ZOOM H3-VR Ambisonic 360° VR Portable Digital Handy Recorder
Best spatial audio recorder for immersive VR content creators.
Capture immersive 360° spatial audio with the ZOOM H3-VR Portable Digital Handy Recorder. This genuine unit is brand new and includes all original accessories, shipped directly from Japan. It features four matched unidirectional condenser microphones capable of recording in Ambisonics A and B formats, perfect for VR content creation. The device supports high-resolution WAV recording up to 96 kHz/24-bit. It also functions as a 2-in/2-out or 4-in/2-out USB audio interface, offering versatile connectivity for professional workflows. Its compact design and included motion sensor make it highly portable for on-location sound capture.
$210.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
5
/ 62
#5 in Multitrack Recorders
Price vs Category Average
-54%
Below average
Microphone Array
4
/ matched unidirectional condenser mics
Who it's for
- Videographers requiring a lightweight, discreet rig for mobile shoots
- VR content creators needing immersive, spherical audio capture
- Editors seeking a streamlined post-production workflow for 360-degree media
Who should skip it
- Audio engineers needing versatile XLR inputs for traditional recording
- Casual hobbyists who rarely produce specialized VR or 360-degree content
- Field recordists working on long-form projects without external power
Performance breakdown
Spatial Accuracy
Four matched microphones deliver precise 360-degree sound field reconstruction.
Portability
Ultra-lightweight design makes on-location immersive recording effortless.
Format Versatility
Seamlessly handles Ambisonics, binaural, and stereo for diverse production needs.
Interface Utility
Functions reliably as a compact USB interface for studio workflows.
Spatial Awareness
Integrated motion sensor ensures consistent orientation during complex VR captures.
Audio Fidelity
High-resolution 96 kHz/24-bit recording captures professional-grade sonic detail.
Key Specs
Microphone Array
4 matched unidirectional condenser mics
Maximum Sound Pressure Input
120 dB SPL
Recording Formats
Ambisonics A, Ambisonics B (FuMa/AmbiX), Stereo, Binaural
Supported Sampling Rates/Bit Depths
Up to 96 kHz/24-bit WAV
External Dimensions
76 mm (W) × 78 mm (D) × 123 mm (H)
Weight (Main Unit Only)
120 g
Recording Media Compatibility
microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC (Class 4 or higher)
USB Interface
microUSB connector; supports USB 2.0 High Speed mass storage
Features
- Captures true 360° spatial audio using an integrated Ambisonic microphone array
- Records in multiple formats including Ambisonics A and B for VR content
- Functions as a versatile USB audio interface with 2-in/2-out or 4-in/2-out capability
- Includes a 6-axis motion sensor for advanced spatial awareness during recording
- Compatible with standard microSD cards for ample recording space
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the H3 VR for its exceptional ease of use, transforming complex Ambisonic recording into a straightforward process. Users appreciate the immediate, high quality audio capture required for professional virtual reality projects. The device’s intuitive design and robust build quality mean creators spend less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on spatial sound design. It is widely regarded as an indispensable tool that delivers outstanding results right out of the box, offering significant value by streamlining the entire 360 degree workflow.
Know before you buy
The H3-VR uses a four-microphone array to capture 360-degree spatial audio, allowing you to record sound in all directions simultaneously. This is essential for VR and 360-degree video projects where the audio needs to react to the viewer's head movements.
Yes, the H3-VR is highly versatile. In addition to Ambisonics, it supports standard stereo and binaural recording modes, making it useful for podcasts, field recording, and music production beyond just VR applications.
The motion sensor helps the recorder maintain correct orientation for your audio field. It automatically detects the position of the mic array, ensuring that your spatial audio remains accurate even if the recorder is mounted upside down or at an angle.
Yes, it functions as a USB audio interface. You can set it to 2-in/2-out mode for stereo streaming or 4-in/2-out mode for multi-channel Ambisonic recording directly into your digital audio workstation.
The H3-VR is compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. For reliable performance, ensure you use a card with a Class 4 rating or higher.
The microphone array has a maximum sound pressure input of 120 dB SPL. This allows it to handle loud environments, such as live concerts or busy city streets, without distorting the audio signal.
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$210