Zoom F1 Audio Field Recorder
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- Links to gear below. If you found this review helpful and are planning to buy, please use one of our links below which will help fund our ongoing efforts to make high quality filmmaking gear reviews.
Zoom’s new F1 is a tiny audio field recorder which works well in place of a wireless lavalier system but can also be used as a camera-top shotgun or “wireless” shotgun microphone. Here’s our overview of the Zoom F1.
If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses at school.learnlightandsound.com
Links to gear discussed and used to record this session:
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Zoom F1 (with lavalier microphone)
B&H: bhpho.to/2G8LLTb
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Zoom F1 (with shotgun microphone)
B&H: bhpho.to/2FA1OcE
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microSDHC Card (you’ll need one, not included with the F1)
B&H: bhpho.to/2FspFij
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Mic Stand Adapter (I used this to mount the shotgun mic configuration on a regular 5/8” mic stand)
Amazon: geni.us/ydb1
B&H: bhpho.to/2FA31kc
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Voice Technologies VT500 Lavalier Microphone (this does NOT come with the F1)
Review: • Voice Technologies VT5...
B&H: bhpho.to/2wvlsVN
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Panasonic GH5S (My current favorite small camera)
Amazon: geni.us/yRTxl
B&H: bhpho.to/2Cbt6mY
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Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - incredibly versatile lens that is on the GH5S most of the time
Amazon: geni.us/LTyfCx
B&H: bhpho.to/2i6s2gv
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Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.
![🎬 [ОБЗОР] ZOMM F1-LP - лучший портативный аудиорекордер!?](/img/1.gif)
I love your reviews. I'm always about a year behind when the products are released and when your reviews come up in my feed, but luckily its always before I buy one! lol. Love this!
Thanks Dave. You might consider clicking the bell icon to be notified when the videos come out, even if you don't watch them right away, you'll at least know you can refer to them in the future.
Chris, your audio equipment reviews are among the best on the Interwebs. Great job
Thanks Noah!
Again, as always, a really great overview!
Thanks Curtis and keep up the good work
Thanks Marc!
Love that you put the summary right up front - very helpful!
Thanks!
Excellent review yet again! Always love the attention paid to lesser-known gear you show on your channel. I've always thought the form factor of the H1 was a little too difficult for my needs, but the F1 looks like a solid budget option for lavalier microphones.
Thanks David!
please don't stop making videos
Ok. 😀
WoW amazing sound, lighting and video quality, great job, super clean pro work :)
Thanks jantestowy123!
Another one of your great review. Love how you explain things. Thank you Curtis.
Thanks Tom!
Dude, you are amazing at these reviews. Fantastic work! Also what a great product.
Thanks John-Carlos!
Great review as always Curtis. Thank you! I may be getting that soon.
Thanks Gus!
Best video review of THE recorder a found. Good job!
Thanks!
A pleasure to whatch your videos, as usual.
Thanks Leonardo.
Thank you so much for the review on the zoom F1. This product makes so much sense when compared with the ridiculously expensive Lectrosonics PDR you recently reviewed. The Zoom F1 has great features and amazing quality at a price (not cheap) that is realistic for amateurs and aspiring pros.
Thanks Art.
Excelente revision de un magnifico producto como el zoom f1. I used the zoom f1 for recording my sermons and the quality is superb. Thank you for your explanation, very detailed and well presented.
Curtis, Your work is fantastic!
Just binge watched a few of your videos.
Thanks Jake!
**Note**: 1) I was recovering from the flu when I recorded this and my voice was still rather raw and affected by the illness. 2) In the majority of the review I used a lavalier. If you'd like to compare the sound here with another video for reference, be sure to listen to an episode where I used the same mic: ruclips.net/video/9c74PsslcOk/видео.html
Thanks to the mention in your vid about the H1n, I learned about the F1- which is EXACTLY what I needed. Almost mistakenly bought the H1n. I really appreciate the overview.
👍
Thanks, Curtis. ☘️ I still watch your videos even if I am not intrested in the product. there is so much useful information in your reviews.
Thanks Armen!
Curtis Absolutely amazing and yes I have been paying attention.Learned so much from watching.Can't Thank You enough.I definitely recommend anyone watching to start from the beginning because Curtis is Amazing.Again Thank You.And glad I watched from the Start.Deb.👌👍
Thanks! 👍
Nice work for putting the summary at the start, and not trying to string us along for ages to work the youtube algorithm.
Thanks Greg.
as always, a thoughtful review. thank you for the effort and the sharing. i am a satisfied subscriber. thumbs up.
Thanks!
Yet another great video Curtis.
Thanks SleepDroid Studios!
you all prolly dont care but does any of you know a way to get back into an Instagram account??
