Zaxcom ZFR300 Digital Audio Recorder

The Zaxcom ZFR300 is a compact and lightweight timecode referenced audio recorder.  It’s modeled after the TRX900LA, so it’s slightly taller than the ZFR200 and has a better run time since it’s powered by two AA batteries instead of one.

The ZFR300 records on microSD cards and has a built-in SMPTE timecode reader / generator.  The unit can receive timecode via a manual jam, the IFB100 or the ZaxNet 2.4 GHz wireless network.

It’s a great replacement for wireless mics on reality television type productions where there is poor RF range, interference issues, or no availabe frequencies are present.  With a timecode jam any quantity of  ZFR’s can be used in sync all day, the built-in timecode generator is accurate within one frame over a six hour period. The unit is powered with two AA batteries.  It can run up to 12 hours using lithium or rechargeables or up to eight hours using alkaline batteries.

Weighing in at just 3.0 oz, the ZFR300 is constructed out of a high strength nylon polymer case making it resistant to water and corrosion.

Files can be output as either 24 bit / 48 KHz timecode stamped broadcast wave files or timecode stamped MP3’s.

ZFR300 Features:

• Fault tolerant recording
• Removable microSD recording media
• Records 96 hours of uncompressed audio using a 16 GB memory card
• Built-in timecode reader / generator
• Built-in RF receiver for remote timecode synchronization and reception of remote control commands from IFB100 and/or ZaxNet
• Small size & rugged design
• Graphic backlit LCD display

The ZFR300 features a fault tolerant recording system.  If a memory card is ejected or accidentally turned off while recording, there will be no audio loss prior to the point of interruption.

Both record / stop and continuous loop recording are supported.

File transfer software, that runs on both MAC and PC operating systems, is included with the ZFR300.  ZFR300 audio files are automatically recorded at 48 kHz / 24 bits.  The transfer software  utilizes sample rate conversion to obtain the sample rate and bit depth of choice when files are imported to your computer.  Any number of versions of the same recording can be made from a single file.

There are two timecode stamped file types to choose from: BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) or MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3).  MP3 files are great for fast transmission over the internet to a transcription house.