Wedding Filmmakers Will LOVE This Mic - Sony On Camera Shotgun Microphone Review (ECM-B1M)

[@whoismatt]

🎤 Do you use an on-camera mic? P.S. This video was colored with my presets, get them here - whoismatt.com/luts

[@yoyoyo7083]

Hi Matt, I just realised after watching your video that on-camera mics with a separate power supply like a separate battery, provide relatively better audio than those that only rely on the 3.5mm audio jack for power. I was hoping any advancement has been made so far since you made this video; like have companies now made anything similar to Sony's on-camera mic? I want to get a very good on-camera mic for my Nikon camera and I don't know which one to choose from... I would really appreciate your help.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Hey Matt! I have an issue with this mic - it's picking up autofocus noise and I'm not sure why. It's doing it with both the A7sIII and ZV-E1 on different GM lenses. I don't remember it doing this before, have you come across this issue? Thanks

[@whoismatt]

Hey that’s strange! I haven’t experienced that issue myself or heard of it happening to other people. Could be electrical interference of some sort?

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

@@whoismatt Thanks for the reply! Yes it's really strange and I don't remember it when I first bought it. Example in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWbGiXWQo6-jorM There's a low-pitched 'thunk' each and every time the AF-C makes micro adjustments to stay in focus. Really off-putting and I don't know if its a new thing since the firmware updates or a faulty mic 🤷‍♂

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

I was wondering whether I've changed some focus setting that made it more jittery, but I don't see what.

[@shotmakermedia]

I rented this mic for a wedding 2 weeks ago and decided to buy it right after. It's so nice to not worry about charging it or worry about plugging it in.

[@karthiknatarajan1915]

What about Out door Noice bro, we have to clear in pc

[@MadGearBand]

“Anyone seen Matt?” “He’s outside the reception… giving his camera a pep talk?” “Hey, I don’t question his methods.”

[@whoismatt]

😂😂😂😂

[@andreasbuder4417]

There is one last con: You can't use it off camera, like on a boom pole or plugged in a recorder. But it's a great mic nonetheless.

[@andrescolintv]

Blown away by your ability to deliver such a clear and great review. Thanks!

[@JeronimoAmbience]

Thank you Matt! I watched like 5 different people explaining this microphone, but you are the only one who described this microphone so hollisticly and now I found my issue!

[@mojoxphotography]

Fabulous information, thank you. I just got the Sony A7RV and the ECM-B1M. I record a lot of local bands in noisy bars, so these settings are crucial. Great info!

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Sold at 3:21 - wow! I didn't realise how awesome this could be! Thanks again for a fantastic video.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Having now bought this - I love it.. but .... it doesn't quite sound as 'rounded' as the Rode. Is it just me?

[@RaphaelParvin]

This was an excellent review!! I have the Videomic Pro +, but this seems like such a better solution for the Sony A7 range - small, easy to use and no need to use the 3.5mm port.

[@solobjones8389]

As always, a great review. I would like to see a review in windy conditions. Thanks

[@finkwiedervogel]

I'm using this amazing mic on the fx3. Most of the times for vlogs 🙃 Great Review (I always enjoy your videos!!) Greetings from Germany

[@RandumbTech]

@@JustKarthiK It disables the use of the 3.5mm jack. With V2.0 firmware, FX3 now supports timecode via multi-port. You just have to buy the proper cable. I use Tentacle Sync timecode and it works flawlessly. You just have to jam sync it every hour or so because the FX3 does drift a bit.

[@MoonbeamArcade]

I had that mic some time ago but I was never able to film with it without getting all manner of handling noise. So I gave up, sold it and reverted back to my old trusty XLR-K2M.

[@muen1842]

I have the K2m secondhand also. Works great! I heard it can only do analog and not digital like its big bro the K3m. Have you heard about this?

[@nermaldigital]

Sony this year did a limited run of a soft bundle of this microphone and the shooting grip VpT2BT on discount. was about £240 for both together, instead of £330 here in the UK. That's how I picked up. It's an excellent microphone and perfect for my a7C and ZvE10 set up.

[@papsny]

I was fortunate enough to get one at a yard sale for $50... Never knew how much it was, didn't know anything about it (been using my Rode NTG Mic) so just used it for a couple of gigs and loved it.. Tried to buy one but it's impossible to find.. Great video and agree on your points!