I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Curtis, this review was excellent. Thank you.
Thanks Steve!
IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER.
I LOVE THE TECH STUFF AS YOU DO.
KEITH KUHN
👍
your videos are so so helpful. keep making em!
Thanks John, will do!
Awesome. Thank you for the info. Currently have a Tascam DR-10L, but switching to the Zoom F1. Keep up the good work!
Thanks and I hope the F1 works well for you!
Great review as always Curtis, Thank you!
Cheers, Pete
Cheers!
Always nice and pleasnt review! Thanks! I already have the H4N, but no cheap thing to attach it on the trouser. This F1 looks more convenient.
Thanks Stéphane!
love your summaries... !!
Thanks!
That was an incredible review. I'm sold on the F1-SP bundle, I'm getting into video work and was absolutely disappointed reading all the negative reviews on RODE videomic products nowadays. This is a clean sounding, excellent alternative that also records into it's own SD card as a backup. I can appreciate that alot.
👍 happy recording!
Thanks Curtis, super informative. I've been eyeing this recorder also thanks for mentioning the Lav mic VT500 I wasn't familiar with it.
You’re most welcome!
Hey Curtis! thanks again for your videos, you rock man.
Thanks for the feedback!
Super helpful review, Curtis! Thanks so much. I’ll pick up one of these for my church as they’re currently in the market right now for an affordable lav system.
Thanks Scott. I hope it works well for the church!
FUNNY story: My first experience with this recorder came at a wedding. The photographer put one on my as I was the officiant. I assumed it was a wireless microphone that would be switched on later via a sound board. I wore it for 30+ before the wedding not realizing I was actually being recorded. I took phone calls, told jokes and even went to the BATHROOM. I noticed after the wedding she said “let me grab your RECORDER” I immediately realized and was quite embarrassed. Fast forward after hearing the audio in the edited video later I immediately bought one and love it.
😅
Another great review of what looks like an excellent recorder to have.
Thanks Todd.
Solid review, as always!
Thanks Isaac!
Thank you! Great review.
Thanks and you are welcome.
Have good Sunday Curtis great video
You too, thanks!
I've been using this unit for corporate video, and occasionally as a VO interface for LogicProX for about 18 months. It's an incredibly versatile little unit. My H5 is largely gathering dust now.
Glad it has worked well for you!
Another great review. I contacted Zoom and asked if they would be selling the shock mount separately and when. I was told that in several weeks I should be able to get it directly from them... that was back at the beginning of March. As of today it's not available. I already own the Zoom H6 with the shotgun mic so I went with the F1 lavaliere version so I could use shotgun I already own from my H6 with the F1. I'm sure eventually the shock mount will be available and I'll be glad when it is. Note: I own both of the Zoom shot gun mics and I have to say I really like the way the F1 works with the Zoom SSH-6. The F1 has good control of the side mics.
Thanks for the insights, SpiderWayne!
May I ask how does F1 does compare with H6 in recording quality? I am thinking of buying one. Thanks!
Thanks very much. It's larger than I imagined, but the versatility looks good. The H1n includes some of the same display and control layout improvements over the H1. Thanks for underscoring that boom mounting a shotgun mic is far superior to mounting one on camera.
Thanks BJ. Hoping to have a look at the H1n soon, too. Yes, always good to get that mic closer. Camera top is almost never the ideal option.
Thank you! I like my Tascam DR 10L. It also has the safety track and it’s smaller. But if you want the microphones on it then Zoom is the way to go. It’s great to have do many options now. Just a couple years ago this space was sorely missing this type of run and gun recorder. :)
Same ballpark with a good lavalier (not the one included with the Tascam).
Yeah. But TASCAM's DR-10L doesn't record stereo signal and it doesn't have stereo input jack.
Excellent review. Just bought the F1 and searched to see if you had made a review😀
I hope it works as well for you as it did for me!
@@curtisjudd First test worked perfectly :-)
Thanks for nice reviews
🙏
I like it Curtis I can see its use in special situations
Me too.
Great stuff as always.
Thanks!
Curtis you are a true Jedi Master of Audio!!
Thanks Probhjot!
Nice review I'm going to pick up one.
Thanks.
Thanks Timothy. Happy recording! 🎤
Love to hear your review of the new F2.
I've got one on preorder and plan to review it here. Thanks for the suggestion!
That thing sounds amazing as a boom!
👍
Great review! I've used both the F1 and the TASCAM DR10, and I prefer the F1 over the DR10 because: it's a little bigger, so the buttons are more solid and easier to manipulate; the screen is WAY easier to read; and the way the DR10 operates is not very intuitive, so I kept getting lost in terms of the current vs. most recent track. Also, for those of us who need reading glasses for pretty much everything, the F1 is far easier to read than the DR10.
