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Zoom F3 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder

BH #ZOF3 • MFR #ZF3
96 reviews
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Zoom F3 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder
Key Features
  • For Videographers & Sound Recordists
  • 2 Ultralow-Noise Mic Pres via XLR Jacks
  • No Gain Adjustment Needed
  • 32-Bit Float Recording Avoids Clipping
Forget about clipping, forget about gain, and forget about hassle; just power on the Zoom F3 portable 2-track field recorder and press record to capture clear, distortion-free sound from your external XLR mics in an instant for your next video shoot, interview, or sound design excursion. With two premium mic preamps and 32-bit float technology, the F3 handles the softest and loudest sounds you can throw at it while avoiding distortion, maintaining low-noise performance, and freeing you from the responsibility of adjusting gain. Recordings ruined by clipped converters and poorly set preamps are things of the past.
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Kit Options
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Booming Kit
Timecode Kit
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Zoom F3 Overview

From Manufacturer

Forget about clipping, forget about gain, and forget about hassle; just power on the Zoom F3 portable 2-track field recorder and press record to capture clear, distortion-free sound from your external XLR mics in an instant for your next video shoot, interview, or sound design excursion. With two premium mic preamps and 32-bit float technology, the F3 handles the softest and loudest sounds you can throw at it while avoiding distortion, maintaining low-noise performance, and freeing you from the responsibility of adjusting gain. Recordings ruined by clipped converters and poorly set preamps are things of the past.

From the real-time waveform display and one-touch controls to the flexible powering options and precision timecode functionality, the F3 is properly equipped to please novices and demanding veterans alike. Whether you need long-duration stereo recording for an interview, redundant capture of dual-mic setups for a video shoot, or failure-proof recording on location, the F3 has the modes, resolutions, and media support to handle your crucial audio tasks. Plus, its operational versatility ensures that the F3 will always enhance your workflow, be it simple, complex, or always changing. You can feel confident using it as your main recorder, a USB audio interface for your dedicated computer rig, or a backup unit for added safety.

Automatic Distortion-Free Audio
The F3 utilizes dual A/D converters and 32-bit float recording technology to capture intensely loud signals without clipping the converters and bring in extremely quiet sounds without overwhelming noise, all without requiring any gain adjustment from you. Record with confidence, knowing that you can just connect your microphones and start recording to attain crisp, clear audio.
Dual XLR Mic/Line Inputs
Two balanced mic/line inputs with locking XLR jacks and switchable +48V phantom power make the F3 an ideal match for professional microphones such as handheld dynamics and shotgun condensers as well as line-level feeds from a dedicated field mixer.
High-Quality Recording Settings
The F3 supports high-quality sample rates between 44.1 and 192 kHz, in mono or stereo uncompressed BWF (Broadcast Wave File) format. No data compression means that no quality is lost in the creation of the audio files.
Record Direct to microSD Cards
Maximize portability by recording directly to a microSDHC/microSDXC card (available separately) for up to 1TB of storage space.
Headphone and Line Outputs
While the line output enables straightforward routing to your camera, DSLR, or secondary recorder, a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with dedicated volume control offers convenient audio monitoring.
Power for Hours
To keep up with the pace of on-location production, the F3 can be powered via two AA alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH rechargeable batteries, a Zoom AD-17 power adapter (available separately), or a USB Type-C battery pack (available separately). With up to eight hours of run time on AA batteries, all-day shoots are no problem for the F3.
USB Audio and File Transfers
Since the F3 has a USB Type-C port, simply connect it to your computer via a USB cable (available separately) to transfer files to your computer or use the F3 as a 2x2 USB audio interface capable of 32-bit float / 96 kHz resolution.
Precision Timecode and Synchronization
Add the separately available Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter and UltraSync Blue (from Timecode Systems or Atomos) to take advantage of high-precision timecode that realizes accurate synchronization with video.
App-Based Remote Control
For convenient wireless remote control from an iOS/Android mobile device, connect a Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter (available separately), then use the free F3 Control app via Bluetooth.
Intuitive Controls and Built-In Display
Intuitive one-touch buttons—record, play, stop, and volume up/down—provide fast, hassle-free operations with no menus to wade through. The onboard screen shows real-time waveforms and clear indication of battery status, recording time, and more. Per-channel buttons let you quickly zoom in or out for a better view.
Hold Function Inhibits Accidental Interruptions
Flip the Record switch down to the Hold position to engage the Hold function, which prevents interruptions to the recording caused by accidental button presses.
Low Profile and Lightweight
With its minimalist profile, the lightweight F3 attaches to boompoles via hook-and-loop fastener (available separately) or slips into a pocket to be hidden from sight.
UPC: 884354026011

Zoom F3 Specs

Key Specs
Form Factor
Field Recorder
Number of Channels
2
Number of Tracks
2
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 32-Bit
Microphone
No
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only: /
Timecode
Wireless Only (with Non-Included Adapter)
Analog I/O
XLR / 1/8" (3.5 mm) / 1/8" (3.5 mm) Headphone
Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
No Bias/Plug-In Power
24 / 48 V Phantom Power
Digital Audio I/O
No
Form Factor
Field Recorder
Primary Use Applications
Audio-for-Video
Number of Input Channels
2
Number of Microphone Inputs
2
Number of Tracks
2
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 32-Bit
Display
Backlit LCD Touchscreen
Built-In Speaker
No
Special Features
Remote Control Capable (Remote Available Separately)
Microphone
Microphone
No
Recording
Audio File Formats
BWF, iXML, WAV
Sample Rates
44.1 to 192 kHz
Bit Depth
32-Bit Float
Audio Interface Capability
Stereo Only: /
Signal Processing & FX
No
Timecode
Wireless Only (with Non-Included Adapter)
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC [1 TB Maximum]
Internal Storage
No
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
2x XLR 3-Pin Mic/Line Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Line Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Headphone Output
Bias/Plug-In & Phantom Power
No Bias/Plug-In Power
24 / 48 V Phantom Power
Digital Audio I/O
No
Network I/O
No
Sync I/O
No
USB
1x USB-C
Wireless
Bluetooth
*Via Optional Adapter
Mobile App Compatible
Yes (Requires Separate Adapter): Android & iOS
App Name: F3 Control
Functionality: Remote Control
Performance
Maximum Input Level
+4 dBu (Mic Input)
+24 dBu (Line Input)
Headphone Output Power
50 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms
SNR/Noise
≤ -127 dBu EIN
Power
Power Options
Battery, USB Bus Power, or AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
2x AA (Not Included)
Battery Runtime
8 to 18 Hours, Dependent on Settings and Battery Type
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1 A (Not Included)
Physical
Mounting Options
3/8"-16 Female (Bottom)
Dimensions
3 x 1.9 x 3" / 75 x 47.8 x 77.3 mm
Weight
8.5 oz / 242 g (with Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.05 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.4 x 6.4 x 2.4"

Zoom F3 Reviews

Amazing!

By Juan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-24

32 bit float and the amps on this thing is worth every penny!

Zoom F3 with Bluetooth Module (BTA-1)

By Bill
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-10-25

The Zoom F3 is a bit of a hidden gem for compact video rigs, especially when you care about clean preamps and dual A/D conversion for true 32-bit float recording. Compared to the Zoom H6 (my previous audio recorder), the F3’s simplicity and low noise floor make it ideal for situations where you just want to capture pristine audio without fussing over gain. Pairing it with a my Nikon Z6III or Z9 works great — the F3’s line out keeps your camera’s scratch track higher quality than with a direct audio feed to the camera. The Bluetooth module really completes the workflow. The Zoom F3 Control app on mobile is surprisingly responsive, and being able to monitor levels, arm/disarm tracks, and start/stop recording without touching the recorder is incredibly useful, especially if it’s tucked into a cage or mounted on the back of your rig. And in low-light environments, it saves you from fumbling with tiny buttons and the small display. One negative is the extra cost of the adapter, it should have been included with the recorder.

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