Field Recording
Video Recording
Live Sound + Recording
Digital Instruments
Audio Interfaces
Multi-Track Recorders
Guitar
Acoustic
Bass
MultiStomp
Vocal

HOLLYWOOD SOUND GOES INDIE The Zoom F4 Professional Field Recording Has Never Been So Accessible.

Creators are making more waves in film than ever before.  Thanks to affordable technology and distribution channels like YouTube, we’re ushering in a new era of creativity…and it’s only just begun.

The Zoom F4 propels your film's sound to a whole new level. With 6-input/8-track recording, super-low-noise mic preamps, and time code with pinpoint accuracy, the F4 offers Hollywood sound at an indie budget.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We didn't change the industry.
You did.


By putting high-quality sound front and center, you've changed how audiences experience film. That's why we created the Zoom F4. So professional quality sound is always within reach.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  


The F4 was designed with you in mind, at a price never before thought possible.

The Essentials For
Professional Recording


 

Super-low-noise microphone preamps
The F4 is equipped with our highest-quality mic preamps. Like the F8, the F4’s mic preamps enable pristine recording and playback at resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Its impressive audio specs include an extremely low noise floor (-127 dBu EIN) and high gain (up to 75 dB), with +4 dB line-level inputs.
 

 

Zoom AutoMix™
Zoom AutoMix™ takes some work off your plate, automatically adjusting the levels of your mix and helping you reduce any ambient sound. Now with this smart software, you can focus on what really matters – capturing a well-balanced mix.

 

 

TCXO Time Code
For precise audio/video syncing, the F4 utilizes a Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) that generates time code at 0.2 ppm accuracy—even when powered off! The F4 supports all standard drop frame and non-drop formats, and can jam sync to time code provided by external devices. Standard BNC connectors enable easy integration into any rig.
 


 

Advanced Look-Ahead Hybrid Limiters
Advanced Look-Ahead Hybrid Limiters add a 1 millisecond delay that enables the limiters to “look ahead” anticipating clipping before it’s recorded. Limiting can be applied to each of the 6 channels simultaneously at full resolution, with 10 dB of headroom and controls for setting threshold, attack, and release. (US Patent 10033344)
 


 

Rock-solid build and lightweight design
A compact metal chassis makes the F4 both rugged and durable, and keeps its weight down to just 2.27 pounds without batteries.

Recording Features

Multi-track recording
With four XLR/TRS combo inputs, a 3.5mm stereo input, and a Zoom mic capsule input, the F4 can record up to six discrete tracks with an additional stereo mix track—all at resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Camera return
Input 5/6 can be used as a camera return for monitoring only. This allows you to monitor audio being sent to the camera for confidence checks.

Dual SD card recording
A dual SD card recording feature lets you record simultaneously on two SD/SDHC/SDXC cards* (up to 512 GB each). This means you can instantly back up or split recordings. For example, you can save eight tracks on one card and a stereo mix on another. (US Patent 10033344)

* View a list of confirmed compatible SD cards

File protection

The F4 periodically saves files while recording, providing an extra level of protection from unexpected file interruptions like power loss or sudden SD card removal.

Dual-channel recording

Dual-channel recording mode lets you create safety tracks for inputs 1 and 2, each with independent level, limiting, delay, phase inversion, and high-pass filtering.

Shortcuts
Built-in shortcuts allow easy access to important menus and features. Hold the front panel OPTION button for access to TC Jam, Trim Link, Clear Clip and other important shortcuts.

Simultaneous-Recording
The F4 can record simultaneously to an SD card and your computer via USB, so you can easily back up your files and even live stream while recording.

Three power sources

Power up your F4 with 8 AA batteries or an external DC battery pack with a converter cable connector. The F4 also includes a Zoom AD-19 power supply and a DC-HIROSE adapter which serves as a third power option.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

 

Add Two
Additional
Mic/Line Inputs

The F4 is outfitted with a 10-pin Zoom
mic capsule input to expand your recording
capabilities even further. Connecting the
optional EXH-6 XLR/TRS Combo Input Capsule
adds two extra mic/line inputs to your F4,
giving you a total of six discrete
XLR/TRS combo inputs.

 


Zoom Interchangeable Mic Capsules



Use the proprietary Zoom capsule input to connect any of the available Zoom mic capsules—such as the SGH-6 Shotgun Mic Capsule or the XYH-6 Stereo X/Y Mic Capsule—to add an on-board microphone to your F4. The optional ECM extension cable allows for remote positioning of all capsules.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





 

The Best Connections

Inputs

The F4 features four discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors. Each input provides a dedicated preamp with gain control knob, phantom power, a six-segment LED level meter, and a Record Ready and PFL switch. The 1/8" stereo input or the Zoom mic capsule input can provide input for tracks 5 and 6. The F4 also includes a variable-frequency slate tone generator to confirm levels.

 

Outputs

In addition to the 1/4” headphone jack with dedicated volume control, the F4 provides four other outputs. Two Main Outs (on balanced XLR jacks) let you connect to external mixers and processing devices. Two Sub Outs (on a single unbalanced 1/8" stereo mini-jack) enable easy connection to a camera. The front panel OUTPUT button allows easy access to output levels and routing.

Time code and USB
 connections
Time code I/O is provided on BNC connectors. The USB port facilitates firmware updates and file transfer. It also allows the F4 to be used as a 6-in/4-out USB audio interface with sample rates up to 96 kHz.

 

An LCD For All
Lighting Conditions

An easy-to-read 1.9-inch white
backlit monochromatic LCD
display makes the F4 suitable
for all lighting environments—
from low light to direct sunlight.
It also performs well in harsh
conditions, like dusty and
hard-to-see environments.

Monitor Your
Recordings


Flexible options help you easily monitor
recordings in the field. Route any input,
as well as the stereo track (pre- or
post-fader), to the left or right headphone 
channels. A built-in 100 mW headphone 
amplifier provides plenty of volume for
noisy environments. You can even set
headphone alert tones for low battery,
recording start/stop, or recording errors.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 






 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Onboard Mixer And Effects


An onboard mixer allows for flexible signal routing from all inputs to all outputs (pre- or post-fader) with user-adjustable level, pan, and input/output delay. Built-in limiters can be applied to all channels and tracks simultaneously. The F4 also includes built-in high-pass filtering to reduce the sound of wind and other noise, plus phase inversion and Mid-Side decoding.

The Nitty Gritty


The F4 records in BWF-compatible WAV format at 16-bit or 24-bit resolution, and at any standard sample rate up to 192 kHz. When recording MP3 files, you can choose bit rates of 128, 192, or 320 kbps.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






 

 

The VR
Audio
Dream Team

Pair your F4 with the Sennheiser AMBEO VR Microphone*
for a complete VR audio production experience. With the
F4’s gain linking capability, you can evenly adjust the gain
on all four capsules of the AMBEO mic in one fell swoop.
Lightweight, portable, and easy to mount, the F4 and
AMBEO mic combination lets you capture 360-degree
audio anywhere.

See and hear how FOVRTH Studios captured 360 audio to
transport you to different locations around the world:

NOTE: To experience the VR audio and video fully,
we recommend Google Chrome to desktop users
and the YouTube app for tablet and smartphone users.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Easy to Navigate
Menus and Metadata


Thanks to simple menu navigation, cataloging with the F4 is easy and straightforward. The F4 features a simple file structure and allows you to enter extensive metadata (both BWF and iXML) directly onto the device.

Includes Recording and Editing Software

The F4 comes with free download licenses for Steinberg’s Cubase LE music production software and WaveLab LE audio editing software, representing a complete audio production toolkit.

Currently shipping with:

Cubase LE9 for Mac OS X 10.11/10.12/10.13 and Windows 7/8.1/10

WaveLab LE9 for Mac OS X 10.10/10.11/10.12/10.13 and Windows 7/8.1/10

For information on license activation and upgrades, visit our Steinberg Software support page.

Your Time is Now

Creators are redefining what’s possible in film.
Let the F4 elevate your creations with professional
quality audio that brings your filmmaking
efforts full circle.