(People rarely have much to say about the UI design, but with more and more features getting jammed into these things, the UI is becoming increasingly important. Just going through a run-down of the buttons isn't sufficient IMHO. Rather, you need to actually go through some normal usage steps. The DR10 just confused the heck out of me for quite a while, but the F1 was much quicker to learn.)
Fair points, thanks!
I've bought my F1 about 2 years ago (2020), used it a lot when shooting outdoors until about 1 year ago. I really liked it. After a break of about a year, I used it today again. In between two recordings, the battery lid chose to break while I was outdoor, somewhere in the woods. Of course I had no backup system. (who on earth carries emergency backup systems, that's so …) That was most inconvenient. I could continue to record with holding the f1 in one hand, pressing the lid down with my thumb, and holding the camera in the other hand. Not too easy when the camera has 1.4kg and you can't switch hands.
I always wondered how long the lid would live. For me it was about a year of use. Not too long.
Oof. I wonder if ZOOM sells replacements?
@@curtisjudd I've emailed them. Let's see if and how they react. I'll update here.
Zoom just makes great stuff in general
Yep.
I've recently purchased a Zoom H5. I was looking for something that has very low self-noise. Most of what I record is me talking softly (I record guided meditations). I was reasonably happy with my Zoom H4n Pro which I upgraded to a while ago from my Zoom H2n (I was generally happy with the sound quality of the H2n for most uses, but had some issues with it for recording meditations and so would plug in a lapel mic to record them, which generally worked well. I upgraded to the H4n Pro because I also teach and demonstrate meditation and hypnosis in front of audiences and wanted to mic up myself and potentially a demonstration subject and have this audio recorded for videos etc, not something I could do with the H2n and the Pro has reduced noise over the original H4n).
Now my RUclips channel is becoming more popular and companies are wanting to licence my meditations for apps etc I want to improve the quality further, so although everything I read said that the H5 had the same self-noise as the H4n Pro, it has the option to change mics, so I could use the shotgun mic to reduce pickup of other noises and hopefully have the focus on my voice, and maybe not have to be quite as close to the mic as I have to be when using the H4n Pro's XY mics.
I saw a self-noise test (although I have watched so many videos etc before making my decision between the H5 or H6 and also possibly considering the Sony PCM- D100) that had the self noise about -40dB which was very high, but recordings I found online for what I would use it for seemed okay (the other thing I record is nature, often of quiet things, so I know apparently the Sony is best for this, but that doesn't have so much on board options, like XLR and is over twice the price and I couldn't find a clear self-noise comparison test).
What I was thinking, and how I found this video, was that the F1 might have better sound, so buying and H5 and later an F1 where I can then use the same interchangeable mics, might be a good option, then I would have a lapel mic on something which could replace my H1 for when I give talks etc (where I don't want to be connected to a static recorder like with XLR mics into Zoom H4n Pro or H5), but also then perhaps a device that is easy to carry around for recording nature.
In your video it seems the self-noise with this is below -60dB (unlike the test I saw for the H5 at about -40dB). I searched your channel to see if you have done the same test on the H5 with the same shotgun mic. Obviously if the F1 is essentially the same quality sound as the H5 and that maybe it was differences in testing (as one was done by you, the other by someone else) then it may not be worth getting the F1 when I have the H5, but if the F1 has something about it that makes it have lower self-noise (perhaps a change in how Zoom do things given it is a much more recent product) then it could be worth having the F1 for recording quiet nature sounds.
I have really struggled to find comparisons or comparison charts etc giving this kind of information for different devices so that they can be compared. I read somewhere that the Sony PCM D100 is -127dB EIN, H4n Pro, H5 and H6 are -120 dB EIN, but I don't know what this difference between the two numbers means in practical terms. Also what I am more interested in is how loud is the self-noise when mics are compared at equal levels (I have heard that on the dial for the Sony, turning it to 4 gives the same level as a Zoom set to 7, so I would want a test of these devices set so that they are picking up the sound at the same level, which could mean, although I don't know, that when the Zoom reaches 10, the Sony may be at 7 and may have the same or lower noise, but still have room to turn up sensitivity for quieter noises, but I don't know what the noise would be like as the Sony passes 7 for example and whether it remains usable etc).
