Zoom M3 MicTrak

Zoom M3 MicTrak — On-Camera Shotgun Recorder With 32-Bit Float

The Zoom M3 MicTrak is an on-camera stereo shotgun microphone and standalone recorder for video production, journalism, and documentary work. It pairs two internal shotgun capsules with 32-bit float recording, so filmmakers no longer need a separate field recorder for clean, clip-free audio. Suited for run-and-gun shooters seeking broadcast-quality sound in a single camera-mounted unit, this model offers modern production flexibility.

What Sets the M3 Apart From Standard Shotgun Mics

Unlike conventional shotgun microphones, the unit includes dual AD converter circuits inherited from Zoom's professional F-Series recorders, which removes the need for manual gain staging. Always saving a Mid-Side RAW file alongside the main recording, users can adjust stereo width in post using the bundled M3 Edit and Play software.

Recording Engine — Clip-Free Capture

Operating at 32-bit floating point / 48 kHz, the recording engine captures both whispers and 132 dB peaks without distortion. Its cardioid polar pattern focuses on the subject in front of the camera, while off-axis noise is rejected.

• Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 32-bit float / 48 kHz — wide dynamic range with no clipping
• Maximum SPL: 132 dB (shotgun) / 122 dB (side mic) — handles concerts, crowds, and loud effects
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid — focused on-camera capture with side rejection
• With support for BWF, iXML, and WAV, the recorder delivers broadcast- and film-ready metadata for postproduction workflows.

Signal Flow and Power — Built for Camera Integration

A 3.5 mm stereo line output sends a real-time feed to the camera, while a 3.5 mm headphone jack enables live monitoring. The USB-C port doubles as a digital audio interface for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, turning it into a streaming or podcasting microphone.

• Analog Outputs: 3.5 mm TRS line out, 3.5 mm TRS headphone out
• USB-C port — doubles as a digital audio interface for streaming and podcasting
• Power Options: 2x AA (up to 12 h), USB-C bus power, AD-17 AC adapter
• Storage: microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC up to 1 TB

Form Factor and Mounting — Lightweight Camera-Top Design

The compact body sits on a camera hotshoe without unbalancing the rig. An included shock mount isolates the capsules from handling noise, while the bundled windscreen reduces wind rumble outdoors. At 135 g, this unit adds minimal weight to handheld or gimbal setups.

• Dimensions: 20.1 x 7.2 x 3.8 cm
• Weight: 135 g — light enough for gimbal and run-and-gun work
• Mounting the recorder is made easy with the included shoe mount, shock mount, and windscreen, providing stability and wind noise protection in diverse filming situations.