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.
Audio For Every Reality
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.
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.
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 features a built-in limiter to prevent clipping and distortion during your most dynamic moments.
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 a microSD card, there’s no need for external gear.
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 theH3 ControlApp 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 companionZOOM Ambisonics Playersoftware 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.
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, end fire,
upside-down, end fire 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 (over 11 hours of operation) or USB bus power
Records to SD card up to 512GB
What's Included
H3-VR Handy Recorder
Foam windscreen
Dual mounting bracket
AA batteries
Optional Accessories
BTA-1 Bluetooth Adapter
WSU-1 Hairy Windscreen
SPECS
Recording Media:
Cards compatible with microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC specifications
(Class 4 or higher)
4 matched unidirectional condenser mics
Maximum sound pressure input: 120 dB SPL
Mic gain: +18 – +48 dB
LINE OUT:
Connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini
Maximum output level: −10 dBu (1 kHz, 10 kΩ load)
PHONE OUT:
Connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini
Maximum output level: 20 mW + 20 mW (into 32Ω load)
USB:
Connector: microUSB
Mass storage operation
USB 2.0 High Speed
Audio interface operation
2 in/2 out (stereo/binaural input), USB 2.0 Full Speed
44.1 kHz/16-bit, 48 kHz/16-bit
4 in/2 out ( Ambisonics A/FuMa/AmbiX input), USB 2.0 High Speed
44.1 kHz/24-bit, 48 kHz/24-bit
Power:
2 AA batteries (alkaline, rechargeable NiMH or lithium)
AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17): DC 5V/1A (supports USB bus power)
Estimated continuous recording time using batteries:
48 kHz/24-bit, FuMa Rec Mode
Alkaline batteries: about 11.5 hours
NiMH batteries (1900 mAh): about 11.5 hours
Lithium batteries: about 24 hours
• The above values are approximate.
• Continuous battery operation times were determined using in-house testing methods. They will vary greatly according to use conditions.
Output Volume Controls
Headphone Jack
Dynamic Display
Transport Controls
Power/Hold Button
Precise Internal Clock
Slate Tone/Sound Marker
Built-in Limiter
Low Cut Filter
Input Volume Gain
Power Options
3.5mm Line Out
Lightweight/Portable Design
