bit-tech Shopping: Sony ECM-DS70P Mini Stereo Electret Condenser Mic

Rating: 8

Time with product: 30

Strengths: compact, lightweight, powered by recorder (I'm using with a SONY minidisc recorder - MZ-RH1), decent audio quality for the price

Weaknesses: *has* to be powered by a SONY recorder that offers "plug-in power" on the mic input (i.e. cannot be used with a non-SONY recorder).

Summary: To date I've been very happy with this mic - the compact size and convenience and reasonable audio quality have made it a great addition for a portable recorder. I would recommend this mic for recordings that don't need to be of the optimum fidelity (there are better, and more expensive, mics for this purpose). Having the audio extension cord included is also handy so that you can place the mic a short distance from the recorder if necessary.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: No Battery required. Power receive from a device where this micriphone plug-in. Very compact and easy to carry out together with a recording device but still sensitive and powerful enough.

Weaknesses: When you are going to perform any professional stereo recordings and sound quality, you would better to use more upper class microphone. ECM-DS70P is good especcially for small portable device.

Summary: I like to use this mocrophone when recording something just to see and check how to go on, such as lessons, practicing, rehearsal and etc. But, not for something to keep as final record. This is very convenient and actual consumer product to carry often for daily using especially with portable mini disk recorders. Just plug-in, no battery, small and easy to use. Yet, very worth for the inexpensiv price. You can buy another microphone separately for professional recording.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 5 Days

Strengths: Compact design; T shape allows it to be set on a flat surface away from the machine.

Weaknesses: Plugged directly into a minidisc recorder, it picks up too much mechanical noise.

Summary: Compared to other compact stereo mics I have tried, this has good clear sound and a very hot signal. The pick-up pattern is strongly limited to the front of the mic. Plugged directly into a minidsic recorder, this mic picks up a lot of mechanical noise, but Sony provides an extension cable for this reason. The T-design allows for a 90 degree bend in the connection, so that the mic can be set on a flat surface. There is also a supplied clip. But note that the T-design allows for only two positions: straight or bent at a right angle. You cannot comfortably set the mic in any other position.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: This microphone is durable and of high quality. It is 3 dB more sensitive than most microphones its size in a similar price range.

Weaknesses: Slightly difficult to mount on a shirt because of its weight, but still worth every penny.

Summary: I love the fact I can hear my kittens playing on the hardwood floor in a nearby but different room from where the microphone is through my headphones. It is so sensitive and also seems sturdy and durable.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Featherweight, plug-in power (powered by recorder)

Weaknesses: Not as sensitive as Sony ECM-MS907

Summary: This mic is what I expected it to be. It is less sensitive than the Sony ECM-MS907, which costs only a few dollars more. However, the ECM-MS907 requires a separate battery (probably the extra power accounts for its better performance). On balance, I traded away a little sensitivity for the convenience of plug-in power, since I mostly use it only to record informal music rehearsals that I will use later for practicing. If I need more sensitivity (to record a performance), I'll borrow or buy the ECM-MS907. For only a few dollars more, I think the ECM-MS907 is the better buy. But this mic is very good.