Zoom H3-VR

A Recorder Designed to Democratize Spatial Sound in the Zoom Range

The H3-VR was developed to make immersive audio more accessible without requiring a complex chain of microphones, interfaces, and decoding. Its "all-in-one" approach targets VR, AR, and mixed reality productions that want to save time during shooting while maintaining files usable in post-production (BWF, iXML, metadata) and ambisonic encoding ready for audio engines and 360-degree video.

Who the H3-VR Makes a Difference For and Its Use Cases

The Zoom H3-VR is aimed at 360-degree filmmakers, game developers, sound designers, content creators, and musicians who want to place the listener "at the center" of the scene. On location, it allows quick capture of a coherent and immersive ambiance. In the studio, it can serve as an ambisonic source to build spaces (room tone, foley, atmos) or produce a binaural stereo version intended for headphones.

Key Features: Ambisonic Capture, Simplified Control, and Smooth Post-Production

Ambisonics from A to B, and Binaural Monitoring

The H3-VR records in Ambisonics A or Ambisonics B (FuMa and AmbiX) and offers binaural stereo monitoring, convenient for validating the sound scene on headphones during recording. Recording can go up to 24 bit / 96 kHz (depending on mode), ensuring clean conversion and good dynamic range in post-production.

Automatic Orientation and Precise Placement

Thanks to the 6-axis gyroscope, the recorder automatically detects its position (facing up, facing down, screen up or down) and includes a level function to secure precise angular placement. Built-in ambisonic playback with audio rotation also helps verify the rendering and direction after capture.

Field Production: Clock, Slate, Remote Control, and USB

The slate tone, metadata, and precise internal clock (0.5 ppm drift) facilitate take organization. The H3-VR can be remotely controlled from an iOS device via the optional Bluetooth adapter BTA-1. It also operates in USB 2.0 audio interface mode to integrate a lightweight setup on a computer. Accessories include a foam windscreen, a dual mounting bracket, and AA batteries; a furry windscreen WSU-1 and the BTA-1 adapter are available optionally.

Technical specifications

Number of channels	4	Inputs	USB, Jack, Minijack, Stereo mini jack, USB audio, XLR
Sampling frequency	96 kHz	Outputs	USB, Line, Headset, Jack
Max resolution	24-bits	Color	Black
Headphone outputs	Yes

Recording media	compatible microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC cards (Class 4 or higher)	Connector	microUSB
Card capacity	up to 512 GB	Mass storage	USB 2.0 high speed
Ambisonics A, Ambisonics B (FuMa / AmbiX) formats	4-channel poly WAV (BWF and iXML compatible): 44.1 kHz/16 bit, 44.1 kHz/24 bit, 48 kHz/16 bit, 48 kHz/24 bit, 96 kHz/16 bit, 96 kHz/24 bit	Audio interface	2 inputs / 2 outputs (stereo/binaural input), USB 2.0 full speed 44.1 kHz/16 bit, 48 kHz/16 bit
Stereo formats	stereo WAV (BWF and iXML compatible): 44.1 kHz/16 bit, 44.1 kHz/24 bit, 48 kHz/16 bit, 48 kHz/24 bit, 96 kHz/16 bit, 96 kHz/24 bit	Power supply	2 AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH, or rechargeable lithium)
Binaural formats	stereo WAV (BWF and iXML compatible): 44.1 kHz/16 bit, 44.1 kHz/24 bit, 48 kHz/16 bit, 48 kHz/24 bit	AC adapter	AD-17 ZOOM, DC 5 V/1 A (USB bus power supported)
Screen	1.25-inch (3.1 cm) monochrome LCD	Estimated battery life (48 kHz/24 bit, FuMa mode)	alkaline batteries approx. 13.5 h; NiMH 1900 mAh batteries approx. 11.5 h; lithium batteries approx. 24 h
Motion sensor	6-axis (3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis acceleration)	Important note	do not use 14500 mAh 3.7 V lithium batteries as this will damage the product
Maximum input acoustic pressure	120 dB SPL	Note	approximate values, battery life varies depending on usage conditions
Microphone gain	+18 to +48 dB	Dimensions	76 mm (W) x 78 mm (D) x 123 mm (H)
LINE OUT	3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, maximum output level: -10 dBu (1 kHz, 10 kOhm load)	Weight (main unit)	120 g
PHONE OUT	3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, maximum output power: 20 mW + 20 mW (32 ohm load)