😜 For more revolutionary content (and less cost-cutting), follow my Instagram: @whoismatt - instagram.com/whoismatt

Hi Matt, I picked up the F2 and your suggested lav mic upgrade (11D) and I'm not getting any sound with the 11D plugged in. The lav says it needs 3-10v plug-in power and the f2 says it supplies 2.5v. Could this be the problem? is there a way around this without buying a different recorder or lav?

Anyone that has a Zoom F2, install firmware update 1.20 (released Feb 2022) from the Zoom site. It resolves the issue where the unit sometimes fails to record a file despite being in record mode; and the issue when recording when the recording will not stop (the file then also fails to record).

@alexclass2108

Жыл бұрын

This! Exactly what I was hoping to read. Glad as I've just run into the issue, and now have updated the firmware hoping it never happens again.

@orestes1984

Жыл бұрын

The Zoom F2 is a nice recorder, but not without issues. It's a shame they would chose to use a 3.5mm jack on a recorder cable of 32bit float. You would think they'd use something more professional such as XLRs or even a 1/8th jack to avoid the popping issue to begin with which comes from the weakness of the 3.5mm socket, I guess their primary use market is for people with lav mics. I suppose if you babied it, it would be fine even with a 3.5mm to 1/8th or 3.5mm to XLR adapter. But then what are they aiming this product at? You put a recorder capable of 32bit float, in a device like this, which is aimed at being attached to a lav mic. That's a lot of recording power just for one person walking around with a lav mic. Then you also really need the BT model to be able to monitor what's going on externally. At least some sort of gain monitor would be useful. As this video shows, 32bit is not infallible. Better you spend the money if you're going to buy a recorder (that only records in stereo) and get yourself an F3 instead, with sturdier mic jacks also. I'd recommend this, but only as a wireless lav device, and only if you added time code syncing also. Otherwise there are too many hassles and you might as well have just bought the F3 instead.

Okay you’re gonna have to share your audio editing tricks cuz that sounds outstanding.

@JanRaymondCortez

3 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah

Can i use this recorder with a rode lav mic? 🤔🤔 with no locking connector?

@whoismatt

2 жыл бұрын

It should still work with lavs that don’t have locking connectors

You are awesome Always introducing me to the best tools!

Great video! I really like the 32 bit float on the Zoom F2. It can perfectly handle high SPL and dynamic sound from engine. With minor touch in post processing, the audio can be synced to the video and it does the job very well. The only cons is quality of the lav mic. I use deity w lav pro to improve the clarity.

Had a pair of the BT versions. Used them for a week before returning and grabbing Tentacle Track E's. Built in timecode, much better included mic, AMAZING app experience

@MisterMayhem17

Жыл бұрын

Does it also have 32bit float?

@DroopyPenguin95

9 ай бұрын

​@@MisterMayhem17I'm very late, but yes. The Track E has 32 bit float. I think the mk1 has a good lav included, but the mk2 doesn't have any lav included, only a built in mic

@MisterMayhem17

9 ай бұрын

@@DroopyPenguin95 appreciate your time 🙏 thanks

Always enjoy your content!

I appreciate all your tutorials mate.... legend 🙌

Awesome video! Can’t wait for the comparison!!

Matt at first I thought this was overhyped in such a tiny package but with your explanation my mind was 🤯 So just to be clear Matt are you saying that with this recorder I wouldn't have to worry about audio clipping??

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Haha yup it’s pretty mind blowing! Just turn It on and hit record. Don’t worry about levels. In your case Denver you may wanna check out the zoom f6 for KZread videos. :)

@colorgradingcentral

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt alright, alright, alright I will. This is so eye opening, thanks again Matt 👍🏼

@TheSeanBampton

3 жыл бұрын

32-bit float point recording means you never have to worry about clipping. Ever. Personally I'm a fan of the Tentacle Sync Track E, but the F2 does the same thing (without timecode).

@wcsdiaries

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheSeanBampton do you need time code if you plug directly into camera?

@wcsdiaries

2 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt if you cant format the sd card, at a wedding isnt an easy solution just to bring backup SD cards?

I appreciate this very informative video; and am very glad to hear that Zoom has fixed the widely reported issue of microphone popping! I always respect your opinion.

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith!

Hey Matt. Regarding the DJ soundboard subject. I use an XLR pad and from that I go XLR to mini jack into my DR-10L. Works wonders. Should work great for this as well.

