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An introduction to 3Dio Free Space, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The FS binaural microphone is also the most affordable, high-quality binaural microphone on the market.
— 3Dio official site
What is Free Space?
The Free Space is a stereo binaural microphone with one capsule placed in each ear of a pair of human-shaped silicone ears. The maker positions it for ASMR, VR, field recording and studio use, and it is the entry model in the 3Dio range.
The capsules are matched, high-sensitivity omnidirectional electret condensers. Because the left and right ears are captured as two channels, playback on headphones gives a spatial impression.
The output is a 3.5 mm TRS stereo jack at mic level, unbalanced. The maker notes that you need a recorder with preamps or a separate preamp to bring it to audible levels. It runs on a 9V alkaline battery inside, rated at over 300 hours.
The same family includes the Free Space XLR, which adds XLR outputs, and the Free Space Pro II, which uses DPA capsules. The Free Space covered here is the simple model with the 3.5 mm output only.
The Free Space holds one omnidirectional electret condenser capsule in each of a pair of ear-shaped parts. The maker lists ASMR, VR, field recording and studio work as uses.
Its output is a mic-level 3.5 mm stereo jack, and it also works with dual 1/4" TS inputs. It needs a device with preamps.
Ear shapes and capsules
Each human-shaped ear holds a capsule in its canal. The capsules are 10 mm omnidirectional electret condensers. They may suit anyone who wants to record the placement of sound as heard at the ears.
3.5 mm stereo output
The output is a 3.5 mm TRS jack, and a splitter cable to dual 1/4-inch TS inputs is included. The signal is mic level, so connect it to a recorder or interface with preamps.
Battery powered
It runs on a built-in 9V alkaline battery, rated for 300+ hours of continuous use with the switch on. Since phantom power is not required, it may be easy to use when carrying it on location.
Bass roll-off switch
A switch provides a bass roll-off with a 160 Hz knee point. It can be used to reduce low-frequency noise such as wind or desk vibration.
Mounting
A removable 5/8-inch stand adapter and a 1/4-inch-20 thread are provided, for hot-shoe adapters, tripods or grip handles.
Portability
A hard-shell case and silicone ears are included. The maker also says it handles wind reasonably well, so there may be situations where it can be used without a windscreen.
Battery-powered capsules
A pre-installed 9V battery powers the capsules only while the switch is ON, and a fresh battery lasts over 300 hours.
Bass roll-off switch
A switch applies a roll-off with a 160 Hz knee, which could help with wind or desk rumble.
Stand and tripod mounting
A 5/8" stand adapter is included and the base 1/4"-20 thread fits tripods and hot-shoe adapters.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pickup pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Frequency range | 60 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -28 dB +/-3 dB at 1 kHz |
| S/N ratio | 80 dB at 1 kHz |
| Max SPL | 122 dB typical at 1 kHz, 3% distortion |
| Output impedance | 2.4 kohm +/-30% at 1 kHz |
| Operating voltage | 5 V (3 V to 10 V) |
| Capsule diameter | 10 mm |
| Output | 3.5 mm TRS stereo (unbalanced) |
| Dimensions | 190 x 110 x 110 mm |
| Weight | 680 g |
| Battery | 9V (pre-installed) |
| Battery life | Over 300 hours (new, switch ON) |
What is included and system requirements
- 1.5 m (4.5 ft) 3.5 mm TRS to dual 1/4-inch splitter cable
- Hard-shell carrying case
- 1/4-inch-20 to 5/8-inch-27 mic stand adapter
- Printed manual
- Silicone ears
How to use it
- Check that a 9V battery is installed.
- Mount the microphone on a stand or tripod.
- Connect the 3.5 mm output to the left and right inputs of the recorder with the included splitter cable.
- Switch the microphone power on.
- Raise the preamp gain on the recorder; the output is mic level, so a preamp is needed.
- If wind or desk vibration is a concern, turn on the bass roll-off.
- Make a test recording and check placement and level on headphones.
- Switch the power off after use to save battery life.
ASMR
The maker presents this product for ASMR, so it may be a starting point for recordings that sound like whispering at the ear.
VR and spatial audio material
Because it records at the position of the ears, it may be usable for building ambient material for VR.
Field recording
It runs on a battery without phantom power, so it may suit outdoor recording with a portable recorder.
Experimental studio recording
It may be useful for capturing room ambience when you want to try something different from a standard stereo pair.
Who it may suit
- People trying a binaural microphone for the first time
- People with a portable recorder who want to record ASMR
- People making VR or spatial audio material
Good to know before you buy
- The output is mic level, so a device with preamps is needed.
- The output is 3.5 mm only; XLR outputs are on the Free Space XLR.
- International orders may be subject to import duties or VAT per the maker.
- Switch the power off after use so the battery is not drained.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
3Dio Free Space XLR
The Free Space has a 3.5 mm TRS output only and weighs 680 g. The Free Space XLR adds two 3-pin XLR outputs and weighs 755 g. The listed frequency range (60 Hz to 20 kHz), sensitivity and max SPL are the same on the official pages.
Price
$449 (3Dio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Free Space on the product page
Sources: 3diosound.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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