Sony ECM-W5 launches with 32-bit float recording and 64GB built-in storage!

Sony has officially introduced the ECM-W5, a new wireless microphone kit that builds on the previous ECM-W3 with improved wireless transmission, further expanding its ECM lineup. Aimed at content creators and videographers, the new kit features 32-bit float recording, 64GB of built-in backup recording storage on each transmitter, and a wireless communication range of up to 500 meters. It also supports Sony's Multi Interface Shoe for a cable-free connection with compatible cameras. In this article, I'll discuss everything about the Sony ECM-W5, including its features, availability, and expected price in Nepal.

Sony ECM-W5 Overview

Design and Build

Starting with the design, the Sony ECM-W5 comes with two compact transmitters, a receiver, and a charging case. Each transmitter weighs just 27.1 grams and has a built-in clip, along with a magnetic plate for attaching it to clothing in different ways. There's also a physical REC button on each mic. This means you can start or stop recording right from the mic instead of having to reach for your camera or phone.

Meanwhile, the receiver weighs 35 grams and features a touchscreen display for adjusting settings. Its bottom adapter is interchangeable, letting you switch between the supplied Multi Interface Shoe adapter for compatible Sony cameras and the USB-C adapter for supported phones and computers. 

For outdoor shoots, Sony says the ECM-W5 has a dust- and moisture-resistant design, although it isn't guaranteed to be completely dust- or moisture-proof. 

Audio and Recording Features

Moving to audio, the Sony ECM-W5 supports 32-bit float recording at 48 kHz, which gives you more flexibility to adjust audio levels during editing if a speaker suddenly gets louder or quieter. Each transmitter also comes with 64GB of built-in storage for backup recordings, enough for up to 90 hours of audio in this format. Since the transmitter records audio directly to its own storage, you can still retrieve that recording if the wireless connection to your camera is interrupted.

The system also supports up to four separate audio channels when used with compatible Sony cameras. The kit includes two transmitters for recording two people, but you can buy two additional ECM-W5T transmitters separately to record up to four people at once. With each speaker on a separate channel, you can adjust their audio levels independently when editing interviews or group discussions.

To further control the sound, the transmitters offer Noise Cut and Low Cut filters to help manage unwanted noise. Noise Cut uses digital processing to reduce background noise, while Low Cut reduces low-frequency sounds such as wind and vibrations. You can also use Auto Gain Control or manually adjust the input gain from −12 to +12 dB, giving you more control over recording levels.

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Performance and Connectivity

In terms of wireless performance, the Sony ECM-W5 offers a transmission range of up to 500 meters in line-of-sight conditions. Sony also claims that its wireless connection is approximately three times more stable than that of the ECM-W3 based on its internal testing. However, the actual range can vary depending on obstacles, nearby reflective surfaces, and radio interference.

As for connectivity, the receiver uses Sony's Multi Interface Shoe to connect directly to compatible cameras without requiring a separate audio cable. For devices without a compatible shoe, the included USB-C adapter lets you connect the system to supported smartphones and computers. The transmitters can also connect directly to compatible devices via Bluetooth, allowing you to record without using the receiver.

Additionally, the ECM-W5 supports cable-free audio monitoring through compatible Sony wireless headphones with LE Audio, letting you check the sound while recording. For multi-camera productions, its timecode synchronization feature helps align footage during editing. The receiver's USB SYNC mode can record timecode as video metadata when connected to a compatible camera, although Sony currently lists only the FX5 as supporting this mode.

Battery and Charging

Coming to battery, the Sony ECM-W5 offers up to 7 hours of battery life for both the transmitters and receiver on a single charge. The charging case extends the transmitters' operating time to up to 11 hours, giving you more time to record before needing to recharge them. When attached to a compatible Sony camera via the Multi Interface Shoe, the receiver draws power from the camera instead of relying on its own battery, so its endurance doesn't limit the recording time. The transmitters, however, still rely on their internal batteries.

Sony ECM-W5 Specifications:

• Dimensions and Weight:
  • Transmitter (TX): 31 x 47 x 22.3 mm, 27.1 g
  • Receiver (RX): 53.5 x 17.8 x 37.5 mm, 35 g
  • Charging case: 77.5 x 51 x 94.5 mm, 174 g
• Type: Wireless microphone system with built-in recording
• Display and Controls:
  • Receiver (RX): AMOLED touchscreen
  • Transmitter (TX): Physical REC button and built-in clip
• Transmission Range: Up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) in line-of-sight conditions
• Internal Recording: 32-bit float recording at 48 kHz, with 64GB built-in storage per transmitter
• Audio Controls: Noise Cut and Low Cut filters, Auto Gain Control, and manual input gain adjustment
• Connectivity: Sony Multi Interface Shoe, USB-C, and Bluetooth; 3.5mm external microphone input on each transmitter and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack on the receiver
• Audio Monitoring: Wireless monitoring with compatible Sony headphones supporting LE Audio
• Timecode: Supports timecode synchronization, including USB SYNC mode with compatible cameras
• Battery and Charging:
  • TX: Up to 7 hours on a single charge; up to 11 hours of total operating time with the charging case
  • RX: Up to 7 hours on a single charge when used standalone
  • Receiver draws power from a compatible Sony camera when connected through the Multi Interface Shoe

Sony ECM-W5 Price in Nepal and Availability

The Sony ECM-W5 wireless microphone kit has been officially launched globally with a starting price of USD 399.99. Sony has also announced the standalone receiver at USD 189.99, and the transmitter is priced at USD 119.99. While there is no information regarding its availability in the local market yet, if it is introduced here, we can expect the Sony ECM-W5 price in Nepal to be around NPR 60,899.

• Meanwhile, watch the Apple Watch Series 12 review video.