So really the questions (following this long message) are, do you know whether the F1 and the H5 essentially sound the same with the same levels of self-noise and how does the F1/H5/H6 compare to the Sony PCM D100 for recording quiet things, not speech or towns or music etc, but bird song, rustling leaves, etc, and what advice would you give for how to find this kind of information out if you don't have access to the recorders to do your own tests and what, in real terms do the different numbers quoted as selling points mean (like is there a significantly noticeable difference between -127dB EIN and -120 dB EIN and how does (or does it?) this number relate to real-world use and what numbers or information should we be looking for. I just want the quietest recorder for nature and if I have to then I will save for getting the Sony in the future (which reviews etc seem to point to that being the best non-professional/under £600 recorder on the market for that kind of recording.
Thank you for any help you can give...
Hi Dan, the F1, subjectively and to my ears, sounds similar to the H5 though I have never specifically compared them to each other in an intentional sort of way. I have not used the Sony recorder so I don't have any specific feedback on it. My subjective opinion is that the F1 and/or H5 can work nicely for recording ambient sound with the X/Y stereo microphone capsule. It isn't what the highest-end pros would use, but their setups would cost thousands of dollars more and would be less convenient to use.
Hi@@curtisjudd thank you, yes, I'm not at a level of affording thousands yet but want the best I can within my budget. I feel happy just having the H5 and in the future perhaps get the Sony specifically for capturing nature sounds if I feel I need it. For more the Zoom fulfills more things I need to do and with the modules and XLR inputs and better battery life than the H4n Pro it is probably the best option for now.
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
Much love Curtis man
And to you for your support Mychal. Thanks!
Great review. Looks like a nice little recorder.
Thanks Nitsan, good to hear from you and hope all is going well!
Thanks. You too! :)
initially I wasn't sure what the bars were for aside from the shockmount, but seeing the belt application in your video I was pretty happy. That might be very useful on set. It would be nice if they shipped it with a fanny pack strap or watch/ankle band to be used in lieu of a belt, quicker on/off. & as ankle it could double as set prop ankle monitor for house arrest.
Haha! Clever thinking!
Thanks for the great video review.
Just saw that some other article review says there are 'micro USB port for data exchange to and from computer and use as an audio interface with computer or iOS device'
Wonder if anyone tried the audio interface feature ...
Believe in this little device can work very nicely in a run-and-gun situation with Raspberry Pi3 ...
(with some sort of DIY Python scripts regarding real-time voice processing )
Thanks Curtis for the review :)
Thanks Accounting Clue, I mentioned that it can be used as an audio interface in the summary but didn't talk about it. Yes, it works on Mac/PC but haven't tried it on Linux. I'm betting it is possible to get it working without too much trouble.
It's awesome to see that you keep responding to questions in your channel. Just shows how much dedication you have :) I'll throw in my question as we are in the process of setting up our own small studio for our own product review and intro. So we don't want to go too crazy on the budget but still want to produce decent audio results.
What would you recommend would be a good start for us if we plan to use it in studio recording and maybe some outdoor recordings? Looking at the F1 and H1N but not sure if this is what's going to get us a solid start. Thanks
I would think that the F1 would be a much more versatile option for you. Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd Appreciate the response. I just viewed your Rode Wireless Go review and also thinking about that. I guess what i don't understand at this point is, whether the wireless systems would already produce an awesome sounding video or would you still think the F1 having better preamps would still be the better buy?
We just don't know which if it even will make a difference. 😊
@@LEDWORKSPHIILIPPINES I suppose it depends on what you're using now to record audio. Getting a microphone closer than a camera microphone WILL make a difference. If you're shooting talking head shots and the person isn't moving around too much, the F1 with the shotgun microphone module boomed above the person speaking will likely produce the best sound, assuming the room you shoot in isn't too boxy or reverb-y sounding.
Curtis, I've been a big fan of your since I started exploring audio/video recording a couple of years ago. I recently purchased the F1 for use with the SSH-1 (and other capsules). It serves as my shotgun mic for video recording with a Sony a6500. I have encountered 2 problems I didn't anticipate and I hope you can shed some light on those. First, it seems that the a5600 doesn't do well with the F1's line level headphone output. I really didn't predict that this would be a problem since Zoom sells a 3.5mm cable for the purpose of connecting a recorder to a camera and it is NOT an attenuation cable. Moreover, I have not seen you or any of the reviewers mention that this could be a problem. I purchased a 3.5mm 35dB attenuation cable and that did help, though I think perhaps it might work better with even more attenuation. Second, even when the 1st problem is addressed, there is a pronounced buzz on the camera recording that really makes the camera recording of the F1 output fairly unusable. Much to my disappointment, I will certainly have to record separate audio and synch it up in post for anything I try to record and publish. Moreover, I have been using this setup to do Zoom meetings and Skype calls. I can avoid problems with the synching up of audio and video if both the audio and video are transmitted over the same HDMI line from the camera. But with this problem, I'll have to have separate inputs into my computer for audio and video and will therefore have a synchronization problem. Perhaps that is a limitation of the camera. But again, I have not seen yourself or any other reviewers mention that as a potential issue. Usually, the reviewers focus on the quality and proximity of the microphone to the source. Noone ever says you can't get usable audio recorded to your camera without solving little known problems... What do you think???
