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Zoom F8n Pro User Manual

Zoom F8n Pro
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Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2022 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and
registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

Table of Contents

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Zoom F8n Pro Specifications

General IconGeneral
Number of Inputs8
Input TypeXLR/TRS combo jacks
TypeField Recorder
USBUSB 2.0
Timecode I/OBNC
Input Channels8
Microphone Preamps8
Dynamic Range120 dB
Phantom Power+48V
Recording FormatWAV
Bit Depth24-bit
Sample Rate192 kHz
DisplayFull-color LCD
Power SupplyAC adapter, AA batteries
Number of Tracks10
Outputs2 x XLR
Headphones1 x 1/4" TRS
MediaSD/SDHC/SDXC
Maximum Input Level+24 dBu

Summary

Notes About Operation Manual

F8n Pro Overview

Achieving High Audio Quality

Explains how dual AD converter circuits and 32-bit float WAV files ensure high audio quality from recording to post-production.

Functions of Parts

Details the functions of the front panel controls and indicators of the F8n Pro recorder.

Overview of Screens

Explains the different screens displayed on the F8n Pro, including Home, Mixer, and PFL screens.

Recording Process

Making Preparations

Guides on preparing the device for recording, including loading SD cards and connecting power.

Connecting Input Equipment

Details how to connect microphones and line-level equipment to the F8n Pro inputs.

Turning the Power On/Off

Instructions on how to turn the F8n Pro power on and off safely and correctly.

Setting the Date and Time

Explains how to set the date and time on the F8n Pro during initial setup or after a reset.

Making Input Settings

Input and Output Signal Flow

Illustrates the flow of audio signals from inputs through the device to outputs.

Adjusting Input Signal Monitoring Balance

Describes how to adjust the volume balance of input signals for monitoring purposes.

Setting the Track Knob Function

Allows customization of track knob functions for adjusting trim, fader, or pan settings.

Adjusting the L/R Track Volume

Explains how to adjust the volume levels for the L/R tracks using specific shortcuts.

Monitoring Input Signals (PFL/SOLO)

Details how to monitor input signals of specific tracks using PFL (Prefader) or SOLO (Postfader) modes.

Setting the Input Source

Guides on selecting the correct input source (Mic, Line, USB) for each track.

Setting Monitoring Sound on PFL Screen

Allows setting the monitoring sound mode to prefader (PFL) or postfader (SOLO) on the PFL screen.

Cutting Low-Frequency Noise (HPF)

Explains how to use the High Pass Filter (HPF) to reduce unwanted low-frequency sounds.

Using the Input Limiter

Describes how to use the input limiter to prevent distortion from excessively high signal levels.

Inverting the Input Phase

Explains how to invert the phase of an input signal, useful for correcting phase cancellation issues.

Changing Phantom Power Settings

Details how to enable or disable phantom power (+24V or +48V) for condenser microphones.

Changing Plugin Power Setting

Explains how to enable plugin power for microphones that require it via the mic capsule jack.

Delaying Input Signals (Input Delay)

Allows adjusting input signal timing to correct synchronization issues when recording.

Converting Mid-Side Input to Ordinary Stereo

Explains how to convert mid-side mic signals to standard stereo for monitoring and recording.

Adjusting Input Levels Simultaneously (Trim Link)

Allows linking and adjusting input levels of multiple tracks at the same time for efficiency.

Adjusting Side Mic Level

Adjusts the side mic level to control the stereo width when using a mid-side mic capsule.

Changing Automatic Mixing Setting (Auto Mix)

Automatically attenuates unused microphone inputs to reduce feedback and improve sound quality.

Setting Ambisonic Mode Format

Configures the format for ambisonic audio recording, converting A-format to B-format.

Setting Mic Position for Ambisonic Recording

Sets the microphone orientation for ambisonic recording to ensure proper B-format conversion.

Making Output Settings

Setting Signals Sent to Headphones

Configures which signals (prefader/postfader) are sent to the headphone output for each track.

Outputting Alerts Through Headphones

Adjusts the volume for audible alerts, such as recording start/stop notifications.

Setting Headphone Output Volume Curve

Allows setting the volume curve for the headphone output knob for customized control.

Boosting Headphone Output

Enhances headphone output to alleviate interference from ambient sound for clearer monitoring.

Disabling Outputs (Output On/Off)

Turns off unused outputs to conserve power and extend battery life.

Setting the Standard Output Level

Sets the standard output level for main and sub outputs to different reference values.

Delaying Output Signals

Corrects timing differences for output signals sent to external devices.

Using the Output Limiter

Protects connected devices by limiting excessive output signal levels.

Selecting Signals Sent to Main Outputs

Configures which signals (prefader/postfader) are sent to the main outputs for each track.

Selecting Signals Sent to Sub Outputs

Configures which signals (prefader/postfader) are sent to the sub outputs for each track.

Recording

Enabling Recording on SD Cards and Setting File Formats

Configures SD card recording and sets file formats (WAV, MP3) independently for each slot.

Selecting Inputs and Adjusting Levels

Guides on selecting which inputs to use and how to adjust their levels for recording.

Setting the Sampling Rate

Sets the sampling rate (e.g., 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 192 kHz) for recorded audio files.

Setting WAV File Bit Depth

Configures the bit depth for WAV files, supporting 16-bit Linear, 24-bit Linear, and 32-bit Float.

Setting MP3 File Bit Rate

Sets the bit rate for MP3 files, affecting file size and audio quality.

