Zoom F8 Operation Manual

Operation Manual

© 2015 ZOOM CORPORATION

Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.

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<![endif]>Precautions Safety and Usage

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 batteries (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 product.

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 temperatures.

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 vibrations.

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 +/− orientations.

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 battery 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 unnecessary 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 equipment 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 electromagnetic waves and to suppress interference from external electromagnetic waves. However, equipment that is very susceptible to interference or that emits powerful electromagnetic 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 , electromagnetic interference could cause malfunction, 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 disconnect 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

Windows®, Windows® 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 trademarks. MPEG Layer-3 audio compression technology is licensed from Fraunhofer IIS and Sisvel S.p.A.

Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logo are registered 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 trademarks in this document are for identification 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 responsibility 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
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 (NextTake)....	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
(AlertTone 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

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder
(Auto Rec DelayTime) ..........................................	95
Setting how timecode is initialized at startup
(StartTimecode)....................................................	96
Slate mic/slate tone
Slate mic and slate tone overview ......................	97
Recording with the slate mic (Slate Mic)............	98
Recording a slate tone (SlateTone) ...................	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 ......................................	110
Various settings
Setting how timecode is shown
(HomeTimecode Display Size) ..........................	112
Setting level meter appearance (Level Meter) . 113
Setting the LED brightness (LED Brightness)...	116
Making display settings (LCD)...........................	117
Adding marks when pausing
(PLAY Key Option) ...............................................	119
Other functions
Checking SD card information (Information) ...	121
Testing SD card performance
(PerformanceTest) ..............................................	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

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03

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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 regular 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 timecode 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 as MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 jacks

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 outputs.

•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 addition, 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 levels.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.

04

Names of parts

Front

	Select	Slate	Track	Track	Input volume
Display	encoder	switch	indicator	key	knob
					LED level
					meter
					PFL key
					Slate mic

MENU	Headphone	Search	Stop	Search	Play/pause	Record	POWER
key	volume	backward	key	forward	key	key	switch
		key		key

Back

DC IN connector

Timecode IN/OUT	Battery slot	MIC IN
connectors		connector

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

LED level meter

		Green					Orange Red

−48 −30−18−12−6 0

(dBFS)

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Names of parts (continued)

Left side

EXT DC IN

USB

SD card

Lock release

connector

port

slots

button

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Inputs 1–4

EXT DC IN			Inputs 1–8
4: +	1: −	2	1
3: NC	2: NC		1: GND
	DC 9–16V		2: HOT
		3	3: COLD
HIROSE 4-pin		XLR

Right side

SUB OUT 1/2		Headphone		MAIN OUT 1/2
jack		jack		jacks

Inputs 5–8

MAIN OUT

TIP: HOT	1		2
RING: COLD			1: GND
SLEEVE: GND		3	2: HOT
			3: COLD
TRS		TA-3

06

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8

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

Connect dynamic and condenser mics with XLR plugs to Inputs 1–8.

Phantom power (+24V/+48V) can be supplied to condenser mics. (→ P.65)

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.

Dynamic mic		Condenser mic
(XLR cable)		(XLR cable)

	NOTE
	When disconnecting a mic, gently pull on the XLR plug while simul-	Keyboard	Mixer
	taneously pushing the connector lock release button.
		(TRS cable)	(TRS cable)

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

Connecting mic capsules

A ZOOM mic capsule can be connected to the MIC IN connector 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

extension cable, connect it to the main unit, inserting

it completely.

1.

2.

Remove the protective caps from the and the mic capsule or extension cable.

While pressing the side buttons on the mic capsule or

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.

08

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Connection examples

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

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)

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)

Gun mic	Wireless lavalier mics

Vocal mic, etc.

PA mixer

	Lavalier receivers	Ambient
		mics
				Audience mics
			1	5
1		5	2	6
2		6	3	7
3		7	4	8
4

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09

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10

LCD display

Home Screen

Power type and remaining power

■ Mixer

Status icon

Recording/playback timecode

DC: AC adapter

Full

EXT: external DC

Stopped

Paused

Frame rate

power supply

INT: internal timecode enabled

AA: batteries

Recording

Playing

EXT: external input timecode enabled

Counter

Empty

(playback/elapsed recording time)

Track number

Red: input enabled

Green: playback track enabled

Grey: input disabled

Limiter status

Grey: disabled

Red: enabled

Stereo-linked

Yellow: functioning

Phantom power status

inputs

Lit: enabled

Unlit: disabled

Fader

	Pan
Recording/playback take name
Press	when stopped to show the
name of the next track to be recorded.
L/R tracks
	Playback card	Recording/playback	Recording/playback tracks
	Green: used for playback	file format and	Red: recording tracks
	Grey: no card	sampling rate	Green: playback tracks
		(by card)	Grey: disabled tracks

(by card)

Level meters

Clip indicators

Limiter indicators

Yellow: limiter functioning

When recording: remaining recordable time When playing: remaining playback time

(by card)

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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

■ Level meters

					Recording/playback
Status icon		Counter		Frame rate		timecode				Power type and
										remaining power
										Clip indicators

Tracks 1–8

L/R tracks

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

Recording/playback take name

Limiter

indicators

Level meters

Playback	Recording/playback	When recording: remaining recordable time
card	file format and	When playing: remaining playback time
	sampling rate	(by card)
	(by card)

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.

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LCD display (continued)

Character input screen

Text box

Number of characters input/

Maximum number of characters

Keyboard

Press

abc

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Instructions

Press

#+=

Press ABC

■ Editing operations

Move cursor in box:

and

Select character:

Turn

Confirm character:

Press

Automatic

Complete editing:

Move cursor to “Enter” and press

input keys

Cancel editing:

Press

■Automatic input keys

NOTE

(Date): Automatically inputs the date. Example: 150210

• The following characters can be used in project names:

(Time): Automatically inputs the time. Example: 180950

(space)!#$'()+,-0123456789;=@ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRST

(Project): Automatically inputs “Project***” in the character

UVWXYZ[]^_`abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz{}~

field.

12	(Scene): Automatically inputs the scene name.

Supplying power

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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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.

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Supplying power (continued)

Using an AC adapter

1. Connect the dedicated AC adapter to the DC IN

connector.

2. Plug the dedicated AC adapter into an outlet.

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)

14

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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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<![endif]>of and on power the Turning

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 "Disabling the Automatic Power Saving function" on P.19 and set Auto Power OFF to Off.

16

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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

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).

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
The first time you turn the		on after purchasing it, you
must set the date/time.

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

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

6. Use to select “Enter”, and press .

This completes setting the date and time.

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

18

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.

2.

3.

Press .

Use to select “SYSTEM”, and press .

Use to select “Auto Power Off”, and press .

4. Use to select “Off”, and press .

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19

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<![endif]>Source) (Power used supply power the Setting

Setting the power supply used (Power Source)

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.

1.

2.

3.

Press .

Use to select “SYSTEM”, and press .

Use to select “Power Source”, and press .

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.

Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) shutdown voltage....	P.20	5. Use	to select the
Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) nominal voltage	P.21
Setting the AA battery type (Int AA).................................	P.21	voltage, and press		.

20

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.

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.

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Recording process

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

	Connect	Turn power
		on (→ P.16)

•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)

	Prepare before	Record	Play back	Check take
			and check	information
	recording	(→ P.26)
			(→ P.40)	(→ P.50)

• Press	to start and	• Press		to start playback	• Check and edit
to stop recording.		and	or	to stop it.	metadata.
• You can also set marks.		• Marks, for example, can also
• Press	to start	be set. (→ P.119)
recording a new track.
• Press	to pause

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)

•U s e t r a c k k e y s t o s e l e c t . T h e 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

• Y o u c a n m a k e o t h e r s e t t i n g s , 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.

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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		A single (multitrack) file is created that
	(Poly WAV)	Selected tracks	contains audio for multiple tracks.
			A single mono file is created for
	Track1-8	1–8
	(Mono/Stereo WAV)		each mono track and a single stereo
			file is created for each stereo track.
	Track1-8 + L/R		A single (multitrack) file is created that
	(Poly WAV)	All selected	contains audio for multiple tracks.
			A single mono file is created for
	Track1-8 + L/R	tracks
	(Mono/Stereo WAV)		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
	L/R (Stereo MP3)		mix created by the internal mixer.

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.

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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						Linking inputs as a stereo pair
1. Make the track indicator light by pressing the track						1. While pressing track key 1, press track key 2.
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	Explanation
	background color
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.

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.

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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 disabled. Use the level control on the mic capsule to adjust its input volume.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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 adjustment for all track . Press + again to reenable operation.

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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 recording for at least a second.

3.

4.

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)

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.

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F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate)

You can set the sampling rate used to record files.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Press	.
Use	to select “REC”, and
press	.

Use to select “Sample Rate”, and press .

Use to select the sampling rate, and press .

	Setting value	Explanation
	44.1kHz, 48kHz,	These are standard sampling rates.
	88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz
		Select this when recording video at 23.976 frames
	47.952kHz	per second if you want to edit at 24 frames per
		second later.
		Select this when recording video at 24 frames per
	48.048kHz	second if you want to edit at NTSC 29.97 or 23.98
		HD later.
		These function the same as the two above, but the
		sampling rate metadata will be recorded as 48kHz
		for <FILE_SAMPLE_RATE>.
	47.952kHz (F),	This enables playback and editing with devices
	48.048kHz (F)	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.

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Setting WAV file bit depth (WAV Bit Depth)

You can set the bit depth of WAV files.

1.

2.

3.

Press	.
Use	to select “REC”, and
press	.

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.

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F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting MP3 file bit rate (MP3 Bit Rate)

You can set the bit rate of recorded MP3 files.

1.

2.

Press	.
Use	to select “REC”, and
press	.

4. Use to select the bit rate, and press .

HINT

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

3. Use to select “MP3 Bit Rate”, and press .

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Simultaneously recording tracks at different levels (Dual Channel Rec)

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.

1.

2.

3.

Press	.
Use	to select “REC”, and
press	.

Use to select “Dual Channel Rec”, and press .

4.

5.

Use to select the track, and press .

Use	to select “On”, and
press	.

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

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