Zoom H3-VR Users Manual

Operation Manual

You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.

© 2018 ZOOM CORPORATION

Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.

Notes about this Operation Manual

You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily.

The contents of this document and the specications of the product could be changed without notice.

• Windows® is a trademark and registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation.

• Macintosh, macOS and iPad are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

• The microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC logos are trademarks.

• The Bluetooth® word mark and logo are registered trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and these marks are used
under license by Zoom Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective
companies.

• Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of their

respective companies. All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identication purposes

only and are not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.

• Recording from copyrighted sources, including CDs, records, tapes, live performances, video works and broad­casts, without permission of the copyright holder for any purpose other than personal use is prohibited by law.
Zoom Corporation will not assume any responsibility related to infringements of copyrights.

• Google Spatial Audio HRIRs

Copyright 2016 Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This product includes HRTFs (head related impulse responses) developed by Google Inc.
Google Spatial Audio is released under Apache License 2.0.
http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0

THESE HRTFs WERE MODIFIED BY ZOOM.

Length: rst 64 samples

Filter: low shelf

2

Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing a ZOOM Handy Recorder (hereafter, " ").
The has the following features.

Capture 360° audio with the high-quality Ambisonic mic

The Ambisonic mic, which can handle sound pressure input up to 120 dB SPL, can record 360° audio in

every direction, including above and below, at high resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz. With data recorded in
an Ambisonic format, you can turn the sound image during playback and extract the sounds of specic

directions.

Easily record spatial audio for virtual-reality content

Along with Ambisonics A, Ambisonics B FuMa and AmbiX formats are also supported.
The mic position can be detected automatically when recording starts. Simply adjust the placement
angle while checking the built-in electronic tilt indicator for worry-free playback.

Simply orient the to listen to the desired direction during playback

By orienting the when in tracking playback mode, it can use the built-in motion sensor to gener­ate the playback sound for the desired direction from the data recorded in every direction.

Re-create the feeling of being there with binaural audio

Binaural recording, which is intended for playback through headphones, is supported. This recording
format recreates the sound that not only reaches the ears of a person directly, but also the sound that is
transmitted through the head, face and body.

360° USB mic and audio interface

When live streaming, conducting video meetings and recording to DAW software, for example, using the
audio interface functions of the , you can connect it to a computer to use it as a 360° USB mic or
an iOS device to use it as a stereo mic.

Remote operation from an iPhone/iPad

By installing a dedicated wireless adapter (BTA-1), and using the H3 Control iOS app, you can control the

from a short distance away. Using an iPhone or iPad, wirelessly operate the transport, set levels

and input metadata, for example, without worrying about noise from touching the built-in interface.

Unrestricted post-production

Using the free ZOOM Ambisonics Player application for Windows and Mac, you can convert Ambisonic

les to ordinary stereo, binaural and 5.1 surround, for example, and play them back. Moreover, you can
extract audio from specic directions to write stereo audio les.

3

Contents

Notes about this Operation Manual ......................................................................................................................2

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................3

Contents ..................................................................................................................................................................4

What is 3D sound? ..................................................................................................................................................7

3D sound overview .............................................................................................................................................7

Ambisonics formats ..........................................................................................................................................7

Features ...........................................................................................................................................................7

Recording formats ..........................................................................................................................................8

Binaural format ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Features ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

Recording examples ....................................................................................................................................... 11

Example 1: studio recording ........................................................................................................................ 11

Example 2: live recording ............................................................................................................................. 11

Example 3: eld recording ........................................................................................................................... 12

Names of parts .................................................................................................................................................... 13

Preparations ......................................................................................................................................................... 17

Supplying power .............................................................................................................................................. 17

Using batteries ............................................................................................................................................. 17

Using an AC adapter .................................................................................................................................... 19

Inserting microSD cards ................................................................................................................................. 20

Turning the power on/off ................................................................................................................................ 22

Turning the power on ................................................................................................................................... 22

Turning the power off ................................................................................................................................... 22

Preventing misoperation (HOLD function) .................................................................................................... 23

Activating the HOLD function ...................................................................................................................... 23

Deactivating the HOLD function .................................................................................................................. 23

Setting the language shown (rst time starting up) ..................................................................................... 24

Setting the date and time (rst time starting up) .......................................................................................... 25

Recording ............................................................................................................................................................. 26

Home Screen (in recording standby) ............................................................................................................. 26

Preparing to record ......................................................................................................................................... 27

Setting the mic position ............................................................................................................................... 27

Setting the recording mode ......................................................................................................................... 30

