After several months of use, I can confidently say this device has become a permanent fixture on my desk—and not just because I’m too busy to unplug it. The voice dictation works impressively well, saving both time and keyboard wear, while the video quality is sharp enough to make even Monday morning Zoom calls look respectable.
Whether you’re conferencing or simply attempting to look professional from your home office, the performance is consistently reliable. As someone with over 25–30 years in the IT industry, I don’t hand out praise lightly—but in this case, it’s well deserved.
In short, this is an excellent choice for everyday office use. Logitech continues its long-standing tradition of delivering quality products—thankfully, without requiring an IT support ticket to get started.
If only every piece of tech behaved this well, IT departments everywhere could finally take a proper coffee break.
Zoom F1-SP 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Field Recorder with Shotgun Microphone
- Run & Gun Video, Interviews
- 3-Capsule Shotgun Microphone
- Limiter & Auto-Level Prevent Distortion
- Records Stereo MP3 or Hi-Res WAV
- 3.5mm Stereo Mic/Line Input
- Compatible with Zoom Mic Capsules
- Up to 11 Hours via AAA Batteries
- microSD Card / USB Interface Recording
- One-Touch Controls, Easy-to-Read Display
- Shockmount for Low-Noise Camera Mounting
Product Description
Record clear, crisp dialog in a hurry for your next run-and-gun video shoot or interview with the Zoom F1-SP, a 2-track portable field recorder with an onboard limiter and auto-level control providing distortion-free 24-bit audio, and 3-capsule, supercardioid shotgun microphone for easy setup on your camera. Whereas other F-Series recorders such as the F4, F6, and F8n are centered around a sound bag–ready form factor, the F1-SP's diminutive size is tailored for camera- or tripod-mounted placement.
From the easy-to-read backlit display and simple one-touch controls to the long battery life, the F1-SP is properly equipped to serve you reliably, regardless of your audio background. Whether you need long-duration recording for a wedding, professional audio capture for an interview, or a space-saving setup for outdoor shoots, the F1-SP is ready to handle your crucial audio tasks.
Plus, its operational simplicity ensures that the F1-SP will never get in the way of your workflow, be it simple, complex, or always changing. You can feel confident using it as your main recorder, a USB audio interface for your dedicated computer or iPad rig, or a backup unit for added safety.
Directional 3-Capsule Shotgun Microphone
The included SGH-6 mono shotgun microphone attaches directly to the 10-pin Zoom mic capsule input, no cables needed! It features three internal mic capsules to produce a supercardioid polar pattern that delivers focused directionality across the frequency spectrum. Step back from your subject to get the right shot, and know that the SGH-6 is accurately delivering the sound of your source.
Shockmount Reduces Vibration and Handling Noise
Supplied with the F1-SP is an SMF-1 shockmount, which was engineered to eliminate unwanted thumping sounds caused by vibrations when shooting on the move. It also grants easy attachment to your DSLR camera.
Configurable Recording Settings
The F1-SP boasts a slew of recording resolutions to choose from—48 to 320 kb/s in MP3 format, or up to 24-bit / 96 kHz in uncompressed WAV format. Also, a pre-record function allows you to capture approximately two seconds of audio before you press the record button, and a low-cut filter attenuates rumble for cleaner voice recordings.
Record Direct to microSD Cards
Maximize portability by recording directly to a microSD/microSDHC card (available separately) for up to 32 GB of storage space. Select MP3 format if you really need extended time and minimal file size, or use the BWF-compliant WAV format for uncompressed audio quality and industry-standard file compatibility.
Audio Interface Functionality
Alternatively, use the F1-SP as an 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface at up to 16-bit / 48 kHz. Connect it to your computer or iPad, launch your preferred audio recording program, then enjoy the combination of the F1-SP's sonically solid front end, plus the familiarity and features of your favorite software.
Zoom Mic Capsule Input
A proprietary 10-pin Zoom mic capsule input on the F1-SP accommodates Zoom's line of interchangeable capsules (available separately) in place of the standard mic/line input. With mid-side, X/Y, and stereo shotgun mic capsules to choose from, you can be ready to record music, dialog, or sound effects without carting an external microphone setup. There's even the EXH-6 input capsule (available separately) if you need dual XLR-1/4" combo inputs.
Headphone/Line Output with Volume Control
A locking 3.5mm stereo output jack with a dedicated volume control enables straightforward routing to your camera, DSLR, secondary recorder, or headphones.
Power for Hours
To keep up with the pace of on-location production, the F1-SP can be powered via two AAA batteries or a Zoom AD-17 power adapter (available separately). Even at 24-bit / 48 kHz, you get plenty of recording time—up to 11 hours with lithium batteries or up to 6.5 hours with alkaline batteries. All-day shoots are no problem for the F1-SP.
Multifunction Micro-USB Port
A micro-USB port on the F1-SP serves several functions. Connect it to a computer for convenient data exchange, or hook it up to an iOS device (or computer) to use the F1-SP as a miniature audio interface.
Specifications
| Number of Tracks | 2 |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 96 kHz / 24-Bit |
| Microphone | Interchangeable Supercardioid Shotgun |
| Built-In Speaker | No |
| Display | Monochrome LCD (Backlit) |
| Memory Card Support | microSD, microSDHC (Up to 32 GB) |
| Internal Storage | None |
Recording
| Audio File Formats | BWF, ID3v1, MP3, WAV |
| Sample Rates | 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz |
| Bit Depth | 16 / 24-Bit |
| Bit Rates | 48 to 320 kb/s |
| Signal Processing & FX | Auto Gain, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter |
| Timecode Support | No |
Connectivity
| Analog I/O |
1 x Proprietary 10-Pin Mic Capsule Input 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable) 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone/Line Output (Lockable) |
| Digital I/O | None |
| Phantom Power | None |
| Plug-In Power | Yes, 2.5 V |
| Host Connection | 1 x Micro-USB (2.0) |
Performance
| Gain/Trim Range |
Mic/Line Inputs: -12 to +36 dB Shotgun Mic Capsule: Up to +50 dB |
| Headphone Output Power | 11 mW per Channel into 32 Ohms |
| Impedance |
Inputs: Greater than 2 Kilohms |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -39 dB/Pa |
| Microphone Max SPL | 122 dB SPL |
Power
| Power Options | Battery or AC/DC Power Adapter |
| Battery Type | 2 x AAA (Not Included) |
| Approximate Battery Life |
48 kHz/24-Bit: 6.5 Hours (Alkaline, Mono) 6 Hours (NiMH, Mono) 11 Hours (Lithium, Mono) |
| AC/DC Power Adapter | 5 VDC at 1 A (Not Included) |
Physical
| Mounting Options | Shoe Mount |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 3.1 x 1.3" / 64 x 79.8 x 33.3 mm |
| Weight | 4.2 oz / 120 g (without Batteries) |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 1.44 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 11.5 x 8.45 x 3" |
