This is the best review I've been looking for. Thanks!

My head exploded at the end of the video. For two weeks I have been thinking about buying an F2 (apparently two pieces) for interviews and at the same time an F3 for the camera and microphone connection. Not even for a second did I think of the genius solution of being able to use F2 on the camera as well when I'm not recording the interview (then I connect the microphone directly to the camera). Subscribe and thank you so much for this simple money saving tip.

This is my first time coming across one of your videos and I just wanted to say that I'm pretty blown away by how thorough this video was. I've only ever seen one other product comparison video that I was this impressed by. Well done! I look forward to checking out your other content. Cheers!

This is how a comparison video should be. To the point, practical and the most accurate side by side I've seen. I made my decision after watching this video, and that means a lot. Thank you for taking the time making such a helpful comparison. New sub for sure! I don't understand how you don't have 100k subs by now.

Nice review. I particularly appreciated the thoroughness of the audio tests, very insightful. I'm not as enamored with the lav mic - I have a Giant Squid that I've used with the H1 for years, plugged it into the F2 and I think it does better with the low frequencies.

Thanks for all info. Definitely the bes video for the Zoom F2 vs Tascam. This is great content.

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Excellent video comparison of these 2 devices. Thank you.

Very detailed video, thanks!

a perfect comparison, thanks!

Timestamped Chapters! Brilliant! 🙏🏻✊🏼 (it couldn't hurt to link the Deity D3 Pro, like you did the cameras. Forcing me to be stationary (and broke) might be worth the undeniable, massive sound difference… 🤔)

awesome video, i have been looking to replace my saramonic blink500 for sometime. think i might try the zoom F2

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.

Very cool, that you faded in the weight in gram. Thanks a lot.

Great video. Subscribed.

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the sub!

Any interest in a hot shoe mount for the Zoom F2? I'm considering designing one that can be 3D printed. *Update: I made a bracket to attach the F2 to the Deity D3 mic. Links are in the description.

@createscifi

3 жыл бұрын

yes!

@sean-victoria

3 жыл бұрын

definitely

@JohnDoukasPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I was thinking of pairing this with a Rode Wireless Go, to help sync with the camera.

@BackonTrailasia

3 жыл бұрын

@@JohnDoukasPhotography Exactly my thought too. This way we get backup audio in a very neat package.

@taylorkirk74

3 жыл бұрын

I'd use and buy one.

Thank you for the helpful video!

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Q2Japan

3 жыл бұрын

​@@GearTestTVTech I currently use a Zoom H1n for my freelance interviews, but I feel like the DR-10L or F2 would be great to have. Since Zoom hasn't specified when the F2 will be available, do you think it's reasonable to just buy the DR-10L for the time being? They go for about $170 here in Japan, while the F2B is expected to be about $250. Cheers!

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I think the Tascam would still be a great option, especially for interviews. The Tascam also has the better microphone (in my opinion). There are probably a lot of people selling their Tascams to switch to the F2 now, so you might be able to find a good deal on a used one.

@Q2Japan

3 жыл бұрын

@@GearTestTVTech thank you very much for the helpful response!

Thanks!!

The review is very detailed and helpful. Thank you bro.

Thanks for the video! How do you like your Deity mic?

Thank you!

This was a lot of great information! I'm looking at buying my first audio recorder for making videos, and now I'm trying to decide between the f2 and h1n. Any suggestions?

Best part of the Zoom F2BT is the TC feature. I use it with the AtomX, works perfectly.

@usernamenotvisibIe

3 жыл бұрын

TC feature?

@TomDeanProductions

3 жыл бұрын

@@usernamenotvisibIe Time Code

Thanks for helpful, get-to-the-point, no wasted time watching, tested-by-you information. 30 days in one recording - that is modern! Still not sure which one to get. Can 32-bit float clip like you indicate at the last marker of the waveform (because I thought it could not)? I thought you could always "bring it back". If so, how do you in fact set a level on the F2 so it might not clip?

nice review! I have been thinking about the F2, right now I use a two lav wireless system recording into a Zoom H4N, but it is a bit big for run and gun. Do you know if the F2 will work for what I am looking to do? each lav is separated to left channel for one and right for the other So stereo but split. I heard the F2 only records mono though?

