Zaxcom ZFR100, ZFR800 User Manual
Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder
User‟s Manual
ZFR100 ZFR800
Firmware Version: 6.10
Updated: 2009-08-11 - 13:12
230 West Parkway, Unit 9, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 USA
Tel: 973-835-5000 Fax: 973-835-6633
Maintained by: Ray M. Owen, Production Sound Mixer
Email: info@zaxcom.com Website: www.zaxcom.com
_______________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 – TOPICS THAT APPLY TO BOTH UNITS .................................................................................. 7
WHAT‟S INCLUDED WITH THE ZFR100............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Options ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
WHAT‟S INCLUDED WITH THE ZFR800............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Options ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
USER MANUAL CONVENTIONS........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
SYSTEM FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
MENU SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
MEDIA ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
BATTERY INSTALLATION ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
BATTERY LIFE ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
EXTERNAL POWER ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
COMMON SETTINGS FOR ASSOCIATED IFB TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVERS............................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER 2 – DIGITAL WIRELESS SYSTEM TRANSMITTERS ..................................................................... 11
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ZFR100 BODYPACK RECORDER ..................................................................................................................... 11
Compatible Lavs .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
RF Resistant Lavs .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Non-RF Resistant Lavs .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
General ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Device Interface .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
IFB Antenna ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
RECORD key ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
PLAY key ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
STOP key ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
INC key ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
DEC key .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
ON/OFF Switch – Internal/External Power Switch ................................................................................................................................................ 13
ZFR100 Configuration Menus.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ZFR800 HANDHELD RECORDER .................................................................................................................... 15
Device Interface .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Media Slot ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Record Key......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Unit Power Switch ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
ZFR800 Configuration Menus.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
COMMON RECORDER STANDARD MENU ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Normal Startup Sequence (without any card inserted) ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Normal Startup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) ................................................................................................................................. 18
Transport Control page ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Audio Gain page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Highpass Filter page ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Limiter page ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Timecode Frame-rate page ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Timecode Jam Mode page ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
Timecode Source page ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Earpiece Source page ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Media Erase & Format page ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
To Format a Card: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
To Recreate the Wrapper Files (will not destroy existing audio takes): .......................................................................................................... 21
Lock page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Unlocking the recorder .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
COMMON RECORDER EXTENDED MENU ........................................................................................................................................................ 22
Extended Startup Sequence (without any card inserted) ........................................................................................................................................ 22
Extended Startup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) .............................................................................................................................. 22
Entering the Extended Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Exiting the Extended Menu ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Highpass Filter page ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Limiter page ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual_______________________________________
Record Format page ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
IFB Format page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
IFB Enable page .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
IFB Voting Enable page....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
IFB Frequency page .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Power-up Mode page .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Unlocking the recorder .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
Media Erase & Format page ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
To Format a card: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
To Recreate the wrapper files (will not destroy existing audio takes): ............................................................................................................ 25
Timecode Jam Mode page ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Timecode Source page ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Timecode Output Enable page ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
Remote Control Group ID page ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Remote Control Unit ID page ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Expander page ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Dynamics page ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
ADC Location page .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
Battery Type page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Recording Mode page ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Track Name page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
COMMON RECORDER INDEPENDENT OPERATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Display a Detailed Startup Sequence ............................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Detailed Startup Sequence (without any card inserted) ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Detailed Startup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) .............................................................................................................................. 30
CHAPTER 3 – RECORDING AUDIO USING THE MINIATURE DIGITAL RECORDER .............................. 31
RECORDING FORMAT......................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
RECORDING MODE ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
MEDIA CAPACITY ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
DUAL COLOR LED ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
RECORDING OPERATION .................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Formatting the MiniSD Card ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
Current Timecode and Frame-rate Display ................................................................................................................................................................. 32