Setting the recording format ....................................................................................................................... 32

Monitoring the input sound ......................................................................................................................... 34

Setting Ambisonic monitoring ..................................................................................................................... 35

Adjusting input levels ................................................................................................................................... 37

Setting low-frequency cutoff lter ............................................................................................................... 38

Setting the limiter ......................................................................................................................................... 40

Setting le names ........................................................................................................................................ 45

4

Enabling the sound marker function ........................................................................................................... 47

Setting the recording time display .............................................................................................................. 49

Recording ......................................................................................................................................................... 51

Playback ............................................................................................................................................................... 52

Playing recordings .......................................................................................................................................... 52

Changing the playback mode ......................................................................................................................... 53

Setting the playback time display .................................................................................................................. 58

Managing folders and les ................................................................................................................................. 60

Creating folders ............................................................................................................................................... 60

Selecting folders and les .............................................................................................................................. 62

Changing folder and le names ..................................................................................................................... 65

Checking le information ............................................................................................................................... 67

Checking le marks......................................................................................................................................... 69

Deleting marks ............................................................................................................................................. 72

Deleting folders and les ................................................................................................................................ 73

Adjusting connected equipment levels (playing test tones) ........................................................................... 75

Using USB functions............................................................................................................................................ 77

Using as a card reader .................................................................................................................................... 77

Connecting to a computer ........................................................................................................................... 77

Disconnecting from a computer ................................................................................................................. 79

Using as an audio interface ............................................................................................................................ 80

Connecting to a computer or iOS device. ................................................................................................... 80

Disconnecting from a computer or iOS device .......................................................................................... 82

Audio interface settings ................................................................................................................................. 83

Enabling direct monitoring .......................................................................................................................... 83

Enabling the loop back function .................................................................................................................. 84

Operating with an iOS device.............................................................................................................................. 85

Pairing with an iOS device .............................................................................................................................. 85

Disconnecting from an iOS device .............................................................................................................. 86

Inputting characters ............................................................................................................................................ 87

Setting the type of batteries used ...................................................................................................................... 88

Setting the display backlight .............................................................................................................................. 90

Adjusting the display contrast ............................................................................................................................ 92

Setting the language shown ............................................................................................................................... 94

Setting the date and time .................................................................................................................................... 95

Formatting microSD cards .................................................................................................................................. 98

Testing microSD card performance ................................................................................................................. 100

Conducting a quick test ................................................................................................................................ 100

Conducting a full test .................................................................................................................................... 103

5

Restoring default settings (Factory Reset) ..................................................................................................... 106

Checking the rmware versions....................................................................................................................... 108

Updating the rmware ....................................................................................................................................... 110

Responding to Alert Messages ........................................................................................................................ 112

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................. 114

Recording/playback trouble ...................................................................................................................... 114

Other trouble ............................................................................................................................................... 114

Metadata list ...................................................................................................................................................... 116

Specications .................................................................................................................................................... 118

6

What is 3D sound?

3D sound overview

While traditional stereo sound captures horizontal placement, three-dimensional sound recording methods also

capture up-down and front-back placement to create 3D sound images.
The supports two 3D methods: Ambisonics and binaural.

Ambisonics formats

Features

• Multiple mics capture sound in all directions: left, right, up, down, front and back.

• Audio sources captured on multiple tracks can be processed, and sound can be extracted from any chosen
direction.

• The sound can be rotated. For example, sound can be continuously re-created as the listener turns around to face
the opposite direction.

7

Recording formats

Since the sound recorded by each mic is saved separately in a multichannel format, it can be edited for a variety

of playback situations, including 2-channel stereo, 5.1-channel surround and VR video.

A format

Data format

Stereo

Binaural playback

5.1 surround

Ambisonic mic

Back left

Center

Front right

Subwoofer

Front left

Back right

Con-

version

Conversion

Conversion

Conversion

B format

• A format (Ambisonics A)
Audio data for the four directional mics are recorded as is. This format as is cannot reproduce sounds in all
directions.

Mic names and recording fields

FLU

(front left up)

BRU

(back right up)

BLD

(back left down)

FRD

(front right down)

8

• B format (Ambisonics B)
A format data is processed and distributed to four channels (W/X/Y/Z) to produce this audio data.
The supports FuMa and AmbiX.

Z

Y

Y

X

WW

X

X

Z

X

Y

Y

9

Binaural format

Features

• The binaural format records the sound that not only reaches the ears of a person directly, but also the sound that

is transmitted through the head, face and body.

Direct soundDirect sound

• In principle, this is sound recorded as though mics were placed inside both ears of a person. This type of mic

setup also exists.

