Sony Electronics of the new ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones along with the new ECM-S1 wireless streaming microphone that are all designed to facilitate high-quality audio recording across various shooting scenarios.
The ECM-W3 has a two-channel receiver and two microphones and the ECM-W3S has a one-channel receiver and one microphone. Both are well-suited for video content creators who work in a wide range of shooting scenarios such as Vlogs and interviews where the user needs them to record high-quality voices even when shooting away from the camera.
Both are equipped with a noise-cut filter designed to reduces harsh noise with digital signal processing. There’s also a low-cut filter that helps reducs unwanted low-frequency noise such as wind, air conditioning, and vibration noise. The included windscreen further reduces the noise generated when strong wind or breath hits the microphone,
The ECM-S1 is designed for professional videographers and video content creators for shoots, livestreams, and podcasts. It’s equipped with three 14 mm large-diameter capsules tuned to capture human voices naturally and with quality sound. As audio can be recorded directly to the camera via a wireless connection, “sound and video lag” that sometimes occurs when sound and video are input separately to a distribution device during live streaming does not occur, thus delay compensation is not required.
“Sony’s ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 microphones embody the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence,” says Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics. “With these new offerings for microphones, Sony continues to push the boundaries of audio technology, empowering creators to achieve remarkable sound quality across various content creation avenues. We know that professional and hobbyists alike want to have the best audio quality and we are continuing to offer solutions for this.”
When connected to a Sony camera equipped with the Multi-Interface (MI) shoe, the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S receiver is compatible with a digital audio interface and the camera can then directly record the audio signal output. Both are equipped with a safety function that suppresses sound distortion at high volumes and an attenuator function that manually reduces the sound during high-volume recording. Both the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S deliver low power consumption and low latency with Bluetooth 5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and LC3Plusii codec.
MI Shoe supports battery-free and cable-free shooting. Power is supplied directly from the camera to the receiver, removing worry about running out of battery. Equipped with a USB Type-C terminal, it is possible to output digital audio (48 kHz/24 bit) from the receiver to a USB-connected smartphone or PCiv. Also, the microphone has a 3.5mm mini jack (stereo) audio output terminal that’s compatibility with cameras, PCs, IC recorders, etc., that do not have an MI shoev. Included is a terminal protection holder/stand for the multi-interface foot and it can be used as a microphone stand when attaching the receiver to equipment other than a camera or attached to a smartphone clamp as an adapter with screw holes.
The microphone has a 3.5 mm mini jack (monaural) which can be used as an external microphone input terminal. It can be used in combination with a lavalier microphone such as ECM-LV1, you are able to pick-up the subject’s voice while the microphone is hidden from view. The rechargeable microphone can be used continuously for up to six hours on a full charge.
The microphone’s dimensions are 25.0 mm x 52.5 mm x 20.5 mm (W/H/D) and weight is approximately 17 g. The receiver is 32.0 mm x 29.0 mm x 50.0 mm (W/H/D) and weighs approximately 25 g. For added durability, the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are designed to be dustproof and moisture resistant. With the lightweight and portable charging case, it is possible to charge even while on the move.
The ECM-S1 is equipped with three large-diameter (14 mm) capsules that correspond to three sound pickup modes: Uni-directional, Omni-directional and Stereo. By tuning it to record human voices naturally and clearly, the microphone can capture realistic sound. It also has a noise cut filter that effectively removes harsh noise through digital signal processing and a low-cut filter that reduces unnecessary low-frequency noise such as wind, air conditioning, and vibration, thus reducing the effects of the surrounding environment. The ECM-S1 has a full range of functions that reduce noise.
The ECM-S1 microphone weighs approximately 157 g (about 5.54 oz), and measures 63.0 mm x 137.5 mm x 63.0 mm (W/H/D), while the receiver weighs approximately 25 g (about 0.88 oz) at 32 mm x 29 mm x 50 mm (W/H/D). The Bluetooth 5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and LC3plusviii codec deliver low power consumption and low latency, and high sound quality. Using wireless connection allows for a recording style that remains unaffected by environmental conditions.
For connectivity, the receiver can be attached to a compatible camera via the MI Shoe. The microphone and receiver are equipped with USB Type-C terminals that support 48 kHz/24-bit digital audio outputix. As a result, the microphone can record high-quality sound in a variety of ways, such as connecting the microphone wirelessly to a PC or smartphone via the receiver’s USB or connecting the microphone directly to a PC or smartphone via USB. The receiver also has a 3.5 mm mini jack (stereo) as an audio output terminal.
The microphone is equipped with an independent dial that adjusts the sound recording level. The ECM-S1’s audio input level volume can also be adjusted with the upper dial while checking the audio input level in real time with the indicator lamps. The built-in LINK lamp indicates the communication status between the microphone and receiver to prevent any missed recording.
When recording via a USB connection between the microphonex and a PC or smartphone, headphones (commercially available) can be connected to the microphone’s headphone out jack to monitor the audio without involving the connected device. The headphone volume can also be adjusted with a short press of the dial on the bottom of the microphone. The user can adjust the audio mixing ratio between the input volume level of the audio from the microphone and that of the audio from the computer or smartphone via the USB connection with the headphone volume/mixing ratio adjustment dial on the microphone.
The ECM-S1 and receiver each have a built-in battery for extended use. The receiver can also be used continuously with the support of direct power supply when connected to the camera’s MI Shoe or a USB Type-C cable. The microphone can be used continuously for up to 13 hours when the battery is fully charged using a USB Type-C cable.
In addition, a pop guard reduces popping noises that occur when the speaker’s mouth is close to the microphone and their breath comes into direct contact with the microphone. A stand that can be attached to the microphone is also included, allowing the microphone to stand without support while recording. The microphone angle can also be adjusted forward or backward. Alternatively, the stand can be removed when not in use and the 1/4-inch thread on the bottom of the microphone allows it to be mounted on a tripod or attached to a commercially available microphone arm.
The ECM-S1 wireless microphone will be available for pre-order starting September 28, 2023, with shipping beginning in October 2023, while ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones will follow in November 2023.
Pricing:
ECM-W3 — MSRP: $469.99 USD, $629.99 CAN
ECM-W3S — MSRP: $349.99, $469.99 CAN
ECM-S1 — MSRP: $419.99 USD, $569.99 CAN
