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Zoom F8 User Manual

Zoom F8
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© 2015 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without
permission is prohibited.
Operation Manual

Table of Contents

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Zoom F8 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Number of Channels8
Bit Depth16/24-bit
Inputs8 x XLR/TRS combo jacks
TypeField Recorder
TimecodeYes
USB InterfaceUSB 2.0
Recording FormatWAV, BWF
Sample Rate44.1/48/88.2/96/192 kHz
MediaSD/SDHC/SDXC cards
PowerAA batteries, AC adapter
Phantom Power+24V/+48V
Display2.4-inch full-color backlit LCD

Summary

Usage and Safety Precautions

General Safety Precautions

Covers warning symbols, product handling, operating environment, and device handling.

Usage Guidelines

Details on handling interference, cleaning, and breakdown procedures.

Copyright Information

Standard legal disclaimer and copyright notice.

Introduction

Names of Parts

Front and Back Panel Overview

Identifies key controls, connectors, and indicators on the front and back.

Side Panel Components

Details ports and features located on the left and right sides of the device.

Output Jacks

Describes the main, sub, and headphone output connectors.

LED Level Meter Explanation

Explains the function and display of the LED level meter.

Connecting Mics and Other Devices to Inputs 1-8

Connecting Microphones

Instructions for connecting dynamic and condenser microphones.

Connecting Line Level Equipment

Guidance for connecting keyboards and mixers via TRS.

Connecting Mic Capsules

Details on attaching and using microphone capsules.

Stereo Input Configuration

How to link inputs for stereo recording.

Connection Examples

Illustrates typical connection setups for filming and concerts.

LCD Display

Home Screen Overview

Explanation of the main operational screen and its elements.

Level Meters Display

Details on how audio levels are visually represented on the display.

Character Input Screen

Describes the interface for entering text, names, or values.

Supplying Power

Using AA Batteries

Instructions for installing and using AA batteries.

Using an AC Adapter

How to connect and use the dedicated AC adapter.

Using an External DC Power Supply

Guidance for connecting and using external DC power sources.

Loading an SD Card

Turning the Power On and Off

Powering On the Device

Steps for turning the unit on.

Powering Off the Device

Instructions for turning the unit off.

Setting the Date and Time (RTC)

Setting Date and Time Values

Procedure for setting the device's internal clock.

Setting the Date Format

Options for arranging month, day, and year in file metadata.

Disabling Automatic Power Saving (Auto Power Off)

Setting the Power Supply Used (Power Source)

Setting DC Power Supply Shutdown Voltage

Configures the voltage threshold for external DC power shutdown.

Setting DC Power Supply Nominal Voltage

Sets the nominal voltage for accurate external power monitoring.

Setting the AA Battery Type

Specifies the type of AA batteries for accurate status indication.

Recording Process

Enabling Recording on SD Cards and Setting File Formats

Selecting Inputs and Adjusting Levels

Selecting Input Channels

How to choose which inputs are active for recording.

Linking Inputs as a Stereo Pair

Procedure for configuring stereo input pairs.

Adjusting Input Levels

Recording

Setting the Sampling Rate (Sample Rate)

Setting WAV File Bit Depth (WAV Bit Depth)

Setting MP3 File Bit Rate (MP3 Bit Rate)

Simultaneously Recording Tracks at Different Levels (Dual Channel Rec)

Capturing Audio Before Recording Starts (Pre Rec)

Maximum File Size (File Max Size)

Folder and File Structure

Changing Recording Take Settings (Next Take)

Changing the Note for the Next Take

Inputting text metadata for recorded takes.

Selecting Notes from History

Choosing previously used notes from a history list.

Setting Scene Naming Mode

Configures how scene names are automatically generated.

Changing Scene Names

Manually setting custom scene names.

Selecting Scene Name from History

Choosing scene names from a history list.

Setting Take Number Reset Condition

Defines when the take number sequence resets.

Playing Recordings

Playback Operations

Navigating and controlling audio playback.

Mixing Takes

Adjusting Fader and Panning

Modifying track levels and stereo balance during playback.

Changing the Playback Mode (Play Mode)

Take and Folder Operations (FINDER)

Using the FINDER Interface

Navigating SD cards, folders, takes, and performing edits.

Creating Folders

Instructions for creating new folders for organization.

Selecting Recording/Playback Folders

Choosing the active folder for recording or playback.

Checking Take Marks for Playback

Viewing and using recorded marks for navigation.