The converts audio data recorded with the four mics into binaural format recordings.

10

Recording examples

Example 1: studio recording

Placing the in the middle of a band arranged in a circle, a performance that allows the watcher to focus

freely on different members can be created by recording in Ambisonics format together with VR video recording.

Guitar Bass

Vocal

Drums Keyboard

Example 2: live recording

• By recording a live performance from an audience seat in binaural format, the feeling of actually listening in the
live venue can be re-created.

• With the in the middle of the venue, the sound of the entire place, including reverberations and the audi-
ence, can be recorded. Mixing this recording with a line recording from a PA or other audio equipment enables
the creation of a more realistic live sound.

11

Example 3: eld recording

• When recording in nature, instead of just focusing on a bird, a stream or another sound source, the complete

sound of the natural setting, including reections from trees, rocks and other objects, can be captured.

• When recording the sound of a train, in addition to the sound of it moving horizontally, vertical changes and rever-
berations and other sounds from the surrounding space can also be recorded. By turning the sound away from
the tracks during playback, the sound of the train passing behind the listener can be re-created realistically.

12

Names of parts

Ӎ

Front

΍

Ύ

Ώ

΍ Built-in Ambisonic mic

This Ambisonic mic is comprised of four unidirectional condenser mic capsules. This mic can record a three-
dimensional sound with natural depth and width.

ΎREC LED

This lights during recording, blinks when recording is paused, and blinks rapidly when the input sound level is
high.

Ώ REMOTE connector

Connect a BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter here. This enables operation of the from an iOS
device using a dedicated controller app.

13

Ӎ

Back

΍

Ύ

ΐ Γ

Δ
Ε

Α

Β

Ώ

΍ REC LED

This lights during recording, blinks when recording is paused, and blinks rapidly when the input sound level is
high.

Ύ Display

This shows various types of information.

Ώ REC button

Use this to start/stop recording.

ΐ REW /Ӛ button

Use to search backward to a playback position in a le and to select items.

Α STOP/HOME button

Use to stop le playback and to open the Home Screen.

Β Power switch

Use this to turn the power ON/OFF and to disable button operation.

Γ FF /Ӟ button

Use to search forward to a playback position in a le and to select items.

Δ MENU button

Use to open the Menu and to return to the screen open just before the Menu.

Ε PLAY/PAUSE/ENTER button

Use to start/pause playback of recorded les and to conrm items.

14

Ӎ

Left and right sides

΍

Ύ

Ώ

Α

ΐ

΍ VOLUME buttons

Use to adjust the volume.

Ύ PHONE OUT jack

This can output sound to headphones.

Ώ MIC GAIN dial

Use to adjust the mic gain.

ΐ USB port

Connect this to a computer or iOS device to use the as an audio interface or card reader.
The dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-17) can also be connected here to use AC power.

Α LINE OUT jack

This can output sound to a connected device.

15

Ӎ

Bottom

΍

Ύ

΍ Battery/microSD card compartment cover

Remove when installing or removing batteries and microSD cards.

Ύ Tripod mounting threads

Use these screw threads to attach a tripod (not included).

16

Preparations

Supplying power

Using batteries

1. After turning the power off, push the battery/microSD card compartment cover down to open

it.

2. Install the batteries.

+

+

17

3. Close the battery/microSD card compartment cover.

NOTE

• Use only one type of battery (alkaline, NiMH or lithium) at a time.

• If the remaining battery power indicator drops to 0, turn the power off immediately and install new batteries.

• After installing the batteries, set the battery type correctly ( “Setting the type of batteries used” on page 88).

18

Using an AC adapter

1. Connect the cable of the dedicated AD-17 AC adapter to the USB port.

2. Plug the dedicated AC adapter into an outlet.

HINT

• When connected to a computer, power can be supplied by USB.

19

Inserting microSD cards

1. After turning the power off, push the battery/microSD card compartment cover down to open

it.

+

+

2. Insert the microSD card into the card slot.

+

+

microSD card

To remove a microSD card, push it further into the slot and then pull it out.

20

3. Close the battery/microSD card compartment cover.

NOTE

• Always make certain that the power is off when inserting or removing a microSD card. Inserting or removing a
card while the power is on could result in data loss.

• When inserting a microSD card, be sure to insert the correct end with the top side up as shown.

• Recording and playback are not possible when a microSD card is not loaded in the .

• After purchasing a new microSD card, always format it using the to maximize performance.
To format a microSD card, see “Formatting microSD cards” on page 98.

