The ECM-W3S comprises a microphone-transmitter featuring high signal-to-noise ratio microphone units, and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver process audio digitally and transmit it wirelessly, allowing the capture and recording of one speaker’s voice with superb clarity and low noise.
High-quality digital sound recording
High signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) microphone units are integrated into the two combined microphone-transmitters, enabling clear voice recording with low noise.
High-quality dual-channel digital transmission
Connecting the dual-channel receiver to a camera from Sony that supports the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, such as one of the α™ series digital interchangeable-lens cameras or vlog cameras, allows the digital audio signal output from the receiver to be recorded directly by the camera body, enabling high-quality sound recording with minimal noise contamination.
Noise-suppressing filter functions
A noise-cut filter using digital signal processing to effectively remove noise, and a low-cut filter that reduces noise in the low-frequency range, are provided on the microphone side. Less noise removal is needed post-production, making workflow more efficient.
Multi Interface (MI) Shoe compatible
The receiver can be easily attached to a camera from Sony that supports the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, such as one of the α™ series digital interchangeable-lens cameras or vlog cameras, without cables, allowing immediate sound acquisition and avoiding interference with the vari-angle LCD monitor even when it is opened horizontally for shooting. This allows a greater degree of freedom and mobility when shooting.
The convenience of wireless
The ECM-W3 comprises two microphone-transmitters and a dual-channel receiver, allowing wireless sound capture of two speakers’ voices. Communication is possible at up to 150m in clear line-of-sight locations, with Bluetooth 5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and LC3plus codecs providing low power consumption, low latency, and high sound quality. Power saving has also enabled a reduction in battery size.
Safety and attenuator functions
A safety function is provided that allows simultaneous recording of two audio signals, one at normal volume and the other 20dB lower, reducing the risk of clipping during loud recording. An attenuator function is also provided, allowing the recording level to be set to one of three values according to the audio volume.
Microphone audio input/output
A 3.5-mm mini jack (monaural) is provided as an external microphone input terminal on the microphone side, and a 3.5-mm mini jack (stereo) on the receiver side serves as an audio output terminal. In addition to sound acquisition using a stereo-compatible lavalier microphone, output to devices not equipped with a Multi Interface (MI) Shoe is also possible.
USB digital audio output
Digital audio (48 kHz/24 bit) can be output from the receiver via USB cable to a smartphone or PC, or to a USB audio input compatible device6 for recording.
Compact, and lightweight design
Both the microphone-transmitters and receiver have excellent mobility and portability, and are compact and lightweight enough not to get in the way when carrying or shooting. Designed to be dust- and moisture-resistant, they can be used outdoors without worry.
Status notification functions
The LINK lamp indicates the status of the communication channel between the microphone and receiver to prevent recording errors. The POWER lamps on both the microphone and receiver indicate battery level to prevent recording errors due to dead batteries.