From memory, I tested it with my Panasonic GH5 and did not experience a buzzing issue or a need for an attenuation cable. I wonder if it is an issue between the F1 and Sony? Any luck when you contact Sony and ZOOM support? Sorry I can’t test it here as I don’t have the necessary gear on hand.
Thanks for the review of the F1 and thanks for referring me to this review from the H1n. After watching both videos and a couple videos comparing the H1n and the H4n I think for the money the H4n is the ticket although I definitely don't like the weight of the H4n. However, I like the all-in-one features it offers. I will be using it with a Manfrotto FigRig and still deciding how to do the mount, wherein the H1n would be much preferred except for the safety track matter. I definitely want that feature just in case. Oh, I also despise using Micro SD cards. I love SD Cards.
Sounds like good reasoning. I would encourage you to consider the H4n Pro which has improved preamplifiers. If you haven't already seen it, here is our comparison video: ruclips.net/video/wJCjbLw5Lh8/видео.html
Best wishes!
Great and thanks. After much consideration, I am going with the following arrangement to order Monday (tomorrow) from B&H. I'm going to use the Saramonic SR-AX100 Passive 2-Channel Audio Adapter for DSLR Cameras mounted on a side bar attachment to the bottom of the camera along with the VideoMic Pro and feed the output of the Saramonic directly into the mic input jack on either the Canon 80D or EOS M6 then via HDMI mount a Lilliput 5" 4K HDMI Field Monitor to which I can plug in the headphone jack and have a slightly larger monitor with which to utilize. This arrangement will give me internal audio recording and I will know first hand I have solid sound recording via the headphones either through the monitor or directly via the 80D's headphone jack. Lastly, I'll have fewer devices and external control of audio instead of having to use a menu.
Good luck with your new rig! Best wishes!
Just a note; I have just reviewed the Zoom F1, and didn’t get any of the RF interference in my testing. Also, shockingly, the limiter did not add to the noise floor in my testing, my test got the same -60db noise floor (mostly likely room tone) with the limiter on and off. I’m extremely impressed with this little unit.
Ok, thanks for the details!
OK. That is one beautiful light you're using in the car. Looks like sunlight? Do tell please.
Thanks BFM! That is indeed a new light I’ve been working with over the last month. I’m very excited to tell everyone about it when it launches on March 30th (under embargo for now)!
Awesome. Can't wait - it's really, really nice looking. Thanks!
Golden hour for the Golden boy!! Lol love both you guys channels! 👍
Thanks for the video. Getting started in video and sound has been an issue. Your description of the Zoom F1 helps me decide on what product I need! That lighting in the car is cool as well
For those coming along later, this was lit with the Aputure F7, a 7 inch LED panel. Our review can be found here: ruclips.net/video/7XGsKgpbVwg/видео.html
No matter the equipment, if it's audio, I know I can Google Curtis Judd and get an immaculate review.
👍
Thank you :)
You're welcome!
Thanks so much for all your videos, Curtis, I've learned a lot and I'm especially grateful for this review because I thinking about paying it. Could you tell me what mic boompole and stand you use so I can attach the F1? Thanks again.
Hi José, The shockmount has a 1/4" tap. If you are doing seated interviews or talking head shots like I did here, you could use the microphone boom stand and 5/8 to 1/4" adapter we covered in this video (which also shows how to set it up): ruclips.net/video/TUEmQBZKoBs/видео.html
Best wishes!
Video is awesome
Thanks!
Hey Chris, thank you for the review. How do you like the preamps in the F1 compared to the older H4n? Do you think they are the same preamps?
I currently own a F1 and am not very satisfied with the noise floor I get with with the included F1-SP
Hmm, that's a tough one. The H4n's preamps sound warmer to me than the F1, but I haven't formally compared the noise floors. Looking back, the F1 isn't my favorite sounding recorder but I thought the biggest issue was the mid-range focused sound unless that shotgun mic is very close. Though the self-noise could be an issue as well if you're recording in a quiet space without a lot of ambient noise.
Great review. I like the hat also!
Thanks!
Fantastic video as always Sir. I do have one question... what if I attach the shotgun mic capsule and plug in an external mic simultaneously. What would happen in that case?