Than you for that Excellent video! I enjoyed watching your particular style of a review, it was composed and structured competently well. I was wondering your thoughts on if the Zoom F2 might be of better alternative to the Zoom H6? I’ve owned the H6 in the past and had to sell it to get some camera gear I needed. Now I’m thinking about getting it again for reasons similar to why you got the Zoom F2 to complement the Deity. I currently have the Rhode podcaster Pro for podcasts, but on quick session days would like something smaller and easier to setup. I was debating between the F2 and H6. But definitely want to qualify not to take a hit for ease of setup or portability. Your opinion is welcome... I know things can be based off use case but I’m a filmmaker and visually creative that podcasts so I would essentially like to be more mobile with what ever my next field recorder is with the best quality possible around price point of those two devices. Thanks in advance and please keep up the valuable content and great production!

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

I've never used the H6, but I used the H4n for many years and it was a great recorder. The H6 and F2 are very different recorders though. If you're planning to use any XLR microphones, or if you want to record multiple mics for multiple people on the podcast, you would definitely need to go with the H6. The F2 would only work for a single input that is 3.5mm. So I would say that your intended microphones will be the deciding factor.

@jalladin

3 жыл бұрын

@@GearTestTVTech I definitely want to have the option of more than one audio channel being recorded. And I have XLR mics and hope to get more. Thanks for the perspective advice

This was a great video ! Do you know if you can control two Zoom F2's at once through the app? This would be super convenient in an interview or just multiple people in a video with voice needed.

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not certain, but I would say most likely not. The app is pretty bare bones right now, but maybe they'll add that in the future. Would certainly be helpful!

I'm watching it in 2023 and the most complete comparison between the two devices continues. Since the Tascam microphone has slightly better audio quality, could I record on Zoom but using the Tascam microphone? Thank you and congratulations for the excellent work! A hug from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

I'm having the same issue you are regarding clipping at 15:45. I can only reduce by about 6db before it evens out. Most other videos on KZread show them being able to reduce the db much more and keep the original quality. I'm thinking this is since the max input level is -5.5 dbu. (Line in recording vs mic in recording I guess) But I'm using microphones and I assume you used a line in audio. Have you been able to resolve this? I've tried multiple mics and audio editors but get the same result. Thank you!

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 the recording will not stop (the file then also fails to record).

Wow, such a well done video - thanks! i have a complicated question for you! I have the Zoom H1n and use it for dialogue with a lav or headset mic, but the size is awkward. I was looking at the Zoom F2 because of the size, the benefits of the 32 bit float and not having to worry about setting levels. I also want to record audio, and also send wireless at the same time (via the Rode wireless Go or Hollyland 150). My question is does the Zoom F2 and the Tascam send a signal out through the headphone while it's recording? Do you have any suggestions on how to record and send wireless in a small package? Thanks again for the videos- they are super high quality!

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I tested both devices and they both allow monitoring through the headphone jack while recording. As for keeping it in a small package, I think you nailed it. Using one of these recorders and then sending the audio out to the Rode Wireless Go or other small transmitter would be a perfect setup. The new Hollyland Lark 150 looks great! Let me know your thoughts if you end up going with that because I've had my eye on it as well.

Hello Paul 😊 I have both the Zoom F2-BT and Deity D3 Pro, which I recently got. I also have the Deity D4 Mini. From your experience, can these mics be used to record on this Zoom F2-BT? or is the F2 only for Lavalier mic use only? Could sure use your help on my question. I can't find any YT on this combo setup. Thanks in advance for willing to share your experience with me. I would be very grateful! 😊

The thing that confuses me about have no input gain is how do you get a decent input signal, and why didn't they just release the F1 with 32bit float?

Does the Zoom F2 play a sound when recording starts or is it all time based?

Thanks. for the great video. Have you noticed the mic jack problems that a few other reviews have pointed out? The problem appears to be like a loose mic connector that causes major recorded noise as mike cable is jostled. Have you tested and/or noticed this? Also did you test if a recorded file is saved or corrupted when the battery dies? A Tascam rep in an interview seemed to indicate that files might get corrupted if battery dies while recording... but that would be pretty horrible. Did you test that and/or can you test that? Thanks for your review, comments and words of wisdom. -- Zork & Sweetie [Professional Poets & Bed Vlogger]

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

I didn't specifically test for that, but I haven't had any issues with noise when moving the mic cable around thus far. I'll do some further testing and report back if I run into that issue. As for the corrupted files, I let both recorders run until dead for the battery life test, and all files were still saved successfully. I've had a Tascam die in the middle of shoot in the past and the file was successfully saved then as well.

@iamnotapoet

3 жыл бұрын

@@GearTestTVTech thanks so much for that additional info. I was scared about the battery dying corruption issue. Your test is reassuring. And, yes, please do test the cable jostling issue if you can and update in a reply (and/or video). I’m looking forward to this recorder being in stock. We do live in FOCA (Fear of Clipping Audio) - Zork & Sweetie (Professional Poets & Bed Vloggers)

If I were to buy 3 of the BT versions, is it possible to press record and sync all three devices together? That's something that would help heaps

Have considered making s hard plastic device that would protect the Zoom recorder. Something that would reinforce the durability.

Witch one is the most reliable for recording audio for KZread videos

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.

Can any of these recorders be used as a streaming mic?

Does anybody know where to get a short cable with two locking minijack connectors? I need to connect the zoom f2 to my sony uwp-d transmitter.

So it's not actually true that 32bit float doesn't clip beyond a point that is unfixable as seen by your video at 15:45... correct?

Great video, bro! But in the future.... don't ever assume that the viewer knows what a particular item, device or certain terminology is, such as a "32 bit float" .... ALWAYS explain it! Just as a teacher would.

In which of them the noise level is lower?

so any more than 6.6dB it's still unrecoverable?

I need an audio recorder for when I film basketball. With that being said, is there a popping noise when you wiggle the lav mic at the input section? I’ve heard that this happens for the F2.

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

I havent had the popping issue with my unit. At least not yet. The F2 would be great for basketball though. I’ve done some audio work for ESPN in the past, so I know how much the noise level changes throughout a game. 32-bit float would be helpful for that.

@theDanDeleon

3 жыл бұрын

@@GearTestTVTech thanks for your reply! Will definitely be getting the F2 to try out. Just out of curiosity, what was the audio setup for ESPN? I’m sure they spared no expense. Lol

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

Haha, well I ran the sound board for the live broadcasting of college games, so they weren't quite as big of a production as NBA games. Still had about 12 microphones for every game though. We had a shotgun mic at all 4 corners of the court to catch the players, a microphone on each backboard to catch sound on the backboard/rim, 2 or 3 crowd mics, and a mic on each announcer. They all had to be constantly adjusted as players moved from one end of the court to the other, so it was a pretty hectic job, but it was fun!

I'm heading that the mic on the zoom had such a lie DYNAMIC range It still can clip

did you stop making videos?

Can you power the Zoom f2 via usb on a pc just like you do with the Tascam?

@mshaftenberg

Жыл бұрын

Yes you can. And it works with an external powerbank too.

Can you use the zoom F2 to record sound with Filmic pro app wirelessly?

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

The F2 doesnt transmit wirelessly. It only records to the SD card.

@lightning6718

3 жыл бұрын

@@GearTestTVTech : Thanks for the information.

Great video.... I I like the 32 bit tech, but hte F2 is a horrible implementation of it. crappy build quality and have you seen the videos where it has issues with the jack input?

@jasonmoran5152

3 жыл бұрын

wow, you're angry

@SlavGuns

3 жыл бұрын

@@jasonmoran5152 LOL, Angry? No, not in one bit. Zoom owes me nothing and I owe Zoom nothing, just my take as a target customer.

@jasonmoran5152

3 жыл бұрын

@@SlavGuns seems angry and the product isnt available for a few months so I suspect they will have things worked out by then

@SlavGuns

3 жыл бұрын

@@jasonmoran5152 You would hope... but by this time, these are production units. Secondly, you are wrong on one thing, many of these units were purchased. Zoom stopped production for a bit, from what I recall, to start sorting out the issues. I do think they will fix the sloppy mic jack, however the overall flimsy feel, that will stay unless they change out the molds and make things thicker and change the design on the battery door.

@jasonmoran5152

3 жыл бұрын

@@SlavGuns oh, I didn't know they were out. I thought they were test units. I hope they get the bugs out but for 150-200, I dont know that they will make they more durable. I'm not getting one to put on talent though so its not that important to me. Either way, the day they release I'm getting a few, cant beat that price. maybe tascam will update their stuff

@15.50 the 32bit shouldn't clip at all. You should be getting far more than an extra 6db. Perhaps the device is not suitable for line level. Try it with a voice via a mic.

@taylorkirk74

3 жыл бұрын

I used both a lav mic and a Rode Videomic Pro plus and I'm having the exact same issue where it clips after about 6db. Tried diff software and nothing has helped yet. I've seen in many other videos the F2 edits just fine. Not sure what's causing this issue.

Really wish we could playback audio from the App! Hopefully it’s a firmware update away.

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

I hope so as well!

Waht iphone case do you use?

@GearTestTVTech

3 жыл бұрын

I don't remember the exact name, but the brand is SupCase. Its a pretty cheap one I got on Amazon. Had it for almost two years on my XR and its been great!

The F2 is cheaply made, and I'm hearing from others that there are issues with the mic connector creating audio problems. And being that the Tascam has been out for 3 years now, I'm surprised they haven't put 32-bit Float in the same unit for an updated model.

@juju8470

3 жыл бұрын

What does 32 bit mean? Is higher the better? 16, 24, 32?

@mikeblack_pw

3 жыл бұрын

@@juju8470 yes. 16 is like a JPEG, 24 is like TIFF (uncompressed JPEG), 32 bit is like RAW audio. Much more flexibility in fixing high or low spots in audio.

But... Can I recharge my AAA batteries with the F2 usb port? This is the real question... Thank you!!

My mans disappeared offer this video

My man disappeared off the face of the earth after posting this video…

They're both awful, the Zoom even more so. No clarity, and when the Diety swaps out, and then kicks in again, the difference is HHUUUGGGEEE. Thanks for the video, you saved me some money.

@Flodre

Жыл бұрын

if both are bad, which one did you get?

@adsertheblade

Жыл бұрын

​@@Flodre i don't remember the video, but i did get a Tascam dr10l, i use it with the provided lav if i have no other option, or alternatively with the rode videomic ntg, which plugs directly in and gives a much better sound. I tried a few different things and this worked best for me. Basically, lavs don't sound very good, whichever you get, compared to a half decent normal mic

@Flodre

Жыл бұрын

@@adsertheblade thanks for the fast reply. I am considering getting the Tascam Dr-10L, because of the superior build quality and reliability. I am a wedding videographer and I know that lav mics arent as good as normal, but are definitely good enough. I couldn´t decide between the Zoom F2 and the Tascam but read a lot of bad reviews referring to the build quality and reliability of the zoom f2

@adsertheblade

Жыл бұрын

@@Flodre lavs have this awful soflrt of nasal quality. Now you can improve it but why put lipstick on a pig if you don't have to. On the other hand, sometimes, the pig is the only way. A nice shotgun does wonders if you can get away with it

@Flodre

Жыл бұрын

@@adsertheblade in my case a shotgun won´t be able to substitute a good lav when it comes to a wedding ceremony. The pig will have to do.

TELL EM TASCOM DOESNT HAVE 32 BIT FLOAT

@felicitycarly4997

Жыл бұрын

Hello, what does this mean and how big of a deal is it ?