Jamming Timecode into the Recorder ........................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Manually Jamming TC with a Cable ............................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Continuously Jamming TC using the IFB100 ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Automatically Starting and Stopping the Recording using Timecode from the IFB100 ................................................................................ 33
CHAPTER 4 – ZFR100 ADAPTERS ..................................................................................................................... 34
STA100 STEREO ADAPTER ................................................................................................................................................................................ 34
Installation ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Adjusting the Input Level .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Powering the STAxxx ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Using an External Power Source .................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Using the STAxxx to Power the Recorder ............................................................................................................................................................... 35
The Audio/Timecode Output Connection ..................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Timecode Input ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Operation of the STAxxx .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Host Unit functions .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
STA150 STEREO ADAPTER ................................................................................................................................................................................ 36
EA100 EARPIECE ADAPTER ............................................................................................................................................................................... 36
TCA100 TIMECODE ADAPTER ......................................................................................................................................................................... 37
CHAPTER 5 – IFB100 IFB TRANSMITTER ........................................................................................................ 38
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR IFB TRANSMITTER .............................................................................................................................................. 38
SETTING UP THE IFB100 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Power Requirements ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 39
Audio Input ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
Adjusting the Input Audio Level ................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
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Timecode ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39
IFB100 Configuration Menus ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
IFB100 STANDARD MENU ................................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Pacifier page ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Remotely Starting and Stopping the Transmitter Recorder ................................................................................................................................. 40
Remote Audio Gain Change page ................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Remote Unit ID page .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Remote Audio Frequency Change page ........................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Remote Power Setting Change page .............................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Timecode Frame-rate page ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
IFB Frequency page .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
Selecting the frequency ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
IFB Input Mix page .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
Lock page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Unlocking the transmitter .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
IFB100 EXTENDED MENU ................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
Entering the Extended Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Exiting the Extended Menu ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Highpass Filter page ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
Limiter page ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
IFB Format page ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
IFB Frequency page .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Power-up Mode page .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Unlocking the IFB100 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Timecode Jam Mode page ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
Timecode Source page ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Timecode Output Enable page ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
Remote Control Group ID page ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Remote Control Unit ID page ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
IFB Transmitter Power page ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
TV Channel Minimum page .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
TV Channel Maximum page ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
IFB100 INDEPENDENT OPERATIONS ............................................................................................................................................................... 46
Display a Detailed Startup Sequence ............................................................................................................................................................................ 46
Detailed Startup Sequence (without any card inserted) ........................................................................................................................................ 46
Detailed Startup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted) .............................................................................................................................. 46
OPERATING FREQUENCIES ................................................................................................................................................................................. 47
Audio ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
Remote Control, Timecode and IFB Feed ..................................................................................................................................................................... 47
CHAPTER 6 – ZAXCONVERT UTILITY ............................................................................................................ 48
ABOUT ZAXCONVERT....................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
USING ZAXCONVERT ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 48
OUTPUT FILE TYPE.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 48
TIMECODE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 49
SAMPLE-RATE CONVERSION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 49
MAXIMUM FILE SIZE ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 49
OUTPUT FILE NAME ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
TRACK ENABLE.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
CHAPTER 7 – EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................... 50
ZFR100 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
ZFR800 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 51
IFB100 SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
CHAPTER 8 – WIRING DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................... 53
ZFR100 CABLES .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 53
STAXXX AND IFB100 CABLES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 54
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual_______________________________________
CHAPTER 9 – FIRMWARE INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 55
FIRMWARE ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 55
Advantages to Upgrading the Firmware ....................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Upgrading the Firmware in Each Unit ........................................................................................................................................................................... 55
