I appreciate you being here to hold my hand while I try to get better at understanding (and using more often) lavalier mics and different ways to run them.
As an audio engineer gone filmmaker, I always kind of scoffed at 32 bit float too. But then I got the Zoom F3 and I. friggin. love it. The only reason I'd think twice about using the F2 on set is its lack of monitoring ability. Some wireless mic systems (like the Rode WirelessGO or DJI equivalent) have built in recording capabilities in the transmitter, but you can still plug the receiver into your camera and monitor for unwanted issues, etc. When they make a set like that with 32 bit float recording in the transmitter I'm getting it for sure! Great video Tom, Cheers
We absolutely love our F2. It's super useful for Sal who can be really quiet at times and then sometimes we get over excitable and get super loud. It's honestly SUPER useful. ALSO - PERFECT for weddings. It takes away so much stress.
I second that. First time ever I got the point on 32bit Audio, from your little demonstration... which is less the headspace but the audibly much enhanced SN-ratio (whisper levels without noise!) ... wow, thanks!
Hey Tom, that was a great video explanation! So I will confess, i watched it on my iPad Pro 12.9 and just the speakers on the iPad. The audio from the lav mic was, honestly, really good to my ear. I appreciate the level you strive for in your productions, and I would expect nothing less from you, but to my ear you just demonstrated that the lav mic and Zoom recorder sound so good that I would be more than happy using just that for non-musical applications. Coupled with the incredible dynamic range the Zoom delivers, I am sold! Once again, you have given me an incredible tool to work with! Thanks yet again!
Is it really just me that thinks the sound from the recorder is not clean? It has a metallic vibrant/rattling sound to it. I tried several mics with several recorders. Only Zoom H2 has this problem.
@@tombuck you don't have any idea how long I have been wondering if there's other creator who uses different kind of environment/ background unlike the almost all creators out there who kinda using similar stuff like all those neon lights or some ambiant light. They look boring, but you're not at all. Thank you for creating 🙏
I swear I was looking at it this morning and I couldn’t understand any of the specs but just thought it looked cool! Thank you so much for telling me why I actually need it 😂
Nice review! I am big fan of this recorder for my purposes -- math videos while walking back and forth in front of a chalkboard. I couple it with the countryman b6 and get good results, at least to my untrained ears.
super sleeper feature that people don't mention is that you can put in rechargeables (eneloops, etc) and plug in the usb c and it charges the batteries in the device. and a new firmware just came out a few weeks ago which addresses the SD card format issue (now you can do it straight from the app).
I appreciate this video, I've got 2 fav setups right now; the Rode Filmmaker Kit and the Rode Wireless Go 2. The size of the Go 2 is just awesome but I film in the cold often with my ski and snowboard channel and the tiny lithium ion batteries have failed more than once so I only bring them out in the warm summer weather or use inside. The AA's in the Filmmaker kit are so much more reliable in cold, so it is good to see these zooms are using the AA batteries, this will be on my wish list for sure since it is important to have the smallest kit possible when ski touring where the bag is full of so many things already before I throw camera gear in haha. Cheers.
Super interesting! And just in time, as I reconsider my audio solution for simple client shoots. Recording without monitoring makes me nervous, I wish the app would let you monitor. It's one thing to not worry about levels thanks to 32-bit float, but I also worry about clothing or jewellery rustling against the mic and you wouldn't know...
I've been using the F2 for a couple years and its amazing. Its important to note, you dont need to use it with a lav mic. You can also just plug in any shotgun mic with a 3.5mm cable, and boom. You've got almost un-clippable audio anywhere. I'd much rather sync audio in post than deal with setting gain on my camera. Pre-amps in mirrorless cameras are often trash anyway.
@@tombuck I feel your struggle. My fall-back is level w/ nipple, halfway between breastbone and nipple. Roughly right ;) Btw, we're seeing the F2 + lav used more and more in indoor, sit-down podcast recording situations.🤔
I think I've probably said some pretty snotty things to you, but tonight, after watching, I'm gonna subscribe and recommend your show to my oldest grandson, plus you have given me some pretty good ideas from time to time. Thank you, kind sir .
Cool video. I grabbed a white, non-BT F2 as it was on sale, significantly cheaper than other versions. I did not want to spend more as I did not know if I would like it. But I do. I have used it at events to mic someone up and it is amazing. It was recording him/her. Start it, forget it and get it back hours later once the event is over. But not only that. if he/she was close enough to another person, 32bit allowed to crank the gain up a bit and hear that non-mic'd person better than with my far away camera-top shotgun... The result is extraordinary. Excellent for event videographers and journalists. I think I will get a second unit, this time maybe black and bluetooth for timecode.
I actually bought this recently too and you can actually connect a Videomic Go 2 to it. Just plug a TRS to TRS cable to it. And it sounds pretty good. That said, the Videomic Go 2 has some distortion issues that I can't seem to shake. But the F2+Videomic Go 2 is a super small portable audio setup.
Also, I'm a freelance live event technician/designer and I appreciate these quick reviews for the "everyman". Your intro about two kinds audio production people was on point.
Thank you Jim! The phone overlay trick is super simple (I originally borrowed the idea from Rafael Ludwig). It can be done just with the Distort Transform tool in Final Cut and then lowering the opacity a bit. 👍 Glad the intro resonated with a bit of truth haha
YUP! 32 float sounds scary to me! I'm still learning how to color grade, lol. BUT, not worrying about audio does sound nice! I wonder when we'll start seeing some float stuff in the wireless mics, like the DJI and Rode. I love my DJI wireless setup, so good!
