The Professional's Source Since 1973

Log In / Account
Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live

Sony ECM-B1M Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone for Sony Cameras

BH #SOECMB1M • MFR #ECM-B1M
30 reviews
Sony ECM-B1M Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone for Sony Cameras
Key Features
  • Designed for Sony a7R IV
  • Mounts via Sony Multi Interface Shoe
  • 3 x Selectable Directivity Patterns
  • Selectable Digital/Analog Output
The Sony ECM-B1M is an ultra-compact camera-mount digital shotgun microphone designed for mobile video creators working with Sony cameras equipped with the Multi Interface Shoe. Released alongside the a7R IV, which benefits from its built-in Digital Audio Interface, the ECM-B1M is able to produce its best quality by delivering a digital audio stream directly to the camera through the Multi Interface Shoe. Other Sony cameras with the standard Multi Interface Shoe can still make use of the microphone as there is a selectable digital/analog output.
In Stock
$348.00
$58/mo. suggested payments for 6 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $53.99
Ask Our Experts
800.606.6969

Sony ECM-B1M Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Compatibility
  • 3Three Directivity Modes
  • 4Super Directivity in a Compact Mic
  • 5Digital Sound with Low Noise
  • 6Effective Controls for Clear Sound
  • 7Mechanical Noise Suppression
  • 8Cable-Free Connection

The Sony ECM-B1M is an ultra-compact camera-mount digital shotgun microphone designed for mobile video creators working with Sony cameras equipped with the Multi Interface Shoe. Released alongside the a7R IV, which benefits from its built-in Digital Audio Interface, the ECM-B1M is able to produce its best quality by delivering a digital audio stream directly to the camera through the Multi Interface Shoe. Other Sony cameras with the standard Multi Interface Shoe can still make use of the microphone as there is a selectable digital/analog output.

The ECM-B1M is equipped with eight high-performance mic capsules and advanced digital signal processing, providing three selectable directivity patterns for a wide range of shooting and recording situations. Plug-and-play operation makes the microphone easy to use right out of the box—you can immediately start recording your YouTube videos, Facebook Live streams, and interviews, at home, in the studio, or on the go.

Compatibility
Digital Audio
Sony Alpha a7R IV

Analog Audio
Sony cameras equipped with Multi Interface Shoe
Three Directivity Modes
Advanced digital signal processing makes it possible to offer three switchable directivity patterns: supercardioid, cardioid, and omnidirectional.
Super Directivity in a Compact Mic
Eight high-performance microphone units work with a beam-forming algorithm to provide extremely sharp directivity that effectively rejects off-axis sound. All of this is achieved in a remarkably compact microphone that is only 3.91" in length.
Digital Sound with Low Noise
When connected via the Multi Interface shoe of a compatible camera that features a built-in digital audio interface, the audio signal is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that no degradation can occur. A simple switch also provides compatibility with a wide range of cameras using an analog interface.
Effective Controls for Clear Sound
Record level control, analog output for compatibility with a wide range of cameras, and an attenuator that makes it easy to set optimum signal levels all add to this microphone's versatility.

A low-cut filter that cuts out subsonic noise is implemented through digital signal processing, maximizing audio quality at the recording stage and thereby reducing the need for complex post processing.

Mechanical Noise Suppression
An advanced shock and vibration suppressing design effectively minimizes low-frequency or handling noise, which can degrade audio quality. The absence of connecting cables also means that no noise can be transmitted to the microphone mechanically via cables and connectors.

A fur windscreen is supplied to help reduce wind noise when shooting outdoors.

Cable-Free Connection
Simply clip the microphone into the Multi Interface Shoe on a compatible camera for direct power and audio connections without the need for extra cables or batteries. Sony's Multi Interface Shoe offers intelligent connectivity and control for a variety of accessories, providing maximum flexibility and mobility.
UPC: 027242916487

Sony ECM-B1M Specs

Microphone
Form FactorCamera-Mount
Sound FieldMono
Operating PrinciplePressure Gradient
Pressure Operated
Capsule8 x Electret Condenser
Polar PatternCardioid, Omnidirectional, Supercardioid
Pattern SelectionSwitched
OrientationEnd Address
CircuitrySolid-State
Pad-10 dB
-20 dB
High-Pass FilterYes
Tone AdjustmentNone
Gain AdjustmentYes
IndicatorsNone
On-Board ControlsGain/Sensitivity, Polar Pattern, High-Pass Filter, Pad
WindscreenFoam (Included)
Performance
Frequency Range40 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL120 dB SPL
Sensitivity-20 dBFS at 1 kHz
Dynamic Range106 dB
Equivalent Noise Level14 dB SPL
Connectivity
Output Connectors (Analog)1 x Proprietary
Output Connectors (Digital)1 x Micro-USB
Digital Audio
Digital Signal ProcessingNoise Reduction
Power
Operating VoltageNot Specified by Manufacturer
Physical
ColorBlack
MountingCamera/Shoe-Mount
Included CasePouch
Operating Temperature32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Storage Temperature-4 to 131°F / -20 to 55°C
DimensionsH: 3.22 x W: 1.08 x L: 3.91" / H: 81.8 x W: 27.4 x L: 99.3 mm
Weight2.8 oz / 79 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight0.48 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)5.9 x 5.4 x 2.5"

Sony ECM-B1M Reviews

great sound

By Charles
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-27

Purchased for doing some video projects interviewing older family members about family history. Sound was much better than the in camera microphone, worked well, easy to use

Simply the best mic for hybrid shooters

By Mark
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-26

This mic fits the bill when you need something better than scratch audio but can't be bothered with a wireless lav or more complicated setup. The slim form factor and simplicity (no extra batteries or cables) make it ideal for run-and-gun video or hybrid shooters. The sound quality is remarkably good for a mic of its size-even for informal interviews. Docking a star because the suspension system isn't great-as other reviews have noted. Still the best option in its class for those invested in the Sony ecosystem.