Features at a glance

  • 6-input/8-track multitrack field recorder with integrated mixer 
  • 6 discrete inputs, including with 4 locking Neutrik XLR/TRS combo connectors,
    a stereo 3.5mm input, and Zoom mic capsule input
  • Input 5/6 can be used as a camera return for monitoring only.
  • Compact and lightweight metal chassis, weighing just 2 pounds (without batteries)
  • High-quality mic preamps with up to 75 dB gain, less than -127 dBu EIN, and
    +4 dB line inputs
  • Support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz recording as well as 96 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 48 kHz, and 
    44.1 kHz, plus 47.952 kHz/48.048 kHz for HD video compatibility; 16-/24-bit resolution
  • Accurate time code (0.2 ppm) I/O on standard BNC connectors; drop frame/non-drop
    formats with Jam Sync
  • Three different power supply options: 8x AA batteries, external DC battery pack
    with 4-pin HIROSE connector, and Zoom AD-19 12V AC Adapter with
    DHC-1 DC-HIROSE cable (included)
  • Dedicated gain control knob, 6-segment LED level meter, and PFL/Solo switch for
    each channel
  • Phantom power (+48V/+24V) on every preamp 
  • High pass filter, phase invert, and Mid-Side decoder
  • Advanced onboard limiters for input and output
  • Input delay of up to 30 msec per channel / output delay of up to
    10 frames per output
  • Compatible with all Zoom mic capsules; optional ECM extender cable
    enables remote positioning
  • Dedicated headphone output (100 mW) with front panel volume control
  • Dual XLR balanced Main Outs plus 1/8" stereo mini-jack Sub Out
  • Front panel OPTION button gives quick access to important shortcuts
  • 1.9” white, backlit monochrome LCD
  • Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, up to 512 GB each 
  • Support for extensive metadata (BWF and iXML); input time, date,
    project, scene number, etc.
  • Built-in tripod mount; camera mount adapter also included
  • Use as a 6-in/4-out USB audio interface (@ 96 kHz) 

The F4 can also be mounted to a tripod and attached to your
camera using the included mounting bracket.

*The F4 does not have Bluetooth capabilities and
is not compatible with the Zoom F8 iOS app.

 

Accessories

What's included with the F4:

  • Camera mount adapter
  • Zoom AD-19 12V AC Adapter
  • DHC-1 DC-HIROSE cable
  • Cubase LE and WaveLab LE download codes
  • Operation manual

Optional F4 Accessories:

Media

Video

The Zoom F4

Hollywood Sound Goes Indie (Full Length Product Video)

The Zoom F4

Hollywood Sound Goes Indie (:30 Product Video)

B&H First Look: The Zoom F4

Learn about the features and specifications of the Zoom F4.

Specs

Recording Media
Dual SD card slot supports:

16 MB – 2 GB SD cards
4 GB – 32 GB SDHC cards
64 GB – 512 GB SDXC cards

INPUTS 1-4
Connectors:

XLR/TRS combo jacks (XLR: 2 hot, TRS: TIP hot)

INPUTS: XLR (MIC)
Input gain:

+10 – +75 dB

Input impedance:

3.0 kΩ or more

Maximum input level:

+14 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)

Phantom power:

+24/+48V 10mA maximum for each channel

INPUTS: TRS (LINE)
Input gain:

−10 – +55 dB

Input impedance:

22 kΩ or more

Maximum input level:

+24 dBu (at 0 dBFS, limiter ON)

INPUTS: ADDITIONAL INFO
Equivalent input noise:

−127 dBu or less
(A-weighted, +75 dB input gain, 150Ω input)

Frequency characteristics:

10 Hz – 80 kHz +0.5 dB/−1.5 dB
(192 kHz sampling rate)

A/D dynamic range:

120 dB typ (−60 dBFS input, A-weighted)

Crosstalk:

−90 dB or less
(between adjacent channels, 1 kHz)

MIC IN:

ZOOM mic capsule input
(use disables Inputs 5/6)

RTN IN
Connectors:

3.5 mm stereo mini unbalanced output jack

Reference input level:

+10 dBV (Level: -10 dBV setting),
+4 dBu (Level: +4 dBu setting)

Input impedance:

10k Ω or more

Maximum input level:

-10 dBV (Level: -10 dBV setting)
+24 dBu (Level: +4 dBu setting)

OUTPUTS: MAIN OUT 1/2
Connectors:

XLR balanced output (2: hot)

Output impedance:

150 Ω or less

Reference output level:

−10 dBV, 1 kHz, 600Ω load

Maximum output level:

+10 dBV, 1 kHz, 600Ω load

OUTPUTS: SUB OUT 1/2
Connector:

3.5 mm stereo mini unbalanced output jack

Output impedance:

1k Ω or less

Reference output level:

−10 dBV (Normal Output Type),
−40 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 10kΩ load

Maximum output level:

+10 dBV (Normal Output Type),
−20 dBV (Mic Output Type), 1 kHz, 10kΩ load

HEADPHONE
Connector:

1/4" unbalanced stereo output jack

Output impedance:

15 Ω or less

Maximum output level:

100 mW + 100 mW
(32Ω load)

D/A
D/A dynamic range:

106 dB typical (−60dBFS input, A-weighted)

RECORDING FORMATS: WHEN WAV SELECTED
Supported formats:

44.1/47.952/48/48.048/88.2/96/192kHz,
16/24-bit, mono/stereo/2-10 ch poly, BWF and iXML

Maximum simultaneous recording tracks:

8 (6 Inputs + L/R MIX recording at 192kHz sampling rate)

RECORDING FORMATS: WHEN MP3 SELECTED
Supported formats:

128/192/320 kbps, 44.1/48 kHz, ID3v1 tags

Maximum simultaneous recording tracks:

2

RECORDING TIME
Using a 32 GB card:

30:51:00 (48 kHz/24-bit stereo WAV)
7:42:00 (192 kHz/24-bit stereo WAV)

TIME CODE
Connector:

BNC

Modes:

Off, Int Free Run, Int Record Run, Int RTC Run, Ext, Ext Auto Rec (audio clock can be synchronized to timecode)

Frame rates:

23.976ND, 24ND, 25ND, 29.97ND, 29.97D, 30ND, 30D

Precision:

±0.2 ppm

Supported input levels:

0.2 – 5.0 Vpp

Input impedance:

4.3k Ω or more

Output level:

3.0 Vpp ±10%

Output impedance:

50 Ω or less

POWER SUPPLIES
Batteries:

8 AA

AC adapter:

Zoom AD-19 DC12 V 2A (center plus) via DC-HIROSE cable adapter (both included)

External DC power supply:

HIROSE HR10A-7R-4S 4-pin connector
(1 pin: −, 4 pin: +), 9–16 V

CONTINUOUS RECORDING TIME: WHEN RECORDING 2 CHANNELS AT 48 KHZ/16-BIT WITHOUT HEADPHONES
Alkaline batteries:

9.5 hours or more

NiMH (2450mAh):

11.5 hours or more

Lithium batteries:

17.5 hours or more

CONTINUOUS RECORDING TIME: WHEN RECORDING 8 CHANNELS AT 48 KHZ/24-BIT WITH HEADPHONES
Alkaline batteries:

9 hours or more

NiMH (2450mAh):

10.5 hours or more

Lithium batteries:

16.5 hours or more

CONTINUOUS RECORDING TIME: WHEN RECORDING 8 CHANNELS AT 192 KHZ/24-BIT WITH HEADPHONES, PHANTOM POWER, AND DISPLAY BACKLIGHTING
Alkaline batteries:

2 hours or more

NiMH (2450mAh):

3.5 hours or more

Lithium batteries:

6 hours or more

DISPLAY

1.9" monochrome LCD with white backlight

USB: MASS STORAGE OPERATION
Class:

USB 2.0 High Speed

USB: MULTITRACK AUDIO INTERFACE OPERATION (DRIVER REQUIRED FOR WINDOWS, NOT REQUIRED FOR MAC)
Class:

USB 2.0 High Speed

Specifications:

44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, 6-in/4-out

USB: STEREO MIX AUDIO INTERFACE OPERATION (NO DRIVER REQUIRED)
Class:

USB 2.0 High Speed

Specifications:

44.1/48 kHz, 16-bit, 2-in/2-out


Note: iPad audio interface operation supported (Stereo Mix mode only)

EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS
Main unit:

7.0 in. (W) × 5.5 in. (D) × 2.1 in. (H)
177.8 mm (W) × 141.1 mm (D) × 54.3 mm (H)

WEIGHT
Main unit only:

2.27 pounds (1030g)