Zylia ZM-1 Review

In this video, I review the Zylia ZM-1, a third-order Ambisonics microphone with 19 capsules. I discuss the technical specifications, build quality, and the included software. Despite some issues with the micro USB connector, the need to install a driver on Mac, and a slightly confusing user interface, the Zylia ZM-1 delivers impressive results. I demonstrate how to set up the microphone in Reaper, using both the Zylia Ambisonics Converter and the Zylia Studio Pro plugins, and compare the sound quality to my Lewitt LCT 440 Pure microphone.

Throughout the video, I highlight the pros and cons of the Zylia ZM-1. While it is somewhat noisier than the Voyage Audio Spatial Mic and has a few software usability issues, the ZM-1 is an attractive, well-built microphone that produces high-quality Ambisonics recordings. I also showcase the flexibility of the Zylia Studio Pro plugin, which allows users to convert the 19-capsule signal into various channel-based audio formats, including stereo, surround, and Dolby Atmos. Despite some minor drawbacks, I recommend the Zylia ZM-1 for anyone in the market for a higher-order Ambisonics microphone.