"WAIT.....this video wasn't about arms..." -TB ...well, thanks for including that little bit! That VESA mount on the RCP 2?! Brilliant!!! (Yes, I have one too! Game Changer!)
That device looks COOL. I run an F6 and love the float audio, but man, it's a 6-track monster that feels like overkill. I was thinking of selling it off and getting two of these instead, or an F3. Any experience with the F3?
Auto mode on the Sony K3M and ECM-B1M is also makes levels just so easy and one less thing to think about. This reminds me of that feature. 32Bit float audio is cool for Shure.....I mean sure! Great video as always! Oh and that F2 - FU joke was funny.
Hot take: the dialog audio quality from the F2 - at least with YT audio processing - sounds a bit better and a bit warmer/more pleasing than the Sennheiser, at least to my ear.
Great video! Just a tip, if you use the Saramonic sr-pax1 you can drive 2 xlr microphone on this 32 bit recorder easily. I'm using it on my zoom h1n right now...
Thanks a cool piece of gear! Great splain of 32 float, I didn't know all that! Big thumbs up 👍👍👍 Can this be considered a competitor to the DR-10? I have one of those but have no clue if it offers 32, I'll have to check lol.
I think this is Zoom's response to the DR-10. I just hadn't heard about the Tascam before seeing the F2, but I like the smaller size and I got it for a cheaper price, so I'm happy 😁
lol I felt attacked on this episode... I literally just did that! I accidentally left the guest microphone on, while I recorded game video for my other channel... A month's worth of work... All corrupted by static and cat noises... January was a bad month for me... Good thing is, I am now better at the game, than when I started. So, hoping that the new videos are gonna be done in less time, plus, look cooler.
Ouch, I feel your pain on that one. It's nice to say that mistakes like that teach valuable lessons, but honestly, it doesn't make them less frustrating 🫠
For me battery life make all the difference. I prefer my px407 above other small recorders. I used to record the whole time when i am outside vlogging.
Excellent review and insights, thanks! I can't tell if it's the Rode Lav Go Mike (I suspect it is), the Zoom Preamp, the way the 32bit float captured the audio, or possibly some EQ in Post, but your voice sounds thin and lacking definition. Your Sennheiser studio mic sounds ok and much like what I would have expected. Several years ago I evaluated a lot of Lav mics direct to a good quality preamp and 24-bit/96khz field recorder, and also through Sennheiser Evolution wireless systems and while Sennheiser ME 2 was adequate for outdoor and non-cinema shoots, I preferred the Tram and Countryman Lav mics, and while $300+ may seem like a lot for a Lav mic, but when matched to the application and a good preamp and recorder, the results can be several times better than a Lav mic costing several times less.
What you said about "audio technicians, it is kind of true. But on the other hand, there is a reason for the words "very nice, can you do it once more?" ;-) Even the best sounds engineers make mistakes or mis takes. I still do but nothing better to learn it that way. Other than that, a very good explanation what 32 bit float is doing.
I love the F2! It has made audio so much easier for me and the sound quality is better than what my Sony cameras produce even with the same microphones attached. I bought the F2BT with included lav mic and vastly prefer it over the Røde Go. I wouldn’t buy the Bluetooth version again though. The app is so disappointing… It’s not even possible to transfer the audio files to my phone/tablet/Mac wirelessly. Save yourself the e try money unless you need to be able to change settings on the fly or listen in via headphones (attached to the Zoom!). For me, it was set and forget, so I don’t need to change any settings and if you only have to do it once in a while, you can do it on your Mac/pc with the F2 Editor software. That also saved me when I set the battery type to lithium by mistake and the recorder wouldn’t turn on any more.
I prefer Tentacle Sync Track E the APP is great! I use Timecode and therefore It syncs to the video without any work. The only thing is it has a built-in Battery. I not sure it will work with the Zoom but the issue with the small unit is they don't put off 'pro level' power. What that means is you can't run Pro Lav's like the Shure TL-48 ($449) but there is a mic that works on the Tentacle sync is the "Sanken COS-11D" ($389 @ B&H) Give it a try it's a good Mic.
Thanks for the mic recommendation! I remember you mentioned the Shures a while ago. I haven't yet taken a dive into the world of timecode, but maybe one day.
The hardware is definitely powerful enough (especially if this tiny recorder can do it). From what Rode told me at its release, the RCP2 is 16 times more powerful than the original, and more powerful than it needs to be for anything it currently does. But the original evolved so quickly and then the hardware became the biggest limiting factor, so they wanted to make sure the RCP2 would have power for features that weren't even thought of yet. That being said, I don't know if there's some other limitation that would prevent them from adding it. If it's possible, I sure hope they do!
The DJI always sounds good from what I've heard. I guess the bigger difference would be no signal interference to worry about (if that's ever been an issue).
@@tombuck Keep in mind with the DJI Mic, you record to the local device as a backup to the transmitted signal. Local signal interference on the local device record should be only an issue with the Lav wiring. Still would like to have a comparison between this and the DJI Mic.
The other day I recorded on the RodeCaster Pro II and found that if you record and expoet audio, then you can export that audio in 32 bit as well and I didn't even know that.
Røde has that for the Wireless II also. For the Wireless it means it exports to 32bit format, the audio is still only recorded in 24bit so none of the benefits of 32bit audio apply. They claim it's for "compatibility", so I guess there's stuff out there that only works with 32bit audio files. Never run into anything personally though.
Excellent video- as always. How would it work if you used two of these? Like for an interview situation. You would have to upload the 2 separate audio tracks and synch them, correct? Would there be an issue of each lav potentially picking up the other person's audio faintly?