Two questions on it: do you know if there is a downside to simply formatting using your computer vs. the computer app? And do you think the tascam dr-10l lav would be better to use with the f2 or should I buy one of the ones you linked to?

If somebody has been thinking how to hide mic on person - u got answer here, just grow a beard 😂

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

STEALTH 100

question, the app , lets say if i bought 5 of these F2-BT am i able to monitor all 5 , or its 1 per device? and is there a lagg

Great video. You recommend the COS-11 as an upgrade lav. However I believe that lav needs 5V to work properly and the Zoom only provides 2.5v Any chance you can test the performance of the lav? I suspect there will be an increase in the noise floor.

Matt, Thanks SOOO much for this video... I was terrified about all the cable connection popping sounds in all the reviews... Thanks for reaching out to ZOOM and letting us know they FIXED that problem in new hardware.... Now I just need for them to come in stock. -- Zork & Sweetie [ Professional POETS and BED Vloggers]

How would you compare these to the Tentacle Track E? I saw Gerald Undone’s comparison, but I was curious how you would feel with weddings.

No wonder you have 280K subscribers! This content was f'n great, bro!!

What a reveal. That beard conceal was on point. 👏🏻

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

😂 boom!

Thanks for your stellar review!

My zoom f1 battery door failed right before a wedding. Ended up taping and gluing it shut. Zoom sent me a brand new one, still in the box. Bought the tascam

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Oh no! I avoided the F1, it was too bulky

@carltonjones2915

3 жыл бұрын

I had the same BS on my F1, why would trust them now. Tascam kicks it's ass and can take pro level lavaliere mics.

hey Matt, great video！Really helpful！ I had found some problems while using the f2 BT. I used it for recording the sound of my moto-vlog. However, I still faced to clipping problem. I can edit the audio file(such as pulling it down, turning the db lower), but it didn’t save the whole sound. The edge of the sound wave was cut. My friend bought a same f2 BT, and used for moto-vlogging as well, and he got the same problem! So, I’m wondering if that’s our problems of setting or the problem of this device? Because the problems we’ve got seem like not a real 32 bit float recorder. (Ps, we tried different microphones, and the motorcycles were not super super loud, so we don’t think the volume went over the limit of the microphones. One of the microphones is the Rode videomicro, and the maximum spl is 140 db. We are pretty sure the motorcycles’ volume is lower than 140db) What do you think about our situation? Thanks man!

@juanromero961

6 ай бұрын

Hey! Did you ever figure out the problem?

Matt! Your video quality is absolutely stunning! It looks like a Gerald Undone studio makeover!

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

😂 slowly getting better at lighting

Great Job, Matt! Thank you!

Whoa this "sounds" amazing. Thanks for the detailed review.

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ken!

You forgot to mention a very important thing. The ZOOM F2 accepts synchronization via Time Code directly with Bluetooth. Can be used with the Atomos X sync or an UltraSync Blue for example. To synchronize sound and video in post production.

@TheLordcasio

2 жыл бұрын

Zoom (like Behringer) was considered “pure garbage” in the audio community for years. If you want to use it, feel free. We will shoot a video with a Sound Devices recorder and the top of the line DPA’s.

@juanromero961

6 ай бұрын

Can you use timecode with the phone app? Or timecode only works with those devices you mentioned?

@Detroupe

6 ай бұрын

​@@TheLordcasio Not the same price range nor the same use... U can also use DPA DRK4001 with your Sound Device Recorder for about 50 000 US$. Zoom F2bt cost only 200 US$

@jacek5384

Ай бұрын

@@juanromero961 The only device to synchronize timecode with F2-BT is Atomos Ultrasync Blue I believe. One can't synchronize timecode via blutooth between smartphone app and F2-BT without putting Ultrasync Blue in the middle. Still there are issues regarding BT timecode sync F2-BT if your device lost connection. So it's not real pro.

Yes!!!! Had the tascam DR10L and jumped on this pre order amazing device!

What's your thoughts on the Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone? Not recommended?

Hey Matt...Thanks for the review, I am late to the game with this as I love my DR-10L so much...but the latest firmware version brings SD card formatting from the app

Because of the way you present these products i unscribed from Northrup and subscribed to you...i really believe everything you just said about it and have no doubt it could be different...thank you

Thanks for the great review! Is there a sub $100 lav mic that would be a worth upgrade to the stock one?

Thank you so much for great review

Nice review! Do you have a video how you process your voice audio?