Amazing, but...

By Matthew
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-22

I would have given this five stars, but... My only major disappointment with this amazing mic is: the moment you plug it into the hot shoe it deactivates the 3.5mm mic input on the side of the camera (A7siii)... which means you can't run two channels of audio with it attached (e.g., with a supplemental Rode Wireless Go lav mic or equivalent). This was a bit frustrating for the price tag and seems like it is something that could be addressed in a firmware update (hint, hint Sony). Also, due to the internal nature of this problem, the lack of any aftermarket solution is equally disappointing. My only other minor gripe is the floating stabilization feature fails a bit (and produces an undesirable knocking sound) when pushed past a brisk walking pace in uneven terrain (without a gimbal). That said, if you are planning to regularly move quickly and aggressively while filming, you likely wont be happy with this mic. Other than those two gripes, I am supremely impressed with everything else about this microphone.

Functional and compact

By Giovanni
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-05

Great lightweight, compact microphone. The lack of wires significantly adds to the ease of use. The carrying case is sensibly designed, too. I like everything about the controls; the selectable patterns, noise filters and automatic volume are all useful. It's still very expensive and the shock mount is a bit underdesigned, meaning it risks bottoming out if you move too much while filming. I haven't tested the digital audio yet, as my camera doesn't support it.

Does all it says it can do.

By Vincent
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-28

The sound qualities on recording from my Sony A99ii markedly improved when this microphone replace others (including other Sony microphones). Considering that my old A99i can only utilize it in analog mode, I can only imagine how good its capabilities are with newer Sony cameras that work with it in digital mode.

Very happy with this for video calls

By Joseph
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-23

Although, this is likely not the use case for many, I have this attached to an a7c that I use for work calls (enterprise software sales/consulting). Primarily google meet, sometimes bluejeans or zoom. It replaces a Shure mv7. The Shure is fantastic, but good volume, and quality sound is best when the Shure mic is on cam. That setup is distracting. With the ECM-B1M, the mic is almost just as good (set to NC, ATT 0, Digital Audio) and is completely out of view.

Works Great

By Ryan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-08

Love the hot shoe functionality. Highly recommend.

Great for eliminating unwanted sounds.

By RockyTrekker
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-03

I haven't used it extensively yet, but I am more elderly now and my breathing was showing up in the audio when I shot video on my A1. I bought this microphone to fix it. I set it to Shotgun, Noise Canceling and -10 db Attenuation (where it was set at unboxing). Now the sound I record in front of my camera is crystal clear, and I don't have to spend time in post cleaning up something I cannot avoid.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

How can i use this microphone with the a7s iii, ...

How can i use this microphone with the a7s iii, and be able to have the 4channels (for timecode)
Asked by: Audrey
The microphone is mono, single channel only.
Answered by: daniel
Date published: 2021-02-05

The included deadcat muff is only good enough for ...

The included deadcat muff is only good enough for mild side and back wind. It's inadequate for stronger wind. Does anyone have a recommendation for a more robust wind noise cancellation solution for this for 20-30mph wind hitting the back of it? (Shooting while riding a Segway). Thank you for your help!!!
Asked by: ALLEN ALI
You can try layering a foam windscreen underneath the deadcat and that should provide much better protection from wind noise.
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2021-05-31

Will this ECM B1M mic work with the SONY A9?

Will this ECM B1M mic work with the SONY A9?
Asked by: Kenneth
Yes, they are compatible.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2019-08-13

will it work with bmpcc 4k ?

will it work with bmpcc 4k ?
Asked by: MEME
Unfortunately this only works with Sony cameras. It is not compatible with the Blackmagic Pocket 4k.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2019-07-30

Since you can only use it for Analog Audio in ...

Since you can only use it for Analog Audio in every other model - whats the difference? Will the Audio Quality still be as good as the digital audio?
Asked by: Robbie
thank you for your question. This microphone has digital processing to change the way the microphone picks up audio and connects with a Multi Interface shoe. You will have great sound quality without the hassle of cables to extra components.
Answered by: Anthony
Date published: 2019-12-11

Will it also work with the A7R III?

Will it also work with the A7R III?
Asked by: Yiyun
Hi Yiyun, you can use the shotgun microphone with A7R III by setting the "DIGITAL/ANALOG switch" to "ANALOG".
Answered by: SonyListens
Date published: 2019-12-20

Is this mic compatible with the FX30? The FX30 ...

Is this mic compatible with the FX30? The FX30 page on Sony's website states it has a Multi Interface Shoe yet I saw an answer stating this mic was not compatible with the FX3 which I thought had the same style of Hot shoe. If not compatible are there any Sony shotgun mics that are compatible?
Asked by: Anthony
I reached out to Sony and confirmed that the Sony ECM-B1M Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone is compatible with both the FX30 and the FX3 Cinema Cameras. The ECM-B1M can be connected directly to the Multi Interface Shoe on both cameras.
Answered by: Lisa
Date published: 2022-12-01

Is there a way to power this other than through ...

Is there a way to power this other than through the Sony multi interface shoe for use off camera? If not, could an Sony cable such as B&H # VEOCSSM3 be used to place it off camera and still have it work? TIA
Asked by: Jonathan D
Not really the mic was designed for the Sony Multi Interface Shoe. One of the design concepts was to have the mic cable free. So no noise can be transmitted through the cable to the mic.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2019-08-21
  • y_2023, m_3, d_30, h_21CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.35
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_59
  • loc_en_US, sid_1494690, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo