NOTE:
This review was duplicated from the Zoom F2-BT review...The main difference is that you cannot control this version with the mobile app, which means you cannot quickly set the LOWCUT, which I think is essential for certain mics.

OVERVIEW:
This is the Zoom F2, the first 32-bit float lavalier/body pack recorder from Zoom. It records in MONO (wish it was STEREO) and records to a Micro SD card, runs on two (2) AAA batteries. It's really, really small, and I use it not only for LAV mics, but also for mini (3.5mm) shotguns. The first thing I should say about this recorder, is that even though it records a 32-bit float file, it does NOT use dual A/D converters (like the Zoom F3 or F6) that make “clipping” almost never occur. Having said this, I've still got a few experiments to try because I believe this thing could have a real impact on my audio workflow…

MAIN POINTS:
PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?
PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?
PART 3: IS IT COMMON?
PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?
PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?
PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS?
PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY?

PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE?
The Zoom F2 audio recorder is so small (by itself) that it can fit in the tiniest of pockets…in your pants, shirt, or anything. If you include the LAV mic and my favorite furry windscreen (the Comica CVM-MF1) it’s still small but may need a plastic sandwich bag to keep it all safe and together (and sealed from weather). I don’t always use the Zoom F2 with a LAV though, but often with a mini (3.5mm) shotgun mic, and the Comica CVM-VM20 has been its favorite match in this regard.

PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE?
This is a difficult question to answer, as the non-Bluetooth version is, at only $159 US, but it seems I NEED the Bluetooth version (to quickly enable or disable the REC. LOWCUT). The low-cut filter on the recorder (REC. LOWCUT) may not SEEM like it's important, but to get some of the mics I use to capture clean, REAL-sounding audio, I really like using the lowcut. It's always a combination of the mic design, wind protection, "proximity" and therefore the resultant sound quality that affect these decisions...and this has led me to conclude I personally do want the Bluetooth version, which is around $229 new.

PART 3: IS IT COMMON?
When I say “common” I typically mean it’s easy to find one on the used market (locally it’s OfferUp, Craigslist) and so far, I haven’t seen many of these available. That could be a good thing, assuming most who buy it aren’t getting rid of it (I wouldn’t, it’s just so handy) but we’ll see if more hit the used market after a number of years go by.

PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY?
I’ll start with durability then move to the output. The durability is okay, but I'm guessing one of the little flaps or battery doors is going to fall off at some point...strange enough this was the case with my Zoom F1 (and a totally different design). The OUTPUT (sound quality) is certainly useable. It's not as full-sounding as the Zoom F1 (which has a bit too much BASS stock) but the files are a good, or should I say great starting point, because of the 32-bit float properties. So, it will need EQ to sound more realistic, but that depends on the mic used (and the included Zoom LMF-2 lavalier mic, plus my favorite furry windscreen, the Comica CVM-MF1 can sound pretty good). I also use it with a mini shotgun mic (the Comica CVM-VM20) and it can do so many tricks it's amazing. That combination is so amazing that it convinced me the Zoom F2 is far more than a LAV mic recorder. What I do is set the gain on the CVM-VM20 mic to 1 at 1 foot, 2 at 2 feet, 3 at 3 feet and 4 at 4 feet, for the cleanest file. Yes, it does matter where you set the gain on the mic...even though the Zoom F2 is a 32-bit float recorder. For more information, check out my custom settings for the Zoom F2 + Comica CVM-VM20 (in the AUDIO database on my website).

PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE?

PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS?

PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY?
When it’s possible, and when the price is good enough, I like to buy AUDIO gear at Sweetwater. The main reason is their extended warranty (and ability to get in touch with the manufacturer quickly, which has come in handy, especially with Zoom).

CONCLUSION:
I consider the Zoom F2-BT to be one of my most valuable pieces in the AUDIO category of my kit, as it works well as not only a LAV mic, but also as a tiny companion for mini (3.5mm) shotgun mics as well, especially my Comica CVM-VM20.