San Diego, CA—Along with the introduction of its newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700, Sony announced the ECM-M1 compact shotgun microphone. Dubbed the “world’s first shotgun microphone with eight dial-selectable audio recording models,” the mic features four microphone capsules.
Furthermore, with beamforming and advanced digital processing technology, the mic offers varied modes, including stereo.
Sony ECM-M1 Features
Moreover, the mic’s ultra-directional mode captures targeted sound from the front (within a 30º width) while effectively suppressing other sounds. It also adapts to ambient sound in the surroundings. This mode is ideal for interviews and selfie-oriented scenarios where the subject is in front of the microphone.
In addition, a newly added mode dial with a locking mechanism helps ensure secure switching of sound pickup modes. The ECM-M1 also features noise-reduction utilities. They include a noise cut filter for reducing background noise as well as a low-cut filter for minimizing vibration and low frequency noise.
The filters are implemented through digital signal processing, to maximize audio quality at the recording stage and reduce complex post-processing. The microphone also supports 4-channel recording (compatible cameras only). As a result, it permits recording in omnidirectional mode on channels 3 and 4, while channels 1 and 2 focus on selected directivity. Plus, the mic has a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
Compact and lightweight, the ECM-M1 measures 1-5/8×2-7/8×2-5/8 inches (excluding knob, wind screen) and weighs 2.3 ounces. Its portability will enable creators to capture high-quality audio in diverse situations. They can clip the microphone into a compatible camera’s multi-interface shoe for direct power and audio connections without using extra cables or batteries.
What’s more, when connected via the multi-interface shoe of a camera that features a built-in digital audio interface, the audio signal is directly transferred to the camera in digital form. As a result, degradation is avoided. Plus, one switch also provides support for a range of cameras using an analog interface.
The new ECM-M1 microphone is now available for preorder. It has a suggested retail price of $349.99.