Changing Folder and Take Names

Renaming folders and recorded takes.

Copying Takes to Other Cards/Folders

Transferring recorded files to different locations.

Deleting Folders and Takes

Removing unwanted folders and recorded takes.

Emptying the TRASH Folder

Permanently deleting files from the trash.

Overview of Take Metadata Stored in Files

WAV File Metadata

Details on metadata stored in WAV files (BEXT, iXML).

MP3 File Metadata

Details on metadata stored in MP3 files (ID3v1 tags).

Checking and Editing Take Metadata

Checking and Editing Notes

Viewing and modifying text notes associated with takes.

Selecting Notes from History List

Choosing notes from a list of previous entries.

Circling Takes

Marking the best take with an '@' symbol.

Editing Folder (Tape) Names

Renaming the folder or tape associated with a take.

Editing Project Names

Modifying the project name associated with recordings.

Input and Output Signal Flow

Adjusting Input Signal Monitoring Balance

Adjusting Fader and Panning for Monitoring

Controlling levels and stereo balance for headphone monitoring.

Monitoring Input Signals of Specific Tracks (PFL/SOLO)

PFL/SOLO Monitoring

Techniques for listening to individual tracks or soloing them.

Setting the Monitoring Volume on the PFL Screen (PFL Mode)

Cutting Low-Frequency Noise (HPF)

Input Limiter

Using the Input Limiter

Enabling and disabling the input signal limiter.

Setting the Limiter Type

Choosing between Hard Knee and Soft Knee limiter characteristics.

Setting the Threshold

Configuring the signal level at which the limiter activates.

Setting the Attack Time

Adjusting the duration before the limiter engages.

Setting the Release Time

Adjusting the duration after which the limiter disengages.

Inverting the Input Phase (Phase Invert)

Changing Phantom Power Settings (Phantom)

Using Phantom Power

Enabling or disabling phantom power for inputs.

Setting Phantom Power Voltage

Selecting between +24V and +48V phantom power.

Changing Plugin Power Setting (Plugin Power)

Delaying Input Signals (Input Delay)

Converting Mid-Side Input to Ordinary Stereo (Stereo Link Mode)

Mid-Side Stereo Format Overview

Explains the mid-side technique for stereo recording.

Adjusting the Side Level of a Mid-Side Mic Capsule (Side Mic Level)

Setting Signals Sent to Headphones (Headphone Routing)

Setting Headphone Routing

Configuring which signals are sent to the headphone output.

Using Mono Headphone Output

Enabling mono mix output for headphones.

Monitoring Mid-Side Stereo Signals

Specific monitoring setup for mid-side microphone signals.

Outputting Alerts Through Headphones (Alert Tone Level)

Disabling Outputs (Output On/Off)

Setting the Standard Output Level (Output Level)

Setting the Output Level

Applying Delays to Outputs (Output Delay)

Output Limiter

Using the Output Limiter

Enabling and disabling the output signal limiter.

Setting the Output Limiter Type

Choosing between Hard Knee and Soft Knee limiter characteristics.

Setting the Output Limiter Threshold

Configuring the signal level for output limiter activation.

Setting the Attack Time

Adjusting the duration before the output limiter engages.

Setting the Release Time

Adjusting the duration after which the output limiter disengages.

Setting Output Limiter Links

Linking limiter operation across output channels.

Selecting Signals Sent to Main Outputs (MAIN OUT Routing)

Selecting Signals Sent to Sub Outputs (SUB OUT Routing)

Timecode Overview

Using Timecode for Editing

How timecode facilitates video and audio synchronization.

Connection Examples for Timecode

Illustrates setups for synchronizing with video cameras.

Setting Timecode

Setting Timecode Mode

Configures whether timecode is generated internally or received externally.

Stopping Timecode Output

Controls timecode output when recording is stopped.

Synchronizing Audio Clock with External Timecode

Aligns the device's audio clock with external timecode.

Automatic Internal Timecode Enable

Enables internal timecode generation when no external signal is present.

Setting Internal Timecode User Bits

Adds user-defined data to the timecode.

Jamming Internal Timecode

Syncs internal timecode with an external source.

Restarting Internal Timecode

Resets the internal timecode to a specified value.

Setting the Frame Rate for Internal Timecode

Setting Automatic Timecode Recording Delay (Auto Rec Delay Time)

Setting How Timecode is Initialized at Startup (Start Timecode)

Slate Mic and Slate Tone Overview

Recording with the Slate Mic (Slate Mic)

Setting Slate Mic Volume

Adjusting the level of the built-in slate microphone.

