Expanding its microphone portfolio, Sony Electronics introduces the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones, along with the wireless streaming microphone ECM-S1. “These cutting-edge microphones combine high-quality sound capture with a lightweight design. With the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 models, Sony empowers video content creators with the ability to achieve superior audio recording across various shooting scenarios,” the announcement states.
The ECM-W3 has a two-channel receiver and two microphones and the ECM-W3S has a one-channel receiver and one microphone. Both the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are designed for video content creators who work in a wide range of shooting scenarios such as Vlogs and interviews, where the user needs to record quality voices even when shooting away from the camera.
Designed for professional videographers’ and video content creators’ shoots, livestreams, and podcasts, the ECM-S1 microphone has a compact and lightweight body and is equipped with three 14 mm large-diameter capsules tuned to capture human voices naturally and with quality sound. It connects to cameras, computers, and smartphones. “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,” the announcement continues.
“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.”
Main features of the "ECM-W3" and "ECM-W3S" wireless microphones
Reduced noise
The ECM-W3 consists of a receiver and two microphones, and the ECM-W3S consists of a receiver and one microphone. The ECM-W3 wireless microphone is designed for interviews and one-on-one conversations by vloggers and video content creators with a focus on delivering a natural organic sound.
Equipped with a noise-cut filter designed to reduce harsh noise with digital signal processing, the microphone also has a low-cut filter to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise such as wind, air conditioning, and vibration noise. The included windscreen reduces the noise generated when strong wind or breath hits the microphone. The filters and windscreen allow for less noise removal processing during post-production.
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 interfacei and the camera can then directly record the audio signal output for minimal noise interference. The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S 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, low latency, and high sound quality with Bluetooth 5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and LC3Plus codec.
Versatile connectivity
MI Shoe support enables battery-free and cable-free shooting. Power is supplied directly from the camera to the receiver. Equipped with a USB Type-C terminal, it is possible to output digital audio (48kHz/24bit) from the receiver to a USB-connected smartphone or PCiv. Also, the microphone has a 3.5mm mini jack (stereo) audio output terminal, ensuring compatibility with cameras, PCs, IC recorders, etc., that do not have an MI shoe. 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 3.5mm 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, allowing users to pick-up the subject’s voice while the microphone is hidden from view. The rechargeable microphone is designed to be used continuously for up to six hours on a full charge.
Compact, lightweight portability with charging case included
The microphone’s dimensions are 25.0mm x 52.5mm x 20.5mm (W/H/D) and weighs approximately 17g. The receiver is 32.0mm x 29.0mm x 50.0mm (W/H/D) and weighs approximately 25g. The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are designed to be dustproof and moisture resistant, for outdoor usage. A lightweight and portable charging case allows for charging while on the move.
Pricing and Availability
The ECM-S1 wireless microphone will be available for pre-order starting Sept. 28, 2023, with shipping beginning in October 2023, while ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones will follow in November 2023.
For more detailed product information, please visit:
ECM-W3 Wireless Microphone: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/ecmw3
MSRP: $469.99 USD, $629.99 CAN
ECM-W3S Wireless Microphone: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/ecmw3s
MSRP: $349.99, $469.99 CAN
ECM-S1 Wireless/Streaming Microphone: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/ecms1
MSRP: $419.99 USD, $569.99 CAN
