Zoom F2 Field Recorder

2022-07-11T09:28:19

I have always loved Zoom products and prefer them over Tascam, but I?m not a big fan of the design of the F2. It?s technologically sound with 32bit recorder, but a lot of compromises were made on the unit itself to reduce costs. There is no screen or controls other than turning it on, recording, adjusting headphone levels and?. That?s pretty much it. No battery level details and no audio levels details. I get how the 32 bit tech takes up all the costs at the moment but I wouldn?t mind paying a little bit more for on-device controls. At the moment, the only way to get that is to get the bluetooth version. Additionally, the build quality is pretty cheap. Pretty thin feeling plastic all around and I?m pretty sure the battery door will fail first. In the end, it gets the job done for now being a 32 bit lav solution

MICHAEL S.

2021-06-10T08:30:17

Initially I was excited about this mic and 32bit recording, but I ran into a reality check, if you are to timecode sync this with a camera you'll need two additional devices, a compatible BT sync generator and another sync client connected to the camera. The Tentacle Track E does the same thing but syncs directly with their Track E that plugs into the camera, so one less device to deal with during time code dependant video production and both mic and sync work off the same app.

Jeff R.

2021-06-04T07:02:25

I should start by saying that I was really, really looking forward to this product. Zoom has a fantastic reputation, and I have been very excited to have 32-bit float recording capabilities at a price-point I could afford. But, this product is sub-standard. To begin with, the battery-cover door is flimsy and does not fit well. When replacing the batteries, it takes multiple attempts to align the covering *just right* to get it back into place -- and even then, it's not a tight fit. I do have concern of the door popping open when wearing the device. Second - the software for managing settings and formatting the SD card is desktop-only. So -- if you pick up a new SD card while on assignment and want to format it -- you're out of luck. Similarly, if you want to turn on low-pass, or if you need to change batteries mid-assignment and want to reset syncing laptop time/date with your device -- no go. Last, and maybe the most concerning: there have been a couple of times when I have been recording, turned the device "off" -- and the indicator lights above "input" and "off" have stayed on until I popped out the batteries. I have no idea why this is happening, but this is absolutely not the way an electronic device should work. So far, the sound quality is fine. But I really wish I had waited for a later model.

MOLLY B.

2021-06-03T08:23:23

Reliable in total neglect I?ve had very few opportunities to test the F2, it was used in a Concert setting too record redundant audio. I quickly popped a nearly full unformatted SD card. And when I went back to the SD card after the show, the recorder ran out of space, yet I found a quality wav. audio file internally when I connected via usb-c! 32bit Audio that had not clipped with enough headroom to handle sitting behind loud speakers while preserving background speech.

MITCHELL B.

2021-05-20T09:01:03

It works great and is really easy to use.

JARED D.

2021-01-26T07:31:00

Great item to have for my kit.

gabriel r.

2021-01-21T14:20:57

Awesome recorders. Easy set-up and reliable.

NECAS S.

2021-01-19T07:21:42

We have used the Tascam dr10l for a couple of years and this unit tops it. It's smaller, about the same price and the 32bit float is a killer feature. Sorry, tascam but this is our new recorder. Cons compared to the Tascam: 1: No UV meter, but you can tell if you are getting signal. 2: two batteries instead of one.

JONATHAN T.

2021-01-13T08:40:26

It’s not bad, but I am not the target audience. Did not work for me. 32 bit float is great but not really an advantage without gain control. I bought it in hopes that the set gain level would be higher and the noise floor lower but this is not the case. The supplied lav is also low quality. The concept is good but I am better served with a pro setup; I will buy it when they make a version with a gain knob and better floor noise.

Luis O.

2021-01-04T15:38:29

Just arrived. 32bit is the way to go! The mic is surprisingly bright and clear. So good that I'm returning the 'upgrade' that I assumed I would need. Micro size and weight. And yes, the monitor out works while recording. Waiting for the white version...

ROY P.