21

Turning the power on/off

Turning the power on

1. Slide the power switch toward until the display becomes active.

NOTE

• If “No SD Card!” appears on the display, conrm that a microSD card is inserted properly.

• If “Invalid SD Card!” appears on the display, the card is not formatted correctly. Format the microSD card
( “Formatting microSD cards” on page 98) or use a different microSD card ( “Inserting microSD cards” on

page 20).

Turning the power off

1. Slide the power switch toward until “Goodbye! See You!” appears on the display.

22

Preventing misoperation (HOLD function)

In order to prevent misoperation, the hold function can be used to disable the buttons on the .

Activating the HOLD function

1. Slide the power switch to HOLD.

Deactivating the HOLD function

1. Slide the power switch back to the middle.

23

Setting the language shown (rst time starting up)

The rst time you turn the power on after purchase, set the display language when the Language setting screen

opens.

1. Use and to select the display language, and press .

This completes setting the language.

HINT

• The display language can also be changed later from the Menu screen ( “Setting the language shown” on

page 94).

24

Setting the date and time (rst time starting up)

The rst time you turn the power on after purchase, set the date and time when the Set Date/Time screen opens
after the Language setting screen. This data is used to add the date and time to recorded les.

1. Use and to select the item to change, and press .

2. Use and to change the value of the selected item, and press .

3. Use and to select “OK”, and press .

This sets the date and time and opens the Home Screen.

HINT

• The date and time setting can also be changed later from the Menu screen ( “Setting the date and time” on

page 95).

25

Recording

Home Screen (in recording standby)

΍

Ύ

Ώ

ΐ

Δ

΍ Time display

This shows either the current elapsed recording time or the remaining available recording time ( “Setting the

recording time display” on page 49).

Ύ Status icon

This shows the recording status.

Ready Recording Paused

Α

Β

Γ

Ώ Clipping indicators

If the clipping indicators light, adjust the input level ( “Adjusting input levels” on page 37) or set the limiter
( “Setting the limiter” on page 40).

ΐ Track names and level meters

These show the track names according to the recording mode ( “Setting the recording mode” on page 30) and
current input levels of each track.

Α Remaining battery charge

This shows the remaining battery charge. When the remaining battery charge becomes low, replace the batter­ies ( “Using batteries” on page 17) or connect an AC adapter ( “Using an AC adapter” on page 19).

Β Mic gain

This shows the current mic gain setting ( “Adjusting input levels” on page 37).

Γ Mic position

This shows the current mic position setting ( “Setting the mic position” on page 27).

Δ Tilt indicator

This shows mic tilt compared to the optimal mic position.

26

Preparing to record

Setting the mic position

The can record sound in every direction, including forward, backward, left, right, up and down.
Use Mic Position to set the orientation of the mic and recorder in relation to the forward direction.
When Mic Position is kept at its default setting, which is Auto, the built-in motion sensor allows it to always
record with normal forward/backward, left/right and up/down position relationships regardless of whether the
mics are oriented up, down or forward.

1. Press .

This opens the Menu Screen.

2. Use and to select “Mic Position”, and press .

27

3. Use and to select the mic position, and press .

Forward

Forward

Forward

Forward

The following mic orientations can be set.

Setting

Auto −

Mic/recorder
orientation

Explanation

The automatically sets the mic position according to its
orientation at the start of recording.

Upright

Upside Down

Endre

Use this setting to record with the upright.

Use this setting to record with the upside down.

Use this setting to record with the oriented horizontally
with its display up.

Endre Invert

Use this setting to record with the oriented horizontally
with its display down.

The orientation of the is detected by the motion sensor and shown on the Home Screen.

Adjust the angle of the so that the tilt indicator is centered.

Tilt indicator

28

NOTE

• If the Mic Position setting and the mic orientation during recording are not the same, the recording le cannot
be made the correct orientation and the front orientation will be off during playback.

• The Mic Position setting can be checked on the Home Screen.

• When the Mic Position setting is “Auto”, an animation will appear guiding you to orient the mic so that it
matches the closest of the other four mic position settings. When the mic orientation approaches the correct
angle, the tilt indicator will appear on the Home Screen.

• The Mic Position setting becomes xed when recording starts. The Mic Position setting will not change during
recording even if the mic orientation is changed.

HINT

• To minimize reections, we recommend placing the as far from walls and the oor as possible when
recording.

29

Setting the recording mode

Set the le format used to record les.

1. Press .

This opens the Menu Screen.

2. Use and to select "Rec Settings", and press .

3. Use and to select "Rec Mode", and press .

30