Zoom F8 Operation Manual

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Operation Manual

Usage and Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions

In this operation manual, symbols are used to highlight warnings and cautions that you must read to prevent accidents. The meanings of these symbols are as follows.

Something that could cause serious injury or death

Something that could cause injury or damage to the equipment

Other symbols used

An action that is mandatory

An action that is prohibited

Warning

Operation using an AC adapter

Never use any AC adapter other than a

ZOOM AD-19.

Operation with external DC power supply

Use a 9V–16V external DC power supply. Carefully study the warning indications of

the external DC power supply before use.

Operation with batteries

Use 8 commercially-available 1.5V AA bat-

teries (alkaline dry cell batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries or lithium dry cell batteries).

Carefully study the warning indications of

the batteries before use.

Always keep the battery cover closed

during use.

Alterations

Do not open the case or modify the prod-

uct.

Caution

Product handling

Do not drop, bump or apply excessive

force to the unit.

Be careful not to allow foreign objects or

liquids to enter the unit.

Operating environment

Do not use in extremely high or low tem-

peratures.

Do not use near heaters, stoves and other

heat sources.

Do not use in very high humidity or where

it could be splashed by water.

Do not use in places with frequent vibra-

tions.

Do not use in places with much dust or

sand.

AC adapter handling

When disconnecting the power plug from

an outlet, always pull on the plug itself.

Disconnect the power plug from the outlet

when the unit will not be used for extended periods and whenever there is lightning.

Battery handling

Install batteries with the correct +/− orien-

tations.

Use the speciﬁed batteries.

Do not use new and old batteries together. Do not use batteries of different brands or types together.

Remove the batteries when the unit will

not be used for extended periods. If a leak occurs, thoroughly wipe the bat- tery case and battery terminals to remove the leaked ﬂuid.

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly

replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

A warning that batteries (battery pack or

batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, ﬁre or the like.

Mic handling

Always turn the power switch OFF before

connecting a mic. Do not apply unneces- sary force when connecting a mic.

Attach the protective cap when no mic is

connected for extended periods.

Connection cables and input/output jacks

Always turn the power OFF for all equip-

ment before connecting any cables.

Always disconnect all connection cables

and the AC adapter before moving the unit.

Volume

Do not use at a loud volume for extended

periods.

Usage Precautions

Interference with other electrical equipment

In consideration of safety, the

has been designed to minimize its emission of electro- magnetic waves and to suppress interference from external electromagnetic waves. How- ever, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electro- magnetic waves could result in interference if placed nearby. If this occurs, place the and the other device farther apart. With any type of electronic device that uses digital control, including the

, electro- magnetic interference could cause malfunc- tion, corrupt or destroy data and result in other unexpected trouble. Always use caution.

Cleaning

Use a soft cloth to clean the exterior of the unit if it becomes dirty. If necessary, use a damp cloth that has been wrung out well to wipe it. Never use abrasive cleansers, wax or solvents such as alcohol, benzene or paint thinner.

Breakdown and malfunction

If the unit becomes broken or malfunctions, immediately disconnect the AC adapter or DC power supply, turn the power off and discon- nect other cables. Contact the store where you bought the unit or ZOOM service center with the following information: product model, serial number and speciﬁc symptoms of breakdown or malfunction, along with your name, address and telephone number.

Copyrights

◎ W indows

, W indows® 8, Windows® 7 and

Windows Vista

are trademarks or registered

trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation. ◎ Macintosh, Mac OS and iPad are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. ◎ The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trade- marks. MPEG Layer-3 audio compression tech- nology is licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Sis- vel S.p.A. ◎ Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logo are regis- tered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and are used under license by ZOOM CORPORATION. ◎ Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies.

Note: All trademarks and registered trade-

marks in this document are for identiﬁca- tion purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.

Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works and broadcasts, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohibited by law. Zoom Corporation will not assume any respon- sibility related to infringements of copyrights.

Note about the Auto Power Off function

The power will automatically turn off if unused for 10 hours. If you want the power to instead remain on, see "Disabling the Automatic Power Saving function" on P.19 and turn the function off.

Contents

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Contents

Usage and Safety Precautions .............................02

Contents ................................................................03

Introduction ...........................................................04

Names of parts ......................................................05

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8.....07

LCD display ...........................................................10

Preparations

Supplying power ..................................................13

Loading an SD card .............................................. 15

Turning the power on and off .............................. 16

Setting the date and time (Date/Time (RTC))......17

Disabling the Automatic Power Saving

function (Auto Power Off) .................................... 19

Setting the power supply used (Power Source) .20

Recording

Recording process ................................................ 22

Enabling recording on SD cards and setting

ﬁle formats ............................................................23

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels ................. 24

Recording ..............................................................26

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate) ............ 27

Setting WAV ﬁle bit depth (WAV Bit Depth) ........ 28

Setting MP3 ﬁle bit rate (MP3 Bit Rate)...............29

Simultaneously recording tracks at different

levels (Dual Channel Rec) ....................................30

Capturing audio before recording starts

(Pre Rec) ................................................................32

Maximum ﬁle size (File Max Size) .......................33

Folder and ﬁle structure ....................................... 34

Changing recording take settings (Next Take) .... 36

Playback

Playing recordings ................................................40

Mixing takes .......................................................... 41

Changing the playback mode (Play Mode) ......... 42

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER) .................. 43

Overview of take metadata stored in ﬁles .......... 50

Checking and editing take metadata ...................51

Input settings

Input and output signal ﬂow................................55

Adjusting the input signal monitoring balance..56 Monitoring the input signals of speciﬁc tracks

(PFL/SOLO) ............................................................ 57

Setting the monitoring volume on the PFL

screen (PFL Mode) ................................................ 58

Cutting low-frequency noise (HPF) .....................59

Input limiter ...........................................................60

Inverting the input phase (Phase Invert) ............. 64

Changing the phantom power settings

(Phantom) ..............................................................65

Changing the plugin power setting

(Plugin Power) ....................................................... 67

Delaying input signals (Input Delay) ................... 68

Converting mid-side input to ordinary stereo

(Stereo Link Mode) ...............................................69

Adjusting the side level of a mid-side mic

capsule (Side Mic Level) ......................................71

Output settings

Setting signals sent to headphones

(Headphone Routing) ........................................... 72

Outputting alerts through headphones

(Alert Tone Level) .................................................. 75

Disabling outputs (Output On/Off) ...................... 76

Setting the standard output level

(Output Level) .......................................................77

Setting the output level ........................................78

Delaying output signals (Output Delay)..............79

Output Limiter .......................................................80

Selecting signals sent to the main outputs

(MAIN OUT Routing) ............................................ 84

Selecting signals sent to the sub outputs

(SUB OUT Routing) ..............................................85

TIMECODE

Timecode overview ..............................................86

Setting timecode ................................................... 88

Setting automatic timecode recording delay

(Auto Rec Delay Time) ..........................................95

Setting how timecode is initialized at startup

(Start Timecode) .................................................... 96

Slate mic/slate tone

Slate mic and slate tone overview ...................... 97

Recording with the slate mic (Slate Mic) ............ 98

Recording a slate tone (Slate Tone) ................... 101

Using USB functions

Exchanging data with a computer

(SD Card Reader) ................................................ 105

Using as an audio interface (Audio Interface) .. 106

Audio interface block diagrams ......................... 108

Audio interface settings ......................................11 0

Various settings

Setting how timecode is shown

(Home Timecode Display Size) .......................... 112

Setting level meter appearance (Level Meter) . 11 3 Setting the LED brightness (LED Brightness) ... 11 6

Making display settings (LCD) ........................... 11 7

Adding marks when pausing

(PLAY Key Option) ...............................................119

Other functions

Checking SD card information (Information) ... 121 Testing SD card performance

(Performance Test) .............................................. 122

Formatting SD cards (Format) ........................... 125

Restoring default setting values

(Factory Reset) .................................................... 126

Checking the ﬁrmware version

(Firmware Version)..............................................127

Updating the ﬁrmware ....................................... 128

Appendices

Troubleshooting ..................................................129

Detailed product diagrams ................................130

Metadata list .......................................................132

List of shortcuts ..................................................136

Speciﬁcations ...................................................... 137

Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM Multitrack Field Recorder. The

has the following features:

• 8 analog input channels with super high-quality preamps

The 8 lockable XLR/TRS combo jacks provide high-quality analog inputs with EIN of −127 dBu or less, +75dB maximum input gain and support for +4dB input.

• PCM recording at up to 192kHz/24-bit resolution

• Recording of up to 10 tracks simultaneously

Inputs 1–8 and a stereo mix (left and right) can be recorded at the same time (8 tracks when the sampling rate is 192 kHz).

• Dual channel recording of separate ﬁles at lower levels simultaneously with ordinary recording (Inputs 1–4)

Using dual channel recording at a lower input level, you can create backup recordings to use when unexpected loud noise causes regu- lar recordings to distort, for example.

• Newly redesigned limiters for overload protection

With 10 dB of headroom, this limiter prevents distortion even more than ordinary ones. The threshold can also be set to keep the signal below that level.

• Time code with pinpoint accuracy

The utilizes a high-precision oscillator that generates time- code with accuracy of 0.2ppm, ensuring rock-solid stability when syncing audio and video.

• Outputs include a stereo headphone jack with a powerful 100mW amp as well a s MAIN O UT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 ja cks

This allows you to send the audio signal to a video camera or other device while monitoring with headphones.

• Built-in digital mixer with ﬂexible signal routing

Prefader and postfader signals from inputs 1–8 can be freely routed to any out puts.

• Phantom power (+24V/+48V) can be supplied

This can be turned on/off for each input separately.

• Three possible power sources—batteries, AC adapter and an external DC power supply

In addition to AA batteries and an AC adapter, a 9-16V external DC power supply can also be used.