I was going to ask that, thanks! Syncing might be tricky if the sound is not bleeding from one mike to the other… or maybe with a general omni mike to use as a master to sync the others to ?
Tom I love your content. I have seen your PSA 1+ in a few shots and the branding on the foam is not there? How did you get rid of that horrid branding? Lol
Sure! That can probably be a super simple quick video. Basically I just use the Transform Distort tool in Final Cut to change the perspective and then lower the opacity a bit and add a simple border 👍
@cward2986 1 second ago Cool! Was the video you started with a screen capture taken within the phone, or captured by an external device like the ATEM Mini ISO? I couldn’t tell from the video whether you had a cable connected to your phone. Thanks!
Speaking of 32 bit audio have are you planning of reviewing the new Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone? It seems like a good option for people like me who don’t yet have the funds for a Roadcaster Pro 2. I’m wondering how it compares with the Lewitt 220. Thanks.
Nice video as always 👍 The "F-You joke made me LOL 😂😂 😂 I haven't purchased it yet but I have been going back and forth trying to decide if I should go for BT version..... It's big difference in price with and without BT..... What do you think? Do you use the BT option all the time or just once in a while?
@@tombuckhere in Norway I can get 2 BT for 3 without BT for only 40$ extra 🙂 I'm just wondering if the BT is worthwhile for this big difference🤔 I will se more videos about this device and take the "right" decision for me 😁
Every Zoom field recorder I’ve bought (various models) has been terrible. Even sent an H4N back to the factory after receipt, and it was only slightly better when it was “repaired”.
Hi Tom, I love your videos it’s amazing and I’ve learned so much from you. I’ve a question how does the F2 compare to the new Rode Wireless Pro which is also 32bit? Thanks
Im absoluten not into Audio and my question has nothing to do with your vid but maybe you can still answer it 😅 i want to connect my ps5 to a sounder, my sounder only takes HDMI arc and optical, but since I play on a monitor it doesn't have HDMI arc and the ps5 has no optical out. My monitor does have an aux port tho, is there a way to convert aux to optical?
I can't say for sure in that specific setup, but I've done sort-of-similar things in my old classroom. Try searching to an "optical to analog converter" on Amazon or Monoprice- I think there's something that'll work.
Thanks for the review. When you're connected via bluetooth to the mobile app, can you still use the physical record button on the Zoom F2 to start and stop recording? Or is that button disabled when the device is connected and controlled by the phone? I ask because I like to use my phone for monitoring only. I want to start and stop recording with the Zoom F2 button.
This is a great little device, I bought one about a year ago and it's simplified recording. Ironically I wasn't looking for a video on the F2 but I was looking more for suitable lav mics to use with it, the included one is not good. Soon as I started watching your video I noticed the audio was subpar (until the battery died!). I was considering the Rode Lav 2 but now after this blind listening test where I noticed the sound wasn't so good I'm wondering what I need to buy to get better sound. I was hoping for something under $200. Any suggestions on great lav mics with locking 3.5 connectors? TIA
I like the Rode Lav II, but the directionality can cause problems sometimes. It's weird having a directional lav mic! Earlier this year I got the Sennhesier EW-DP wireless system along with a Sennhesier MKE Essential Omni mic and I REALLY like it. The mic is a noticeable step up from all the others I have. It's pricier, at $250, but super high quality.
@@tombuck I rarely regret spending more for something if it's really better... when you figure all the hours you put into making a video then look back and wish you had better audio it can really justify the expense. Do you know if that mic will work with a small standalone recorder? I really have little need for a wireless system, the zoom F2 or my larger H5 does the job just fine but I'm finding most of these cheaper lav mics just fall short of what i want. I started setting up a shotgun mic out of frame which is ok when I'm sitting still but for in the field videos at work obviously that doesn't work. I'll check out that MKE, thanks for replying to my comment.
Awesome video as always. Quick question, I noticed you have you RC2 on a stand off your desk. 1/ what are you using you do that? 2/ how are you finding it being positioned that way?
Sure thing, this is the super long arm: geni.us/bOkzyk1 It's been working really well! It's a little bit of a pain to adjust the height, because you have to do it on the post that mounts on the desk, but once you find a height you like you probably don't need to change it very often.
This was a real ear-opener! However, I prefer to use my dynamic mike whenever possible due to the overall quality and room-noise rejection. So … can you (should you?) record a dynamic mike with the Zoom for the best of all worlds? At your reco, I bought the Samson Q9u and Vocaster Two . The Vocaster has a camera out 3.5 mm jack, so that’s where it could go. Thoughts?
I definitely wouldn’t use this as an example of the Zoom’s overall audio quality since I’m not the best when it comes to lav mics. Paired with a good mic that’s positioned well, you should get awesome results 👍
You can connect headphones to it, but personally I just do a test recording first to make sure there’s nothing like that happening and then hope for the best 🤞
@@tombuck aw man, I wish it was monitoring from the app, I had something like this only to see that mid way the mic had fell off the talent (the mic was hidden) good thing we had booked audio too
I’m torn on this. A simple internal battery is great, but being able to swap fresh batteries at any time is nice too (and unless it’s a super long period of time the alkaline batteries won’t lose their charge if you don’t use the recorder for a while).
I wonder if this would be a good option for some moto-vlogging I’ve started doing. Using a lav mic in my helmet connected to the GoPro works but obviously there can be a lot of clipping depending on how windy it is and my super loud exhaust. I don’t like using the audio enhancement in FXP because it just makes it sound weird.
I think they have different purposes. The H1 has a nice built in mic, but no 32-bit float. The F2 doesn't have a built in mic, but has the 32-bit float option. I think Zoom differentiates these by calling the H1 a "Handy Recorder" and the F2. "Field Recorder."
