Zoom introduces the H3-VR audio recorder especially for surround productions where spatial sound contributes a great deal to an immersive experience. It is equipped with four Ambisonics microphone capsules and an integrated A/B decoder. Without subsequent conversion, the four audio channels produce a sound file in Ambisonics B format (up to 24 bit/96 kHz). Alternatively, binaural WAV stereo files (with max. 24 bit/48 kHz) or standard stereo files can be recorded. With the free Zoom Ambisonics Player software, Ambisonics audio can also be easily converted into a 5.1-channel surround signal.
The recorder is equipped with motion sensors (3-axis gyro, 3-axis acceleration) for the Auto Mic Position and Level Detection functions: how the recorder is positioned from scene to scene should therefore not play a role in spatial orientation; the alignment between the 360° video and audio alignment remains the same even if the recorder (and with it the microphones) records laterally rotated or upside down.
A binaural stereo sound can be listened to via a headphone connection. Further features are 3.5mm line out, an optional slate audio signal to facilitate synchronization with the camera recording, a gain control, a built-in limiter, low cut filter. The recorder also seems to fit into 360 live streaming tracks.
The Zoom H3-VR records on microSD card, weighs 120g and measures 76 mm × 78 mm × 123 mm. It should cost 369 Euro and be available in October 2018.
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