Zoom Q8n-4K Operation Manual
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Zoom Q8n-4K Operation Manual

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Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2021 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and
registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

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Summary of Contents for Zoom Q8n-4K

  • Page 1 Operation Manual You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use. ©2021 ZOOM CORPORATION Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited. Product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their respective companies. All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.

  • Page 2: Notes About This Operation Manual

    • Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works and broadcasts, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohibited by law. ZOOM CORPORATION will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notes about this Operation Manual........................2 Functions of parts............................... 5 Back (display closed)..............................5 Back (display open)..............................6 Left side..................................7 Right side..................................8 Front....................................9 Top....................................10 Bottom..................................11 Preparations................................12 Installing the battery..............................12 Recharging the battery............................. 13 About the mic arm..............................14 Inserting microSD cards............................
  • Page 4 Changing the audio channel for playback......................46 Managing files................................47 Displaying file information............................47 Deleting files................................48 Using USB functions..............................49 Connecting to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device....................49 Turning the power on when connected to a computer..................52 Using as a web camera............................53 Using as a USB mic..............................

  • Page 5: Functions Of Parts

    Change what is shown on the Recording Screen and Playback Screen. Use this to confirm operations on confirmation screens. ❹ Play button Use this to play files recorded by the Q8n-4K. ❺ Settings/Exit button Use this to open and close the SETTINGS Screen, for example. Use this to cancel on setting and...

  • Page 6: Back (Display Open)

    Back (display open) ❶ Power button This turns the power on/off. ❷ PAD switch This attenuates the input signals of equipment connected to Inputs 1/2 by 20 dB. ❸ PHANTOM switch This turns Input 1/2 phantom power ON/OFF. The phantom power voltage can be set to +12 V / +24 V / +48 V. （→ Using phantom power ）...

  • Page 7: Left Side

    Left side ❶ Mic capsule Other mic capsules can be swapped for different applications. ❷ UNLOCK button Press in to enable moving the mic arm. ❸ Battery cover Remove this when installing or removing a battery.

  • Page 8: Right Side

    ❼ USB (Type-C) port Connect this to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device to use the Q8n-4K as a web camera, card reader or USB mic. A dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17) can also be connected here to use AC power. Connecting this...

  • Page 9: Front

    Front ❶ Lens This lens has F2.8 brightness and a 150º wide angle. ❷ REMOTE connector Connect a BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter here. This enables operation of the Q8n-4K from an iOS/iPadOS device using a dedicated controller app.

  • Page 10: Top

    ❶ ❷ ❸ ❶ Mic input volume This adjusts the mic input volume. ❷ Speaker This outputs the sound of files and the beep. ❸ Record button This starts and ends recording video/audio.

  • Page 11: Bottom

    Bottom ❶ Tripod mounting threads Use these screw threads to attach a tripod (not included).

  • Page 12: Preparations

    Preparations Installing the battery Turn the power off, and open the battery cover while pressing the latch. Install the rechargeable battery. Close the battery cover.

  • Page 13: Recharging The Battery

    Recharging the battery Turn the Q8n-4K off. Connect a USB power supply (running computer or ZOOM AD-17 AC adapter). While the battery is charging, the charging LED will stay lit. When charging is complete, disconnect the cable from the USB power supply.

  • Page 14: About The Mic Arm

    About the mic arm Raising the mic arm While pressing , raise the mic arm until it reaches the fixed position. Lowering the mic arm While pressing , lower the mic arm.

  • Page 15: Inserting Microsd Cards

    Inserting microSD cards Turn the power off and open the microSD card slot cover. Insert a microSD card into the card slot. To remove a microSD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.   NOTE: •...

  • Page 16: Turning The Power On/Off

    Turning the power on/off Turning the power on Open the display (LCD). Press Turning the power off Press and hold After "Goodbye See You !" is displayed, the power turns off. NOTE: When Auto Power Off is set to on, the power will be turned off automatically after a certain period of time.

  • Page 17: Setting Up When First Turned On (Language Setting / Date And Time Setting)

    Setting up when first turned on (language setting / date and time setting) Language setting / date and time setting screens automatically appear when first turned on or when first turned on after being reset. Turn the power on. The Language Screen opens. to select the language.
  • Page 18 Press the corresponding to change the date and time. Press The date and time are set and the Recording Screen opens. NOTE: If four minutes or more have passed with the battery removed while the power is off, the date and time setting could be reset.

