Sony ECM-M1 - are microphones getting smart?

In addition to the new Alpha 6700 and the new 70-200 f/4 (for a detailed review of the camera and lens), Sony has also introduced a new on-camera microphone: The ECM-M1. With this microphone, Sony wants to conquer the world of content creators in the accessories sector as well.

1. The special features of the ECM-M1

What makes the ECM-M1 so special? In recent vlogging cameras, Sony has used a new technology thanks to which we, as users, can decide from which direction the sound should primarily be recorded and this feature has now made it, much improved, into the new M1.

If you look at the microphone from above, you can see the four microphone capsules that are arranged in a kind of diamond and thus pick up the sound from different directions. The whole thing is called "Beam Forming Technology" and actually comes from the speaker area.

The 8 modes can be seen at the back of the microphone's dial and are actually relatively self-explanatory. As already mentioned, it is about the specific direction from which the sound should come and varies from very directional to omnidirectional. In addition, the sound is recorded exclusively behind the camera and also from the front plus the back. There is also an extra stereo mode.

2. Microphones are getting smarter

But what do I do if I accidentally select the wrong mode? All newer Sony cameras - at least all those that have the Bionz XR processors - can record 4-channel audio. The new M1 microphone takes advantage of this. The first two tracks record the desired mode, then the third track still has the omnidirectional recording; for this one, there's even a -20 dB safety track on the fourth track in case it was levelled incorrectly.

For further fine-tuning of the signal, we can still use a low-cut filter to cut out particularly low tones, for example the hum of an air conditioner. There is also additional noise reduction for a cleaner audio signal.

Of course, the audio signal goes directly into the camera via the multi-interface hotshoe already digitized. We still have a USB-C port, but it's only for potential software updates.

So it's very easy to not mess up the audio for your video with the new ECM-M1.

Power comes directly from the camera, so you can't forget to turn on the microphone. Through the 4 tracks you are also in terms of volume and direction always on the safe side.

3. The ECM-M1 compared to other Sony microphones

For starters, Sony offers the G1, a cheaper option without many features, simply plug and play. If you want to get the best possible sound quality, you should look at the B1 or B10, as these two microphones are equipped with the most microphone capsules and thus technically have the best sound quality.

However, good sound quality is not only determined by the microphone, but also depends in particular on ambient noise, the location and camera movement. This is exactly where the new M1 comes into play. You'll have the right microphone in virtually every situation, which is also easy to use and requires little know-how in post-processing. Can you get better sound quality for less money? Certainly, but for that you often have to have a lot of time and a lot of know-how to edit the technically good signal depending on the situation.
Our old Sony microphone comparison

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