Forget about clipping, forget about gain, and forget about hassle; just power on the Zoom F2 ultracompact portable field recorder and press record to capture clear, distortion-free dialog in an instant for your next video shoot, podcast, vlog, or interview. Plus, the F2-BT model is available to empower users with app-based control and wireless timecode synchronization in addition to everything the F2 has to offer.

Thanks to its 32-bit float technology, the F2 handles the softest and loudest sounds you can throw at it while avoiding distortion, maintaining low-noise performance, and freeing you from the responsibility of adjusting gain. Recordings ruined by clipped converters and poorly set preamps are things of the past. You don't even have to worry about unintentionally interrupting the F2 because a simple flick of the Hold switch will keep it recording no matter what button you press.

Whereas other F-Series recorders such as the F4, F6, and F8n are centered around an audio bag–ready form factor for location sound recordists, the F2 is tailored for belt-mount and pocket-friendly placement directly on the subject. Even the included lavalier microphone, with its low-profile design and locking connector, is optimized for reliable and visually discreet operation that won't distract the wearer or the videographer. With a headphone output and onboard transport controls, the F2 also allows actors to listen back to recordings to critique their own performances.

From the refreshingly simple one-touch controls to the long battery life and multiple powering options, the F2 is properly equipped to serve you, regardless of your audio background. Whether you need long-duration recording for a podcast, professional audio capture for an interview, a rock-solid system for weddings, or a space-saving setup for vlogs, the F2 is ready to capture your crucial audio at any location.

Plus, its operational simplicity ensures that the F2 will never get in the way of your workflow, be it simple, complex, or always changing. You can feel confident using it as your main recorder or as a backup unit for added safety.

Videographers, Podcasters, Vloggers    Low-Profile Omnidirectional Lavalier Mic    No Gain Adjustment Needed    32-Bit Float Distortion-Free Recording    Locking 3.5mm Mic Input, Plug-In Power    Hold Switch Averts Unintended Operation    USB Power / 15 Hours via AAA Batteries    microSD Card Recording / USB Transfer    Easy One-Touch Controls, Low-Cut Filter    Belt-Mount, Pocket-Friendly Design

Attach the included lavalier microphone to your subject with the supplied mic clip, then connect its 3.5mm plug–equipped cable to the input of the F2; the locking connection inhibits unintended disconnects. The microphone's omnidirectional polar pattern delivers consistent audio pickup from all directions, yielding dependable voice capture even as the subject turns their head or the microphone changes position. Also, three windscreens are supplied for easy reduction of light wind noise.

The F2 utilizes 32-bit float recording technology to capture intensely loud signals without overloading the A/D converters and bring in extremely quiet sounds without overwhelming noise, all without requiring any gain adjustment from you. Record with confidence knowing that you can just connect the microphone and start recording to attain crisp, clear dialog.

The F2 boasts two high-quality recording resolutions to choose from—32-bit / 44.1 kHz or 32-bit / 48 kHz, both in mono uncompressed BWF (Broadcast Wave File) format. No data compression means that no quality is lost in the creation of the audio files. Use the onboard 80 Hz low-cut filter to reduce rumble and bass buildup in your recordings.

Maximize portability by recording directly to a microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC card (available separately) for up to 512GB of storage space.

The F2 can accommodate mic-level signals via its locking 3.5mm mini-jack input. Since it supplies 2.5V plug-in power, you're free to use common condenser mics such as lavaliers, headsets, and earsets.

A locking 3.5mm stereo output jack with dedicated volume up/down buttons enables straightforward routing to your camera, DSLR, secondary recorder, or even headphones for easy monitoring.

To keep up with the pace of on-location production, the F2 can be powered via two AAA alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH rechargeable batteries, a Zoom AD-17 power adapter (available separately), or a USB Type-C battery pack (available separately). With up to 15 hours of run time on AAA batteries, all-day shoots are no problem for the F2.

The F2 Editor lets you adjust settings, format SD cards, and more from your Mac or Windows computer. Since the F2 has a USB Type-C port, simply connect it to your computer via a USB cable (available separately) and launch the editor. The USB connection also makes it easy to transfer files to your computer.

Intuitive one-touch buttons—record, play, stop, and volume up/down— provide fast, hassle-free operations with no menus to wade through. LEDs are provided for clear indication of audio level, battery status, and power.

Flip the power switch down to the Hold position to engage the Hold function, which prevents interruptions to the recording caused by accidental button presses.

