At 9:54 actually the non recargable build in battery is better for the environment coz the mic will not become obsolete in 10 years like smartphones do. We can use rechargeable AA batteries with this mic to not generate much waste. Great video by the way. Thanks a lot for this review!!!

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

That’s a great point. Thanks so much for your comment!!

@MIKE12345698

Жыл бұрын

Yeah 100% Zoom made right choice I have my rechargeable batterys with me and no problems for weeks

@JeffBourke

9 ай бұрын

Yes you can buy rechargeable. I don’t know why 18650 is not a standard user battery. You can buy chargers for 18650 cells so why not accept them in devices?

@Sustainavore

9 ай бұрын

I came here to say the same thing lol

@A1Bokeh

6 ай бұрын

​@@JeffBourkeprob cuz the size

You can power it with the usb port and a power bank. Having an option for AA batteries is a bonus not a zonk. You can even use rechargeable AAs. No LCD is not a problem, but it could use a file selector but you can connect to pc or swap the microSD. But for what this mic is, at this price.... I want a fleet of them.

Test of the 4 mics - well, exact positioning can make a significant difference but the M3 seemed to have the best sound in this test. I'd conclude that it's certainly no disaster, and possibly surprisingly good. 4:35 - the cable should be routed via the two little clips on the side of the mount to reduce handling noise. Maybe for this shot you didn't bother, of course. Rechargeable - well, many A/V people prefer to be able to put in fresh, commonly available batteries rather than experience loss of power when something rechargeable goes flat when you are miles from anywhere. Or use your own rechargeable batteries. Personal preference I guess. The demo of the 100 foot recording is impressive - not least because of your expertise in maximizing the final sound quality! What is encouraging is that the analog side of the device - the mics and preamps, before A/D conversion - seems to be commendably low noise. 32 bit float will happily record and reproduce such noise and it will get amplified if you crank up the digital gain in post production. In your extreme tests, ambient noise seems much more significant (which is inevitable) and analog noise seems remarkably low. That's good. The app is really not essential. You can process gain and stereo width in your editor. Voxengo MSED (free VST 'effect') loaded into your editor will do the width stuff (and more), and in fact, according to the theory of Mid / Side recording, you don't need to use the "raw" file for this purpose, if you have recorded with the 120 degree setting. It incorporates a load of other stereo field manipulations (eg channel swap if you've mounted the mic upside down, eg suspended above a concert hall). And a good editor would allow you to keyframe the width setting so that you could smoothly go from mono to stereo as required during the take. By comparison, using the app to process the audio first, then put it into your editor, is a clumsy way of working even if the app was really good. You've passed over four considerations in your excellent review. First, handling noise doesn't seem to be good. But in a lightweight device that's hard to avoid, and lightweight is good if you are using this on a gimbal mounted camera. Second, wind noise is very likely to be a significant problem - it's a shame they didn't supply a 'dead cat' wind muff. Foam doesn't do the job. As far as I'm aware, there's not one available (from Zoom) as an accessory even. Then, RF breakthrough. This I think has been noted by three reviewers that I'm aware of. The rest haven't had an issue with it. Maybe it depends where you are. Maybe it was a fault in the first production run only. It's certainly not in evidence in your tests, so that's encouraging. [I see you've commented on that to another viewer.] Lastly, the device can be used as a USB mic, while outputting to its recorder and to the line output. That's clever. USB mics can be used with recent DJI small cameras (Action 2 and Action 3) without needing any kind of mic adapter, so this is a handy feature. And of course you can record to phones or PCs etc via USB. Thanks for your hard work on this! It's probably cost me the price of the M3...

