Sony ECM-W3S Single Transmitter Bluetooth Microphone Kit

The Sony ECM-W3S Single Transmitter Bluetooth Microphone Kit is designed to cater to various content creation needs, particularly for mobile journalism and one-person shoots involving Sony cameras. This comprehensive microphone system brings together the convenience of wireless audio capture with advanced features suited for professional video production and content creation. This microphone system is specifically tailored for content creators and journalists using Sony cameras. Its design ensures seamless integration with these devices, enhancing the production workflow. The kit includes one transmitter, equipped with a built-in microphone. This setup is perfect for interviews or scenarios where two speakers need to be recorded simultaneously, offering clear audio capture without the hassle of dealing with multiple devices.

The single-channel receiver easily connects to your Sony camera via the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, reducing cable clutter and ensuring a tidy setup. This allows for straightforward audio monitoring and control directly from the camera. Offering a notable transmission range of up to 492 feet (150 meters) via Bluetooth 5.3, the system ensures reliable audio capture even at considerable distances, granting flexibility in shoot locations and arrangements. With 3.5mm TRS and USB-C ports, the kit provides versatile options for connecting to various devices, including cameras not equipped with an MI Shoe, as well as computers for podcasting or other audio recording needs.

Noise cancellation and a low-cut filter are integral to the system, helping to reduce background noise and improve the clarity of speech. The attenuator function allows for adjusting the input level, and LED indicators on the transmitters provide visual feedback on battery status and signal strength, ensuring high-quality audio capture in different environments. The inclusion of a charging case not only makes storing and transporting the units convenient but also offers extended battery life. Each transmitter can last up to 6 hours on a full charge, supporting prolonged shooting periods.

Product Features in Detail

High-quality digital sound recording
High signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) microphone units are integrated into the microphone-transmitter, enabling clear voice recording with low noise.

High-quality digital transmission
Connecting the receiver to a camera2 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 effectively removes annoying persistent background noise, for clear recording. A low-cut filter on the microphone side also reduces unwanted low-frequency sound from wind, air conditioning, and vibration. Less noise removal is needed post-production, making workflow more efficient.

Multi Interface (MI) Shoe compatible
The receiver can be easily attached to a camera2 from Sony that supports the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, such as one of the α™ series digital interchangeable-lens cameras or vlog cameras, without the need for cables, and be immediately ready for digital sound acquisition without fuss.

The convenience of wireless
The ECM-W3S comprises a microphone-transmitter and a receiver, allowing wireless sound capture of one speaker's voice. Communication is possible at up to 150 m3 in clear line-of-sight locations, with Bluetooth 5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy) and LC3plus4 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 20 dB 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 possible5.

Receiver stand and adapter with screw hole
A connector protector/stand is included. This can be used both as a stand for the receiver and as an adapter to attach the receiver to a smartphone clamp, for example. 

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. When using a USB audio input compatible device, set the receiver's slide switch to ANALOG or DIGITAL.

Compact, lightweight body design
The combined microphone-transmitter is of dimensions 25.0 x 52.5 x 20.5 mm and weighs just 17 g. The receiver measures 32.0 x 29.0 x 50.0 mm and weighs just 25 g. Both the microphone-transmitter 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-resistant7, they can be used outdoors without worry.

Battery Assist function
Power is supplied directly from the α™ series digital interchangeable-lens cameras or vlog cameras to the receiver8.

Wind screen (included)
The included wind screen can be used to reduce the wind noise that may occur when the microphone is impacted by strong wind or breath. This allows stable and clear recording of the speaker's voice, even when shooting outdoors.

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.

Compact charging case
A small charging case is included in the package, allowing you to continue shooting without worrying about running out of battery power. The microphone-transmitter unit can operate continuously for approximately 6 hours on a full charge.

A wider choice of microphones
With a wider selection of microphones available from Sony, you can now choose from a broader range of options depending on the situation and application you wish to use the microphone for.

1 Prices indicated refer to Suggested Retail Price which includes 12% VAT for cash purchase and may change from time to time without prior notice.
2 Some models that support the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, such as the RX1R II and ZV-1, do not provide power via the MI Shoe.
3 Approximate distance when the microphone is visible from the receiver. This varies depending on the surroundings and radio wave conditions, such as the presence of metal, people, or other obstacles or reflective surfaces.
4 LC3plus is the supported audio format in ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S.
5 When connecting the receiver to devices such as a computer or smartphone, please check the terminals of the connecting device and use the appropriate cable or adapter.
6 Available only when connected to a USB Audio Class 1.0 compatible device. Even if the device is USB Audio Class 1.0 compliant, a separate conversion adapter may be required for connection depending on the device.
7 Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof. Performance may vary depending on the body to which the unit is attached.
8 Power may not be supplied depending on the camera used. Please check the following website for compatible models. https://www.sony.net/dics/ecmw3s/
9 Actual color and dimension may differ from the screen image.
10 Colors & features of the product shown may differ by model and country.
11 4K: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.
12 Services availability depends on region. A part or whole of software/services installed into or accessible through the product may be changed, discontinued, removed, suspended, or terminated without notice.
13 Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
14 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sony Group Corporation and its subsidiaries is under license.