• Double SDXC card slots

Simultaneous recording on 2 SD cards is possible, and support for SDXC cards up to 512 GB enables long-duration recording. In addi- tion, the

can be used as a card reader by connecting to a

computer using USB.

• USB audio interface capabilities with up to 8 ins and 4 outs

The can be used not only as a 2-in/2-out audio interface, but also as an 8-in/4-out audio interface (driver required for Windows).

• Other useful features

Other convenient functions include a built-in slate mic for voice memos and a variable frequency slate tone generator to conﬁrm lev- els. There’s also both input and output delay, and pre-recording of up to 6 seconds.

• ZOOM mic capsules can be connected

Use any ZOOM mic capsule instead of inputs 1/2.

Please read this manual carefully to fully understand the functions of the

so that you can make the most of it for many years. After

reading this manual, please keep it with the warranty in a safe place.

Names of parts

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Back

Front

Display

Select

encoder

Slate

switch

key

Headphone

volume

backward

key

MIC IN

connector

Battery slotTimecode IN/OUT

connectors

DC IN connector

forward

key

Play/pause

key

Record

key

POWER

switch

Stop

key

Track

key

Track

indicator

Input volume

knob

LED level

meter

Slate mic

PFL key

LED level meter

−48

Green Orange Red

−30 −18 −12 −6 0

(dBFS)

Names of parts

Left side

Inputs 1–8EXT DC IN MAIN OUT

XLR TA-3TRS

Right side

1: GND

2: HOT

3: COLD

1: GND

2: HOT

3: COLD

DC 9–16V

HIROSE 4-pin

TIP: HOT

RING: COLD

SLEEVE: GND

EXT DC IN

connector

SUB OUT 1/2

jack

Headphone

jack

USB port

SD card

slots

Inputs 5–8

Inputs 1–4

MAIN OUT 1/2

jacks

Lock release

button

1: −4: +

2: NC3: NC

Names of parts (continued)

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Connecting mics

Connect dynamic and condenser mics with XLR plugs to Inputs 1–8. Phantom power (+24V/+48V) can be supplied to condenser mics. (→ P.65)

Dynamic mic

(XLR cable)

Condenser mic

(XLR cable)

NOTE

When disconnecting a mic, gently pull on the XLR plug while simul-

taneously pushing the connector lock release button.

Connecting line level equipment

Connect the TRS plugs of keyboards and mixers directly to Inputs 1–8. Direct input of passive guitars and basses is not supported. Connect these instruments through a mixer or effects device.

(TRS cable)

Keyboard

(TRS cable)

Mixer

The can record a total of 10 tracks simultaneously: 8 individual tracks with signals coming from Inputs 1–8 and a stereo mix of these inputs on left and right tracks. You can connect mics and the outputs of line-level devices such as keyboards, mixers, or instruments with active electronics to Inputs 1–8 and record them to tracks 1–8. Alternatively, Inputs 1 and 2 can instead receive input from a ZOOM mic capsule connected to the

MIC IN connector.

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8

Connecting mic capsules

A ZOOM mic capsule can be connected to the MIC IN connec- tor on the back of the

NOTE

• The mic capsule input is assigned to tracks 1/2.

• When a mic capsule is connected, Inputs 1/2 cannot be used.

Connecting and disconnecting mic capsules

1. Remove the protective caps from the and the

mic capsule or extension cable.

2. While pressing the side buttons on the mic capsule or

extension cable, connect it to the main unit, inserting

it completely.

3. To disconnect the mic capsule or extension cable, pull

it away from the main unit while simultaneously

pressing the buttons on its sides.

NOTE

• Do not use too much force when disconnecting. Doing so

could damage the mic capsule, extension cable or main unit.

• Reattach the protective cap when a mic capsule is not connected.

Stereo input

By enabling the stereo link for tracks 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 or 7/8, the corresponding Inputs (1/2, 3/4, 5/6 or 7/8) can be handled as a stereo pair. (→ P.24) When linked, Input 1, 3, 5 or 7 becomes the left channel and Input 2, 4, 6 or 8 becomes the right channel.

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8 (continued)

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Concert recording

• Inputs 1–4: mics for stage performance (XLR connections)

• Inputs 5–6: line-level PA mixer outputs (TRS connections)

• Inputs 7–8: mics for audience sound (XLR connections)

PA mixer

Audience mics

Vocal mic, etc.

While ﬁlming

• Input 1: gun mic for main subject sound (XLR connection)

• Inputs 2–5: wireless lavalier mics for performers (TRS connections)

• Inputs 6–7: mics for ambient sound (XLR connections)

Ambient

mics

Wireless lavalier mics

Gun mic

Lavalier receivers

Connection examples

The allows you to record in a variety of situations, such as:

LCD display

Recording/playback file format and sampling rate (by card)

When recording: remaining recordable time When playing: remaining playback time (by card)

L/R tracks

Fader

Pan Recording/playback take name Press when stopped to show the name of the next track to be recorded.

Track number Red: input enabled Green: playback track enabled Grey: input disabled

Recording/playback tracks Red: recording tracks Green: playback tracks Grey: disabled tracks (by card)

Playback card Green: used for playback Grey: no card

Stopped

Status icon

Recording

Counter (playback/elapsed recording time)

Frame rate INT: internal timecode enabled EXT: external input timecode enabled

Recording/playback timecode

Power type and remaining power

DC: AC adapter EXT: external DC power supply AA: batteries

Full

Empty

Level meters

Stereo-linked inputs

Clip indicators

Limiter indicators Yellow: limiter functioning

Paused

Playing

Limiter status Grey: disabled Red: enabled Yellow: functioning

Phantom power status Lit: enabled Unlit: disabled

HINT

• Stereo-linked tracks are shown together i.e., "7/8".

• When the Home Screen is not displayed, press and hold

return to the Home Screen.

Home Screen

■ Mixer

LCD display

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Power type and remaining power

Limiter indicators

Tracks 1–8

MAIN OUT 1/2, SUB OUT 1/2 tracks

L/R tracks

Level meters

Status icon Counter Frame rate

Recording/playback

timecode

Recording/playback take name

Playback

card

Recording/playback file format and sampling rate (by card)

When recording: remaining recordable time When playing: remaining playback time (by card)

Clip indicators

■ Level meters

NOTE

Turn

to switch between showing the mixer (Tracks 1–8, MAIN

OUT 1/2, SUB OUT 1/2) and level meters (Views 1–4 can be set →

P.113) on the display.

LCD display

Character input screen

MENU::

abc

#+=

Number of characters input/ Maximum number of characters

Press

ABC

Press

Keyboard

Instructions

Automatic input keys

Text box

■ Editing operations

Move cursor in box: and

Select character: Turn

Conﬁrm character: Press

Complete editing: Move cursor to “Enter” and press

Cancel editing: Press

■ Automatic input keys

(Date): Automatically inputs the date. Example: 150210 (Time): Automatically inputs the time. Example: 180950 (Project): Automatically inputs “Project***” in the character ﬁeld. (Scene): Automatically inputs the scene name.

NOTE

• The following characters can be used in project names:

(space) ! # $ ' ( ) + , - 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ; = @ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ ] ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z { } ~

LCD display (continued)

Preparations

Supplying power

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Using AA batteries

1. Turn the power off and then loosen the screw in the

battery cover to open it.

2. Remove the battery case from the battery slot.

3. Open the battery case cover.

4. Install the batteries.

＋

−

＋

−

＋

−

＋

−

5. Replace the battery case cover.

6. Load the battery case.

NOTE

Load the case so that the side with the protruding rail is up.

7. Close the battery cover and tighten the screw.

NOTE

• Be careful because the battery case could become loose

unexpectedly if the cover screw is not tightened ﬁrmly.

• Use only one type of batteries (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) at a time.

• After loading batteries, set "Power Source" to the correct type of battery. (→ P.20)

• If the remaining battery power indicator turns red, turn the power off immediately and install new batteries.

Supplying power

Preparations

Supplying power

Using an external DC power supply

1. Connect the external DC power supply equipment to

the EXT DC IN (Hirose) connector.

Connect a 9–16V direct-current power supply.

2. If there is an adapter, plug the adapter into an outlet.

NOTE

When connecting an external DC power supply, be sure to

make the power supply settings. (→ P.20)

Using an AC adapter

1. Connect the dedicated AC adapter to the DC IN

connector.

2. Plug the dedicated AC adapter into an outlet.

Supplying power (continued)

Preparations

Loading an SD card

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Loading an SD card

1. Turn the power off and then open the SD card slot

cover.

2. Insert the SD card into the SD CARD 1 or 2 slot.

To eject an SD card:

Push the card further into the slot until it clicks and then pull it out.

NOTE

• Always turn the power off before inserting or removing

an SD card. Inserting or removing a card while the power

is on could result in data loss.

• When inserting an SD card, be sure to insert the correct

end with the top side up as shown.

• If an SD card is not loaded, recording and playback will

not be possible.

• To format an SD card, see P. 125.

Preparations

Turning the power on and o

Turning the power on and off

Turning the power on

1. Press and hold brieﬂy.

The LED will light.

NOTE

• The ﬁrst time you turn the power on after purchase, you

must set the date/time (→ P. 17). You can also change this

setting later.

• If “No SD Card!” appears on the display, conﬁrm that an

SD card is inserted properly.

• If “Card Protected!” appears on the display, the SD card

write-protection is enabled. Slide the lock switch on the SD

card to disable write-protection.

• If “Invalid SD Card!” appears on the display, the card is

not formatted correctly. Format the card or use a different

card. To format an SD card, see P. 125.

Turning the power off

1. Press and hold brieﬂy.

NOTE

Keep pressing it until the ZOOM logo appears on the LCD.

The will automatically turn off if it is unused for 10 hours.

