Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1470109
18 I M PS E . O R G electronics. While I have used other portable recorders, like the Tascam DR100-mkii, paired with a stereo or mid-side microphone, I appreciate you don't have to worry about built-in microphones taking up space or getting in the way with the F3 when you are using it with external mics. To minimize the footprint of my rig, I took a trip to the hardware store and picked up a few pieces to mount the F3 directly to the base of a Rycote Lyre Mount with Pistol Grip. To keep the cable management easy, I measured the ideal length and ordered a custom XLR y-cable from the folks over at Redco Audio. When I want the rig to be standalone instead of handheld, I attach it to a Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod. Since putting this rig together, I have taken it on several trips and have no complaints. It sounds great and is small enough to bring almost anywhere. This is my first 32-bit recorder and I can really see the value it brings to the unpredictable nature of field recording. You don't have to worry about occasional loud transients ruining an otherwise great recording. The only other thing I plan to add to my rig in the near future is the Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter, which allows the operator to control the unit from a distance, which is perfect for ambience recording. So, while I have thus far only focused on my personal goal of finding the perfect compact travel rig, the F3 will be equally useful in virtually any recording environment that requires single or two-channel effects gathering. It is small enough you could mount it to a car (or a horse) and with the aid of 32-bit float, not have to worry about adjusting levels while it is off recording. For mono point-source recording, I mounted an F3 to the grip of a Rycote S300 with a Sennheiser 8060 mounted inside. The included Rycote XLR cable was long enough to connect the mic directly to the F3. With this rig, I have so far recorded carbys and yelling, both with great results. I have not tried this yet, but the F3 also allows you to use it as a USB-C 2-channel recording interface. This could prove to be a handy on-the-go audio interface for recording directly into Pro Tools, or as an easy way to route a professional mic into your next Zoom call. So far, I have only found two weak points when it comes to the F3. 1. The headphone amp is not great. It is perfectly adequate for making sure you are recording and detecting issues and in-line with most pocket recorders, but I would be weary of using it as your primary headphone amp as an audio interface. I may also be spoiled with a Rupert Neve RNHP back at home, but still worth considering if your primary goal is to use the F3 as an audio interface for critical listening. My second issue with the F3 is that I mainly use it for mid-side recording, but there is no way to currently listen to a decoded version in the headphones. My hope is that this second issue might be resolvable in a future firmware update. Only time will tell. That being said, at a price of only $349.99, the handy little F3 from Zoom will be a worthwhile addition to any sound recordist's kit.