Sony ECM-W5R Wireless Audio Receiver

OVERVIEW

The Sony ECM-W5 Receiver is optimized for Sony cameras equipped with a digital Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, enabling cable-free digital audio recording powered directly by the camera. When paired with ECM-W5T transmitter microphones (sold separately), it supports high-resolution capture, four-channel in-camera recording, wireless headphone monitoring, and timecode sync. On supported Sony cameras, 32-bit float audio records straight into the video file, streamlining editing by eliminating separate file management. Beyond Sony MI Shoe cameras, the versatile receiver also connects seamlessly to mobile devices, computers, and standard cameras.

Digital Audio Performance & Control

Connecting via a compatible MI Shoe delivers digital audio up to 96 kHz/24-bit or 48 kHz/32-bit float. Recording 32-bit float audio directly into video files allows quiet voices or sudden volume spikes to be adjusted in post-production without constant gain tweaking during shoots. Supported cameras can also save a simultaneous backup WAV file. Gain settings can be set to automatic—preventing distortion and clipping—or manually adjusted from -12 to +12 dB, even while shooting in 32-bit float. In-menu noise-cut and low-cut filters are also available.

Four-Channel Audio & Wireless Range

The system handles up to four separate in-camera audio channels when using multiple ECM-W5T transmitters, making interview editing straightforward by isolating each speaker on a dedicated track. Built with Bluetooth hopping technology, the low-latency wireless transmission maintains a stable, dropout-resistant connection at line-of-sight distances up to 1,640 feet (500 meters), even in crowded frequency environments.

Monitoring & External Inputs

Creators can monitor audio wirelessly by connecting Bluetooth LE Audio headphones directly to the receiver. The receiver can also capture audio from compatible Sony wireless headphone microphones to record in-camera, enabling spatial binaural audio capture. Additionally, a mono 3.5mm external input jack allows connection to lavalier microphones like the Sony ECM-L1.

Timecode Sync & USB Connectivity

Timecode output simplifies multi-camera post-production by making footage alignment fast and accurate. Through USB SYNC mode, a USB-C connection syncs timecode metadata directly with compatible Sony cameras. The receiver also connects to smartphones and PCs, supporting USB Audio Class 2.0 for high-quality USB audio recording—including 32-bit float capture.

Interface & Power

The unit features a high-contrast AMOLED touchscreen alongside a tactile control wheel/button for quick menu navigation, supported by LED status indicators for power, recording, and connectivity. When mounted on a compatible camera's MI Shoe, the receiver draws power from the camera body and can automatically power on alongside the camera and paired transmitters. For standalone use, its internal battery delivers up to 7 hours of continuous operation on a full charge.