Capturing Audio Before Recording Starts

Enables capturing audio for up to 6 seconds before the record button is pressed (pre-recording).

Maximum File Size

Sets the maximum size for recording files, initiating a new take when the limit is reached.

Showing Total Recording Times

Configures whether the recording time counter resets or runs continuously.

Moving Take to FALSE TAKE Folder

Provides a shortcut to move a failed recording take to the FALSE TAKE folder.

Using Timecode

Explains how to input and output SMPTE timecode for video and audio synchronization.

Managing Files

Folder and File Structure

Details the folder and file structure created on SD cards based on recording format and scene naming.

Take Names

Explains how take names are structured, including scene name, scene number, and take number.

Audio File Names

Describes the structure of audio file names based on poly, mono, or stereo formats.

Take and Folder Operations (FINDER)

Introduces the FINDER function for selecting, viewing, and managing SD cards, takes, and folders.

Creating Folders

Guides on creating new folders on SD cards or within existing folders for better organization.

Selecting Take Recording/Playback Folder

Procedure to select the folder containing takes for playback or for new recordings.

Checking Take Marks and Using Them for Playback

Allows viewing lists of marks in recorded takes and using them for playback navigation.

Changing Folder and Take Names

Explains how to rename folders and takes directly on the device.

Copying Takes to Other Cards and Folders

Guides on copying recorded takes to different SD cards or folders for backup or organization.

Deleting Folders and Takes

Describes the process of deleting folders and individual takes from the SD card.

Emptying TRASH/FALSE TAKE Folder

Explains how to empty the TRASH and FALSE TAKE folders to free up storage space.

Overview of Take Information (Metadata)

Explains the types of metadata stored in files, including WAV (BEXT, iXML) and MP3 (ID3v1).

Checking and Editing Take Metadata

Details how to view and edit metadata associated with recorded takes.

Writing Sound Reports

Guides on creating CSV sound reports containing recording times and take information.

Using USB Functions

Exchanging Data with Computer (SD Card Reader)

Explains how to connect the F8n Pro to a computer as an SD card reader for data transfer.

Using as an Audio Interface

Details how to use the F8n Pro as an audio interface for computers or iOS/iPadOS devices.

Audio Interface Modes

Configures the F8n Pro's audio interface mode, selecting between Stereo Mix (iPad) and Multi Track (PC/Mac).

SD Card Recording and Audio Interface Simultaneously

Guides on using SD card recording and audio interface functions at the same time for backup purposes.

Using the FRC-8

Using FRC-8 as Controller (Connect)

Explains how to connect and use the FRC-8 controller with the F8n Pro for enhanced operation.

Setting FRC-8 Keyboard Type

Sets the type of PC keyboard connected to the FRC-8 for character input.

Setting FRC-8 Fader/Knob Operation

Configures how FRC-8 faders and knobs operate in relation to parameter values (Absolute vs. Safety).

Setting User Keys for FRC-8

Assigns specific functions to the user keys on the FRC-8 controller for quick access.

Powering FRC-8 with USB Bus Power

Enables powering the FRC-8 directly from the F8n Pro via USB bus power.

Updating FRC-8 Firmware

Guides on checking firmware versions and updating the FRC-8 to the latest firmware.

Controlling F8n Pro from Smartphone/Tablet

Controlling F8n Pro Wirelessly

Explains how to operate the F8n Pro wirelessly using the dedicated "F8 Control" app.

Making Various Settings

Setting Timecode Display Size

Allows changing the size of the timecode display on the Home Screen for better visibility.

Setting Level Meter Appearance

Configures the appearance of level meters, including type (VU/Peak), peak hold time, and resolution.

Setting the LED Brightness

Adjusts the brightness of the LEDs on the F8n Pro's front panel.

Making Display Settings (LCD)

Adjusts display settings like brightness, power saving, and outdoor mode for optimal viewing.

Adding Marks When Recording/Playing

Sets how marks are added (with or without pause) during recording or playback of WAV files.

Setting the Keys Held (Key Hold Target)

Enables a hold function to prevent accidental operation of specific keys during recording.

Setting the Date and Time

Sets the device's date, time, and date format, which are added to recording files.

Disabling Automatic Power Saving Function

Disables the auto power-off function to keep the device on continuously when needed.

Setting Power Supply Used

Configures power source details (shutdown voltage, nominal voltage, battery type) for accurate battery status display.

Backing Up and Loading Settings

Guides on backing up and loading F8n Pro settings to/from SD cards for configuration management.

Restoring Factory Default Settings

Resets all device settings to their original factory defaults for troubleshooting or a clean start.

Managing SD Cards

Checking SD Card Information

Displays information about SD cards, including free space, size, and recordable time.

Testing SD Card Performance

Tests SD card performance with quick or full tests to ensure compatibility and reliability.

Formatting SD Cards

Formats SD cards to ensure compatibility and optimal performance with the F8n Pro.

Managing the Firmware

Checking Firmware Versions

Allows checking the current firmware version installed on the F8n Pro.

Updating the Firmware

Guides on updating the F8n Pro firmware to the latest available version for new features and fixes.

About F8n Pro Shortcut Function

Checking F8n Pro Shortcut Function

Displays a list of available shortcuts for quick access to various functions.

Appendix

Troubleshooting

Provides solutions for common recording/playback issues, sound problems, and recording failures.

Detailed Product Diagrams

Metadata List

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