The Sony ECM-678 is an electret condenser shotgun microphone with a supercardioid pattern. It offers a wide 40 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range and a high sensitivity of −28 dB with very low self-noise. The 250 mm, approx. 200 g microphone is powered with 48 V via its XLR-3 connector and comes with a windscreen, holder and carrying case.
The Sony ECM-678 is an electret condenser shotgun microphone with a supercardioid pattern. It offers a wide 40 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range and a high sensitivity of −28 dB with very low self-noise. The 250 mm, approx. 200 g microphone is powered with 48 V via its XLR-3 connector and comes with a windscreen, holder and carrying case.
The supercardioid pattern picks up the source in front of the microphone and rejects sound from the sides. Yet it is only 250 mm long and weighs approx. 200 g, so it suits a smaller rig too.

The microphone comes with a windscreen, a microphone holder, two stand adaptors, two microphone spacers and a short XLR cable for camera connection. Everything packs into the carrying case.
Low self-noise and a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 78 dB pay off above all in quiet scenes, interviews and ambience, where hiss would otherwise be audible.
High sensitivity delivers a strong signal, so the camera or recorder preamp does not need to add as much gain. The dynamic range is at least 111 dB and the microphone handles up to 127 dB SPL.
The microphone is powered from an external DC 48 V ±4 V supply through its XLR-3-12C connector.
Output impedance of 200 Ω ±20% on a balanced output, the standard for professional microphone inputs.
| Model | Sony ECM-678 |
|---|---|
| Capsule type | mono electret condenser |
| Frequency response | 40 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Directivity | uni-directional (supercardioid) |
| Sensitivity | −28 dB ±3 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa, 1 kHz) |
| Output impedance | 200 Ω ±20%, balanced (at 1 kHz) |
| Dynamic range | 111 dB or more |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78 dB or more (A-weighted, 1 kHz, 1 Pa) |
| Self-noise | 16 dB SPL or less (0 dB SPL = 20 μPa) |
| Induction noise from external magnetic field | 0 dB SPL or less (at 10⁻⁷ T) |
| Wind noise | 60 dB SPL or less (at 2 m/s, without windscreen) |
| Maximum input sound pressure level | 127 dB SPL |
| Connector | XLR-3-12C (male) |
|---|---|
| Microphone cable | XLR-3 to XLR-3, 480 mm |
| Power requirements | external, DC 48 V ±4 V |
| Dimensions | ø 20 × 250 mm (approx.) |
| Weight | approx. 200 g |
| Manufacturer: | SONY |
| Category: | Camera microphones |
| Stereo | No |
| Type | Condenser |
| Microphone connection | XLR |
| Polar pattern | Narrow directional (Supercardioid) |
| Microphone power | 48V Phantom |
| Frequency range | 40Hz |
| Output impedance | 200Ω |
| Maximum SPL | 127dB SPL |
| Sensitivity | -28dBV |
| Weight | 200g |
Special offers and discounts for subscribers only · Free audio & video workshops · News and tips from the world of filmmaking