Zoom M3 MicTrak
Stereo Shotgun Recorder
- Stereo M/S microphone (polar pattern: supercardioid) with 2 selectable recording angles (90° / 120°) and mono mode
- No levelling required due to 32 bit float converter technology
- 32 Bit / 48 kHz (WAV)
- Recording media: microSDHC cards up to 32 GB, microSDXC cards up to 1 TB (memory card not included)
- Line output for direct connection to camera: 3.5 mm stereo jack
- Headphone output: 3.5 mm stereo jack
- Recording and streaming via USB to Mac, PC, iOS and Android
- Power supply via 2x AA batteries (not included) or USB bus power
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 200 x 70 x 41 mm
- Weight: 91 g
- Includes Quick Start Guide, windscreen, 3.5 mm stereo jack cable and shock mount with flash shoe adapter
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Available since January 2023
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Item number 557323
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Polar Pattern Supercardioid
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Accessories Battery, Mount, Windshield
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Integrated Stereo Microhone Yes
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Recording Tracks 2
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Microphone Inputs 0
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Line Inputs 0
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Storage Medium SD
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Max. Memory 1
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Headphone connection Yes
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Resolution max. 32 bit
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Max. Sample Rate 48 kHz
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Recording Format WAV
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Power Feed Batterie and USB
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Dimensions 200 x 70 x 41 mm
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Weight 91 g
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Included In Delivery Quick Start Guide, Windscreen, 3.5 mm Jack Cable, Elastic Mount with hot shoe adaptor
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Stereo audio for any video
The Zoom M3 MicTrak is a compact audio recorder developed specifically for video applications. At its heart is an M/S microphone capsule, allowing for a focused yet flexible stereo recording of audio signals – captured at up to 32‑bit float quality on an SD card or directly via USB. Thanks to its supercardioid pickup pattern, the microphone focuses clearly on sound coming from right in front of the camera, while significantly reducing noise from the sides. Added flexibility comes in the form of the mic's adjustable stereo width: The pickup behaviour can be matched to what the situation demands, so that for interviews, for instance, the stereo width can be further reduced to bring voices into clearer focus and minimise background noise. And the 32‑bit float technology means there's no need to set input levels in advance, which makes working with the M3 even more straightforward. Power comes from two AA batteries, which provide up to 11 hours of operation. With this simple but effective feature set, the Zoom M3 MicTrak is a solid solution for capturing high‑quality audio for video.
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32‑bit float for precise audio
With 32‑bit float recording, it's possible to capture highly detailed audio while largely avoiding the distortion caused by clipping. Essentially, this means that levels can be adjusted after recording, so fine adjustments beforehand aren't required. In keeping with this plug-and-play character, the interface on the Zoom M3 MicTrak has been kept deliberately clear and minimal: Users can use the stereo mode in either 90° or 120°, allowing the mic's pickup pattern to be adapted to the situation. Additionally, a lo‑cut button activates a high‑pass filter at 120Hz, helping to reduce low‑frequency interference such as handling noise or footfall. Just below that, a separate control allows recordings to be played back or stopped. The record button is positioned front and centre, where it's quick to locate and easy to activate while holding the camera itself.
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Optimised for cameras
The Zoom M3 MicTrak is designed specifically for use with cameras. Using the supplied hot shoe mount with elastic suspension, it can be attached quickly while helping to reduce unwanted vibrations from the camera body. The audio signal can be fed directly to the camera via the line output, so sound and picture are recorded in sync. In mono mode (stereo off), the M3 behaves like a classic shotgun microphone, focusing entirely on sound coming from in front of the camera. For interviews involving more than one person, for instance, the stereo width can be set to 90°, allowing for a touch of ambient sound while still keeping speech clearly defined. The 120° setting introduces a wider sense of space, capturing more of the surrounding environment. The M3 MicTrak also comes with a foam windscreen, an indispensible accessory for making clean recordings outdoors.
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About Zoom
Founded in 1983, the Japanese company Zoom manufactures a variety of audio equipment, including a range of portable "handy" recorders as well as multi-effects processors, effects pedals, drum machines, and samplers. Over the past thirty years, the company has built a reputation for producing innovative yet affordable products based on original microchip designs. Since the Zoom-9002 (an ultra-compact multi-effects processor that can be attached to a guitar strap) was introduced in 1990, Zoom has become one of the leaders in digital audio processing.
Flexible workflow in post
Any recorded audio data is stored on a microSD card (sold separately); alternatively, the signal can be streamed directly to an external device via the M3's USB‑C port. Recordings can be normalised afterwards using the onboard menu, helping to optimise levels for further use. One very practical. feature is the fact that the M3 actually records two tracks at once: The stereo image of the raw M/S signal can also be freely adjusted in post. What's more, 32‑bit float recordings on the M3 MicTrak can be converted to 16‑bit or 24‑bit formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of software. The Zoom M3 MicTrak can also be connected directly to a computer via USB and used as an audio interface. This means recordings made with the M/S capsule can be transferred to – or captured straight onto – a computer, supporting both mobile and desk-based workflows with equal ease.
