The Sony ECM-XYST1M is a stereo microphone that is compatible with the Sony Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe. The MI Shoe operates by passing audio directly to your camera without the need for additional cables. For cameras that are not equipped with a MI Shoe, you can connect the microphone to your camera’s mic input jack using a stereo mini-jack cable included with the stereo microphone. You can also manually adjust the directional angle of the microphone capsules from 0º to 120º, enabling you to refine your audio capture according to its settings. Additionally, a windscreen that comes with the ECM-XYST1M further enhances audio quality by minimising wind noise pickup. 

Identifying the ECM-XYST1M parts 

Look no further if you’re looking for a compact microphone to shoot vlogs. The Sony ECM-XYST1M pairs well with Cyber-Shot camera, Alpha cameras, Handycam camcorders and any other camera with an MI Shoe. Let’s start by identifying the microphone parts: 

1. This is the lock knob of the stereo microphone. It helps fasten and unfasten the microphone into and from your camera.  

2. The Multi-Interface foot connects the microphone to your camera. It is recommended that you avoid touching the connector to ensure smooth audio contact.  

3. The two round knobs in front of the ECM-XYST1M are microphones. They can also be used to adjust the directional angle of the microphone according to the sound source. You can turn to 0º when capturing sound from a distance or with a narrow soundstage. Turn to 120º when picking up a nearby sound or with a wide soundstage. Alternatively, you may choose a pickup sound pattern according to your preference.   

4. The (NORM/ LOW CUT) slide switch on the side of the stereo microphone is used to set the switch corresponding to the sound source. The “NORM” switch is used to naturally pick up sound from low to high tone, and “LOW CUT” is used to efficiently cut the low-frequency range which helps to reduce wind, air-conditioning or vibration noises.   

5. The “MIC OUT” audio output enables you to use the included connecting cable to connect the microphone unit to your camera in the event that the camera is not equipped with an MI Shoe.   

6. The supplied windscreen helps to minimise wind noises.  

7. This is the connector protector cap that safeguards the connector from dust and grime.    

The ECM-XYST1M is a handy stereo microphone that produces crisp, clear, unadulterated audio to fulfil your audio needs for video production. So, if you’re looking for a microphone to shoot video logs or any other videos that require audio, this microphone is it.