Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder With Built-in Ambisonics Mic Array

Used this mic for a film shoot of a live concert recently, Flexibility in post production to hone in on the sound I wanted was great, The only limitation I felt was that it could do with a 10db pad, This was a very loud show and even with the limiter switched on I was getting distortion with the volume at the minimum setting. The alternative would be to update with a 32bit recording ability where it would be unlikely to distort at all. . Will be using is again today for a classical piano piece so will be able to hear more of the subtleties

Amazing little 360 recorder especially at this price!

Very interesting audio recorder. Place it on a table in front of a band, and you'll get great separation of the band members AND all the conversations around you. Once you export the file, it may be a bit TOO MUCH background audio for some purposes, but it does what it's supposed to do. I purchased this solely as an ambient/background audio recorder for a audio book production and am very happy with this product for that usage. One thing I've noticed, and haven't been able to figure out, is that the audio recordings don't sync up with video from my iPhone. It's way out of sync within a few minutes. Not sure if this is a flaw or something in the file setup but it's not really an issue for my intended usage.

Budget entry for ambisonic recording

Ive been working with ambisonic audio for the past few years and when I saw Zoom was launching the H3-VR at a quarter the price of the systems Ive been using, I had to try it out.First, a quick crash-course on what ambisonic microphones are for the uninitiated. On the mic are four capsules pointed in particular directions; these capture what we call A-Format audio, the raw sound of each of these capsules. A decoder, using techniques similar to mid-side processing, uses this to create an industry-standard B-format file. This is where the magic begins: in software (or in the case of the H3VR, in hardware too), this B-format file can be used to generate in effect one or more virtual microphones by carefully processing the four channels to create any pickup pattern or ... MoreIve been working with ambisonic audio for the past few years and when I saw Zoom was launching the H3-VR at a quarter the price of the systems Ive been using, I had to try it out.First, a quick crash-course on what ambisonic microphones are for the uninitiated. On the mic are four capsules pointed in particular directions; these capture what we call A-Format audio, the raw sound of each of these capsules. A decoder, using techniques similar to mid-side processing, uses this to create an industry-standard B-format file. This is where the magic begins: in software (or in the case of the H3VR, in hardware too), this B-format file can be used to generate in effect one or more virtual microphones by carefully processing the four channels to create any pickup pattern or facing direction. End result? You can generate stereo, quadraphonic, 5.1, 7.1, whatever coincident array you can possibly dream up (or non-coincident array using multiple ambisonic mics).Its clear Zoom is really pushing this as VR video creation tool, which as a general sound recordist I think is a bit of a shame. Ambisonic mics can make fantastic sound design tools, live show recording devices, and even find their way into studio use. One of these could potentially replace an entire 5.1 field recording setup! So, how does the Zoom H3-VR handle these tasks?First some good stuff- the menus are laid out very well. Even though the device does feel very light and admittedly a little cheap, it seems rather rigidly constructed and durable. It comes with a foam windscreen so you can use it outside (in very mild conditions), and overall the device makes the annoyingly obtuse activity of recording ambisonic audio into a simple, bullet-proof process even a 12-year-old could do. It fits in a lens pocket in my camera bag (yes, its THAT small!) and thus is by far the most portable ambisonic recording solution out there. Best of all: they even added official lithium battery support. Thanks, Zoom!Another nice feature is their desktop software, the Zoom Ambisonics Player, which is available on the Zoom website as a free download. It uses the metadata from your recordings to properly decode and play them back and provides an easy, again, bullet-proof way to mix and export your recordings. Its not quite up to snuff with solutions by competitors, but the smart metadata features and reasonable feature set makes it perfectly suitable for everyday users.If you want maximum control while recording, they also offer a mobile/tablet control app, which looks very useful for the frequent recordist. I havent tried this, but it looks cool. Note that you have to buy the separately available Bluetooth adapter, which slides into a cute little slot in the back of the unit, for this to work.However things arent entirely perfect with the H3-VR; the largest weakness is the sound. The capsules are... well, just plain bad; they sound no better than whatever cheapo SDC you can pick up from no-name Chinese manufacturers. It basically sounds like someone put a 1-pole highpass over the entire frequency domain of the mic, with those stereotypical cheap, crunchy sounding highs and near-non-existent lows you might expect out of a budget pocket recorder or cell phone. I did a shootout comparison with a pair of studio SDCs and one of my other ambisonic mics (about 4x the price) with everything configured in XY and they absolutely blew the H3VR out of the water in sound quality.Granted, the fact Zoom managed to fit four capsules of any quality and an entire custom-built 4-channel recorder & decoder in this tiny thing for such a low price leaves plentiful reasons to excuse this, and indeed, for recording ambiances and voices it does fairly well with this frequency response, but most other competitors provide calibration files which improve upon their capsules mediocrity during the conversion from A Format into B Format- something Zoom has not (yet) done, aside from an Ambisonic Correction Filter in their desktop software which just makes it sound different, not necessarily better and is not explained anywhere other than that it improves spatial accuracy.You could come up with an EQ that decently fixes some of the issues with the capsules to the point that the end result is passably usable even for music recording, but thats a lot to ask of many users, especially if you record hundreds of little files and have to batch apply that EQ every time you record new material. So, verdict at this point- if you want to get this for recording music or critical sound design, youre probably better off even with one of zooms stereo recorders or a higher-end ambisonics setup, at least until someone comes up with some kind of calibration for these capsules or they offer a version with better capsules (maybe a H3-VR Pro?).On the other hand, if you do VR video and just need some audio for your work, or maybe youre a travelling sound designer and want something ultra-portable to capture the odd sound here or there with full flexibility in post, this is probably your best bet.There are also a few general caveats Id like to mention too-- The boot-up time is about 12-14 seconds. If youre recording a bunch of little clips, its best to just leave it on.- It requires a micro-SD card rather than the SD cards you might be familiar with from Zooms other products.- The foam wind screen is about enough to stop a very light breeze, but any noticeable wind will be picked up. You will want the fur wind screen accessory if you plan to record outside at all.- Sensitivity of the capsules is REALLY high; even on 0 gain, I managed to clip once or twice recording a jazz quartet. Without any pad option included, youre going to clip this recording a gung-ho drummer or even a typical band up close.- The record button is occasionally a little finicky to activate and takes a little bit of time to respond.- The screen is the back of the unit, in case youre an idiot like me and record an entire set backwards. ;)- The thread on the bottom is a camera tripod thread. If you want to put this on a mic stand, you need a 3/8ths male to 5/8ths female adapter.

Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Array

I purchased the Zoom H6 a few weeks and its been so great that I keep it with me daily. I mostly purchased it to record found sound for samples, with the added benefit that it could also be a USB interface when needed. The sound quality is amazing and the included microphones work much better than expected. Because of the supplied hard case carries it all securely I feel comfortable keeping it in my backpack all of the time and I have been able to grab a ton of good samples. Ive also been playing with recording my guitars and synths on it and it, again, sounded far better than expected. I suppose you could distill this review to it sounds great and you are going to want to have it with you at all times. The phantom power over the four inputs is pretty great as well, ... MoreI purchased the Zoom H6 a few weeks and its been so great that I keep it with me daily. I mostly purchased it to record found sound for samples, with the added benefit that it could also be a USB interface when needed. The sound quality is amazing and the included microphones work much better than expected. Because of the supplied hard case carries it all securely I feel comfortable keeping it in my backpack all of the time and I have been able to grab a ton of good samples. Ive also been playing with recording my guitars and synths on it and it, again, sounded far better than expected. I suppose you could distill this review to it sounds great and you are going to want to have it with you at all times. The phantom power over the four inputs is pretty great as well, and the supplied mic with its linein has helped make this into a Swiss Army knife of recording for me, especially coupled with the 1010 Black Box sampler. I havent had to replace the batteries yet so it seems like they hold a charge well. Overall it has been a great purchase and really helped me acquire new sounds, record more traditionally, it feeds my sampler, is obviously portable, and keeps me able to work out ideas wherever I am.

Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Array

I use the Zoom H6 for a YouTube fitness channel. The built in mic is excellent and sound just as good as a headset mic and it picks up voices perfectly even with music playing. I use channel 1 and 2 for line in audio from an iPhone andor other musical devices. To do this I flip the pad switch and the audio is perfect. Initially I used a balanced 3.5mm to XLR cable and I noticed on some songs with high pitched audio it was as if there was a sound filter. I changed to a 3.5mm splitter cable and used inputs 12 in stereo mode and that doesnt happen on those specific songs any longer. Also audio streaming quality sounds good in 1080p or 4k streams especially at higher bit rates. When the system is hooked to my Mac or PC via USB it can be powered via the laptop and also ... MoreI use the Zoom H6 for a YouTube fitness channel. The built in mic is excellent and sound just as good as a headset mic and it picks up voices perfectly even with music playing. I use channel 1 and 2 for line in audio from an iPhone andor other musical devices. To do this I flip the pad switch and the audio is perfect. Initially I used a balanced 3.5mm to XLR cable and I noticed on some songs with high pitched audio it was as if there was a sound filter. I changed to a 3.5mm splitter cable and used inputs 12 in stereo mode and that doesnt happen on those specific songs any longer. Also audio streaming quality sounds good in 1080p or 4k streams especially at higher bit rates. When the system is hooked to my Mac or PC via USB it can be powered via the laptop and also act as a sound card. The sound stays in sync with 4K and 1080P video 100 of the time. Overall the Zoom H6 Black has exceeded my expectations.

Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Array

Not quite sure why, but the BH dude on the floor recommended the H5, which I bought semispontaneously. Should have done my own research first, because when I found out there was an H6, I was pretty bummed out. Thankfully, BH let me return the older model, pay the difference, and I was off to the races. This little machine is very, very versatile. I dont care about the exchangeable mic capsules as much, but the fact that it has 4 XLR inputs plus two, if I ever needed even more, through an optional unit you plug into the mic slot on top, is a bit of a game changer. I had originally just wanted to update my acoustic sketchbook, but now Im using this thing for serious recording. With an additional guitar amp emulator, I go direct into one of the inputs and record vocals ... MoreNot quite sure why, but the BH dude on the floor recommended the H5, which I bought semispontaneously. Should have done my own research first, because when I found out there was an H6, I was pretty bummed out. Thankfully, BH let me return the older model, pay the difference, and I was off to the races. This little machine is very, very versatile. I dont care about the exchangeable mic capsules as much, but the fact that it has 4 XLR inputs plus two, if I ever needed even more, through an optional unit you plug into the mic slot on top, is a bit of a game changer. I had originally just wanted to update my acoustic sketchbook, but now Im using this thing for serious recording. With an additional guitar amp emulator, I go direct into one of the inputs and record vocals on one of the others. Phantom power enables me to use condenser mics, so the resulting separate audio files per track make it easy to manipulate my recordings on the computer after the fact. I can even discard the guitar track and record something better later, using the original as a pilot track, without any bleed onto the vocals. I have also used the Zoom in interview situations, where I no longer have to move the recorder or mic back and forth between the Q and A parts of the conversation. My latest project is to have the zoom replace an audio preamp I had used when shooting video with my SLR. This way, I can feed superior audio directly into my video files, bypassing the cameras preamps. The pres in this unit have a TON of gain and sound crystal clear. Havent had a situation yet where Ive needed to use it as an audio interface, but its good to know you have that option. If I ever get that cabin by the lake, all I need to pack is a guitar, a mic, the Zoom and a laptop, and theoretically, that would be a fully featured mobile recording studio, including the possibility to grab the Zoom and catch some bird song or forest noises when needed. This is not the most portable of field recorders, but still within backpack friendly dimensions. One thing that always cracks me up is what happens when you turn it off. The color screen reads Good bye, see you. I see you too, Zoom H6

Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Array

This was my very first field recorder that I have purchased. It was recommended in my film class, so I took a dive. I did a multicam test using an iPhone 11, a Canon 5DM4, a MacBook Pro 2019 and this nifty Zoom H6 w mic adapter that comes with it to compare the internal recording audio of all devices. I was listening to the individual clips on FCPX editing softwares and then edited all the clips together using the audio from the H6. Wow This obviously wins handsdown For anyone that wants to make a short feature on any device phone or camera, I recommended a field recording device. In all my research, the Zoom brand is always listed as one of the proven commodities out there. There are previous versions H3 and H4 that are cheaper but sounds just as good or the same. ... MoreThis was my very first field recorder that I have purchased. It was recommended in my film class, so I took a dive. I did a multicam test using an iPhone 11, a Canon 5DM4, a MacBook Pro 2019 and this nifty Zoom H6 w mic adapter that comes with it to compare the internal recording audio of all devices. I was listening to the individual clips on FCPX editing softwares and then edited all the clips together using the audio from the H6. Wow This obviously wins handsdown For anyone that wants to make a short feature on any device phone or camera, I recommended a field recording device. In all my research, the Zoom brand is always listed as one of the proven commodities out there. There are previous versions H3 and H4 that are cheaper but sounds just as good or the same. The H6 model just has more ports and a color screen monitor and maybe a few other perks. Overall, its true what they say. Many will forgive poor video quality but will never get over a bad audio. I highly recommend this Zoom device Buy this first before you invest in a mic eg Rode shotgun.

Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Array

I already have an H6the standard model, for which I already have the XY mic as well as their shotgun and midside microphone capsules. The xy capsule makes splendid stereo soundscape recordings, and I want to keep my original H6 dedicated to that. Come spring, itll be wonderful to have both my H6s set up simultaneously in different places in my yard for soundscape recordings, one near my House Wren singing post and another closer to where other birds are singing.Meanwhile, the midside microphone is the one Im using for my radio programpodcast with this new H6. Id been recording into a fairly old Marantz solid state recorder with an excellent studio microphone. But recording directly to the Zoom mic capsule makes a much purer recording than even the best wired ... MoreI already have an H6the standard model, for which I already have the XY mic as well as their shotgun and midside microphone capsules. The xy capsule makes splendid stereo soundscape recordings, and I want to keep my original H6 dedicated to that. Come spring, itll be wonderful to have both my H6s set up simultaneously in different places in my yard for soundscape recordings, one near my House Wren singing post and another closer to where other birds are singing.Meanwhile, the midside microphone is the one Im using for my radio programpodcast with this new H6. Id been recording into a fairly old Marantz solid state recorder with an excellent studio microphone. But recording directly to the Zoom mic capsule makes a much purer recording than even the best wired microphone can do.For recording my podcast, I have the H6 set up on a tiny tripod with a foam windscreen and my RODE popshield in front. Its working really well.

Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Array

I bought this digital recorder for my podcasting studio as I wanted the security of having a dedicated recording device rather than PC, laptop or tablet that would be reliable and just at home on a studio desk as out in the field when interviewing. I chose the Zoom after watching various YouTube reviews and comparisons with other like devices. Im glad I did as the Zoom is really easy to setup and use surprisingly so. I love the quality feel of the unit and that it can be powered from a USB port with the enclosed lead. Also, file transfers are simple and undertaken without having to remove the SD card micro SD card and SD adapter are included in the box. The unit also came with two batteries, so quite literally you could buy the Zoom, unpack, and use immediately. ... MoreI bought this digital recorder for my podcasting studio as I wanted the security of having a dedicated recording device rather than PC, laptop or tablet that would be reliable and just at home on a studio desk as out in the field when interviewing. I chose the Zoom after watching various YouTube reviews and comparisons with other like devices. Im glad I did as the Zoom is really easy to setup and use surprisingly so. I love the quality feel of the unit and that it can be powered from a USB port with the enclosed lead. Also, file transfers are simple and undertaken without having to remove the SD card micro SD card and SD adapter are included in the box. The unit also came with two batteries, so quite literally you could buy the Zoom, unpack, and use immediately. Theres also a plastic case for the Zoom, so it can be safely stored or transported. The internal backup recording facility two sound files per recording was a big draw card for me. Lets face it, some things only ever happen once and you really dont want miss it because your equipment wasnt up to scratch. Ive been reading the manual enclosed in box and experimenting with the various settings, which include mixing and a basic compressor limitor. Ive also used the Zoom to record from my laptop using theunits 3.5mm input plug. The recorded sound quality has been superb from each recording option I have chosen, i.e. either using the attached mic, my Rode mic direct to unit or from my PC. Overall, Im really happy with my choice and feel that I will get many years of great, reliable and quality service out of the Zoom H5. The Zoom H5 exceeded my expectations.

Zoom H3-VR Handy Audio Recorder with Built-In Ambisonics Mic Array

I am an amateur videographer. As I progressed doing this I found the need for a portable field recorder so I did a lot of research and, in the end, the Zoom H6 won out easily for its price point and the specific use I have for it. Besides the obvious features, I liked that this recorder could also be used as a usb bus powered audio interface eliminating the need for me to have two pieces of equipment. Since my work is so mobile this is a great asset for me. I would have liked to see more physical buttons to control things such as phantom power, etc. without the need to dive into menus, and I would have preferred to see an all metal body, but those things were not deal breakers. Even without reading the manual, I was easily able to find my way through the menu system ... MoreI am an amateur videographer. As I progressed doing this I found the need for a portable field recorder so I did a lot of research and, in the end, the Zoom H6 won out easily for its price point and the specific use I have for it. Besides the obvious features, I liked that this recorder could also be used as a usb bus powered audio interface eliminating the need for me to have two pieces of equipment. Since my work is so mobile this is a great asset for me. I would have liked to see more physical buttons to control things such as phantom power, etc. without the need to dive into menus, and I would have preferred to see an all metal body, but those things were not deal breakers. Even without reading the manual, I was easily able to find my way through the menu system to find things and get things set up. The latest generation of preamps beginning with the Zoom H4n Pro and on up are pretty substantial and it was noticeable to me from the very first audio test. The longstanding popularity of the Zoom recorders speaks for itself and was certainly enough to help me make my decision. It has far more features than I will ever use to be sure but it is nice to know that if my needs change, this recorder will be able to meet them.