Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (7)
$279.99
Amazon
4.5 (167)
$269.95
Reverb
$239.00 New
$177.77 Used
B&H
4.7 (13)
$269.95
Thomann
4.3 (35)
$222.00

Average Price: $258

Standard/Professional

$149

$400+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Zoom H3-VR". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Zoom H3-VR, your ultimate companion for capturing immersive, full-sphere audio like never before. This compact, conical marvel is engineered to transform your virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality content by seamlessly capturing 360-degree audio with its 4-capsule Ambisonic mic array. Whether you're a filmmaker, game developer, or musician, the H3-VR simplifies spatial audio recording, making it more accessible and efficient.

Gone are the days of cumbersome setups with separate mics, recorders, and computers. The Zoom H3-VR integrates all necessary components into one portable unit, allowing real-time encoding and decoding directly on the device. It offers three versatile recording modes: Ambisonics for surround sound, stereo binaural for an immersive headphone experience, and standard stereo for traditional playback. With the ability to record up to 24-bit/96kHz, your audio will be as rich and detailed as your visuals.

Moreover, the H3-VR is equipped with a 6-axis gyroscope for auto mic positioning, ensuring your recordings are consistently balanced and spatially accurate, no matter how you orient the device. Plus, the Zoom Ambisonics Player software makes post-production a breeze, converting your recordings to formats like 5.1 surround sound with ease.

Key Features:

  • 4 built-in microphones in Ambisonic array
  • Records full-sphere surround sound up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • Three recording modes: Ambisonics, Stereo Binaural, Standard Stereo
  • Auto Mic Position Detection with 6-axis gyroscope
  • Onboard Ambisonics A to B encoding
  • USB 2.0 Audio Interface mode
  • Wireless iOS remote control via optional BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter
  • Records to microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards up to 512GB
  • Powered by 2 AA batteries or USB bus power
  • Includes foam windscreen and dual mounting bracket

The Zoom H3-VR is a powerhouse of functionality, perfect for live streaming, direct recording, and beyond. Enhance your audio game and capture the world in 360 degrees.

Product 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)

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Zoom H3-VR?

The Zoom H3-VR is designed for capturing 360-degree VR audio, featuring a built-in Ambisonics mic array that records in multiple formats suitable for VR, AR, and 360-degree video applications.

How does the Zoom H3-VR handle audio recording formats?

It supports multiple recording formats, including Ambisonic A/B, WAV 4ch Poly, WAV Stereo, and WAV Binaural Stereo, allowing flexibility in post-production.

What power options are available for the Zoom H3-VR?

The Zoom H3-VR can be powered by two AA batteries, offering up to 11 hours of battery life, or via a 5V DC USB power supply adapter (sold separately).

Is the Zoom H3-VR suitable for use with VR video production?

Yes, the Zoom H3-VR is specifically designed for VR audio recording, with a built-in Ambisonics mic array and software for post-production that allows audio direction adjustment.

Can the Zoom H3-VR be used as a standalone recorder?

Yes, the Zoom H3-VR functions as a standalone recorder with its built-in mics and supports up to 512GB of removable microSD storage for extended recording sessions.

How does the Zoom H3-VR connect to other devices?

It features a USB Type Micro-B port for data transfer and a 1/8" TRS line out for audio output, making it versatile for various audio setups.

ZoomSoundLab

ZoomSoundLab

Introducing the Zoom H3-VR

Video thumbnail for Introducing the Zoom H3-VR by ZoomSoundLab

Introducing the Zoom H3-VR

ZoomSoundLab

ZoomSoundLab

Video thumbnail for Zoom H3-VR Review, Tutorial + complete 3D Audio Post-Production workflow in Adobe Premiere by Hugh Hou

Zoom H3-VR Review, Tutorial + complete 3D Audio Post-Production workflow in Adobe Premiere

Hugh Hou

Hugh Hou

Video thumbnail for Zoom H3-VR: Ambisonics, Binaural and Stereo Recording Modes by ZoomSoundLab

Zoom H3-VR: Ambisonics, Binaural and Stereo Recording Modes

ZoomSoundLab

ZoomSoundLab

Video thumbnail for Zoom H3-VR Handy Recorder | Hands-On Review by B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Zoom H3-VR Handy Recorder | Hands-On Review

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for Zoom H3-VR: Using With A DSLR Camera by ZoomSoundLab

Zoom H3-VR: Using With A DSLR Camera

ZoomSoundLab

ZoomSoundLab

Video thumbnail for Virtual Reality 360º Audio Recorder ?? Zoom H3-VR by CKMusicOnline

Virtual Reality 360º Audio Recorder ?? Zoom H3-VR

CKMusicOnline

CKMusicOnline

Video thumbnail for ZOOM H3-VR: A Creative + Portable Solution for Ambisonics and Binaural Recording by Spectral Evolver