To keep the power on continuously until powered off, see "Dis-

abling the Automatic Power Saving function" on P.19 and set Auto

Power OFF to Off.

Preparations

Setting the date and time (Date/Time (RTC))

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the date and time (Date/Time (RTC))

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

SYSTEM

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Date/Time

(RTC)

”, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting the date and time .................................................P. 17

Setting the date format .....................................................P.18

Setting the date and time

4. Use to select “

Date/

Time

”, and press .

5. Change the setting.

■ Changing settings

Move cursor or change value:

turn

Select item to change: press

The date and time set on the are used when recording ﬁles, for example. You can also set the date format (order of year, month and day).

The ﬁrst time you turn the on after purchasing it, you

must set the date/time.

Preparations

Setting the date and time (Date/Time (RTC))

Setting the date format

4. Use to select “

Date

Format

”, and press .

5. Use to select the

format, and press

Setting value Explanation

mm/dd/yy Month, day, year order

dd/mm/yy Day, month, year order

yy/mm/dd Year, month, day order

6. Use to select “

Enter

”,

and press

This completes setting the date and time.

(continued)

Preparations

Disabling the Automatic Power Saving function (Auto Power O)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Disabling the Automatic Power Saving function (Auto Power Off)

The power will automatically turn off if the is unused for 10 hours. If you want the power to stay on continuously until powered off, disable the Automatic Power Saving function.

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

SYSTEM

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Auto

Power Off

”, and press .

4. Use to select “

Off

”, and

press

Preparations

Setting the power supply used (Power Source)

Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) shutdown voltage

When an external DC power supply is being used, if the voltage drops below the value set here, the will automatically stop recording and turn off. If AA batteries (Int AA) are installed, however, the power supply will switch to INT AA and operation will continue.

4. Use to select “

Shutdown

Voltage

”, and press .

HINT

• The shutdown voltage is the voltage when the external DC

power supply runs out and can no longer supply power.

• See the manual for the external DC power supply for the shutdown voltage value.

5. Use to select the

voltage, and press

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

SYSTEM

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Power

Source

”, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) shutdown voltage ....P.20

Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) nominal voltage .......P.21

Setting the AA battery type (Int AA) .................................P.21

Set the external DC power supply shutdown voltage, nominal voltage and type of batteries so that the remaining power supply charge can be shown accurately. On this menu page, you can also check the voltage of each power supply and the remaining battery capacity.

Setting the power supply used (Power Source)

Preparations

Setting the power supply used (Power Source)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the AA battery type (Int AA)

4. Use to select “

Battery

Type

“, and press .

5. Use to select the type,

and press

NOTE

• When multiple power supplies are connected, they will be used

in the following order of precedence.

1. Dedicated AC adapter (DC IN)

2. External DC power supply (Ext DC)

3. AA batteries in unit (Int AA)

• The voltages of each power supply are shown on the display.

Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) nominal voltage

4. Use to select “

Nominal

Voltage

”, and press .

5. Use to select the

voltage, and press

HINT

• The nominal voltage is the voltage of the external DC

power supply under normal conditions. This value should be indicated on the surface of the external DC power supply.

Recording

Recording process

Connect

Turn power

on (→ P.16)

Prepare before recording

Record (→ P.26)

Play back and check (→ P.40)

Check take information (→ P.50)

• Connect mics, instruments, audiovisual equipment and other devices to Inputs 1–8.

(→ P.7)

• Connect a mic capsule to the MIC IN connector. (→ P.8)

• Press to start and to stop recording.

• You can also set marks.

• Press to start recording a new track.

• Press to pause

• Press to start playback and or to stop it.

• Marks, for example, can also be set. (→ P.119)

• Check and edit metadata.

1. Set the SD card and file format for recording. (→ P.23)

• Set the recording file format for each

SD card separately.

2. Select the recording tracks (→ P.24)

• Use track keys to select. The

indicators for selected tracks light red and you will be able to monitor input sounds.

• Press two track keys simultaneously

to link them as a stereo track.

3. Make recording settings

• You can make other settings, including dual channel recording (→ P.30), pre recording (→ P.32), high pass filter (→ P.59) and limiter (→ P.60) functions.

4. Adjust the input levels (→ P.25)

• Use to adjust each input.

• The side mic level can also be

adjusted when using a mid-side mic capsule.

Recording with the follows the process shown below. The data created for each recording occurrence is called a "take".

Recording

Enabling recording on SD cards and setting le formats

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Enabling recording on SD cards and setting ﬁle formats

The recording ﬁle format can be set independently for SD CARD slots 1 and 2.

HINT

• Recording the same content to two cards is possible by using the

same settings for both card slots. This function can be used to create a backup in case the sound skips on one card, for example.

• You can also record tracks 1–8 unmixed on one SD card while recording all tracks mixed together as MP3 or WAV data with left and right tracks.

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

Rec to

SD1

“ or “

Rec to SD2

”, and

press

4. Use to select the ﬁle

type, and press

Setting value Tracks recorded Explanation None – Nothing is recorded on the SD card.

Track1-8 (Poly WAV)

Selected tracks 1–8

A single (multitrack) ﬁle is created that contains audio for multiple tracks.

Track1-8 (Mono/Stereo WAV)

A single mono ﬁle is created for each mono track and a single stereo ﬁle is created for each stereo track.

Track1-8 + L/R (Poly WAV)

All selected tracks

A single (multitrack) ﬁle is created that contains audio for multiple tracks.

Track1-8 + L/R (Mono/Stereo WAV)

A single mono ﬁle is created for each mono track and a single stereo ﬁle is created for each stereo track.

L/R (Stereo WAV)

L/R tracks

A stereo ﬁle is created based on the mix created by the internal mixer.

L/R (Stereo MP3)

NOTE

• When recording with a Mono/Stereo setting, the audio ﬁles are

saved in a take folder that is created. (→ P.34)

• When recording to 2 SD cards simultaneously, ﬁles will be saved in take folders with the same name on both cards. Folders will be created automatically if they do not already exist.

• If recording should stop on one SD card because, for example, it runs out of space, recording will continue on the other SD card. At such times, do not remove the card that has stopped recording from the slot. Doing so could damage the card or data.

Recording

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels

You can select which Inputs 1–8 to use. Inputs will be recorded on tracks with the same numbers. For example, Input 1 will be recorded on track 1 and Input 2 will be recorded on track 2.

Selecting inputs

1. Make the track indicator light by pressing the track

key for the number of the input to record.

The background color of the track number on the LCD also changes at this time.

Track indicator

Track number background color

Explanation

Lit red Red The input is enabled. Unlit Gray The input is disabled.

NOTE

The signals from the inputs selected this way will also be sent to

the L/R tracks.

Linking inputs as a stereo pair

1. While pressing track key 1, press track key 2.

Tracks 1 and 2 will be joined as a stereo track (stereo link). Repeat the same procedure to disable the stereo link.

HINT

• The 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 track pairs can also be stereo linked in

the same way.

• When a mic capsule that allows independent L and R input

selection is connected, stereo-linking can also be enabled

and disabled for their tracks.

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels

Recording

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Adjusting input levels

1. Turn for the selected track to adjust its input

level.

NOTE

When a mic capsule is connected,

for Inputs 1/2 is dis-

abled. Use the level control on the mic capsule to adjust its

input volume.

HINT

• Inputs connected with XLR plugs can be set from +10 to

+75 dB, and inputs connected with TRS plugs can be set

from –10 to +55 dB.

• If the sound distorts even when you lower the input level,

try changing mic positions and adjusting the output levels

of connected devices.

• Using the limiter (→ P.60)

• Using the high pass ﬁlter (→ P.59)

• Press

+ together to lock (disable) input adjust-

ment for all track . Press + again to reen-

able operation.

Recording

1. Press .

This starts recording.

HINT

If the timecode function is enabled, recording will start from frame 00 (00 or 02 when using drop frame) and ﬁles will always end exactly on a second. This makes synchronization easy when editing later.

2. Press to start a new take when recording.

This will end the current take and start a new take while continuing to record without interruption.

NOTE

Pressing

during recording is only possible after record-

ing for at least a second.

3. Press to pause.

NOTE

• When pausing, pausing will occur at a whole second

increment.

• When recording is paused, a mark is added at that point. Press

to resume recording.

• A maximum of 99 marks can be added to a take.

HINT

• During playback, you can press

and to jump to

points where marks have been added.

• You can also add marks without pausing. (→ P. 119)

4. Press to stop.

NOTE

• If the maximum ﬁle size is exceeded during recording (→

P.33), recording will continue in a new take with a number that is one higher. No gap in sound will occur between the two takes when this happens.

• When recording on 2 SD cards simultaneously, if recording should stop on one because it runs out of space, recording will continue on the other SD card without interruption.

HINT

• Files are automatically saved at regular intervals during

recording. Even if the power is interrupted or another unexpected problem occurs during recording, an affected ﬁle can be restored to normal by playing it with the

• Press and hold when the HOME screen is displayed to check the name that will be given to the next take recorded.

Recording

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

Sample

Rate

”, and press .

4. Use to select the

sampling rate, and

press

Setting value Explanation

44.1kHz, 48kHz,

88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz

These are standard sampling rates.

47.952kHz

Select this when recording video at 23.976 frames per second if you want to edit at 24 frames per second later.

48.048kHz

Select this when recording video at 24 frames per second if you want to edit at NTSC 29.97 or 23.98 HD later.

47.952kHz (F),

48.048kHz (F)

These function the same as the two above, but the sampling rate metadata will be recorded as 48kHz for <FILE_SAMPLE_RATE>. This enables playback and editing with devices and software that do not support 47.952kHz and

48.048kHz WAV ﬁles. Playback, however, will occur at the ±0.1% the speed at which the ﬁle was recorded.