SIGNIFICANT CHANGE REMINDERS .................................................................................................................................................................. 56
Using High Capacity SD Cards (2009-03-03) TX Version 5.98+ .................................................................................................................. 56
New IFB High Quality Mode (2009-01-29) TX Version 5.92T+ IFB Version 5.92+ ............................................................................... 56
New Recorder LCD module (2008-12-04) RX x80+ ......................................................................................................................................... 56
New IFB Audio Codec (2008-05-21) TX & IFB Version 5.50a+ .................................................................................................................... 56
KNOW FIRMWARE PROBLEMS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Recorders ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 56
IFB .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 56
TRX / ZFR / IFB FIRMWARE HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................. 57
CHAPTER 10 – MENU SHEETS ........................................................................................................................... 62
MENU SHEET FOR ZFR100 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 62
MENU SHEET FOR ZFR800 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 66
MENU SHEET FOR IFB100 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
CHAPTER 11 – ZAXCOM WARRANTY POLICY AND LIMITATIONS ......................................................... 71
Table of Figures
Figure 1-1 ZFR100 Front View ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 2-1 ZFR100 Top and Front Views ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 2-2 ZFR800 Side, Mic Capsule, Body Threaded End, Body Antenna End & Barrel Views ................................................... 15
Figure 4-1 STA100 Front & Back Views ......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Figure 4-2 STA100 attached to ZFR100 ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
Figure 4-3 STA150 & STA150 attached to ZFR100................................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 4-4 EA100 alone & EA100 attached to ZFR100 .............................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 4-5 TCA100 attached to ZFR100 & TCA100 ................................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 5-1 IFB100 Front & Side Views ............................................................................................................................................................ 38
Figure 6-1 ZaxConvert Windows & Mac Main screens ............................................................................................................................. 48
Figure 6-2 Choose Output File Type screen ................................................................................................................................................ 48
Figure 6-3 Timecode Options screen ............................................................................................................................................................. 49
Figure 6-4 Output Sample Rate Conversion screen ................................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 6-5 Maximum Output File Size screen ............................................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 8-1 Two-wire microphone configuration (with internal bias) ..................................................................................................... 53
Figure 8-2 Three-wire microphone configuration (with internal bias)................................................................................................... 53
Figure 8-3 Balanced Line to ZFRxxx ............................................................................................................................................................... 53
Figure 8-4 Standard XLR-3F to TA-5F Line-level input cable ................................................................................................................... 54
Figure 8-5 LEMO-5M to 1/8” male timecode input cable ......................................................................................................................... 54
Table of Tables
Table 1-1 Approved vs. Unapproved Media ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Table 1-2 Compatible IFB Settings .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Table 2-1 Compatible RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones ....................................................................................................................... 11
Table 2-2 Compatible Non-RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones ............................................................................................................. 12
Table 2-3 Power Switch Positions ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Table 2-4 ZFR100 Standard & Extended Menus .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Table 2-5 ZFR800 Standard & Extended Menus .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 2-6 Format Error Codes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Table 2-7 Format Error Codes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Table 3-1 Available Recording Time ............................................................................................................................................................... 31
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Table 3-2 Recorder LED Indications ............................................................................................................................................................... 32
Table 5-1 IFB100 Standard & Extended Menus ............................................................................................................................................ 39
Table 5-2 Audio Frequency Block Information ............................................................................................................................................ 47
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 1
Chapter 1 – Topics that apply to both units
What’s Included with the ZFR100
1 – media slot dust plug
1 – belt clip
1 – blue Zaxcom storage/carrying case
user manual on CD-ROM
Options
TCR100 – Receive timecode and remote control signals from the optional IFB100
TRX10 – Receive audio portion of IFB100 transmission (requires EA100 or STAxxx for monitoring IFB
audio)
TCA100 – Timecode adapter
STA100 – Stereo adapter
STA150 – Stereo adapter
EA100 – Earpiece adapter
What’s Included with the ZFR800
Options
IFB100 – Timecode/Remote Control Transmitter
1 – blue Zaxcom storage/carrying case
user manual on CD-ROM
Shure microphone capsule(s)
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Chapter 1____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
User Manual Conventions
Throughout this manual, the following conventions are used:
STAxxx – refers to the STA100 and STA150.
Cycle the power – refers to turning power to the unit „OFF‟, waiting a few seconds and then turning the power
„ON‟.
{p.##} – refers to the page number on which the item can be found.
MiniSD card – refers to any approved card in Table 1-1 {p.9}.
System Features
Fault tolerant broadcast quality recording
96 hours of audio directly on a 16 GB removable MiniSD card
Audio recording at 24 bits/48 kHz
Supports both record/stop and continuous loop recording
Backlit graphic liquid crystal display
Frequency selectable highpass filter
Selectable peak limiter
Lightweight rugged design
Integrated TC reader/generator accurate to 1 frame in 6 hours
Efficient keypad for one-handed operation
Integrated timecode reception (ZFR100 only)
RF remote control of recorders (ZFR100 only):
o Audio gain (Raise/Lower)
o Recording (Start/Stop)
Battery runtime:
o ZFR100 – up to twenty hours on two AA Lithium batteries
o ZFR800 – up to ten hours on one CR123 battery
o IFB100 – no internal batteries, always runs on external power
Size and weight: (H x W x D – while looking at the screen)
o ZFR100 – 3.31” x 2.3” x 0.65” – 84 mm x 58 mm x 17 mm – 4.0 oz – 113g
o ZFR800:
Body – 6.12” x 1.5” – 155 mm x 38 mm – 8.2 oz – 232g
Capsule (ex.) – 3.0” x 3.0” – 76 mm x 76 mm – 4.9 oz – 139g
o IFB100 – 3.44” x 3.88” x 0.9” – 87 mm x 99 mm x 23 mm – 6.0 oz – 170g
Menu System
The user interface for each unit consists of a Liquid Crystal Display with 3 keys, as follows:
MENU – Menu page/function select: press once to move to the next menu page.
