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Waveforms shown when recording........................45 Monitoring input/playback sounds.........................47 Making recording settings............................48 Recording..................................56 Playing recordings..............................57 Playing recordings..............................57 Checking playback file information........................59 Deleting recording files............................60 Managing files................................61 F3 folder and file structure............................61 Selecting files for playback............................62 Checking file information............................63...
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Deleting files................................64 Using as an audio interface............................ 65 Connecting computers, smartphones and tablets....................65 Making audio interface settings..........................68 Controlling the F3 from a smartphone/tablet...................... 70 Disconnecting from a smartphone/tablet......................71 Making various settings............................72 Setting the type of batteries used..........................72 Setting the display backlight............................74...
F3 overview Achieving high audio quality throughout recording and editing With dual AD converter circuits and support for 32-bit float WAV files, the F3 can maintain the highest audio quality from recording to post-production. Recording Dual AD converter circuits enable recording the loudest to the quietest sounds without adjusting gain.
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Recording with 32-bit float WAV file formats allows the same audio quality to be retained when editing. Dual AD converter circuit overview For each input circuit, the F3 has two AD converters with different input gains. This design enables high- quality audio recording without the need to adjust gain settings, a step that is normally indispensable.
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Switching between two AD converters The F3 constantly monitors data from the two AD converters, and automatically selects the one that provides the best recording results. Low noise No clipping Low noise because high-gain because low-gain because high-gain AD converter selected...
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Clipping advantage If a waveform sounds clipped when output from the F3 or in a DAW, it can be edited after recording to lower its volume and restore an unclipped waveform because the data in the 32-bit float WAV file itself is not clipped.
Functions of parts Top and bottom ■ Top ■ Bottom ❶ PLAY button This starts and pauses file playback. ❷ STOP button This stops recording and playback. ❸ MENU button This opens the Menu Screen and returns to the Home Screen. ❹...
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When other screens are open, this operates the function of the icon shown at the bottom of the screen. (→ Operation button overview) ⓫ Tripod mounting threads This can be used to attach the F3 to a tripod, for example. ⓬ Battery compartment cover Open this when installing or removing AA batteries.
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■ Operation button overview When operation icons appear at the bottom of the display, including on the Menu, Playback and Input Settings screens, the corresponding operation buttons (immediately below the icons) can be used to select and confirm items on the screen. ...
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■ Left side ■ Right side ❶ USB port (Type-C) Connect this to a computer, smartphone or tablet to use the F3 as an SD card reader or audio interface. This supports operation on USB bus power. ❷ microSD card slot Insert a microSD card here.
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Front and back ■ Front ■ Back ❶ LINE OUT jack This stereo mini jack can be used to output sound. ❷ PHONE OUT jack This can output sound to headphones. ❸ VOLUME buttons Use these to adjust the headphone volume. ❹...
Overview of screens that are shown This section explains the screens shown on the F3 display. Home Screen This appears on the display when the F3 power is turned on. This shows the recording state, input signal waveforms and other F3 conditions. ❶...
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❽ Waveform magnification (Input 2) This shows the magnification of the Input 2 waveform display. (→ Waveforms shown when recording ) ❾ Input source (Input 2) This shows the input source currently set for Input 2. (→ Setting input sources) HINT: When the Home Screen is not shown, press to return to the Home Screen.
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Playback Screen This screen is shown on the display during playback. This shows the elapsed time, output signal waveforms and other F3 playback states. ❶ Status icon This icon shows the playback status. • Playing back • Paused • Searching backward •...
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Marks can only be added by using the dedicated app on a smartphone or tablet. A BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter is necessary to use the app on the smartphone/tablet for control. See the F3 Control operation manual for detailed explanations about marks.
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Menu Screen Use the Menu Screen to make various settings, including recording, output and system settings. ❶ Menu title ❷ Menu items These show setting items and values and other information. ❸ Operation icons Press the operation buttons below the display that correspond to these icons to select menu items and confirm selected items.
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Character input screen A character input screen will appear for inputting the User Defined Name used for the Rec File Name setting. Use the operation buttons below the display to input characters. to move the cursor ( ), and press to input the selected character or execute the selected function.
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Repeat step 1 to input more characters. When done inputting, use to select “Enter” and use to confirm. NOTE: The characters and symbols that can be used are as follows. ! # $ ' ( ) + , - ; = @ [ ] ^ _ ` { } ~ (space) A-Z, a-z, 0-9...
