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Zoom H3-VR 360° VR Audio Recorder

360-degree VR Audio Recorder, with 4-mic Ambisonic Array, Auto Mic Position Detection, and Built-in Encoding/Decoding
$249.99

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This article was Written By

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Surround Sound Recording Made Simple

Featuring four built-in mics arranged in an Ambisonic array, the Zoom H3-VR audio recorder makes it easier than ever to capture full-sphere surround sound recordings. Immersive audio is critical for virtual reality productions, and the H3-VR recorder's three recording modes allow you to capture the audio you need for any project. Record at up to 24-bit/96kHz in Ambisonic surround, stereo binaural, or standard stereo formats. You can record to an external SD card (up to 512GB) or directly to a computer via USB 2.0. And with its Auto Mic Position Detection, you can expect balanced and consistent recordings every time with the Zoom H3-VR 360-degree VR audio recorder.

Your all-in-one Ambisonic surround solution

If you've been producing virtual reality content, then you know what it normally takes to capture great Ambisonic surround audio: a dedicated Ambisonic mic, a separate recorder, and a computer for encoding from Ambisonics A format to Ambisonics B. With the Zoom H3-VR, all of the encoding and decoding is built in, making it an all-in-one solution for capturing full-sphere surround audio for your projects. We've been impressed with the audio quality here at Sweetwater, and with its Auto Mic Position Detection technology, you can expect consistent sonic results in any recording application.

All the VR audio formats you could ask for

With its four-capsule Ambisonic mic, the H3-VR captures stellar 360-degree VR audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. But that's not all — you can also record stereo binaural WAV files up to 24-bit/48kHz resolution, enhancing your 2D productions with 3D audio.You can also capture standard stereo files if your recordings are intended to be played from speakers instead of headphones. Finally, you can download the Zoom Ambisonics Player software to easily convert your Ambisonics records to 5.1 surround sound for standard video purposes.

6-axis motion sensor ensures a true-to-life sound field

Positioning the H3-VR recorder is simple, thanks to its innovative Auto Mic Position and Level Detection technology. No matter how the H3-VR is oriented, it calibrates itself so that you always receive a true 360-degree sound field with proper up/down/left/right balance and imaging.

Ideal for live streaming, direct recording, and more

With its compact, conical design and advanced recording capabilities, the Zoom H3-VR is a great solution for a wide range of recording applications. Capture stunning 360-degree audio for live streaming. Use it for clear, reliable audio while video conferencing. Record musical ideas as soon as inspiration strikes, without having to stop and launch your computer and DAW software. Or record 360-degree audio directly to your computer, or stereo to your iOS device.

What's in the box?

  • H3-VR audio recorder
  • Foam windscreen
  • Dual mounting bracket
  • AA batteries

Zoom H3-VR Audio Recorder Features:

  • 4 built-in microphones in an Ambisonic array for full-sphere surround recording
  • Operates as a standalone recorder or as a USB 2.0 audio interface
  • Supports microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards (sold separately) up to 512GB for extended recording sessions
  • Single-knob gain control for all microphones
  • Built-in Ambisonics A to B encoding
  • 3 recording modes include Ambisonics (surround), stereo binaural, and standard stereo
  • Up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution
  • Headphone output and line output for monitoring your recordings
  • Slate tone allows you to mark recordings for easy synchronization in your DAW
  • Extensive metadata capabilities for professional applications
  • Auto Mic Position Detection uses a 6-axis gyroscope to make it easy to capture balanced, properly oriented surround audio
  • Level function ensures precise angle placement
  • Wireless iOS remote control capabilities with the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter (sold separately)
  • Onboard Ambisonics playback with audio rotation
  • Free software can be downloaded to play files, change direction, and convert to binaural, stereo, or 5.1 surround formats
  • Powered by 2 AA batteries or USB bus power

