Sony ECM-S1 Reference guide

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Use this Help Guide when you have issues or questions on how to use your wireless/streaming microphone.
Compatible cameras
The wireless/streaming microphone ECM-S1 is compatible with a camera that has a Multi Interface
Shoe such as a Sony Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera.
- Even if your camera has a Multi Interface Shoe, you may be unable to use it with this unit or some
functions may not work.
- The receiver and the microphone are factory-set to communicate with each other. Therefore,
operations usually needed for Bluetooth devices such as pairing and passkey entry are not
necessary. With any Bluetooth device other than the receiver and the microphone, on the other
hand, communication is not possible.
For camera models compatible with this unit, view here. (Another window will open.)
When the message “This accessory is not supported by the device and cannot be used.” is
displayed on the camera:
View here.
Locating parts and controls
Preparations
Unpacking
Charging the receiver
Charging the microphone
Attaching the receiver to a camera
Attaching the pop guard
Attaching the stand
Attaching the connector protect holder/stand
Recording
Recording with the connected camera
Recording with the connected computer or smartphone
Recording with the microphone and the computer or smartphone connected via the wired connection
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5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
Recording with the connected computer or smartphone via the wireless connection
Monitoring the audio
Adjusting the headphone volume level
Adjusting the audio mixing ratio
Lamp indications
About this unit
Notes on use
Bluetooth® Wireless Communication Technology
Specifications
Trademarks
When the message “This accessory is not supported by the device and cannot be used.” is displayed on
the camera:
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Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Locating parts and controls
Receiver
Slide switch (ANALOG/OFF/DIGITAL)
Select “ANALOG” (analog audio output), “OFF” (power off), or “DIGITAL” (digital audio output).
If your camera is compatible with the digital audio interface of the Multi Interface Shoe, set the switch to
“DIGITAL.”
Digital signal transmission from the receiver to the camera has the following merits over analog signal
transmission that is enabled by the switch being set to “ANALOG.”
Audio recording with less noises
Less audio delay during recording
Recording with 24-bit audio (only available in combination with the compatible camera)
Note
Movies recorded with 24-bit audio may not be played back normally on devices or software incompatible with 24-bit
audio, resulting in unexpectedly loud volumes or no sound.
If your camera is not compatible with the digital audio interface of the Multi Interface Shoe, set the switch to
“ANALOG.”
When the message “This accessory is not supported by the device and cannot be used.” is displayed on the
camera, set the switch to “ANALOG.”
If this does not help, see here.
When a TRS audio cable with the 3.5 mm diameter plug (commercially available) is connected, the receiver
outputs analog signals via the cable.
When a device with a USB audio input capability is connected, the receiver outputs digital signals.
When you do not intend to use the receiver, set the switch to “OFF” to conserve the battery power.
1.
Multi Interface foot2.
3

Microphone
Power lamp (Green: Powered, Orange: Charging the battery)
Indicates the power state of the receiver or the battery charge state.
When the power lamp stays blinking in orange, battery charging is needed.
3.
LINK lamp
Indicates the connection state between the receiver and the microphone.
4.
USB Type-C® port
Connect to a power source with a USB Type-C cable (commercially available) for charging the built-in battery of the
receiver and/or for supplying power to the receiver.
This port can be connected to a device with a USB audio input capability, such as a computer or a smartphone, for
audio recording as well.
5.
Microphone out jack
Connect to the microphone in jack on the camera with a TRS audio cable with the 3.5 mm diameter plug
(commercially available) for audio recording.
6.
Connector Protect Holder/Stand
Attached to the receiver at the time of purchase.
7.
Screw hole for tripod attachment (1/4 in. in diameter)8.
Pop guard attachment mark1.
(mute) button/lamp (Red: The microphone is in mute mode.)2.
Indicator lamps
By default, level meter mode is indicated.
While the microphone is in level meter mode, briefly pressing the headphone volume/mixing ratio adjustment dial
switches the mode to headphone volume adjustment mode.
While the microphone is in level meter mode, pressing and holding the headphone volume/mixing ratio adjustment
dial for about 2 seconds switches the mode to mixing ratio adjustment mode.
To bring the microphone back into level meter mode, briefly press the headphone volume/mixing ratio adjustment dial
or leave the microphone unused for 3 seconds or longer while the microphone is in headphone volume adjustment
mode or in mixing ratio adjustment mode.
3.
(power) button/lamp (Green: Powered, Orange: Charging the battery)
Indicates the power state of the microphone or the battery charge state.
When the (power) lamp stays blinking in orange, battery charging is needed.
4.
4