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Wow, I am so floored! How does a video with 8 views get so much attention for a long and thoughtful comment like this! Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to write this! "Rechargeable - well..." - I would agree with you 100% ***IF*** there was a way to tell how much battery power is left. The only way to do that is to follow the blinking pattern of the light(s) located on top of the device... what are we in the 80's?! Come on, Zoom! Since there is no easy way to tell how much battery power is left I would much prefer to have a rechargeable battery that will ALWAYS last longer than... let's say 12 hrs - as I can't imagine a scenario where I would need the mic running for longer than that in a single job. It seems like Zoom wanted to make this device as easy to operate as possible following the "set it and forget it" philosophy but this point is a little conflicting for me. You do have a point with the rechargeable batteries that you can swap - and I had another segment where I talk about it in the video but I cut it out - it was long enough, already. It is a solution BUT it adds another step in the workflow. My preference would be to connect a cable overnight and recharge the whole thing without worrying about the rechargeable batteries. "The app is really not essential..." - I was wondering about that but I thought I should be using the tool supplied with the product by the manufacturer as they would know best what will produce the best final result with their own device. I was also surprised that the RAW and the "regular" WAV files are exactly the same size. I guess I need to learn more about RAW audio. I understand the concept nad the process, just not the very technical details of how it actually works. You are definitely way more advanced than me and I'm not even going to pretend to have near the same level of knowledgel. I just like reviewing things and making videos about them :) If you are open to more conversation and wouldn't mind answering some of my questions please email me: david@wags.life "it's a shame they didn't supply a 'dead cat' wind muff. Foam doesn't do the job..." - agreed. I am not using one in this video but I used one from Rode Video mic on a job recently and it worked perfectly fine as it is almost exactly the size you'd need for this. "Lastly, the device can be used as a USB mic..." - Yes, it can and that is another awesome feature. I forgot to mention this in my review but I gave it 10/10 for versatility already so that covers it :) Thanks for bringing this up! "Thanks for your hard work on this! It's probably cost me the price of the M3..." - haha, thank you so much! I really appreciate all the feedback! If you decide to get it please use my link - I haven't gotten the first sales with Amazon Associates yet required to keep me in the program ;)

I feel that Zoom have really thought this through. And question your Zonks. Removable rechargeable batteries are far better as the technology keeps changing. It also means that working in the field anywhere in the world you can grab spares. No screen saves batteries as well as keeps things simple. Stick a massive card in and you will have weeks of recordings. Also not an issue. I am glad that Zoom are focusing on the hardware and not the software. Software support is a nightmare as you will never please everyone. Thanks for the video. Honest but misled ;-). The 100ft test was an eye opener. But more because of Adobe's mad ML processing. Now that I have written all this I feel a little like I have been baited to do so. ;-) Good luck with the channel.

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

In retrospect, I agree about the batteries. Thanks for stopping by here and for the comment!

Thank you this is what I was looking for

Didn't know about Adobe speech enhancement. Thank you! Good thing I was researching the Zoom M3 and came on your channel ;)

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear my video was useful to you! Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for this pleasant and very good review. What I liked most, and what I needed to hear, is that you still can make wonderful recordings (including enhancing afterwards) on such an enormous distance. This makes me decide to buy it! You have done a great job here! Congratulations!

@thepolishpotato42

8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! I appreciate the comment and the kind words!

@JeanLoyens

8 ай бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 Is the newer ZOOM ZSG-1 shotgun mic of the exact same quality as the M3 (apart from the recording option)? If so, then it would be just to consider whether I want the recording option or not... Thank you for your answer.

Great review. I wish that the recording would start as soon as I press record on my camera. That way, it's easier to find files that goes with each clip. Just an idea. :)

You are so far the only reviewer who's done a voice test at various distances from the mic, which is what I've been looking for. Much appreciated. I take it that an indoors recording of, say 6ft, from the mic wouldn't be an issue to recover the audio?

@thepolishpotato42

9 ай бұрын

Thank you! At 6ft you should be perfectly fine, given there is no noise pollution between you and the mic or any other loud disturbances around you.

Very helpful. Thank you

@thepolishpotato42

10 ай бұрын

So glad!

Thank you for your presentation. I agree with all your conclusions. I have this device.

@thepolishpotato42

9 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

The AA batteries are not an issue. Its standard in the film industry, if not 9V. This helps with thr longevity of the device. People are still using zoom h4 and h6 that are over a decade old.

Very useful. It would nice to test the directivity of this super cardioid mic to record sound source. To turn the M3 progressively to find the angle when sound decreases abruptily...

That Zoom M3 sounds incredible!

hi thx for the video and yes I agree it should have a small screen liker the H1 Essential but how does it compare the the ZSG-1

Hello, thanks for the review. One important question: does Zoom M3 MicTrak save the data files properly when it drains the battery or loses power?

Wow! Great review, real world test, insights and tips, especially the Adobe Voice enhancer. As for the studio voice quality test compared to 'Broadcast quality' mics, the M3 in your test sounds very respectable. I like the M3's low end capture and warmth, but compared to Mics, and boards I worked with at a large broadcast radio & TV network, I'd prefer a bit more transparency and deal with the personality of the sound with live EQ and post compression. Having done ENG and run n' gun field recording, I much prefer AA battery operation and having a store of pre-charged high-cap AAs over built-in rechargeable so not to get stuck on location with a dead mic that has to be recharged. I do agree that an LCD that shows record time remaining and a function that would allow you to, split and erase tracks or format the card if needed.

