Sony just dropped the ECM-L1 lav mic for creators but it’s not cheap
Sep 11, 2024
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Sony has announced its newest lavalier microphone. It’s the Sony ECM-L1 ($279.99) and it’s features plug-in power support via a 3.5mm mini plug. As such, Sony says it’s designed for use with Sony’s Alpha series cameras and wireless microphone transmitters.
The ECM-L1 is targeted towards vlogging, interviews, and similar uses. It offers high-quality sound in a durable little package. It adopts technology from the company’s ECM-77 line in a more compact package, offering high-quality sound and durability.
Sony ECM-L1 – Wired lavalier microphone
The Sony ECM-L1 is an omnidirectional lavalier mic for creators and pro video use. It has a brass capsule with a ceramic back plate for high-quality sound and a thick cable for maximum durability. The capsule itself is borrowed from Sony’s own ECM-77, but with a 3.5mm plug on the other end instead of XLR.
It supports plug-in power, allowing you to plug it directly into a camera. Sony mentions this in the press release, but that could get quite awkward depending on the length of the cable. Sony doesn’t mention how long that cable is, but it’s probably a safer bet plugged into a wireless microphone transmitter or dedicated belt recorder.
The 3.5mm plug is of the locking variety, preventing it it from being accidentally pulled out while in use. The capsule is compatible with a number of Sony ECM-77 accessories. These include various clips, holders and windshields. So, if you already own the ECM-77, you can use the accessories you already have.
It’s not exactly an inexpensive mic, though. Priced at $279, it’s significantly more expensive than other 3.5mm lav mics on the market. The Rode Lavalier II, for example, costs a mere $99 and offers excellent quality. In fact, if you buy the Rode Wireless Pro ($357), it comes supplied with two of them. That’s two transmitters, a receiver and two lavs for only $78 more than the price of a single Sony ECM-L1.
While Sony’s obviously targeting creators with deeper pockets, one can’t ignore that price difference. I’d be very curious to hear how they sound side-by-side using the same recording equipment.
Price and Availability
The Sony ECM-L1 is available to preorder now for $279. Shipping is scheduled to begin in October.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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One response to “Sony just dropped the ECM-L1 lav mic for creators but it’s not cheap”
The Sennheiser ME-II (https://www.sennheiser.com/de-de/catalog/products/mikrofon/me-2/me-2-ii-507437) is very similar in specs, less than half the price and sounds probably just as good. Plus it has a union nut to secure it to the transmitter and it is completely beyond me, how any lavalier system on earth could go without it. The cable of the ECM-L1 is supposed to have 120cm – that makes for an entirely new dimension of awkwardness should you have the extremely stupid idea to directly connect it to a video camera.
If you’re looking for a minimalistic no-fuss solution, can live without float recording and hate the visual clumsiness of Rode’s Wireless Go, I suggest having a look at the Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Lavalier Set and the other options they offer. At 230 bucks it’s very reasonably priced and in comparison with the Sony, you literally get the wireless system for free. Never let me down in several years. You can even replace the built-in battery (standard 3.7V/850mAh 14500) yourself if you’re a little tech-savvy.