Zoom H3-VR 360° VR Handy Recorder

Complete VR Audio Solution

The Zoom H3-VR is a compact, handheld virtual reality audio recorder designed for capturing and processing spatial audio for VR, AR, and mixed-reality content. It integrates a built-in 4-capsule Ambisonic microphone, recorder, and decoder, enabling 360-degree audio capture and direct export of VR-ready Ambisonics B-format files without the need for a computer.

Ambisonics and Audio Formats

• Captures precise 360° VR audio recordings up to 24 bit/96 kHz using its 4 matched unidirectional condenser microphones.
• Supports recording in Ambisonics A and Ambisonics B formats (FuMa/AmbiX).
• Records stereo binaural WAV files up to 24 bit/48 kHz for hyper-realistic 3D audio in 2D productions.
• Offers standard stereo recording for playback through speakers.
• Compatible with WAV 4-channel polyphonic and stereo formats supporting BWF and iXML metadata.

Post-Production and Software

• Includes free ZOOM Ambisonics Player software to convert Ambisonics audio to 5.1 channel surround sound files pre-aligned for video editing.
• Software allows playback, trimming, re-orientation, and export of Ambisonics files to stereo, binaural, and surround formats.

Live Streaming and Monitoring

• Enables live streaming of 360° audio events, providing immersive experiences for remote audiences.
• Features a dedicated headphone jack for stereo binaural monitoring during recording.
• Onboard Ambisonics decoding simulates 360° audio playback for monitoring and review.

Design and Usability

• Compact conical design (76 mm × 78 mm × 123 mm) weighing 120 g, allowing unobtrusive placement near cameras or action.
• Equipped with a 6-axis motion sensor (3-axis gyro and 3-axis accelerometer) for automatic mic position and level detection, ensuring audio and video alignment regardless of orientation.
• Directionally-responsive 1.25" monochrome LCD screen (96×64) remains clear even when the device is upside down.
• Transport controls (Home, Play/Pause, Forward, Reverse, Menu) and a Power/Hold button for locking settings during recording.
• Single-knob gain control adjusts all four mic capsules simultaneously for balanced 360° audio capture.
• Adjustable low cut filter removes unwanted low-frequency noise; built-in limiter prevents clipping and distortion.
• Slate tone and sound marker functions facilitate easy calibration and synchronization of audio and video.

Connectivity and Power

• 3.5 mm stereo mini line out connector with adjustable output volume for connection to DSLR cameras or external devices.
• 3.5 mm stereo mini headphone output with maximum output of 20 mW + 20 mW into 32 Ω load.
• MicroUSB port supports USB 2.0 High Speed mass storage and audio interface operation.
• Audio interface mode supports 2 in/2 out stereo/binaural at 44.1 kHz/16-bit and 48 kHz/16-bit, and 4 in/2 out Ambisonics input at 44.1 kHz/24-bit and 48 kHz/24-bit.
• Powered by two AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH rechargeable, or lithium) providing approximately 11.5 hours of continuous recording at 48 kHz/24-bit FuMa mode; lithium batteries can last up to 24 hours.
• Supports power via AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17) or portable USB batteries for extended use.

Additional Features

• Precise internal clock with 0.5 ppm discrepancy reduces audio/visual drift during recording.
• Compatible with the optional H3 Control App for remote control of transport, levels, and metadata notes via iOS devices (requires BTA-1 adapter).
• Ideal for live streaming, video conferencing, direct recording, and as a USB 360 microphone for computers or stereo mic for iOS devices.

Included Accessories

• Foam windscreen
• Dual mounting bracket
• AA batteries