Sony has announced two new microphones, the ECM-W2BT Multi-interface shoe compatible wireless microphone and the ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone.
The ECM-W2BT wireless microphone has two parts, the receiver that connects to a compatible Sony camera with a digital audio interface compatible Multi Interface Shoe, and the transmitter, which has a microphone built in.
Thanks to the contacts within Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe, the audio signal output from the receiver is recorded directly to the camera body without the need for a cable connection.
According to Sony, the ECM-W2BT has been completely redesigned and has an advanced omni-directional mic capsule for high sound quality.
Where there’s good visibility, the ECM-W2BT can communicate across up to 200m, significantly increasing the flexibility of audio recording. However, the system is also said to be able to cope with obstacles or crowded environments with other digital signals.
In addition, the Qualcomm aptX Low Latency codec is said to provide high-quality audio recording and low latency.
The ECM-W2BT wireless microphone has three sound pick up modes – MIC mode, MIX mode and a new RCVR mode.
- In MIC mode the ECM-W2BT only picks up audio from the microphone transmitter so only the subject audio is captured.
- In RCVR mode the unit only picks up sound from the internal microphone at the receiver, so the user can record themselves.
- In MIX mode the ECM-W2BT picks up audio from the transmitter and the receiver, which is useful for two-way conversations or narration from behind the camera.
The ECM-W2BT mic supports stereo audio input and has a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack to enable an external mic such as the ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone to be connected.
Also, as the ECM-W2BT receiver has a 3.5mm audio output, it can be used on cameras without a Multi Interface shoe.
The ECM-W2BT wireless microphone has three user-selectable attenuator levels. It also comes supplied with a windscreen to reduce wind noise.
For long recording sessions, there’s a battery assist function that operates via the power supply from the camera’s Multi Interface shoe, which takes the life to up to 9 hours.
A Link lamp indicates when the transmitter and receiver are connected, while the power lamp indicates the remaining battery charge.
ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone
The ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone also comes with a windscreen and is said to record high-quality sound while being convenient to transport. Its power comes from the connector.
It’s supplied with a 360-degree rotatable clip enables horizontal or vertical attachment while the microphone stays at the same angle.
Sony ECM-W2BT and ECM-LV1 price and availability
Both microphones are set to go on sale in April 2021. The ECM-W2BT will retail for around £210 / $229.99/ €240 while the ECM-LV1 compact stereo lavalier microphone will cost about £32 / $29.99 / €35.
Follow the link to pre-order the ECM-W2BT or ECM-LV1 from B&H Photo Video in the USA.