Clueless about 32-bit float audio until this video and a week or so later rode comes out with mic update with 32-bit float audio. This leads me to this question. Can 32-bit float audio be added to advice like the RCP ll?
This is my question too! Considering the RCP2’s processing power, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible. I’m crossing my fingers for a firmware update! Being able to use ANY XLR mic with no clipping would be incredible.
Tom, I find my recordings right off the F2 are real quiet (low in volume). Did you do any post processing to bring up signals? Your video audio with F2 sounded great, I just wonder how you got there. Thanks
Can it work with dynamic mics? I was trying to figure out if I can do street interviews with it with a dynamic mic instead of a lav mic but I can't find anyone talking about it. Thanks Tom!
It’s possible, but not really what it’s designed for. Most dynamic mics need a bit more gain than the F2 can provide, and finding a good XLR to 3.5mm adapter can be tricky.
Can the zoom F2 be timecode jammed by the timecode device like tentacle sync or deity tc-1 ? I heard that both tentacle and deity tc1 can jam the timecode on tentacle Track-e which also is a 32bit float pocket recorder?
Honestly, I'm not sure. Timecode stuff is a pretty big blind spot for me, but there's nothing about it in any of the documentation or anything, so I don't think so.
As long as you can get a 3.5mm output, either from the main XLR out or from the headphones, then you can run it into the Zoom 👍 I used to do this with my Zoom H4n for many years. Also- your English is great!
Hi Tom - In case you're interested, there's a worthwhile tutorial video "PRO AUDIO AND LAV TIPS . . . " on Mark Bone's channel ruclips.net/video/V9DYqLo6c38/видео.html
I appreciate you being here to hold my hand while I try to get better at understanding (and using more often) lavalier mics and different ways to run them.
Haha, thanks Matt! Small recorders and lav mics are my biggest weakness. Or at least one of my many weaknesses 🤓
As an audio engineer gone filmmaker, I always kind of scoffed at 32 bit float too. But then I got the Zoom F3 and I. friggin. love it.
The only reason I'd think twice about using the F2 on set is its lack of monitoring ability. Some wireless mic systems (like the Rode WirelessGO or DJI equivalent) have built in recording capabilities in the transmitter, but you can still plug the receiver into your camera and monitor for unwanted issues, etc. When they make a set like that with 32 bit float recording in the transmitter I'm getting it for sure! Great video Tom, Cheers
Great point about the monitoring! I'm really glad to hear insight from someone with your experience, it's a great perspective to have.
Oh God, that B/W sequence was fantastic 🙂 Great video and explanation of float audio advantages.
Reality is often the best inspiration 😉
We absolutely love our F2. It's super useful for Sal who can be really quiet at times and then sometimes we get over excitable and get super loud. It's honestly SUPER useful. ALSO - PERFECT for weddings. It takes away so much stress.
The peace of mind alone is worth the price. Being able to just focus on other things without worrying about audio is 🤌
Super helpful! Thank you. Been wrestling with getting the f2 for awhile now.
It's definitely worth it! Such a handy thing to have as part of your kit.
You just made 32-bits audio super duper clear. Thank you for that. You were a teacher once upon a time right? 😉
Haha, glad it was helpful! I think the name makes it sound more confusing than it is. 😬
I second that. First time ever I got the point on 32bit Audio, from your little demonstration... which is less the headspace but the audibly much enhanced SN-ratio (whisper levels without noise!) ... wow, thanks!
I'm going to level with you. Your videos hit a new level every time. Great job.
Thank you! 🥹
Cracked me up with the construction/toy description. Even my F6 has "Fisher Price"-grade plastics on it in places and battle tank metal in others. 😃
Isn’t it strange?! I’ll never understand it 🤷🏻♂️
Hey Tom, that was a great video explanation! So I will confess, i watched it on my iPad Pro 12.9 and just the speakers on the iPad. The audio from the lav mic was, honestly, really good to my ear. I appreciate the level you strive for in your productions, and I would expect nothing less from you, but to my ear you just demonstrated that the lav mic and Zoom recorder sound so good that I would be more than happy using just that for non-musical applications. Coupled with the incredible dynamic range the Zoom delivers, I am sold! Once again, you have given me an incredible tool to work with! Thanks yet again!
Is it really just me that thinks the sound from the recorder is not clean? It has a metallic vibrant/rattling sound to it. I tried several mics with several recorders. Only Zoom H2 has this problem.
I love the production quality of this video. Your studio is awesome, I mean, look at the colors, they're awesome.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that 🙏
@@tombuck you don't have any idea how long I have been wondering if there's other creator who uses different kind of environment/ background unlike the almost all creators out there who kinda using similar stuff like all those neon lights or some ambiant light. They look boring, but you're not at all. Thank you for creating 🙏
Really enjoyed this one! Definitely looks like a no-brainer for wedding or other live event filmmakers
100% Most of the reviews I've seen on it come from wedding and event channels, and I totally understand why.
Incredibly helpful as always. Thanks.
I swear I was looking at it this morning and I couldn’t understand any of the specs but just thought it looked cool! Thank you so much for telling me why I actually need it 😂
So glad it was helpful! Everything definitely sounds a bit confusing on the surface, but luckily it's pretty simple.
This is my go-to for sending out my new media students on projects and shoots!
Particularly for students not majoring in media production. I can send interns with these to grab audio and not have to worry.
100% that's a great idea.
Nice review! I am big fan of this recorder for my purposes -- math videos while walking back and forth in front of a chalkboard. I couple it with the countryman b6 and get good results, at least to my untrained ears.