NOTE

• When the recording ﬁle format is MP3, only 44.1kHz and 48kHz

can be selected.

• When 192kHz is selected, L/R tracks will not be recorded. The

Input Delay and Output Delay are also disabled.

You can set the sampling rate used to record ﬁles.

Recording

Setting WAV le bit depth (WAV Bit Depth)

Setting WAV ﬁle bit depth (WAV Bit Depth)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

WAV Bit

Depth

”, and press .

4. Use to select the bit

depth, and press

HINT

This can be set to 16-bit or 24-bit.

You can set the bit depth of WAV ﬁles.

Recording

Setting MP3 le bit rate (MP3 Bit Rate)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting MP3 ﬁle bit rate (MP3 Bit Rate)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

MP3 Bit

Rate

”, and press .

4. Use to select the bit

rate, and press

HINT

This can be set to 128 kbps, 192 kbps or 320 kbps.

You can set the bit rate of recorded MP3 ﬁles.

Recording

Simultaneously recording tracks at dierent levels (Dual Channel Rec)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

Dual

Channel Rec

”, and press .

4. Use to select the track,

and press

5. Use to select “

”, and

press

When dual channel recording is on, the name of the correspond- ing second track (5–8) changes.

Along with regular recording, the can capture a second recording set to a different input level (dual channel recording). For example, by using dual channel recording to record at an input level 12 dB below that of the regular recording, you have an immediate replacement if the regular recording distorts because the track level is too high. Dual channel recording can be used with tracks 1–4.

Simultaneously recording tracks at different levels (Dual Channel Rec)

Recording

Simultaneously recording tracks at dierent levels (Dual Channel Rec)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

6. Turn for the dual channel recording track to

adjust the input level.

For example, when dual recording is labeled for track 1, ad- just for track 5.

HINT

Dual channel recording increases the amount of space used

on SD cards.

NOTE

• When using dual channel recording, the track that is numbered

4 higher than the original track is used for the second recording.

For example, track 5 is used for the dual channel recording of

track 1 and track 6 is used for track 2. Dual channel recording

tracks cannot be used independently.

• When dual channel recording is enabled, if stereo-linking is

enabled or disabled for tracks 1/2 or 3/4, the same setting will be

applied to tracks 5/6 or 7/8.

• The limiter, high pass ﬁlter and other functions can be set inde-

pendently for the regular and dual recording tracks.

• When a mic capsule is connected, its dual recording track input

level is ﬁxed at –12 dB compared to the regular track.

Recording

Capturing audio before recording starts (Pre Rec)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

Pre Rec

”,

and press

4. Use to select “

”, and

press

File format Sampling rate Maximum pre-recording time

WAV

44.1kHz 6 seconds

47.952kHz 6 seconds

47.952kHz(F) 6 seconds 48kHz 6 seconds

48.048kHz 6 seconds

48.048kHz(F) 6 seconds

88.2kHz 3 seconds 96kHz 3 seconds 192kHz 1 second

MP3

44.1kHz 6 seconds 48kHz 6 seconds

The input signal can be captured for up to 6 seconds before is pushed (pre-recording). This is useful if, for example,

is pressed too late.

Recording

Maximum le size (File Max Size)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Maximum ﬁle size (File Max Size)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

File Max

Size

”, and press .

4. Use to select the

maximum size of recording

ﬁles, and press

HINT

Setting the maximum size to 640MB or 512MB is convenient

for backing up to CDs.

The maximum size of recording ﬁles can be set. If a recording ﬁle exceeds the maximum ﬁle size, recording will continue in a new take with a number that is one higher. No gap will occur in the sound between the two takes when this happens.

Recording

Folder and le structure

HINT

• A "take" is a unit of data created for a single recording.

• A "Scene" is a unit containing multiple ﬁles and takes that com-

prise a single scene.

Folder and ﬁle structure

The folder and ﬁle structure differs according to the recording ﬁle format. In addition, the names of folders and ﬁles depend on how scenes are named.

When recording with the

, folders and ﬁles are created on SD cards as shown below. Folders and ﬁles are used to manage scenes and takes.

NOTE

• Enabling recording on SD cards and setting ﬁle formats (→ P.23)

• Setting how scenes are named (mode) (→ P.37)

150101-T001.WAV

150101-T003_Tr3.WAV

150101-T003_Tr4.WAV

150101-T003_Tr1.WAV

150101-T003.WAV Scene001-T001.WAV

150101-T003_Tr2.WAV

150102 Scene001

Root

Scene 150101

(1st take)

WAV format

Poly ﬁle

Next scene

150101

First scene

User created

folder

Order recorded

→

150101-T002.MP3

Scene 150101

(2nd take)

MP3 format

Stereo ﬁle

Scene 150101

(3rd take)

WAV format

Mono ﬁles (tracks 1–4)

Scene001-T001_Tr3.WAV

Scene001-T001_Tr4.WAV

Scene001-T001_Tr1.WAV

Scene001-T001_Tr2.WAV

Scene Scene001

(1st take)

WAV format

Mono ﬁles (tracks 1–4)

150102-T001_TrL_R.WAV

150102-T001_Tr1_2.WAV

150102-T001.WAV

150102-T001_Tr1_2_D.WAV

Scene 150102

(1st take)

WAV format

Stereo ﬁle (track 1–2)

Dual channel recording ﬁle (tracks 1–2)

Stereo ﬁle (L/R tracks)

150102-T002.WAV

Scene 150102

(2nd take)

WAV format

Poly ﬁle

Folder and ﬁle structure

Recording

Folder and le structure

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take names

Structure Explanation

Scene001-T001

Take number (001–999) Scene number (001–999) Scene name

Scene name: Select none, the folder name, the date or a name input by the user (→ P.37). Take number: This number increases by 1 for each recording made with the same scene name and number.

Audio ﬁle name

File names are given by the according to the ﬁle for- mat—poly, mono or stereo. Track numbers and other data are added to ﬁle names.

File names

File names are given according to the following formats.

Type Structure Explanation

Poly ﬁle

Scene001-T001.wav

Take name

This is a ﬁle created by poly recording. Audio for multiple tracks is recorded to a single ﬁle.

Mono ﬁle

Scene001-T001_Tr1.wav

Take name

Track number

This is a ﬁle created by mono recording.

Stereo ﬁle

Scene001-T001_Tr1_2.wav

Take name

Track number

This is a ﬁle created by stereo recording.

Dual channel record- ing ﬁle

Scene001-T001_Tr1_D.wav

Take name

Track number

Letter added to dual channel recording ﬁle

This is a ﬁle created by dual channel recording.

HINT

When recording with a Mono/Stereo setting, the audio ﬁles are

saved in the take folder that is created.

Recording

Changing recording take settings (Next Take)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

REC

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

Take

”, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Changing the note for the next take recorded ................P.36

Selecting notes from the history list ................................ P.37

Setting how scenes are named (mode) ........................... P.37

Changing scene names ..................................................... P.38

Selecting a scene name from the history list .................. P.39

Setting the take number reset condition ......................... P.39

Changing the note for the next take recorded

You can input characters as a metadata note in the ﬁle.

4. Use to select “

Note

”, and

press

5. Use to select “

Edit

”, and

press

6. Edit the note.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.12) for how to input characters.

NOTE

This note is written to the <NOTE> metadata.

You can change the recording take scene name or take scene mode, for example.

Changing recording take settings (Next Take)

Recording

Changing recording take settings (Next Take)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Selecting notes from the history list

4. Use to select “

Note

”, and

press

5. Use to select “

History

”,

and press

6. Use to select the note

to use, and press

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function

is used.

Setting how scenes are named (mode)

4. Use to select “

Scene

Name Mode

”, and press .

5. Use to select the mode,

and press

Recording

Changing recording take settings (Next Take)

Changing scene names

If Scene Name Mode is set to User Name, set the scene name like this.

4. Use to select “

User Scene

Name

”, and press .

5. Use to select “

Edit

”, and

press

6. Edit the scene name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.12) for how to input characters.

NOTE

• The scene name is written to the <SCENE> metadata.

• You cannot put a space or an @ mark at the beginning of

the name.

Setting value Explanation

None

The scene name and number are not used. When recording ﬁles are created, they are named only with the take number: "T001", "T002", "T003", etc.

+ cannot be used to advance the scene number by 1. No folder is created in this case. Example: T001.wav

Current Folder

The name of the currently selected folder is used as the scene name.

+ can be used to advance the scene number by 1. After advancing the scene number by 1, the corresponding folder will be used as the recording destination. If that folder does not already exist, it will be created. Example: FOLDER001-T001.wav

Date

The date is used as the scene name.

+ cannot be used to advance the scene number by 1. If recording occurs after the date changes, a scene folder with the date will be created. Example: 20150101-T001.wav

User Name

A scene name input by the user is used.

+ can be used to advance the scene number by 1. No folder is created in this case. Example: MYSCENE001-T001.wav

Changing recording take settings (Next Take) (continued)

Recording

Changing recording take settings (Next Take)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the take number reset condition

4. Use to select “

Take

Reset Mode

”, and press .

5. Use to select the reset

mode, and press

Setting value Explanation

Off

The take number will not be reset. However, if the folder is changed and that folder contains a number higher than the current take number, the take number will be set to one higher than the highest existing take number.

Folder Change

The take number will be reset, and if the destination folder is changed, the take number will be set to one higher than the highest take number in that folder.

Selecting a scene name from the history list

4. Use to select “

User

Scene Name

”, and press .

5. Use to select “

History

”,

and press

6. Use to select the name

to use, and press

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function

is used.

Playback

Playing recordings

1. Press .

■ Playback operations

Select take or jump to mark: Press

Search backward/forward: Press and hold /

Pause/resume playback: Press

NOTE

Tracks that have no playback ﬁles

appear gray.

HINT

• The longer you press and hold

/ , the faster the

backward/forward search speed.