INC (up arrow) – Increment the current parameter selected by the MENU key.
DEC (down arrow) – Decrement the current parameter selected by the MENU key.
Each menu has several pages allowing you to change configuration settings. All of these settings are stored in Flash
ROM immediately after making the change.
Figure 1-1 ZFR100 Front View
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 1
Media
Manufacturer’s ID
Approved?
SanDisk & Transcend 4GB SDHC MiniSD
YES
ALL Dane-Elec
NO
SanDisk 2GB MiniSD (retail packaging)
SDSDM-2048-A10M
YES
SanDisk 2GB MiniSD (bulk packaging)
SDSDM-2048, Bulk
YES
ALL SanDisk MicroSD (with MiniSD adapter)
YES
ALL SanDisk Ultra
NO
ALL SanDisk Ultra II
NO
Transcend 2GB (x80) MiniSD
TS2GSDM80
YES
ALL Transcend (x45)
NO
Transcend 4GB MiniSD
TS4GSDM80
YES
Any brand that prints the info on a sticker applied to the chip
NO
Media
Some of the units read from and/or record to a MiniSD card, which is inserted into the media slot. All of the
transmitters use a MiniSD card to update the unit‟s firmware. To be safe, you must use approved media:
Table 1-1 Approved vs. Unapproved Media
IMPORTANT: To use any 4GB card, V5.53 or greater is required
If unapproved media is used, it can become jammed in the MiniSD socket and damage it.
CAUTION: Damage resulting from using unapproved media is not covered by the warranty.
Do not use SanDisk Ultra II cards. Formatting one of them may make it unusable.
Battery Installation
Each unit may require one or two batteries.
CAUTION: Always observe the correct battery polarity. The negative contact on the battery is always
connected to the spring contact.
Never use any battery that is missing insulation on its body. If you do, it can cause a short circuit in the
battery compartment, causing damage to the unit.
Battery Life
IMPORTANT: If operating using internal batteries, it is recommended that you use only Lithium or
rechargeable NiMH. Any other battery chemistry including Alkaline and Ultra batteries have a substantially
reduced runtime compared to Lithium or NiMH cells. This is true for all Zaxcom units.
External Power
Some of the units can be powered from an external power source. The external power connection is a 2.5 mm
(0.1”) barrel connector. The center pin is positive. The connector for the STA100 and IFB100 is the 760K.
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Chapter 1____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
IFB Receiver side
IFB Transmitter side
Extended Menu
IFB Format page {p.24}
IFB Enable page {p.24}
Remote Control Group ID page {p.26}
Remote Control Unit ID page {p.27}
IFB Frequency page {p.24}
Extended Menu
IFB Format page {p.43}
Remote Control Group ID page {p.44}
Standard Menu
Remote Unit ID page {p.40}
IFB Frequency page {p.42}
Common Settings for Associated IFB Transmitter and Receivers
The following settings must agree, to allow associated IFB transmitters and receivers to work together,
(this assumes that the same or compatible versions have been installed in all units):
Table 1-2 Compatible IFB Settings
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2
Brand
Model
Voltage
Notes
Countryman
B6
1.5
Countryman
B3
Countryman
E6 omni
Countryman
EMW
1.5
Specify for use with Zaxcom
DPA
4063-BMZ
3
Use only the Zaxcom 3.3 V model
Sanken
COS-11D
Sennheiser
MKE-2 Platinum
3
Sennheiser
MKE-2 Gold
3
New model – YES.
Older models – NO
Shure
WL50
5
Sony
ECM77
Tram
TR-50
Voice Tech.
VT401HS
Voice Tech
VT506
Voice Tech.
VT910
Chapter 2 – Digital Wireless System Transmitters
This chapter is intended to quickly familiarize you with the functions of each of the Digital Wireless System
Getting to Know Your ZFR100 Bodypack Recorder
transmitters and was written based on firmware version 6.10.
The ZFR100 uses two AA batteries (Lithium or NiMH).
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
1. REC Key 7. Microphone/Timecode Input
2. MiniSD Media Slot 8. LCD Screen
3. Power/Record LED 9. INC Key
4. STOP Key 10. DEC Key
5. Power Switch 11. MENU Key
6. PLAY Key 12. Battery Door and Compartment (on back)
Figure 2-1 ZFR100 Top and Front Views
8.
