Sony ECM-XYST1M Review
Stereo Microphone
- Compatible with Sony Handycam Camcorders
- Compatible with Sony Alpha/NEX Cameras
- 70 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
- Includes Windscreen, Pouch & Audio Cable
- Works with the Sony Multi-Interface Shoe
- Compatible with Sony Cyber-Shot Cameras
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 20,400 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sony ECM-XYST1M. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sony ECM-XYST1M. For example, 78% of 2,153 users who have commented on the Value for money of the Sony ECM-XYST1M have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 76 Reviews
A Sound Improvement
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Benson H on B&H Photo Video
The Sony microphone was purchased primarily to improve the audio quality of my NEX 6 camera along with an eye to the future possibility of buying a Handycam camcorder. Considering the small size and location of its in-camera speakers, the NEX has reasonably good audio, especially filming in small areas. However, it does pick up sounds from behind and at the sides of the camera that can be quite distracting and unwanted. Too, a very slight amount of noise also comes from zooming my Sony 18-200mm PZ lens in a very quiet setting. Using the XYST1M stereo microphone has noticeably improved audio quality. The sound is amplified and its clarity is better than the in-camera speakers. Considerably less ambient noise is audible from the back and sides of the camera even at the 120-degree speaker setting. The 0-degree setting does significant help to further narrow the focus of the audio. Also, the higher location of the speakers seems to have pretty much removed the noise from the zooming of the lens. After evaluating the performance of the microphone (made easier by B&H's generous 30-day trial period), I still had some reservations that made me wonder if I should keep the Sony unit. First, the in-camera microphone seem to do a reasonable job despite its limitations. Second, there's some feedback hiss with the XYST1M microphone in moderately noisy environments that is not present with the in-camera speakers. It was a bit annoying when listening to the audio/video playback on the camera's LCD screen. However, it pretty much disappears when running it through my monitors via the HDMI connection. Third, I was hoping for an even narrower audio field with the 0-degree setting for the microphone and it would have also been helpful if the speaker positioning had a couple of intermediate hard detents to better hold the adjustment in-place. Fourth, Ive wondered if/when Sony will come out with an adapter for their Multi-interface shoe (for NEX cameras like the 6 that don't have an audio-in jack) so that standard microphones can be used. At the end of the day, however, I decided to keep the Sony microphone since it does improve the audio quality, eliminates unwanted noise from behind and to the sides of the camera, and is relatively small and handy to carry around. ... More
Interesting Mic
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Chris Gibbs on B&H Photo Video
It's a different concept as it requires no batteries, it's powered from the camera. Why is this important. Well, for me two reasons, the first being you cannot screw-up and forget to turn it on, its on when mounted on the camera. The second reason, if this is an occasional use mic batteries are a pain, you find yourself thinking, are they fresh, maybe they're dead or will they last the recording session? No issues with this mic, if your camera's rolling then the mic is working - as it should be. It may not be the best mic you can buy, but (and its a big but) if you attach this mic to your SONY you will get very decent audio most every time, it's pretty much immune to pilot error and therefore it has its proper place in my kit (as does the auto exposure setting on my mode dial). Size-wise, it's tiny. You could leave it in your pocket for those just-in-case moments. As with all these on-camera mics (or on-camera flash) I'd say being within 6-10 feet is the optimal working distance. My only complaint, even when mounted on a SONY smart-shoe equipped camera you still have to plug-in the 3.5mm cable to access the manual audio levels feature on the camera. Without the 3.5mm cable this mic is in full-auto mode, but it does appear to do a very good job is noisy environments! So to sum it up, if I were to take one mic out on a road-trip, I'd take this one, it'll just work. Fancy mics are obviously better, but how many times have you heard a video guy say, well the audio isn't too good in the clip, I didn't have the levels set properly -- no issues here (without the 3.5mm cable), you'll be in full auto and in the ball park. KISS! ... More
No
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Pete on B&H Photo Video
I've looked at this mic for some time with skepticism. I have been purchasing pro-sumer camcorders for 10 years via Sony and B&H. This mic is completely useless and I am completely befuddled by any positive review or its placement as a viable mic on the market by Sony or B&h. It has a low cut, but on or off noises further away are louder than me right in front of the camera with the directional mic pointed at me. In the gentlest of breezes, even with the wind cover it comes with on, it sounds like hurricane Katrina is passing by. Completely perplexed by this product... back it goes. ... More
An incredible mic
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Bill on B&H Photo Video
This is a hot shoe microphone, no wires, just attach and go. The directional mic is perfect for close ups and med shots of talking heads, great audio. Its a distinct advantage over the built in mic, no movement noise, no contact with the camera noise and very clean. I used it on several films, documentaries and commercials to get a live spontaneous feeling with the Sony A 6000, a great camera, and got great sound on every shot. Small and fast to set up, its a must have for the camera kit. A great buy.
