This is "AB" from B&H, and today we are looking at Zoom's new F1, a lightweight,
flexible field recorder that enables you to record high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96
kHz.
When you purchase the F1, you have a choice of two different configurations:
First, there's the F1SP, which includes the Zoom SGH-6 Mono Shotgun Microphone and SMF-1
Shockmount.
The Shockmount attaches easily to your camera's hot shoe and helps reduce unwanted contact
noise while recording location sound, dialogue, and more.
The second available bundle is the Zoom F1LP, which also includes Zoom's LMF-1 omnidirectional
lav microphone, which I'm wearing right now.
This is great for interviews or any other up-close dialog applications, and, as you
can see, the F1 has a compact, low-profile design that makes it easy to attach to belts
and waistbands, or fit inside a pocket for concealment.
The model you choose will really be determined by what your recording needs happen to be.
At some point in this video we will switch back and forth between the lav audio and shotgun
audio, so you can hear the difference.
Also, we are not using any additional gear for this recording; that way you get an accurate
representation of what the mics and unit sound like out of the box.
Before we dive in, some of you are probably saying: "Hey, I already have a great portable
field recorder.
Why should I even consider the F1?"
Well this is really the first field recorder Zoom has designed to function equally well
as either a recorder for up-close interviews via its lav system, or a camera-mounted recording
option for videographers using a shotgun mic.
You can basically bring one F1 unit with you to handle multiple tasks.
There are some other considerations as well which make the F1 an attractive option for
field recording.
First, it is compatible with all of Zoom's 10-pin attachments, so if you need something
beyond a simple mic in option for example, you can choose from any one of the available
recording capsules from Zoom, including:
The SSH-6 stereo shotgun mic XYH-6 Stereo X/Y Capsule with adjustable capsules
MSH-6 Stereo mid-side capsule with adjustable stereo width
XYH-5 Stereo X/Y capsule with shock-mounted microphones
And of course, the EXH-6 Dual combo input capsule
The other 2 features Zoom includes are Test Tone and Sound Marker, which are also found
on Zoom's H1n.
Test Tone allows you to send a signal from the F1's PHONE OUT jack to your DSLR to help
you properly adjust the incoming audio level for recording.
The Sound Marker function generates half-second tone signals when recording starts and stops.
When these signals are sent to the camera input, it allows for easily synchronizing
audio and video later at the editing stage.
On the right side of the unit, you'll see a power switch and a microSD card slot.
Just in case you're wondering, the F1 is compatible with microSD and microSDHC cards up to 32GB in size.
To turn the F1 on and off, you simply slide and hold the power switch for a couple seconds.
You'll notice that there's also a Hold position, this disables the buttons on the top of the
unit to prevent your talent (or lack thereof) from interfering with the F1 while recording.
Moving to the top of the unit, there's a 1.25" (3.175 cm) monochrome LCD display designed to ensure
visibility, even in bright sunlight.
There are also 4 buttons directly under the display: Rec Format, Lo Cut, Limiter, and
Rec Level.
The Rec format allows you to select from several mp3 or WAV formats, the highest being 320
kbps for mp3s or 96 kHz/24-bit for WAV files.
The Lo Cut filter gives you the option to roll off 80 Hz, 120 Hz, or 160 Hz.
There is a limiter, which Zoom says will pretty much prevent any clipping.
However, there are only 2 options - on and off - and while engaging the limiter certainly
boosts the signal and keeps it from clipping, it also introduces a bit more noise than when
not in use.
Finally, the record-level button provides you with a series of input levels from lo-
to hi++, with several steps in between.
There's also an auto record level that sets the gain automatically.
The bottom of the unit contains the line-in port, which is where my lav is plugged into,
and a 1/8" stereo headphone output jack.
On the left side of the F1 is a microUSB port, which allows you to transfer files from an
SD card to the computer, or to use the F1 as a USB audio interface for convenient recording
directly to your computer.
There are also volume controls for the headphone jack and a battery compartment for 2x AAA
batteries, which are included when you purchase the F1.
I found the cover of the battery compartment a bit temperamental.
Especially when trying to close it securely… so you really want make sure to take your time when
closing that compartment.
Other than that, the F1 feels very solid, and it's amazing that Zoom was able to fit
so many useful features in a recorder that can easily fit in your pocket.
Let's now take a listen to the difference in sound between the lav and shotgun mics.
Certainly, with more time and critical placement, you would be able to yield even greater results.
Please make sure you have headphones on for more critical listening:
The shotgun mic is recording to F1 and the camera.
This way, you have a safety track when you're recording your audio.
The lav mic is recording to the F1 that's in my pocket.
Both recorders have the exact same settings.
This way we maintain some consistency throughout the recording.
As you can see, the F1 is a versatile, compact field recorder that gives you the flexibility
to capture professional audio in a variety of situations.
Thanks for taking the time to check it out with me.
I'm AB from B&H….
see you next time.