Ec-Mms957 Uni-Directional Stereo Condenser Mic

I bought this mic specifically for my Sony PCM-M10 Recorder which I use for double-system video sound. The built-in mics on the PCM-M10 are OK for grabbing quick sounds, but they are omni electrets and don't capture adequate separation for a good stereo image. The ECM-MS957 works with a Mid/Side configuration and give an excellent stereo image. I am blown away by the realism this mic provides. I have used many mics in my lifetime, most of them pro studio types with phantom power, all of them orders of magnitude more costly than this mic and I have to say I have never heard a more accurate and realistic "just like being there" experience. I shared some recordings with friends who are pros in film, video, and music, and they couldn't believe the realism too. If you do any field recording with a portable recorder, please consider getting one of these. I don't think you will be disappointed. (Consider also the PCM-M10 recorder - they are made for each other for field recording.)I have only a few small complaints with this unit (none of them performance issues). One is that the supplied mic stand, although handy, has no provision for connection to a larger stand or a tripod. The only thread that can be used is an obscure Japanese straight-pipe thread at the base of the holder. I can't find any kind of adapter that will fit. It would have been so easy for Sony to incorporate a standard 1/4-20 or 5/8-27 thread in the stand.The other complaint is with the wind screen. It is of the foam variety and is not very effective outdoors except on rare occasions when there is only a slight breeze. The first thing I did was make a "dead cat" wind muff out of faux fur to cover the business end of the mic. - it's much more effective in the field and also works as a 'pop' screen for vocal work. Consider making or buying one of these if you plan to use the mic outdoors.The rotating capsule feature is for switching between 'end-address' and 'side-address' orientation. The side-address setting is described as the more accurate or faithful response of the two. There is also a switch for setting the stereo separation which is very helpful depending on the width of the sound source. The power switch has an indicator light that only blinks very briefly when the unit is switched on, not showing that the unit is powered (when on) - another minor complaint. It is very easy to forget to switch it off when it's not in use.

I was very happy to get a very good recording of my choir for review and practicing the music. I hope that I am able to get a recording to share of the concerts that we do with all the members. I am experimenting with the sensitivity setting for the microphone in my digital recorder. The highest setting is too sensitive for this type of recording. A setting of 1 so far does much better. I want to try and use a setting that is a little higher or move the mice closer to the group.The recorder that I am using is the BookSense by GW Micro. I am including this for any other blind people who use this recorder.Over all I am glad to have this mice and may get another soon.

Took this to the 8-28 rally with Panasonic HS-700 camcorder. Set the microphone to "Forward" and 90o. Were about 1/2 mile from the stage. It easily picked up the locusts singing near the stage, but could not hear them at all with only my ears. Conclude that this microphone thus has quite a bit of "throw." Extremely well constructed, with a 5-pin XLR connector and a cable which goes to 3.5mm. stereo plug. Need the Rode SM3 to fit the larger diameter [1.25"] of this mike; the Azden adapter, while very nicely constructed, will not fit this microphone. Definitely not a "toy."

We tested this new mic with our Sony PCM-D50 recorder, and were amazed at the exceptional sound quality for this price. It is very easy to adjust the directional pickup (the directional feature works well), the accessories were very nice, and the sensitivity is so good that we can hear every tiny sound clearly and without added noise. This microphone even picks up my soft voice well, which is quite a trick that no other mic has yet accomplished. We have paid a lot more for a lot less many times; this one will not disappoint you!

I've used this mic for about four years now and love it, however the cord that comes with it produces handling noise very easily. It's a huge improvement over the internal mics on the PCM D50.

The clarity of this microphone is amazing. It is easy to setup and works well on the road. I would recommend to a friend.

This is the best mic i have used for my Podcatsing Needs. I ma very happy with it and use it in conjunction with the IRiver FP 899.These 2 make a great combination for my PodCasts (...)

I do a weekly podcast, Get Fit Pod, from my home studio. Occasionally I have the need to do remote podcasts and interviews. On remotes I use the Sony PCM-D50 recorder. While the recorder has a built in stereo microphone, it is awkward to use. To solve this problem I purchased the ECM-MS957 stereo microphone. It works just great with the recorder. In the past I have been unwilling to use microphones without an XLR connector, but the small plug connector on this microphone works well with the recorder. An earlier reviewer remarked about the super sensitivity of this microphone, I agree. You really need to use the windscreen at all times and be careful not to move the microphone too quickly or touch the cord; it will distort your sound. Just a note, I have not used this microphone with any other mixer or recorder. My experience with it is limited to the Sony PCM-D50. The combination is great and I would recommend it for any remote podcasting situation. Check out my podcasts at itunes, or at getfitpod.com Sony Professional Portable 24-bit Linear Audio Recorder