It Does the Job
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Capt. Aero on B&H Photo Video
For its small size and short barrels, it works quite well. The supplied furry windscreen excludes most wind noise. Getting good-enough stereo pickup from a mike in this price range is exceptional. I don't hear any background hiss in quiet surroundings. In fact, for my HX400V camera, it's the only choice for a mike and luckily, it works well. It will pick up birdcalls a quarter-mile away, which the built-in mikes won't do very well. It also excludes my breathing sounds and occasional grunts, which the built-in mikes capture far too well. The unfortunate position of this camera's own mikes, is too close to your face and they are terrible for wind noise. This add-on mike is a great solution for all these problems. I give it only 4 stars, just because it isn't as good as my 19-inch long, Pro XLR mikes, which I can't use on this camera, anyway. ... More
Ads
Handy Mic for Sony a6000
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by the_chemist on B&H Photo Video
I use my Sony alpha a6000 for video of family events, such as Christmas celebrations and birthday parties. My videos are of casual, controlled environments, but nonetheless quality is quite important to me because these are important family moments that I want to capture with high video and audio quality. Because I use an a6000 with no external mic input, the ECM-XYST1M is a livesaver, since it transmits the audio data through the multi-interface shoe. I also like that it draws power through the shoe and doesn't require batteries. Sound quality is good, and the low pass filter allows me to eliminate noise from the autofocus and powerzoom motors in the lens. I like that sony includes a soft carrying pouch and well-made wind sock. The sound quality is a significant improvement over the internal microphone; however, it's not the best I've experienced by any means. Also the plastic construction at the base of the device feels a little fragile, and doesn't give me confidence that it won't break if given a good whack. ... More
Good Mic for the Money
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Charles on B&H Photo Video
I bought the Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo mic to pick up ambient sound while recording video on my Sony a6300. I've only used it in exterior locations with the wind sock attached and have been very pleased so far. I set the LOW CUT filter switch of the mic to ON, the camera audio setting to AUTO and position the adjustable microphones to their 'shotgun' position. The mic is fully integrated with the camera through the hot shoe mount which means there are no cables to get in the way. It's a clean, no hassle set up. There is an isolation system built into the chassis of the mic and it seems to work well. Bumps and other handling noises from operating the camera have been minimal. The sound comes out clean and natural. But the sound pattern surely seems to be more of an omni directional type of pattern than that of a cardioid type. Nevertheless, the sound is always natural and clean coming from all directions. Plus...I'm using this mic for ambient sound...so there! I think this little mic offers a lot of bang for the buck and I can say I've been pleasantly surprised by its performance. It is well worth the money! ... More
better than expected
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by TH on B&H Photo Video
As a user of Sony devices for 40 years, I was expecting this to be another good product, and it is. Top-pointed mics, even on my amazing Sony RX10, just don't cut it - mics need to be facing the same direction the lens is pointing, particularly for subtle and distant sounds which are common in nature recording. I wasn't expecting the mic to be shock-mounted, so that was a nice surprise. I also like the strap that holds the wind screen on and keeps it from brushing the mics, another good design (though the low-cut filter is needed in anything more than a light breeze). The multi-interface shoe means I don't need to use the cable, another nicety for those who have it. If videos are important to you, then you need the audio to be as high-def as the picture is, and this mic will do that for you. ... More
Handy External Mic
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by myfrienddan on B&H Photo Video
Bought this mic to go along with my Sony a6000. Quality of the sound is exceptional. It was a toss up between this and the ecm-hgz1, but I went with this one mostly because of the included furry windmuff. The unit can be a little difficult to slip off, and because of the shock mount I pay extra attention during removal so I don't break it. Other than that, very happy.
