The Zoom F8n Multi-Track Field Recorder is designed for professional and enthusiast recording applications on set and in the field, including music, filmmaking, and electronics news gathering (ENG). Designed to be carried by a shoulder strap or in a bag, the unit features eight analog input channels with XLR/TRS combo jacks that provide +75 dB maximum input gain, and support for line-level inputs. It can record up to 10 tracks simultaneously (channels 1 through 8 plus a stereo mix), or up to eight channels when recording at the A/D converter’s maximum 24-bit 192 kHz resolution.

The Zoom F8n boasts options like Zoom’s AutoMix, which automatically adjusts the levels to reduce ambient sound, ensuring a clean and well-captured sound. If you’re working on a one- to four-track project, you can utilize dual-channel recording to create safety tracks. Capture signal loudly with one, and have the other set to low gains as a backup should the louder mic feel over-saturated from too much level.

You’ll also note the advanced lookahead limiters, which add 1 ms of delay to the signal. This is imperceptible to the person listening and does not affect the final product, but this millisecond makes all the difference in the digital world, as it protects against clipping before it’s ever recording. For time code generation, the F8n makes use of a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator that generates time code at 0.2 ppm accuracy, making sure audio and video stay synced.

Power to the recorder can be supplied in one of three ways: via AA batteries, an AC adapter, or a 9 to 18 VDC external power pack. Two SD card slots can be used simultaneously for recording even longer sessions and can also be used as card readers when connected to a computer via USB.

When operating via USB, the unit can be used as an 8-in/4-out audio interface at sample rates up to 96 kHz. A built-in slate mic allows you to make voice memos and the unit’s slate tone can be used to confirm specific levels. Proprietary Zoom capsules can be plugged into the unit, so you can record stereo straight to the F8n.

Zoom F8n Specs

Portable Recorder

Number of TracksWAV:
10 (8 Inputs + Stereo Mix)
MP3:
2

Maximum Sampling Rate192 kHz / 24-Bit

MicrophoneBuilt-In Slate Mic

Built-In SpeakerNo

DisplayColor LCD (Backlit)

Memory Card SupportSD (16 MB to 2 GB)
SDHC (4 to 32 GB)
SDXC (64 to 512 GB)

Internal StorageNone

Recording

Audio File FormatsBWF, ID3v1, MP3, WAV, iXML

Sample RatesWAV:
44.1 / 47.952 / 48 / 48.048 / 88.2 / 96 / 192 kHz 
MP3:
44.1 / 48 kHz 

Bit Depth16 / 24-Bit

Bit Rates128 to 320 kb/s

Signal Processing & FXLimiter

Timecode SupportYes

Frame Rates Supported23.976 / 24 / 25 / 29.97 / 29.97 DF / 30 / 30 DF

Clock Accuracy±0.2 ppm

Recording TimeWAV 48 kHz/24-Bit:
57.8 Mins per GB (Stereo) 
WAV 192 kHz/24-Bit:
14.4 Mins per GB (Stereo) 

Connectivity

Analog I/O8 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Female Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
1 x Proprietary 10-Pin Mic Capsule Input
2 x TA3 3-Pin Male Balanced Line Output
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Line Output
1 x 1/4" TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone Output

Digital I/O1 x BNC Timecode Input
1 x BNC Timecode Output

Phantom Power+24 / 48 V (Selectable on Individual Inputs)

Phantom Power Current≤ 10 mA per Channel

Host Connection1 x Mini-USB (USB 2.0)

Performance

Frequency Response10 Hz to 80 kHz +0.5/-1 dB (at 192 kHz) 

Gain/Trim RangeMic Inputs:
+10 to +75 dB
Line Inputs:
-10 to +55 dB

Max Input LevelMic Inputs:
+14 dBu (Limiter On, at 0 dBFS) 
Line Inputs:
+24 dBu (Limiter On, at 0 dBFS) 

Max Output LevelOutputs:
+24 dBu 
Aux Outputs:
+10 dBV 

Headphone Output Power100 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms

Dynamic RangeA/D Converters:
120 dBA 
D/A Converters:
106 dBA 

ImpedanceMic Inputs:
2 Kilohms 
Line Inputs:
2.6 Kilohms 
Balanced Outputs:
≤150 Ohms 
Aux Outputs:
≤100 Ohms 
Headphone Outputs:
≤15 Ohms 
BNC Inputs:
4.6 Kilohms 
BNC Outputs:
≤50 Ohms 

EIN≤-127 dBu (A-Weighted) 

Power

Power OptionsBattery or AC/DC Power Adapter

Battery Type8 x AA (Not Included)

Approximate Battery Life48 kHz/16-Bit:
6 Hours (Alkaline, 2 Channels) 
8.5 Hours (NiMH, 2 Channels) 
12 Hours (Lithium, 2 Channels) 
48 kHz/24-Bit:
3.5 Hours (Alkaline, All Channels) 
6 Hours (NiMH, All Channels) 
8 Hours (Lithium, All Channels) 
192 kHz/24-Bit:
1 Hour (Alkaline, All Channels) 
2 Hours (NiMH, All Channels) 
3 Hours (Lithium, All Channels) 

AC/DC Power Adapter12 VDC at 2 A (Included)

Physical

Dimensions7 x 5.5 x 2.1" / 178.2 x 140.3 x 54.3 mm

Weight2.2 lb / 1 kg

Packaging Info

Package Weight4.26 lb

Box Dimensions (LxWxH)11.7 x 10.35 x 4.05"

• 8 x XLR/TRS Combo Jacks with +75 dB Gain
• Up to 192 kHz/ 24-Bit PCM Recording
• Record up to 10 Tracks Simultaneously
• Look-Ahead Limiters Eliminate Clipping
• Zoom AutoMix: Automatic Level Adjustment
• 2 x SD Card Slots
• Built-In Slate Microphone
• 8 x AA Batteries, AC, External Power Pack
• Time Code at 0.2 ppm Accuracy
• Simultaneous Recording to SD Card & USB

• Zoom F8n 8-Input / 10-Track Multitrack Field Recorder
• AD-19 12V Power Adapter
• Set of Download Codes for Cubase LE and WaveLab LE