[@whoismatt]

Great deal!

[@jennifermedia6288]

It bloody is brilliant.I used it and getting a second!! Selling my old ones. Getting a7iv for the second so I get digital info both.

[@lisamariecreative3661]

Thank you for such a thorough review Matt! One question - does this microphone enable you to look through the eyepiece while shooting? My main qualm with the Video Mic Pro+ is that the jack of the cable protrudes at the back and obstructs you using the eyepiece.

[@nashhall694]

Great review Matt, I brought this mic when the r4 came out. (It was released at the same launch).I now have 2 of these mics & record all my audio with them as I have also have the S3 as well. They don’t replace lav mics or pocket recorders but for close stuff they work great. Oh, btw, I’ve ordered the A7iv based on your wedding review a few weeks ago! Thanks 🙏 again for that😀👍🥰

[@travellingsmiles7684]

Hi Nash- what settings do you use on the sony Mic please, as you can see am relatively new and mostly filming outdoors and kitchens, so any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

[@nashhall694]

@@travellingsmiles7684 I put them on Auto with NC (noise canceling) selected. Then select which area you want to collect the sound from.I have used them on manual as well where you adjust the level 1 to 10 & the ATT (Attenuator).

[@REC_IT_Videaste_Mariage]

Realy nice and complete review about the mic ! Thanks a lot ! :)

[@drshilpi]

dude!!!! thank you so much for this video! this is exactly what I was looking for! liked and subscribed!

[@directoremod8075]

Three features I would like to hear from new Sony Hotshoe Microphones 1. The ability to 3.5 External input jack due to poor sony microphone inputs. For transmitter & external mic. Mine has already broken 2. The ability to record from 2 channels separately to stereo track (I usually use a pair input wire to avoid loosing sound from lavellier issues) 3. Built quality improvement.

[@Cosmopolitm]

Thanks Matt, you're so practical explaining all details!

[@TLYRIDER]

yes it is always on my Sony A7C my go to when I make run and gun youtube videos and even I made a comparison video with this mic and Shure SM7B and the viewers liked the sound from this mic ;-)

[@niltons.spagnuolo]

Excellent review. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@marielichtblick]

Thanks for this good review. Is it possible to use this mic when using a gimbal (dji rsc2) in Underslung Mode?

[@iamalittlebird]

Very thorough review, thanks for making such a great video.

[@jon.parsons]

This seems almost perfect! My only issue is that I like to use a top handle, so unless there's some sort of smart-shoe extension cable to reposition the mic, I might have to stick with Rode's offerings.

[@Donbros]

Check out sony xlr-3m mic - it has extension and interchangability of xlr mics. I am literally saving for that. This is one is more compact but not as good, too niche. You can use on cage as you want. I would buy that and then some wireless mic for behind camera talking and for other person in action

[@jon.parsons]

@@Donbros Amazing! Thanks so much 😎

[@b2bfusion]

Great review. For two person trade show indoor interviews from 10 feet away from the camera, do you feel this B1M shotgun mic will be effective in picking up two voices with my Sony Zv-e10? Assume we set it for unidirectional. I travel alot pre pandemic so portability is key. All the other reviews are hand held which is too close for my use case. And they only involve one person.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks! Nah I wouldn’t recommend it, that’s too much distance in a loud room. I would get 2 Tascam dr-10L recorders and lav each person speaking

[@b2bfusion]

@@whoismatt is the primary issue the 10 foot distance from camera to subject or the loudness of the room while recording from 10,,ish feet?

[@whoismatt]

@@b2bfusion ​ bit of both. You would ideally have lav mics or a supercardioid shotgun mic closer to the people speaking

[@GreaterGoals]

Comparison of inbuild mic versus this mic, short 2 min video. I think we need to hear. Thanks

[@saviyou]

I love RODE mics because of their warranty but I’ve had to send them in for repairs I don’t know how many times because of the 3.5mm. I’ve also broken 3 cameras because of it…currently have an A7III with only 1 audio channel coming out of the 3.5mm. I think this might be a great solution!

[@Paul_Dalangpan]

Thank you for doing this video. Much appreciated. How far can a speaker be from in front the mic be and still have quality pick up? Again, thank you.