  • Page 19: Connecting

    Connecting Connecting / disconnecting mic capsules Connecting mic capsules Push a mic capsule into place until it locks. Disconnecting mic capsules While pressing the buttons on the left and right sides of the mic, pull it out of the unit. NOTE: •...

  • Page 20: Connecting Mics / Instruments / Mixers

    Connecting mics / instruments / mixers You can connect mics, mixers, and other instruments to Inputs 1 and 2 of the Q8n-4K. The L/R input from the mic capsule and Inputs 1/2 can be used together to record up to 4 channels at the same.
  • Page 21 Guitar performance video recording ❶ L/R input This records the sound of the room where vocals and guitar are combined. ❷ Input 1 Connect to a vocal mic to record a clear singing voice. ❸ Input 2 Connect to a guitar mic to record clear sound. ❹...

  • Page 22: Adjusting Audio (Setting Input/Output)

    Adjusting audio (setting input/output) Enabling channels to record Press the channel buttons of the channels that you want to record. The button indicators for the selected channel buttons light red and you will be able to monitor the signals input on these channels through the Headphone output. To record Inputs 1/2 as a stereo file (stereo link), press at the same time.

  • Page 23: Setting Phantom Power Voltage

    Setting phantom power voltage Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens. Press "PhantomVoltage".

  • Page 24: Adjusting Recording (Input) Levels

    Adjusting recording (input) levels When using a mic capsule Turn When using Inputs 1/2 Turn on the right side of the unit. HINT: If an input clips, the button indicator for the channel button will blink. Adjust the level so that the indicator does not blink even when loud sounds are input.

  • Page 25: Using The Pad Function

    Using the PAD function Turn the PAD function on by sliding to the −20dB side to allow connection of mixers and other devices with a rated output level of +4 dB.

  • Page 26: Mixer Screen

    Mixer Screen Press on the Recording/Recording Standby Screen, Webcam Screen, or USB Mic Screen. The Mixer Screen opens. Press to set. On the Mixer Screen, you can set PAN / LEVEL / FX / LOCUT for each channel. Button Explanation Pan the sound to the left.

  • Page 27: Reducing Noise (Low Frequency Cut)

    NOTE: The Mixer Screen cannot be displayed during recording / web camera use. Reducing noise (low frequency cut) You can reduce the sound of wind, vocal pops and other noise. Press on the Mixer Screen to select a channel. Press to select a setting.

  • Page 28: Setting Effects (Comp/Limiter/Gate)

    Setting effects (Comp/Limiter/Gate) You can record clearer sound by adjusting the volume according to the input signal level. Press on the Mixer Screen to select a channel. Press to select a setting. Setting Explanation Effects are disabled. This raises low-level sounds and compresses high-level sound. Compressor (Comp) When recording bands, for example, this can increase the sound pressure, which increases the impact of the audio.
  • Page 29 Setting Explanation When the input is below a certain level, this suppresses Noise Gate (Gate) background noise.

  • Page 30: Recording

    Recording Recording Screen ❶ Available recording time This shows the available recording time. ❷ Remaining battery level This shows the remaining battery level. When the remaining battery level is low, charge the battery or connect the AC adapter. ❸ Recording mode This shows the current recording mode.
  • Page 31 ❾ Brightness This shows the current brightness. ❿ Clip indicators If a clip indicator lights, adjust the input level or Mixer level, or set the Limiter. ⓫ Channels These show the ON/OFF status of each channel. If a channel blinks, adjust the input level. ⓬...

  • Page 32: Selecting A Recording Mode

    Selecting a recording mode You can change the recording mode on the Recording Screen. Press on the Recording Screen. Setting Explanation Record as MOV files containing both video and stereo audio. MOV+WAV WAV files are saved separately for each channel in addition to MOV files. WAV(STEREO) Stereo audio is saved as WAV files.

  • Page 33: Setting The Video Recording Format

    NOTE: The WAV file for each channel is a recording of audio that is not affected by the Mixer PAN / LEVEL / FX / LOCUT settings. Setting the video recording format Setting the resolution Press to change the resolution. Setting Resolution Explanation...
  • Page 34 Setting the frame rate Press to change the frame rate. Setting Frame rate Explanation 60 fps This is suitable for recording a fast-moving subject or recording smooth-moving video. 50 fps 30 fps This is the standard frame rate. 25 fps 24 fps This is suitable for recording movies and music videos.

