I ran into an issue with the NTG3 when using it at 48v through mic level-the noise floor was really high. I tried lowering it to 24v, which helped a bit, but I still faced occasional interference. After watching this video, I decided to switch to line level at 48v, and it worked perfectly. So, if you're struggling with background noise on your NTG3, I recommend experimenting with the mic vs. line level settings to find what works best.
The different between line and mic is the gain. A mic level is passing through the preamp that boosts the signal before converting it to digital numbers. A line level does not pass through the preamp and it’s for a boosted signal like from a soundboard. A phantom power is required only for condenser mic and it is from 12v to 48v. For dynamics mics that require up to 5v don’t use the phantom power (you can fry the mic). So, soundboard = line. Dynamic mic (like the sure sm58) = mic. Condenser mic = phantom power (read the manual to see how much power you need). There are some dynamic mics that are power hungry (like the sm7b) that need a boost and you need a cloud lifter that convert 48v phantom power to sound good.
Hi, your tutorial is excellent, thank you. I have a question, on the Zoom 3 I have both A & B XLR ports active. When I import the audio file into Premier, I’m only seeing one audio track. Zoom 3 - set to mono Can you please help me with this. Cheers Daron
I am slightly confused. Why do you recommend setting the F3 to Mic when plugging into the sound board? Should that not also be Line? Or would it depend on what kind of output on the board it was? I often have to plug into the "Monitor/Headphone" out when there is not another out available.
I just got the Rode PodMIc and it looks like it doesn't need phantom power according to their website. I didn't know if you could confirm. Also does the Zoom F3 automatically record in 32 bit float ?
Great video! thanks a lot! I have two questions regarding the f3 and was hoping somebody here could help me with that: 1. I recorded an interview with the f3 and a rode wireless go (1. generation) - and listening to it in davinci: it actually clipped also when leveled down... How is this possible? did i mess up with the settings on the transmitter? Probably... 2. How reliable and how good is the quality of the limiter of the line out? Is it analogue or digital? Anyone knows? Thanks a lot!
Should I buy a zoom f3 or zoom h4 for essential? Need 32 bit float. I make RUclips videos reviewing sneakers. Ive been getting value from your channel for years. Both my a7siii and zv-e1 are because of you, so Thank you!!
Hi Matt! There is a new Zoom Handy Recorder called H1 XLR that reminds me F3 a bit. Is it a possibility you get that new device and make a Versus? Greetings from Spain.
He’s right about the batteries I’ll let mine sit for two months and then I went to use it and it died in five minutes and the batteries were brand new and I lost all my audio. However, the next time I went to use it I brought a battery PD Bank and plugged it in Daisy chain style and had no problems.
Can't seem to find an answer to this online: if you plug in the line out into a camera, will that allow the camera to record a version of the audio onto the footage as well as recording to the micro SD in the F3?
Hey Matt, can you tell me what you think about the Zoom M3 MicTrak and how it compares to the Rode videoMic and Ntg for mounting on cameras for weddings?
Both are completely different products for different use cases. One is a small wireless recording system the other is a standalone recorder with no mics.
@@whoismatt thanks for the reply. But as you explained i could plug it into the sound board and get all the ceremonial speeches with the F3, if you could buy it as a beginner what would you recommend? Or just get a shotgun mic Sorry for the long questions. 🤩
I bought this the year it came out and it’s the only recorder I’ll ever need the rest of my life. Great for RUclips, social media, and plugging into boards at event gigs
re title this to "best settings for the zoom f3 if you are brand new to audio or you are 5 years old" if you are working professionally recording audio and you dont know they different between mic/line and phantom you are in trouble. The zoom f3 has 32 bit float, its fool proof
I mean, the majority of Zoom F3 buyers that are watching this video are audio noobs that don’t know much about it and bought it cause its a good solution to getting excellent 32bit float audio without much hassle
![Sony FX3 / FX30 Rig with 32 Bit Float Audio?? [Zoom F3]](/img/1.gif)
I ran into an issue with the NTG3 when using it at 48v through mic level-the noise floor was really high. I tried lowering it to 24v, which helped a bit, but I still faced occasional interference. After watching this video, I decided to switch to line level at 48v, and it worked perfectly. So, if you're struggling with background noise on your NTG3, I recommend experimenting with the mic vs. line level settings to find what works best.
The different between line and mic is the gain.
A mic level is passing through the preamp that boosts the signal before converting it to digital numbers.
A line level does not pass through the preamp and it’s for a boosted signal like from a soundboard.
A phantom power is required only for condenser mic and it is from 12v to 48v. For dynamics mics that require up to 5v don’t use the phantom power (you can fry the mic).
So, soundboard = line. Dynamic mic (like the sure sm58) = mic. Condenser mic = phantom power (read the manual to see how much power you need).
There are some dynamic mics that are power hungry (like the sm7b) that need a boost and you need a cloud lifter that convert 48v phantom power to sound good.
Thank you for this great video! The f3 makes audio recording during film production so much easier!!
One of, if not the, best Audio gear I ever bought so far. Thanks again, for a nice video matt! Greetings from germany. ;-)
Love my zoom F3. It’s a huge, yet compact, life saver! 😎
Hi, your tutorial is excellent, thank you.
I have a question, on the Zoom 3 I have both A & B XLR ports active.
When I import the audio file into Premier, I’m only seeing one audio track.
Zoom 3 - set to mono
Can you please help me with this.
Cheers
Daron
I am slightly confused. Why do you recommend setting the F3 to Mic when plugging into the sound board? Should that not also be Line? Or would it depend on what kind of output on the board it was? I often have to plug into the "Monitor/Headphone" out when there is not another out available.
Thank you so much for all your detailed explanations of all those pieces of equipment! You are a life saver :)
I just got this recorder. Thanks for making this video!
I just got the Rode PodMIc and it looks like it doesn't need phantom power according to their website. I didn't know if you could confirm. Also does the Zoom F3 automatically record in 32 bit float ?
OMG!! THANK YOU THANK YOU! I have one of these but i always get distorted audio and i have tried different cables.
I think its more of what he said because i connect it straight to their sound boards so i am going to have to get something to put in between
Great video! thanks a lot!
I have two questions regarding the f3 and was hoping somebody here could help me with that:
1. I recorded an interview with the f3 and a rode wireless go (1. generation) - and listening to it in davinci: it actually clipped also when leveled down... How is this possible? did i mess up with the settings on the transmitter? Probably...
2. How reliable and how good is the quality of the limiter of the line out? Is it analogue or digital? Anyone knows?
Thanks a lot!
hi matt, whats the battery life with the recommended lithium battery?
Should I buy a zoom f3 or zoom h4 for essential? Need 32 bit float. I make RUclips videos reviewing sneakers. Ive been getting value from your channel for years. Both my a7siii and zv-e1 are because of you, so Thank you!!
I would go with the f3, it’s really good
Hi Matt! There is a new Zoom Handy Recorder called H1 XLR that reminds me F3 a bit. Is it a possibility you get that new device and make a Versus? Greetings from Spain.
A question. If I want to record stereo sounds with my Røde Stereo Videomic X. Do I need a 3,5mm to 1 XLR or 2 XLR to get stereo?
I have noticed when I record using Mic (RODE PODMIC) the gain magnifying glass does have an effect on the recorded level??
Ya... me too. I tested several levels.
Does the 32bit float handle music and party from the back of the speaker well?
He’s right about the batteries I’ll let mine sit for two months and then I went to use it and it died in five minutes and the batteries were brand new and I lost all my audio. However, the next time I went to use it I brought a battery PD Bank and plugged it in Daisy chain style and had no problems.
Can't seem to find an answer to this online: if you plug in the line out into a camera, will that allow the camera to record a version of the audio onto the footage as well as recording to the micro SD in the F3?
Hey Matt, can you tell me what you think about the Zoom M3 MicTrak and how it compares to the Rode videoMic and Ntg for mounting on cameras for weddings?
Been meaning to try one of those
Great Video. You didn't put the recommendation for the SD Card. Thanks.
What do you recommend for wireless lav mic that can be hidden under clothes? E. G dji mic 2, hollyland lark e.t.c
I may have missed it but is 32 bit float automatic and the only setting or do you have set it to 32 bit float in the menu.
32 bit float is the only setting
Anyone have a setup that makes this into a “handy” recorder? Want to use this mainly to record college lectures.
I have a budget for only one please help me choose between
Zoom F3 vs Rode Wireless Pro
For recording weddings.
Both are completely different products for different use cases. One is a small wireless recording system the other is a standalone recorder with no mics.
@@whoismatt thanks for the reply. But as you explained i could plug it into the sound board and get all the ceremonial speeches with the F3, if you could buy it as a beginner what would you recommend?
Or just get a shotgun mic
Sorry for the long questions. 🤩
@@benhnamte you ideally need both a lav mic recorder of some sort and a recorder like a zoom f3
@@whoismatt Thank you so much didnt expect the response.
Lithium batteries link please? Thank you!
Added a battery link to the video description!
I bought this the year it came out and it’s the only recorder I’ll ever need the rest of my life. Great for RUclips, social media, and plugging into boards at event gigs
The soundboard would be a line level signal, not mic.
Then there is me, using a zoom h1 that looks like went through hell on the outside and has that unique sound 😶
Zoom H1 is legendary
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
re title this to "best settings for the zoom f3 if you are brand new to audio or you are 5 years old" if you are working professionally recording audio and you dont know they different between mic/line and phantom you are in trouble. The zoom f3 has 32 bit float, its fool proof
I mean, the majority of Zoom F3 buyers that are watching this video are audio noobs that don’t know much about it and bought it cause its a good solution to getting excellent 32bit float audio without much hassle