[@Billdelano]

Any idea what happens if you plug in say a rode wireless go into the 3.5 mic while this is plugged in, would it record both?

[@jaimealmeida1271]

thank you bro! now i know what to buy for my a7siii, since Rode mic are so popular.

[@avitautomotive4436]

Great video mate, explains everything!

[@tomsunday]

Hi Matt. Correct me if I am wrong but ATT setting is basically the sensitivity of your microphone. I read that Sony recoomends 10 DB has a default setting. I think leaving it on 0 can make it super sensitive and may not be the best option. Am i wrong here?

[@markshirley01]

Can you confirm that, as Im about to buy one

[@Briandelprado]

great video! the audio to this video sounds amazing. what are you using? I've been trying to get audio like this

[@kingweddingmedia]

digital vs analog audio quality - how would you describe the quality difference? I am on A7iii's so I don't think it would have the digital option. Thanks!

[@WildTyrant]

I've used this for most of my weddings this year! Love how little it is and how little effort it takes to use it well.

[@James-qo7uz]

Is the mic sensitive to handling noise? Will it pick up changing settings on the back while recording for instance? Will it connect digitally to a Sony a6600? But even with an analog connection, it still doesn’t need the 3.5 connection?

[@louiscatlift]

Great video! How much worse will it sound running on analogue on a Sony A7iii versus on a digital compatible camera?

[@Kaulkiul]

Do you have any link for a real wedding that you use the mic? Like in the ceremony? Thanks!

[@EdgardB]

Thanks for the review. I've been wanting to upgrade my vlog mic (deity duo 4). This mic seems great to pair with my Sony A7c or ZV1. The stabilization doesn't seem bad due to that I don't see anyone running and vlogging.

[@jakejakejakejakejakejake]

Love your videos, Homeboy! 👌 X

[@badfrank8339]

Hello, thanx a lot for the review. So... In addition to this mic... Can i plug Rode wireless go ?

[@neilcollinsrecording]

I used an on camera mic for 1 wedding, hated it! I know it's all preference but for me they are pointless. I close mic all the important audio and the ambient audio from a camera with a bit of eq is perfectly fine, it's usually sitting on top of some music anyway. If I did use one though this looks pretty neat! 👍

[@bakerfx4968]

Hey Matt! Quick question... how do you feel about re-using songs for new couples that you’ve used in previous years? At the end of the season I really struggle to find good songs I haven’t already used

[@roddymcgtravels]

i wouldnt see a problem with it tbh, its not like the couples are gonna be constantly watching other peoples wedding videos

[@bakerfx4968]

@@roddymcgtravels would you avoid using any that are in videos on your portfolio site? Or do you think it would not matter

[@roddymcgtravels]

@@bakerfx4968 yeah if there on your website there’s a good chance they’ve seen them and it could some across as lazy to reuse songs, however imo background tracks would probs be fine as people are unlikely to remember them

[@roddymcgtravels]

@@bakerfx4968 but i mean do what you want they probs won’t remember a song from your website that they listened to months ago and i’ve only shot one wedding so what do i know😂

[@bakerfx4968]

@@roddymcgtravels thanks man. I think I agree lol

[@aenosfox3658]

I just ordered it ! Thanks for helping us 🎃

[@enfieldlover8145]

great review.. one thing - the mic seems to be super with its specs but - FINALLY somebody made a mic without a cable?? now that is revolutionary. anybody else doing this? i'm googling left and right but no luck seeing that feature aka NO CABLE that just prevents me to use my flippy screen half of the time... no cable REVOLUTION.. sony - good job . and still a Q: any other 'no cable' mics out there? something i could use with my canon.. PS 'butt setting' term - the best

[@2013nicolas]

Very useful.. quick and efficient. TKS

[@pavolpekar9888]

Hi Matt. great review. WHAT SETTINGS DO YOU USE AT A WEDDING when the music is very loud?

[@michaelbird1554]

How does it to compare to the Sony ECM-GZ1M which I currently use? This one is 3 times the price and the ECM-GZ1M is also powered by the hot shoe.

[@ChayanRasta]

Awesome review bro, thank you !!

[@JoseAnayaTV]

Sara Dietschy said she doesn't recommend this mic in one of her recent videos due to the digital noise it generates. Any thoughts?

