Sony has announced new ECM-778 shotgun mic. It features a newly developed microphone capsule, a brass acoustic tube, and a specifically designed electronic circuit board for what Sony says is superior sound quality.
   

Sony's new ECM-778 shotgun microphone features a newly developed microphone capsule, a brass acoustic tube, and a specifically designed electronic circuit board for superior sound quality. Sony says that together these enable high-quality recording with clear, spacious high frequencies and stable mid-low frequencies, and they look to be helping it to take a decent aim at the top end of the market and mics such as the highly-regarded Sennheiser MKH416.

Despite its compact size of 176 mm (about 6.93 in) in length and weight of just 102g, Sony says the ECM-778 achieves excellent forward directivity, providing greater user flexibility when recording in confined recording spaces.

Film capacitors and metal film resistors are used in the signal path to achieve clear sound quality. Conductive polymer aluminium solid capacitors in the power circuit combine miniaturization with high capacity to ensure a stable power supply. Additionally, the machined aluminium exterior suppresses external vibrations and electrical noise, enabling high-precision audio recording.

A built-in low-cut switch effectively reduces wind noise and vibration when activated, enabling clear and easy-to-hear audio recordings. Two types of wind screens are included. The foam-type wind screen is lightweight and easy to handle, suitable for indoor use or environments with minimal wind, while the fur-type wind screen offers superior wind protection, ideal for outdoor use or windy conditions.

The shotgun microphone can be attached to various equipment such as microphone boom poles by using the supplied microphone holder and stand adapter. The microphone can also be used with external audio input devices, recording equipment, and camera systems equipped with XLR terminals.

The ECM-778 shotgun mic will be available from September.