9.
10.
11
12.
RF Resistant Lavs
Compatible Lavs
Use one of the following microphone models:
Table 2-1 Compatible RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones
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Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
Brand
Model
Voltage
Notes
Audio-Technica
892*CL4
3
Audio-Technica
898*L4
3
Audio-Technica
899*L4
3
Countryman
Isomax Instrument
M2H*W3
3
Hypercardioid
Countryman
Isomax Instrument
M2C*W3
1.5
Cardioid
DPA
Headband 4067
3
Other headband requires 5 volts
Additional microphones will be added to this list after a review of their 3.3v power performance and RF
interference susceptibility has been completed.
Non-RF Resistant Lavs
Use one of the following microphone models:
Table 2-2 Compatible Non-RF Resistant Lavalier Microphones
Additional microphones will be added to this list after a review of their 3.3v performance.
General
The ZFR100 has an unbalanced microphone input accessed through a 3-pin micro-LEMO connector. You can use
an unbalanced dynamic microphone or a powered lavaliere. It is recommended that you use 3-wire lavalieres with
separate pins for ground, audio and power.
When using a Line-level input, an inline pad is required on the standard dynamic microphone input cable (XLR-3 to
3-pin micro-LEMO).
When using a phantom powered microphone with the ZFR100, you must use an external 48 VDC power supply.
NOTE: Once upon a time, the Denecke 48V power supply could damage the now discontinued Goldline
transmitter‟s preamp. This is NOT the case with the ZFR100.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2
Switch Position
No Stereo Adapter
Installed
Stereo Adapter
Installed
„ON‟
„ON‟
Internal Power
„OFF‟
„OFF‟
External Power
Device Interface
IFB Antenna
CAUTION: The antenna is located behind the white rubber panel on the bottom of the unit. Don‟t place
anything in front of this area that could block reception. Also, don‟t allow anything to press in on this area,
the antenna and/or receiver could be damaged.
RECORD key
Pressing it puts it into RECORD mode. While in RECORD mode, pressing it for less than 1 second closes the
current file and immediately starts recording in a new file. The green LED blinks to confirm the creation of a new
file. This is done to mark a point in time to make it easier to find in post-production.
PLAY key
Pressing it replays the last recording from its beginning.
STOP key
Pressing it puts the unit into STOP mode.
INC key
Pressing it while in STOP mode, advances 2-3 seconds in the current recorded segment. If you continue pressing
it you will eventually advance to the next recorded segment.
DEC key
Pressing it while in STOP mode, moves backward 2-3 seconds in the current recorded segment. If you continue
pressing it, you will eventually move backward to the beginning of the current recorded segment. If you press it
again, you will move to the end of the previous recorded segment.
ON/OFF Switch – Internal/External Power Switch
The Power switch is intentionally set below the frame of the recorder to prevent accidentally turning it „OFF‟
during use.
When the Zaxcom Stereo Adapter is connected, the ON/OFF switch becomes an internal or external power
select switch.
Table 2-3 Power Switch Positions
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Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
Standard Menu
Extended Menu
Transport Control page {p.18}
Highpass Filter page {p.23}
Audio Gain page {p.19}
Limiter page {p.23}
Highpass Filter page {p.19}
Record Format page {p.23}
Limiter page {p.19}
IFB Format page {p.24}
Timecode Frame-rate page {p.19}
IFB Enable page {p.24}
Timecode Jam Mode page {p.20}
IFB Voting Enable page {p.24}
Timecode Source page {p.20}
IFB Frequency page {p.24}
Earpiece Source page {p.20}
Power-up Mode page {p.25}
Media Erase & Format page {p.20}
Media Erase & Format page {p.25}
Lock page {p.21}
Timecode Jam Mode page {p.26}
Timecode Source page {p.26}
Timecode Output Enable page {p.26}
Remote Control Group ID page{p.26}
Remote Control Unit ID page {p.27}
Expander page {p.27}
Dynamics page {p.27}
ADC Location page {p.28}
Battery Type page {p.29}
Recording Mode page {p.29}
Track Name page {p.29}
ZFR100 Configuration Menus
There are ten Standard and twenty Extended menu pages, as follows:
Each time the MENU key is pressed, the menu advances to the next page, in sequence.
Table 2-4 ZFR100 Standard & Extended Menus
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2
Getting to Know Your ZFR800 Handheld Recorder
1. 2.
The ZFR800 uses a single CR123 battery.
Uses screw-on microphone capsules made by Shure™ and Neumann™. Be aware that to use a Neumann capsule,
a special adapter is required. Check with Zaxcom Sales for price and availability.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
1. Mic Capsule 6. 1/8” headphone monitor jack 11. DEC Key
2. Mic Body 7. MiniSD Media Slot 12. INC Key
3. Capsule Contacts 8. Battery Door (power switch inside) 13. LCD Screen
4. Body Contact Pins 9. RECORD Key
5. Pad Switch (10 dB) 10. MENU Key
Figure 2-2 ZFR800 Side, Mic Capsule, Body Threaded End, Body Antenna End & Barrel Views
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Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
Standard Menu
Extended Menu
Transport Control page {p.18}
Highpass Filter page {p.23}
Audio Gain page {p.19}
Limiter page {p.23}
Highpass Filter page {p.19}
Power-up Mode page {p.25}
Limiter page {p.19}
Media Erase & Format page {p.25}
Timecode Frame-rate page {p.19}
Timecode Output Enable page {p.26}
Media Erase & Format page {p.20}
Expander page {p.27}
Lock page {p.21}
Dynamics page {p.27}
Battery Type page {p.29}
Recording Mode page {p.29}
Track Name page {p.29}
Device Interface
Media Slot
This slot holds a MiniSD card for local recording. To insert a card, with the screen facing you, turn the card so the
finger contacts are facing away from you and down toward the slot. Insert it into the slot and press it down until
you here a slight click. To remove it, press it in until you hear the same click again.
Record Key
While in STOP mode, press it for more than 1 sec to go into RECORD mode. While in RECORD mode, press it
for less than 1 second to continue recording in a new file. Also while in RECORD mode, press it for more than 1
sec to go into STOP mode.
Unit Power Switch
Located inside the battery compartment, in the opposite end from the antenna.
ZFR800 Configuration Menus
There are seven Standard and ten Extended menu pages, as follows:
Each time the MENU key is pressed, the menu advances to the next page, in sequence.
Table 2-5 ZFR800 Standard & Extended Menus
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2
LCD
SYNTH AB
LOWER POWER MODE
IFB IS OFF 0
PCB REVB BBBB
VER A-AAA (CC)
***NO CARD***
NAME:
DDDDDDDD
ZAXCOM VA-AAA
ZFR100 SN:ZZZZZ
STOP 00:00:00:00
000:
LOW BATTERY
1.60V
Common Recorder Standard Menu
Normal Startup Sequence (without any card inserted)
NOTE: several optional pages appear and are explained in this sequence. Each is present in the other startup
sequences. They have not been include in those sequences for economy of space.
(Optional page – only appears if Low Power mode is fully enabled.)
(PCB REVB – indicates the printed-circuit board is revision “B”.)
(A–AAA – indicates the currently installed firmware version.)
(BBBB – Programmable logic device revision code.
„0000‟=no timecode input „0150‟=timecode input available.)
((CC) – indicates which options are available:
00=none, 01=Record, 02=IFB, 03=IFB & Record.)
(DDDDDDDD – displays the “Name” entered in the Extended Menu.
The factory default is “SN:” followed by the unit serial number.)
(ZZZZZ – indicates the recorder‟s serial number.
(Be aware, if you get this alert,
the unit may not go into RECORD mode.)
(This page appears when the battery has to be changed.)
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Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
STOP 00:00:00:00
000:
LCD
SYNTH AB
PCB REVB BBBB
VER A-AAA (CC)
FOUND SD CARD
EEEEEEEEEE
SIZELBA 1
SEG F _
FOUND F SEGS
MODE=GGGGGGG
ZAXCOM VA-AAA
ZFR100 SN:ZZZZZ
STOP 00:00:00:00
000:
Normal Startup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted)
(EEEEEEEEEE – Indicates the size of the card i.e. 2 GBYTES or
512 MBYTES)
(Optional screen – occurs if the recording was not correctly closed.)
(F – indicates how many previous recording(s) were found.)
(GGGGGGG – indicates which Record Format is set in the Extended
Menu.)
(The unit does not go into auto-record once it has completed its boot-up
sequence.)
Transport Control page
Page purpose: This is the default page at startup and displays the following information:
• Recorder mode • Current timecode • Current recording segment
• Current audio level
Recorder Modes (top line, left side):
STOP – Recording is stopped (accompanied by 1 beep).
LREC – Recording is started and Loop Record mode is enabled (accompanied by 2 beeps).
REC – Recording is started and Non-Loop Record mode is enabled (accompanied by 2 beeps).
WAIT – May appear just before going into record, or if the card is ejected while recording.
Timecode based on the current mode (top line, right side; hours : minutes : seconds : frames):
While in STOP mode – displays the location where playback will start.
While in PLAY mode – displays the current location as the segment plays back.
While in RECORD mode – displays the timecode coming from the generator.
Current recording segment (bottom line, left side):
Currently the maximum number of recording segments that can be on any one card is 254.
Current audio level at the pre-amp: measured in dBFS with zero on the far right side
The current playback timecode is displayed in the transport control page.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2
GAIN 20dB
HIGH PASS: OFF
LIMITER: OFF
TIMECODE 30NDF
GEN 00:00:00:00
Audio Gain page
Page purpose: This page adjusts the mic gain, using the INC or DEC key.
Parameters: (value range: 0 to 52, step: 2)
When audio is applied to the microphone input, the LCD indicates the signal strength using a bar graph displayed
horizontally from left to right (-40 to 0 dBFS). The gain should be set so that the meter is peaking between -20 and
-10 dBFS. This is about half way between the -20 and 0 dBFS markings below the meter. If no microphone is
connected, the bar graph remains blank.
The recorder features a digitally controlled analog limiter that is situated before the A/D converter. This prevents
the A/D convertor from clipping by automatically attenuating the mic gain when excessive audio is detected.
The limiter engages before the signal exceeds the digital capabilities of the signal path. The limiter activates at -6
dBFS. The gain level should be set low enough to prevent it from engaging, even when talent is screaming.
Highpass Filter page
Page purpose: This page maintains the cutoff frequency for the highpass filter.
Parameters:
(value range: 30 to 220Hz, step: 10)
OFF
Limiter page
Page purpose: This page enables/disables the limiter function.
Parameters: [OFF] \ [ON]
NOTE: This page applies to the mic input only. It does not come into play for the STAxxx.
When the input signal is too high for the gain setting, it is clipped and results in distortion and popping. The limiter
is used to prevent clipping by beginning to engage around -10 dBFS. When using a microphone, normally you
would enable the limiter. However, if the input signal is coming from a mixer that is using a limiter, you should
disable this limiter.
Since it is implemented in the digital domain, the automatic limiter may engage even when you don‟t hear any
substantial audio. The purpose of the limiter is to prevent the mic preamp from over-driving the A/D converter,
so the limiter operates on audio before it has been processed by the highpass filter. If there is a massive amount
of low frequency audio content being filtered out, such as wind noise, you may hear the effects of the limiter
without hearing the audio that caused the limiter to engage. If this occurs, the gain is set too high and you must
reduce it to below the level that triggers the limiter.
Timecode Frame-rate page
Page purpose: This page sets the frame-rate used to record audio on the inserted MiniSD card and displays the
timecode as it is being recorded.
Parameters: [23.98] / [24] / [25] / [29.97NDF] / [29.97DF] / [30NDF] / [30DF]
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Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
TC JAM MODE:
MANUAL (OFF)
TC SOURCE:
IFB (RF)
IFB EARPIECE:
IFB RX AUDIO
PRESS UP KEY 5X
TO ERASE CARD
SUCCESS (REBOOT)
#### MBYTES
FORMAT FAILED
ERROR ##
Timecode Jam Mode page
Page purpose: This page maintains how received timecode will be used.
Parameters:
AUTO-LOAD – start and stop the recorder, based on the Timecode Source page {p.20} selection:
o If an IFB100 is being used - when the IFB100 timecode starts and stops.
o If an STAxxx/TCA100 is being used and the timecode source is connected to it when the timecode source
starts and stops.
AUTO-JAM – continuously jams timecode, based on the Timecode Source page selection.
MANUAL (OFF) – jam timecode once, based on the Timecode Source page selection.
Timecode Source page
Page purpose: This page maintains which input to use as the timecode source.
Parameters:
SIDE CONNECTOR – Accept a timecode source connected to the attached STAxxx‟s side connector.
IFB (RF) – Accept a timecode source connected to the IFB100.