Added mobility with no worries about signal interference is definitely amazing. 👍
This was super helpful! I think I'll be jumping on the 32-bit float train. Thanks man.
“Spunky little startup company that’s named after a rainforest” 🤣🤣🤣 you nailed that!
super sleeper feature that people don't mention is that you can put in rechargeables (eneloops, etc) and plug in the usb c and it charges the batteries in the device. and a new firmware just came out a few weeks ago which addresses the SD card format issue (now you can do it straight from the app).
I appreciate this video, I've got 2 fav setups right now; the Rode Filmmaker Kit and the Rode Wireless Go 2. The size of the Go 2 is just awesome but I film in the cold often with my ski and snowboard channel and the tiny lithium ion batteries have failed more than once so I only bring them out in the warm summer weather or use inside. The AA's in the Filmmaker kit are so much more reliable in cold, so it is good to see these zooms are using the AA batteries, this will be on my wish list for sure since it is important to have the smallest kit possible when ski touring where the bag is full of so many things already before I throw camera gear in haha. Cheers.
This is a really good point. I kind of thought AA's were outdated, but then I realized they do have a lot of advantages.
The lav mic sounds just fine, I don't know what you're worrying about.
Thank you! I feel like I could get it to sound better, but maybe I'm just being picky.
Super interesting! And just in time, as I reconsider my audio solution for simple client shoots. Recording without monitoring makes me nervous, I wish the app would let you monitor. It's one thing to not worry about levels thanks to 32-bit float, but I also worry about clothing or jewellery rustling against the mic and you wouldn't know...
I've been using the F2 for a couple years and its amazing. Its important to note, you dont need to use it with a lav mic. You can also just plug in any shotgun mic with a 3.5mm cable, and boom. You've got almost un-clippable audio anywhere. I'd much rather sync audio in post than deal with setting gain on my camera. Pre-amps in mirrorless cameras are often trash anyway.
An unclippable boom is pretty amazing!
Man I want a 32-bit float recorder so bad! Great video! And as always, great dad jokes
32 bit is definitely worth it!
I really like the F2! I always have had issues with lav but when they work they work!
I'm still trying to figure out how to get a sound I like, but the F2 is a keeper.
Great that you made a follow up on the F2! 💫
Still trying to get that lav positioning figured out!
@@tombuck I feel your struggle. My fall-back is level w/ nipple, halfway between breastbone and nipple. Roughly right ;)
Btw, we're seeing the F2 + lav used more and more in indoor, sit-down podcast recording situations.🤔
I think I've probably said some pretty snotty things to you, but tonight, after watching, I'm gonna subscribe and recommend your show to my oldest grandson, plus you have given me some pretty good ideas from time to time. Thank you, kind sir .
Very happy to hear it, thanks Norman!
@@tombuck you're very welcome to it
Cool video. I grabbed a white, non-BT F2 as it was on sale, significantly cheaper than other versions. I did not want to spend more as I did not know if I would like it. But I do. I have used it at events to mic someone up and it is amazing. It was recording him/her. Start it, forget it and get it back hours later once the event is over. But not only that. if he/she was close enough to another person, 32bit allowed to crank the gain up a bit and hear that non-mic'd person better than with my far away camera-top shotgun... The result is extraordinary. Excellent for event videographers and journalists. I think I will get a second unit, this time maybe black and bluetooth for timecode.
Thank you so much for these videos and all the incredible information! It's helped me more than I can say!
It really means a lot to hear this, thank you. 🙏
I actually bought this recently too and you can actually connect a Videomic Go 2 to it. Just plug a TRS to TRS cable to it. And it sounds pretty good. That said, the Videomic Go 2 has some distortion issues that I can't seem to shake. But the F2+Videomic Go 2 is a super small portable audio setup.
That’s awesome! Thanks for the tip.
@@tombuck np!:D
Ok. I had to pause and comment. 2:57 with that phone overlay. Yes please! It looks so good... and then you line it up with the desk mat! STAHP :D
Also, I'm a freelance live event technician/designer and I appreciate these quick reviews for the "everyman". Your intro about two kinds audio production people was on point.
Thank you Jim! The phone overlay trick is super simple (I originally borrowed the idea from Rafael Ludwig). It can be done just with the Distort Transform tool in Final Cut and then lowering the opacity a bit. 👍
Glad the intro resonated with a bit of truth haha
YUP! 32 float sounds scary to me! I'm still learning how to color grade, lol. BUT, not worrying about audio does sound nice! I wonder when we'll start seeing some float stuff in the wireless mics, like the DJI and Rode. I love my DJI wireless setup, so good!
Color grading is an entirely different confusing beast 😵💫
looks good Tom
"WAIT.....this video wasn't about arms..." -TB ...well, thanks for including that little bit! That VESA mount on the RCP 2?! Brilliant!!! (Yes, I have one too! Game Changer!)
Haha, I lost track a little bit at the end there. 😬
@@tombuck 🤓
Best review! Thanks! Hello from Argentina
Thank you!
That device looks COOL. I run an F6 and love the float audio, but man, it's a 6-track monster that feels like overkill. I was thinking of selling it off and getting two of these instead, or an F3. Any experience with the F3?
I haven't used the F3, but I've definitely been interested in it!
Auto mode on the Sony K3M and ECM-B1M is also makes levels just so easy and one less thing to think about. This reminds me of that feature. 32Bit float audio is cool for Shure.....I mean sure! Great video as always! Oh and that F2 - FU joke was funny.
The Sony auto mode is so good!
@@tombuck sooo dang good!
