Sony ECM-W5: wireless system for multichannel recording

The ECM-W5 system offers recording of up to four channels, built-in memory, backups, and wireless monitoring at distances of up to 500 m. The kit with two transmitters will go on sale in November for $399.99.

Sony ECM-W5: wireless audio with in-camera recording and cable-free monitoring

Sony has introduced the ECM-W5 wireless audio system. The lineup includes the ECM-W5T transmitter, the ECM-W5R receiver, and a kit with one receiver, two transmitters, and a charging case.

According to the company, developing the system took several years. Sony studied the needs of today’s creators and small production teams. There are already many microphones on the market that deliver good sound and reliable performance, so when developing the ECM-W5, the company focused not only on recording quality but also on managing the entire audio workflow and addressing common user challenges.

The system works especially closely with compatible Sony cameras: the digital audio signal is transmitted to them wirelessly, and recording via the MI digital shoe is saved as a single file alongside the video. Supported cameras can record up to four audio channels when two additional TX transmitters are connected.

Recording, settings, and backups

Each microphone has 64 GB of built-in memory. Compatible cameras can also save a backup WAV recording directly in the camera, at up to 32-bit floating point.

Recording is available at sample rates of up to 96 kHz at 24-bit, while the 48 kHz mode supports 32-bit float. Automatic gain control helps prevent clipping; the level can be adjusted manually from −12 to +12 dB. Noise Cut and Low Cut filter settings are available in the microphone menu. External microphones with a 3.5 mm jack can be connected to both the receiver and the transmitters.

The ECM-W5 supports timecode output, including synchronization via USB. Audio files recorded to the internal memory can be exported directly from the receiver or transferred via USB-C through the charging case.

The ECM-W5T transmitter has a built-in battery. According to Sony, a full charge provides up to 11 hours of operation. The ECM-W5R receiver has a touchscreen AMOLED display and a physical control dial for adjusting settings. Wireless range reaches up to 500 meters with a clear line of sight.

Monitoring can also be wireless: Bluetooth LE Audio lets you listen to the sound through compatible Sony wireless headphones while remaining within the system’s range. This allows for greater freedom of movement while recording, including on location, where cables can get in the way.

Connecting to different devices

Sony highlights several common requests from creators: the ability to monitor audio wirelessly, easily use more than two microphones, get a backup copy, and record audio directly in the camera. 32-bit float recording is also becoming an expected feature in modern audio systems. The ECM-W5 offers all these capabilities.

However, some features are only available when using compatible Sony cameras. The system also works with cameras from other manufacturers, smartphones, cameras mounted on stabilizers, and computers.

“Video creators are increasingly working in dynamic environments, in small teams, and with less room for error,” says Yang Cheng, senior vice president of Sony Electronics’ Imaging Solutions division. “In developing the ECM-W5, we focused on the real challenges of their workflow: freedom of movement, recording multiple voices, synchronization, and protecting every take. This lets them spend more time on the story and less on managing audio.”

Pricing and availability

The Sony ECM-W5 Wireless Microphone Kit, with a receiver, two transmitters, and a charging case, will begin shipping in mid-November. It will cost $399.99 in the US and $569.99 in Canada.

The Sony ECM-W5R receiver and Sony ECM-W5T transmitter will also be available separately in mid-November. In the US, they will cost $189.99 and $119.99, respectively, and in Canada, $269.99 and $169.99. END