The Countryman B3 Omnidirectional Microphone is a miniature lavalier microphone for general public speaking, interviews, stage performances, video and film shoots, houses-of-worship applications and much more.

The capsule measures 0.2" in diameter and is resistant to moisture, which allows for placement in hair and on bare skin. In addition, its omnidirectional polar pattern minimizes handling noise, wind noise and plosives (popping).

A wide variety of colors and connections are available for use with various wireless transmitters. This version is black and features a Twist Lock 4-pin connector for specific* Sony transmitters.

Twist Lock 4-pin for Sony    Headroom for Strong Vocals    Black

The miniature capsule measures only 0.2" (5.08mm) in diameter. The B3 is available in various colors that will virtually render the entire microphone invisible against the skin. This version B3 is black and more information on which color suits you best, can be found on the Countryman support page.

Three frequency response altering caps provide flat, bright and very bright high-frequency enhancement. In addition the caps are resistant to moisture caused by perspiration, make-up, humidity, etc.

The omnidirectional polar pattern is most effective in minimizing wind noise, plosives (popping) and handling noise.

The B3 is available in two sensitivities. This version is optimized to accurately capture strong audio signals without peak distortion and noise, also providing optimum results when placed in hair for theater applications.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I love the idea of being able to plant different units on different actors or in out-of-range places. But it would be vital to be able to trigger them all to record with one click. Is it really true that the app cannot do this? How would I do it?

A: The F2 control app can be used to start and stop recordings (https://apple.co/37BzPci or https://bit.ly/3m0pAGX ). If you have multiple recorders though, I think your best option will be to start them all recording at the same time, with each generating their own time-code. That will make sure you don't miss anything, and will allow you to easily sync and edit everything later.

Q: 2. Is it possible to monitor audio with the headphone jack while using the lavalier microphone in an interview setup, where the subject is a few feet away from you? Or would the mic cord not be long enough?

A: The mic cord is about 5 feet long, so it seems possible but awkward. For greater flexibility in setting-up for various camera angles, I would attach the Zoom F1 Recorder to the interviewees waist by belt, etc., and use a 15-20 foot extension cord with 1/8th-inch male and female connectors on ends for extending the cord from your headphones for connecting to the headphone jack.

Q: 3. How is time code supported?

A: Timecode support is available via a Bluetooth connection with an UltraSync BLUE device such as BH #ATOMSYBL01US.

Q: 4. Will this take Micro SD-HC like Tascam DR-10L?

A: Yes, the F2-BT can be used with microSD, microSDHC,and microSDXC cards up to 512 GB (Class 4 or higher).

Q: 5. Can I monitor multiple F2's switching from one to the other during recording? I know I can't monitor more than one at a time, but can I switch between them?

A: Monitoring of the Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder with Lavalier Microphone's levels and parameters via the F2 Control application can only be done with one device at a time. The app does not appear to allow connection for multiple devices simultaneously.

Q: 6. Will a Sanken COS-11D work with this?

A: Yes,, you can use a Sanken COS-11D, but the microphone must have a locking 3.5mm connector for compatibility with the input on the Zoom F2-BT. For example, you can use the Sanken COS-11D Omni Lavalier Mic, Normal Sens, Hardwired 1/8" TRS Connector for Sennheiser Evolution Wireless Transmitter (B&H # SAC11WNSETRB). Microphones wired for use with Sennheiser transmitters are compatible with the F2 and F2-BT, but microphones wired for Sony transmitters are not compatible because the wiring is different.

Q: 7. I own some Zoom Capsules, can I purchase the SMF-1 Shockmount and SMC-1 Stereo Mini Cable for Camera separately?

A: I contacted zoom about purchasing peripherals separately. Response: Unfortunately we do not currently have any information on which accessories will be available separately. We do not currently have any accessories available for purchase separate from the F1-SP and F1-LP packages. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Q: 8. Is the F2 suitable to record nature audio such as bird calls, and ocean surf with the included mic or other external mics?

A: The F2 is intended to use with a lavalier microphone which is not suitable for recording nature audio. A lavalier mic picks up the sound of a person's voice when it's attached to clothing and placed in close proximity to their mouth. A better option for recording nature would be a recorder like the Zoom H1n 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Onboard X/Y Microphone - Gray (B&H # ZOH1NG) or Tascam DR-07X 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Audio Recorder with Onboard Adjustable Stereo Microphone (B&H # TADR07X). Both recorders feature a built-in stereo microphone which is suitable for recording ambient sounds like bird calls and ocean surf. Both the H1n and DR-07X also have an input to connect an external microphone, so you will have the option of using the built-in stereo mic or using a separate microphone to record audio.

Q: 9. Will lav mic wired for Sennheiser systems work with the F2? I'm concerned because the specs say the plug-in power is only 2.5 V but many professional mics, such as the DPA 4060, require 5 V or more.

A: No. It does plug in power only at 2.5V, so will not power the 4060. You are correct.

Q: 10. Which Countryman B6 will work with this locking 3.5mm connector?

A: A Countryman B6 wired for Sennheiser with locking 3.5mm connectivity will work with the Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder. Countryman offers several variables other than connector, such as sensitivity and color, but BH #COB6W4BSR is a good example of a compatible solution. Variables can be chosen on its product page: https://bhpho.to/36n1AbE