Zoom F1-SP Field Recorder and Shotgun Microphone Reviews
The Zoom F1 Field Recorder + Shotgun Mic is the ideal solution for videographers and independent filmmakers who need to capture professional-quality audio. The F1-SP package includes Zoom’s SGH-6 shotgun mic, which is designed to capture every sonic nuance. Together with the F1, you can record high-resolution audio up to 24 bit/96kHz. The Zoom F1 Field Recorder + Shotgun Mic is a value-packed bundle that's perfect for location sound, wedding and event videography, and more.
Earn $12 back in Bonus Bucks† OR pay $10/month with 24 month financing*
$12 Earn $12.00 back in Bonus Bucks† on this purchase when you use your Sweetwater Credit Card without financing. Select your offer in checkout. Terms
As low as $10/month
with 24 month financing*
See all payment options
Customer Reviews
Customer Added Media
This product doesn't have any review media yet!
Share Your Thoughts
Help other music gear aficionados by sharing your opinions of gear you've purchased.
Questions about the F1SP?
Or call us at (800) 222-4700
Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. They are available to offer you personalized product advice any time you need it.
Highest Rated Reviews
Very Portable and Decent Sound
For the price, it's a very good field recorder. The sound is clear enough for most purposes, especially in treated environments, but don't expect studio quality sound out of it, that's not what it's made for. I can't attest to how it is outside, but inside it works perfectly fine on a stand or a boom arm. Keep in mind the buttons make it difficult to grip if you intend to use it as a handheld device. No complaints here, it's served me nicely as an on-the-go voice over microphone.
Zoom F1 Field Recorder
I like this recorder but be aware that it has a major design flaw. The battery cover is very difficult to work with and is poorly designed. It is a struggle to get it to close when replacing the batteries. I literally spent fifteen minutes attempting to close the cover the first few times. At some point it will break. Does not snap shut.
Also be aware that unless you plan on changing the two commercial grade AAA batteries every day or so, depending on usage, you will need an alternate power source. The Zoom drains the batteries dry. I find that after only a couple of hours of usage I am forced to change the batteries. For that reason I had to purchase the adapters in order to power the Zoom using an electrical outlet. This prevents me from walking freely with the device. I have a 12 foot extension cord and would have to get a longer one to move about the way I want to.
These are common issues with the Zoom F1 according to other reviews. Maybe the folks at Zoom will design a better product next time.
With that said, I like the Zoom - it is doing what I need it to do - I have the Shotgun mic. It is probably one of the better recorders out there.
