Product Detail
The Sony ECM-W3S is a top-notch single-channel wireless microphone designed for high-quality digital recording. It consists of a microphone-transmitter with a high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio microphone unit and a single-channel receiver. Both the transmitter and receiver process audio digitally and transmit it wirelessly, enabling you to capture and record one speaker's voice with amazing clarity and low noise.
With high-quality digital sound recording, the integrated high S/N ratio microphone units in the transmitter ensure clear voice recording with minimal noise. For high-quality digital transmission, simply connect the single-channel receiver to a Sony camera that supports the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, like an α™ series digital interchangeable-lens camera or a vlog camera. The camera can then directly record the digital audio signal output from the receiver, resulting in high-quality sound with little noise interference.
The microphone side comes with noise-suppressing filter functions. A digital signal processing noise cut filter effectively removes noise, and a low cut filter reduces low-frequency noise. This means less post-production noise removal and a more efficient workflow.
It's compatible with the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe. You can easily attach the receiver to a supported Sony camera without cables. This allows for immediate sound acquisition and doesn't interfere with the vari-angle LCD monitor even when it's opened horizontally for shooting, giving you more freedom and mobility.
The ECM-W3S offers the convenience of wireless operation. It can capture one speaker's voice wirelessly, with a communication range of up to 492 ft (150 m) in clear line-of-sight locations. Bluetooth 5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and LC3plus3 codecs provide low power consumption, low latency, and high sound quality. Power saving has also led to a smaller battery size.
There are safety and attenuator functions. The safety function allows simultaneous recording of two audio signals, one at normal volume and the other 20 dB lower, reducing the risk of clipping during loud recording. The attenuator function lets you set the recording level to one of three values according to the audio volume.
The microphone has audio input/output options. There's a 3.5 mm mini jack (monaural) on the microphone side for external microphone input and a 3.5 mm mini jack (stereo) on the receiver side for audio output. You can use a stereo-compatible lavalier microphone for sound acquisition and output to devices without an MI Shoe.
You can also get digital audio (48 kHz / 24 bit) output from the receiver via USB cable to a smartphone, PC, or a USB audio input compatible device for recording.
Both the microphone-transmitter and receiver are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and use during shooting. They're designed to be dust- and moisture-resistant, so you can use them outdoors without worry.
Status notification functions help prevent recording errors. The LINK lamp shows the status of the communication channel between the microphone and receiver, and the POWER lamps on both the microphone and receiver indicate the battery level.
Technical Specifications:
- Microphone (transmitter): Dimension (approx.) W 25.0 mm x H 52.5 mm x D 20.5 mm (1 inches x 2 1/8 inches x 13/16 inches), Weight (Approx.) 17 g (0.6 oz)
- Receiver: Dimension (approx.) W 32.0 mm x H 29.0 mm x D 50.0 mm (1 5/16 inches x 1 3/16 inches x 2 inches), Weight (Approx.) 25 g (0.9 oz)
- Charging case: Dimension (approx.) W 68.5 mm x H 41.5 mm x D 65.5 mm (2 3/4 inches x 1 11/16 inches x 2 5/8 inches), Weight (Approx.) 90 g (3.2 oz)
Supplied Accessory: Wind Screen (1), Connector Protect Holder/Stand (1), Pouch (1), Charging case (1). Warranty is provided.
Microphone Compatibility: Compatible with cameras like ILME-FX3, ILME-FX30, ILME-FX30B, ILCE-6700, etc.
Microphone Specification: Operating Temperature 0-deg C to +40-deg C (+32 °F to +104 °F), Microphone Channel Audio Output 2ch, Shoe type Multi Interface Shoe, etc.
Package: Color carton with hook attachment.
Using the Sony ECM-W3S is a breeze. First, make sure the microphone-transmitter and receiver are charged. You can use the charging case that comes with the product. To start recording, turn on both the microphone and the receiver. The LINK lamp will show you if they're connected properly. If it's lit, you're good to go.
If you're using it with a Sony camera that supports the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, just attach the receiver to the camera without any cables. The camera will then be able to record the high-quality audio from the microphone. You can also use the 3.5 mm mini jacks on the microphone and receiver for other input and output options. For example, you can connect an external microphone to the 3.5 mm mini jack (monaural) on the microphone side or output audio to a device without an MI Shoe using the 3.5 mm mini jack (stereo) on the receiver side.
If you want to record audio to a smartphone or PC, use the USB cable to connect the receiver to the device. The digital audio (48 kHz / 24 bit) will be output for recording.
When it comes to the noise-suppressing filter functions, you don't have to do much. The microphone side already has the noise cut filter and low cut filter working for you to reduce noise during recording. The safety and attenuator functions also work automatically. The safety function records two audio signals to prevent clipping, and you can use the attenuator function to set the recording level according to the audio volume.
Some important things to note. The operating temperature of the microphone is between 0-deg C and +40-deg C (+32 °F to +104 °F). Don't use it outside of this temperature range. Also, keep an eye on the battery level. The POWER lamps on the microphone and receiver will show you how much battery is left. If the battery runs out during recording, you'll lose your audio.
For maintenance, since the microphone and receiver are dust- and moisture-resistant, you can use them outdoors. But after using them in a dusty or wet environment, wipe them clean with a soft, dry cloth. Don't use any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they might damage the device. Store the microphone and receiver in the provided pouch when not in use to protect them from scratches and dust.
