually cause more issue down the line (whether that's in fidelity or flat out failure.) Ultimately, this recorder is not meant for line level and we're advocates of using the right tool for the right job. MixPre3 is the right tool for line level. Stoked that you have that piece of gear. Great question!
@@KEJProductions Thanks!! That all makes total sense. Completely agree with all of your points. I'm all about minimizing potential problems - especially when it's for somebodies wedding and you might never get that audio back. It is ALWAYS worth spending just a little bit more for the right solution. Yes the Mixpre3 has been amazing :)
Thank you for the DJ Line level test. This was why I was initially planning to get this recorder thinking it is 32bit and it will not clip but with this information, I think it is of no use getting it. Quick question, you did not show your test of the F6… but from your mentioned point….Does the F6 also clip line level from DJ?
so if i record up to +4 dBu or up to 5,5dbu it will distortion/ clipping ,,,?
How about Zoom F3 for DJ linein audio? Does it behave like F2?
Uber noob question here.
Will the RODE Vidomic NTG work well with this?
Do you think plug-in it to a headphone output on the DJ would be more suitable ?
So if I record the same thing on a DR10L and the F2, then raise it by 5dB, will I hear more/less/same amount of hiss (I thought this is what was called the noise floor)?
You’ll hear less amount of hiss on the F2 than the Tascam if you’re in a QUIET location which is rarely the case with wedding videographers. The F2 does has a lower noise floor than the Tascam but it’s important to note that noise floor includes atmospheric noise (room noise) when you’re recording, which we can’t usually control with a live event.
Thank you, great content btw! Question about using this the F2 to record off a board or mixer -> If I connected a controller/gain adjustment/preamp/some time of attenuator (pardon my lack of correct terminology) to reduce the level coming off the board, to then go to the F2. Could that hypothetically/theoretically record clean audio? Thanks for any help!
You CAN use an attenuator but we HIGHLY discourage it for several reasons. One, it's just bad practice and poor gain structure. Two, you're introducing more points of failure into your signal flow and it's a temporary solution which will eventually cause more issue down the line (whether that's in fidelity or flat out failure.) Ultimately, this recorder is not meant for line level and we're advocates of using the right tool for the right job.
@@KEJProductions Roger that! Love the honesty and confidence in your answer! Thanks for your expertise!
It also works great in my closed face helmet and in Davinci Resolve's new Voice Isolation its pure Black Magic ;-)
All the wind noise is just gone or if i want to leave a little in I can do that too :-)
Love to hear it!
Guys what song was that. It was really good. Did you guys make that beat?
Impressive.
Will the f3 work as a line level?
Can you listen to the audio on your phone while recording?
the thing about the sd card revals that you've never had a gopro, that's hard to put out
Morning guys, glad you explained the clipping. I was just relying on the "reviewers" and all of them stated that it was next to impossible to clip this thing. Dam, I owe my sound man an apology, because I was going to use it line level input from a dj and sound board. He swore he clipped one and I said "you couldn't have because They said you couldn't. Thanks for that information! Anyway, how would you set the F6 up to record line level btw? Oh yeah, I subscribed to your channel!
I’m so glad we could help!!! The F6 is a beast - you simply need to plug in the line level input and the F6’s a/d converters will automatically adjust the gain for line level!
@@KEJProductions Thank you!
Thanks , great review ;) One question for me remains : I did read it has stereo plugs ... but no info on this : Does it do STEREO RECORDING ? ...
Thanks for watching! The f2 has balanced plugs (plus, minus, and ground). Balanced quarter inch and eighth inch connectors are capable of carrying stereo signal but the F2 doesn’t record in stereo.
@@KEJProductions thank you
@@KEJProductions thank you .
How does the app handles multiple f2 bt recorders ?
The app prompts you with each device that’s connected via Bluetooth. You simply select which ever device you want to monitor with the app.