Phone cameras have become remarkably capable, but the sound surrounding a scene rarely receives the same attention. The Sony ECM-AX10 is a compact USB-C microphone designed to record not just a voice but the spatial relationships between sounds.

Four omnidirectional capsules support three recording approaches: four-channel Ambisonics, two-channel binaural audio, and conventional stereo. Ambisonics can be exported for immersive playback through Eclipsa Audio on compatible platforms, while binaural capture provides a headphone-friendly sense of direction. Sony’s companion Spatial Audio Video Tool handles capture, editing, and export on supported smartphones. The device is intended for street scenes, performances, and other situations where direction matters.

It weighs approximately 0.85 ounce and measures 4.57 inches long. Dedicated switches provide mode selection, attenuation, and low-cut or noise-cut filtering; a six-axis motion sensor and headphone monitoring jack round out the hardware. Its recording specifications include 48-kHz capture at up to 32-bit float in supported formats. A supplied windscreen, shoe-mount holder, and USB-C cable make the kit usable beyond handheld shooting. Power comes from the connected smartphone rather than a separate battery.

The ECM-AX10 costs $249.99 in the United States and is available now. Compatibility depends on the smartphone and recording app, so spatial modes are not universal across every mobile setup.