Very cool video as always... never really tested 32-bit float audio but the flexibility seem to be truly amazing 👍
It’s much less intimidating than I thought!
You seem to be missing that the BT version supports Bluetooth timecode which is the real Bluetooth feature for this model!
Hot take: the dialog audio quality from the F2 - at least with YT audio processing - sounds a bit better and a bit warmer/more pleasing than the Sennheiser, at least to my ear.
Really?! That’s good/interesting to hear.
I’ve been debating this or the Dji mic 😅thank you!
Great video! Just a tip, if you use the Saramonic sr-pax1 you can drive 2 xlr microphone on this 32 bit recorder easily. I'm using it on my zoom h1n right now...
Ooh, that sounds nifty!
Thanks a cool piece of gear! Great splain of 32 float, I didn't know all that! Big thumbs up 👍👍👍
Can this be considered a competitor to the DR-10? I have one of those but have no clue if it offers 32, I'll have to check lol.
I think this is Zoom's response to the DR-10. I just hadn't heard about the Tascam before seeing the F2, but I like the smaller size and I got it for a cheaper price, so I'm happy 😁
I switched to this a few months ago and i will never go back to a non 32 bit float device again.
I definitely understand the hype behind it. Peace of mind is priceless!
Great Video.
lol I felt attacked on this episode...
I literally just did that!
I accidentally left the guest microphone on, while I recorded game video for my other channel...
A month's worth of work...
All corrupted by static and cat noises...
January was a bad month for me...
Good thing is, I am now better at the game, than when I started.
So, hoping that the new videos are gonna be done in less time, plus, look cooler.
Ouch, I feel your pain on that one. It's nice to say that mistakes like that teach valuable lessons, but honestly, it doesn't make them less frustrating 🫠
@@tombuck Yep... live and learn... Then start to unplug things when not in use.
Love my Zoom F2’s. Works great with a shotgun and output to a WirelessGo as well👍
For me battery life make all the difference. I prefer my px407 above other small recorders. I used to record the whole time when i am outside vlogging.
I definitely keep spare batteries nearby just to be safe 😬
Excellent review and insights, thanks! I can't tell if it's the Rode Lav Go Mike (I suspect it is), the Zoom Preamp, the way the 32bit float captured the audio, or possibly some EQ in Post, but your voice sounds thin and lacking definition. Your Sennheiser studio mic sounds ok and much like what I would have expected.
Several years ago I evaluated a lot of Lav mics direct to a good quality preamp and 24-bit/96khz field recorder, and also through Sennheiser Evolution wireless systems and while Sennheiser ME 2 was adequate for outdoor and non-cinema shoots, I preferred the Tram and Countryman Lav mics, and while $300+ may seem like a lot for a Lav mic, but when matched to the application and a good preamp and recorder, the results can be several times better than a Lav mic costing several times less.
What you said about "audio technicians, it is kind of true. But on the other hand, there is a reason for the words "very nice, can you do it once more?" ;-) Even the best sounds engineers make mistakes or mis takes. I still do but nothing better to learn it that way. Other than that, a very good explanation what 32 bit float is doing.
Your puns give me life. Thank you
I love the F2! It has made audio so much easier for me and the sound quality is better than what my Sony cameras produce even with the same microphones attached.
I bought the F2BT with included lav mic and vastly prefer it over the Røde Go. I wouldn’t buy the Bluetooth version again though. The app is so disappointing… It’s not even possible to transfer the audio files to my phone/tablet/Mac wirelessly. Save yourself the e try money unless you need to be able to change settings on the fly or listen in via headphones (attached to the Zoom!).
For me, it was set and forget, so I don’t need to change any settings and if you only have to do it once in a while, you can do it on your Mac/pc with the F2 Editor software. That also saved me when I set the battery type to lithium by mistake and the recorder wouldn’t turn on any more.
I just ordered the DJI wireless mics last week. I kind of wish I had seen this before but hey, I don't know much about 32 bit audio either. 😛
I think you’ll really love the DJI mic!
OMG Dude! 117 subs?! When?! I just remember your 5k and 20k subs videos. Any podcast soon?!
The precious 💍
4:56 It looks cute to me, It’s a really small field audio recorder and it is so small as my wireless mic.
It’s really nice to use something so straightforward but still capable.
I prefer Tentacle Sync Track E the APP is great! I use Timecode and therefore It syncs to the video without any work. The only thing is it has a built-in Battery. I not sure it will work with the Zoom but the issue with the small unit is they don't put off 'pro level' power. What that means is you can't run Pro Lav's like the Shure TL-48 ($449) but there is a mic that works on the Tentacle sync is the "Sanken COS-11D" ($389 @ B&H) Give it a try it's a good Mic.
Thanks for the mic recommendation! I remember you mentioned the Shures a while ago. I haven't yet taken a dive into the world of timecode, but maybe one day.
Great to watch, as always! Do you think it's possibie by Rode to update Rodecaster Pro II to 32-bit float? Is the hardware powerfull enough?
The hardware is definitely powerful enough (especially if this tiny recorder can do it). From what Rode told me at its release, the RCP2 is 16 times more powerful than the original, and more powerful than it needs to be for anything it currently does. But the original evolved so quickly and then the hardware became the biggest limiting factor, so they wanted to make sure the RCP2 would have power for features that weren't even thought of yet.
That being said, I don't know if there's some other limitation that would prevent them from adding it. If it's possible, I sure hope they do!
Tempted. I use my DJI mic transmitter to record my spoken word but I'm guessing this audio quality is superior.
The DJI always sounds good from what I've heard. I guess the bigger difference would be no signal interference to worry about (if that's ever been an issue).