Thanks for everything Curtis and keep up the awesome work. Best reviews on RUclips by far 😁
It only works with one microphone at a time, unfortunately.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the reply good Sir 😊
Mesmerising to listen to all the numbers being delivered as if it was plain english. :-) Really enjoy your reviews. I got a small youtube channel, adventures in the wild, and I like the idea to record the ambient noice for background more that ranting or use music, but what recorder would you recommend? I have an old and fading Zoom H1, been looking at the Zoom H1n and now at the F1. But in doing so I have opened Pandoras box, there are SOOO many interesting recorders to choose from.
The F1 has interchangeable microphone capsules, so if you want to invest for the long term and potentially add other types of microphones for the future, e.g., a shotgun microphone to capture specific birds, then the F1 makes sense. If you just want stereo ambience, the H1n is a fine choice. In fact, there's a special deal on the H1n today and tomorrow. You can find the details at learnlightandsound.com
@@curtisjudd I have a question that might sound weird, none the less, I would love if it is a solution out there for it. I do kayaking, will need 2 types of recording on the fly, ambient noise (river flowing, birds singing, elephants playing, etc....) but at the same time I need conversation at times. Does such a recorder exist, where I can record 2 seperate tracks at the same time, one with stereo input and another track with lavalier input?
@@BackonTrailasia I'm not aware of any recorders this small with 3 inputs. The Sound Devices MixPre-3 would do the job but is quite a lot larger, a bigger commitment.
Wow, crazy noise floor with the shotgun mounted on the camera. Very quiet with your lav mic. Thanks for the great review. I'm considering this one in addition to my two DR10Ls.
👍
Dude! I was just looking at this and thinking "I wonder if Curits has reviewed this yet".
Sure enough! 👍
Hey Curtis, nice review! I would be very grateful to see a comparison of the zoom f1 vs zoom h5 and zoom f1 mounted on camera with shotgun vs videomic pro + mounted on camera. Thanks a lot!
Hi Fabricio, I'll see if I can squeeze in a VMP vs F1 camera top comparison in. I hate shooting that way because it never sounds great, but that's definitely a fair comparison.
I don't have an H5 so I cannot add that to the comparison, unfortunately.
Curtis Judd i totally agree with you, but i think in some cases is the only way to record audio so we have to make sure to use the right tool. it's a pity that you do not have an h5, but I hope you do some other comparison to have some reference, because the f1 promises to be a good portable option. Thanks for your work!
Great review. I too have the DR 10L and really like it. A safety track on the zoom and you would have a very attractive option there.............Oh and I'm still waiting for a $100 price drop on the Panasonic DMW-XLR1 XLR Microphone Adapter. Panasonic are you listening - "big grin".
I still like my Sennheiser ME66 for a shot gun, its the only legitimate mic that you can use directly connected to a GH5 or iPhone with no other pre-amp.
Clayton Moore I’m using the little iRig box that gives phantom power. Let’s me hook up all my mics to the GH5.
I have one of those too.
Hi Clayton, thanks. Good luck on the price drop for the XLR1 :)
Coooooooooooooooool stuff. Thx.
👍
Interesting product. For nano budget production seems ideal.
Yes, interesting option.
Thank you Curtis, I would like to know how did you setup for 'Stereo' record on Zoom F1? There are some different menu there that make me confused.
See page 49 of the manual for details. Happy recording!
I wish this had a line out so that you could use it as a preamp. Line in from my Sarmonic Lav equipment and then line out through my camera and record straight onto my video track.
That’d be a nice addition 👍
Hey Curtis - Great test and video. I have subscribed to your channel. I have just purchase F1-SP version, but will probably order the lav mic at a later date. I have a question. In Video when people shoot in RAW, in post they talk about having their favourite LUT's etc. So do you have an audio enhancer plug in that you would recommend? - I have Final Cut Pro X for editing. Cheers, Peter.
Hi Peter, congrats on the new recorder! I hope it works well for you!
I don't have a preset audio enhancer. But I usually use this EQ technique and loudness normalize my audio after that. Here are a couple of videos outlining how I do these. EQ: ruclips.net/video/Jn6iB1SNvRQ/видео.html
Loudness 1: ruclips.net/video/nOzZKEWJ5wk/видео.html
Loudness 2: ruclips.net/video/lHNhxGojFRU/видео.html
@@curtisjudd Thank you Curtis - Most helpful. keep up the great work you do. Peter.
great review Curtis thank you! so many comments already so I doubt you will see this but do you know if the f1 uses drop frame timecode? or can this be set as an option?
Hi Jason, the F1 does not do timecode of any sort. You will either need to sync manually in post or output the audio from the F1 directly to the mic input on your camera.