• During playback, press track keys to switch between play-

ing back (lit green) and muted (unlit).

• An "Invalid Take!" message will appear if the selected take

is not valid.

• A "No Take!" message will appear if no take exists.

• During playback, you can press to add a mark that

can be used for skipping. (→ P. 119)

2. Press to return to the Home Screen.

Playing recordings

Playback

Mixing takes

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Mixing takes

1. Open the mixer on the Home

Screen. (→ P.11)

2. Press to start

playback.

3. Adjust the parameter settings.

■ Editing operations

Move cursor or change value: Turn

Select parameter to change: Press

Parameter Setting range Explanation

Fader Mute, −48.0 – +12.0 dB

Adjusts the level of the signal.

Panning L100 – Center – R100

Adjusts the left-right stereo position of the sound.

HINT

• You can turn

to move the cursor, and also adjust the

settings of the MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 tracks (→

P.78).

• When a fader or pan knob is selected, press and hold

to reset it to its default value. If already set to its

default value, selecting a fader mutes the track.

NOTE

• Settings are saved separately for each take and are used

during playback.

• Mix settings are not saved with the take when the format

is MP3.

You can change the volume and panning of each track during playback.

Playback

Changing the playback mode (Play Mode)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

PLAY

”, and

press

3. Use to select “

Play

Mode

”, and press .

4. Use to select the play

mode, and press

Setting value Explanation Play One (single playback)

Only the selected take will be played.

Play All (all playback)

Takes will be played back continuously

from the selected one until the last take. Repeat One (single repeat playback)

The selected take will be played

repeatedly. Repeat All (all repeat playback)

All takes in the selected folder will be

played repeatedly.

You can change the playback mode.

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

FINDER

”,

and press

3. Turn to select the SD

card, folder or take that you

want to use.

■ Editing operations

Move cursor: Turn

Move down a level: Press

Move up a level: Press

■ SD card selected

Free space

Size

Recordable time

■ Folder selected

Date

Time

■ Take selected

Timecode

Frame rate

Length

Recording format

Date created

Time created

Size

MS Side mic level

The FINDER allows you to select and view the contents of SD cards, takes and folders, and to create project/scene folders. It also allows you to, for example, set and delete recording/playback folders and view their information.

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

NOTE

• When the cursor is on a take, you can press

to play

the selected take. You can also use , and .

• A check mark appears on the playback take and recording/

playback folder.

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Creating folders ................................................................. P.44

Selecting the take recording/playback folder .................. P.45

Checking take marks and using them for playback ........ P.45

Changing folder and take names .....................................P.46

Copying takes to other cards and folders .......................P.47

Deleting folders and takes ................................................P.48

Emptying the TRASH folder .............................................. P.49

Creating folders

Folders can be created inside the currently selected SD card/ folder.

4. Use to select “

New

Folder

”, and press .

5. Edit the folder name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.12) for how to input characters.

NOTE

• The folder created will be set as the recording folder.

• The name of the folder created is written to the <PROJECT>

or <SCENE> metadata.

• You cannot put a space or an @ mark at the beginning of

the name.

Take and folder operations (FINDER) (continued)

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Checking take marks and using them for playback

You can view a list of the marks in a recorded take.

4. Press , use to

select ”

Mark List

”, and

press

5. Use to select a mark, and press .

The Home Screen will reopen, and playback will start from the mark.

Mark start time

Added Mark

Indicates that a mark

was added during a

recording error.

Selecting the take recording/playback folder

Use this procedure to select the folder that contains the take to be played or the folder to use for recording takes.

4. Press , use to

select “

Select

”, and

press

NOTE

• The ﬁrst take inside the selected SD card or folder will be

set as the playback take.

• After selecting the take recording/playback folder, the

Home Screen will reopen.

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

Changing folder and take names

4. Press , use to

select “

Rename

”, and

press

5. Edit the folder/take name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.12) for how to input characters.

NOTE

• The edited name of the folder/take is written to the

<PROJECT> or <SCENE> metadata.

• You cannot put a space or an @ mark at the beginning of

the name.

Take and folder operations (FINDER) (continued)

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

7. Use to select the

copy destination, and

press

NOTE

• See "Take and folder operations" for how to select a folder.

(→ P.43)

8. Use to select “

Yes

”, and

press

Copying takes to other cards and folders

4. Press , use to

select “

Copy

”, and press .

5. Use to select the take to

copy, and press

6. Press .

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

7. Use to select “

Yes

”, and

press

NOTE

• Deleted folders and takes are not immediately erased

from the SD card. They are moved to the TRASH folder.

• Deleting the folders and takes in the TRASH folder will

completely erase their data.

Deleting folders and takes

4. Press , use to

select “

Delete

”, and

press

5. Use to select the

folder/take to delete, and

press

Press to cancel deletion.

NOTE

You can press

to select/deselect all the folders and

takes that are currently shown.

6. Press .

Take and folder operations (FINDER) (continued)

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Emptying the TRASH folder

4. Press , and open the

“

TRASH

”. Then, use to

select “

Empty

”, and

press

5. Use to select “

Yes

”, and

press

NOTE

Emptying the TRASH folder will completely erase the data

in it.

Take and folder operations

Overview of take metadata stored in les

Overview of take metadata stored in ﬁles

The writes a variety of information (metadata) to ﬁles during recording. When these ﬁles are read by an application that supports metadata, you will be able to check and use the saved information.

HINT

• Metadata is data that contains information related to other data.

The

saves scene names and take numbers, for example,

as metadata in audio ﬁles.

• A chunk is a unit that contains multiple data in a single block.

• To use BEXT and iXML chunk metadata, an application that sup-

ports both data formats is necessary.

WAV ﬁle metadata

The metadata saved in ﬁles recorded by the in WAV format is collected in BEXT (Broadcast Audio Extension) and iXML chunks. For information about the metadata saved in these chunks, see the “Metadata contained in BEXT chunks in WAV ﬁles” (→ P.132), “Metadata contained in iXML chunks in WAV ﬁles” (→ P.133).

MP3 ﬁle metadata

The metadata saved in ﬁles recorded by the in MP3 format is written as ID3v1 tags. For information about the ID3 ﬁelds and formats for saving metadata, see the "Metadata and ID3 ﬁelds contained in MP3 ﬁles" (→ P.135).

HINT

•

MP3 ﬁles conform to the MPEG-1 Layer III standard.

• MP3 metadata cannot be edited.

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Checking and editing take metadata

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

FINDER

”,

and press

3. Use to select the take,

and press

This opens the Option Screen. See “Take and folder operations” for how to use the Finder. (→ P.43)

4. Use to select “

Meta Data

Edit

”, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Checking and editing notes ..............................................P.52

Selecting notes from the history list ................................ P.52

Circling takes .....................................................................P.53

Editing folder (tape) names ..............................................P.53

Editing project names .......................................................P.54

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata

Checking and editing notes

5. Use to select “

Note

”, and

press

6. Use to select “

Edit

”, and

press

7. Edit the note.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.12) for how to input characters.

NOTE

The contents of this note is written to the <NOTE> metadata.

Selecting notes from the history list

5. Use to select “

Note

”, and

press

6. Use to select “

History

”,

and press

7. Use to select the item

to use, and press

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function

is used.

Checking and editing take metadata (continued)

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Editing folder (tape) names

5. Use to select “

Folder

(Tape) Name

”, and press .

6. Edit the folder (tape) name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.12) for how to input characters.

NOTE

• The folder (tape) name is written to the <TAPE> metadata.

• The folder (tape) name used immediately after recording

is the name of the folder in which the take was recorded.

• You cannot put a space or an @ mark at the beginning of

the name.

Circling takes

Use this function to add an @ mark to the beginning of the name of the best take to make it stand out. This is called a "circled take".

5. Use to select “

Circle

”,

and press

6. Use to select “

Circled

”,

and press

NOTE

• To clear a circle, select “

Not Circled

“ and press .

• This circled status is written to the <CIRCLE> metadata.

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata

Editing project names

5. Use to select “

Project

Name

”, and press .

6. Edit the project name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.12) for how to input characters.

NOTE

• The project name is written to the <PROJECT> metadata.

• The project name used immediately after recording is the

name of the highest level folder (inside the SD card root

directory) that contains the folder in which the take was

recorded.

• You cannot put a space or an @ mark at the beginning of

the name.

Checking and editing take metadata (continued)

Input settings

Input and output signal ow

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Input and output signal ﬂow

MAIN OUT

1/2 jacks

SUB OUT

1/2 jack

HEADPHONE

jack

Recording

Output

Input 1

Trim

HPF

Input Limiter

Phase Invert

MS Stereo

Input Delay

Tr1-8 Fader

Mixer

Output Delay Level

Slate Mic/Tone

Output Limiter

Fader

Alert Tone

Slate Mic/Tone

Tr L/R Fader

Routing

: :

Output On/Off, Level

Pan

Dual Channel Rec

Input 2

Input 7

Input 8

Track 1

Track 2

Track 7

Track L

Track R

Postfader

Prefader

Track 8

Input settings

Adjusting the input signal monitoring balance

1. Open the mixer on the Home

Screen. (→ P.11)

2. Adjust the parameter settings.

■ Editing operations

Move cursor or change value: Turn

Select parameter to change: Press

Parameter Setting range Explanation

Fader Mute, −48.0 – +12.0 dB

Adjusts the level of the input signal.

Panning L100 – Center – R100

Adjusts the left-right stereo position of the sound.

HINT

• You can turn

to move the cursor, and also adjust the settings

of the MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 signals. (→ P.78)

• When a fader or pan knob is selected, press and hold to

reset it to its default value. If already set to its default value,

selecting a fader mutes the track.

NOTE

• The MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 faders do not affect the

levels of the slate mic and slate tone.