Tentacle Sync E comparison, please!

One thing holding me back from getting this is that it isn't any store yet. Not even Amazon. It was apparently supposed to ship in December 2020, but as of February 2021, Vistek (Canada), B&H, Amazon Canada still have it listed as "on order". Zoom themselves haven't return social post messages or direct emails. A bit frustrating. And I'm ready to buy!

Great and thorough review! I've been testing this against a Rode Filmmaker Kit. The Rode is nice but at the price and with 32 bit Float this mic is pretty attractive.

This was AWESOME. Thank you!!!

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nicole!

Thanks for the great review, Matt! I would also suggest looking into Oscar Sound Tech lavalier mics. They are on par with Sanken and I think they are made in Seattle.

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Haven't heard of them, I'll check them out

Bought one of these, then bought another two! Love them

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Nice!

Awesome video! But, I have questions: 1. Formatting the recorder on "revolutionary" Apple Silicone / Big Sur? 2. Programs for attenuating the audio on "revolutionary" Apple Silicone / Big Sur?

ok so i have one for the bride and one for the groom. sooooo how do I use the app for both to start and stop the recording?

I have 10 olympus ws-822 recorders the work just fine. I saw an earlier video yiu did and started buying them on ebay. Great little recorder syncs up fine with vegas pro video

I was thinking that for someone just starting, in budget, the zoom F2 should be a great single (only one) option to record both bride and groom, because of the 32bit technology, bride audio should better than a single tascam in the groom.

To give some credit to Zoom, they replace the whole F1 unit if your battery door breaks. Even outside warranty. Looking forward to getting these BT.

Another great feature of the BT version is the ability to record time code, works perfectly with the Atomos & F6!

@mjscpr

2 жыл бұрын

Do you need the UltraSync Blue for this?

Great review! I'm researching to buy a recorder and was wondering if I can use this as external recorder with a descent mic (not xlr). Here in Greece wedding is a bit different - no vows or such so no needs for lav mic. Just need a good recorder and not worry about peaking or too low recording..

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Possibly, it really depends on if the mic needs phantom power or not. The f2 doesn’t provide a ton of power to the mic

F2 recorder makes an amazing combo when used together with the new generation wireless lavalier mic systems.

Thanks for your interesting review. I chose the BT version, since formatting is now easily done via the phone app (i use android).

I like to use lav mics running into recorders for my short films, and I would really like to step up to 32 bit recordings. Do you the Zoom F2 would perform pretty well for actors in films?

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, you may wanna upgrade the mics but the recorders should work great

@studio2magic

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt That's what I'm thinking. I'll try to post a comment here saying if I liked it or not for short film applications. Thanks for your response!

Do you keep the product?

thanks for sharing, my question is : can I use Zoom F2 to record Cardo (motorcycle intercom) audio output (splited from Cardo's speaker) by using attenuation cable ?

Thanks for the review. When you're connected via bluetooth to the mobile app, can you still use the physical record button on the Zoom F2 to start and stop recording? Or is that button disabled when the device is connected and controlled by the phone? I ask because I like to use my phone for monitoring only. I want to start and stop recording with the Zoom F2 button.

Probably already said can’t you format it in your camera or different device? Is formatting universal?

I watched your VS video first and bought the zoom. Now I have my zoom I'm watching this sucker. Man the cheap plastic doors make me nervous. AND I freaking forgot on your first video about it not coming with a USB C cable. I was mucho annoyed. Great video man. Praying for the favor of the Lord to keep blessing you and your family! Love ya man!

If I buy 3 of these and mic 3 people (as I will be soon doing) can the app monitor all 3 units? Or just one? Thanks for the review Matt.

What cable should I buy to connect the RODE ME? XLR to TRS or TRSS? I am not really sure

Hi Matt, have to tried using the F2 with a video mic ? if so how was it ?

How many F2-BT’s can you use with the Bluetooth app? And is there a global start record for multiple F2-BT’s to sync record a stereo or spatial recording?

what lav mic would you recommend for this for someone trying to stay around $100? the two you have listed are SUPER expensive for someone just starting out

I may add this to my wishlist for 2023 :)

Can you record directly to an iPhone using the F2 BT? I would be an excellent iPhone lav if you could.

This is a great advancement in tech. Also, would love to see review of Tentacle Sync Track E audio recorder. Those Little bastards comes with a timecode, which is awesome

I'm going to buy 2 Tascam DR-10L units simply because you have used them on a daily basis and have recommended them in the past. I've also seen where they are almost bullet proof under most conditions. New technology is good, but I tend to go with what's tried and true.