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Tech Specs

  • Audio Interface: 360 VR Audio Recorder
  • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
  • Simultaneous Rec Tracks: 4 x 2, 2 x 2
  • Simultaneous Play Tracks: 4
  • Built-in Mic(s): 4 x Condenser Unidirectional Mics, Ambisonic Array
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x 1/8" TRS (line out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/8" TRS
  • Memory (removable): MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC (up to 512GB)
  • File Format: Ambisonic A/B, WAV 4ch Poly, WAV Stereo, Wav Binaural Stereo
  • EQ: Low Cut Filter
  • USB: 1 x Type Micro-B
  • Software: Zoom PC/Mac Post Production Software (play, change direction, converting audio)
  • Power Supply: 2 x AA batteries (Alkaline, rechargeable NiMH, 1.5V Lithium), 5V DC USB power supply adapter (sold separately)
  • Battery Life: 11 hours
  • Stand Mountable: Dual Mounting Bracket (included), 6-axis Gyroscope (upfront, upside down, endfire, endfire inverted)
  • Height: 4.84"
  • Width: 2.99"
  • Depth: 3.07"
  • Weight: 0.26 lbs. (main unit)
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ZH3VR

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Works very well for a small little unit

We're using this for VR immersive recordings with our Insta360 Pro 2 unit, mounts right on the top and works well! I've used Zoom products before and frankly haven't been that impressed with the quality but the sound we're getting off this unit is quite nice. Mics built into our camera are terrible so this is a welcome upgrade, good enough for quality work at a very affordable $. Can be controlled from an app which is nice via Bluetooth although BT should be built in instead of the required dongle which requires you to remove the weather resistant cap. Another nice-to-have feature would be the ability to sync with the camera and start recording both simultaneously.

We get nice 4-stream audio off the SD card with this unit. For the price, definitely recommend this product.
Music background: Glitch Metal Guitarist
Rated 5/5

Great Value

This recorder is a great value and I would highly recommend it. Everything recorded sounds exactly like it did on the location.The one small bit of advice is that the wind screen that comes with it doesn't do a good enough job. The machine seems extremely sensitive to any wind or breeze that's happening. Get a dead cat type of thing for this and you should be golden.
Music background: Drummer/Music Producer/Production and Post Production Sound
Rated 5/5

Super Cool

I purchased this for recording wildlife sounds. It performed spectacularly. Even though I do have decades of entertainment experience with bands. This device can do so many things it would exceed any musicians expectations im sure. If you do pod casts or any type of video I feel it would be a great tool to have as well. Overall if you are into anything listed above you would be a fool not to atleast check it out.
JPT V
Music background: Assistant Events Director, Stage Mgr., Guitar tech, Drum tech.
Rated 5/5

Zoom H3-VR 360° VR Audio Recorder

For me the Zoom H3-VR 360 VR audio recorder has been a game changer for me. I shoot a lot of 360 VR footage using my GoPro Fusion cameras. Even though the camera records 360 VR audio. On a PC platform, you can not directly get 360 audio when export to a format that is usable. The Zoom H3-VR 360 resolved this issue for me. What's even more impressive is, that it will record in the formats I need. Ready to import into my projects without a lot of third party apps. to get there. I am happy!
Rated 5/5

Customer 4 Life!

tried it out in my house I am planning on using this in very loud venues I just hope the microphones can handle the the high SPL. We shall see as far as the neural audio encoding seems to work quite well and very accurate, I have a L-12 Audio Recorder mixer from Zoom as well and there pre amps seem to be quite transparent with no coloration and they give good customer support. I'm sure this will be just as reliable and useful in my work.

I also like that I was able to get it on a 6 month payment plan that was a big reason for getting it from Sweetwater. They have great customer service and my Customer Rep Paul Rowan always treats me like I was spending thousands of dollars and always advises me if there may be something that will work just as well but not as expensive. Not many places I know work like that. thanks you for your great customer service and creative financing Sweetwater Customer 4 Life
Music background: Semi Pro Sound Production
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