@thepolishpotato42

9 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I appreciate the comment from someone who is way more advanced and experienced sound recordist than myself!!

@jackoneil3933

9 ай бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 Thanks, your production looks better than the stuff and I "Professional" crew used to do, but then for us it was all about cost, time and quick, not professional look. Looking forward to seeing more of your channel and work.

Question: Does it only record 32bit float internally or it does when you connect it to the camera ?

For USB powering during recording, can you just use your USB charger you'd be using for a phone?

TATER-MAN! Great video - I'm a F6 user looking for something to provide an on-camera backup for interviews, etc. I personally disagree with ZONK 1. I much prefer to have a replaceable battery. On too many devices if the internal battery dies on set you're sunk until that battery recharges to a certain amount (it's one reason I still love the Sennheiser MKE600). With replaceable batteries you have literally 5 seconds of downtime. As far as environmental concerns, you can buy rechargeable AA batteries. I'm with you on ZONK 2 for sure. I can see a Mk. II version of this mic with a screen. I'd add a ZONK - or maybe request two features. Timecode capability and something that would sync the record function with the camera. Having to press record twice and clap for each file would be a pain for run-and-gun work. All that said, your video was really helpful in my decision making and your production value is fantastic. Keep up the great work!

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Hi, welcome and thank you so much for the comment! In retrospect, you are right about zonk 1. Should have thought this through a little more but I’m glad to hear you found the video helpful!

@MattSpaugh

Жыл бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 the form factor may be a bit of a problem for me too. I shoot Sony A7IV bodies. I've used the Movo VXR-10 PRO for a long time and it tucks in nicely to the left of my top handle/Ninja V monitor mount. I'm going to order one today and we'll see what happens. Great video - new sub!

Greetings from Canada! Great video, really enjoyed it. I've heard there are some issues with the Zoom M3 mic when it crosses high wifi frequencies. Do you think If I was recording internally into the SD card on the Zoom M3, and the Rode Wireless Go II is plugged into my camera for recording, that there could be an issue? Thanks so much!

@thepolishpotato42

10 ай бұрын

Hi, I have done all of those things and did not have any interference or any issues, at all. I think it may depend on what exact environment you are doing your recording in (middle of a large city will be more prone to interference than a remote location, etc.).

Panasonic Eneloop rechargables work fine.

Robe sound a bit more crisp Is it sound the same as Sennheiser MKE 440 in stereo and MKE 600 in mono? Is XLR mic necessary nowadays? I thought to get a stereo mic MKE 440 for everyday and KZread videos on a Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder, a shotgun mic MKE 600 to source outdoor sounds for game development and a pencil condenser mic Line Audio CM4 to source indoor voice and instruments, should I get these or Zoom M3 instead? Can M3 record behind the camera voice clearly when in stereo modes? Is there an adaptor to able to plug the CM4 45⁰ directly into the Zoom F3 to make a small 90⁰ stereo mics pair?

Expert as well as honest review. More honest than the ra ra ra ra of the reviewers who try hard to convince about their honesty claiming that they have been provided a free unit to review by the company but still their review was not influenced by the company...but zonk # 1 is actually a positive for me who just held back and started reconsidering my decision to buy the wireless hyped microphones like rode pro, dji mic 2 and lark max, when I realized that their batteries are rechargeable but not replaceable, which means I have to junk the device which has exhausted its battery lifespan, even if the rest of the unit is working perfectly because of how carefully I have used it...but the other zonks are really very zonky. P.S.: I wrote this without reading the other comments, so sorry if it sounds repetitive...also, I am a little confused after reading some comments that say that you can recharge this mic via usb-c...how is that possible? there are no LiPo batteries inside the mic to recharge....in my understanding, the usb-c would only be for data transfer to camera/pc.

@thepolishpotato42

4 ай бұрын

Haha, thank you for the honest reply!! After reading other people’s opinions here I actually convinced myself that you are correct on Zonk #1! It makes perfect sense to be able to keep the device forever and use batteries instead of a rechargeable one that - eventually - is bound to die. I guess when I was posting this I had the long term cost of use in mind… but if I was doing the same review today #1 would not be a zonk, anymore!! Thanks so much for your visit here and taking the time to write!

I’m wondering if you could output audio signal via USB-C to a camera such as the Sony a7IV, instead of using the 3.5mm analog jack, so that the audio recorded on the camera is also digital? THAT would be a game changer for me personally, as I have to hand over SD cards at the end of each wedding I shoot to the editor. I don’t want him/her to have to sync the internally recorded audio (32-bit float from the M3) to the footage in post, as we often do same-day edits.

I actually think the M3 sounds better than all of those other devices you have around you, even better than the Yeti Blue which you switched to as your "default" mic. I have good headphones and I clearly hear noise in your Yeti Audio, and the voice is a bit muffled as well. The M3 recording in your video sounds absolutely clear with zero noise on my device, and the voice is much richer and crystalline.

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

That adds another reason why this is a good mic to purchase, doesn’t it?! I love the quality myself and if you check my earbuds reviews I actually started using the M3 for most of them because: 1. I agree, it sounds fantastic, 2. Ease of use, 3. Additional backup audio that never fails :)

@mq1995

Жыл бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 Yes I actually bought one today, but it's out of stock here in Europe till the beginning of may. I pre ordered it :D

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Congrats! I hope you come back here to let me know how you like it when it arrives!

Zoom has made a plugin that works flawlessly with the Sound Forge 14 Pro.

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Great to know, thank you!

Robe sound more crisp, replaceable battery is better and I'm glad! Just get IKEA replaceable battery! Is it sound the same as Sennheiser MKE 440 in stereo and MKE 600 in mono? Is XLR mic necessary nowadays? I thought to get a stereo mic MKE 440 for everyday and KZread videos on a Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder, a shotgun mic MKE 600 to source outdoor sounds for game development and a pencil condenser mic Line Audio CM4 to source indoor voice and instruments, should I get these or Zoom M3 instead? Can M3 record behind the camera voice clearly when in stereo modes? Is there an adaptor to able to plug the CM4 45⁰ directly into the Zoom F3 to make a small 90⁰ stereo mics pair? Can you cover the sides vents and it will basically become a small diaphragm condenser mic?

How is the sound from behind the mic, lets say you are the cameraman asking questions, is the sound clear from behind or is it cancelled to some degree?

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

It's a supercardoid pattern mic so it cancels sounds most heavily on the sides. The pickup from behind the mic is not as good as from the front but it's better than with many other mics I tested.

@ThatShitIsHotSunlive

Жыл бұрын

Thank You

is that mic has line in or input to be external recording? and can it use on a leptop?

@thepolishpotato42

6 ай бұрын

It does not have an input to work as external recorder for a different device, no. It could be used with a laptop if you get something like this to convert the audio signal to usb: amzn.to/3N4S3rO

What pop filter is that? Do you think that mic setup is good enough for voice overs for tv? Thanks

@cruisechill1813

28 күн бұрын

Still looking for the pop filter and also the little stand ur using. Any links?

I saw your review on B&H, but also saw another reviewer say that it picked up a radio station and recorded that to the track…aka there is a RF interference issue. Can you comment on this?

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

I've used it A LOT since the review, outdoors, indoors in Philly at busy skyscraper buildings, law offices all over MD and PA, animal farms, all kinds of locations really and never had the radio interference problem yet.

Hi, I’m considering buying this microphone/recorder but I saw some reviews that mention RF problems. You didn’t encounter any? I think it’s the AM radio that’s the worst. (Probably paired with a pair of headphones plugged in.)

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Is is that one review on B&H that you are referring to? I did not have this problem. We used the mic on three different jobs so far. One in a high rise building in center city Philadelphia, one at an animal farm in PA and one in a residential area jn MD. No issues with radio transmission interference. I can tell you this much: I use very high end, expensive lav mics by Audio Technica at my day job. They have excellent reviews everywhere you look and even those will sometimes pick up radio interference… and there’s not much you can do about it. My theory is: that guy was just unlucky (but of course I don’t know for sure… I wasn’t there). If I ever have this problem with the M3, I will post an update!

@heroaomedia

Жыл бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 Videos showing RF interference are all over KZread. Zoom has actually acknowledged it. Quite a few units with certain serial numbers are impacted by it.

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

I'm starting to realize that. Maybe I was lucky waiting just long enough to get a unit free of those problems and maybe I simply haven't experienced it yet. If I do, I will certainly post an update. Thanks for stopping by here, appreciate your attention!

Hey nice video. I just bought the M3, in couple of days is in my hands and I don’t find anything about how much storage occupy raw 32bit flow audio file. For example how many minutes of raw audio file goes into a 64 gb micro sd card. Can you help with this? Greetings from Germany!

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks so much for stopping by here. An answer I found on a different website: "If you use the Zoom M3 MicTrak Stereo Shotgun Microphone and Recorder to record 4 simultaneous tracks of WAV audio at 48 kHz / 32-bit onto a 128GB microSD memory card, you will get approximately 46 hours, 17 minutes, and 46 seconds of recording time. For 2 tracks of recorded audio with the same settings on a 128GB microSD card, you will get approximately 92 hours, 35 minutes, and 33 seconds of recording time." Hope this helps!

@Angelo_Paduraru

Жыл бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 thank you very much for the answer!!!

Are you saying this would be an excellent microphone for podcasting? Which Zoom recorder would you use with this?

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it would be an excellent podcasting mic. It has a built-in recorder.

Can it be charged via the USB-C? I think the website specs indicate that may be an option for people who have a way to do that.

@AbsurdImprobability

7 ай бұрын

It can be powered from USB. If you use rechargeable AA batteries you will have to charge those separately. But that is good so you can have spares charged up if used that way. A USB power bank seems the way to go though.

You can recharge your batteries and swap them immediately while you can't do that on rechargeable devices. Also, lipo batteries doesn't last forever. It's more sustainable to use AA batteries.

Is it possible to set the gain level with the software (because there is no physical gain wheel)? Will it be saved into the device for using it with a smartphone for example? (Just like with the Rode Video mic go 2) (I know that i don't have to set the gain level when i record in 32 bit float, but there will be many times in which I don't want to use 32 Bit float recordings... so I wonder if it's possible to set the gain in the device when using it via USB with my Smartphone for example.)

@thepolishpotato42

6 ай бұрын

You can’t set it in the app because the whole idea behind how the mic works is that you don’t need to. If you really want to use it with a smart phone, I would try to use an app that allows you to control levels. But, in all honesty, I would just get a different mic for use with a smartphone. One that is meant for smartphone use.

@learningpsychologynet

6 ай бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 okay, thank you very much. this really helps:)

3:17 you should have been centering the stereo-Field to Mono with the H1n here, else the compatison appears a little bit missleading ... 10:12 why you do not simply use recharable batteries? 17:28 why don't you work with your preferred audio editor right from the beginning? Thanks for the very informative video!

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

I'll have that in mind for the next time. Thanks for your comment!

I bought the M3… I’m wondering if the interference is only present with the unbalanced cable connection to a camera? Recording internally would in that case solve the problem. I have no issues after 2 weeks use recording to the internal SD. Your comments about the software is a little unfair. MS audio is not that complicated. The app does what it says. It’s only for adjusting the stereo image. I think it is assumed that you use a DAW in your workflow.

@fredrikmixer

Жыл бұрын

Sorry, I pasted part of the reply from a different video. You didn’t mention the RF issue.

@fredrikmixer

Жыл бұрын

But I urge you to try the Clarity plugin from Waves. It’s incredible with the M3.

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

I see what you're saying, and you might be right - of course. I would still want to see a bit more functionality out of the app. Thanks so much for stopping by here and taking the time to write your comment. I appreciate it!

Hello! Does anyone had a try with "line out" into camera? Is the signal too hot? Is there the same "hiss" or the "attenuator" cable who F6 line out requires to go into the camera? Thanks

@thepolishpotato42

9 ай бұрын

I do it all the time and the signal is fine, not too hot. No issues. No hiss of any kind.

@will2071

6 ай бұрын

I tried it with an attenuator cable. I was watching the levels in camera and it didn't work. Sound is great without it.

Zonk 1 is a big one.

What's the min. effective range? Am searching for device w/min. pickup range >30-50ft. M3 looks ideal....

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for the comment. Not sure what exactly you mean by the “min. effective range’?

@harrymiram5562

Жыл бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42....Minimum effective range...closest to subject

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Well… I use it in my stidio so…. an inch?

@harrymiram5562

Жыл бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42....Have you tried outdoors?

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I’ve done many jobs with this mic by now. Great results each and every time.

Never before have I heard the word "zonk" used in this meaning.

@thepolishpotato42

Жыл бұрын

It has a different meaning? ;)

@skakdosmer

Жыл бұрын

@@thepolishpotato42 look it up.

Can you boom it?

@thepolishpotato42

10 ай бұрын

I don't see a reason why not!

You're right, there are so many "zzonks" in this equipment that it's practically impossible to use it And this battery, not accepted ...