Sony Announces ECM-AX10 Spatial Audio Smartphone Microphone

Sony released the ECM-AX10, a compact USB-C spatial audio microphone designed for content creators and priced at $249.99, featuring the world’s first Eclipsa Audio certification for smartphones, popsci.com reported. Following a year in 2026 that saw the Japanese giant release numerous playback products including Bluetooth headphones, DJ-friendly party speakers, and pro IEMs, the company introduced this device to capture immersive content meant to be played on such accessories.

Weighing 24 grams, the microphone uses four omnidirectional capsules in a spherical module developed by Sony to capture audio across multiple recording formats. petapixel.com reported that Sony worked with Sony PCL, a group company with expertise in content production and post-production, to tune the sound quality of the microphone. Sony stated that the microphone uses omnidirectional capsules to capture sound that feels more natural, immersive, and true to the moment, adding that its newly developed spherical microphone module supports Ambisonics recording to capture sound from all directions.

Sony ECM-AX10 Recording Capabilities

The microphone provides three distinct recording modes to accommodate various production needs. Ambisonics recording captures a full-sphere soundfield using four-channel 48 kHz/32-bit float capabilities, which works alongside Sony’s Spatial Audio Video Tool app to publish formats supported by YouTube, according to popsci.com. This Eclipsa Audio certification complies with spatial audio encoding requirements based on the open IAMF (Immersive Audio Model and Format) standard. The microphone is designed to easily attach to both Apple and Android smartphones.

Binaural recording utilizes two channels at 48 kHz in 16-, 24-, or 32-bit quality, optimized for headphone listening through three-dimensional sound support similar to 360 Reality Audio. Stereo recording offers traditional compatibility with general recording apps and social media channels.

Hardware Features Include Motion Sensors and Monitoring Tools

The hardware includes a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer to keep audio aligned with video orientation, plus a Selfie Mode for front- or rear-facing alignment. An attenuator switch drops sensitivity by -20dBFS to prevent overloading, accompanied by Noise Cut controls.

Creators can monitor audio using a 3.5mm minijack for wired headphones. The retail package also contains a windscreen, a spacer sheet, a shoe-mount microphone holder with no electrical contacts, and a USB-C extension cable.

Sony ECM-AX10 Is Available for Preorder

The Sony ECM-AX10 is available to preorder now.