What is the impact on battery life of the BT connection compared to he non-BlueTooth unit?

solid review again Matt! I hope that Zoom can upgrade the software on the phone app to be able to format...and hopefully they can beef up the battery door and micro SD card door....

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Paul! I doubt they will do anything to the battery or memory card door, but we can hope! 😁

@paulgero

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt may have to just add a bit of gaffer's to protect/keep from opening.

hey Matt, couldn't you just buy an attenuator if you want to use the F2 for line level recording?

@ElecTro996

2 жыл бұрын

I am wondering the same thing. Did you find anything about this?

I hope tacam updates their dr-10l to a 32bit recorder with the same body

might be an idea to add the tentacle synch recorders to your comparison vid too, as they're also 32bit and bluetooth I believe

@stevenkralovec

3 жыл бұрын

Yaaas. I’ve been more interested in those too

@pheasantpluck

3 жыл бұрын

Not same for same this is the budget version of those it looks like - Zoom undercutting Tentacle Sync - but there needs to be an option for people to spend less than $330 for single lav recorder - dope that it's 32bit float

@TheSeanBampton

3 жыл бұрын

I would say the the Track E is miles ahead of the F2, because of the built in timecode and much higher quality lav mic. If the ability to swap batteries is important, then the F2 is the way to go (although the Track E will last for 10+ hours on one charge). Five or six F2s or Track Es can replace all other audio gear for the ceremony and speeches. One in the DJ board, one in the XLR at the speaker and one on each person speaking (along with a TX650 on the actual wireless Mic from the DJ) and you've got audio covered.

Great review! Thanks Matt, One question though, would you use it as an external recorder, with a shotgun mic as an example ?

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

You could try, I would just be wary of needing to power the shotgun mic, as the F2 doesn't provide much in the way of phantom power.

@FrankieDoguet

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt I was thinking of a VideoMic NTG, as a solo (or small crew) narrative filmmaker, it could be a nice option for capturing dialogue ;)

@JerryGartnerPersonal

2 жыл бұрын

@@FrankieDoguet I have a Sennheiser MKE 600 with an internal battery. The F2 works great as a recorder for this. I can even tuck it into my blimp, stick it on a boom, and control it from my phone. Pretty sweet setup, if you ask me.

I'm assuming this is a "no", but can you recharge the AA batteries inside the F2 by plugging in USB power?

Great video! Which recorder would you recommend for picking up the DJ soundboard?

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Zoom h4n is still my go to. If you have the budget though, get the zoom f6

@lowesmed5681

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt Thanks for the reply! I'll look into those :)

FYI with the new firmware (1.2) you CAN format the SD card straight from the android/ios APP now, along with basically all of the other functions available on the PC sw.

How much space does an hour of audio take up on the card?

Thanks for the Tip.

The amount of times I've went back to check if I've pushed record before the ceremony begins is too real every time you brought up the worry. Never remember if I have

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Glad I’m not alone 😂

Can you plug in an external mic that doesn't have a locking input to the Zoom F2? Either a lav with a standard 3,5mm jack or something like a on-camera shotgun mic?

When Matt adds a new video, no one has to worry about me not being turned on.

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

I loved the ease of use and the decent recordings I was getting until… the device would refuse to end recordings or power off. So I would be forced to remove batteries in order to stop and I would lose the recording. Tried a reset and different memory card but no joy. It’s a killer. Can’t trust it for pro work.

@nicktsonis7102

Жыл бұрын

I had the same problem. Download the F2 Editor and update your firmware. That fixed the problem you mentioned. Hope it helps!

Hey Matt, love your reviews, they are always spot on. Can you please review the Tentacle Sync Track E also? I've been told that they compete very well with the zoom. Looking forward to seeing the Tentacle review soon. Great job again Matt.

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'll see about picking one up :)

@stevenuseda6317

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt I'll loan you one if you'd like. I have 2 👍

What happens (or can happen) if I don’t format a empty card ? Also how long will 32gb card record ?

Great vid, Matt! You're my go-to guy for information and save me a lottt of time. Question: If I have the groom lav'd with this recorder and don't have the bride mic'd, can I pull up the levels enough in post during the bride's speaking parts without raising the noise floor too much? I don't like mic'ing the bride and previously have used this sort of technique via other means (multi-track recording with mic level set normal for the groom and boosted levels to capture the bride.) Thanks!