• These volume and pan settings only affect the monitoring signals

and the data being recorded on the L/R track.

• Settings are saved separately for each take that is already

recorded and can be changed during playback. (→ P.41)

• Mix settings are not saved with the take when the recorded ﬁle

format is MP3.

You can adjust the volume and panning of each input signal when monitoring during recording.

Input settings

Monitoring the input signals of specic tracks (PFL/SOLO)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Monitoring the input signals of speciﬁc tracks (PFL/SOLO)

1. Press on the tracks that you want to monitor.

The selected track keys will light orange, and the PFL screen will open. "PFL" or "SOLO" appears at the top of the display, and you will be able to monitor the input signal with headphones.

PFL mode

Level meter (prefader input signal level)

Parameter names

Parameter Explanation Phantom This sets phantom power. HPF This sets the high pass ﬁlter. Input Limiter This sets the limiter. Fader This sets the fader level. Pan This sets the panning. Phase Invert This sets the phase. Side Mic Level This sets the side mic level of a mid-side mic capsule.

Parameter Explanation Input Delay This sets the input delay. Plugin Power This sets the plugin power. Stereo Link This sets the stereo link. Stereo Link Mode This sets the stereo link mode. PFL Mode This sets the monitoring volume on the PFL screen.

HINT

• Use

to select parameters and change setting values.

2. Press or .

You can monitor the input signals of speciﬁc tracks and make various settings for selected tracks.

Input settings

Setting the monitoring volume on the PFL screen (PFL Mode)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

PFL Mode

”,

and press

4. Use to select the track,

and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all the tracks at the same time.

5. Use to select the mode,

and press

Setting value Explanation PFL Monitor the prefader sound. SOLO Monitor the postfader sound.

Setting the monitoring volume on the PFL screen (PFL Mode)

On the PFL screen, you can set the monitored sound to be either prefader listening (PFL) or postfader solo (SOLO).

Input settings

Cutting low-frequency noise (HPF)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Cutting low-frequency noise (HPF)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

HPF

”, and

press

4. Use to select the input,

and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all inputs at the same time.

5. Use to set the cutoff

frequency, and press

NOTE

The HPF also affects dual channel recording data.

HINT

This can be set to Off or between 80 and 240 Hz.

The high pass ﬁlter can cut low frequencies to reduce the sound of wind, vocal pops and other noise.

Input settings

Input limiter

The limiter can prevent distortion by controlling input signals that have excessively high levels.

Threshold

Level

Original

signal

Limited

signal

Attack

time

Release

time

Time

When the limiter is ON, if the input signal level exceeds the set threshold value, the signal level will be suppressed to pre- vent the sound from distorting. The attack time is how long after the signal exceeds the threshold before the limiter starts operating. The release time is how long after the signal goes below the threshold before the limiter stops operating. You can change these two param- eters to adjust the sound quality.

HINT

• The

has a newly designed limiter that provides 10 dB

of headroom, allowing signals to be kept well below the set

threshold, therefore more effectively preventing distortion.

• The limiter uses a ratio of 20:1.

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Input

Limiter

”, and press .

4. Use to select the input,

and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all the inputs at the same time.

Input limiter

Input settings

Input limiter

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the type

5. Use to select “

Type

”, and

press

6. Use to select the type,

and press

Setting value Explanation

Hard Knee

Only peaks that exceed the threshold are attenu- ated. There is no effect below the threshold.

Soft Knee

The limiter gradually affects the signal about 6 dB below the threshold for a gentler effect.

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Using the limiter ................................................................P.61

Setting the type .................................................................P.61

Setting the threshold .........................................................P.62

Setting the attack time.......................................................P.62

Setting the release time ....................................................P.63

Using the limiter

5. Use to select “

On/Off

”,

and press

6. Use to select “

”, and

press

Input settings

Input limiter

Setting the attack time

This sets the amount of time until limiting starts after the input signal exceeds the threshold.

5. Use to select “

Attack

Time

”, and press .

6. Use to adjust the time,

and press

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 4 ms.

Setting the threshold

This sets the level at which the limiter begins operating.

5. Use to select

“

Threshold

”, and press .

6. Use to adjust the

setting, and press

HINT

This can be set from −16 to −2 dBFS.

Input limiter (continued)

Input settings

Input limiter

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

NOTE

• Limiter operation is linked for tracks that have stereo link

or MS stereo link enabled. If the signal for either linked

channel reaches the threshold, the limiter will operate on

both tracks.

• When the limiter is operating, the right-most segment of

the level meter and the mixer limiter indicator on the dis-

play light yellow.

Setting the release time

This sets the amount of time until limiting stops after the input signal goes below the threshold.

5. Use to select “

Release

Time

”, and press .

6. Use to adjust the time,

and press

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 500 ms.

Input settings

Inverting the input phase (Phase Invert)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Phase

Invert

”, and press .

4. Use to select the input,

and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all inputs at the same time.

5. Use to select “

”, and

press

The phase of the input signal can be inverted. This is useful when sounds cancel each other out due to mic positioning.

Input settings

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

HINT

Phantom power is a function that supplies power to devices that

require an external power supply, including some condenser mics.

The standard power is +48V, but some devices can operate with

lower voltages.

NOTE

Do not use this function with a device that is not compatible with

phantom power. Doing so could damage the device.

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Phantom

”,

and press

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Using phantom power ......................................................P.66

Setting the voltage ............................................................ P.66

The can provide phantom power. The voltage can be set to +24V or +48V and it can be turned on/off for each input separately.

Input settings

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

Setting the voltage

4. Use to select “

Voltage

(For All Inputs)

”, and press

5. Use to select the

voltage, and press

HINT

When using mics and other equipment that can operate with volt-

ages less than +48V, selecting +24V can reduce power consumption

by the

Using phantom power

4. Use to select “

On/Off

”,

and press

5. Use to select the input,

and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all inputs at the same time.

6. Use to select “

”, and

press

NOTE

When a mic capsule is connected, phantom power for inputs 1/2

are set to Off.

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom) (continued)

Input settings

Changing the plugin power setting (Plugin Power)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Changing the plugin power setting (Plugin Power)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Plugin

Power

”, and press .

4. Use to select ”

”, and

press

Make this setting when a mic that is compatible with plug-in power is connected to the mic capsule’s MIC/LINE input jack.

Input settings

Delaying input signals (Input Delay)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Input

Delay

”, and press .

4. Use to select the input,

and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all inputs at the same time.

5. Use to adjust the delay

time, and press

HINT

This can be set from 0 to 30.0 ms.

NOTE

When Sample Rate is set to 192kHz, Input Delay is disabled.

If there are differences in the timing of input signals, use this function to correct them when recording.

Input settings

Converting mid-side input to ordinary stereo (Stereo Link Mode)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Converting mid-side input to ordinary stereo (Stereo Link Mode)

Mid-side stereo format overview

This technique creates a stereo recording from signals input by a directional mid mic that captures sound in the center and a bidi- rectional side mic that captures sounds from the left and right. Mid-side recording allows you to change the stereo width by the adjusting the level of the side mic. Since this technique can capture a wide stereo image, it is ideal for recording open spaces with numerous sound sources, such as orchestras, live concerts and soundscapes. Mid-side recording is also extremely effective when you want to be able to control the amount of room ambience in a sig- nal. For this reason, it is often used for live as well as studio recording. In addition, the stereo signal created by this tech- nique is fully mono-compatible, making it especially useful when recording sound for ﬁlm, video, or broadcast.

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

INPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Stereo

Link Mode

”, and press .

4. Use to select the input

pair, and press

Signals from a mid-side stereo mic input connected to stereo-linked inputs can be converted to an ordinary stereo signal. See "Linking inputs as a stereo pair" (→ P.24) for how to use stereo linking.

Mid mic

Side mic

Phase

S+

Master

Pan

Phase

S-

Pan

Phase

Pan L R

Input settings

Converting mid-side input to ordinary stereo (Stereo Link Mode)

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all input pairs at the same time.

5. Use to select ”

MS Stereo

Link

”, and press .

Setting value Explanation

Stereo Link When stereo-linked, inputs are handled normally.

MS Stereo Link

When stereo-linked, signals from a mid-side mic are converted to ordinary stereo.

NOTE

• When “

MS Stereo Link

“ is selected, odd-numbered inputs are han-

dled as mid signals and even-numbered inputs as side signals.

• The MS Stereo Link setting is disabled if a ZOOM mic capsule

is connected that cannot have L/R signals routed individually to

inputs 1/2.

HINT

• Use

for each input to adjust the mid/side balance.

• The PFL screen allows you to adjust the side mic level for inputs

1/2 when a mid-side mic capsule is connected.

Converting mid-side input to ordinary stereo (Stereo Link Mode)

(continued)

Input settings

Adjusting the side level of a mid-side mic capsule (Side Mic Level)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Adjusting the side level of a mid-side mic capsule (Side Mic Level)

1. Press for track 1 or 2.

2. Use to select “

Side Mic

Level

”, and press .

3. Use to adjust the side

mic level, and press

HINT

This can be set to Off, RAW or in a range from −24 to +6 dB.

NOTE

• The more the side mic level is increased, the greater the stereo

width.

• When set to RAW, recording will occur without stereo encoding.

The stereo width of audio in RAW format can be adjusted after

recording by using ZOOM MS Decoder or other plug-in software.

HINT

When dual channel recording is on, the side mic level can also be

set for tracks 5/6, which correspond to tracks 1/2.

You can adjust the side mic level (stereo width) before recording when a mid-side mic capsule is connected.

Output settings

Setting signals sent to headphones (Headphone Routing)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select

“

Headphone

”, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting the routing ............................................................P.72

Using mono headphone output .......................................P.73

Monitoring mid-side stereo signals .................................P.74

Setting the routing

4. Use to select “

Headphone

Routing

”, and press .

