Sony ECMCS3 Clip Style Microphone Review / Test
Today we are talking about a stereo 3.5mm lavalier microphone; the Sony ECM-CS3. For the majority of this video, I have connected the microphone to my computer using a new Sabrent USB Soundcard which provides approximately 3.5v to the mic. If you connect this directly to your computers motherboard, you will likely not get similar results.
If you are interested in this gaming headset, it will set you back $18-$20 on Amazon
What's In the Box
Microphone (w/ 1m 3.5mm cable attached)
Documentation
Warranty Card
Specifications
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 15kHz
Sensitivity: -38dB
Performance / Features
The build quality of this microphone does not feel that good. It is an all plastic construction and it has a standard rubber cable. The connection point of the cable and the microphone does not appear to be reinforced, so over time I would worry about stress being placed on this joint. However, this is a $20 microphone, so I can't really fault it for having a subpar build.
The frequency response of 50Hz - 15kHz seems absolutely sufficient for this use case, and my voice did not seem artificial or hollow like some other lavalier microphones.
The omnidirectional polar pattern is also fairly forgiving. I could hardly tell a difference between the audio when the microphone was clipped to my collar versus when the mic was clipped to my lapel. On other microphones, this change in placement is clearly apparent in audio. This is both a good and bad thing. On the good side, it affords you greater freedom for microphone placement on yourself or your talent. On the downside, this means it will likely pick up more room noise/ambient noise.
Pros
Cheap
Decent sound quality for price
Forgiving polar pattern (mic placement)
Cons
Poor build quality
Unforgiving polar pattern (ambient noise)
Conclusion
Given the $20 price tag, I cannot fault this microphone for having a less than stellar build quality. On the other hand, I absolutely can praise the mic for sounding better than I was expecting.
I do not think I can recommend this for gamers because it does have an extremely large pickup pattern, meaning it will pick up all your keyboard, mouse, and computer noise. On the other hand, for vloggers who are trying to improve their audio, I think this is a great budget option. Keep in mind that it will still pick up plenty of ambient noise, so if you're in a room for the majority of videos, I do recommend picking up some audio treatment to dampen the reverb.
If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP.
Buy the ECMCS3 (Affiliate Link)
Global: https://geni.us/ecmcs3