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Sony has announced the ECM-778, a new shotgun microphone designed for filmmakers and content creators requiring high-quality audio in a compact and lightweight package.
Measuring 176mm in length and weighing 102g, the ECM-778 is designed for flexibility on set, whether mounted on a boom pole or directly on a camera. The microphone uses a newly developed capsule, a precision-machined brass acoustic tube, and a dedicated electronic circuit board to deliver clear high frequencies and stable mid-low frequencies, aiming to capture voices and ambient sounds with spatial detail.
Sony states that the ECM-778 offers sharp forward directivity by suppressing sound from the sides and rear across the frequency range. This can help isolate subjects during recording while reducing environmental noise—important when working in confined or acoustically challenging locations.
Features for varied environments
For practical on-set use, the ECM-778 includes a built-in low-cut filter to reduce low-frequency noise from wind or handling. Two windscreen options—a lightweight foam type and a fur type—are included to address different recording conditions.
The microphone’s machined aluminium exterior is designed to reduce external vibrations and electrical noise while maintaining a lightweight form factor. The ECM-778 connects via XLR and is compatible with external audio recorders and cameras with XLR inputs, including Sony Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless cameras.
Developed with sound engineers
According to Sony, the ECM-778 was developed with input from film sound engineers, who provided feedback during the design and testing phases. The company highlights the microphone’s ability to maintain consistent tonal characteristics across varying distances, which is useful when shifting from close-up to wider shots during production.
ECM-778 technical specifications
The ECM-778 is a mono electret condenser shotgun microphone with a frequency response of 40 Hz to 40 kHz and super cardioid directivity. It offers a sensitivity of -31 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) and an output impedance of 40 ohms at 1 kHz. The microphone has a dynamic range of 117 dB SPL or more and a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB SPL or more, with an intrinsic noise level of 16 dB SPL or less.
The ECM-778 can handle maximum input sound pressure levels of 133 dB SPL (1% distortion) and 136 dB SPL (10% distortion) at 1 kHz. It requires external power (44V to 52V DC, IEC 61938 P48) and uses an XLR 3-pin connector. Physically, the microphone measures 20mm in diameter and 176mm in length, weighing approximately 102g.
Supplied accessories include a foam windscreen, a fur windscreen, a microphone holder, two types of microphone spacers, a microphone cable, a storage case, and two stand adaptors.
Don’t forget to check our other coverage of microphones relevant for filmmakers.
The ECM-778 is positioned as part of Sony’s broader lineup of tools for professional and independent filmmakers looking to match high-resolution image capture with clear and precise audio recording.
