First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate by Allan Tépper

Unlike the tragic lack of 48 kHz sampling rate in the P4, the Zoom F3 indeed has it.

June 29, 2022

First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate 16

I didn’t buy the ≈US$350 Zoom F3 2-track recorder because of its 32-bit float recording capabilities with true 1528 dB dynamic range, although I certainly don’t mind it. I actually appreciate that feature, even though I don’t really “need” it. I bought the F3 for some of its other features and benefits, including its portability, simplicity, good preamps even for dynamic microphones and the lack of any built-in mics. Back in February of 2022, I published an article called Hindenburg Pro: 32-bit float compatibility, workflow and best practices. This is a first-look article on the Zoom F3 recorder, before my upcoming review. So far, I have already used it to record two field audio interviews.

First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate 17

First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate 18

Unlike the Zoom P4 (which I criticized in two articles, here and here) for its lack of our absolute standard of 48 kHz sampling rate (see 48kHzAllance.com), the Zoom F3 indeed includes 48 kHz. In fact, as I clarified in Hindenburg Pro: 32-bit float compatibility, workflow and best practices, it’s essential to record at 48 kHz to facilitate direct compatibility with Hindenburg.

First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate 19

In my upcoming review of the F3, I’ll include both indoor and outdoor sample recordings both from a dynamic and an electret condenser microphone. I’ll also clarify how the F3 doesn’t have audio gain controls for its mic inputs, yet it does (and what that means in practice). It will all make sense later 🙂

First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate 20

First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate 21

First look: Zoom F3 2-track 32-bit float recorder with 48 kHz sampling rate 22

Image credit: All photos in this first-look article are courtesy of Zoom, except for the one with people.

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FTC disclosure

Many of the above manufacturers have sent Allan Tépper review units, including Zoom. However, in this particular case, Allan Tépper purchased the F3 with his own funds. Some of the manufacturers listed above have contracted Tépper and/or TecnoTur LLC to carry out consulting and/or translations/localizations/transcreations. So far, none of the manufacturers listed above is/are sponsors of the TecnoTur, BeyondPodcasting, CapicúaFM or TuSaludSecreta programs, although they are welcome to do so, and some are, may be (or may have been) sponsors of ProVideo Coalition magazine. Some links to third parties listed in this article and/or on this web page may indirectly benefit TecnoTur LLC via affiliate programs. Allan Tépper’s opinions are his own. Allan Tépper is not liable for misuse or misunderstanding of information he shares.