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Does anybody use the Zoom F8?

#2
OK, upon doing more research it seems that the F8 only has 2 outputs, so you can't hook it up to your computer and dump all 8 tracks into the DAW. It may be possible to painstakingly go one track at a time and then manually sync them up on the computer, or to just mix them on the F8. Does anyone have experience with making good gig recordings? I realize I won't be able to get commercial-quality, but I have been using the Zoom H1 and would like to step the quality up without buying a full-blown laptop rig.
 
#3
I just got one. Haven't recorded a gig yet but have experimented. I'm stepping up from the Zoom H6 (mine is now for sale on TB). The biggest advantage is higher quality preamps and two extra channels. But these come at MUCH higher cost for a feature set geared more toward a high end enthusiast or semi-pro taper. The H6 is more than adequate for casual band recording. I've been doing that for two years, such as with this video:

 
#4
Yes, I have noticed that reviews of the F8 seem to be more focused on film audio applications than band stuff. I am mainly interested in it for the 8 preamps as opposed to the 6 you get with the H6...I would be interested to hear your opinion after using the F8 to record your band.
 
#5
Space Pickle said:
OK, upon doing more research it seems that the F8 only has 2 outputs, so you can't hook it up to your computer and dump all 8 tracks into the DAW. It may be possible to painstakingly go one track at a time and then manually sync them up on the computer, or to just mix them on the F8. Does anyone have experience with making good gig recordings? I realize I won't be able to get commercial-quality, but I have been using the Zoom H1 and would like to step the quality up without buying a full-blown laptop rig.
Click to expand...

Hi,
I don't have an F8 but I've been interested in it for a few months. I think you don't need to worry about that; the outputs are for secondary recording to cameras, sending monitors etc.
You can record all 8 tracks in a single "poly WAV" file so that syncing each track of a take is not an issue. Also, I think you can use the F8 as an actual audio interface which will give you access to the 8 inputs directly in your DAW if you'd prefer to record directly on a laptop or whatever.
 
#7
I already have a recording interface, so I don't really want the F8 for that purpose...the idea is to see if I can get some decent recordings without having to haul around an interface and laptop. The H6 is an idea too, but 6 preamps is a bit under what I would like.

My main concern is just with the ability to get the tracks off of the F8 and into the DAW mainly for purposes.
 
#8
I have the H6 and use it quite a lot for rehearsals and gigs, often taking inserts out from the mixer. It has 4 channels pres with two integrated mics, but the mic module can be replaced with a module with two additional XLR inputs. I did not purchase that option, but I wish I had.

As far as the F8 goes, if the quality matches its lofty price, you should be pretty happy with it. It looks like its a pro bit of gear. There are many less costly alternatives like the Zoom R24 that you might want to check out. It has other features that you may not use but it's better than half the price.
 

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