ZOOM H3-VR: features, how to use and who it suits

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ZOOM’s Japanese official page lists this product as discontinued. Please read this page as a reference if you are looking for used or remaining stock.

An introduction to ZOOM H3-VR, based on the maker’s official information: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.

With a built-in Ambisonic mic, recorder and decoder, the H3-VR puts 360-audio in the palm of your hand.

— ZOOM official site

What is H3-VR?

A palm-sized handheld recorder for 360-degree (Ambisonic) audio, with a 4-capsule mic, recorder and A-to-B format decoder in one unit. It can also record binaural and standard stereo.

Key features

• 4 matched unidirectional condenser capsules in an Ambisonic array
• Three modes: Ambisonics (A / B in FuMa and AmbiX), binaural stereo, and standard stereo
• Up to 24-bit/96 kHz (binaural up to 48 kHz)
• Onboard A-to-B decoding
• 6-axis motion sensor with automatic mic position detection
• USB audio interface mode (usable for web conferences and streaming)
• Records to microSDXC up to 1 TB; powered by 2 AA batteries or USB bus power

Specifications

Item	Details
Mic	4 matched unidirectional condenser mics
Max sound pressure	120 dB SPL
Mic gain	+18 to +48 dB
Recording formats	Ambisonics A/B (FuMa/AmbiX), WAV 4ch poly up to 96 kHz/24-bit; stereo; binaural up to 48 kHz/24-bit
Media	microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC (Class 4 or higher)
USB	micro USB; USB 2.0 mass storage and audio interface
Battery time	about 11.5 h (alkaline, 48 kHz/24-bit FuMa); about 24 h (lithium)
Dimensions	76 x 78 x 123 mm
Weight	120 g (main unit)

What is included and system requirements

• H3-VR recorder, foam windscreen, dual mounting bracket. Optional: BTA-1 Bluetooth adapter, WSU-1 windscreen, CBH-3 carrying bag.

How to use it

1. Insert a microSD card and batteries (or use USB power)
2. Select Ambisonics, binaural or stereo recording
3. Place near the camera; orientation (upright, upside down, endfire) is detected automatically
4. Set levels with a single gain knob
5. Convert recordings to binaural, stereo or 5.1ch with the free ZOOM Ambisonics Player

Who it may suit

• May suit people capturing audio for 360-degree video or VR.
• May suit those recording ambience in binaural 3D for video or streams.
• May suit sound designers collecting spatial sounds for games.

How it differs from similar products

We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.

• H3-VR: 4-capsule Ambisonic mic, 24-bit/96 kHz, 120 g, $249.99. H6essential: 32-bit float recording, 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs, interchangeable X/Y mic capsule (per ZOOM; H6essential price not checked).

Price

$249.99 (ZOOM official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.

See H3-VR on the ZOOM official site

Sources: zoomcorp.com (checked 2026-10-27)