Zoom F4 Multi-Track Field Recorder

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Professional Field Recording Has Never Been So Accessible.

If you’re looking to take your film’s sound to the next level, Zoom’s F4 is the ideal companion—from the studio to the field.

This 6-input/8-track field recorder offers creators Hollywood-quality sound for film at an unprecedented price point. Its features include super-low-noise mic preamps, precise time code, and a solid metal build.

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  • THE ZOOM F4

    Creators are making more waves in film than ever before.  Thanks to affordable technology and distribution channels like YouTube, we’re ushering in a new era of creativity…and it’s only just begun.

    The Zoom F4 propels your film’s sound to a whole new level. With 6-input/8-track recording, super-low-noise mic preamps, and time code with pinpoint accuracy, the F4 offers Hollywood sound at an indie budget.

    We didn’t change the industry.You did.

    By putting high-quality sound front and center, you’ve changed how audiences experience film. That’s why we created the Zoom F4. So professional quality sound is always within reach.

    The Essentials For Professional Recording


    Super-low-noise microphone preamps
    The F4 is equipped with our highest-quality mic preamps. Like the F8, the F4’s mic preamps enable pristine recording and playback at resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Its impressive audio specs include an extremely low noise floor (-127 dBu EIN) and high gain (up to 75 dB), with +4 dB line-level inputs.

    TCXO Time Code
    For precise audio/video syncing, the F4 utilizes a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) that generates time code at 0.2 ppm accuracy—a first for this price point. The F4 supports all standard drop frame and non-drop formats, and can jam sync to time code provided by external devices. Standard BNC connectors enable easy integration into any rig.

     

    Advanced onboard limiters

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

    Rock-solid build and lightweight design
    A compact metal chassis makes the F4 both rugged and durable, and keeps its weight down to just 2.27 pounds without batteries.

    Recording Features

    Multi-track recording
    With four XLR/TRS combo inputs, a 3.5mm stereo input, and a Zoom mic capsule input, the F4 can record up to six discrete tracks with an additional stereo mix track—all at resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

    Camera return
    Input 5/6 can be used as a camera return for monitoring only. This allows you to monitor audio being sent to the camera for confidence checks.

    Dual SD card recording
    A dual SD card recording feature lets you record simultaneously on two SD/SDHC/SDXC cards* (up to 512 GB each). This means you can instantly back up or split recordings. For example, you can save eight tracks on one card and a stereo mix on another.

    * View a list of confirmed compatible SD cards

    File protection

    The F4 periodically saves files while recording, providing an extra level of protection from unexpected file interruptions like power loss or sudden SD card removal.

    Dual-channel recording

    Dual-channel recording mode lets you create safety tracks for inputs 1 and 2, each with independent level, limiting, delay, phase inversion, and high-pass filtering.

    Shortcuts
    Built-in shortcuts allow easy access to important menus and features. Hold the front panel OPTION button for access to TC Jam, Trim Link, Clear Clip and other important shortcuts.

    Three power sources

    Power up your F4 with 8 AA batteries or an external DC battery pack with a converter cable connector. The F4 also includes a Zoom AD-19 power supply and a DC-HIROSE adapter which serves as a third power option.

    Add Two Additional Mic/Line Inputs

    The F4 is outfitted with a 10-pin Zoom mic capsule input to expand your recording capabilities even further. Connecting the
    optional EXH-6 XLR/TRS Combo Input Capsule adds two extra mic/line inputs to your F4, giving you a total of six discrete XLR/TRS combo inputs.

    Zoom Interchangeable Mic Capsules

    Use the proprietary Zoom capsule input to connect any of the available Zoom mic capsules—such as the SGH-6 Shotgun Mic Capsule or the XYH-6 Stereo X/Y Mic Capsule—to add an on-board microphone to your F4. The optional ECM extension cable allows for remote positioning of all capsules.

    The Best Connections

    Inputs

    The F4 features four discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors. Each input provides a dedicated preamp with gain control knob, phantom power, a six-segment LED level meter, and a Record Ready and PFL switch. The 1/8″ stereo input or the Zoom mic capsule input can provide input for tracks 5 and 6. The F4 also includes a variable-frequency slate tone generator to confirm levels.

     

    Outputs

    In addition to the 1/4” headphone jack with dedicated volume control, the F4 provides four other outputs. 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) enable easy connection to a camera. The front panel OUTPUT button allows easy access to output levels and routing.

