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ZOOM F8n 32bit Pro audio recorder
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

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    Specs

    • Dual AD converters
    • Supports for 32-bit float recording (16bit / 24bit can also be selected)
    • 8 channel input, maximum 10 tracks (8ch + L / R) simultaneous recording
    • Maximum 192kHz High-resolution recording in 32-bit float WAV format
    • High-quality pre-amplifier with ultra-low noise floor design with a maximum gain of 75dB and EIN -127dBu
    • Neutrik XLR / TRS combo input with 8 lock mechanisms
    • Microphone / line (+ 4dBu compatible) ) Input source switching is also possible
    • High-precision time code with an error of 0.5 frames in less in 24 hours
    • Advanced limiter that pre-reads peaks and prevents overload
    • ZOOM auto mix function that automatically adjusts the level of inputs
    • 3 power types: 8 AA batteries, external DC power supply, 12V AC adapter
    • Independent track knob for each channel, 6-segment LED level meter, PFL / Solo switch
    • Equipped with two mini XLR (TA3) balanced main outputs and a stereo mini specification sub output
    • Headphone jack with volume control (output 100mW)
    • 2.4" full color, backlit LCD (with monochrome mode)
    • Double SD card slot compatible with up to 1TB SDXC
    • Built-in slate microphone / slate tone
    • 8 in / 4 out, USB audio interface function compatible with up to 96kHz / 32-bit float
    • Backup recording to a computer via the USB audio output at the same time as recording to the built-in SD card
    • 360° spatial audio using a VR microphone and built-in Ambisonic recording mode
    • Remote control from Android* / iOS application "F8 Control" via Bluetooth connection (* Android version is scheduled to be released in March 2022)
    • Optional mixer controller (F-Contro)
    • Optional ZOOM microphone capsules can be connected (the XAH-8, EXH-8, VRH-8 are not supported)
    • $1,280 USD
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    800 x 381 - 50K
  • 5 Replies sorted by
  • DrDaveDrDave

    Really cannot understand why EIN -127dBu when 1db scale noise has been around for 20 years. It's just not that complicated.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @DrDave

    Really cannot understand why EIN -127dBu when 1db scale noise has been around for 20 years. It's just not that complicated.

    Can you explain what you mean?

  • IronFilmIronFilm

    btw, this title should be "Zoom F8n Pro".

    Am disappointed by this release.

    Because the original F8 was groundbreaking. It was like the 5D/D90/GH1 was for the camera dept, but the F8 was like that for us in the sound department. Phenomenal! In terms of how much awesomeness was being brought to us at a very very very VERY low price!!

    The F8 today is still today the best bang for buck you could get at its price point.

    Unfortunately the progression from F8 to F8n to F8n Pro was much smaller than the progression we saw for say the GH1 to GH2 to GH3.

    Zoom has dropped the ball here, and just hasn't kept on pushing the envelope of awesomeness like they did with the original F8.

    And sadly they don't need to, as they lack any serious competition who are better them in this low/no budget niche.

    The Sound Devices MixPre series is the only competition there is, and they were initially lagging waaaay behind the Zoom F series when the MixPre Series first launched. But now with many firmware updates, and new MixPre Gen2 hardware, they're decent competitors.

    However I'd still lean towards choosing a F8n Pro over the MixPre10 (plus the Zoom is cheaper too!).

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @IronFilm

    Thanks, I changed title.

  • DrDaveDrDave

    @Vitaliy_Kiselev the 1 dB figure has been an historical standard (and easily achievable) for decades.

    I quote Allen Burdick:
    "To perform valid noise level measurements, two specific conditions must be established:

    A 150 Ohm source impedance
A 20 kHz measurement bandwidth

    The microphone preamplifier must have the proper source impedance at its input. If it does not, the preamp will amplify the noise of its internal bias resistors....

    The use of an carbon film resistor is usually ok, but the carbon composition resistor should never be used due to a phenomena known as "excess noise" found in these resistors. This noise is created by electrical currents having to jump over small but real physical spacing between the carbon particles which are held apart by the resistors binder material....

    The second condition that must be met is the limitation of the measurement bandwidth to 20 kHz. Manufacturers never specify, nor do we really want to measure, the noise outside the 20 kHz audio bandwidth. Be sure the test instrument that you are using has an internal filter for that purpose....

    The output noise of the microphone preamp will be the noise of the source resistance, -130.82 dBu for 150 ohms, plus the gain of the preamp, plus the noise figure of the preamp in dB. The expected noise of a preamp operating at 50 dB of gain would then be -130.82 dBu, plus 50 dB, plus the noise figure of the preamp, which is < 1 dB for the Benchmark MP-4, or a total of approximately -80 dBu. Using bipolar 15 volt power the MP-4 has an output clip point of +27 dBu thus yielding a preamp dynamic range of 107 dB.

    The only way to get lower noise and therefore greater dynamic range (with a given power supply voltage source) is to operate both the mic and the preamp at much lower (i.e. cryogenic) temperatures. Unfortunately, at this point in the history of man, this is not possible."

    Link: https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/12139801-measuring-mic-preamp-noise

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