The Sony ECM-M1 is a clip-on lavalier or ‘lapel’ mic of a kind utilized by interviewers and presenters all over the place. It’s a tiny wearable microphone capsule that connects by wire both on to the digital camera or recording gadget, or to a wi-fi transmitter carried in a again pocket, perhaps. It’s a easy, uncomplicated sort of microphone, and the Sony ECM-LV1 Stereo Lavalier Microphone works on the identical precept as every other. The primary distinction is the worth, which is on the higher finish of the dimensions for even the finest lavalier microphones.
The promoting level for the ECM-M1 is its audio high quality. It makes use of an ECM-77 collection “industry-lauded” capsule (Sony’s description) that’s extensively used within the skilled recording world. There are less expensive lavalier mics than this one, and you will find a number of in our information to the finest funds microphones, however the ECM-M1 is designed for high quality not cheapness.
It does, nonetheless, work similar to every other plug-in lavalier microphone. It connects by cable to an everyday 3.5mm analog enter jack, as utilized by cameras and a number different recording units, and attracts its energy from the recording gadget. Once more, that is commonplace follow. In contrast to Sony’s digital mics, this one is generic – it doesn’t require a digital camera with the Sony digital interface.
Sony ECM-L1: Specs
The Sony ECM-L1 comes with a clip, two wind shields and a smooth pouch. (Picture credit score: Rod Lawton)
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Sort
wired lavalier (lapel) mic
Connection
3.5mm analog, plug-in energy
Pickup sample
omnidirectional
Frequency response
20 Hz to twenty 000 Hz
Dimensions
5.6 x 11.8mm (mic solely)
Weight
17.7g (inc cable and plug)
Sony ECM-L1: Value and availability
The Sony ECM-L1 is anticipated to turn into accessible in late October 2024 and to price round $279 / £259. That’s not some huge cash on the earth of high-end audio, however will probably be a little bit of a shock to the system for anybody used to getting lav mics free with wi-fi mic kits, or as comparatively low cost equipment for infrequent use.
Sony ECM-L1: Design and dealing with
The Sony ECM-L1 is fitted with a steel protect as commonplace, which feels strong and appears inconspicuous. (Picture credit score: Rod Lawton)
On the different finish of the cable is an everyday 3.5mm analog jack. The plug additionally as a locking ring for suitable recording tools however you do not have to make use of it. (Picture credit score: Rod Lawton)
The ECM-L1 is straightforward to make use of. The mic clip is uncomplicated, not like the efficient however fiddly cable looping on a RODE clip, for instance, and the small steel wind protect may be very neat and inconspicuous – you’ll be able to swap this for a bigger ‘furry’ wind protect for out of doors use.
The mic is related by way of a 2-core shielded cable that makes use of OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) cabling to scale back transmission losses, and the two.2mm diameter offers the cable a extra sturdy really feel than the wires on cheaper lav mics.
On the finish of the cable is an everyday 3.5mm analog audio jack, however the plug has a locking ring for safer attachment to units which can be suitable with this mechanism. You don’t want to make use of this, because the plug simply goes straight in anyway.
Sony ECM-L1: Efficiency
The Sony ECM-L1 was examined on a Sony ZV-E1 towards a less expensive RODE Lavalier II mic. It plugs straight into the three.5mm mic socket on the Sony (or every other digital camera). (Picture credit score: Rod Lawton)
The ECM-M1 has a ceramic again plate which, Sony says, affords rigidity, wonderful damping, superior acoustic properties and electrical stability. It additionally has a machined brass casing to suppress undesirable resonance and guarantee readability.
The audio high quality is superb. I examined it aspect by aspect towards a RODE Lavalier II, which promote individually for $99 / £89, so it’s a less expensive various however nonetheless a critical microphone. By itself, the RODE sounded fantastic, however after I listened to the Sony’s recording it did appear a bit cleaner, clearer and richer within the decrease frequencies. The RODE mic sounded a bit brighter in larger frequencies, which might be unhealthy however is also an excellent factor, relying in your speaker’s voice sort. I’ve a reasonably thick and muddy voice, so the RODE is definitely an excellent match.
Rather a lot will depend on your recording setting, too. In a tough, ‘boomy’ setting, the ECM-M1 will battle like every other lavalier microphone. It’s an omnidirectional capsule, so it picks up sound from all instructions – lavalier mics work on the precept of proximity reasonably than directionality. Any carelessness or lack of ability in mic placement and audio ranges can shortly wipe out any technical benefits of 1 over one other.
Sony ECM-L1: Verdict
(Picture credit score: Rod Lawton)
If lavalier mics are a key a part of your recording setup, then it is sensible to purchase an excellent one. You’ll be able to’t simply assume that one lav mic is rather like one other, as a result of as with the rest you get what you pay for and, in my exams, I felt the ECM-1 sounded a bit higher total than the cheaper RODE Lavalier – although not sufficient to make me, personally, pay the additional. The query is how usually you want a lav mic, in comparison with a clip-on wi-fi transmitter, or a directional cardioid mic or a desktop pod mic. Do you utilize a lav mic usually sufficient to justify the price of this one? If you happen to’re an expert filmmaker or creator and also you or your purchasers have a fantastic ear for audio, then the Sony ECM-L1 might be an awesome purchase. In any other case, it’s an costly various to less expensive microphones that may do what you want completely effectively.
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Options
The whole lot you’ll count on from a lavalier mic, although no direct compatibility with Sony’s digital audio interface
★★★★
Design
Exhausting to fault. The whole lot works because it ought to, the ECM-L1 is simple to arrange and properly made too
★★★★★
Efficiency
Wonderful all-round efficiency – maybe a bit extra high-frequency element can be good, however that is a matter of desire
★★★★★
Worth
It is an excellent microphone, however you are actually paying for that high quality once you would possibly discover a less expensive mic is sweet sufficient
★★
Do you have to purchase the Sony ECM-L1?
✅ Purchase this…
If you happen to discover the audio high quality of cheaper lav mics unsatisfactory. They’ll sound fairly tinny and ‘skinny’, although so much will depend on the position and recording setting too
If a lavalier mic is a central a part of your recording setup, for instance on-location interviews or presenting. If that is your foremost or solely mic, it is sensible to get an excellent one
🚫 Do not buy this…
If you happen to don’t use lavalier mics fairly often. Relying on the way you shoot, a lavalier mic is probably not the most effective audio possibility, regardless of how good it’s
Simply because you’ve gotten a Sony digital camera. Different 3.5mm analog lavalier mics will work simply as effectively. They’re a easy generic design, not particular to digital camera manufacturers