    Time code and USB
 connections
    Time code I/O is provided on BNC connectors. The USB port facilitates firmware updates and file transfer. It also allows the F4 to be used as a 6-in/4-out USB audio interface with sample rates up to 96 kHz.

    An LCD For All Lighting Conditions

    An easy-to-read 1.9-inch white backlit monochromatic LCD display makes the F4 suitablefor all lighting environments— from low light to direct sunlight.
    It also performs well in harsh conditions, like dusty and hard-to-see environments.

    Monitor Your Recordings

    Flexible options help you easily monitor recordings in the field. Route any input, as well as the stereo track (pre- orpost-fader), to the left or right headphone
    channels. A built-in 100 mW headphone  amplifier provides plenty of volume for noisy environments. You can even set headphone alert tones for low battery,
    recording start/stop, or recording errors.

    Onboard Mixer And Effects

    An onboard mixer allows for flexible signal routing from all inputs to all outputs (pre- or post-fader) with user-adjustable level, pan, and input/output delay. Built-in limiters can be applied to all channels and tracks simultaneously. The F4 also includes built-in high-pass filtering to reduce the sound of wind and other noise, plus phase inversion and Mid-Side decoding.

    The Nitty Gritty

    The F4 records in BWF-compatible WAV format at 16-bit or 24-bit resolution, and at any standard sample rate up to 192 kHz. When recording MP3 files, you can choose bit rates of 128, 192, or 320 kbps.

    Includes Recording and Editing Software

    The F4 comes with free download licenses for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software and WaveLab LE audio editing software, representing a complete audio production toolkit.

    Currently shipping with:
    Cubase LE8 for Mac OS X 10.9/10.10/10.11 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10
    WaveLab LE9 for Mac OS X 10.10/10.11 and Windows 7/8/8.1/10

    For information on license activation and upgrades, visit our Steinberg Software support page.

    Features at a glance

    • 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
    • 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)

    The F4 can also be mounted to a tripod and attached to your
    camera using the included mounting bracket.

    *The F4 does not have Bluetooth capabilities and
    is not compatible with the Zoom F8 iOS app.

    Accessories

    What’s included with the F4:

    • Camera mount adapter
    • Zoom AD-19 12V AC Adapter
    • DHC-1 DC-HIROSE cable
    • Cubase LE and WaveLab LE download codes
    • Operation manual

    Optional F4 Accessories:

    • PCF-4 field bag for F4 and F8 MultiTrack Field Recorders
    • PCF-8 field bag for F8 and F4 MultiTrack Field Recorders
    • BCF-8 battery case for F4 and F8 MultiTrack Field Recorders
    • ECM-3 mic capsule extender cable
    • XYH-5 shockmounted X/Y mic capsule
    • XYH-6 X/Y mic capsule
    • MSH-6 mid-side mic capsule
    • SGH-6 shotgun mic capsule
    • SSH-6 stereo shotgun mic capsule
    • EXH-6 dual XLR/TRS combo input capsule

