Sony has launched three new wireless microphones designed specifically for content creators, the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1. The three microphones offer a range of features and functionality to suit different needs and budgets.
The Sony ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are designed for vlogging and interview applications. They come with clip-on transmitters and a compact receiver that can be mounted on a camera’s hot shoe. The ECM-W3 has two microphones and a two-channel receiver, making it ideal for two-person interviews or streaming. The ECM-W3S has a single microphone and receiver.
Both the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S feature noise-cancellation and low-cut filtering to ensure clear and professional audio quality. They also have a range of up to 150 meters, making them perfect for use in a variety of shooting scenarios.
The Sony ECM-S1 is a wireless desktop microphone that is designed for higher-quality audio applications, such as podcasting and voiceover work. It has a tilting stand and supports wireless transmission, making it easy to set up and use.
The ECM-S1 has a number of features that make it ideal for content creators, including:
- Three 14mm capsules that enable unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes
- A knob for setting the microphone gain
- A headphone jack for monitoring audio levels
- LEDs for feedback on levels
- Noise-cut and low-cut filters
- A mesh pop filter
- The same wireless architecture as the ECM-W3, but it can also be plugged into a PC via USB-C
ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S
The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are compact, lightweight wireless microphones that are ideal for vlogging and interviewing. They both come with clip-on transmitters and feature noise-cut DSP and low-cut filters to reduce ambient noise and low-frequency rumble.
The ECM-W3 is a two-channel system with two microphones and a two-channel receiver, making it ideal for two-person streaming and interviews. The ECM-W3S is a single-channel system with one microphone and a single-channel receiver.
Both the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S have a battery life of up to 6 hours and come with charging cases. They also support Bluetooth 5.3 LE and LC3Plus codec with a transmission range of up to 150 meters.
ECM-S1
The ECM-S1 is a wireless desktop microphone that is designed for higher-quality audio applications such as podcasting and recording voiceovers. It features three 14mm capsules that enable unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes.
The ECM-S1 also has a noise-cut DSP and low-cut filter, as well as a mesh pop filter to reduce plosives. It has a tilting stand and a headphone jack for monitoring audio.
The ECM-S1 has the same wireless architecture as the ECM-W3, but it can also be plugged into a computer or other device via USB-C.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony ECM-W3 is priced at $470, the ECM-W3S is priced at $350, and the ECM-S1 is priced at $420. All three microphones will be available in October 2023.
Analysis
Sony’s new wireless microphones are a welcome addition to the market and offer a range of features and functionality to suit different needs and budgets. The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are ideal for content creators who need a portable and easy-to-use wireless microphone system. The ECM-S1 is a good choice for content creators who need a higher-quality desktop microphone for podcasting, recording voiceovers, or other audio applications.
Key features and benefits of each microphone:
ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S
- Compact and lightweight design
- Clip-on transmitters for easy mounting
- Noise-cut DSP and low-cut filters to reduce ambient noise and low-frequency rumble
- Bluetooth 5.3 LE and LC3Plus codec for high-quality audio transmission with a range of up to 150 meters
- Battery life of up to 6 hours with charging cases
ECM-S1
- Three 14mm capsules for unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes
- Noise-cut DSP and low-cut filter, as well as a mesh pop filter to reduce plosives
- Tilting stand and headphone jack for monitoring audio
- Same wireless architecture as ECM-W3, but can also be plugged into a computer or other device via USB-C
FAQ for Sony ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones
Q: What are the key differences between the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones?
A: The key difference between the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S is that the ECM-W3 is a two-channel system with two microphones and a two-channel receiver, while the ECM-W3S is a single-channel system with one microphone and a single-channel receiver. This makes the ECM-W3 ideal for two-person streaming and interviews, while the ECM-W3S is a good choice for one-person vlogging and recording.
Q: What are the benefits of using a wireless microphone over a wired microphone?
A: Wireless microphones offer a number of benefits over wired microphones, including:
- Freedom of movement: Wireless microphones allow you to move around freely while recording, without being tethered to a camera or other device.
- Versatility: Wireless microphones can be used with a variety of devices, including cameras, smartphones, and computers.
- Improved audio quality: Wireless microphones can often provide better audio quality than wired microphones, as they are not susceptible to cable noise.
Q: What is the difference between the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone and the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless clip-on microphones?
A: The ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone is designed for higher-quality audio applications such as podcasting and recording voiceovers. It features three 14mm capsules that enable unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes. It also has a noise-cut DSP and low-cut filter, as well as a mesh pop filter to reduce plosives.
The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless clip-on microphones are designed for vlogging and interviewing. They are more compact and lightweight than the ECM-S1, and they come with clip-on transmitters for easy mounting.
Q: What is the battery life of the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones?
A: The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones have a battery life of up to 6 hours. The ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone has a battery life of up to 10 hours.
Q: What is the transmission range of the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones?
A: The ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones have a transmission range of up to 150 meters.
Q: What devices are the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones compatible with?
A: The ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones are compatible with a variety of devices, including Sony cameras, smartphones, and computers. You can also use them with other devices that have a 3.5mm audio input jack.
Q: What is the difference between the LC3Plus codec and other codecs such as SBC and AAC?
A: The LC3Plus codec is a newer codec that offers higher audio quality and lower latency than SBC and AAC. It is also more efficient, which means that it can transmit audio at lower bitrates without sacrificing quality.
Q: Can I use the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones with non-Sony cameras?
A: Yes, the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones can be used with non-Sony cameras. However, you may need to purchase an additional adapter to connect the receiver to your camera.
Q: Can I use the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones with my smartphone?
A: Yes, the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones can be used with your smartphone. However, you will need to purchase a smartphone adapter to connect the receiver to your phone.
Q: Can I use the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones with my computer?
A: Yes, the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones can be used with your computer. The ECM-S1 can be connected to your computer via USB-C, while the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S can be connected to your computer via a 3.5mm audio input jack.
Q: What accessories are included with the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones?
A: The ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones come with the following accessories:
- Transmitter
- Receiver
- Charging case
- Windscreen
- 3.5mm audio cable
The ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone comes with the following accessories:
- Microphone stand
- USB-C cable
- Windscreen
- Pop filter
Q: What is the difference between the unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes on the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone?
A: The unidirectional mode on the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone is the most sensitive mode and is best suited for recording a single speaker. It picks up sound from the front of the microphone and attenuates sound from the rear and sides.
The omnidirectional mode on the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone is the least sensitive mode and picks up sound from all directions. It is best suited for recording multiple speakers or for capturing ambient noise.
The stereo mode on the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone records sound in stereo, which can create a more immersive listening experience. It is best suited for recording music or other audio content where stereo sound is desired.
Q: What is the noise-cut DSP and low-cut filter on the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones?
A: The noise-cut DSP on the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones reduces ambient noise, such as the hum of a computer or the rumble of traffic. The low-cut filter on the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones reduces low-frequency noise, such as wind rumble or plosives (popping sounds caused by hard consonants such as “p” and “b”).
Q: What is the mesh pop filter on the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone?
A: The mesh pop filter on the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone reduces plosives (popping sounds caused by hard consonants such as “p” and “b”). It is located in front of the microphone capsule and helps to create a cleaner and more professional sound.
Q: How do I connect the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones to my camera, smartphone, or computer?
To connect the ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones to your camera, you will need to connect the receiver to your camera’s Multi-Interface (MI) shoe. If your camera does not have an MI shoe, you will need to purchase an additional adapter to connect the receiver to your camera’s microphone input jack.
To connect the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone to your camera, you can use a 3.5mm audio cable to connect the microphone output jack to your camera’s microphone input jack.
To connect the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones to your smartphone, you will need to purchase a smartphone adapter to connect the receiver to your phone’s headphone jack or microphone input jack.
To connect the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone to your computer, you can use a USB-C cable to connect the microphone’s USB-C port to your computer’s USB-C port.
Q: What is the best way to use the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones for vlogging?
A: For vlogging, I recommend using the ECM-W3 or ECM-W3S wireless microphones. They are both compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around and mount on your camera. They also have a long battery life, so you can vlog for hours without having to worry about running out of power.
To use the ECM-W3 or ECM-W3S wireless microphones for vlogging, simply clip the transmitter to your shirt or jacket and attach the receiver to your camera’s MI shoe. Then, turn on the microphone and receiver and you’re ready to start vlogging!
Q: What is the best way to use the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone for podcasting?
A: For podcasting, I recommend using the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone. It has a high-quality microphone capsule that will capture your voice clearly and accurately. It also has a number of features that are ideal for podcasting, such as a noise-cut DSP and low-cut filter.
To use the ECM-S1 wireless desktop microphone for podcasting, simply connect it to your computer using the included USB-C cable. Then, open your podcasting software and select the ECM-S1 as the input device.
Once you have selected the ECM-S1 as the input device, you can adjust the microphone gain and other settings to your liking. Then, start recording your podcast!
Q: What are some tips for getting the best sound quality out of the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones?
Here are some tips for getting the best sound quality out of the ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones:
- Position the microphone close to your mouth, but not so close that it causes plosives (popping sounds caused by hard consonants such as “p” and “b”).
- Use a windscreen to reduce wind noise.
- Experiment with different microphone modes (unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo) to find the one that sounds best for your application.
- Adjust the microphone gain to avoid clipping.
- Use a noise-reduction plugin in your audio editing software to reduce background noise.