ZOOM has announced the company’s new flagship audio field recorder, the ZOOM F8n Pro. It builds on the success of the ZOOM F8n and adds 32-bit float recording technology.
32-bit float
32-bit float recording started to appear on audio recorders in 2019. It looks like a great feature because it has a huge dynamic range, capable of recording data +770 dB above 0 dBFS and -758 dB below. This means it is impossible for your audio recordings to every clip. You can recover distorted audio above 0 dBFS by simply lowering the levels in post-production. In addition, no matter where you set your levels during recording, you can raise or reduce the volume without introducing noise.
XLR Inputs
The ZOOM F8n Pro has 8 XLR inputs with locking XLR/TRS combo connectors. Each input also has a built-in preamp with a dedicated gain control knob, and a 6-segment LED level meter. With 10-track recording, the F8n Pro can record all eight inputs and a two-channel stereo mix.
Outputs
ZOOM’s F8n Pro has two main outputs to connect to external mixers and processing devices. There are also two sub outputs for connection to a camera. In addition, you can monitor your audio via a 1/4-inch headphone jack with its own volume control. When connected to your computer, the F8n Pro can be used as an 8-in / 4-out audio interface.
Audio formats
The ZOOM F8n Pro records audio in BWF-compatible WAV formats up to 32-bit resolution and at sample rates of 192 kHz. It can record simultaneously on two SD cards up to 1TB each, so you can instantly backup or split your recordings. There is also a pre-record function. This means you can capture up to six seconds of audio that happened before you pressed record.
Control app
Additionally, the ZOOM F8n Pro has a 2.4-inch full-color backlit display. It can also be set to a monochromatic mode so you can always read the screen, even in low or direct lighting. In addition, the F8 Control App lets you monitor signals, adjust levels, trigger transport controls and enter metadata from an Android or Apple device via Bluetooth.
Power
The ZOOM F8n Pro comes with an AC adaptor and will run for up to five hours on 8 AA batteries. You can also power it with DC battery packs between 9-18v volts via a 4-pin Hirose connector.
Pricing and availability
At the time of writing, the ZOOM F8n Pro is available now for $1099 and is open for preorder. Buyers should receive their units by April 8th.