  • Page 35: Setting The Audio Recording Format

    Setting the audio recording format You can change the audio recording format on the Recording Screen. Press on the Recording Screen. Setting Explanation 96kHz/24-bit 96kHz/16-bit 48kHz/24-bit The higher the sampling frequency (kHz) and bit rate are set, the better the audio quality will be. 48kHz/16-bit 44.1kHz/24-bit 44.1kHz/16-bit...

  • Page 36: Adjusting The Video Quality

    Adjusting the video quality You can adjust the video quality on the Recording Screen. Adjusting the field of view Press on the Recording Screen. Setting Explanation This widens the field of view. WIDE · ↑ Standard ● · ↓ This narrows the field of view. TELE...
  • Page 37 Selecting a scene Press on the Recording Screen. Setting Explanation AUTO Settings change according to the recording conditions. INDOOR Settings are optimized for indoor recording. OUTDOOR Settings are optimized for outdoor recording. CONCERT LIGHT Settings are suitable for concert lighting that is bright and changes drastically. NIGHT Settings are suitable for night and other dark situations.
  • Page 38 Adjusting the brightness Press on the Recording Screen. Setting Explanation HIGH Bright NORMAL Standard Dark...

  • Page 39: Starting Recording

    Starting recording Press on the Recording Screen. Recording starts. Press again to stop recording. NOTE: During recording, only the Field of view (FOV) and the brightness (BRIGHT) settings can be changed. To change other settings or open the Mixer Screen, stop recording.  ...
  • Page 40 Using the Self Timer function You can set the Self Timer on the SYSTEM Screen. Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens.
  • Page 41 Press "Self Timer". Setting Explanation Start recording right after pressing 3 sec Start recording 3 seconds after pressing 5 sec Start recording 5 seconds after pressing 10 sec Start recording 10 seconds after pressing HINT: By pressing during the countdown, you can start recording immediately. By pressing during the countdown, you can interrupt it and cancel the self timer.

  • Page 42: Playing Recordings

    Recording Screen. Playback of the last recorded file or last played file will start. To stop playback and return to the Recording Screen, press NOTE: Only video and audio files recorded with the Q8n-4K can be played back.

  • Page 43: Playback Screen

    Playback Screen ❶ ❷ ❸ ❽ ❹ ❾ ❺ ❺ ❻ ❿ ⓫ ❼ ❼ ⓬   ❶ Playback status This shows the current playback status. ❷ Remaining battery level This shows the remaining battery level. When the remaining battery level is low, charge the battery or connect the AC adapter.

  • Page 44: Playback Operations

    ⓫ Level meters These are the level meters for the audio from the selected channels. ⓬ Playback position This shows the current playback position, elapsed time, and video length. NOTE: After a certain period of time from the start of playback, icons will automatically disappear from the previous screen.

  • Page 45: Enabling Continuous Playback

    Enabling continuous playback Continuous playback can be set on the Playback Screen. Press on the Playback Screen. Setting Explanation After one file completes playing back, it returns to the beginning of the file REPEAT OFF and playback stops. After one file completes playing back, it returns to the beginning of the file REPEAT ONE and repeats playback.

  • Page 46: Changing The Audio Channel For Playback

    Changing the audio channel for playback When playing a file recorded in MOV+WAV or WAV (MULTI) format, you can change the audio channel for playback on the Playback Screen. Press on the Playback Screen. Setting Explanation Plays back the audio recorded with MIC, CH1 and CH2 and adjusted by the MIXED Mixer.

  • Page 47: Managing Files

    Managing files Displaying file information File information can be shown on the Playback Screen. Press on the Playback Screen. Press any button to return to the Playback Screen.

  • Page 48: Deleting Files

    Deleting files You can delete files that are playing back or stopped on the Playback Screen. Press on the Playback Screen. The Deletion confirmation screen opens Press to delete the file. To cancel the deletion, press...

  • Page 49: Using Usb Functions

    Using USB functions Connecting to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device Use a USB cable to connect to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device and use the Q8n-4K as a web camera, card reader or USB mic. Press on the Recording Screen.
  • Page 50 Press to select the function to use. Press If you select "Card reader" or "USB MIC", go to step 5. If you select "Webcam for PC/Mac", go to step 7. Press to select the device to connect.
  • Page 51 Press If you select "PC/Mac", go to step 7. If you select "iOS/iPadOS", go to step 9. Press to select the power supply. Press Connect a computer or iOS/iPadOS device with a USB cable.

