Sound for Video Session: ZOOM F8n Pro Setup & Q&A
In this week's session, we run through the ZOOM F8n Pro's menus to solve common questions and issues. Then we answer your sound for video questions.
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 including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. We have a course on sound for live-streaming with the ATEM Mini and just added Introduction to Izotope RX for Dialogue Audio.
Gear I often use or that we mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Waves, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- ZOOM F8n Pro 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- ZOOM F6 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Mackie DLZ Creator — B&H, Amazon
- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Sound Devies 888 field recorder/mixer — Trew, B&H, Sweetwater
- Sound Devices MixPre II Series Recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon
- Canon C200 Camera - B&H
- Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 lens — B&H, Amazon
- ATEM Mini Extreme & Extreme ISO - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
- Allen & Heath SQ5 Digital Mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel, pre-amp, EQ, compressor - Sweetwater, B&H
- Universal Audio 6176 channel strip pre-amp, EQ, compressor — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.
Copyright 2023, Curtis Judd
ZOOM F8n Pro Audio Recorder Review
In this week’s episode, we take a look at the new Zoom F8n Pro recorder. Zoom’s self-described ‘new flagship field recorder’ has 8 inputs and 3 outputs, 10-track recording, dual A/D converters, professional-grade preamps, Automix, and, of course, 32-bit float wide dynamic range recording capability. This new edition of the F8 recorder can also be used as an 8-in/4-out audio interface and can be controlled with the F8 Control App for both iOS and Android. In this video we walk through this feature set and compare it to your other favorite recorders. Let’s take a closer look!
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 including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX.
Support my work creating videos by donating at Ko-Fi.com.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- Zoom F8n Pro — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- Zoom F6 — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- SoundDevices MixPre II series — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- Earthworks SV33 — B&H, Sweetwater
- Shure SM7B — B&H, Sweetwater, Perfect Circuit, Amazon
- Bebob Cinema Batteries — B&H
- D-tap to hirose cable to power with cine batteries — Amazon, B&H
- Aputure 600D PRO LED Light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store
- Impact Luxbank softbox - B&H
- Aputure Amaran 100D - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
- Aputure Spotlight Mount - Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon
- Rosco Prismatic Glass Gobo Cool Lavender creates the color pattern on the back wall - B&H
- Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.
Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd
Sound for Video Session: ZOOM F8n Pro Setup & Menus, Q&A
In this week's Sound for Video Session, we take a closer look at the new ZOOM F8n Pro 32-bit float audio recorder. We'll cover the basic settings and walk through the menus. Then we answer your sound for video related questions.
To learn more about 32-bit float wide dynamic range audio, please have a watch of our previous session on the topic here.
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 including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. We have a course on sound for live-streaming with the ATEM Mini and just added Introduction to Izotope RX for Dialogue Audio.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Waves, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store
- ZOOM F6 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- ZOOM F8n Pro 32- bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- Earthworks SV33 studio vocal microphone — B&H, Sweetwater
- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater
- Neumann U87 Ai microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Universal Audio Volt 276 USB audio interface — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Epiphan Pearl 2 live stream appliance — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
- Epiphan Pearl Nano live stream encoder — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
- Sound Devices MixPre II Series Recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon
- Canon C70 Camera - B&H
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS lens - B&H, Amazon
- TA3-M to XLR-F Adapter cable to feed microphones to C70 or Blackmagic Pocket cameras - B&H
- ATEM Mini Extreme & Extreme ISO - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
- Allen & Heath SQ5 Digital Mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel, pre-amp, EQ, compressor - Sweetwater, B&H
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.
Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd
Sound for Video Session: ZOOM F8n Pro Initial Look & Q&A
In this week's Sound for Video Session, we take our first look at the new ZOOM F8n Pro 32-bit float audio recorder. We'll get you some audio samples, take a look at the features, and cover the types of situations where it may be most useful. Then we answer your sound for video related questions.
To learn more about 32-bit float wide dynamic range audio, please have a watch of our previous session on the topic here.