Recording process Recording follows the process shown below. • Insert a microSD card (→ Inserting microSD cards) • Supply power (→ Installing batteries/→ Connecting an AC adapter) Preparation before • Connect mics/other equipment to inputs (→ Connecting input recording equipment) •...
• When inserting a microSD card, be sure to insert the correct end with the top side up. • Recording and playback are not possible when a microSD card is not loaded in the F3. • After purchasing a new microSD card, always format it using the F3 to maximize performance.
Supplying power The F3 can operate using either a power supply connected to its USB port (AC adapter, USB bus power or mobile battery) or batteries. A power supply connected to the USB port will be given priority over batteries.
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USB (Type-C) Using other power sources The F3 can be powered by USB bus power by connecting its Type-C USB port to a computer. A 5V mobile battery (commercially-available) can also be used to provide power. USB (Type-C)
Connecting mics and other equipment to Inputs 1 and 2 The F3 has 2 inputs (1 and 2) that can be used to record to corresponding tracks. Mics and other equipment can be connected to Inputs 1 and 2 and recorded to corresponding tracks.
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Connection examples Recording is possible in the following kinds of situations. ■ While filming Wireless lavalier mics can be used to record sound during video recording. ■ Concert recording Two mics can be used to record sound in stereo.
Setting the date and time (first time starting up)) NOTE: • The F3 can be set to automatically turn its power off if it is not used for a set amount of time. (→ Setting the time until the power turns off automatically) •...
Setting the display language (first time starting up) The first time the power is turned on after purchase, set the display language when the Language Screen opens. to select the display language and press to confirm. After confirming the language used on the display, set the date and time when the Set Date/Time screen opens.
Setting the date and time (first time starting up) The first time the power is turned on after purchase, after setting the display language, set the date and time when the Set Date/Time Screen opens. The date and time are added to recording files. to select the item to set and press to confirm.
Preventing misoperation (hold function) In order to prevent misoperation, the hold function can be used to disable the buttons on the F3. Slide to HOLD. If the HOLD function is on, all operations using buttons will be disabled. To deactivate the hold function, slide back to the center position.
Making input settings Selecting inputs for making settings Input settings can be made for each input separately. Select the input desired for making input settings. Press for the input desired for making settings. • : Open the settings screen for Input 1. •...
Turning inputs on/off Each input can be turned on/off. Turning unused inputs off can increase the length of continuous operation using batteries. The amount of microSD card use can also be reduced. for the input to set. (→ Press Selecting inputs for making settings) This opens the Input Settings Screen.
Setting input sources The input source and phantom power on/off status can be set for each track. for the input to set. (→ Press Selecting inputs for making settings) This opens the Input Settings Screen. to select “Source” and press to confirm.
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HINT: • The phantom power voltage can be changed. (→ Changing phantom power voltage) • When using only Input 1 or Input 2, making the following settings can increase battery operation time and reduce microSD card use. Turn off the input not being used. (→ Turning inputs on/off) Set the Recording File Format to Mono.
Changing phantom power voltage The phantom power voltage can be changed by selecting +24V or +48V. The selected voltage setting will be applied to both Input 1 and Input 2. for Input 1 or Input 2. (→ Press Selecting inputs for making settings) This opens the Input Settings Screen.
Reducing noise (low-frequency cut) Low frequencies can be cut to reduce the sound of wind, vocal pops and other noise. for the input to set. (→ Press Selecting inputs for making settings) This opens the Input Settings Screen. to select “HPF” and press to confirm.
Inverting input phase The phase of input signals can be inverted. If sounds are canceling each other due to mic settings, inverting the phase might prevent this phenomenon. for the input to set. (→ Press Selecting inputs for making settings) This opens the Input Settings Screen.
Applying delay to input signals If there are differences in the timing of input signal sounds, use this function to correct them when recording. for the input to set. (→ Press Selecting inputs for making settings) This opens the Input Settings Screen. to select “Delay”...
Making output settings Setting alert sound output through headphones The volume can be adjusted for the alert sounds output from headphones when, for example, recording starts and stops. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Output” and press to confirm. to select “HP Alert Vol”...
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■ Alert sound conditions and types Alert sound condition Sound type Remaining battery low 880 Hz tone 4 times Recording starting 1000 Hz tone 1 time Recording stopping 880 Hz tone 2 times Recording not possible 880 Hz tone 3 times...
Test tones can be played in order to adjust the levels for a digital SLR camera or other equipment. Minimize the input gain of the other equipment. Use an audio cable to connect the external mic jack of the other equipment with the F3 LINE OUT jack. NOTE: When output to a digital SLR camera or other equipment is not necessary, do not connect anything to the LINE OUT jack.
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• When “Mute” is selected, output from the LINE OUT jack is muted. To output a test tone from the F3 to adjust the output level, press While checking the audio level meter of the connected equipment, make adjustments to the input gain of that device until the audio signal level is about −6 dB.
Using the limiter on line output By using the limiter on the line output, signals with levels that are too high can be suppressed, protecting equipment connected to the line output jack. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Output” and press to confirm.
Applying delay to line output By delaying line output, timing differences for audio input into other equipment can be corrected. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Output” and press to confirm. to select “Line Out Delay” and press to confirm.
Waveforms shown when recording The F3 records in 32-bit float format, so the input gain does not need to be adjusted. Depending on the input signals, however, waveforms shown on the display could appear too small or too large, making them difficult to check.
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to adjust the input signal waveform to a size that is easy to check. The magnification rate ( ) is shown above NOTE: • The magnification rate can be set in 11 steps: ×1 , ×2, ×4, ×8, ×16, ×32, ×64, ×128, ×256, ×512 and ×1024. •...
Monitoring input/playback sounds Input/playback sounds can be monitored using headphones, for example, and the volume can be adjusted. Connect headphones, for example, to the PHONE OUT jack. to adjust the volume to the headphones or other equipment. The volume is shown on the display while it is being adjusted. NOTE: When monitoring with headphones or other equipment is not necessary, do not connect anything to the PHONE OUT jack.
Making recording settings Setting the recording file name format Set the recording file name format. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Recording” and press to confirm. to select “Rec File Name” and press to confirm. to select the how files are named, and press to confirm.
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If “User Defined Name” was selected, use to input the characters used for file names. Character input screen for how to input characters. NOTE: • Spaces and @ marks cannot be used at the beginnings of character strings. • If no characters are input, file names will be only take numbers.
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Setting the sample rate The sample rate used to record files can be set. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Recording” and press to confirm. to select “Sample Rate” and press to confirm. to select the sample rate and press to confirm.
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Selecting the recording file format (Mono/Stereo) Mono or stereo can be selected for the WAV file recording format. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Recording” and press to confirm. to select “File Format” and press to confirm. to select the recording file format and press to confirm.
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NOTE: • Depending on the “File format” setting, the sound monitored from the headphone and line outputs will change as follows. Mono: mono mix Stereo: stereo with Input 1 on left channel and Input 2 on right channel • Depending on the “File format” setting, the Home Screen appearance will change as follows. Mono Stereo HINT:...
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Capturing audio before recording starts (pre-recording) The input signal is always buffered for a set amount of time, so it can be captured for up to 6 seconds before is used to start recording (pre-recording). This is useful when is switched late, for example. Press This opens the Menu Screen.
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“On” and press to confirm. Use a stereo mini jack cable to connect the camera input jack to the F3 LINE OUT jack. NOTE: Be careful with the volume if you are monitoring the input sound with headphones, for example.
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Setting the recording time display Either the elapsed recording time or the remaining possible recording time can be selected to be shown during recording. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Recording” and press to confirm. to select “Rec Counter” and press to confirm.
• Files are automatically saved at regular intervals during recording. If the power is interrupted or another problem occurs during recording, an affected file can be restored to normal by playing it with the F3. • Recording can be started with...
Playing recordings Playing recordings Press This starts recording. For details about the Playback Screen, see Playback Screen. Files with the following characteristics can be played. • 32-bit float WAV files • Sample rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz or 192 kHz •...
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Marks can only be added by using the dedicated app on a smartphone or tablet. A BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter is necessary to use the app on the smartphone/tablet for control. See the F3 Control operation manual for detailed explanations about marks.
Checking playback file information Various types of information about the playback file can be checked. Press when the Playback Screen is open. This opens the File Information Screen. to check the following types of information. • Date and time recorded •...
Deleting recording files The current playback file can be deleted. Press when the Playback Screen is open. The Delete Screen will open. to select “Execute” and press to confirm. NOTE: Be aware that if the “File Format” setting was “Mono”, the two files recorded simultaneously by Inputs 1 and 2 will be deleted together by this action.
Recording files on microSD cards can be selected, played and deleted, and information about them can be checked. F3 folder and file structure When recording with the F3, files are created on microSD cards in the following manner. File names differ according to the Rec File Name (→ Setting the recording file name format) and File Format (→...