@@tombuck Keep in mind with the DJI Mic, you record to the local device as a backup to the transmitted signal. Local signal interference on the local device record should be only an issue with the Lav wiring. Still would like to have a comparison between this and the DJI Mic.
The other day I recorded on the RodeCaster Pro II and found that if you record and expoet audio, then you can export that audio in 32 bit as well and I didn't even know that.
Yes! I’m honestly not totally sure how it works but it’s neat!
Røde has that for the Wireless II also. For the Wireless it means it exports to 32bit format, the audio is still only recorded in 24bit so none of the benefits of 32bit audio apply. They claim it's for "compatibility", so I guess there's stuff out there that only works with 32bit audio files. Never run into anything personally though.
Dirty rotten lying liars... 🤣 Awesome way to start out the video Mr. Tom
That rainforest is named after a river :)
And that river is named after an online company 😉
Nice RCPII shade… ahem.
Excellent video- as always. How would it work if you used two of these? Like for an interview situation. You would have to upload the 2 separate audio tracks and synch them, correct? Would there be an issue of each lav potentially picking up the other person's audio faintly?
There shouldn't be any interference issues, and then it's just like you said- 2 separate tracks to sync. 👍
I was going to ask that, thanks! Syncing might be tricky if the sound is not bleeding from one mike to the other… or maybe with a general omni mike to use as a master to sync the others to ?
Tom I love your content. I have seen your PSA 1+ in a few shots and the branding on the foam is not there? How did you get rid of that horrid branding? Lol
Great Video Thx Tom!!
Wish it could sync to a F6 for timecode.
PLEASE PLEASE SUPER_PLEASE can you do a tutorial on how you got your smartphone on to your vid? and enlarged it? GREAT VIDEO Tom!
Sure! That can probably be a super simple quick video.
Basically I just use the Transform Distort tool in Final Cut to change the perspective and then lower the opacity a bit and add a simple border 👍
@@tombuck You're my hero!
@cward2986
1 second ago
Cool! Was the video you started with a screen capture taken within the phone, or captured by an external device like the ATEM Mini ISO? I couldn’t tell from the video whether you had a cable connected to your phone. Thanks!
Speaking of 32 bit audio have are you planning of reviewing the new Rode NT1 5th Generation microphone? It seems like a good option for people like me who don’t yet have the funds for a Roadcaster Pro 2. I’m wondering how it compares with the Lewitt 220. Thanks.
Oh most definitely! Still waiting for mine to arrive and then looking forward to experimenting with it.
Nice video as always 👍 The "F-You joke made me LOL 😂😂 😂 I haven't purchased it yet but I have been going back and forth trying to decide if I should go for BT version..... It's big difference in price with and without BT..... What do you think? Do you use the BT option all the time or just once in a while?
BT is nice to have, but if it’s a huge price difference, I honestly don’t think you’ll miss it that much if you get the version without it.
@@tombuckhere in Norway I can get 2 BT for 3 without BT for only 40$ extra 🙂 I'm just wondering if the BT is worthwhile for this big difference🤔 I will se more videos about this device and take the "right" decision for me 😁
Every Zoom field recorder I’ve bought (various models) has been terrible. Even sent an H4N back to the factory after receipt, and it was only slightly better when it was “repaired”.
The build quality often leaves a lot to be desired, but fortunately I've found the F2 to be pretty great so far.
Hi Tom, I love your videos it’s amazing and I’ve learned so much from you.
I’ve a question how does the F2 compare to the new Rode Wireless Pro which is also 32bit?
Thanks
In terms of 32 bit recording there’s very little difference, so it really comes down to price vs. wireless functionality. 👍
Im absoluten not into Audio and my question has nothing to do with your vid but maybe you can still answer it 😅
i want to connect my ps5 to a sounder, my sounder only takes HDMI arc and optical, but since I play on a monitor it doesn't have HDMI arc and the ps5 has no optical out. My monitor does have an aux port tho, is there a way to convert aux to optical?
I can't say for sure in that specific setup, but I've done sort-of-similar things in my old classroom. Try searching to an "optical to analog converter" on Amazon or Monoprice- I think there's something that'll work.
Thanks for the review. When you're connected via bluetooth to the mobile app, can you still use the physical record button on the Zoom F2 to start and stop recording? Or is that button disabled when the device is connected and controlled by the phone?
I ask because I like to use my phone for monitoring only. I want to start and stop recording with the Zoom F2 button.
You can still use the physical button 👍
This is a great little device, I bought one about a year ago and it's simplified recording. Ironically I wasn't looking for a video on the F2 but I was looking more for suitable lav mics to use with it, the included one is not good. Soon as I started watching your video I noticed the audio was subpar (until the battery died!). I was considering the Rode Lav 2 but now after this blind listening test where I noticed the sound wasn't so good I'm wondering what I need to buy to get better sound. I was hoping for something under $200. Any suggestions on great lav mics with locking 3.5 connectors? TIA
I like the Rode Lav II, but the directionality can cause problems sometimes. It's weird having a directional lav mic!
Earlier this year I got the Sennhesier EW-DP wireless system along with a Sennhesier MKE Essential Omni mic and I REALLY like it. The mic is a noticeable step up from all the others I have. It's pricier, at $250, but super high quality.
@@tombuck I rarely regret spending more for something if it's really better... when you figure all the hours you put into making a video then look back and wish you had better audio it can really justify the expense. Do you know if that mic will work with a small standalone recorder? I really have little need for a wireless system, the zoom F2 or my larger H5 does the job just fine but I'm finding most of these cheaper lav mics just fall short of what i want. I started setting up a shotgun mic out of frame which is ok when I'm sitting still but for in the field videos at work obviously that doesn't work. I'll check out that MKE, thanks for replying to my comment.