Related Topic
Charging the receiver
LINK lamp
Indicates the connection state between the receiver and the microphone.
5.
Stand
Attached to the microphone at the time of purchase.
6.
Screw hole for tripod attachment (1/4 inch in diameter)7.
Stand attachment hole8.
AUDIO LEVEL dial
Adjusts the recording volume level of the audio from the microphone.
Note
Turning the AUDIO LEVEL dial does not change the input level for the audio from the computer or smartphone via the USB
connection.
9.
Headphone volume/mixing ratio adjustment dial
Press this dial briefly to place the microphone into headphone volume adjustment mode; press and hold the dial for
about 2 seconds to place the microphone into mixing ratio adjustment mode.
10.
Directivity selection switch
: Monaural, Uni-directional
You can record the sounds coming across from the front while minimizing those coming from the back. This directivity
is suitable for recording the voice of a single person, for example, for making podcast or narrative recordings.
: Monaural, Omni-directional
Sounds from all directions are equally picked. This directivity is suitable for recording the voices of multiple persons
or for making recordings that capture the on-site atmosphere.
: Stereo, Uni-directional
Widespread sounds are captured with a rich sense of realism. This directivity is suitable, for example, for music
recording.
11.
Filter switch (NC/LC/OFF)
NC: Select this option to use the noise cut filter function. Unpleasant noises are effectively eliminated by digital signal
processing. If the sound quality does not seem appropriate, select “OFF.”
LC: Select this option to use the low cut filter function. Unwanted noises, such as wind noises, air-conditioning
noises, and vibration noises, are minimized.
OFF: Select this option to disable either of the filter functions.
12.
USB Type-C® port
Connect to a power source with a USB Type-C cable (commercially available) for charging the built-in battery of the
microphone and/or for supplying power to the microphone.
This port can be connected directly to a device with a USB audio input capability, such as a computer or a
smartphone, for audio recording as well.
13.
Headphone out jack
Connect headphones (commercially available) for audio monitoring while the microphone is connected to a device,
such as a computer or a smartphone, via the USB connection.
14.
Pop guard
Attach the pop guard to the microphone.
Popping noises caused by breath are reduced when you speak close to the microphone.
15.
5

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Unpacking
If you find anything missing, please contact your dealer.
The number in the parentheses indicates the quantity.
Receiver (1)
Connector Protect Holder/Stand (attached) (1)
Microphone (1)
Stand (attached) (1)
Pop guard (1)
Pouch (1)
Set of printed documentation
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
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Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Charging the receiver
Use a USB Type-C cable (commercially available) to charge the built-in battery of the receiver.
Note
Do not apply excessive force to the receiver when you connect the receiver to a computer. This may cause damage to the
receiver or the computer.
Connecting the receiver to a laptop computer that is not connected to an AC power source may deplete the battery power of the
computer. Do not leave the receiver connected to the computer for an extended period of time.
Use of any customized or hand-built computer is not guaranteed for battery charging or for connection with the receiver.
Depending on the type of USB device used in combination with the receiver, the receiver may fail to operate.
Not all the computers are guaranteed for operation with the receiver.
Battery charging via the USB connection may not be possible when the connected computer goes into standby (sleep) or
hibernate mode. If this is the case, change the computer settings and then charge the battery all over again.
In the event that the receiver is kept unused for an extended period of time, the amount of power that the rechargeable battery
can charge may be reduced. To make the battery capable of charging sufficient power, let the battery charge and discharge the
power repeatedly for a few times. In the event that you store the receiver for an extended period of time, charge the battery once
every 6 months to protect it against over-discharging.
In the event that the receiver is kept unused for an extended period of time, it may take longer to charge the built-in battery.
Open the lid of the USB Type-C port and connect a USB Type-C cable to the port.
Lid
USB Type-C cable
Power lamp
1
Connect the cable to a power source, such as a computer that is up and running, for battery charging.
The power lamp on the receiver lights in orange.
2
When battery charging is finished, disconnect the USB Type-C cable from the receiver.
Wait until the power lamp goes out to indicate that charging is finished (the battery is fully charged).
3
8