  • Page 52: Turning The Power On When Connected To A Computer

    To end use, press on the SETTINGS Screen. Turning the power on when connected to a computer The USB setting Screen will appear. You can use a USB function by selecting the corresponding item. To open the Recording Screen, press...

  • Page 53: Using As A Web Camera

    Using as a web camera You can use the Q8n-4K as a web camera to output audio and video signals to a computer. Connect the Q8n-4K to a computer. NOTE: Web camera use is not possible with an iOS/iPadOS device.
  • Page 54 Compensating for lags between video and audio If a timing difference occurs between the video and audio when using the recorder as a web camera, you can set an audio delay time so that it matches the timing of the video. During web camera use, press Press to adjust the delay time.

  • Page 55: Using As A Usb Mic

    Using as a USB mic The Q8n-4K can be used as a USB mic to input audio to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device. Connect the Q8n-4K to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device with a USB cable (Type-C). Launch an application that uses a mic on the computer or iOS/iPadOS device, and select the Q8n-4K.

  • Page 56: Managing Files Recorded On The Sd Card

    Managing files recorded on the SD card. The Q8n-4K can be used as a card reader to read and write data from computers and iOS/iPadOS devices. Connect the Q8n-4K to a computer or iOS/iPadOS device with a USB cable (Type-C).
  • Page 57 Press on the SETTINGS Screen.

  • Page 58: Managing Sd Cards

    Managing SD cards Checking SD card information You can check the free space and size of microSD cards. Press on the Recording Screen to open the SETTINGS Screen. Press to open the SD CARD Screen.
  • Page 59 Press "SD Info". The SD card information will be shown. Press any button to turn off the display.

  • Page 60: Formatting Sd Cards

    Formatting SD cards Press on the Recording Screen to open the SETTINGS Screen. Press to open the SD CARD Screen. Press "SD Format" on the SD CARD Screen.
  • Page 61 Press to start SD card formatting. To cancel formatting, press...

  • Page 62: Operating From An Ios/Ipados Device (Q8N Control)

    Operating from an iOS/iPadOS device (Q8n Control) Connecting an iOS/iPadOS device The Q8n-4K can be operated from an iOS/iPadOS device by connecting a dedicated wireless adapter (e.g. BTA-1) and using the dedicated Q8n Control app. NOTE: The Q8n Control app must be installed on the iOS/iPadOS device beforehand. The Q8n Control app can be downloaded from the App Store.
  • Page 63 Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. Press "Connect". Launch the Q8n Control app on the iOS/iPadOS device, and conduct connection procedures.

  • Page 64: Disconnecting From The Ios/Ipados Device

    Disconnecting from the iOS/iPadOS device Press on the Recording Screen. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. Press "Disconnect".

  • Page 65: Using Connected To A Tv / Monitor By Hdmi

    Using connected to a TV / monitor by HDMI Use an HDMI cable to connect with a TV / monitor to view the Q8n-4K video recordings on it. You can play / stop the recorded video by using the remote control of the HDMI-CEC-compatible TV.

  • Page 66: Playback On An Hdmi-Compatible Tv / Monitor

    Use the TV remote control red button to change the screen display and use the yellow button to play the video. Playback on an HDMI-compatible TV / monitor You can view Q8n-4K video recordings on a TV / monitor by using an HDMI cable. Connect the Q8n-4K to a TV / monitor with an HDMI cable (commercially-available). Press to play back the video and audio.
  • Page 67 • Since there is a risk of feedback when the Recording Screen is open, mute the audio output of the TV / monitor. • Only video files recorded with the Q8n-4K can be played back. • During HDMI connection, the beep is not output.

  • Page 68: Setting The Unit

    Setting the unit You can make various settings for the Q8n-4K on the SYSTEM Screen. Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens.
  • Page 69 You can make the following settings on the SYSTEM Screen. Button Explanation Return to the SETTINGS Screen. "Beep" Adjust the volume of the operation sound (beep). "PhantomVoltage" Change the phantom power voltage. "Self Timer" Set the self timer. "Power Saving" Set the display backlight time.
  • Page 70 Press on the SYSTEM Screen to proceed to the next SYSTEM Screen. You can make the following settings on the next SYSTEM Screen. Button Explanation Return to the SETTINGS Screen. "Set Date" Change the date and time. "Setting Reset" Reset the settings. "Language"...

  • Page 71: Setting The Volume Of The Operation Sound (Beep)

    Setting the volume of the operation sound (Beep) Set the volume of the Q8n-4K operation sound. Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens. Press "Beep" to set the volume.

  • Page 72: Enabling Power Saving

    Setting Explanation No operation sound is output. A low-volume operation sound is output. A high-volume operation sound is output. Press twice. This reopens the Recording Screen. Enabling Power Saving Setting the display backlight time Power can be saved by shortening the amount of time that the backlight stays lit. Press on the Recording Screen.
  • Page 73 Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens. Press "Power Saving", and set the time until the backlight dims. Setting Explanation The backlight always stays bright. 1 min The backlight dims if no operation occurs for 1 minute. 3 min The backlight dims if no operation occurs for 3 minutes.
  • Page 74   Setting the Auto Power Off function Set the unit to turn off automatically if not used at all for a set amount of time when running on battery power. NOTE: This function is disabled during recording and playback as well as when it is powered through its USB port. Press on the Recording Screen The SETTINGS Screen opens.
  • Page 75 Press "AutoPowerOff", and set the time until the power turns off. Settings Explanation The Auto Power Off function is disabled. 1 min The power will turn off automatically 1 minute after the last operation. 3 min The power will turn off automatically 3 minutes after the last operation. 5 min The power will turn off...

  • Page 76: Setting The Date And Time

    Setting the date and time If the date and time are set, you can add the recording date and time to files. Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens. Press The next SYSTEM Screen opens.
  • Page 77 Press "Set Date" The SET DATE Screen opens. Press the corresponding to change the date and time. Press This reopens the SYSTEM Screen.

  • Page 78: Setting The Language Shown

    Setting the language shown Set the language shown on the display. Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens. Press The next SYSTEM Screen opens.
  • Page 79 Press "Language", and set the language. Press twice. This reopens the Recording Screen.

  • Page 80: Restoring Default Settings

    Restoring default settings You can restore all Q8n-4K settings to their factory defaults. Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The SYSTEM Screen opens. Press The next SYSTEM Screen opens.
  • Page 81 Press "Setting Reset". The reset confirmation screen opens. Press This starts resetting the Q8n-4K. After resetting completes, the power will automatically turn off. To cancel resetting, press...

  • Page 82: Managing The Firmware

    Managing the firmware Checking the firmware versions The firmware versions used by the Q8n-4K can be checked. Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen.

  • Page 83: Updating The Firmware

    This reopens the Recording Screen. Updating the firmware The Q8n-4K firmware can be updated to the latest versions. The latest firmware update file can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com). Refer to Q8n-4K Firmware Update Guide on the Q8n-4K download page.

  • Page 84: Mic Capsule Information

    Mic capsule information Checking mic capsule information Press on the Recording Screen. The SETTINGS Screen opens. Press on the SETTINGS Screen. The MIC CAPSULE Screen opens.
  • Page 85 Press "Information". Information about the mic capsule is shown.   Press any button to close the information.

  • Page 86: Troubleshooting

    • The unit and the microSD card might become warm but this is not a malfunction. • If the internal temperature becomes too high when using the Q8n-4K, a warning will sound and the power will turn off automatically. Wait for the temperature to decrease before using it again.

  • Page 87: A "Low Speed Card!" Warning Appears Frequently / Stopping Recording Takes A Very Long Time

    • If formatting a microSD card does not improve this, we recommend replacing the card. Please check the list of cards that have been confirmed to work on the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com) Charging is slow or not possible • The battery will not charge while the power is on. (→...

  • Page 88: Specifications

    Specifications Image sensor 1/2.3" 16 M-pixel CMOS sensor Lens F 2.8, 150° FOV Video format MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 (MOV) Video resolutions 4K/30, 25, 24 fps 1080/60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps 720/60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps Audio formats WAV: 96 kHz/24-bit, 16-bit 48 kHz/24-bit, 16-bit 44.1 kHz/24-bit, 16-bit Audio functions...
  • Page 89 Power Lithium-ion battery: DC 4.2 V maximum voltage, DC 3.7 V nominal voltage, 1600 mAh capacity AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5 V/1 A Recharging times By USB 2.0 port: about 4 hours and 30 minutes By USB 3.0 port: about 3 hours...
  • Page 90 ZOOM CORPORATION 4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan zoomcorp.com Z2I-4440-02...

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