[@jetpvck1992]

Sony A7III Mic Jack Port went out so I bought this. You can also buy a Hotshoe Relocator to use this mic on a cage.

[@tripxoy1214]

I’m about to get one. On Sony A7 iii, just fit into hotshoe will do without any cable? But we need to use analog mode, right?

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

After watching it 2 weeks ago. I came back here and made me think that this have a disadvantage over the Rode mic. Once you ruined the pin it’s done. Hoping that there’s a substitute like a cable just in case. And once you plan to sell it in the future. It will be exclusive for Sony users only not unlike the Rode.

[@onnie1968]

Thank you Matt I picked one up second hand for $50 I guy never used it :) Just one thing what's the usb on the mic used for ? It's under the little flip door on the side of the mic. Anyway Matt great info :)

[@jacquelinealicegoutier9680]

Very good review, thank you Matt 🙂One question: With the A7Siii, is it possible to connect a microphone system such as PicoGear or Tentacle Sync to the camera in parallel to the Sony B1M? I would like to record the sound in parallel with the B1M on the camera and flexible microphones (on guests, groom, bride). Each audio device should be recorded on its own audio track. The problem is that PicoGear and Tentacle Sync both work with timecode and are connected to the camera by cable and receiver. My wish probably only works with external lavalier microphones like Tascam DR10L etc. right?

[@fredmiu2001]

Hi Matt, after watched your video, I bought that mic afterward. The mic is beautiful, thanks so much. But I thing I can’t figure out….that is how to use that Sony mic with a cage? There must something we can do. Please help me, thanks.

[@andrewb76]

These look perfect!!! Great review!

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

is this best for like interview like greetings and best wishes from the guest?

[@speedbird737]

The mic audio issue when power walking - try turning on LC filter to filter it out - simples

[@TransplantHelper]

Great review, Impressive mic for sure

[@BradlyFC]

Late to the game, but I will be receiving this mic tomorrow and I have a super quick question that I hope you can answer! When fit into the A7SIII hot shoe, is the hot shoe weather sealed? And can this mic hold up in the rain? Thanks in advance! Love your videos by the way!

[@whoismatt]

I don’t think it’s weather sealed

[@BradlyFC]

@@whoismatt Yeah I don't think it would be either, but it's something you would think they would keep in mind while designing it specifically for their cameras, most of which are weather sealed haha. Like maybe have the connection like the rubber piece that you fit into the hot shoe or something, I dunno lol.

[@projectmlegislatie]

Hi, cand you cath a good quality of the sound 9ft away ?

[@DP_Daro]

I wish that this microphone came with the hot shoe relocation cable like the xlr k3m. I'm always using a external monitor with a proper top handle on the FX3 cage and this microphone won't fit there anywhere. I also couldn't find that relocation cable sold separately.

[@BokehFilmStudios]

Hahaha, "Lets go to the Butt setting now"... You always crack me up Matt. That said, this is an amazing tutorial, everything I needed to hear in order to make a decision on this!

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

nice mic...My Rode Micro is nice but it's too directional during wedding receptions (mostly the dancing parts)- This B1M in omnidirectional mode might give me fuller audio maybe...any other Sony mic with this ominidirectional setting for a little less money? The B10m maybe but nothing else with an omnidirectional setting...hmm

[@ramondelgado05]

Best review on this mic, thanks

[@whyiswhy123]

Is it good for live music recording? many mic couldn't record punchy drum. Solid in live hearing, hollow in recording...

[@Bo_Hazem]

Great review, as if I need more convicing! Perfect mic for wildlife and pretty versatile overall.

[@IDOLCAM1]

Hi Matt. We have the new IDOLCAM VlogStar V2 shotgun/Lavalier microphone in one, small size, perfect for Sony Cam, can we send you one for the next mic review you are doing?

[@JuanCastro-dx1jk]

Hey Matt, big fan here, I was wondering if you are considering testing the new M1 Pro/Max MacBook series for your editing work?

[@whoismatt]

Hey Juan! Hoping to pick one up eventually but I don’t have one ordered yet

[@alexcrisrafa]

Just got this microphone as part of a bundle with the Sony A7IV.

