Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Mic Array

The Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder captures, encodes and decodes spatial audio all in one device. Whether you’re a filmmaker, musician or game developer, virtual reality is the undeniable future of content creation. While 360-video is exploding in popularity, the ability to easily create 360-audio has lagged behind…until now.

The H3-VR’s four-capsule microphone captures 360-degree audio recordings, precisely, up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The binaural setting provides a hyper-realistic spatial recording that enhances 2D productions with 3D audio. The onboard decoder automatically converts the raw Ambisonics A audio to VR-ready Ambisonics B audio, so it can easily be paired with your 360-video. And no computer is required.

Music Recording Applications in Stereo or 3D Sound

Accurately capture rehearsals, ensembles, and solo performances in recording studios and concert halls; you can spice up your stereo recordings with the binaural mode that tracks at up to 24-bit / 48 kHz to enhance 2D productions with spatially accurate imaging compatible with standard headphones

Sound for Film

Record dynamic foley, sound effects, and ambience for film, television, and video game projects for Dolby Atmos Surround Sound as well as 5.1 Surround processing with the included Mac/PC software

Sound for VR

Record true 360° Ambisonic audio for immersive VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) in four channels at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution for detailed 360° audio

Versatile Playback, Decode, and Export Functions

On-board decoder automatically converts the raw Ambisonics A audio to VR-ready Ambisonics B audio, so it can easily be paired with your 360-video.

Export Ambisonics recordings as 5.1 surround files via free Zoom Ambisonics Player software for Mac and Windows.

6-axis motion sensor provides automatic detection of mic position, enabling the audio and video orientations to stay aligned from scene to scene regardless of mic placement.

Integrated Ambisonics playback allows you to rotate the H3-VR to simulate spatial audio while listening.

Supports real-time headphone monitoring in stereo binaural or simulated 360° mode.

Separate 3.5mm headphone and line outputs with independent volume adjustment allow simultaneous connection to your headphones and camera

Easy Controls

On-board LCD screen displays direction of microphone orientation to suit the position of the H3-VR.

Straightforward buttons include home, play/pause, forward, back, and menu.

Hold function locks the H3-VR’s settings while recording.

Simultaneously adjust gain for all mic capsules via a single knob.

H3 Control App allows remote access to transport controls, levels, and metadata notes via your iOS device and optional Zoom BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter, allowing you to control the device in real time without being in the shot—an important consideration for VR audio capture.

Included mounting bracket allows you to mount the H3-VR to your VR camera.

Precise Audio Quality

Sample rate stability is achieved through the use of an accurate internal clock (only 0.5 ppm variance).

Built-in limiter ensures clean recordings by inhibiting clipping.

Control low frequencies and attenuate rumble with the adjustable high-pass filter.

Multiple Powering Methods

Two AA lithium batteries will power the H3-VR for up to 24 hours.

Two AA NiMH batteries will power the H3-VR for up to 11.5 hours.

Alternatively power the H3-VR via a USB battery pack, 5 VDC USB connection, or compatible AC adapter

Key Features:

• 4 built-in mics arranged in an Ambisonic array
• Full-sphere surround sound recording
• Single-knob gain control of all input levels
• Onboard Ambisonics A to B encoding
• Three recording modes: Ambisonics, Stereo Binaural or Standard Stereo
• Record up to 24 bit/96kHz
• Stereo binaural monitoring of Ambisonics signal
• Headphone output and line output
• Slate Tone
• Extensive metadata
• Auto Mic Position Detection using 6-axis gyroscope (upright, endfire, upside-down, endfire inverted)
• Level Function to ensure precise angle placement
• Wireless iOS remote control available through the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter
• Onboard Ambisonics playback with audio rotation
• Accurate internal clock with 0.5 ppm discrepancy
• USB 2.0 Audio Interface Mode supports live streaming and recording via USB Micro-B connection
• Zoom PC/Mac post-production software to play, change a direction, and convert to binaural, stereo and 5.1ch surround file
• Powered by 2 AA batteries or USB bus power
• Records to SD card up to 512GB

Specifications

 

One-Stop VR Audio

The Zoom H3-VR virtual reality audio recorder is the complete solution for capturing and processing spatial audio for VR, AR and mixed-reality content. With a built-in Ambisonic mic, recorder and decoder, the H3-VR puts 360-audio in the palm of your hand.

A New Way to go from A to B

In the past, capturing VR audio required a dedicated Ambisonic mic, a separate recorder and a computer for encoding the audio from raw Ambisonics A format to VR-ready Ambisonics B format. Now, with the H3-VR, all of the encoding and decoding is done on board, saving time, money and effort at every step.

<font-color=#2a69ff>Audio For Every Reality
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Ambisonics Audio for VR

The H3-VR’s 4-capsule Ambisonic mic captures precise 360-degree VR audio recordings up to 24 bit/96 kHz. And without ever connecting to a computer, the onboard decoder allows you to export Ambisonics B-format files directly.

 

Binaural 3D Stereo
The H3-VR also records stereo binaural WAV files up to 24 bit/48 kHz. Stereo binaural provides a hyper-realistic spatial recording that enhances 2D productions with 3D audio.
 