In the event that the rechargeable battery of the receiver fails and the failure is detected while battery charging is in progress, the
power lamp on the receiver stays blinking in orange.
It is recommended that the battery be charged when the ambient temperature is in the range of 15 °C to 35 °C (59 °F to 95 °F).
Efficient battery charging may not be possible when the temperature is outside this range.
If the failure persists, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
In the event of charging the built-in battery after the receiver is kept unused for an extended period of time, the power lamp on the
receiver may not immediately light in orange. Wait for a while until the power lamp lights in orange.
A significantly short battery life indicates that the rechargeable battery should be replaced with a new one. Consult your nearest
Sony dealer.
Keep the receiver against exposure to extreme temperature changes, direct sunlight, moisture, sand, dust, and electrical shocks.
Never leave the receiver in a parked vehicle.
When connecting the receiver to a computer, be sure to use only the USB Type-C cable and connect them directly. Indirect
connection, for example, via a USB hub fails to charge the built-in battery.
Related Topic
Lamp indications
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
9

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Charging the microphone
Use a USB Type-C cable (commercially available) to charge the built-in battery of the microphone.
Note
Do not apply excessive force to the microphone when you connect the microphone to a computer. This may cause damage to the
microphone or the computer.
Connecting the microphone to a laptop computer that is not connected to an AC power source may deplete the battery power of
the computer. Do not leave the microphone connected to the computer for an extended period of time.
Use of any customized or hand-built computer is not guaranteed for battery charging or for connection with the microphone.
Depending on the type of USB device used in combination with the microphone, the microphone may fail to operate.
Not all the computers are guaranteed for operation with the microphone.
Battery charging via the USB connection may not be possible when the connected computer goes into standby (sleep) or
hibernate mode. If this is the case, change the computer settings and then charge the battery all over again.
In the event that the microphone is kept unused for an extended period of time, the amount of power that the rechargeable
battery can charge may be reduced. To make the battery capable of charging sufficient power, let the battery charge and
discharge the power repeatedly for a few times. In the event that you store the microphone for an extended period of time, charge
the battery once every 6 months to protect it against over-discharging.
In the event that the microphone is kept unused for an extended period of time, it may take longer to charge the built-in battery.
Connect a USB Type-C cable (commercially available) to the microphone.
USB Type-C cable
(power) lamp
1
Connect the cable to a power source, such as a computer that is up and running, for battery charging.
The (power) lamp on the microphone lights in orange.
2
When battery charging is finished, disconnect the USB Type-C cable from the microphone.
Wait until the (power) lamp goes out to indicate that charging is finished (the battery is fully charged).
3
10

In the event that the rechargeable battery of the microphone fails and the failure is detected while battery charging is in progress,
the (power) lamp on the microphone stays blinking in orange.
It is recommended that the battery be charged when the ambient temperature is in the range of 15 °C to 35 °C (59 °F to 95 °F).
Efficient battery charging may not be possible when the temperature is outside this range.
If the failure persists, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
In the event of charging the built-in battery after the microphone is kept unused for an extended period of time, the (power)
lamp on the microphone may not immediately light in orange. Wait for a while until the (power) lamp lights in orange.
A significantly short battery life indicates that the rechargeable battery should be replaced with a new one. Consult your nearest
Sony dealer.
Keep the microphone against exposure to extreme temperature changes, direct sunlight, moisture, sand, dust, and electrical
shocks. Never leave the microphone in a parked vehicle.
When connecting the microphone to a computer, be sure to use only the USB Type-C cable and connect them directly. Indirect
connection, for example, via a USB hub fails to charge the built-in battery.
Related Topic
Lamp indications
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
11