Easy to use, good sound
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Choudoufu on B&H Photo Video
I got this to use with my Sony RX100 II. I used it to record two concerts this past weekend, and am happy with the results. The sound quality is FAR better than that of the in-camera mic. It's well worth the cost, to me. It's very much plug&play: turn the camera off, plug the mic into the shoe, turn the camera back on, and it's ready to go. Two downsides: 1) No on-screen menu or controls to adjust sound levels, due to insufficient support by the camera. 2) Even with the lock released, removing the mic from the camera shoe is difficult. This is exacerbated by the small size of the camera body---hard to grasp. If I end up breaking this mic, I bet it will be while I'm trying to remove it. ... More
Microphone sucks
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Willy on B&H Photo Video
Bought this to use on my Sony rx10 and it really sucks. I can't tell any difference between the on camera microphones and having this mounted on the camera. A complete waste of money.
Exceptionally great sound
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Mike on B&H Photo Video
I'm using a Sony A7RIII now for most of my video and this mic audio matches the camera's exceptional video quality. I read one review that was very critical of this mic but having used it for 6 shoots now am sure the negative comments were due to operator error or the minescual chance of a defective product. Buy this mic !
Good but will have hissing when there is silence
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by TIRUMALESH on B&H Photo Video
This mic is good only issue is when there is no sound it will capture hissing noise
BIG IMPROVE MENT over the Built in Mic
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Johnny on B&H Photo Video
I recommend investing in the Sony ECM-XYST1M to use to replace the internal mic because of the improved quality of the audio and the directional pickup brings out the sound that is directly in front of you. You will appreciate this when you do interviews. The voice is much more focused and helps to block out some of the ambient noise. What I do NOT like about this mic is the OVER THE HILL title of this mic. Who do hell wants to keep repeating this title and who can remember all those capital letters!!
Enhance audio
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by cj on B&H Photo Video
I work with sports video and wanted a way to capture audio from a specific direction. This works very well. I use it with my FDR-AX-100. The on-board audio is very good but I wanted to focus on-field sounds. This works very well for me.
Easy to use and good sound quality
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Moshe on B&H Photo Video
Since the Sony camera built-in microphones are omnidirectional, one must buy a separate microphone when recording voice and/or music. Hooking up up the Sony ECM-XYST1M stereo microphone to the a6X cameras is an easy cinch. The foot has a flexible shock absorber that works as a noise damper. The mike direction can be adjusted to forward only, or wide (120 degrees) depending on the scene. I only recorded for voice in a closed hall with a lot of echo, and with the low-pass filter on: The result was much better than I expected. The downside of course when using a6000 is the lack of a line input in the camera body and lack of volume level indication. However, newer Sony camera models have these features, so I highly recommend this device to record amateur and semi-pro videos ... More
Works - Kind of...
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Thomas on B&H Photo Video
I bought this for use with my A7SIII and A7IV. The microphone works, but a) there is no volume control, b) no way to turn off auto-leveling, and c) both cameras report that they do not regognize it as a supported digital audio device, even though audio is delivered through the digital shoe interface. I found the captured audio to be very bright - compared, for instance tht eaudio captured by my Zoom 4K vide recorder. I was debating giving four stars since it was functional, but really I expect a better user experience from Sony, especially when using their own accessories. ... More
not bad
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by Mat on B&H Photo Video
it does offer pretty good audio but unfortunately it also adds noise in all your recordings. More noise than the built in camera mic....so I had to return it. I was using it with the A6000.
Wind cutter needs improvement
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
Purchased this for my A7 along with a Rode Video Compact Micro for my other DSLR. The stereo mic on this mic is definitely a noticeable difference between the two microphones, putting this one a step up. Also like the no-fuss connection for the multi-function shoe. . . no cords/cables to have to worry about, get in the way, get caught, etc. Only confusion is the wind cutter. . . seems to work only when the mics are spread to the wide setting. If the mics are in the forward position, the wind cutter is only good at falling off. 4 stars because of the wind reducer, otherwise Id recommend this product. ... More
Just popped it on and got good
Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone
Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video
My camera is a Sony Alpha II, which is a very good mirrorless dslr, that takes movies as well. Of course the built in mic is minimal. I tried it out for real at a house concert, with serious audio equipment, and an audience of about 50. The two mics were both pointed at the artist, so it was not really sterio. The sound quality was quite presentable on the external stereo speakers driven from my laptop. My intention is iTunes and Facebook use, not making studio quality audio so it clearly does the job for me.