    SPECS

    RECORDING MEDIA
    Dual SD card slot supports: 16 MB – 2 GB SD cards
    4 GB – 32 GB SDHC cards
    64 GB – 512 GB SDXC cards
    INPUTS 1-4
    Connectors: XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR: 2 hot, TRS: TIP hot)
    INPUTS: XLR (MIC)
    Input gain: +10 – +75 dB
    Input impedance: 3.0 kΩ or more
    Maximum input level: +14 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)
    Phantom power: +24/+48V 10mA maximum for each channel
    INPUTS: TRS (LINE)
    Input gain: −10 – +55 dB
    Input impedance: 22 kΩ or more
    Maximum input level: +24 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)
    INPUTS: ADDITIONAL INFO
    Equivalent input noise: −127 dBu or less
    (A-weighted, +75 dB input gain, 150Ω input)
    Frequency characteristics: 10 Hz – 80 kHz +0.5 dB/−1.5 dB
    (192 kHz sampling rate)
    A/D dynamic range: 120 dB typ (−60 dBFS input, A-weighted)
    Crosstalk: −90 dB or less
    (between adjacent channels, 1 kHz)
    MIC IN: ZOOM mic capsule input
    (use disables Inputs 5/6)
    RTN IN
    Connectors: 3.5 mm stereo mini unbalanced output jack
    Reference input level: +10 dBV (Level: -10 dBV setting),
    +4 dBu (Level: +4 dBu setting)
    Input impedance: 10k Ω or more
    Maximum input level: -10 dBV (Level: -10 dBV setting)
    +24 dBu (Level: +4 dBu setting)
    OUTPUTS: MAIN OUT 1/2
    Connectors: XLR balanced output (2: hot)
    Output impedance: 150 Ω or less
    Reference output level: −10 dBV, 1 kHz, 600Ω load
    Maximum output level: +10 dBV, 1 kHz, 600Ω load
    OUTPUTS: SUB OUT 1/2
    Connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini unbalanced output jack
    Output impedance: 1k Ω or less
    Reference output level: −10 dBV (Normal Output Type),
    −40 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 10kΩ load
    Maximum output level: +10 dBV (Normal Output Type),
    −20 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 10kΩ load
    HEADPHONE
    Connector: 1/4″ unbalanced stereo output jack
    Output impedance: 15 Ω or less
    Maximum output level: 100 mW + 100 mW
    (32Ω load)
    D/A
    D/A dynamic range: 106 dB typical (−60dBFS input, A-weighted)
    RECORDING FORMATS: WHEN WAV SELECTED
    Supported formats: 44.1/47.952/48/48.048/88.2/96/192kHz,
    16/24-bit, mono/stereo/2-10 ch poly, BWF and iXML
    Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 8 (6 Inputs + L/R MIX recording at 192kHz sampling rate)
    RECORDING FORMATS: WHEN MP3 SELECTED
    Supported formats: 128/192/320 kbps, 44.1/48 kHz, ID3v1 tags
    Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 2
    RECORDING TIME
    Using a 32 GB card: 30:51:00 (48 kHz/24-bit stereo WAV)
    7:42:00 (192 kHz/24-bit stereo WAV)
    TIME CODE
    Connector: BNC
    Modes: Off, Int Free Run, Int Record Run, Int RTC Run, Ext, Ext Auto Rec (audio clock can be synchronized to timecode)
    Frame rates: 23.976ND, 24ND, 25ND, 29.97ND, 29.97D, 30ND, 30D
    Precision: ±0.2 ppm
    Supported input levels: 0.2 – 5.0 Vpp
    Input impedance: 4.3k Ω or more
    Output level: 3.0 Vpp ±10%
    Output impedance: 50 Ω or less
    POWER SUPPLIES
    Batteries: 8 AA
    AC adapter: Zoom AD-19 DC12 V 2A (center plus) via DC-HIROSE cable adapter (both included)
    External DC power supply: HIROSE HR10A-7R-4S 4-pin connector
    (1 pin: −, 4 pin: +), 9–16 V
    CONTINUOUS RECORDING TIME: WHEN RECORDING 2 CHANNELS AT 48 KHZ/16-BIT WITHOUT HEADPHONES
    Alkaline batteries: 9.5 hours or more
    NiMH (2450mAh): 11.5 hours or more
    Lithium batteries: 17.5 hours or more
    CONTINUOUS RECORDING TIME: WHEN RECORDING 8 CHANNELS AT 48 KHZ/24-BIT WITH HEADPHONES
    Alkaline batteries: 9 hours or more
    NiMH (2450mAh): 10.5 hours or more
    Lithium batteries: 16.5 hours or more
    CONTINUOUS RECORDING TIME: WHEN RECORDING 8 CHANNELS AT 192 KHZ/24-BIT WITH HEADPHONES, PHANTOM POWER, AND DISPLAY BACKLIGHTING
    Alkaline batteries: 2 hours or more
    NiMH (2450mAh): 3.5 hours or more
    Lithium batteries: 6 hours or more
    DISPLAY
    1.9″ monochrome LCD with white backlight
    USB: MASS STORAGE OPERATION
    Class: USB 2.0 High Speed
    USB: MULTITRACK AUDIO INTERFACE OPERATION (DRIVER REQUIRED FOR WINDOWS, NOT REQUIRED FOR MAC)
    Class: USB 2.0 High Speed
    Specifications: 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, 6-in/4-out
    USB: STEREO MIX AUDIO INTERFACE OPERATION (NO DRIVER REQUIRED)
    Class: USB 2.0 High Speed
    Specifications: 44.1/48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-in/2-out

    Note: iPad audio interface operation supported (Stereo Mix mode only)

    EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS
    Main unit: 7.0 in. (W) × 5.5 in. (D) × 2.1 in. (H)
    177.8 mm (W) × 141.1 mm (D) × 54.3 mm (H)
    WEIGHT
    Main unit only: 2.27 pounds (1030g)