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 including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. We have a course on sound for live-streaming with the ATEM Mini and just added Introduction to Izotope RX for Dialogue Audio.
Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Waves, or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:
- ZOOM F3 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store
- ZOOM F6 32-bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- ZOOM F8n Pro 32- bit float audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Amazon
- Earthworks SV33 studio vocal microphone — B&H, Sweetwater
- Earthworks ETHOS microphone — B&H, Sweetwater
- Neumann U87 Ai microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Universal Audio Volt 276 USB audio interface — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Epiphan Pearl Nano live stream encoder — B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
- Sound Devices MixPre II Series Recorders - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Panasonic GH5 camera - B&H, Amazon
- Canon C70 Camera - B&H
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L IS lens - B&H, Amazon
- TA3-M to XLR-F Adapter cable to feed microphones to C70 or Blackmagic Pocket cameras - B&H
- ATEM Mini Extreme & Extreme ISO - B&H, DVE Store, Amazon
- Allen & Heath SQ5 Digital Mixer - B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel, pre-amp, EQ, compressor - Sweetwater, B&H
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself.
Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd
Zoom F8n Review
The Zoom F8n is the latest F-series audio recorders from Zoom aimed at filmmakers. The F8n is an evolutionary upgrade from the original F8 with some useful hardware and software upgrades including advanced hybrid limiters, AutoMix, simultaneous recording to a computer as an audio interface and internally to the F8n, timecode generator that keeps time while the recorder is powered off for up to 2 hours, mic/line selectable inputs, pro line-level balanced outputs, and many more features that pros demand. And this is available at a groundbreaking price that makes it accessible to many independent filmmakers - $1000 USD at the time of this review. Let’s run through a few of the highlights in this video.
If you’d like to learn how to get the most out of the Zoom F8 or F8n, please consider my course over at our school.
Links to gear used in this video:
Zoom F8n Audio Field Recorder
Orca OR-28 Sound Bag - I have the slightly larger OR-30. Great, sturdy bag. The OR-28 was made specifically for recorders the size of the F8/F8n
TA3F to XLRM Adapter - to adapt the outputs from mini to standard XLR. This allows you to run sound to pro-level cameras, wireless headsets for directors, producers, or script supervisors, or any other audio device with balanced XLR inputs.
JuiceBox V-mount Battery - 95 Watt Hour
Aputure COB120t - Key light for the talking head portions of this video
Aputure Light Dome II - Newer version of the big soft box with faster setup and gel holder
Lupo Superpanel Full Color 30 - RGBW 1x1 panel light for the funky background colors
LED GO E268C Bi-color Edge-lit LED Pad - super thin and light, making it a great soft light source for tight spaces
Vistek Canada (also ship to USA)
Sennheiser MKH 8050 - This is the boom mic used to record this episode
Panasonic GH5 Camera - Used for all of the product shots
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - this is the the lens I use more than any other on the GH5s
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Music Copyright 2018 by Cary Judd. Used with permission.
Sound for Video Session: Zoom F8/F8n Basic Settings
What are the basic things you need to setup to get recording quickly with the Zoom F8 or F8n? We cover them here!
This is an excerpt from my upcoming course, Getting the Most From Your Zoom F8/F8n. Please consider my sound for film classes available over at the school.
Gear and links discussed/used to record this episode:
Zoom F8n Audio Field Recorder
Sennheiser MKH 8050 Supercardioid Boom Microphone (used to record this segment)
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Zoom F8n iPad/iPhone App
If you use a Zoom F8 or F8n to record audio, there’s an iPad/iPhone app that allows you to wirelessly control your audio recorder. In this episode, we run through the features and settings available on the app to make setting up and operating your Zoom F8 and F8n easier and more convenient.
This is an segment from my upcoming course on the Zoom F8 & F8n which will be released in the next few weeks. 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 the school, including one that focuses on processing dialogue audio!