The zoom has two advantages over the Tascam; line-in and bigger screen. The tascam is smaller in both length and width which is great when placing the recorder on a talent or groom, it becomes almost invisible compared to the Zoom. The tascam also have a safety track which is much better then the limiter in the Zoom (which adds noise). If you don't care about a limiter or size then the Zoom is the way to go. If you care about size and backup safety track then Tascam is great. Also the build quality on the Tascam is great just as the Zoom. The Tascam was made to use only with a Lav mic. The Zoom seems to be made for on-camera usage. Also the Tascam is $20 cheaper. For my purposes (interviews, Weddings), I prefer the Tascam.
Hi Molten Pros, thanks for your insights. I agree that the Tascam is much smaller and a better choice if you have to hide it on a bride or groom. I still think the Zoom has a much better chance of survival than the Tascam if dropped on concrete.
Although I see no problems with the Tascam's build quality, I agree that the Zoom probably has better build quality than the Tascam. I am a longtime subscriber and I want to thank you for making high-quality review videos. Wish you all the best.
Great review Curtis. I am headed to Antarctica in the Amazon and have big gear / size challenges, so the F1 was recommended with its compact shotgun for my GH5. I saw on your video at DC 5V USB input, but I don't think you mentioned it in your video. How effective it is that? Any comments on the Lab included with the F1? Finally, shotgun was a bit mid range heavy. Any other recommendations for a cost-effective mini shotgun for my GH5 (Rode VideoMic GO, Rode VideoMic Pro / Plus, or another compact shotgun that can connect directly to GH5 and can also be mounted on a mic-stand / boom like you did in your video). Thanks again for such great work!
Hi Bruce, for shotgun mics, I prefer the VideoMic Pro+ if mounting on top of camera: ruclips.net/video/gcMVSzVt-LI/видео.html
I can't say how well any of this gear will hold up in the Antarctic or the Amazon with the extreme temperatures and humidity. It isn't really built for those extremes. I have not used the Zoom lavalier - the kit I could get my hands on included only the shotgun mic.
Good luck, sounds like some exciting travel!
Thanks for all your great videos! So much, so good information! Just one question: since it's a 2- track recorder, is there any way I can connect two lavaliers to the F1? Thanks!
Hi Cristobal, thanks! You could probably fashion a 3.5mm splitter but I haven’t tried it. You also would not have independent control of the input/trim levels for the two mics. Best wishes!
boya has a split lav mic that's really great.
Great job Curtis!!! Thing I hated about the H1 was that you need a "dongle" of sorts to use the Rode Lav. Which I tend to lose a lot. Is the lav that comes with this the only one that will work with it or will my Sennheiser and other lavs work with it?
Thanks Sharpe, this appears to work with standard TRS wired mics, which is good news! The VT500 I used here is wired for Sennheiser.
Thanks for this nice content ! What studio lights are you using please ? Is it soft boxes ? If yes, could you give some references or link ? Cheers
Thanks Cindy, I used several but my favorites are the Aputure COB120 and the Lupo DayLEDs:
Aputure COB 120d: ruclips.net/video/oYSaQbrIfts/видео.html
Lupo DayLED: ruclips.net/video/hooK0EBUOZg/видео.html
You have great reviews, especially for someone like me who is just getting into film making. I did have a question though. I am starting a new channel which is all filmed outdoors and was wondering if the Zoom F1 or the H1n with Rode Smartlav would be better in your opinion. Mostly the recordings would be dialog and environment/nature sounds.
I’d look at the Zoom F2 at this point: ruclips.net/video/2y51ptCAOdI/видео.html
THANK YOU!!! I just saw this review by you and it is the EXACT product I wanted Zoom to make. I am concerned that they made it double the cost of the H1? Do you think it deserves to be double the cost? Do you think they will ever make this a WiFi enable device? Yes I asked a few questions I was trying to keep it to just one. Thanks again for all your videos they really help me out.
Hi Rich, Yes it is for a different user than the H1 and a fair bit more versatile if you need it to be: You can use it without the built-in stereo mics of the H1 so it is smaller. You can also add all of Zoom's add-on microphones such as the shotgun, stereo shotgun, stereo cardioid and even 2 XLR adapter. So there's a lot more you can do. It seems fairly priced given all that you can do with it.
As for WiFi, that would require a wifi radio in the unit which is a risky thing to do (note that we did pick up some RF noise when using the shotgun mic). I would guess they would need to design a new product from the ground up for that. But I do not have any special connection to or insights into Zoom's product design process so I don't really know.
Thanks for the questions!
Great video Curt. I'd love to hear your thoughts on comparing the zoom F1 with shotgun capsule against the GH5 XLR adapter with a mid-level shotgun mic? Save a little money going the zoom route, you also get a separate audio recording along with sending audio to the camera. Audio quality wise what do you think?
