Sony ECM-B1M digital microphone

Sony ECM-B1M digital microphone

The Sony ECM-B1M is a shotgun microphone that mounts on top of the camera. The ECM-B1M works as a traditional microphone with a 3.5mm cable, and on the new Sony a7R Mark IV camera, the microphone works directly as an AD converter and transfers audio to the video file digitally. This direct connection eliminates many sources of noise and interference and eliminates the need for cables at all.

The Sony ECM-B1M includes versatile adjustments, with three different directivity patterns for sound , volume adjustments, and low-frequency cut and volume boost. Changing the directivity patterns is possible due to the clever design, the device actually has eight separate microphones whose signals are combined in different ways.

You can choose from three microphone patterns:

• Superdirectional: records sound coming directly from the front. This shotgun directivity helps to separate, for example, the voice of the interviewee from surrounding sounds. Also records narrowly from behind the camera to include the cameraman's comments

• Unidirectional: records more from the front of the camera. Good for example when interviewing multiple people, while minimizing sounds coming from behind the camera

• Omnidirectional: Records in a circular pattern from all around the camera. Used to record ambient sounds and even to record camera operator commentary at the same time

Easy-to-use rear panel for controlling microphone operation.

The microphone's own digital algorithm-based audio processing makes editing easier, as many of the things that impair the recording can be corrected with selectable automatic settings during recording. Also works as an analog microphone on certain Sony cameras that do not have an MI accessory shoe.

You can select automatic digital filters to correct sudden loud noises, or to cut out extra low noise (-20, -10 or 0 dB). You can also set the overall recording volume to automatic or adjust it manually.

Changing the directional patterns is possible due to the clever design; the device actually has four separate microphones whose signals are combined in different ways.

Specifications:

• Mono sound, three selectable polar patterns
• Digital audio processing
• 40 - 20000Hz
• MI (Multi Interface) shoe, takes power from the camera
• Hairy windbreaker
• Dust-proof
• Size: 99.3 x 28.5mm
• Weight: 79g

Compatibility: all 3.5mm compatible devices via cable, Sony a7R IV digitally via hot shoe Multi Interface