The F2 is equipped with a high-precision internal clock (±3ppm) to avoid audio and video syncing issues.

With its minimalist profile, the lightweight F2 attaches neatly on belts and waistbands, or can be slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. would this be able to record off a dj soundboard?

A: The Zoom F2 Ultracompact Portable Field Recorder is intended for use with a microphone for recording mic level signal. A mixer's output signal is line level. In order to connect a mixer to the input of the F2, you will need to use adapters as well as a line-to-mic attenuator. Since the F2 has a locking 3.5mm TRS input, you can use the Sennheiser CL-1 Cable (B&H # SECL1), which has a locking 3.5mm TRS male connector on one side and a standard non-locking 3.5mm TRS male connector on the other side. Then, you can attach a coupler like the Hosa Technology GMM303 3.5mm Female Stereo Mini to 3.5mm Female Stereo Mini Adapter (B&H # HOASMFSMF). Since many DJ mixers have RCA output, you can use the Sescom Attenuating Line to Mic Level Cable - TRS Male to Male RCA, 18" (B&H # SES43DBMZ2P), which has a built-in attenuator to convert the line level signal from the mixer to mic level while also providing connections to the mixer's RCA output.

Q: 2. re: 32bit. The input mic says 105db. If you get a different mic capable of higher db, will the input still be distortion free? say, if you are recording something at 140 db, like a loud concert, or a jet show, w/ a low flyby. Just because the recorder is capable of capturing at that bit rate & resolution, many x's the pre-amps are not capable of utilizing the spec's/dynamics, sometimes related to s/n ratio & it's rated max db level.

A: Since this is a new product that is not out yet these specs have not been tested in the real world yet. I can not guarentee an answer at this time.

Q: 3. Does this recorder support exFAT file system? Does it have a limit to file size? Some recorders break and restart new files at a 2gig limit. Can you make a 3, or 5 or 8 gig single audio file?

A: No, the F2 records 32-bit float WAV file format and is BWF compatible. It records to microSD cards up to 512 GB maximum. The recording continues until you press the stop button and does not automatically break in the middle to start a new file so you can make 3, 4, or 5 GB single recorded audio files.

Q: 4. The Zoom F2 records in mono only, is that correct? So only 1 channel can be recorded, right?

A: Correct! The Zoom F2 Ultracompact Portable Field Recorder with Lavalier Microphone (BH #ZOF) records mono tracks only. It records the same mono audio on both the left and right channels with the included single-element microphone.

Q: 5. Can the 32 bit be edited properly using adobe premiere?

A: Yes. Adobe offers 32 Bit Floating Point Audio.

Q: 6. Can I use the Mic input to record audio from output of any Aux out of a mixer, ? or would i need an adapter for that input?

A: In order to record audio from the aux output of a mixer on the Zoom F2 Portable Field Recorder, you will need to use a combination of adapters. The 3.5mm input on the F2 uses a locking connector and it accepts mic level signal, so you will need to use a line-to-mic attenuator to convert the line level output from the mixer to a mic level signal. If the mixer has a 3.5mm TRS aux output, you can use the Kopul ACH4-25MON Line-to-Mic Attenuator Cable (B&H # KOACH425MON), then add on a female coupler like the Hosa Technology GMM303 3.5mm Female Stereo Mini to 3.5mm Female Stereo Mini Adapter (B&H # HOASMFSMF). Finally, to connect to the locking input on the F2, attach the Sennheiser CL1 3.5mm to 3.5mm Cable (B&H # SECL1).

Q: 7. Does the bluetooth model enable control of multiple units at the same time? Or is it just able to connect to one recorder at a time?

A: It will only record to one recorder at a time.

Q: 8. The Boundary Microphone: I have a delightful number of Shure MX 391/O Boundary Microphones. If I use an adaptor, would I be able to use that microphone with the Zoom F2?

A: If you used an adapter that provided phantom power yes. The Zoom will not provide the power needed for you mics.

Q: 9. Real world question, how durable is this? In other words, can you sit on it? (That's how lav recorders/transmitters are used..)

A: The Zoom F2 Ultracompact Portable Field Recorder with Lavalier Microphone is very durable. It is not recommended that you sit on it, as it comes with a belt clip for clipping to the belt line of the person who is using the lavalier microphone. You can also activate the 'Hold' setting on the recorder, in case any buttons are pressed during recording, the audio recording will not be affected.

Q: 10. Can I use it with the Sennheiser MKE 600? Will I need an attenuation cable?

A: The MKE600 will work with no other adapters needed