I really don't get the pricing on this when you look at bigger recorders withbuilt in mics, multiple xlr inputs etc..
wow. had the recorder for 3 months and did not know it had Bluetooth😞
Haha, it's nice to have even if you don't use it all the time.
Awesome video as always. Quick question, I noticed you have you RC2 on a stand off your desk. 1/ what are you using you do that? 2/ how are you finding it being positioned that way?
Omg ignore this. You literally answered my question.
Any chance you could link us to the arm you are using, pretty please? ♥️
Sure thing, this is the super long arm: geni.us/bOkzyk1
It's been working really well! It's a little bit of a pain to adjust the height, because you have to do it on the post that mounts on the desk, but once you find a height you like you probably don't need to change it very often.
This was a real ear-opener! However, I prefer to use my dynamic mike whenever possible due to the overall quality and room-noise rejection. So … can you (should you?) record a dynamic mike with the Zoom for the best of all worlds? At your reco, I bought the Samson Q9u and Vocaster Two . The Vocaster has a camera out 3.5 mm jack, so that’s where it could go. Thoughts?
I definitely wouldn’t use this as an example of the Zoom’s overall audio quality since I’m not the best when it comes to lav mics. Paired with a good mic that’s positioned well, you should get awesome results 👍
Danke!
Thank you sir! Always appreciated!!
@@tombuck You're welcome! Nice video on this very convenient device 👍🏼
so, how do you monitor? incase if the mic has a issue or say a ruffling sound from clothing?
You can connect headphones to it, but personally I just do a test recording first to make sure there’s nothing like that happening and then hope for the best 🤞
@@tombuck aw man, I wish it was monitoring from the app, I had something like this only to see that mid way the mic had fell off the talent (the mic was hidden) good thing we had booked audio too
Question, can you use this to record audio directly into your computer such as OBS as an audio source?
Ah wish this had a internal battery. Other then that it looks nice
I’m torn on this. A simple internal battery is great, but being able to swap fresh batteries at any time is nice too (and unless it’s a super long period of time the alkaline batteries won’t lose their charge if you don’t use the recorder for a while).
I wonder if this would be a good option for some moto-vlogging I’ve started doing. Using a lav mic in my helmet connected to the GoPro works but obviously there can be a lot of clipping depending on how windy it is and my super loud exhaust. I don’t like using the audio enhancement in FXP because it just makes it sound weird.
how is it better than zoom h1.... ? Cause I have zoom h1 and
was wondering if I should upgrade?
I think they have different purposes. The H1 has a nice built in mic, but no 32-bit float. The F2 doesn't have a built in mic, but has the 32-bit float option. I think Zoom differentiates these by calling the H1 a "Handy Recorder" and the F2. "Field Recorder."
@@tombuck that was helpful...will do a bit more research!!!!
2:04 😂😂😂😂
😬
man they really bumped up the bluetooth version
Clueless about 32-bit float audio until this video and a week or so later rode comes out with mic update with 32-bit float audio. This leads me to this question. Can 32-bit float audio be added to advice like the RCP ll?
This is my question too! Considering the RCP2’s processing power, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible. I’m crossing my fingers for a firmware update!
Being able to use ANY XLR mic with no clipping would be incredible.
I always find the F2 audio is too quiet. Wondering what post processing (gain increase, etc) you do in editing. Thanks so much.
That's definitely just me making mistakes probably. I've also been working to learn more about limiters to help give a louder signal with no clipping.
Tom, I find my recordings right off the F2 are real quiet (low in volume). Did you do any post processing to bring up signals? Your video audio with F2 sounded great, I just wonder how you got there. Thanks
Can it work with dynamic mics? I was trying to figure out if I can do street interviews with it with a dynamic mic instead of a lav mic but I can't find anyone talking about it. Thanks Tom!
It’s possible, but not really what it’s designed for. Most dynamic mics need a bit more gain than the F2 can provide, and finding a good XLR to 3.5mm adapter can be tricky.
@@tombuck Thank you for responding, Tom! Looks like it's either I just use a Rode Wireless Go or go with an H4n for now.
Can the zoom F2 be timecode jammed by the timecode device like tentacle sync or deity tc-1 ? I heard that both tentacle and deity tc1 can jam the timecode on tentacle Track-e which also is a 32bit float pocket recorder?
Honestly, I'm not sure. Timecode stuff is a pretty big blind spot for me, but there's nothing about it in any of the documentation or anything, so I don't think so.
👍
Hy. Can I record the sound from a Yamaha MG12XU or beringer on zoom F2... ???? Sorry for my poor english.
As long as you can get a 3.5mm output, either from the main XLR out or from the headphones, then you can run it into the Zoom 👍
I used to do this with my Zoom H4n for many years.
Also- your English is great!
Never clipping? What is this dark magic.
Amazon, amirite?
Hi Tom - In case you're interested, there's a worthwhile tutorial video "PRO AUDIO AND LAV TIPS . . . " on Mark Bone's channel ruclips.net/video/V9DYqLo6c38/видео.html
TB just said FU 😮
🫢
01:57 is lol
Hi Matt, be careful with the so called 'joke' puns. You might lose some subs. It's not necessary.
1:58 Eff-U to the F2... 🪘🥁 Ba Dum Tss!! I knew something was coming just didn't know what! 😅
Nice little piece though and you're right all of us has screwed up our audio (the most important part if you ask me) from time to time.
Absolutely the most important part! And unfortunately super easy to mess up 🫠