Digital Audio Integration with Sony Cameras

Through a compatible Sony camera’s MI Shoe, the ECM-W5 delivers digital audio at up to 96 kHz/24-bit or 48 kHz/32-bit float. On supported cameras, 32-bit float audio is recorded directly as an audio track within the video file, eliminating the need to manage and synchronize a separate audio recording. Quiet voices and sudden peaks can be adjusted in postproduction, reducing the need for ongoing gain adjustments during shooting.

Input gain offers automatic adjustment to help prevent clipping and distortion, or manual control from -12 to +12 dB—even during 32-bit float recording. Noise-cut and low-cut functions can be switched on or off through the menu.

Reliable Wireless Audio and Flexible Monitoring

The ECM-W5 provides low-latency wireless transmission at distances up to approximately 1640’ in line-of-sight conditions. Its optimized wireless design uses Bluetooth hopping technology to help maintain stable connections and minimize dropouts, even in crowded radio environments. Connect compatible Sony Bluetooth LE Audio headphones to the receiver for cable-free monitoring. The receiver can also capture audio from the microphone on compatible Sony wireless headphones for lightweight vlogging setups. With a compatible microphone, binaural recording supports ambient sound capture with a sense of spatial depth.

Onboard Backup and Four-Channel Expansion

Each mic/transmitter includes 64GB of built-in storage for independent recording and onboard backup. Compatible Sony cameras also support simultaneous WAV recording, allowing a 32-bit float audio source to be retained separately from the video file. Internal recordings can be exported to a PC over USB-C, either directly from the microphone or through the charging case.

Add up to two ECM-W5T transmitters, available separately, to record four speakers simultaneously on separate tracks in a compatible camera. Recording start/stop control on the microphone provides convenient operation during interviews and other productions.

Lavalier Inputs and Versatile Mounting

Both the transmitter and receiver provide a mono 3.5mm external microphone input for lavaliers such as the optional Sony ECM-L1. The transmitter’s locking TRS jack helps prevent accidental cable disconnection.

Clip and magnet attachment options support flexible placement on clothing or surfaces. The discreet appearance suits on-camera use, while the upright form factor is easy to hold for handheld reporting and live streaming. For recording beyond Sony camera setups, both the microphone and receiver also connect to compatible smartphones and PCs. The included USB-C adapter enables a cable-free receiver connection to devices supporting USB Audio Class 2.0, including 32-bit float recording.

Timecode, Controls, and Camera-Linked Power

Timecode output helps align footage in postproduction. In USB SYNC mode, a USB-C cable connects the receiver to a compatible Sony camera to synchronize with timecode stored as video metadata, supporting multi-camera workflows.

Opening the charging case places the receiver in standby, and removing the units powers them on for use. The receiver features a high-contrast AMOLED touchscreen and a control wheel/button for adjusting settings. When configured in advance, camera-linked power through the MI Shoe also powers on the receiver and microphones.

A compatible camera powers the shoe-mounted receiver during extended shoots. The microphones and standalone receiver each provide up to seven hours of continuous operation per full charge. With the receiver powered by the camera, microphone charging through the case extends total use to up to 11 hours. LEDs display power, recording, and link status. Recycled materials account for more than 41% of the main unit’s plastic weight.