Saramonic Ultra Wireless Mic System Review: Features, Performance, and Verdict

This review delves into the Saramonic Ultra Wireless Microphone system, examining its features, performance, and overall value. We unpack the contents of the surprisingly compact package, detailing the included components and their initial impressions. From the lightweight transmitters and receiver to the included accessories like lavalier microphones and a Sony adapter, we assess the build quality and ease of use. Particular attention is paid to the unique touchscreen interface on the receiver and the accompanying smartphone app, noting both their strengths and weaknesses.This comprehensive assessment covers range testing in realistic conditions, evaluating the system's performance through obstacles and across multiple floors. We explore the noise reduction capabilities, battery life, and 32-bit float recording mode, comparing its performance against the popular Hollyland Lark Max system. Finally, we deliver a considered verdict, weighing the system's impressive features and competitive price against minor drawbacks, offering a clear recommendation for potential buyers.

Pros And Cons

Read more: SM Professional XR50 Wireless Microphone: Unboxing, Features & Review

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Saramonic Ultra Wireless Microphone system arrived in a surprisingly compact package. Inside, you'll find the charging case, two transmitter units, a receiver, USB-C and Apple Lightning adapters for smartphones, a 3.5mm cable, two furry windshields, a small antenna, and a short USB-C charging cable. Our kit also included two lavalier microphones with clips and foam covers. While a larger carrying case would have been preferable for better organization, the included fabric bag suffices for the smaller accessories.

The transmitters are lightweight and compact, boasting a user-friendly design with clearly marked buttons for power, noise reduction, and recording. The receiver is similarly small and unassuming, sporting a touchscreen interface that, while initially unconventional, proves functional once mastered. The metal clips on the transmitters provide secure attachment, and the included magnets ensure easy docking within the charging case.

Receiver Interface and App Functionality

The receiver's touchscreen interface, while unique, presents a slight learning curve. Swiping controls allow access to transmitter settings (mute, noise reduction, auto-record), and the main menu offers adjustments for output volume, gain modes, sound options (vocal booth, low cut), recording settings, speaker timecode, and system options. Intuitive button controls would have been a beneficial addition to the touchscreen for ease of use.

The accompanying app offers remote control over most receiver functions, including noise reduction, voice enhancement, bit depth, and low-cut filter adjustments. While useful, the app is hampered by a cumbersome registration process and the absence of Bluetooth connectivity. This necessitates a physical connection between the receiver and the smartphone, rendering the app largely ineffective when the receiver is connected to a camera via the Sony adapter.

Sony Adapter Integration and Camera Compatibility

The optional Sony adapter provides a cable-free digital audio connection to compatible Sony cameras via the Multi-Interface Shoe. This is a welcome addition, eliminating the risk of cable damage and simplifying setup. However, the adapter's somewhat delicate construction raises slight concerns about durability. While our testing showed successful integration with several Sony cameras (A1, A7R5, a7IV), users may need to adjust in-camera settings and possibly add gain to achieve optimal audio levels.

Connecting the adapter requires a firm push, and the plastic connector on our unit detached once. While not affecting functionality, Saramonic should consider reinforcing this component for improved robustness. Remember to adjust the camera settings to 24-bit recording when using the adapter, as 16-bit is the default.

Range Test and Noise Reduction Performance

Our range test involved traversing through multiple closed doors and floors within a building, a more realistic scenario than a simple straight-line outdoor test. The Saramonic Ultra, coupled with the extended-range antenna, performed impressively, transmitting good audio quality through multiple metal doors and concrete obstacles; the range capability was indeed impressive.

Noise reduction performance was tested using a smartphone app that produced various background noise levels. While the noise reduction feature is adjustable via the app, it can be toggled on/off directly on the transmitter. Our tests revealed noticeable noise reduction when activated, although the level of reduction might not be extreme, depending on the background noise intensity.

Battery Life and Additional Features

The Saramonic Ultra boasts an impressive 6-hour battery life for both transmitters and receiver, with the charging case providing two full charge cycles. We did not encounter any battery issues during our testing period, although a small battery level display on the case would be a welcome improvement.

The 32-bit float mode, while a useful feature for preventing audio clipping, currently has limited camera compatibility. This necessitates using the internal microphone recording to fully leverage this function. The timecode feature, although not tested here, is another notable asset.

Comparison with Hollyland Lark Max and Conclusion

A direct comparison with the Hollyland Lark Max revealed some nuances. While both systems performed admirably, the Lark Max produced slightly cleaner audio with less noticeable compression or noise artifacts, especially when using noise reduction. This difference appears linked to the Saramonic Ultra's noise reduction implementation, particularly at the highest level (level 3).

The Saramonic Ultra is a feature-rich, highly competitive wireless microphone system offering 32-bit float internal recording, automatic gain control, effective noise reduction, extended range, long battery life, and cable-free Sony camera integration (with the adapter). While some minor interface quirks and the app's Bluetooth limitation exist, the overall benefits outweigh these drawbacks. The price point is competitive, considering the array of features offered. While the Lark Max might edge out in raw audio quality in certain noise reduction scenarios, the Saramonic Ultra’s feature set and adaptability may make it a preferable choice for many users.