Zoom F4 Professional Field Recorder

Full Description

Super-Low Noise Preamps

The Zoom F4 features exceptional microphone preamps which enable pristine recording and playback at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. The impressive audio specs also include an extremely low noise floor (-127dBu EIN) and high gain (up to 75dB), with +4dB line-level inputs.

TCXO Time Code

For precise audio/video syncing, the F4 Field Recorder utilises a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) that produces time code at 0.2ppm accuracy - a first for this price point. The Zoom F4 also supports all standard drop frame and non-drop formats, while also being able to jam sync to time code provided by external devices. Additionally the BNC connectors allow you to seamlessly integrate the F4 into any setup.

Onboard Advanced Limiters

The onboard limiters provide overload protection which allows you to capture audio in a wide range of dynamic sound environments. Limiting can also be applied to all four channels simultaneously at full resolution, with 10dB of headroom and controls for setting the threshold, attack and release.

Interchangeable Microphone Capsules

The F4 Professional Field Recorder features Zoom's proprietary capsule input which allows you to connect any of the available Zoom mic capsules - such as the SGH-6 Shotgun or the XYH-6 Stereo X/Y Capsule. The optional ECM extension cable also allows you to remotely position all external capsules.

Flexible Inputs and Outputs

The four discrete inputs are equipped with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors, along with a dedicated preamp, gain control knob, phantom power and a six-segment LED level meter. The F4 also features a variable-frequency slate tone generator which confirms the levels.

In addition to the 1/4'' headphone jack with dedicated volume control, the Zoom F4 provides you with four other output connections. Two Main Outs - on balanced XLR jacks - let you connect to external mixers and processing devices. Two Sub Outs - on a single unbalanced 1/8'' stereo mini-jack - ensure easy connection to a camera. Additionally the front panel output button allows easy access to output levels and signal routing.

Onboard Mixer and Effects

The integrated onboard mixer enables flexible signal routing from all inputs to all outputs - pre or post-fader - with user-adjustable level, pan and input/output delay. The built-in limiters can be applied to all channels and tracks simultaneously, while the built-in high-pass filtering reduces the sound of wind and other background noises.

Included Software

The Zoom F4 comes supplied with a free download license for Steinburg's Cubase LE music production software and WaveLab LE audio editing software - providing you with a complete audio production toolkit.

Features

• 6-input/8-track multitrack field recorder with integrated mixer
• 6 discrete inputs, including with 4 locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors, a stereo 3.5mm input, and Zoom mic capsule input
• Input 5/6 can be used as a camera return for monitoring only
• Compact and lightweight metal chassis, weighing just 2 pounds (without batteries)
• High-quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain, less than -127 dBu EIN, and +4 dB line inputs
• Support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording as well as 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, and 44.1 kHz, plus 47.952 kHz/48.048 kHz for HD video compatibility; 16/24-bit resolution
• Accurate time code (0.2 ppm) I/O on standard BNC connectors; drop frame/non-drop formats with Jam Sync
• Three different power supply options: 8x AA batteries, external DC battery pack with 4-pin HIROSE connector, and Zoom AD-19 12V AC Adapter with DHC-1 DC-HIROSE cable (included)
• Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for each channel
• Phantom power (+48V/+24V) on every preamp
• High pass filter, phase invert, and Mid-Side decoder
• Advanced onboard limiters for input and output
• Input delay of up to 30 msec per channel / output delay of up to 10 frames per output
• Compatible with all Zoom mic capsules; optional ECM extender cable enables remote positioning (not included)
• Dedicated headphone output (100 mW) with front panel volume control
• Dual XLR balanced Main Outs plus 1/8" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
• Front panel OPTION button gives quick access to important shortcuts
• 1.9” white, backlit monochrome LCD
• Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, up to 512 GB each
• Support for extensive metadata (BWF and iXML); input time, date, project, scene number, etc
• Built-in tripod mount; camera mount adapter also included
• Use as a 6-in/4-out USB audio interface (@ 96 kHz)

Specifications

• Recording Storage: Dual SD Card Slots
• Supported Recording Storage:
  • SD Cards: 16MB - 2GB
  • SDHC Cards: 4GB - 32GB
  • SDXC Cards: 64GB - 512GB
• Input Connectors: XLR/TRS Combo Jacks (1-4)
• Recording Formats: 128kbps/192kbps/320kbps, 44.1kHz/48kHz, ID3v1 Tags
• Maximum Simultaneous Recording Tracks: 2
• Equivalent Input Noise: -127dBu or Less
• Frequency Characteristics: 10Hz - 80kHz, +0.5dB/-1.5dB (192kHz Sampling Rate)
• A/D Dynamic Range: 120dB Typical (-60dBFS Input, A-Weighted)
• D/A Dynamic Range: 106dB Typical (-60dBFS Input, A-Weighted)
• Crosstalk: -90dB or Less
• Recording Time: 30:51:00 Using a 32GB Card (48kHz/24-Bit Stereo WAV)
  • 7:42:00 (192kHz/24-Bit Stereo WAV)
• Display: 1.9'' Monochrome LCD with White Backlight
• Dimensions: 7'' x 5.5'' x 2.1'' / 177.8mm x 141.1mm x 54.3mm (W x D x H)

XLR Mic Inputs

• Input Gain: +10dB to +75dB
• Input Impedance: 3kΩ or More
• Maximum Input Level: +14dBu (at 0dBFS, Limiter On)
• Phantom Power: +24V/+48V 10mA Maximum per Channel

TRS Line Inputs

• Input Gain: +10dB to +55dB
• Input Impedance: 22kΩ or More
• Maximum Input Level: +24dBu (at 0dBFS, Limiter On)

RTN IN

• Connectors: 3.5mm Stereo Mini Unbalanced Output Jack
• Reference Input Level:
  • -10dBV (Level: -10dBV Settings)
  • +24dBu (Level: +4dBu Settings)

Main Outputs 1-2

• Connectors: XLR, Balanced
• Output Impedance: 150Ω or Less
• Reference Output Level: -10dBV, 1kHz, 600Ω Load
• Maximum Output Level: +10dBV, 1kHz, 600Ω Load

Sub Outputs 1-2

• Connectors: 3.5mm Stereo Mini Unbalanced Output Jack
• Output Impedance: 1kΩ or Less
• Reference Output Level:
  • -10dBV (Normal Output Type)
  • -40dBV (Mic Output Type), 1kHz, 10kΩ Load
• Maximum Output Level:
  • +10dBV (Normal Output Type)
  • -20dBV (Mic Output Type), 1kHz, 10kΩ Load

Headphone Output

• Connector: 1/4'' Unbalanced Stereo Jack
• Output Impedance: 15Ω or Less
• Maximum Output Level: 100mW + 100mW (32Ω Load)

Time Code

• Connector: BNC
• Modes: Off, Int Free Run, Int Record Run, Int RTC Run, Ext, Ext Auto Rec (Audio Clock Can be Synchronised to Timecode)
• Frame Rates: 22.976ND, 24ND, 25ND, 29.97ND, 29.97D, 30ND, 30D
• Precision: ±0.2ppm
• Supported Input Levels: 0.2Vpp - 5.0Vpp
• Input Impedance: 4.3kΩ or More
• Output Level: 3.0Vpp ±10%
• Output Impedance: 50Ω or Less

Power Supply

• Batteries: 8 AA
• AC Adapter: Zoom AD-19 DC12 V 2A via DC-HIROSE Cable Adapter (Both Included)
• External DC Adapter: HIROSE HR10A-7R-4S 4-Pin Connector

Included Accessories

• Camera Mount Adapter
• Zoom AD-19 12V AC Adapter
• DHC-1 DC-HIROSE Cable
• Cubase LE and WaveLab LE Download Codes
• Operation Manual