r/LocationSound • u/JobBeneficial7944 • 7d ago

Gear - Selection / Use zoom f8n pro power solution

I'm looking to update my sound recorder to a zoom f8n pro. I've been reading a few posts on this sub about people looking for a power solution to this recorder, but a few only mention the one I was looking for.

Would a Powerbank with PD and a USB-C to Hirose cable not be sufficient? would I encounter any problems?

Thank you.

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6

u/TryingToFindThing 7d ago

I own a zoom f8n pro and I truly recommend getting a V-mount battery as a power solution.

I use a smallrig VB99 and it works amazingly. It has ports for USB-C, USB-A, 8v, 12v and of course D-tap. So it's already a power bank of sorts.

I use a D-tap to hirose power cable into the zoom and even at the end of a 10 hour shoot day the VB99 had more than half battery left.

IMO there are little downsides because V-mount chargers and batteries are easily found on most film sets, plus there's heaps of V-mount accessories so you can find what works best for your setup.

2

u/robust_nachos 7d ago

I do the same with same battery. No issues and basically all day power for my needs.

Edit: I went v-mount because I can share power with my camera when I need to. If I was sound focused, I would have gone the smart battery route.

1

u/SebastianC0318 6d ago

Same here, but I use the smaller vb50, keeping the bag lighter. Two wb50 will get you quite far, even with all 8 inputs :)

6

u/trapezemaster 7d ago

I got this one someone’s recommendation. Been rock solid with just dc in. The horse connector I tried didn’t work at all. Talentcell 12/9/5V Lithium ion... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016BJCRUO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I try to keep AAs in there as backup but honestly haven’t really needed it. This battery goes forever.

4

u/ApprehensiveNeat9584 production sound mixer 7d ago

I wouldn't trust a power bank for professional work, get a smart battery with a cup to hirose and later on add a power distro if your budget doesn't allow it right now.

1

u/g_spaitz 7d ago

look into fxlion as well

1

u/JohnMaySLC 7d ago

My F8n would power down around 10V. If your power banks is rated for 14-16V you should do fine. I used Vmounts with a Ptap-hirose cable for years, but the move to smart batteries with a cup and distro were worth the investment

1

u/dthgrnd 5d ago

This is how I solved it when in a pinch (hirose to USB C connector I had ordered didn't work), with an Aliexpress step-down converter for Makita batteries. It terminates into the standard 5.5x2.5mm plug the Zoom has in the bottom.

Only problem? No-one else uses Makita batteries on set 🙃 but a Makita 18v 5.0Ah battery lasts well over a day and a half with the Zoom f8n pro, so..

My other option is a 5.5x2.5mm plug with USB C jack and 12v USB PD deciever function. Worked great although only powered 2 xlrs w phantom power when I put it to the test.

1

u/marki_poo_ 5d ago

If your pd’s usb-c port outputs 12v, you should be good generally. I used talentcell batteries for a while which worked fine but they had no locking connector so I swapped to smart batteries. They’re nice for the telemetry data and reliability, buy new. They’re pricier but reliability is a necessity.