Setting Slate Mic Routing

Directing the slate mic signal to specific tracks or outputs.

Recording with Slate Mic

Steps to record voice comments using the built-in microphone.

Disabling the Slate Mic

Preventing accidental activation of the slate microphone.

Recording a Slate Tone (Slate Tone)

Setting Slate Tone Volume

Adjusting the output level of the slate tone signal.

Setting Slate Tone Frequency

Setting the pitch of the slate tone signal.

Setting Slate Tone Routing

Directing the slate tone signal to specific outputs.

Recording Slate Tone

Generating and recording the slate tone signal.

Disabling the Slate Tone

Preventing accidental activation of the slate tone generator.

Exchanging Data with a Computer (SD Card Reader)

Connecting to a Computer

Steps to connect the device to a computer via USB.

Disconnecting from Computer

Procedures for safely removing the device from a computer.

Using as an Audio Interface (Audio Interface)

Connecting with a Computer or iPad

How to connect the device as an audio interface.

Disconnecting the Audio Interface

Steps to safely disconnect the device from a computer or iPad.

Audio Interface Block Diagrams

Stereo Mix Diagram

Visual representation of signal flow in Stereo Mix mode.

Multi Track Diagram

Visual representation of signal flow in Multi Track mode.

Audio Interface Settings

Setting Loop Back (Stereo Mix Only)

Enabling playback sound loopback from computer/iPad.

Mixing Inputs for Audio Interface

Adjusting input balance for audio interface output.

Setting How Timecode is Shown (Home Timecode Display Size)

Setting Level Meter Appearance (Level Meter)

Setting Level Meter Type

Choosing between VU and Peak meter display styles.

Setting Peak Hold Time

Configuring how long peak levels are displayed.

Setting Level Meter Resolution

Adjusting the detail level of the meter display.

Setting Track Level Meters on Home Screen

Selecting which track meters appear on the main screen.

Setting the LED Brightness (LED Brightness)

Making Display Settings (LCD)

Setting Display Brightness

Adjusting the overall brightness of the LCD screen.

Changing Display Backlight Setting

Configuring backlight dimming or turn-off after inactivity.

Making Display Readable in Bright Light

Enabling outdoor mode for improved visibility in sunlight.

Adding Marks When Pausing (PLAY Key Option)

Setting How Marks are Added When Recording

Determines if marks are added when pausing during recording.

Setting How Marks are Added When Playing

Determines if marks are added when pausing during playback.

Checking SD Card Information (Information)

Testing SD Card Performance (Performance Test)

Conducting a Quick Test

Performing a basic test on the SD card's speed.

Conducting a Full Test

Performing a comprehensive test on the entire SD card.

Formatting SD Cards (Format)

Restoring Default Setting Values (Factory Reset)

Checking the Firmware Version (Firmware Version)

Updating the Firmware

Troubleshooting

Recording/Playback Issues

Solutions for problems with recording or playback.

Other Troubles

Resolving issues like computer recognition or USB connectivity.

Short Battery Operation Time

Tips to extend battery life and troubleshoot power issues.

Detailed Product Diagrams

Input and Mixer Diagrams

Schematic overview of input processing and mixing stages.

Output and Routing Diagrams

Schematic overview of output signal paths and routing.

Metadata List

Metadata in BEXT Chunks (WAV Files)

List of metadata tags found in WAV files (BEXT).

Metadata in iXML Chunks (WAV Files)

List of metadata tags found in WAV files (iXML).

Metadata and ID3 Fields in MP3 Files

List of metadata tags found in MP3 files (ID3).

List of Shortcuts

HOME Screen Shortcuts

Quick access commands for the main screen.

MIXER Screen Shortcuts

Quick access commands for the mixer screen.

Specifications

Input Specifications

Technical details for all input channels and types.

Output Specifications

Technical details for all output connections.

Recording Formats and Timecode

Details on supported recording formats and timecode parameters.

Power Supplies and Continuous Recording Time

Information on power sources and battery endurance.

Display and USB Specifications

Details on the LCD screen and USB connectivity.

Power Consumption and Dimensions

Physical specifications including power usage and size.

Control Remotely with an iOS Device

Installing Software Extension File

Procedure for installing necessary software for iOS control.

Pairing with iOS Device

Steps to connect the device to an iOS device via Bluetooth.

Disconnecting from iOS Device

How to safely end the connection with an iOS device.

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