Sony ECM-673 Electret Condenser Microphone

Operating Instructions

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Sony ECM-673 Electret Condenser Microphone. Please read this manual thoroughly before use and retain it for future reference.

Safety Precautions

Warning: Failure to observe the following precautions may result in injury or damage to surrounding property.

Do not use for purposes other than sound collection.
Be aware of your surroundings during use.
Do not install in places exposed to rain, oil smoke, steam, humidity, or dust.
Disconnect the connection cable when transporting the unit.
Do not disassemble or modify the unit.
Do not insert water or foreign objects into the unit. If this occurs, turn off the power immediately, disconnect the cable, and consult your dealer or a Sony service center.
Install the unit on a stable surface.

Symbols for Warnings:

Symbol indicating a warning: Indicates precautions that, if not followed, can lead to injury or damage.
Symbol indicating a prohibition: Indicates actions that are prohibited.
Symbol indicating an instruction: Indicates required actions.

Features

Super cardioid microphone with minimum sensitivity to ambient noise: The microphone's sharp directivity makes it suitable for medium-distance sound recording, such as on a desktop at conferences, narrow-angle sound recording outdoors, or attachment to a camcorder.
Compact and lightweight: Length of 200 mm and mass of 135 g, making it easy to use and carry.
LOW CUT switch which cuts unnecessary low-frequency noise: The low cut filter reduces the noise occurring due to wind or vibration.
External power supply type: Supports 40 V to 52 V DC external power supply.

Names and Functions of Parts (Fig. 1)

Microphone (): The main body of the microphone.
LOW CUT switch (): Effectively reduces wind noise. 'M' indicates the normal setting, and 'V' indicates the low cut filter is applied.
Output connector (): XLR-3-12C type. Outputs the captured sound and receives power from the external power supply.
Microphone spacer (molded type) (-a) / Microphone spacer (sheet type) (-b): Used when attaching the microphone to a camcorder using a microphone holder (supplied with the camcorder or available separately). The sheet type can be used if vibration from the camcorder is a concern.
Wind screen (): Attaches to the microphone body to reduce wind or breathing noise.
Microphone holder (): Used for attaching the microphone to a microphone stand (not supplied). Tighten the angle adjustment screw with a coin if it becomes loose.
Microphone cable (): Connects the microphone's output connector to a camcorder's input connector (XLR type). Cable length is 500 mm.

Attaching to a Camcorder (Fig. 2)

When attaching to a camcorder using a microphone holder (not supplied), attach the supplied microphone spacer (molded type) (-a) to the microphone (). If camcorder vibration is a concern, use the microphone spacer (sheet type) (-b) instead. Remove the release sheets () and wrap the spacer around the microphone grip (). Mount the microphone in the holder with the "UP" mark facing upward for correct directivity.

Power Supply

This microphone requires an external power supply. Connect the microphone's output connector () to an external power supply device, such as a Sony AC power supply or equivalent, or the microphone connector of an audio mixer or camcorder, using the microphone cable.

Notes:

Ensure the camcorder or device has a 40 V to 52 V microphone input connector before connecting.
Use a balanced microphone cable only; an unbalanced cable cannot be used.

Notes on Use

Microphones are delicate; avoid dropping, hitting, or subjecting them to excessive shock.
Avoid extended use or storage in high humidity or temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F).
If acoustic feedback (howling sound) occurs, point the microphone away from speakers or increase the distance between the microphone and speakers.

Specifications

Type: Electret condenser microphone
Power supply: External power supply 40 V to 52 V DC (IEC 61938 P48)
Current consumption: 2 mA or less
Output connector: XLR-3-12C type
Dimensions: ø20 × 200 mm (ø13/16 × 7 7/8 in.)
Mass: Approx. 135 g (4.8 oz)
Supplied accessories: Wind screen (1), microphone holder (1), microphone spacer (2), microphone cable (1), stand adaptor (2), Operating Instructions (1), warranty booklet (1)
Frequency response: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Directivity: Super cardioid
Output impedance: 220 Ω ± 20% (1 kHz), balanced
Sensitivity (typ): −36 dB (15.8 mV) (0 dB = 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz)
Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 dB (typ) (IEC 179 A-weighted, 1 kHz, 1 Pa)
Inherent noise: 17 dB SPL (typ) (0 dB SPL = 2 × 10−5 Pa)
Wind noise*: 45 dB SPL or less (with wind screen), 50 dB SPL or less (without wind screen)
Maximum input sound pressure level: 124 dB SPL (typ) (input level for 1% output signal waveform distortion at 1 kHz, converted into equivalent sound pressure level: 0 dB SPL = 2 × 10−5 Pa)
Dynamic range: 107 dB (typ)
Operating temperature: 0 °C to 50 °C (32 °F to 122 °F)
Storage temperature: −20 °C to +60 °C (−4 °F to +140 °F)

* Wind noise is the value measured by applying a wind velocity of 2 m/s (6.6 ft/s) to the microphone from all directions. The noise output mean value is converted to the equivalent input sound pressure level (0 dB SPL = 2 × 10−5 Pa).

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Warranty and After-Sales Service

Warranty: This product comes with a warranty. Please receive it upon purchase. Ensure all details are correctly filled in and keep it in a safe place. The warranty period is one year from the date of purchase.

After-Sales Service:

If the unit is not functioning correctly: Please refer back to this manual.
If the problem persists: Consult your dealer or the nearest Sony service center as listed in the enclosed "Sony Consultation Service Guide".
Repairs during the warranty period: Repairs will be performed based on the warranty terms. Refer to the warranty booklet for details.
Repairs after the warranty period: If the unit's functions can be maintained through repair, paid repairs can be provided upon request.

Important Information for European Customers

This product is intended for use in the following Electromagnetic Environments: E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light industrial), E3 (urban outdoors), E4 (controlled EMC environment, e.g., TV studio).

Information for Customers in the U.S.A.

SONY LIMITED WARRANTY - Please visit www.sony.com/psa/warranty for important information and complete terms and conditions of Sony’s limited warranty applicable to this product.

Information for Customers in Canada

SONY LIMITED WARRANTY - Please visit www.sony.com/psa/warranty for important information and complete terms and conditions of Sony’s limited warranty applicable to this product.

Information for Customers in Europe (Sony Europe B.V.)

Standard Warranty and Exceptions on Standard Warranty. Please visit https://pro.sony/support-services/primesupport/support-professional-solutions-europe-standard-product-warranty for important information and complete terms and conditions.

Information for Customers in Korea

SONY LIMITED WARRANTY - Please visit https://pro.sony/ko_KR/support-services for important information and complete terms and conditions of Sony’s limited warranty applicable to this product.

Disposal of Old Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Do not dispose of this product with household waste. Proper disposal helps prevent potential negative impacts on the environment and human health. Follow local regulations for disposal.

Diagrams

Fig. 1: Parts Identification

A diagram showing the microphone components with labels corresponding to the parts list.

Fig. 2: Attaching to a Camcorder

A diagram illustrating the process of attaching the microphone to a camcorder using a microphone holder and spacers.

Polar Pattern Diagram:

A polar pattern diagram illustrating the super cardioid directivity of the microphone.

Frequency Response Diagram:

A graph showing the frequency response of the microphone from 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

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