Zoom F4/F8 vs MixPre-3 and 6 Audio Recorder Comparison

Which audio recorder should you buy for your film or video project? Here we compare the Zoom F4 and F8 up against the Sound Devices MixPre-3 and 6. This new class of audio recorders have pushed the boundaries on what is possible with a sub-$1000 sound recorder. They produce stellar quality audio recordings. But it can be confusing to figure out which one may be best for you. Since I’ve worked with the Zoom F4 and F8 for over a year and several months with the Sound Devices MixPre-6, let me share my observations. I hope this helps!

Links to Gear Discussed and Used to Record the Lavalier Microphone Review we use as our demo piece:
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Zoom F4 Audio Recorder

Amazon: https://geni.us/hGK6cg

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2vP6WDT

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Zoom F8 Audio Recorder

Amazon: https://geni.us/mOvLJVl

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2w8hfU3

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Zoom F-Control - Control Surface with linear faders and larger gain knobs

Amazon: https://geni.us/f2ApgB

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2gTfsjB

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Sound Devices MixPre II Series

B&H, Sweetwater: https://geni.us/O8e0

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USB-C Power Bank I use to power my MixPre

Amazon: https://geni.us/DguA6A

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Power bank I use to power my Zoom F4/F8

Amazon: https://geni.us/runCsRn

And you’ll need this cable as well:

Amazon: https://geni.us/KBNH8

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Zoom EXH-6 XLR Add-on for F4/F8 - Add 2 XLR inputs

Amazon: https://geni.us/0wsKFEO

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2xme1RJ

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Panasonic GH5 Camera (for product shots)

Amazon: https://geni.us/D7Kci

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2oIdG7o

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Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens

Amazon: https://geni.us/9bJe

B&H: https://bhpho.to/2k9dmg2

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Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd

Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.