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, the noise floor is very low on this. But you may run into issues of hearing the groom breathing, sniffles, etc

@cb_1917

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt Thanks for the swift reply, Matt. Yeah, that was my only other worry. But hopefully between the officiant being lav'd in addition to the groom I could find something useable between the two if there happens to be an issue. (Of course the officiant has to be close enough to the bride for this to work!)

Sounds good!! I bought 2!

First comment! Great video Matt! I'll look into using these for my upcoming project!

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hey! Do you know if this would work with a Rode VideoMicro or Rode VideoMic GO II? I'm trying to find a better way of recording audio than plugging these mics into my phone but I also don't want to get a larger recorder for the work I'm doing.

FANTASTIC REVIEW

Do you have any uploads with the F2 and Countryman B3 or B6? Do you run into issues with the F2 not being able to supply 5V?

Hi Matt, excellent info. I haven't bought my audio equipment yet so this is awesome. Now here's something that you didn't address. I'm doing a documentary this summer and I'll be interviewing people. If I have two or three of these, is it possible to use the BT app to monitor all of them at the same time? Using several mics can get complicated real fast so before I spend money, can, or how can I do this with the F2? Thanks

@whoismatt

2 жыл бұрын

You can connect to one then disconnect and connect to another. You can’t monitor the audio wirelessly but you can start and stop recording

Thanks. After having wireless lav send audio to receiver before the ceremony but somehow not record vows I’m going recorder. Does the app receive from multiple BT recorders? Purchased with your links to support your great channel.

@whoismatt

Жыл бұрын

You can connect to one recorder at a time to change settings but you can swap between them pretty easily

They should make a case for this recorder 😳

But can your editing software process 32 bit float audio? I know Premier Pro can which I don’t have but does Premier Elements process 32 bit audio?

is it possible to use the zoom f2 or tentacle track e to plug into a dj booth for 32 bit float?

Anyway to connect this to a usb type c to record into a smartphone?

excellent video Matt!! I am very impressed to know it records 32 float at that price! A lot of the cost cutting issues you mentioned can be overlooked except the one of not being be able to connect correctly to a DJ sound board... that really sucks!!

@JerryGartnerPersonal

2 жыл бұрын

This is not a cost cutting issue. DJ mixing boards output a line level signal. This is about 1 volt. The F2 has a mic input, which receives a mic level signal, which is around 0.01 volt. You are sending the F2 100 times the voltage that is is designed for. You need to use a passive DI box to convert the line level signal of the sound board down to the mic level signal that the F2, or any mic level input can handle.

@AndresArosemena

2 жыл бұрын

@@JerryGartnerPersonal thanks for the explanation Jerry!

@JerryGartnerPersonal

2 жыл бұрын

@@AndresArosemena You are welcome. I am learning about this stuff all the time!

@AndresArosemena

2 жыл бұрын

@@JerryGartnerPersonal as we all should be!

Do the audio files created on the F2 have a date and time stamp embedded inside the audio signal?

Do the recording stop if the recorder lose blutooth-conection? or will it keep record till i stop it?

How about rode wireless go II ? 🤔 compare to this Because I just bought it And any idea for vocal recorder I'm looking for one to buy

Great Video! Thanks! However, the upgraded Lav Mics you reccomened and linked are not compatible with the Zoom?

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

Are you sure? Both of them have 3.5mm audio jacks which are what the f2 uses 😊

@SaltyTradesMedia

3 жыл бұрын

@@whoismatt Thanks for your reply, I consider you the to have the most helpful wedding audio tips, and I recommend your channel to all my colleagues. I also regularly use your Multiband Compressor Preset : ) I was looking to buy an upgraded lav mic, but the ones you reccomended come with these warnings... This model of the Sanken COS11D is wired specifically for use with the Sony UWP wireless system, transmitters. it is likely it will produce audio when connected to the Roland R05, however the locking connector prevents the mic jack from being properly seated. This would not be recommended for use other than intended. Sanken does not currently offer a model compatible with portable audio recorders. There are several mics that are designed for portable recorders and offer similar quality such as the Tram TR50 see B&H# TRTR50BNLSET or Countryman EMW. B&H # COMEMWSFF05B.

@whoismatt

3 жыл бұрын

@@SaltyTradesMedia Interesting, I have friends that use this exact lav mic with the DR-10L, I will have to confirm with them which exact model they use. :)