Rent Zoom F3 Field Recorder
The Zoom F3 is a compact, professional-grade field recorder designed for high-quality audio capture in demanding production environments.
Production-ready
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24 hour review
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Delivery made simple
Convenient delivery coordinated around your production.
Overview
The Zoom F3 is a compact, professional-grade field recorder designed for high-quality audio capture in demanding production environments. Built around 32-bit float recording technology, the F3 eliminates the need for precise gain staging, allowing you to capture both quiet dialogue and extremely loud sounds without distortion or clipping. This makes it an ideal solution for fast-paced shoots where reliability and flexibility are critical.
32-bit float recording
Wide capture latitude for unpredictable levels
Dual locking XLR inputs
Two-channel location recording with phantom power
192 kHz maximum sample rate
High-resolution capture for dialogue or effects
USB-C audio interface
Also works with computers and mobile devices
- Recorder type
- Two-channel field recorder
- Recording format
- 32-bit float WAV
- Maximum sample rate
- 192 kHz
- Inputs
- 2 x locking XLR
- Input power
- Selectable 24 V / 48 V phantom power
- Outputs
- 3.5 mm line out and headphone out
- Media
- microSDHC / microSDXC
- USB
- USB-C audio interface and card-reader operation
- Wireless expansion
- Zoom BTA-1 remote control or supported Bluetooth timecode
The F3 and F6 share Zoom’s 32-bit float recording and the same low-noise preamps, so both are ready for professional work. The F3 packs that quality into a pocket-size, 242 g body that runs 8+ hours on two AAs — the recorder to reach for when one or two mics will do and every gram counts.
| Specification | Zoom F6 | Zoom F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Inputs | 6 × XLR/TRS combo | 2 × locking XLR |
| Tracks recorded at once | Up to 14 (6 × 32-bit float, 6 × 24-bit, stereo mix) | 2 |
| 32-bit float with dual A/D | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum sample rate | 192 kHz | 192 kHz |
| Preamp noise | −127 dBu EIN | −127 dBu EIN |
| AutoMix for multiple speakers | Yes | — |
| Timecode | Built-in 0.2 ppm generator | Wireless, via BTA-1 + UltraSync BLUE |
| App control | Zoom F6 Control (with BTA-1) | Zoom F3 Control (with BTA-1) |
| Media | SD, up to 512 GB | microSD, up to 1 TB |
| Power | AA · Sony NP-F · USB-C | 2 × AA (8+ hrs) · USB-C |
| USB audio interface | 6-in / 4-out | 2-in / 2-out |
| Size | 100 × 119.8 × 62.9 mm | 75 × 77.3 × 47.8 mm |
| Weight | 520 g | 242 g with batteries |
| Included in our kit | SD card | 64GB microSD card · protective case |
Best for
Choose the Zoom F6 for
- Multi-person interviews, panels and round tables — up to six mics, with AutoMix keeping them clean
- Narrative dialogue with a boom plus several wireless lavs on separate tracks
- Timecode-synced multicam shoots, with a built-in generator that holds sync all day
- Long days on location, powered by an NP-F battery or USB-C
Choose the Zoom F3 for
- Single-operator and run-and-gun shoots with one boom and one lav
- Cage- or camera-mounted recording, where size and weight matter
- Stereo ambience, sound effects and Foley with a matched pair of mics
- Lean kits and tight budgets, with the same 32-bit float quality
- Use 48 kHz for standard video workflows unless production specifically requests another sample rate.
- Enable phantom power only for microphones that require it, and connect XLR cables before switching it on.
- 32-bit float protects against converter clipping, but microphone overload, wind, and bad placement can still ruin a take.
- Format approved media in the F3, monitor both channels on headphones, and slate or name files consistently before rolling.
Recommended Add-ons
Curated gear that pairs perfectly with this rental.
Zoom BT-1 Bluetooth Adapter
$5.00/day · $20.00/week
$3.75/day · $15.00/week
XLR Male to Female Cable (25')
$5.00/day · $17.50/week
$3.75/day · $15.00/week
LADDA Rechargeable AA Battery Kit
$10.00/day · $30.00/week
$8.00/day · $24.00/week
* Reduced add-on rates apply when rented with this item.
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