Links to gear discussed and used to shoot this episode:
Zoom F8n Audio Field Recorder
Zoom F8 The older version released in 2015. Still great! (While supplies last) - This episode was recorded with the Zoom F8
Panasonic GH5s Camera - my favorite small camera for video
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - this is the the lens I use more than any other on the GH5s
Sennheiser MKH 8050 Boom Microphone
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Music - MzA - Copyright 2017 by Cary Judd, used with permission
Sound for Video Session: Zoom F8/F8n Setting Gain Trim
In this week’s session, we share an excerpt from the upcoming online course, “Getting the Most From Your Zoom F8/F8n Recorder.” In this particular segment, we cover how to set the gain trim, the various track knob modes, and demonstrate how to optimize your gain in relation to the limiters. Lots of fun!
Gear and links discussed/used to record this episode:
Zoom F8n Audio Field Recorder (2018)
Zoom F8 Audio Field Recorder (2015):
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Outro music licensed from Artlist: Keep an Eye by Back to Dream. Artlist provides high quality music tracks for your film and video projects. You can receive two months off an Artlist account by using our link.
Zoom F8n Audio Recorder: Initial Impressions
At the National Association of Broadcasters meeting earlier this year, Zoom announced their update to the F8 audio field recorder - the F8n. The focus of this update was to address many of the things that users complained about on the original - hybrid limiters that were ok, but not perfect, line inputs only on 1/4”, mediocre headphone amp, and consumer line level output among others. I had a chance to work with the F8n for a few hours. Let’s see how they did addressing these items. From my point of view, it looks like the F8n is a very nice step up from the original F8.
Links to gear discussed and used to shoot this episode:
Zoom F8n Audio Field Recorder
Zoom F4 Audio Field Recorder (similar but with 4 microphone inputs, monochrome screen, no app control)
Zoom F-Control surface with linear faders - my favorite way to mix when working from a table or cart.
Juicebox V-Mount Cine Battery - good way to power the F8n, F4, F8 all day long
D-tap to 4 pin Hirose Cable - to feed power from cine battery to F8n, F8, F4
Remote Audio BDS V4 Battery Distribution System
Remote Audio Hi-Q Battery (98 watt-hours) - this is a battery that is better suited for use in a sound bag, smaller than most cine batteries but still lots of capacity
Sennheiser MKH8050 Boom Microphone - this is the microphone I used
Schoeps CMC641 - this is the microphone my daughter used
Aputure COB 120t - This is the light I used as a key in the talking head clips
Aputure Light Dome Soft Box - Used to soften the key light
Lupo DayLED Fresnel Light with Barn Doors - Used for the “rim/hair” light
Blackmagic design Ursa Mini Pro Cinema Camera - used for the talking head clips and some of the product shots
Sigma ART 24-70mm f/2.8 OS Lens (Canon EF Mount)
Panasonic GH5 - Used for some of the product shots, the crispier shots
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - incredibly versatile lens that is on the GH5 most of the time
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Music - MzA by Cary Judd, used with permission
Zoom F8n: First Look
The Zoom F8 audio recorder and mixer changed the location audio world two years ago when it was released. Zoom showed that they could make some very good preamps and most of the features pros expect in their recorders including timecode, dual card recording, and an incredibly robust build all for a price that sits under $1000 USD.
Of course the F8 wasn’t perfect. The hybrid limiters weren’t perfect, the inputs were only line level when using a TRS cable, and the headphone amp was a little rough to listen to all day. It appears that Zoom heard the customer feedback and starting summer/fall, the F8n will address many of the few remaining hardware issues.
Gear used to shoot this episode:
RODE Reporter Microphone
RODE iXLR Adapter (Record a dynamic XLR microphone to iPhone or iPad)
Panasonic GH5 - My favorite, small camera for handheld use with a great image stabilizer
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens - incredibly versatile lens that is on the GH5S most of the time
Copyright 2018 by Curtis Judd
Music - MzA by Cary Judd, used with permission.