 

Standard Stereo
The H3-VR even offers standard stereo recording for recordings that will be played out of speakers rather than headphones.

 

5.1ch Surround for Video

Free to download, ZOOM Ambisonics Player software can easily convert Ambisonics audio to a 5.1ch surround file that is pre-aligned to the proper speakers, and is exported to your video or audio editor for syncing with standard video.

 

 

 

Live Streaming
 360
The H3-VR also enables you to live stream events in 360 degrees so that wherever your fans are, they’ll have access to the best seats in the house.

 

Fits Anywhere.
Captures Everything.

 

The H3-VR’s compact, conical design captures audio from multiple angles without getting in the way of the camera or the action.

6-Axis Motion Sensor

 

Auto Mic Position and Level Detection make placing the H3-VR simple. Whether positioned upright, upside down, endfire or endfire inverted, the H3-VR automatically calibrates so your audio and video are already aligned for post.

Upgrade Your Game Experience

The slam of dungeon doors, growl of monsters or howl of the wind can make or break a player’s fantasy. With the ability to capture high-quality in-game audio, you can elevate your player’s experience to new levels.

Designed With Intention

 

Output Volume Controls
The H3-VR’s line out volume control lets you adjust the output volume to a DSLR camera, additional headphone, etc.

 

Headphone Jack
A dedicated headphone jack allows for stereo binaural monitoring of your audio while recording.

Dynamic Display
A directionally-responsive LCD screen provides a bright, clear display even when upside-down.

Transport Controls
The Home, Play/Pause, Forward, Reverse and Menu buttons are positioned for quick access.

Power/Hold Button

Lock your settings on the H3-VR while recording using the unit’s Hold function.

 

Precise Internal Clock
The H3-VR’s highly accurate internal clock with 0.5 ppm discrepancy reduces audio/visual drift.

 

Slate Tone/Sound Marker
Using the slate tone enables you to easily calibrate the H3-VR and camera audio levels. Use the sound marker to output a tone when recording starts to make syncing audio and video easy.

 

Built-in Limiter
The H3-VR’s advanced onboard limiter offers distortion-free signal at high volumes.

 

Low Cut Filter
The H3-VR’s adjustable low cut filter removes unwanted low-end frequencies.

Input Volume Gain
With the single-knob gain control, you can easily adjust the gains of all four mic capsules simultaneously for accurate, balanced 360-degree audio.

 

Power Options
Two AA batteries can power the H3-VR for over 11 hours. For longer shoots, the H3-VR can also use portable USB batteries or be plugged in via an AC adapter.

3.5mm Line Out
The H3-VR fits right in with your existing gear, featuring a dedicated line out for a wide range of 360 cameras or other external devices.

Lightweight/Portable Design
Weighing less 5 ounces (120g), the H3-VR is the perfect Ambisonics recorder to take on the go. And since H3-VR records directly to an SD card, there’s no need for external gear.

Monitoring & Playback

Monitor your audio live in stereo binaural or use the H3-VR’s onboard Ambisonics Decoding to simulate your recorded 360-experience during playback.

 

Streaming and More

Perfect for live streaming, video conferencing, direct recording and more, the H3-VR’s audio interface mode turns it into a USB 360 mic for your computer or stereo mic for your iOS device.

Out of the Shot
But in Control

Staying out of the shot can be tricky when recording a 360-degree video, which is why the H3 Control App lets you remotely access transport controls, level settings, and metadata notes right from your iOS device.*

*Optional BTA-1 adapter required

360º Post-Production Made Easy

The H3-VR’s companion ZOOM Ambisonics Player software takes the work out of post-production by easily converting your Ambisonics files to Stereo, Binaural, 5.1ch surround and more. Play, trim, re-orientate and export your audio files in minutes.

Full Features

• 4 built-in mics arranged in an Ambisonic array
• Full-sphere surround sound recording
• Single-knob gain control of all input levels
• Onboard Ambisonics A to B decoding
• Three recording modes: Ambisonics, Stereo Binaural or Standard Stereo
• Record up to 24bit/96kHz
• Stereo binaural monitoring of Ambisonics signal
• Headphone output and line output
• Slate tone
• Extensive metadata
• Auto Mic Position Detection using 6-axis gyroscope (upfront, endfire,
  upside-down, endfire inverted)
• Level Function to ensure precise angle placement
• Wireless iOS remote control available through the BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter
• Onboard Ambisonics playback with audio rotation
• Accurate internal clock with .5ppm discrepancy
• USB 2.0 Audio Interface Mode
• Zoom PC/Mac post-production software to play, change a direction, and convert
  to binaural, stereo,and 5.1ch surround file
• Powered by 2 AA batteries or USB bus power
• Records to SD card up to 512GB

What’s in
the Box

 

What’s Included

• H3-VR Handy Recorder
• Foam windscreen
• Dual mounting bracket
• AA batteries

Optional Accessories

• BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter
• WSU-1 Hairy Windscreen

 

 

Recorders Capture Audio
H3-VR Captures Reality