• If no playable file exists, a “No File!" message will appear. • Two files recorded simultaneously by Inputs 1 and 2 when the “File Format” setting was “Mono” will be shown as a single file in the F3 Finder. (→ Selecting the recording file format...
Checking file information Various types of information about files can be checked. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Finder” and press to confirm. to select the file with information to be checked and press confirm. to select “Information” and press to confirm.
NOTE: Two files recorded simultaneously by Inputs 1 and 2 when the “File Format” setting was “Mono” will be shown as a single file in the F3 Finder. Be aware that both recording files will be deleted together. (→ Selecting the recording file format...
Using as an audio interface The F3 can be used as a 2-in/2-out audio interface. Signals input to the F3 can be sent to a computer, smartphone or tablet, and playback signals from a computer, smartphone or tablet can be output from the F3.
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Use a USB cable to connect the F3 with the computer, smartphone or tablet. USB (Type-C) ❶ Smartphone/tablet (Android) ❷ Smartphone/tablet (iOS/iPadOS) ❸ Computer (Windows/Mac) This opens the Audio I/F Screen. NOTE: • Use a USB (Type-C) cable that supports data transfer.
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When connected as an audio interface, press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Exit USB Audio” and press to confirm. to select “Execute” and press to confirm. Disconnect the USB cable that is connecting the F3 and the computer, smartphone or tablet.
Making audio interface settings Loop back and monitoring settings can be made when using the F3 as an audio interface. Enabling the loop back function This function allows the playback sound from the computer, smartphone or tablet and the sound input to the F3 to be mixed and sent back to the computer, smartphone or tablet (loop back).
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Enabling stereo monitoring Use the Stereo Monitor setting to select a mono mix or stereo sound for monitoring Inputs 1 and 2. When connected as an audio interface, press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “Stereo Monitor” and press to confirm.
Controlling the F3 from a smartphone/tablet By connecting a BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter to the F3, it can be operated wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet using the dedicated F3 Control app. NOTE: • The dedicated F3 Control app must be installed on the smartphone/tablet beforehand. The F3 Control app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google play.
• Searching can be canceled by pressing any button. • Select > System > Bluetooth Function > F3 Control to search for and connect with devices as well as to switch connected devices. Launch the F3 Control app on the smartphone/tablet and conduct connection operations in the app.
Making various settings Setting the type of batteries used Set the type of battery used in the F3 correctly so that the amount of remaining battery charge can be accurately displayed. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm.
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to select the battery type and press to confirm. Setting Explanation Alkaline Alkaline batteries Ni-MH Nickel-metal hydride batteries Lithium Lithium batteries...
Setting the display backlight To conserve energy, the display backlight can be set to turn off. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm. to select “LCD” and press to confirm. to select “Backlight” and press to confirm.
Setting the display contrast If display content is difficult to see because it seems too bright or dark, adjust the contrast (display brightness level differences). Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm. to select “LCD” and press to confirm.
Setting the display language The language used on F3 screens can be changed. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm. to select “Language” and press to confirm. to select the desired display language and press to confirm.
Setting the date and time The date and time added to recording files can be set. When “Rec File Name” is set to “Date”, the date when recording starts will be used for the file name. (→ Setting the recording file name format) Press This opens the Menu Screen.
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to change the value and press to confirm. Repeat steps 5–6 to set the date and time. After setting all items, use to select , and press to confirm. NOTE: If the recording file name format is “Date” (→ Setting the recording file name format), the take number will be reset if the date is changed.
Setting the date format The date format added to recording files can be changed. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm. to select “Date/Time” and press to confirm. to select “Date Format” and press to confirm.
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NOTE: If the recording file name format is “Date” (→ Setting the recording file name format), the take number will be reset if the date format is changed.
Setting the time until the power turns off automatically The F3 can be set to automatically turn its power off if it is not used for a set amount of time. To keep the power on at all times, set the automatic power saving function to “Off”.
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Regardless of the Auto Power Off setting, the power will not turn off automatically under the following conditions. • When recording or playing • When the F3 is being used as an audio interface • When the F3 is being used as a card reader • When a Bluetooth device is connected •...
When using timecode Timecode overview SMPTE timecode can be input to the F3 using an UltraSync BLUE made by Timecode Systems. Timecode is time information written to data when recording video and audio. It is used for video editing, control of other devices, and synchronization of audio and video, for example.
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Inputting timecode By having the F3 and the video camera both receive timecode output by a Timecode Systems UltraSync BLUE, timecode can be recorded in both the audio data and the video data. The timecode is sent and received by Bluetooth.