ZOOM H3-VR: A Creative + Portable Solution for Ambisonics and Binaural Recording

Spectral Evolver

Spectral Evolver

Video thumbnail for Zoom H3-VR vs Rode NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphones (VR180 Video) by WoMoWahn

Zoom H3-VR vs Rode NT-SF1 Ambisonic Microphones (VR180 Video)

WoMoWahn

Video thumbnail for Unboxing & Testing ZOOM H3-VR  360° Ambisonic Audio Recorder - Outdoor Test @ZoomSoundLab by Unboxing Plus

Unboxing & Testing ZOOM H3-VR 360° Ambisonic Audio Recorder - Outdoor Test @ZoomSoundLab

Unboxing Plus

Unboxing Plus

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched for quickly and easily capturing Ambisonic audio

  • Stunning sound quality with innovative playback features

  • Practical and portable for on-the-go recording

  • Versatile, supporting various recording formats including stereo

  • Integrates well with VR setups, enhancing immersive experiences

  • Offers Bluetooth control for convenience (though requires an adapter)

  • Lightweight and comes with a nice mount for camera use

  • Produces clear and precise recordings that mirror original sounds

  • Expands recording capabilities beyond built-in camera microphones

CONS

  • Requires additional wind protection for optimal outdoor use

  • Self-noise and pre-amp noise noticeable in quiet environments

  • Not very sensitive to soft sounds, affecting field recording quality

  • Handling noise can interfere with the audio capture

  • Bluetooth functionality requires an additional dongle, not built-in

  • Lacks ability to synchronize recording start with cameras directly

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zoom H3-VR.

Build quality

  • The Zoom H3-VR can be too noisy for nature recordings, affecting its suitability for quiet environments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Saramonic VR mic, while less portable than the H3-VR, offers lower noise levels but requires a 4-channel setup.

    Source
  • The Zoom H5 is noted to have lower self-noise compared to the Zoom H3-VR and H2n, making it preferable for quieter recording environments.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The H3-VR is appealing to hobbyists due to its affordability, despite concerns about its all-in-one limitations.

    Source
  • For budget-conscious field recordists, pairing the Zoom H5 or F3 with low self-noise mics like Micbooster Clippy's is recommended for better audio quality.

    Source
  • A mixed recording approach, using both ambisonic and spot mics, is recommended for emphasizing specific sounds in post-processing.

    Source
  • Recording in A-format directly into VR camera video files may cause phase issues at 320 kbps AAC, affecting spatialization when using SoundField plugin.

    Source
  • Lossless PCM recording is necessary for effective spatialization using the SoundField plugin, as AAC encoding can disrupt audio phase integrity.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • For users with a MixPre recorder, the ambisonic plugin is recommended for streamlined workflow.

    Source
  • The Rode SoundField VST plugin is effective for converting Zoom H3-VR A-format recordings, though it's calibrated for different capsule spacing than the H3-VR.

    Source
  • Harpex VST plugin is recommended for Zoom H3-VR, with settings for multiple ambisonic mics, enhancing compatibility for users needing more precise spatialization.

    Source
  • Premiere Pro users may face detection issues with multi-channel VST2 and some VST3 plugins, complicating workflows for ambisonic audio editing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users highlight that the internal microphones of the Zoom H5 can be noisy for quiet recordings, suggesting the need for external microphones to reduce noise.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • DIY wind noise protection using an Oball with nylon stockings and synthetic fur is suggested as an effective and budget-friendly option.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Zoom H3-VR — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

The Zoom H3-VR excels as an accessible entry point into the world of 360° audio, featuring impressive sound quality and an integrated Ambisonics decoding system at an unbeatable price. However, its lightweight build raises concerns about durability, and handling noise can disrupt recordings if not used carefully. While the lack of an Android app for remote control is a notable drawback, the H3-VR remains a top choice for users seeking simplicity in their spatial audio endeavors. Overall, it’s a solid investment for content creators eager to dive into immersive audio without breaking the bank.

positive

All Round Sound - Pro Moviemaker

promoviemaker.net

The Zoom H3-VR offers a compelling entry point into the world of ambisonic recording, combining affordability with functionality as both a microphone and recorder. Its intuitive features, like Auto Mic Positioning, make it user-friendly for newcomers. However, while it packs in impressive capabilities, the build quality falls short compared to its pricier competitors like the Sennheiser and Røde models. The sound quality, while adequate for many uses, doesn't compete at the highest levels, showing it’s a good choice for casual users but may leave professionals wanting. Overall, the H3-VR is a solid, budget-friendly option for those eager to explore 3D audio without breaking the bank.

5.0 out of 5

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