5. Use to select the tracks/outputs for headphone

routing and press

Clear all settings

Mono mix

Tracks routed to the left headphone channel

Tracks routed to the right headphone channel

Set tracks 1–8 to prefader (deactivates MS)

Mid-side stereo monitoring

Cycles options:

• Change tracks 1–8 to postfader (cancels others)

• Change L/R to postfader (cancels others)

• Change M1/M2 to postfader (cancels others)

• Change S1/S2 to postfader (cancels others) (deactivates MS)

Prefader selected

Postfader selected

Off

You can set the type of signal sent to the headphone output to either prefader or postfader for each track.

Setting signals sent to headphones (Headphone Routing)

Output settings

Setting signals sent to headphones (Headphone Routing)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

HINT

Press

to cycle through the options: Prefader → Post-

fader → Off.

NOTE

• You cannot set L/R , MAIN OUT 1/2 or SUB OUT 1/2 to

prefader.

• You cannot select the 1–8, L/R , MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB

OUT 1/2 tracks at the same time. Selecting one type will

deselect the other.

6. Press .

Using mono headphone output

4. Use to select “

MONO Mix

”,

and press

5. Press .

Output settings

Setting signals sent to headphones (Headphone Routing)

Monitoring mid-side stereo signals

Signals from a mid-side stereo mic can be converted to an ordinary stereo signal for monitoring.

4. Use to select “

”, and

press

5. Press .

NOTE

• This is disabled for stereo-linked tracks that have Stereo Link

Mode set to MS Stereo Link.

• This is only enabled for tracks that have a mid-side microphone

or mid-side mic capsule connected and the Side Mic Level set to

RAW.

• When mid-side stereo monitoring is enabled, the prefader tracks

will be routed automatically to the headphone channels, with the

odd-numbered to the left and the even-numbered to the right. In

this case, the routing cannot be changed manually.

Setting signals sent to headphones (Headphone Routing) (continued)

Output settings

Outputting alerts through headphones (Alert Tone Level)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Outputting alerts through headphones (Alert Tone Level)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select

“

Headphone

”, and press .

4. Use to select “

Alert

Tone Level

”, and press .

5. Use to adjust the

volume, and press

HINT

• This can be set to Off or between −60 and −12 dBFS.

• When set to Off, no alerts will be output.

When alerts sound Sound type

Remaining battery low 880Hz tone 4 times every 30 seconds Recording starts 1000Hz tone 1 time Recording stops 880Hz tone 2 times Recording not possible 880Hz tone 3 times

The volume can be adjusted for alerts output to headphones when, for example, recording starts and stops.

Output settings

Disabling outputs (Output On/O)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Output

On/Off

”, and press .

4. Use to select the

output, and press

HINT

Select All to set all outputs at the same time.

5. Use to select Off, and

press

Disabling outputs (Output On/Off)

By disabling outputs that you are not using, you can reduce power consumption and increase the length of operation time when using batteries.

Output settings

Setting the standard output level (Output Level)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the standard output level (Output Level)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Output

Level

”, and press .

4. Use to set the output

type, and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all outputs at the same time.

5. Use to set the standard

output level, and press

Setting value Explanation

Normal (−10dBV) This sets the standard level to −10 dBV. Mic (−40dBV) This sets the standard level to −40 dBV.

The standard output level can be changed.

Output settings

Setting the output level

1. Open the mixer on the Home

Screen. (→ P.11)

2. Use to open the MAIN

OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2

settings screen.

3. Use to select a fader,

and press

4. Use to adjust the

output level, and press

HINT

• This can be set to Mute or from −48.0 to +12.0 dB.

• You can also check and adjust various output settings on the

MAIN OUT and SUB OUT setting screen.

Setting the output level

The MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 levels can be changed.

Output settings

Delaying output signals (Output Delay)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Delaying output signals (Output Delay)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Output

Delay

”, and press .

4. Use to select the

output, and press

HINT

Select “

ALL

“ to set all outputs at the same time.

5. Use to adjust the delay

in frames, and press

HINT

This can be set from 0.0 to 10.0 frames.

NOTE

• The delay in milliseconds depends on the frame rate of the

selected timecode.

• When Sample Rate is set to 192kHz, Output Delay is disabled.

By delaying outputs, you can correct timing differences for audio input to other devices receiving signal from the .

Output settings

Output Limiter

HINT

For details about the effect of the limiter, see "Input limiter". (→ P.60)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Output

Limiter

”, and press .

4. Use to select the

output, and press

HINT

Select ALL to set all outputs at the same time.

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Using the limiter ................................................................P.80

Setting the type .................................................................P.81

Setting the threshold .........................................................P.81

Setting the attack time.......................................................P.82

Setting the release time ....................................................P.82

Setting links .......................................................................P.83

Using the limiter

5. Use to select “

On/Off

”,

and press

6. Use to select “

”, and

press

Using a limiter on the output can protect devices connected to the output jacks.

Output settings

Output Limiter

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the type

5. Use to select “

Type

”, and

press

6. Use to select the type,

and press

Setting value Explanation

Hard Knee

Only peaks that exceed the threshold are attenu- ated. There is no effect below the threshold.

Soft Knee

The limiter gradually affects the output signal about 6 dB below the threshold for a gentler effect.

Setting the threshold

This sets the level at which the limiter begins operating.

5. Use to select

“

Threshold

”, and press .

6. Use to adjust the

setting, and press

HINT

This can be set from −16 to −2 dBFS.

Output settings

Output Limiter

Output Limiter (continued)

Setting the release time

This sets the amount of time until limiting stops after the out- put signal goes below the threshold.

5. Use to select “

Release

Time

”, and press .

6. Use to adjust the time,

and press

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 500 ms.

Setting the attack time

This sets the amount of time until limiting starts after the out- put signal exceeds the threshold.

5. Use to select “

Attack

Time

”, and press .

6. Use to adjust the time,

and press

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 4 ms.

Output settings

Output Limiter

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting links

The limiter can be linked or applied separately to MAIN OUT 1 and MAIN OUT 2, as well as to SUB OUT 1 and SUB OUT 2.

5. Use to select “

Link

”, and

press

6. Use to select “

Off

”, and

press

Setting value Explanation

Off Separates limiter operation.

Links limiter operation. If the signal for either linked signal reaches the threshold, the limiter will operate on both channels.

Output settings

Selecting signals sent to the main outputs (MAIN OUT Routing)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

MAIN OUT

Routing

”, and press .

4. Use to select the track for MAIN OUT 1 or MAIN

OUT 2 routing and press

Clear all settings

Tracks routed to MAIN OUT 1

Tracks routed to MAIN OUT 2

Set tracks 1–8 to prefader

Switches option:

• Change tracks 1–8 to postfader

• Change L/R tracks to postfader

Select prefader

Select postfader

Off

HINT

Press

to cycle through the options: Prefader → Postfader →

Off.

NOTE

• Tracks 1–8 can be set to Prefader or Postfader.

• The L/R tracks can only be set to Postfader.

• Tracks 1–8 and L/R tracks cannot be set at the same time. Selecting

one type will deselect the other.

5. Press .

You can send either prefader or postfader signals for each track to the main outputs.

Output settings

Selecting signals sent to the sub outputs (SUB OUT Routing)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Selecting signals sent to the sub outputs (SUB OUT Routing)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

OUTPUT

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

SUB OUT

Routing

”, and press .

4. Use to select the track for SUB OUT 1 or SUB

OUT 2 routing and press

Clear all settings

Tracks routed to SUB OUT 1

Tracks routed to SUB OUT 2

Set tracks 1–8 to prefader

Switch options:

• Change tracks 1–8 to postfader

• Change L/R tracks to postfader

Select prefader

Select postfader

Off

HINT

Press

to cycle through the options: Prefader → Postfader →

Off.

NOTE

• Tracks 1–8 can be set to Prefader or Postfader.

• The L/R tracks can only be set to Postfader.

• Tracks 1–8 and L/R tracks cannot be set at the same time. Selecting

one type will deselect the other.

5. Press .

You send either prefader or postfader signals for each track to the sub outputs.

TIMECODE

Timecode overview

If video and audio data both have recorded timecode, align- ing them to a timeline and synchronizing them together is easy when using nonlinear editing software.

HINT

The

uses a precision oscillator that generates timecode

with a high degree of accuracy (+/- 0.2 ppm, or approximately 0.5

frames per 24 hours).

The can input and output SMPTE timecode. Timecode is time information written to data when recording video and audio. It is used for video editing, control of other devices, and synchronization of audio and video.

Using timecode for editing

Nonlinear editing software

00:10:00:00

00:10:03:00

Audio ﬁle

Timecode

00:10:03:00

Video ﬁle

Timecode

00:10:00:00

TIMECODE

Timecode overview

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Connection examples

Connections like the following are possible, depending upon the speciﬁc equipment being used with the

Synchronizing with a video camera

The

records with a mic input and transmits timecode.

The

saves the timecode that it generates with the audio data. The timecode received by the video camera is recorded with the video data.

Inputting timecode

Timecode is transmitted from an external timecode generator. Both the

and the video camera receive timecode and record it with their audio and video data. The input timecode can also be used to synchronize the

audio clock.

Video camera

Timecode

Audio

Mic

Video camera

Timecode generator

Timecode

Audio

Mic

TIMECODE

Setting timecode

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

TIMECODE

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Timecode

”,

and press

Internal timecode frame rate

External timecode frame rate

Internal timecode restart button

Timecode mode

Internal timecode

External timecode

Jam button

Internal user bits

External user bits

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting the mode ...............................................................P.89

Stopping timecode output when recording is stopped .P.90

Synchronizing audio clock with external timecode ........P.90

Automatically enabling internal timecode when no

external timecode is input ................................................P.91

Setting the user bits for internal timecode ......................P.91

Setting the frame rate for internal timecode ...................P.93

Jamming internal timecode .............................................P.94

Restarting internal timecode with a speciﬁed value ......P.94

TIMECODE

Setting timecode

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the mode

The timecode mode settings allow you to specify:

• Whether the

generates timecode or receives

external timecode

• Whether or not timecode continues running when not recording

4. Use to select “

Mode

”, and

press

5. Use to select “

Mode

”, and

press

6. Use to select the mode,

and press

Setting value Explanation

Off

No timecode will be written to the recording ﬁle. Timecode will not be output from the TIMECODE OUT jack.

Int Free Run

Internal timecode will be generated regardless of the recording mode. The internal timecode can be set manually using the following menu items:

• MENU > TIMECODE > Timecode > Jam

• MENU > TIMECODE > Timecode > Restart Timecode will always be output from the TIMECODE OUT jack.

Int Record Run

Internal timecode will be generated only when recording. The internal timecode can be set manually using the following menu items:

• MENU > TIMECODE > Timecode > Jam

• MENU > TIMECODE > Timecode > Restart When switching from another mode, or when recording stops, the internal timecode will stop at the last value.

Int RTC Run

Internal timecode will be generated regardless of the recording mode. In the following situations, the internal timecode will be synchronized (jammed) with the RTC (internal clock):

• At startup

• When Date/Time (RTC) has changed (→ P.17)

• When switching to this timecode mode Timecode will always be output from the TIMECODE OUT jack.

Ext

The internal timecode will chase the external timecode. You can also enable the automatic generation of internal timecode when there is no external timecode. (→ P. 91)

Ext Auto Rec

The internal timecode will chase the external timecode. You can also enable the automatic generation of internal timecode when there is no external timecode. (→ P.91) Recording starts automatically when external timecode input is detected. Recording stops automatically when external timecode stops.

TIMECODE

Setting timecode

Setting timecode (continued)

Stopping timecode output when recording is stopped

You can set whether or not timecode is output from the TIMECODE OUT jack when recording is stopped.

4. Use to select “

Mode

”,

and press

5. Use to select “

Int Auto

Mute

”, and press .

6. Use to select “

”, and

press

NOTE

• Timecode will continue to be output when recording/playback is

paused.

• This cannot be set when Mode is set to Off, Ext or Ext Auto Rec.

Synchronizing audio clock with external timecode

4. Use to select “

Mode

”, and

press

5. Use to select “

Ext Audio

Clock Sync

”, and press .

6. Use to select “

”, and

press

NOTE

• This cannot be set when Mode is set to Off, Int Free Run, Int

Record Run or Int RTC Run.

• When there is no external timecode, the internal audio clock is enabled to preserve continuity.

TIMECODE

Setting timecode

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Automatically enabling internal timecode when no external timecode is input

You can enable the automatic generation of internal timecode to preserve continuity when there is no external timecode.

4. Use to select “

Mode

”, and

press

5. Use to select “

Ext

Continuous

”, and press .

6. Use to select “

”, and

press

NOTE

• This cannot be set when Mode is set to Off, Int Free Run, Int

Record Run or Int RTC Run.

Setting the user bits for internal timecode

User bits are data that you can set to be included in the time- code. Up to 8 numbers (0–9) and letters (A–F) can be included. Recording date information, for example, can be useful when editing later.

Setting the user bits (Ubits) mode

4. Use to select “

Ubits

”, and press .

5. Use to select “

Mode

”, and

press

TIMECODE

Setting timecode

Setting timecode (continued)

5. Use to select “

Edit

”, and

press

6. Edit the value.

■ Editing operations

Move cursor or change value:

turn

Select parameter to change: press

HINT

User bits can only consist of numbers from 0 to 9 and letters from

A to F.

7. When done changing the

setting, use

to select

“

Enter

”, and press .

6. Use to select the mode,

and press

Setting value Explanation

uu uu uu uu You can set these values as you like on the Edit screen.

mm dd yy uu

The month, day and year are entered automatically in that order using the RTC setting. You can set the "uu" value as you like on the Edit screen.

dd mm yy uu

The, day, month and year are entered automatically in that order using the RTC setting. You can set the "uu" value as you like on the Edit screen.

yy mm dd uu

The year, month and day are entered automatically in that order using the RTC setting. You can set the "uu" value as you like on the Edit screen.

HINT

Only "uu" items can be changed.

Setting the user bits (Ubits)

4. Use to select “

Ubits

”, and press .

Setting timecode (continued)

TIMECODE

Setting timecode

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting value Explanation

23.976ND

This is the most common frame rate used with HD cameras and other high-deﬁnition video recording. The count is 0.1% slower than the actual time.

24ND

This is the standard frame rate used for recording ﬁlm. This is also used with HD cameras.

25ND

This is the frame rate for PAL video. This is used for PAL video, which is used in Europe and other regions.

29.97ND

This is a frame rate used for NTSC color video and HD cameras. The count is 0.1% slower than the actual time. This is used for NTSC video, which is used in Japan, the United States and other countries.

29.97D

This is an adjusted frame rate that uses drop frames to make NTSC match the actual time. This is used with video for broadcast that requires the actual time frame to be matched.

30ND

This is used to synchronize sound with ﬁlm that is being transfered to NTSC video. This is the standard frame rate used for black-and-white television in Japan, the United States and other countries.

30D

This rate is used for special applications. This synchronizes with ﬁlm sound to be transferred to NTSC using 29.97fps drop frame. The count is 0.1% faster than the actual time.

HINT

• ND stands for Non-Drop frame.

• D stands for Drop frame.

NOTE

Matching frame rates must be set in advance on all connected

video and audio devices.

Setting the frame rate for internal timecode

4. Use to select “

FPS

”, and

press

5. Use to select the frame

rate, and press

TIMECODE

Setting timecode

Restarting internal timecode with a speciﬁed value

4. Use to select “

Restart

”,

and press

5. Set the restart value.

■ Editing operations

Move cursor or change value:

turn

Select parameter to change: press

6. Use to select “

Restart

”,

and press

Jamming internal timecode

Timecode input through the TIMECODE IN jack is used to set internal timecode.

4. Use to select “

Jam

”, and

press

Setting timecode (continued)

TIMECODE

Setting automatic timecode recording delay (Auto Rec Delay Time)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting automatic timecode recording delay (Auto Rec Delay Time)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

TIMECODE

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Auto Rec

Delay Time

”, and press .

4. Use to adjust the time,

and press

HINT

This can be set from 0.0 to 8.0 s.

If set to record automatically when external timecode is received, unnecessary recording could occur when timecode is received for a brief amount time. In order to prevent this, you can set the amount of time until recording starts after timecode is received.

TIMECODE

Setting how timecode is initialized at startup (Start Timecode)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

TIMECODE

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Start

Timecode

”, and press .

4. Use to set how

timecode is initialized, and

press

Setting value Explanation

Restart Time

When the

starts, the value set by Restart (→ P.94) is

used to jam the internal timecode.

RTC

When the

starts, its timecode is restored from the timecode when the power was turned off and advanced by the elapsed time using the Date/Time (RTC) setting (→ P.17). Since RTC is less precise than internal timecode, discrep- ancies will occur.

Since internal timecode stops when the is turned off, the timecode is automatically initialized (jammed) during startup. You can set the value that is used for jamming at that time.

Slate mic/slate tone

Slate mic and slate tone overview

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Slate mic and slate tone overview

When recording with the , you can add audio com- ments that describe, for example, the scene being ﬁlmed or the anticipated cuts. You can also record slate tone signals that can be used to synchronize with video. The

has a built-in slate mic for recording comments

and the ability to output a variable frequency tone signal.

HINT

A "slate" is a clapperboard used when recording video.

NOTE

• The slate mic and slate tone cannot be used at the same time.

• The slate mic and slate tone cannot be used during audio ﬁle

playback.

Slate mic/slate tone

Recording with the slate mic (Slate Mic)

1. Press .

2. Use to select “

SLATE

”,

and press

3. Use to select “

Slate

Mic

”, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting the volume ............................................................P.98

Setting the routing ............................................................P.98

Recording ...........................................................................P.99

Disabling the slate mic ...................................................... P.100

Setting the volume

4. Use to select “

Level

”,

and press

5. Use to adjust the level,

and press

HINT

This can be set from 0 to 24 dB.

Setting the routing

Set the destination for the slate mic signal.

4. Use to select “

Routing

”,

and press

You can use the built-in slate mic to record comments and to keep notes about recorded takes.

Slate mic/slate tone

Recording with the slate mic (Slate Mic)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Recording

4. Press to start recording.

5. Push to the left, toward the mic symbol and

release.

6. To disable the slate mic, push to the left,

toward the mic symbol again and release.

NOTE

• When the slate mic is in use, other signals input to the tracks that

it is routed to are muted.

• The slate mic signal is always routed to the headphone L/R chan-

nels regardless of other routing settings.

• The MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 faders do not affect the

levels of the slate mic and slate tone.

HINT

If you push and hold

to the left, toward the mic symbol for two

or more seconds, the slate mic will be enabled until you release the

switch.

5. Use to select the tracks/outputs for slate mic

signal routing and press

Clear all settings Set all to postfader

Select postfader

Off

HINT

Press

to switch between Postfader and Off.

NOTE

Routing to tracks 1–8 is not possible when operating the

an audio interface (Stereo Mix).

6. Press .

Slate mic/slate tone

Recording with the slate mic (Slate Mic)

100

Disabling the slate mic

You can set the slate mic so that it will not be enabled if is accidentally pushed to the left, toward the mic symbol.

4. Use to select “

On/Off

”,

and press

5. Use to select “

Off

(Lock)

”, and press .

Recording with the slate mic (Slate Mic)

Zoom F8 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual