Zoom F8 operation manual

Download

Operation Manual

Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in

whole without permission is prohibited.

Contents ...........................................................................................................02

Usage and Safety Precautions ........................................................................04

Introduction ......................................................................................................05

Names of parts .................................................................................................06

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8................................................08

LCD display ...................................................................................................... 11

Preparations

Supplying power .............................................................................................15

Contents

Loading an SD card .........................................................................................17

Turning the power on and off .........................................................................18

Setting the date and time (Date/Time (RTC)).................................................19

Disabling the Automatic Power Saving function (Auto Power Off) .............21

Setting the power supply used (Power Source) ............................................22

Recording

Recording process ...........................................................................................24

Enabling recording on SD cards and setting ﬁle formats ............................25

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels ............................................................27

Recording .........................................................................................................29

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate) .......................................................30

Setting WAV ﬁle bit depth (WAV Bit Depth) ...................................................31

Setting MP3 ﬁle bit rate (MP3 Bit Rate)..........................................................32

Simultaneously recording tracks at different levels (Dual Channel Rec) ....33

Capturing audio before recording starts (Pre Rec) .......................................35

Maximum ﬁle size (File Max Size) ..................................................................36

Showing total recording times for long recordings (Time Counter) ...........37

Folder and ﬁle structure ..................................................................................38

Moving the previously recorded take to the FALSE TAKE folder .................40

Recording take settings

Changing the note for the next take recorded (Note) ...................................41

Setting how recorded scenes are named and numbered ............................43

Setting the take name reset condition and format .......................................46

Changing the track name of the next take recorded (Track Name) .............48

Changing the number of the next take recorded ..........................................50

Playback

Playing recordings ...........................................................................................51

Mixing takes .....................................................................................................52

Monitoring the playback signals of speciﬁc tracks during playback ...........53

Changing the playback mode (Play Mode) ....................................................54

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER) .............................................................55

Overview of take information (metadata) stored in ﬁles .............................62

Checking and editing take metadata ..............................................................64

Writing sound reports (Create Sound Report)...............................................71

Input settings

Input and output signal ﬂow...........................................................................74

Adjusting the input signal monitoring balance.............................................75

Setting the track knob function (Track Knob Option) ....................................76

Adjusting the L/R track volume.......................................................................78

Monitoring the input signals of speciﬁc tracks (PFL/SOLO) .........................79

Setting the input source (Input Source) .........................................................80

Setting the monitoring volume on the PFL screen (PFL Mode) ...................81

Cutting low-frequency noise (HPF) ................................................................82

Input limiter ......................................................................................................83

Inverting the input phase (Phase Invert) ........................................................89

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom) ......................................90

Changing the plugin power setting (Plugin Power) ......................................93

Delaying input signals (Input Delay) ..............................................................94

Converting mid-side input to ordinary stereo (Stereo Link Mode)..............95

Adjusting the input levels of multiple tracks simultaneously (Trim Link) ...97

Adjusting the side level of a mid-side mic capsule (Side Mic Level) ..........98

Changing the automatic mixing setting (Auto Mix) ....................................99

Setting the format of Ambisonic Mode .......................................................101

Setting the mic position used for ambisonic recording (Mic Position) .....106

Output settings

Setting signals sent to headphones (Headphone Routing) ........................108

Outputting alerts through headphones (Alert Tone Level) ..........................111

Setting the headphone output (Volume Curve) .......................................... 112

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Boosting headphone output to alleviate interference from recorded sound

(Digital Boost) ................................................................................................ 113

Disabling outputs (Output On/Off) ............................................................... 114

Setting the standard output level (Output Level) ........................................ 11 5

Setting output levels .....................................................................................116

Delaying output signals (Output Delay)....................................................... 117

Output Limiter ................................................................................................ 118

Selecting signals sent to the main outputs (MAIN OUT Routing) .............122

Selecting signals sent to the sub outputs (SUB OUT Routing) .................123

Timecode

Timecode overview .......................................................................................124

Setting timecode functions ...........................................................................126

Setting automatic timecode recording delay (Auto Rec Delay Time) ........133

Setting timecode initialization used at startup (Start Timecode) ..............134

Slate mic/slate tone

Slate mic and slate tone overview ...............................................................136

Recording with the slate mic (Slate Mic) .....................................................137

Recording a slate tone (Slate Tone) ..............................................................140

Using USB functions

Exchanging data with a computer (SD Card Reader) .................................144

Using as an audio interface (Audio Interface) .............................................145

Using SD card recording and audio interface functions at the same time

(Audio Interface with Rec) ............................................................................147

Audio interface block diagrams ....................................................................149

Audio interface settings ................................................................................151

Using an

Using an as a controller (Connect) ...................................................152

Setting the type of keyboard connected to the Setting Setting user keys for the Setting the power supply used by the Setting the Updating the

fader and knob operation (Knob/Fader Mode) ...................154

(User Key).................................................155

LED brightness (LED Brightness) ..................................157

ﬁrmware ......................................................................158

(Keyboard Type) ...153

(Power Source) ..................156

Various settings

Setting how timecode is shown (Home Timecode Display Size) ...............160

Setting level meter appearance (Level Meter) ............................................161

Setting the LED brightness (LED Brightness) ..............................................166

Making display settings (LCD) ......................................................................167

Adding marks when pausing (PLAY Key Option) ........................................170

Setting the keys held (Key Hold Target) .......................................................171

Other functions

Checking SD card information (Information) ..............................................172

Testing SD card performance (Performance Test) .......................................173

Formatting SD cards (Format) ......................................................................176

Checking the Backing up and loading

Restoring default setting values (Factory Reset) .........................................180

Checking the ﬁrmware version (Firmware Version) ....................................181

Updating the ﬁrmware ..................................................................................182

Shortcut List ...............................................................177

settings (Backup/Load Settings) .............178

Appendices

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................183

Detailed product diagrams ...........................................................................184

Metadata list ..................................................................................................186

List of shortcuts .............................................................................................190

Speciﬁcations .................................................................................................19 2

Contents

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 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 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 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 magnetic 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 break-

has been

, electro-

down or malfunction, along with your name, address and telephone number.

Copyrights

◎ Windows or registered trademarks of Microsoft ration. ◎ 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 trade-

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.20 and turn the function off.

and Windows® 7 are trademarks

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

Corpo-

Introduction

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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, +75 dB maximum input gain and support for +4 dB 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, an 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 computer using USB.

can be used as a card reader by connecting to a

• 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 are also input and output delays 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 After reading this manual, please keep it with the warranty in a safe place.

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

Introduction

Front

connector

connectors

LED level

Names of parts

Display

Select

encoder

Slate

switch

Track

indicator

Track

key

Track

knob

meter

Names of parts

key

Headphone

volume

backward

key

Stop

key

forward

key

Play/pause

key

Record

key

PFL key

Slate mic

POWER

switch

LED level meter

Green Orange Red

−48

−30 −18 −12 −6 0

(dBFS)

Back

DC IN connector

Battery slotTimecode IN/OUT

MIC IN

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Left side

XLR TA3TRS

Right side

3: COLD

HIROSE 4-pin

EXT DC IN

connector

DC 9–16V

USB port

1: −4: +

2: NC3: NC

SD card

Inputs 1–4

slots

Lock release

button

SUB OUT 1/2

jack

Headphone

jack

MAIN OUT 1/2

jacks

Inputs 5–8

Inputs 1–8EXT DC IN MAIN OUT

1: GND

2: HOT

3: COLD

TIP: HOT

RING: COLD

SLEEVE: GND

Names of parts

1: GND

2: HOT

(XLR cable)

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

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8

Connect dynamic and condenser mics with XLR plugs to Inputs 1–8. Phantom power (+24V/+48V) can be supplied to condenser mics. (→ P.90)

Dynamic mic

NOTE

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

taneously pushing the connector lock release button.

Condenser mic

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.

Keyboard

(TRS cable)

Mixer

(TRS cable)

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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

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.27) 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

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

Connection examples

The allows you to record in a variety of situations, such as the following.

While ﬁlming

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

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

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8

connections)

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

Gun mic

Wireless lavalier mics

Lavalier receivers

Ambient

mics

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)

Vocal mic, etc.

PA mixer

Audience mics

5 6

7 8

LCD display

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Home Screen

■ Mixer

Limiter status Grey: disabled Red: enabled Yellow: functioning

Phantom power status Lit: enabled Unlit: disabled

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

L/R tracks

Status icon

Stopped

Recording

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

Paused

Playing

Fader

Pan

Playback card Green: used for playback Grey: no card

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

Counter (playback/elapsed recording time)

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

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

Recording/playback timecode

Power type and remaining power

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

Stereo-linked inputs

Level meters Clip indicators

Limiter indicators Yellow: limiter functioning

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

Full

Empty

LCD display

HINT

• Stereo-linked tracks are shown together, for example, "7/8".

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

return to the Home Screen.

■ Level meters

USB1-4

LCD display

LCD display (continued)

Status icon Counter Frame rate

Tracks 1–8

Recording/playback

timecode

Power type and remaining power

Clip indicators

Limiter indicators

L/R tracks

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

Recording/playback take name

Playback

card

Level meters

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

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

NOTE

Turn

to switch the mixer display (Tracks 1–8, MAIN OUT 1/2,

SUB OUT 1/2, USB1−4) or level meter display (Views 1–4 can be set

→ P.163) shown on the LCD.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Character input screen

Text box

Keyboard

Instructions

Automatic input keys

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 { } ~

Press

MENU::

ABC

Number of characters input/ Maximum number of characters

Press

abc

Press

#+=

■ Editing operations

Move cursor in box: and

Character selection:

Conﬁrm character: Press

Complete editing: Move cursor to “Enter” and press

Cancel editing: Press

HINT

• Press

• Press + to move the cursor to “Enter”.

Turn the

to move horizontally and

turn it while pressing

cally

+ to delete the previous character.

LCD display

to move verti-

LCD display (continued)

■ Automatic input keys

LCD display

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

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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.

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 unex-

pectedly 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.22)

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

Preparations

Supplying power

Preparations

Supplying power (continued)

Using an AC adapter

1. Connect the dedicated AC adapter to the DC IN

connector.

Supplying power

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 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.22)

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. 176.

Preparations

Loading an SD card

Preparations

Turning the power on and off

Turning the power on

1. Press and hold brieﬂy.

The LED will light.

Turning the power on and off

NOTE

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

set the date/time (→ P. 19). You can also change this setting later.

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

inserted properly.

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

tection is enabled. Slide the lock switch on the SD card to disable

write-protection.

• If “Invalid Card!” appears on the display, the card is not format-

ted correctly. Format the card or use a different card. To format an

SD card, see P. 176.

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.21 and set Auto

Power OFF to Off.

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).

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

(RTC)

, and press .

SYSTEM

Date/Time

Setting the date and time .................................................P. 1 9

Setting the date format .....................................................P.20

Setting the date and time

4. Use to select

Date/Time

5. Change the setting.

■ Changing settings

Move cursor or change value:

Preparations

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

Set

, and press .

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

must set the date/time.

Turn

Select item to change: Press

Preparations

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

6. Use to select

and press

This completes setting the date

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

and time.

Enter

Setting the date format

4. Use to select

Format

, and press .

Date

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

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

and press

3. Use to select

Off

and press .

SYSTEM

Auto Power

4. Use to select

and press

Off

Preparations

Disabling the Automatic Power Saving function (Auto Power Off)

Preparations

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.

Setting the external DC power supply (Ext DC) shut-

1. Press .

Setting the power supply used (Power Source)

2. Use to select

and press

SYSTEM

down 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

3. Use to select

Source

, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting the external DC power supply (Ext DC) shutdown

voltage .........................................P.22

Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) nominal voltage.....P.23

Setting the AA battery type (Int AA)..................P.23

Power

Voltage

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.

, and press .

5. Use to select the

voltage, and press

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Preparations

Setting DC power supply (Ext DC) nominal voltage

4. Use to select

Voltage

, and press .

Nominal

5. Use to select the

voltage, and press

HINT

• The nominal voltage is the voltage of the external DC power sup-

ply under normal conditions. This value should be indicated on

the outside of the external DC power supply.

• This can be set from 12.0 to 15.0 V in 0.2 V intervals.

Setting the AA battery type (Int AA)

4. Use to select

Type

, and press .

Battery

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 the power supply used (Power Source)

Recording

Recording process

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

Recording process

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

(→ P.8)

• Connect a mic capsule to the MIC IN connector. (→ P.9)

1. Set the SD card and file format

• Set the recording file format for each SD card separately.

Connect

for recording. (→ P.25)

Turn power on (→ P.18)

Prepare before recording

2. Select the recording tracks (→ P.27)

• 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.

Record (→ P.29)

• Press to start and to stop recording.

• You can also set marks.

• Press to start recording a new track.

• Press to pause

3. Make recording settings

• Make other settings, including for the following functions:

- dual channel recording (→ P.33)

- pre recording (→ P.35)

- high pass filter (→ P.82)

- limiter (→ P.83)

• Press to start playback and or to stop it.

• Marks, for example, can also be set.

Play back and check (→ P.51)

Check take information (→ P.63)

• Check and edit metadata.

4. Adjust the input levels (→ P.28)

• Use to adjust each input.

• The side mic level can also be

adjusted when using a mid-side mic capsule.

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

and press

REC

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)

Track1-8 (Mono/Stereo WAV)

Track1-8 + L/R (Poly WAV)

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

L/R (Stereo WAV) L/R (Stereo MP3)

Selected tracks 1–8

All selected tracks

L/R tracks

3. Use to select

Recording

Enabling recording on SD cards and setting ﬁle formats

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

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

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

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

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

Rec to SD1

and press

Rec to SD2

Recording

Enabling recording on SD cards and setting ﬁle formats

Enabling recording on SD cards and setting ﬁle formats (continued)

NOTE

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

are saved in a take folder that is created. (→ P.38)

• 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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels

You can select which of 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

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.

Track number

background color

Explanation

Linking inputs as a stereo pair

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

Tracks 1 and 2 will be linked 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 selec-

tion is connected, stereo-linking can also be enabled and dis-

abled for those tracks.

Recording

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels

Recording

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels (continued)

Adjusting input levels

1. Turn for the selected track to adjust its input

level.

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels

NOTE

When a mic capsule is connected,

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. Tracks with the USB set as the input source can be set from

−35 to +30 dB.

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

changing mic positions and adjusting the output levels of con-

nected devices.

• Using the limiter (→ P.83)

• Using the high pass ﬁlter (→ P.82)

for Inputs 1/2 is disabled.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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 at least a second.

during recording is only possible after recording for

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

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

HINT

• During playback, you can press

where marks have been added.

• You can also add marks without pausing. (→ P. 169)

to resume recording.

and to jump to points

4. Press to stop.

NOTE

• If the maximum ﬁle size is exceeded during recording (→ P.36),

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 record-

ing. 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 open to check the name that will be given to the next take recorded.

Recording

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate)

You can set the sampling rate used to record ﬁles.

1. Press .

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate)

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Rate

, and press .

REC

Sample

4. Use to select the

sampling rate, and

press

Setting value Explanation

44.1kHz, 48kHz,

88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz

47.952kHz

48.048kHz

47.952kHz (F),

48.048kHz (F)

NOTE

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

can be selected.

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

Input Delay and Output Delay are also disabled. Moreover,

Auto Mix, Ambisonic Mode, and Input Limiter > On/Off > On

(Advanced) cannot be set.

• Audio Interface with Rec cannot be used when values other than

44.1 kHz or 48 kHz are selected.

These are standard sampling rates.

Select this when recording video at 23.976 frames per second if you want to edit at 24 frames per second later. Select this when recording video at 24 frames per 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 <FILE_SAMPLE_RATE> sampling rate metadata will be recorded as 48kHz. 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% speed at which the ﬁle was recorded.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting WAV ﬁle bit depth (WAV Bit Depth)

You can set the bit depth of WAV ﬁles.

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Depth

, and press .

REC

WAV Bit

4. Use to select the bit

depth, and press

HINT

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

Recording

Setting WAV ﬁle bit depth (WAV Bit Depth)

Recording

Setting MP3 ﬁle bit rate (MP3 Bit Rate)

You can set the bit rate of recorded MP3 ﬁles.

1. Press .

Setting MP3 ﬁle bit rate (MP3 Bit Rate)

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Rate

, and press .

REC

MP3 Bit

4. Use to select the bit

rate, and press

HINT

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

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Channel Rec

, and press .

REC

Dual

4. Use to select the track,

and press

5. Use to select

and press

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

Recording

Simultaneously recording tracks at different levels (Dual Channel Rec)

Recording

Simultaneously recording tracks at different levels (Dual Channel Rec) (continued)

6. Turn for the dual channel recording track to

adjust the input level.

For example, when track 1 is selected, adjust for track 5.

Simultaneously recording tracks at different levels (Dual Channel Rec)

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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Capturing audio before recording starts (Pre Rec)

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

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

and press

REC

Pre Rec

is pressed too late.

File format Sampling rate Maximum pre-recording time

44.1kHz 6 seconds

47.952kHz 6 seconds

47.952kHz(F) 6 seconds 48kHz 6 seconds

WAV

MP3

NOTE

Pre-recording will be disabled if MENU > TIMECODE > Timecode >

Mode (→ P.126) is set to Int Record Run, Ext or Ext Auto Rec.

48.048kHz 6 seconds

48.048kHz(F) 6 seconds

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

44.1kHz 6 seconds 48kHz 6 seconds

Recording

Capturing audio before recording starts (Pre Rec)

4. Use to select

and press

Recording

Maximum ﬁle size (File Max Size)

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.

1. Press .

Maximum ﬁle size (File Max Size)

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Size

, and press .

REC

File Max

4. Use to select

and press

Size

5. 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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Showing total recording times for long recordings (Time Counter)

When recording for a long time, if the ﬁle size set with "File Max Size" is reached, recording will continue in a new take and the recording time will reset. You can change this, however, so that it is not reset and the total recording time is shown.

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

REC

4. Use to select

Counter

, and press .

Time

5. Use to select

3. Use to select

Size

, and press .

Continuous

File Max

Setting value Explanation

Continuous

Reset

, and press .

When recording, even if the ﬁle size set with "Size" is reached, the counter shown on the Home Screen will not be reset. When recording, if the ﬁle size set with "Size" is reached, the counter shown on the Home Screen will be reset to 000:00:00.

Recording

Showing total recording times for long recordings (Time Counter)

Mono ﬁles (tracks 1–4)

Recording

Folder and ﬁle structure

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.

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

Folder and ﬁle structure

on how scenes are named.

Root

Order recorded

→

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.

NOTE

• Enabling recording on SD cards and setting ﬁle formats (→ P.25)

• Setting how scenes are named (mode) (→ P.43)

150101

150101-T001.WAV

Scene 150101

(1st take)

WAV format

Poly ﬁle

First scene

150101-T002.MP3

Scene 150101

(2nd take)

MP3 format

Stereo ﬁle

Next scene

150102 Scene001

150101-T003.WAV Scene001-T001.WAV

150101-T003_Tr1.WAV

150101-T003_Tr2.WAV

150101-T003_Tr3.WAV

150101-T003_Tr4.WAV

Scene 150101

(3rd take)

WAV format

150102-T001.WAV

150102-T001_Tr1_2.WAV

150102-T001_Tr1_2_D.WAV

150102-T001_TrL_R.WAV

Scene 150102

(1st take)

WAV format

Stereo ﬁle (track 1–2)

Dual channel recording ﬁle (tracks 1–2)

Stereo ﬁle (L/R tracks)

User created

150102-T002.WAV

Scene 150102

(2nd take)

WAV format

Poly ﬁle

folder

Scene001-T001_Tr1.WAV

Scene001-T001_Tr2.WAV

Scene001-T001_Tr3.WAV

Scene001-T001_Tr4.WAV

Scene Scene001

(1st take)

WAV format

Take names

Structure Explanation

Scene001-T001

Take number (001–999) Scene number (1-9999) Scene name

Scene name: Select none, the folder name, the date or a name input by the user (→ P.43). Scene number: Press advance the number by one. Take number: This number increases by 1 for each recording made with the same scene name and number.

+ to

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Audio ﬁle names

File names are given by the according to the ﬁle format—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

This is a ﬁle created

Poly ﬁle

Mono ﬁle

Stereo ﬁle

Dual channel recording ﬁle

Scene001-T001.wav

Take name

Scene001-T001_Tr1.wav

Track number Take name

Scene001-T001_Tr1_2.wav

Track number Take name

Scene001-T001_Tr1_D.wav

Take name

Track number

Letter added to dual channel recording ﬁle

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

This is a ﬁle created by mono recording.

This is a ﬁle created by stereo recording.

This is a ﬁle created by dual channel recording.

Recording

Folder and ﬁle structure

HINT

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

saved in the take folder that is created.

Recording take settings

Moving the previously recorded take to the FALSE TAKE folder

If the just recorded take was a failure, you can use a shortcut to move the recording to the FALSE TAKE folder.

1. Open the Home Screen.

Moving the previously recorded take to the FALSE TAKE folder

2. Press and hold .

HINT

• Moving the take recorded most recently to the FALSE TAKE folder

will reduce the number of the take recorded next by 1.

• Even during recording, you can move the previously recorded

take to the FALSE TAKE folder.

3. Use to select

and press

Yes

Changing the note for the next take recorded (Note)

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

Editing notes

1. Press .

4. Use to select

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Edit

Recording take settings

2. Use to select

DATA (for Next Take)

and press

3. Use to select

and press

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Editing notes ....................................P.41

Selecting notes from the history list .................P.42

META

Note

and press

5. Edit the note.

See "Character input screen" (→P.13) for how to input characters.

NOTE

This note is written to the <NOTE> metadata.

Changing the note for the next take recorded (Note)

Recording take settings

Changing the note for the next take recorded (Note) (continued)

Selecting notes from the history list

4. Use to select

and press

Changing the note for the next take recorded (Note)

History

5. Use to select the item

to use, and press

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function is used.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Setting how recorded scenes are named and numbered

You can set how scenes are named (name mode), the base scene name and how scene numbers advance.

Setting how scenes are named (mode)

1. Press .

3. Use to select

Scene Name

Recording take settings

2. Use to select

DATA (for Next Take)

and press

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting how scenes are named (mode)...............P.43

Changing scene names............................P.44

Selecting a scene name from the history list ..........P.45

Setting how scene numbers advance ................P.45

META

Mode

, and press .

4. Use to select the mode,

and press

Setting how recorded scenes are named and numbered

Recording take settings

Setting how recorded scenes are named and numbered (continued)

Setting value Explanation

The scene name and number are not used. When recording ﬁles are created, they are named only

None

Setting how recorded scenes are named and numbered

Current Folder

Date

User Name

with the take number, such as "T001", "T002", "T003" and so on.

+ cannot be used to advance the scene number by 1. Example: T001.wav 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 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 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 scene names

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

3. Use to select

Name

, and press .

4. Use to select

and press

User Scene

Edit

5. Edit the scene name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) 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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Recording take settings

Selecting a scene name from the history list

3. Use to select

Name

, and press .

4. Use to select

and press

User Scene

History

5. Use to select the item

to use, and press

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function is used.

Setting how scene numbers advance

3. Use to select

Increment Mode

press

Scene

, and

4. Use to select how

scene numbers advance,

and press

Setting value Explanation

Numeric

Character

Press scene number by one. Example: Scene → Scene1 → Scene2 → … → Scene9999

Press capital letter at the end of the scene name by one. If the scene name does not have a capital letter at its end, one will be added. Example: Scene1 → Scene1A → Scene1B → … →

+ on the Home Screen to increase the

+ on the Home Screen to advance the

Scene1Z → Scene1AA → Scene1AB → …

Setting how recorded scenes are named and numbered

Recording take settings

Setting the take name reset condition and format

You can set the take name reset condition and format used when recording.

1. Press .

Setting the take name reset condition

3. Use to select

Take Reset

Setting the take name reset condition and format

2. Use to select

DATA (for Next Take)

and press

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Setting the take name reset condition................P.46

Setting the take name format.......................P.47

META

Mode

, and press .

4. Use to select the reset

mode, and press

Setting value Explanation

The take number will not be reset.

Off

Folder Change

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. If the destination folder is changed, the take number will be set to one higher than the highest take number in that folder.

Setting the take name format

3. Use to select

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Recording take settings

Take Name Format

and press

4. Use to select the

format, and press

Setting value Explanation

"Scene"-T***

Example: Scene001-T001

"Scene"-***

"Scene"_***

Example: Scene001_001

Take name Scene name

Setting the take name reset condition and format

Recording take settings

Changing the track name of the next take recorded (Track Name)

The track name set with the following procedure will be given to the next recorded track.

1. Press .

Changing the track name of the next take recorded (Track Name)

2. Use to select

DATA (for Next Take)

and press

3. Use to select

Name

, and press .

HINT

On the Home Screen,

screen.

META

Track

+ can be used to open the Track Name

4. Use to select the track,

and press

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Editing the track name ............................P.49

Selecting a track name from the History list...........P.49

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Recording take settings

Editing the track name

5. Use to select

and press

Edit

6. Edit the track name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) for how to input characters.

NOTE

The track name is written to the <TRACK> <NAME> metadata.

Selecting a track name from the history list

5. Use to select

and press

History

6. Use to select the item

to use, and press

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function is used.

Changing the track name of the next take recorded (Track Name)

Recording take settings

Changing the number of the next take recorded

The number given to the next recorded take can be changed when the Home Screen is open.

NOTE

1. Press and hold .

Changing the number of the next take recorded

2. Use to increase or

decrease the take number

This function cannot be used during recording and playback or

when the scene naming method (Scene Name Mode) is set to Date.

You can change how scenes are named with the following menu

item.

MENU > META DATA (for Next Take) > Scene Name Mode

by one, and press

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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

HINT

• The longer you press and hold

forward search speed.

• During playback, press track keys to switch between playing 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. 170)

/ , the faster the backward/

2. Press to return to the Home Screen.

Playback

Playing recordings

Mixing takes

Playback

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

1. Open the mixer on the Home

Screen. (→ P.11)

Mixing takes

2. Press to start

playback.

3. Adjust the parameter settings.

See "Adjusting the input signal monitoring balance" (→ P.75) for how to change settings.

HINT

• You can turn

of the MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 tracks (→ P.116).

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

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.

to move the cursor, and also adjust the settings

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Monitoring the playback signals of speciﬁc tracks during playback

You can monitor the playback signals of speciﬁc tracks using SOLO mode.

Playback

1. Open the Home Screen.

2. Press to start

playback.

3. Press on the tracks that

you want to monitor.

The background colors for the selected tracks will become green, and their track indicators will light orange.

NOTE

SOLO mode can only be used with tracks that can be played back

(indicators lit green).

Monitoring the playback signals of speciﬁc tracks during playback

4. Press of a track being monitored to stop

monitoring it.

Changing the playback mode (Play Mode)

Playback

You can change the playback mode.

1. Press .

Changing the playback mode (Play Mode)

2. Use to select

and press

PLAY

Setting value Explanation

Play One (single playback) Play All (all playback)

Repeat One (single repeat playback) Repeat All (all repeat playback)

Only the selected take will be played.

Takes will be played back continuously from the selected one until the last take.

The selected take will be played repeatedly.

All takes in the selected folder will be played repeatedly.

3. Use to select

and press

4. Use to select the play

mode, and press

Play Mode

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

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.

■ SD card selected

1. Press .

Free space

Size

Recordable time

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

2. Use to select

and press

FINDER

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

■ Folder selected

Date

Time

■ Take selected

Timecode

Frame rate

Length

Recording format

Date created

Time created

Size

MS Side mic level

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER) (continued)

NOTE

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

selected take. You can also use , and .

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

back folder.

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Creating folders ................................................................. P.56

Selecting the take recording/playback folder ..................P.57

Checking take marks and using them for playback ........P.57

Changing folder and take names ..................................... P.58

Copying takes to other cards and folders ....................... P.58

Deleting folders and takes ................................................ P.59

Emptying the TRASH/FALSE TAKE folder.........................P.60

to play the

Creating folders

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

4. Use to select

Folder

, and press .

New

5. Edit the folder name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) 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.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations

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 and hold ,

use

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.

to select

Select

Checking take marks and using them for playback

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

4. Press and hold ,

use

and press

to select

Mark List

5. Use to select a mark, and press .

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

Added Mark

Indicates that a mark

was added during a

recording error.

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER) (continued)

Changing folder and take names

4. Press and hold ,

use

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

and press

to select

5. Edit the folder/take name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) 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.

Rename

Copying takes to other cards and folders

4. Press and hold ,

use

and press

to select

Copy

5. Use to select the take to

copy, and press

6. Press and hold .

7. Use to select the

copy destination, and

press and hold

NOTE

See "Take and folder operations" for how to select a folder. (→ P.55)

Deleting folders and takes

4. Press and hold ,

use

and press

to select

Delete

5. Use to select the

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

8. Use to select

and press

Yes

folder/take to delete, and

press

Press to cancel deletion.

NOTE

You can press

are currently shown.

to select/deselect all the folders and takes that

6. Press and hold .

Take and folder operations

Take and folder operations (FINDER) (continued)

7. Use to select

and press

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

Emptying the TRASH/FALSE TAKE folder

Yes

4. Use to select

FALSE TAKE

TRASH

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 com-

pletely erase their data.

TRASH folder

FALSE TAKE folder

5. Press and hold .

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations

6. Use to select

and press

7. Use to select

and press

NOTE

• Emptying the TRASH folder will completely erase the data in it.

• Emptying the FALSE TAKE folder will not immediately erase the

data in it from the SD card. Instead, this data will be moved to

the TRASH folder.

Empty

Yes

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

Take and folder operations

Overview of take information (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

Overview of take information (metadata) stored in ﬁles

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

The

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.

saves scene names and take numbers, for example,

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.186) and “Metadata contained in iXML chunks in WAV ﬁles” (→ P.187).

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.189).

HINT

•

• MP3 metadata cannot be edited.

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

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

FINDER

3. Use to select the take,

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Checking and editing notes ........................P.64

Selecting notes from the history list .................P.64

Checking and editing scene names ..................P.65

Selecting a scene name from the history list ..........P.65

Checking and editing take names ...................P.66

Circling takes ....................................P.67

Editing folder (tape) names ........................P.67

Editing project names .............................P.68

Checking and editing track names ...................P.68

Selecting a track name from the History list...........P.69

Take and folder operations

Overview of take information (metadata) stored in ﬁles

and press

This opens the Option Screen. See “Take and folder operations” for how to use the Finder. (→ P.55)

4. Use to select

Edit

, and press .

Meta Data

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata

Checking and editing notes

5. Use to select

and press

Checking and editing take metadata

6. Use to select

and press

Note

Edit

7. Edit the note.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) for how to input characters.

NOTE

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

Selecting notes from the history list

5. Use to select

and press

6. Use to select

and press

Note

History

7. Use to select the item

to use, and press

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function is used.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing scene names

5. Use to select

and press

6. Use to select

and press

Scene

Edit

7. Edit the scene name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) for how to input characters.

Selecting a scene name from the history list

5. Use to select

and press

6. Use to select

and press

Scene

History

7. Use to select the item

to use, and press

Checking and editing take metadata

NOTE

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

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function is used.

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata (continued)

Checking and editing take names

5. Use to select

and press

Checking and editing take metadata

6. Change the take number.

■ Editing operations

Move cursor or change value: Turn

Select parameter to change: Press

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 999.

Take

7. When done changing,

use

and press

to select

Enter

NOTE

The take number is written to the <TAKE> metadata.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations

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

and press

6. Use to select

and press

NOTE

• To clear a circle, select

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

Circle

Circled

Not Circled

and press .

Editing folder (tape) names

5. Use to select

(Tape) Name

, and press .

Folder

6. Edit the folder (tape) name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) 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.

Checking and editing take metadata

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata (continued)

Editing project names

5. Use to select

Name

, and press .

Checking and editing take metadata

Project

6. Edit the project name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) for how to input characters.

NOTE

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

• The project name used immediately after recording includes the

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

tory) 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 track names

5. Use to select

Name

, and press .

Track

6. Use to select the track,

and press

7. Use to select

and press

Edit

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations

8. Edit the track name.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) for how to input characters.

NOTE

The track name is written to the <TRACK> <NAME> metadata.

Selecting a track name from the history list

5. Use to select

Name

, and press .

Track

6. Use to select the track,

and press

7. Use to select

and press

History

Checking and editing take metadata

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata (continued)

8. Use to select the item

to use, and press

Checking and editing take metadata

NOTE

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function is used.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Writing sound reports (Create Sound Report)

A sound report includes information about recording times and takes. Reports can be written as CSV format ﬁles (F8_[folder name].CSV). You can edit the comments written in sound reports.

Take and folder operations

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

FINDER

3. Use to select the folder

or SD card for which you

want to create a sound

report, and press and

hold

4. Use to select

Create Sound Report

and press

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Writing a sound report ........................... P. 72

Editing comments ............................... P. 72

Selecting comments from the history list ............ P. 73

Writing sound reports (Create Sound Report)

Take and folder operations

Writing sound reports (Create Sound Report) (continued)

Writing a sound report

5. Use to select

and press

Writing sound reports (Create Sound Report)

6. Use to select

and press

This writes the sound report inside the selected SD card or folder.

NOTE

• Only information about takes in the folder or SD card is written

in the sound report.

• If a sound report ﬁle with the same name already exists, it will be

overwritten. Please use caution.

Create

Yes

Editing comments

5. Use to select

and press

6. Use to select

and press

7. Use to select

and press

8. Edit the comment.

See "Character input screen" (→ P.13) for how to input characters.

Info Edit

Comments

Edit

Selecting comments from the history list

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Take and folder operations

5. Use to select

and press

6. Use to select

and press

7. Use to select

and press

Info Edit

Comments

History

8. Use to select the item

to use, and press

HINT

The history list will be erased if the Factory Reset function is used.

Writing sound reports (Create Sound Report)

Input settings

Input and output signal ﬂow

Input 1

Dual Channel Rec

Input 2

Input and output signal ﬂow

Input 7

Input 8

Trim

Input Limiter

HPF

Phase Invert

Input Delay

MS Stereo

Track 1

Track 2

: :

Tr1-8 Fader

Pan

Tr L/R Fader

Mixer

Slate Mic/Tone

Track 7

Track 8

Track L

Track R

Output On/Off, Level

Output Limiter

Output Delay Level

Fader

Postfader

Routing

Slate Mic/Tone

Recording

Output

MAIN OUT

1/2 jacks

SUB OUT

1/2 jack

Prefader

Alert Tone

HEADPHONE

jack

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Adjusting the input signal monitoring balance

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

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 – +24.0 dB

Panning L100 – Center – R100

Adjusts the level of the input signal. Adjusts the left-right stereo position of the sound.

HINT

• You can turn

of the MAIN OUT 1/2 and SUB OUT 1/2 signals. (→ P.116)

• 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.52)

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

format is MP3.

to move the cursor, and also adjust the settings

Input settings

Adjusting the input signal monitoring balance

Input settings

Setting the track knob function (Track Knob Option)

The Home Screen layout and track knob functions can be changed.

Setting the track knob function

1. Press .

Setting the track knob function (Track Knob Option)

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Option

, and press .

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Adjusting faders with track knobs .................. P. 7 6

Adjusting fader and pan settings with track knobs .... P. 77

SYSTEM

Track Knob

Adjusting faders with track knobs

This restricts the track knob function to changing fader values. This mode makes it easy to check volume changes due to greater values and Auto Mix. (→ P. 99)

4. Use to select

press

Fader

, and

5. Open the mixer on the Home

Screen.

6. Use the for a track to adjust its volume.

HINT

The TRIM and L/R ﬁgure values can be changed as follows.

Move cursor, change setting value: Turn

Select parameter to change: Press

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Input settings

6. Use to select the

parameter you want to adjust,

Adjusting trim, fader and pan settings with track knobs

The track knobs can be used to quickly adjust the fader and pan settings of each track.

4. Use to select

and press

Mixer

5. Open the mixer on the Home

Screen.

and press

7. Use of the track you want to adjust to change

its setting value.

HINT

The position of the knob on the display always shows the current setting.

NOTE

After changing the parameter be adjusted, for example, if the posi-

tions of

the display will appear gray, and moving will not affect that

setting. In this case, if you adjust to match the position of the

knob on the display, the display knob and will be relinked, and

you will be able to use to adjust its setting value again.

and the knob on the display are different, the knob on

Parameters with setting values and

positions that are different

Setting the track knob function (Track Knob Option)

Input settings

Adjusting the L/R track volume

1. Open the Home Screen.

Adjusting the L/R track volume

2. Press + .

NOTE

Shortcuts are disabled during playback.

3. Use to adjust the

volume.

NOTE

• Volume settings affect the results of recording.

• If only the L/R track is recorded, the L/R track fader setting for the

take will be saved as 0dB.

4. When ﬁnished adjusting, press or + .

NOTE

This is only enabled when Track Knob Option is not set to Fader.

When set to Fader, you can adjust by using

to select.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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

You can monitor the input signals of speciﬁed tracks. Even tracks that have not been set to record can be input to the PFL screen and their input sounds monitored. This is convenient when using tracks as return inputs. You can also make various settings for these tracks.

Parameter Explanation

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

Track name

Parameter names

Level meter (prefader input signal level)

Parameter Explanation

Input Source This sets the input source. Trim This sets the input level. 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. 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.

NOTE

This does not change the signals output from MAIN OUT and SUB

OUT.

HINT

Use

to select parameters and change setting values.

2. Press or for the monitored tracks.

Open the Home Screen.

Input settings

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

Input settings

Setting the input source (Input Source)

Follow these procedures to set the input source of each track.

1. Press .

Setting the input source (Input Source)

2. Use to select

INPUT

, and

HINT

Select ALL to set all the tracks at the same time.

5. Use to select the input

press

3. Use to select

Source

Input

, and press .

4. Use to select a track, and

press

source, and press

Setting value Explanation

Analog Input

USB 1, USB 2, USB 3, USB 4

NOTE

• When a mic capsule is connected, the Input Source cannot be

changed for Inputs 1 and 2.

• When dual channel recording is enabled (

cannot be changed for the dual channel recording tracks.

This treats signals input through INPUT 1–8 as input signals.

When Audio Interface with Rec (→ P.147) is set to On, computer output signals are treated as input signals.

→P.33), the Input Source

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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).

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

INPUT

4. Use to select the track,

HINT

Select

and press

ALL

to set all the tracks at the same time.

5. Use to select the mode,

3. Use to select

and press

PFL Mode

and press

Setting value Explanation

PFL Monitor the prefader sound. SOLO Monitor the postfader sound.

Input settings

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

NOTE

When the PFL screen is open during playback, the monitoring

sound will be post-fader (SOLO) regardless of the setting.

Input settings

Cutting low-frequency noise (HPF)

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

1. Press .

Cutting low-frequency noise (HPF)

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

and press

INPUT

HPF

4. Use to select the input,

HINT

Select

and press

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 10 and 240 Hz.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Input limiter

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

Attack

Level

When the limiter is ON, if the input signal level exceeds the set threshold value, the signal level will be suppressed to prevent 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 parameters to adjust the sound quality.

HINT

• The

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

threshold, therefore more effectively preventing distortion.

time

has a newly designed limiter that provides 10 dB

Original

signal

Limited

signal

Release

time

Threshold

Time

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Limiter

, and press .

INPUT

Input

4. Use to select the input,

and press

Input settings

Input limiter

HINT

Select

ALL

to set all the inputs at the same time.

On (Normal)

Input settings

Input limiter (continued)

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Input limiter

On (Advanced)

Using the limiter ................................................................ P.84

Setting the type .................................................................P.85

Setting the threshold .........................................................P.86

Setting the attack time.......................................................P.86

Setting the release time ....................................................P.87

Setting the target level ......................................................P.88

Peak might remain

threshold

Before limiter After limiter

Sudden peaks are suppressed by detecting maximum levels in advance

Before limiter After limiter

target level

Using the limiter

5. Use to select

and press

On/Off

6. Use to select the

setting, and press

Setting value Explanation

Off This disables the limiter. On (Normal) This applies an ordinary limiter. The ratio is 20:1.

By detecting the maximum level in advance, this optimized

On (Advanced)

NOTE

When set to On (Advanced), the input latency of the increases 1 ms. When monitoring sounds being recorded with a mic in real-time, increased latency can cause interference between sound transmitted through the air from the source and the delayed monitored sound, possibly making accurate monitoring of the sounds difﬁcult.

limiter prevents distortion even more than ordinary limiter operation. The ratio is ∞:1, providing increased internal headroom.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Input settings

NOTE

• When set to On (Advanced), the following limiter parameter

becomes available to set.

- Target Level

• When set to On (Advanced), the following limiter parameters cannot be set.

- Type

- Threshold

- Attack Time

- Release Time

• When set to On (Advanced), the Sample Rate cannot be set to 192 kHz. Moreover, when the Sample Rate is set to 192 kHz, the On (Advanced) setting cannot be selected.

Setting the type

5. Use to select

and press

Type

6. Use to select the type,

and press

Setting value Explanation

Hard Knee

Soft Knee

NOTE

This setting can be made when On/Off is set to On (Normal).

Only peaks that exceed the threshold are attenuated. There is no effect below the threshold. The limiter gradually affects the signal about 6 dB below the threshold for a gentler effect.

Input limiter

Input settings

Input limiter (continued)

Setting the threshold

This sets the level at which the limiter begins operating.

5. Use to select

and press

Input limiter

Threshold

6. Use to adjust the

setting, and press

HINT

This can be set from −16 to −2 dBFS.

NOTE

This setting can be made when On/Off is set to On (Normal).

Setting the attack time

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

5. Use to select

Time

, and press .

Attack

6. Use to adjust the time,

and press

HINT

This can be set from 1 to 4 ms.

NOTE

This setting can be made when On/Off is set to On (Normal).

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Input settings

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

Time

, and press .

Release

6. Use to adjust the time,

and press

HINT

• 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 display light yellow.

NOTE

This setting can be made when On/Off is set to On (Normal).

Input limiter

Input settings

Input limiter (continued)

Setting the target level

When the limiter On/Off setting is set to On (Advanced), use this to set the target output level for the signal.

5. Use to select

Input limiter

Level

, and press .

Target

6. Use to adjust the

setting, and press

HINT

• This can be set from −16 to 0 dBFS.

• After a signal passes through the limiter, it will not exceed the set

target level value.

NOTE

This setting becomes available when On/Off is set to On (Advanced).

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Inverting the input phase (Phase Invert)

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

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

INPUT

Phase

4. Use to select the input,

HINT

Select

5. Use to select

Invert

, and press .

and press

ALL

to set all inputs at the same time.

and press

Input settings

Inverting the input phase (Phase Invert)

Input settings

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

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.

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

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

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

and press

3. Use to select

and press

▶ Continue to one of the following procedures.

Using phantom power ............................P.91

Setting the voltage ...............................P.91

Disabling phantom power during playback ...........P.92

INPUT

Phantom

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Input settings

Using phantom power

4. Use to select

and press

On/Off

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

Setting the voltage

4. Use to select

(For All Inputs)

press

Voltage

, and

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

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

NOTE

When a mic capsule is connected, phantom power is set to Off for

inputs 1/2.

Input settings

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom) (continued)

Disabling phantom power during playback

4. Use to select

Saving (For All Inputs)

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

and press

5. Use to select

Power

(Phantom off during play

back)

, and press .

Setting value Explanation

Off Phantom power is supplied even during playback.

On (Phantom off during play back)

HINT

If mics do not need phantom power during playback, disabling it

can reduce

NOTE

This setting affects all inputs.

Phantom power is not supplied during playback. This can reduce the

power consumption.

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Changing the plugin power setting (Plugin Power)

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

NOTE

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Power

, and press .

4. Use to select

INPUT

Plugin

This setting can be changed only when a mic capsule that supports

plug-in power is connected.

Input settings

Changing the plugin power setting (Plugin Power)

and press

Input settings

Delaying input signals (Input Delay)

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

1. Press .

Delaying input signals (Input Delay)

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Delay

, and press .

INPUT

Input

4. Use to select the input,

HINT

Select

and press

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.

Mid mic

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

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

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.27) for how to use stereo linking.

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 bidirectional 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

S+

mic. Since this technique can capture a wide stereo image, it is ideal for recording open spaces with

Phase

Pan

Pan L R

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 signal. For this reason, it is often used for live as well as studio recording. In addition, the stereo signal created by this technique is fully mono-compatible, making it especially useful when recording sound for ﬁlm, video, or broadcast.

S-

Phase

Pan

Side mic

Master

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

Link Mode

, and press .

INPUT

Stereo

Input settings

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

Input settings

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

4. Use to select the input

pair, and press

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

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.

MS Stereo

NOTE

• When

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

HINT

• Use

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

MS Stereo Link

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

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

inputs 1/2.

for each input to adjust the mid/side balance.

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

is selected, odd-numbered inputs are han-

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Adjusting the input levels of multiple tracks simultaneously (Trim Link)

The input levels of multiple tracks can be linked and adjusted at the same time.

1. Press .

2. Use to select

and press

3. Use to select

and press

HINT

You can also open the Trim Link screen from the Home Screen by

pressing

while pressing and holding .

INPUT

Trim Link

4. Use to select a track to link, and press .

Clear all

Linked Not linked

HINT

• You can use

input levels within that group at the same time.

• Icons for group names are shown next to linked tracks.

NOTE

• A track cannot be in more than one group at a time.

• The input levels of tracks set to MS Stereo Link will also be linked

if those tracks are put into groups.

• The input levels of tracks that have a mic capsule connected will not be linked even if those tracks are put into groups.

for the ﬁrst track in a link group to adjust all the

settings

Input settings

Adjusting the input levels of multiple tracks simultaneously (Trim Link)

Input settings

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

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

NOTE

1. Press for track 1 or 2.

2. Use to select

Level

, and press .

Side Mic

3. Use to adjust the side

• 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.

• This can be adjusted only when a mid-side type mic capsule

isconnected.

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.

mic level, and press

HINT

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

F8 Multi Track Field Recorder

Changing the automatic mixing setting (Auto Mix)

When using multiple mics to capture audio during a meeting, for example, automatically attenuating the inputs of mics that are not in active use provides the following beneﬁts.

• The likelihood of feedback is reduced.

• Background noise, including fans and crowds is suppressed to a certain level regardless of the number of people using mics.

• Sound quality degradation due to phase differences caused by variations in the distances of multiple mics is reduced.

1. Press .

2. Use to select

press

3. Use to select

and press

INPUT

Auto Mix

, and

4. Use to select a track,

and press

HINT

Select ALL to set all the tracks at the same time.

5. Use to select

press

NOTE

• The following functions and settings cannot be used with this

function.

− The sampling rate cannot be set to 192 kHz.

− The Ambisonic Mode format cannot be set to any value other

than Off.

• When the sampling rate is set to 44.1–48.048 kHz and Auto Mix is

set to On, the

• When monitoring sounds being recorded with a mic in real-time,

increased latency can cause interference between sound trans-

mitted through the air from the source and the delayed moni-

tored sound, possibly making accurate monitoring of the sounds

difﬁcult.

, and

latency will increase 2 ms.

Input settings

Changing the automatic mixing setting (Auto Mix)

Input settings

Changing the automatic mixing setting (Auto Mix)

When Track Knob Option is set to Fader and Auto Mix is enabled, the Home Screen will appear as follows.

Changing the automatic mixing setting (Auto Mix)

Meters that show the amount of attenuation due to Auto Mix

100

Zoom F8 operation manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Usage and Safety Precautions

Introduction

Names of parts

Connecting mics/other devices to Inputs 1–8

LCD display

Supplying power

Preparations

Loading an SD card

Turning the power on and off

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

Disabling the Automatic Power Saving function (Auto Power Off)

Setting the power supply used (Power Source)

Recording

Recording process

Selecting inputs and adjusting levels

Recording

Setting the sampling rate (Sample Rate)

Simultaneously recording tracks at different levels (Dual Channel Rec)

Capturing audio before recording starts (Pre Rec)

Showing total recording times for long recordings (Time Counter)

Moving the previously recorded take to the FALSE TAKE folder

Changing the note for the next take recorded (Note)

Recording take settings

Changing the note for the next take recorded (Note)

Setting how recorded scenes are named and numbered

Setting the take name reset condition and format

Changing the track name of the next take recorded (Track Name)

Changing the number of the next take recorded

Playing recordings

Playback

Mixing takes

Changing the playback mode (Play Mode)

Take and folder operations (FINDER)

Take and folder operations

Checking and editing take metadata

Writing sound reports (Create Sound Report)

Input settings

Adjusting the input signal monitoring balance

Setting the track knob function (Track Knob Option)

Adjusting the L/R track volume

Setting the input source (Input Source)

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

Cutting low-frequency noise (HPF)

Input limiter

Inverting the input phase (Phase Invert)

Changing the phantom power settings (Phantom)

Changing the plugin power setting (Plugin Power)

Delaying input signals (Input Delay)

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

Adjusting the input levels of multiple tracks simultaneously (Trim Link)

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

Changing the automatic mixing setting (Auto Mix)