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Attaching the receiver to a camera
Attach the receiver to a camera.
Note
Before attaching the receiver to the camera, charge the built-in battery of the receiver sufficiently enough.
Before attaching/removing the receiver to/from the camera, be sure to turn off the receiver and the camera.
Remove the connector protect holder/stand.
Slightly push down and hold the retention latch ( ) on the connector protect holder/stand, and then pull out the
receiver.
1
Align the Multi Interface foot of the receiver with the Multi Interface Shoe on the camera and attach the
receiver.
Note
Firmly insert the receiver all the way into the Multi Interface Shoe of the camera.
If the built-in flash on the camera is popped up, put it down.
2
Check the position of the slide switch on the receiver.
3
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To remove the receiver
Slide the receiver in the direction opposite to the one for attachment.
Related Topic
Charging the receiver
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
If your camera is compatible with the digital audio interface of the Multi Interface Shoe, make sure that the switch is
set to “DIGITAL.” If not, set the switch to “ANALOG.”
If the switch is not set correctly, a compatibility message will be displayed on the camera. For camera models
compatible with the digital audio interface of the Multi Interface Shoe, visit the website at:
https://www.sony.net/dics/ecms1/
13

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Attaching the pop guard
Attach the pop guard to the microphone.
Popping noises caused by breath are reduced when you speak close to the microphone.
To remove the pop guard
Hold the pop guard by the frame and remove the guard.
Note
When the pop guard is attached to the microphone, avoid gripping the guard too tightly or waving the microphone around with
excessive force, as this could cause the guard to detach and result in injury. Hold the microphone itself when carrying or handling
it.
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
Attach the pop guard along the pop guard attachment marks on the microphone as illustrated below.
1
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Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Attaching the stand
With the stand attached, the microphone can hold itself up for audio recording. It can tilt for angle adjustment as well.
The stand is attached to the microphone at the time of purchase.
To remove the stand
Hold the microphone and then pull out the stand.
Hint
When the stand is not attached to the microphone, you can screw a boom arm (commercially available) to the screw hole for
tripod attachment (1/4 in. in diameter) at the bottom of the microphone with a screw adaptor (commercially available).
Note
When the stand is attached to the microphone, avoid gripping the stand too tightly or waving the microphone around with
excessive force, as this could cause the stand to detach and result in injury. Hold the microphone itself when carrying or handling
it.
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
Push in the projections of the stand to the stand attachment holes on the microphone until the stand clicks
into place.
1
15

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Attaching the connector protect holder/stand
Before carrying around the receiver, attach the connector protect holder/stand (supplied) to the receiver.
To remove the connector protect holder/stand
Slightly push down and hold the retention latch ( ) on the connector protect holder/stand, and then pull out the receiver.
Hint
When placing the receiver away from a camera, attach the connector protect holder/stand to the receiver. Then you can place
and use the receiver on a flat surface.
The connector protect holder/stand can be screwed to a tripod through the screw hole for tripod attachment (1/4 in. in diameter)
on the connector protect holder/stand as well.
To screw the connector protect holder/stand to the tripod, use a tripod with the screw that is shorter than 5.5 mm (7/32 in.) in
length. To a tripod with the longer screw, the connector protect holder/stand cannot be secured firmly and may be damaged by
the screw.
Note
When you do not intend to use the receiver, attach the connector protect holder/stand to the Multi Interface foot for connector
protection.
Slide the Multi Interface foot of the receiver into the connector protect holder/stand until it clicks into place.
Slightly push down and hold the retention latch ( ) on the connector protect holder/stand, and then slide the
receiver into the connector protect holder/stand.
1
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5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
17

