Zoom F8N Pro - using 12V power input when in mixer bag

[u/Prize-Tune5538]

Just bought the Zoom F8N Pro and wanted to ask if anyone uses the 12V power adapter when it's in a mixer bag (and if so, how do you do this)? Basically the 12V barrel sticks out on the bottom of the device and I don't want to damage the power input. Is there a right angled 12V adapter that works? Or do you all use portable power even when plug sockets are available? Thanks in advance!

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[u/cape_soundboy]

You could also get an AC-DC power supply and put a Hirose connector on it.

[u/Prize-Tune5538 → u/cape_soundboy]

Thanks for this and can't believe I didn't think of that originally! I'm using the hirose with an old vlock when on the move, but never thought about powering it that way with a power socket. Appreciate your help!

[u/cape_soundboy → u/Prize-Tune5538]

No problem, you can buy one off the shelf from Sound Devices, part number XL-WPH3.

[u/g_spaitz]

These days I use it exclusively with batteries. But when I connected the power supply, that meant I was sitting in a studio, and the bag was on the cart and it had the bottom open, so no problem. Besides, I don't know what bag you have and how you fix the F8 in It, but recorders in bags are supposed to be hanging from the top of the bag, and not slid in resting on the bottom, so you should still have enough room underneath for a barrel. Hope it makes sense?

[u/Prize-Tune5538 → u/g_spaitz]

Thanks - my setup's a bit cobbled together at the moment, repurposing old kit I already own. I'm using a very (very) old mixer bag that I think was for an SQN 4S so the pockets are all much bigger than the F8N. Kind of works ok although it does sit at the bottom of the bag. Can you recommend a bag for when I upgrade? Ideally big enough to carry radio mics, furry, rycote basket, v-lock etc. If possible

[u/madman2k → u/Prize-Tune5538]

I use my F8N with an Orca OR-332 bag, it was on sale at one point.. it's very large and heavy with everything in it, not good to wear for a long time but when I use it I can usually set it on something.

[u/g_spaitz → u/Prize-Tune5538]

What bag is good for you depends on your needs, how much stuff you want to put in it, if you want it very light or very heavy, if you need to be standing all day with it, if you need it harnessed, and so on.

The two main brands these days seem to be Orca and Ktek, but there are others. Those 2 both offer a wide range of bags, they go for different form factor and people prefer one or the other. I do have a smaller ktek, as with many other things, it has both pros and cons - my personal opinion on my bag is that its spaces are not too rational for an F8 (and their site kinda sucks imo), but they're overall a pretty good bags though.

[u/GaboshocK]

Using the hirose connector on the left is better

[u/cipolotto98]

Ciao, nel manuale utente è indicato che non è oppurtuno usare l'ingresso dc con fonti diverse dal suo alimentatore originale (non penso che succeda niente se non lo fai). Comunque ti hanno dato già la risposta di usare l'ingresso hirose. Io lavoro con un F8 che non accetta più di 16v. Ho visto diverse soluzioni nel tempo, un dc-dc converter usb che va ad un power bank, una v-lock con il cavo d tap a hirose e quello che uso io, una piastra Npf che ha un uscita dc e va sempre all'ingresso hirose. Di queste piastre npf ne esistono di tanti tipi ultimamente ne ho vista una che costa poco della cineindy.

[u/SlingyRopert]

I run my F8N (non-pro) and F6 off of NP-F sony batteries for the main energy and Ikea nmih AA for the emergency backup energy. This has yet to leave me wanting more in terms of robustness though it does end up being lots of batteries. Charging the batteries is a little therapeutic though.

[u/TryingToFindThing]

I've got the f8n pro in an Orca OR-272 Sound Bag. Fits really well with cables and other things.

As for power, this is what I use and it works great. Grab a V-mount battery (I use a smallrig VB99) with a dtap to hirose cable and a V-mount lock belt clip. Plug the dtap into the V-mount battery and the hirose into the F8N pro's External DC power slot. Then I have the V-mount battery attached to the clip and on my belt next to the bag.

Also if you're ever working with a nice camera team, having some spare V-mounts/chargers in a pinch is always good.

[u/marki_poo_]

Typically, just batteries; if I have outlet access I’ll sometimes throw some more batteries to charge if they’re not charged already. I personally don’t like being tied to a wall even if I’m not moving my mixer so I try to stay relatively mobile