Saramonic announced the SG MS1 compact MS stereo shotgun microphone, on August 3, 2026. This new product is intended for production sound engineers, music creators, live performance recorders, outdoor/field sound recorders who capture natural sounds, vlog and documentary producers, sound designers, and game audio creators who need to capture both a specific subject and its surrounding acoustic space.
The SG MS1 employs a Mid-Side recording method. A forward-facing Mid capsule captures the center image, while a bidirectional Side capsule captures lateral ambience (environmental sounds) and spatial information. By combining these, it is possible to record the subject clearly while maintaining the atmosphere and sense of presence of the scene.
For small to medium-sized production crews, this reduces the need to choose between mono recording with a shotgun microphone focused on a specific subject and separate stereo ambient sound recording. In documentary production, event coverage, live performance recording, B-roll shooting, nature recording, and location recording, the SG MS1 provides a practical way to record the sound of the subject and the surrounding space in the same take.
Capturing the subject and space simultaneously
In many field recording situations, not only the central voice or point source is needed, but also the surrounding sounds. In documentary scenes, room tone and ambience that match the video may be required, and in music and performance recordings, a natural stereo image is desired without extra setup time.
The Saramonic SG MS1 was designed to meet these production needs. Its MS configuration records a focused Mid signal and a Side signal containing ambient stereo information. This allows for immediate decision-making in fast-paced environments, and provides detailed control in post-production if adjustments are needed in the final sound design.
Three output modes suitable for different production workflows
The SG MS1 features three output modes that can be selected to suit various recording scenarios.
- Raw MS: Outputs an unprocessed M/S signal using both the front and side capsules. Suitable for music, ambient, and field recordings where maximum flexibility in post-production is required.
- M/S Mono: Depending on the application, you can choose either a unidirectional (cardioid) or bidirectional pattern for monaural recording. Mono unidirectional is suitable for dialogue, vlogs, and point source recording, while mono bidirectional is recommended for two-person interviews and recording sound effects in game and film production.
- Decoded L/R: Converts mid-side audio to standard left and right stereo channels in real time. This allows for fine-tuning of the stereo image in post-production when inputs are recorded individually, making it suitable for television production, news gathering, broadcasting, and recordings requiring rapid delivery.
Saramonic SG MS1 Balances speed on set with flexibility in editing
The SG MS1 is designed to support actual production decisions during both recording and editing.
On set, the “Decoded L/R” mode provides a real-time, immediately usable stereo image, allowing users to quickly make decisions about framing, placement, and ambience while checking playback. It’s easy to use even for beginners, as there’s no need to manually split channels in post-production. Meanwhile, during editing, the “Raw MS” mode allows for the option of fine-tuning the stereo image later, rather than finalizing all spatial settings during recording.
Stereo width, output mode, gain, and related settings can be managed via the Saramonic System app and the unit’s controls, allowing for flexible configuration according to the recording environment.
Suitable for modern production setups
The SG MS1 supports multiple connectivity and power options, including XLR, 3.5mm TRS, and USB-C connections. It also supports 48V phantom power, USB-C power delivery, and a built-in rechargeable battery. This makes it easy to integrate into recorder-centric setups, camera workflows, mobile production kits, and compact field recording rigs.
The SG MS1 is not intended to replace any existing dedicated stereo array or location recording package. It is designed as a practical MS stereo tool for teams that need subject focus, ambient sound, and workflow flexibility in a single, compact microphone.
For documentary crews, independent filmmakers, live event teams, creators involved in video and audio production, and field recording users, the SG MS1 is a practical option that makes it easy to incorporate MS stereo recording into their daily production work.