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Recording with the connected camera
Use the receiver attached to a camera and the microphone at hand for audio recording.
Turn on the camera and place the camera on standby.
1
Turn on the receiver and the microphone.
Select your desired audio output with the slide switch (ANALOG/OFF/DIGITAL) on the receiver.
If your camera is compatible with the digital audio interface of the Multi Interface Shoe, make sure that the switch is
set to “DIGITAL.” If not, set the switch to “ANALOG.”
If the switch is not set correctly, a compatibility message will be displayed on the camera. For camera models
compatible with the digital audio interface of the Multi Interface Shoe, visit the website at:
https://www.sony.net/dics/ecms1/
Press and hold the (power) button on the microphone for about 2 seconds.
Immediately after the receiver and the microphone are turned on, the LINK lamp on the microphone starts blinking
slowly in blue. This indicates that each of the devices is making a series of attempts to detect, connect to, and
authenticate the other device. When a connection is established between the devices and clear audio recording is
possible, the LINK lamps on both devices stay lit in blue.
If no connection is established, bring the microphone and the receiver closer to each other for another attempt. The
devices may be under influence of environmental or other factors.
2
Make sure that the LINK lamp on the receiver is lit in blue, and then start video recording with the camera.
3
18

Note
When you are finished with using the receiver and the microphone, select “OFF” with the slide switch on the receiver and press
and hold the (power) button on the microphone for about 2 seconds to turn off this unit.
Depending on the using condition, an analog connection with this unit may cause noises to be included in audio recordings.
To use a camera compatible with the digital audio interface of the Multi Interface Shoe or a device with a USB audio input
capability, make a digital connection with this unit. When a radio device is nearby, keep this unit sufficiently away from the device.
While video recording is in progress, operating the filter switch, the directivity selection switch, or the AUDIO LEVEL dial on the
microphone may cause operation sounds to be included in the recording. Before changing the switch/dial settings, be sure to
stop the recording.
When a video recording is made with this unit, an operation sound (an electronic sound) may be included at the beginning of the
recording. It is recommended that you disable the operation sound settings on your camera before making video recordings. For
details, refer to the operating instructions of your camera.
The receiver receives power supply from the camera as well. (The built-in battery of the receiver, however, is not charged with the
supplied power.) Depending on your camera, however, it may not be capable of supplying power. For the camera models that
support power supply to the receiver, visit our website at:
https://www.sony.net/dics/ecms1/
Related Topic
Lamp indications
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
Before recording, make sure that the surface of the microphone with the (power) button faces to the sound
source.
Adjust the recording volume level by turning the AUDIO LEVEL dial while monitoring the indicator lamps, or adjust
the distance between the audio source and the microphone.
In the event that sounds are picked at the normal volume level: Adjust the recording volume level so that none
of the indicator lamps would light in orange.
In the event that sounds are picked at an extremely loud volume level: Adjust the recording volume level so that
the top indicator lamp would not light in red.
19

Help Guide
Wireless/Streaming Microphone
ECM-S1
Recording with the microphone and the computer or smartphone connected via the
wired connection
You can connect the microphone to a device with a USB audio input capability, such as a computer or a smartphone, for
audio recording.
Note
For operations on the computer or smartphone, refer to the operating instructions of your device.
For audio recording with the microphone and the connected computer or smartphone, your device must be compatible with USB
Audio Class 1.0.
When connecting the microphone to the computer or smartphone, be sure to check the port type on your device and use a
compatible cable or an appropriate adaptor.
Note
While audio recording is in progress, operating the filter switch, the directivity selection switch, or the AUDIO LEVEL dial on the
microphone may cause operation sounds to be included in the recording. Before changing the switch/dial settings, be sure to
stop the recording.
5-054-814-11(1) Copyright 2023 Sony Corporation
Press and hold the (power) button on the microphone for about 2 seconds to turn on the microphone.
The (power) lamp lights in green.
1
Connect the microphone to a device with a USB audio input capability with a USB Type-C cable
(commercially available).
The (power) lamp on the microphone turns orange.
2
Make sure that the microphone is recognized on the device, and then start recording.
3
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