Saramonic SG MS1 mid-side stereo shotgun for camera rigs

Saramonic has launched the SG MS1, a stereo shotgun microphone that uses the mid-side (M-S) method. It records the subject and the surrounding sound at the same time. The company aims it at sound recordists and engineers as well as vloggers and content creators.

Saramonic says the SG MS1 is not meant to replace dedicated stereo arrays or full location recording kits. It is meant as a compact M-S option for small crews and solo operators.

Size and build

The microphone is 14.98 cm (5.9 in) long and weighs 90.72 g (3.2 oz). The body is all metal. Saramonic built it for daily field work, and its size is intended for camera-mounted use and light recording setups.

How mid-side works here

A forward-facing mid capsule picks up the centre of the scene. A bi-directional side capsule records ambience and spatial information from the sides. Combining the two keeps the subject clear while preserving the sound of the location.

Three output modes

• Raw M-S: both capsules are output unprocessed, for music, ambience and field recording that will be shaped in post.
• M/S Mono: a mono signal in cardioid or bi-directional pattern; cardioid for dialogue and vlogs, bi-directional for two-person interviews and sound effects.
• Decoded L/R: mid-side is turned into standard left and right channels in real time, for TV, news and broadcast.

Stereo width, output mode and gain are set in the Saramonic System app or with the onboard controls.

Connections and price

Outputs are available over XLR, 3.5mm TRS and USB-C. Power can come from +48V phantom power, USB-C power or its built-in rechargeable battery. The price is $350.