AUDIO INPUT – Accept a timecode source connected to the Audio Input connector.
Earpiece Source page
Page purpose: ZFR100 ONLY – This page establishes the source for the audio being monitored during
operation.
Parameters:
IFB MIX ALL – the earpiece receives its audio from both the media and the IFB receiver.
IFB RX AUDIO – the earpiece receives its audio from the IFB receiver.
REC/PLAY – the earpiece receives its audio from the media.
Media Erase & Format page
Page purpose: This page erases and formats a MiniSD card.
This must be done before the card can be used (or to erase the contents) in the recorder.
To Format a Card:
1. Before formatting the card, enter the name (Track Name page {p.29}) to be used for this card.
2. With the power „OFF‟, insert the memory card into the media slot with the label to the back of the unit. Press
it all the way in; it will lock down.
3. Press and hold the MENU key while the recorder is powered up.
4. Repeatedly press the MENU key until the screen displays PRESS UP KEY 5X TO ERASE CARD.
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Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual____________________________________Chapter 2
Error Code
Description
- 1
No SD card found
- 2
No FAT32 format found
- 3
Invalid SD card sector size
LOCK 5
LOCKED 00:00:00:0
5. Press the INC key 5 times. (displays FORMATTING FAT32)
6. Sometime later displays ERASING SEGMENTS.
7. And finally displays SUCCESS #### MBYTES or FORMAT FAILED ERROR ##, where ####
indicates the space on the card available for recording and ## is one of the following error codes:
Table 2-6 Format Error Codes
Be sure the recorder displayed SUCCESS #### MBYTES before using it to record.
If the recorder displayed FORMAT FAILED ERROR ##, do not use the card in the recorder.
8. Once the Success message (see above) appears, you will need to reboot so the unit can mount the card.
To Recreate the Wrapper Files (will not destroy existing audio takes):
Repeat each of the steps above, but substitute the following for step 5:
5. Press the DEC key 9 times. (displays FORMATTING FAT32)
NOTE: The Recreate Function is available in 5.92 and later. “Wrapper Files” are everything on the card except
the DELETE.ME file, which consists of the folder and the files in the folder,
IMPORTANT: This function will not work if you record audio and then delete the files. It only works if you
initialize the card, then delete the wrapper files and then record audio on it.
Lock page
Page purpose: This page enables a lock function to prevent accidentally changing settings.
This page has a five-second countdown. After the timer expires, the display indicates LOCKED.
Locking the controls prevents accidently changing settings. As a safety feature, while the unit is locked, only the
unlock combination is available.
Press the INC or DEC key to temporarily display the current battery voltage in place of the battery icon.
If you scan past the LOCK display to the next menu page, the LOCK will not engage.
Unlocking the recorder
Simultaneously press the MENU and INC keys. Once it is unlocked, the screen will display the Transport
Control page {p.18}. Powering down the unit will also clear the lock.
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Chapter 2____________________________________Zaxcom Miniature Digital Recorder User’s Manual
LCD
SYNTH AB
PCB REVB BBBB
VER A-AAA (CC)
***NO CARD***
EXT MENU MMM DD
A-AAA HH:MM:SS
ZAXCOM VA-AAA
ZFR100 SN:ZZZZZ
EXTENDED MENU
PRESS UP TO EXIT
LCD
SYNTH AB
PCB REVB BBBB
VER A-AAA (CC)
FOUND SD CARD
PCB REVB BBBB
EXT MENU MMM DD
A-AAA HH:MM:SS
FOUND F SEGS
MODE=GGGGGGG
ZAXCOM VA-AAA
ZFR100 SN:ZZZZZ
EXTENDED MENU
PRESS UP TO EXIT
Common Recorder Extended Menu
Extended Startup Sequence (without any card inserted)
Extended Startup Sequence (with a formatted card inserted)
Entering the Extended Menu
These menu pages contain parameters that are infrequently changed.
(MMM DD – indicates the month and day the installed firmware was created.)
(HH:MM:SS – indicates the time of day the installed firmware was created.)
Method 1.
1. Power down the recorder.
2. Press and hold the MENU key while powering up the unit.
Method 2.
1. Ensure the unit is turned „ON‟ and in the Standard Menu.
2. Press the MENU key several times to get to the LOCK page.
3. Press the DEC key six times (the Factory Setup Menu is displayed).
4. Press the INC key once (the Extended Menu is displayed).
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