Thanks! I think the F1 could be a fine option. The XLR1 was ok and is arguably more flexible as it has 2 inputs and you can use a much wider array of microphones. So I guess it comes down to which features are more important to you (separate recording vs flexibility). I'd probably be more inclined to go with the Zoom over the XLR1 since I have other recorders with XLR inputs I can use when I want more flexibility.
Definitely like the sound of the mic when boomed over your head. How do you like this compared with the Rode Videomic Pro?
I recently ran into a situation where this would have been perfect; I was shooting a series of audio only interviews in an airport cafe with background noise. I was using an Olympus WAV recorder, but there was a fair bit of ambient noise. A shotgun/cardioid with mini recorder would have helped a lot.
Hi raksh9, I prefer the VideoMic Pro+ as a shotgun mic (no RF noise pickup in my tests), but the F1 has the RODE beat in terms of versatility (shotgun or lavalier + a recorder). So it is a tradeoff. I'd go with the one which suits your needs the majority of the time.
Have you tried the line input? I have a Zoom F1, and I tried to use the line input and with the Zoom set to Lo-, and the mic input hooked up straight to the line output of my receiver, and it is super distorted. It works fine if I use an attenuator, but without the attenuator, it is all distorted, with everything set to the lowest setting. Give the line input a try and see if it works. I looked for a setting in the menus to set the mic input to line input, but could not find one.
I'll give it a try, thanks.
Buen material
Gracias.
According to zoom customer support they have no immediate plans to impelement Safety Track option in F1 via firmware update. So I made the decision to purchase 2 x H1N instead, for use with lavaliers, because they cost only half and have a working limiter built-in. I will just use tape to secure the gain-dial and microphone cable so there will be no problems.
Thank you Harri and best wishes!
@Curtis Judd Would you say the F1 is better suited to record telephone dialog over the h1? Or dialog in general? Thanks!
If you mean, does it sound mid-range focused like a telephone, yes, sort of. It isn't "neutral" but a fair bit more mid range focused. Not my favorite.
The F1 would be able to record in stereo. You would be able to use a 3.5mm TRS split cable.
The XYH-6 stereo capsule would also be compatible with the device.
Thanks.
Great review; looking forward to what you'll think about the forthcoming Roland R-07.
Thanks, looking forward to testing the Roland, too.
Curtis Judd have you had a chance to try the R-07?
Hi Rob, not yet, but it is on my list. Thanks!
Well, technically it's on nobody's list. Roland botched delivery of this badly, for nearly 1/2 year. Still a ways away from release. Weird since they weren't really inventing anything new...
Thanks for the update. It's on my "to review at some point in the future when they are actually shipping" list, then.
Curtis I have a zoom H5 and that attachment port looks the same as that can, you verify that maybe the accessories for the H5 would attach to the F1?
Confirmed: All of the accessory microphones that work with the H6 and H6 also work with the F1.
Curtis Judd that’s what it looked like
Great review, can you also review the new Zoom H1n?
Yes, working to get one in for review.
Thanks for the review. Well... that battery door will break. My school's h4 only works with tape on the door now.
Hi Rui. I hope this one is protected better with the metal side bar but only time will tell. :)
Your reviews are extremely helpful, thanks a lot!
I’m looking for “wearable” recording for lav mic. I thought to buy Zoom h1n, but you in your review told that F1 is more suitable for this task. I’d like to ask is there some record/preamp quality between this two? It’s to hard to compare them from reviews because you used different mics and recorded on H1N in the studio. F1 was recorded in a car, which makes sound worse (in my opinion). I’d like to get best quality out of lav mics.
Now I discovered that there are also 32 bit options on the market. Now I’m much more confused. Btw I already have rode wireless go and rode lavalier go. And not sure should I upgrade at all.
@@galachiev Of all those you've listed, I'd consider the ZOOM F2 if you want a recorder: ruclips.net/video/2y51ptCAOdI/видео.html But if you need a wireless system, I'd stick with the Wireless GO unless it is causing problems for you?
@@curtisjudd wireless go works fine. I’m just thinking maybe wired system with recorder instead of recording into camera will sound better. I’m not really happy with sound of mics. That’s why I’m always use a boom mic which sounds much better. But lavalier is very handy sometimes, that’s why I decided to look for a decent audio quality from them.
Maybe all lavs just have no potential to sound as great as a boom or studio condenser mic. Or maybe I’m just using very cheap equipment (lavalier go, wireless go and recording to Fuji x-t4).
You have much more experience with lav mics, that’s why I’m asking for advice. Very appreciate your answers!
@@galachiev Lav mics always sound like lavalier mics because they're worn on the body. You have to EQ them to get them sounding good. Here's how I approach that: ruclips.net/video/Jn6iB1SNvRQ/видео.html