[@markshirley01]

How do you rate it - Ive just bought a A7R5 and may add this mic to my setup

[@MIRAAAS]

I have had the Rode for a while, the sound is amazing - but only when it's sitting on my table on the camera. The moment the camera started to shake, I had the wobbling sounds on my footage. And it's very hard to catch that sound when monitoring. It's so long as well, that the foam bit would get into the frame. Especially because overtime the foam would slide out too easily. Lastly, it started to show some whistling sound - so I am never going back to that Rode shotgun again.

[@paulgero]

solid review Matt...thanks

[@pabloreynosof]

Great Video, saludos desde Argentina!

[@ryanyu5051]

Great review! Thank you.

[@andysherlin1444]

I just bought this mic. Why can’t I hear recorded playback on videos? Isn’t that a standard function of any video camera? I’ve read that you have to upload it to a computer to hear the audio?

[@hogosha]

So cool microphone when you are in the sony environment. I don't need anymore my wireless rode mic to interview 1 to 2 people.

[@corgily]

Thanks for sharing, i wish these microphones weren’t sold out everywhere lol

[@BerndKistenmacher]

Great review. Thank you. This mic is definetly worth watching. But imo the pro is a con at the same time because of powering up with the hot shoe. I for example use a top handle on my A7S iii. This makes it impossible to use the hot shoe. So I will still use my Rode Pro mic mounted on the top handle but for some purposes the Sony will be a better choice.

[@markshirley01]

Matt is this still the shotgun mic of your choice - are you still using it.

[@KoolKoyott]

Very useful review! Thanks!!

[@aboolife6264]

I just ordered the last one on Amazon 1h ago 😅💯🔥👌🏽 just one time before out of stock for while again

[@bradweiergallery]

Matt, you Are awesome! That is all I wanted to say.

[@hinfinity]

This thing been sold out everywhere along with the ZVE10

[@rosyaugust7095]

Sony short gun mic! It’s tiny and the quality is awesome after I watched your positive reviewed. But I am wondering which mic to buy between Rode wireless go II and Sony short gun mic. Someone can suggest on that pleases? Thanks 🙏

[@VideoUpskill]

If you will always be recording content close to your camera then this microphone or if you will be recording content far away from camera then the wireless go II.

[@rosyaugust7095]

@@VideoUpskill Thank 🙏 you so much. I really appreciate you

[@TheNanofiber]

I’ve been wanting to get one but they are not available anywhere…. 😔

[@NelsonMichael]

Lets have a drink game every time Matt says 'butt'

[@whoismatt]

🍑

[@RockyRomanchek]

Great review!

[@Kaulkiul]

Great video ❤

[@TreasureCorals]

Any suggestion on how this microphone can be mounted with an external monitor on FX3? I bought it based on your review but can't figure out how to lay out the monitor on the camera as well

[@yellowmonsters1190]

Hey matt big fan since you uploaded that adobe premiere pro export settings it helped me a lot. Please make more videos on adobe premiere pro so that we can learn editing also. Thank you Big fan from India

[@rawmediapaul]

@Matt. Say I was shooting on 2 A7s3 and a A7VI all on the same day and wanted to carry this Mic in my pocket to use when needed. Would this be hot swappable real fast between the 3 Cameras for run and gun filming?? Thank you! Love you videos!🧔🏽

[@whoismatt]

Yup

[@AGUSDWIANA]

Thanks, this help me a lot

[@Donbros]

Imo xlr-3m something is better - you can change mics there. I am saving for it

[@3akoscielski]

Hoping something like this comes to Nikon soon (as well as a digital hot shoe). Seems awesome!

[@levioceann]

hey Matt, If I am using this mic on my Fx3 body cage on a cold shoe mount will it still work? Or do I need a audio cord for it? thanks

[@LifeOfBD]

Thanks Matt!

[@ricr.4669]

out of stock since launch 2019?!? I finally got one from a friend who has 2

[@mervynjack4108]

Price is definitely a con in Australia. (Nov 2021) Rode videomic pro plus AU$348 Sony ECM-B1M AU$549 (AU$499 with $50 cashback sale.) Sony love to overcharge in AU for all accessories and don't even bother to sell a lot of products. Having said that, nearly all my gear is SONY 😃

[@Ribeye512]

😄