Zoom F8 Operation Manual
© 2015 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without
permission is prohibited.
Operation Manual
Usage and Safety Precautions
02
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
03
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
04
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
05
F8 Multi Track Field Recorder
Back
Front
Display
Select
encoder
Slate
switch
MENU
key
Headphone
volume
Search
backward
key
MIC IN
connector
Battery slotTimecode IN/OUT
connectors
DC IN connector
Search
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
Names of parts
06
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
12
1: −4: +
2: NC3: NC
21
3
3
Names of parts (continued)
Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8
07
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 mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8
08
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
09
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.
2
3
4
1
6
7
5
8
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
2
3
4
1
6
7
5
Connection examples
The allows you to record in a variety of situations, such as:
LCD display
10
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
to
return to the Home Screen.
Home Screen
■ Mixer
LCD display
LCD display
11
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
12
Character input screen
MENU::
abc
#+=
Number of characters input/
Maximum number of characters
Press
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
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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))
17
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))
18
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)
19
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)
20
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)
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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
Recording
26
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)
27
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)
28
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)
29
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 dierent levels (Dual Channel Rec)
30
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 “
On
”, 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)
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