To connect an UltraSync BLUE, a BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter must be connected to the F3, and the UltraSync BLUE and F3 must be paired. With the F3 power off, remove the REMOTE connector cover on the right side and connect a BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter.
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NOTE: If the F3 and an UltraSync BLUE have been connected before, the following screen will appear where an option can be selected. Setting Explanation Paired Device Select this to connect with the previously connected UltraSync BLUE. In this case, the UltraSync BLUE will be connected and the operation on the UltraSync BLUE in step 4 becomes unnecessary.
Disconnecting from an UltraSync BLUE Removing the BTA-1 will disconnect the F3 and the UltraSync BLUE and stop timecode recording. Pairing information will be retained even when disconnected. Checking timecode information Information about the timecode being received from the UltraSync BLUE can be checked.
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to select “Information” and press to confirm. This shows information about the timecode. The following types of information can be checked. ❶ Timecode This shows the time in hours, minutes, seconds and frames. ❷ User bits (Ubits) This shows the user bits set by the UltraSync BLUE. ❸...
Setting the time shown on the Home/Recording Screen The display setting for timecode on the Home/Recording Screen can be changed. Timecode is shown in the position indicated below. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm. to select “Timecode”...
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to select the display setting and press to confirm. Setting Explanation Rec & Timecode Both the recording time and the timecode will be shown. Timecode Only the timecode will be shown. Recording time Only the recording time will be shown. NOTE: If an UltraSync BLUE is not connected, the timecode will be shown as “--:--:--:--”.
“USB File Transfer” and press to confirm. This opens the USB File Transfer Screen. Use a USB (Type-C) cable to connect the F3 and the computer. USB (Type-C) NOTE: Use a USB (Type-C) cable that supports data transfer.
• Windows: Select the F3 with “Safely Remove Hardware”. • macOS: Drag the F3 icon to the Trash and drop it. Disconnect the USB cable connecting the F3 with the computer. NOTE: Always conduct the removal procedure in step 1 before disconnecting the USB cable.
Testing microSD cards You can test whether or not a microSD card can be used with the F3. A basic test can be done quickly, while a full test examines the entire SD card. Conducting a quick test Press This opens the Menu Screen.
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to select “Execute” and press to confirm. The card performance test will start. The result of the test will be shown when it completes. NOTE: Even if a performance test result is “OK”, there is no guarantee that writing errors will not occur. This information is just to provide guidance.
Conducting a full test Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm. to select “SD Card” and press to confirm. to select “Full Test” and press to confirm. The amount of time required for the full test will be shown. to select “Execute”...
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NOTE: Even if a performance test result is “OK”, there is no guarantee that writing errors will not occur. This information is just to provide guidance. HINT: The test can be paused by pressing and resumed by pressing A test can be canceled while in progress by pressing...
Formatting microSD cards To maximize the performance of a microSD card, use the F3 to format it. Press This opens the Menu Screen. to select “System” and press to confirm. to select “SD Card” and press to confirm. to select “Format” and press to confirm.
“Execute” and press to confirm. After the F3 is restored to its factory default settings, the power will turn off. NOTE: Conducting a factory reset will overwrite all settings to their factory defaults. Be certain before using this...
Updating the firmware The F3 firmware can be updated to the latest versions. Files for the latest firmware updates can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com). Follow the instructions in the “F3 Firmware Update Guide” on the F3 download page.
Appendix Troubleshooting If you think that the F3 is operating strangely, check the following items first. Recording/playback trouble There is no sound or output is very quiet • Check the orientation of the mics or the volume settings of the connected equipment.
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Preventing misoperation (hold function)) Computer does not recognize it even though it is connected to a USB port • The operation mode must be set on the F3 to allow the computer to recognize it. (→ Exchanging data with computers,...
Specifications Input and output Inputs MIC/LINE (mono) channels Outputs LINE OUT PHONE OUT Inputs MIC/LINE (mono) Connectors 2 XLR (2: HOT) Input gain Adjustment unnecessary (dual AD converter circuits used) Input impedance MIC: 3 kΩ or more LINE: 3 kΩ or more Maximum input level MIC: +4 dBu LINE: +24 dBu...
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Dedicated wireless adapter (ZOOM BTA-1) Power 2 AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5 V/1 A • USB bus power is supported. Estimated continuous operation time using 48 kHz/32-bit float, Alkaline batteries: about 8 hours...
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ZOOM CORPORATION 4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan zoomcorp.com Z2I-4492-01...
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