Saramonic Ultra Review: High-Performing Wireless Mic System

This is a hands-on review of the Saramonic Ultra microphone system.

Saramonic’s range of microphones covers everything content creators need, with the Ultra serving as a prosumer model for wireless recording.

Aimed squarely at the on-the-go videographer, the Saramonic Ultra is a compact and high-performance system with 32-bit float internal recording.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Saramonic Ultra Wireless Mic

Crisp audio, reliable signal performance and an intuitive UI make this mic system perfect for creators.

I’ve tested the Saramonic Ultra to see how it performs for content creators who demand high-quality audio on location.

Let’s look at the results.

What is the Saramonic Ultra?

• System type: 2-channel wireless microphone kit with timecode
• Wireless band: 2.4 GHz digital wireless
• Transmission (line-of-sight) range: up to ~300 m (with external antenna) (≈ 984 ft)
• Maximum sound pressure level (SPL): 130 dB (anti-distortion)
• Onboard recording: 8 GB internal memory per transmitter (32-bit float support)
• Bit Depth / Sample Rate: 48 kHz / 24-bit (normal) and 48 kHz / 32-bit float (with onboard REC)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): > 90 dB
• Latency: ~ 25 ms
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Low-cut/high-pass filter: 150 Hz low cut available
• Noise & voice processing: ClearVoice™ (noise cancellation / AGC / vocal boost)

• Output/interfacing:

  • Receiver outputs: 3.5 mm TRS, USB-C, Lightning

  • Receiver can also play back audio (monitor)

• Power/battery:

  • Transmitters & receiver: ~ 6 hours per charge

  • Charging case: provides additional charges / “operating time” for full system (~24 h for TX + RX combination)

• Water resistance: IPX5 rating (transmitters)
• Encryption: 128-bit encryption for signal security
• Output modes: Mono / Stereo / Safety track modes
• Dimensions & weight:

  • Transmitter size: 45.5 × 33.5 × 15 mm

  • Transmitter weight: ~ 35 g

  • Charging case dimensions: ~ 117 × 48.5 × 62.4 mm

  • Charging case weight: ~ 210.5 g

• Accessories included: 2 transmitters, one receiver, charging case, external antenna, USB-C & Lightning adapters, 3.5 mm TRS cable, windshields, magnetic mounts, carry pouch

The Saramonic Ultra is the latest addition to a well-represented market for high-quality prosumer-level wireless microphone systems.

Content creators and low-budget filmmakers working on location require small, wearable mics to capture audio with minimal fuss.

The Saramonic is another viable option in this category, replicating the features of its closest competitors at an attractive price point.

An impressive range of additional features complements single and dual-channel audio for high-quality sound recordings.

If you’re a content creator familiar with popular wireless systems from brands like DJI and Rode, you’ll find the Saramonic Ultra to be in familiar territory.

Let’s examine it in more detail, from the core technical capabilities to the quality of audio when recording in the field.

Technical Specifications

The Saramonic Ultra system is sturdily constructed with a high-quality fabric bag for storing the case and accessories.

The Saramonic Ultra boasts impressive specifications, making it a powerful performer for those seeking high-quality recordings.

Everything needed for a shoot is included: two transmitters and a receiver, a charging case, and a selection of adapters.

For recording, the Saramonic Ultra’s two included lavalier microphones are fitted with high-quality omnidirectional MEMS mics.

The set also includes windshields for when conditions are too severe for the onboard noise cancellation system to manage.

Audio quality is optimized thanks to the onboard 32-bit float recording at a 48kHz sample rate that produces crisp, dynamic voice recordings.

It can handle a maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of up to 130 dB without distortion, making it suitable for use in loud environments like concerts.

There’s also frame-accurate timecode support, allowing you to use the Ulta in multi-camera setups with easy synchronization in post-production.

The noise cancellation system is impressive, with the Ultra using ClearVoice technology to allow for adjustable cancellation levels.

You can set it to Vocal Boost if the talent’s dialogue isn’t coming through clearly, or use Low-Cut modes if ambient noise is causing distractions.

The Saramonic Ultra is also well-served on the connectivity front, with plenty of output options, including USB-C, 3.5mm TRS, and Lightning devices.

If you’re using one of Sony’s more recent compatible cameras, you can connect the Ultra directly via the multi-interface hot shoe.

The specs are rounded up by the onboard storage space, with 8GB of available space on each of the transmitters.

It’s a welcome feature, since 32-bit float audio has yet to become a standard on current mirrorless or cinema cameras.

Design and Build Quality

Build quality is reassuringly robust, with a stylish LED-illuminated charging case and robust transmitters and the receiver.

The Saramonic Ultra’s design is solid, and the charging case, transmitters, and receivers feel durable and reliably sturdy.

For the charging case, Saramonic has chosen strong plastic with rounded corners, finished with a faux leather exterior.

The durable plastic extends to the enclosure, which features discreet compartments for the transmitters and receivers, allowing for easy docking and charging.

A bright LED ring on the case lid indicates the power status, and a USB-C port at the rear allows for charging the case.

The included transmitters and receiver are incredibly light yet sturdy, featuring responsive buttons for triggering recordings and activating noise cancellation.

There are two options for attaching the transmitters to clothing, with the built-in clip and strong magnet allowing for flexible mounting.

If you’re shooting outdoors and get caught up in poor weather, the transmitters are IPX5-rated for water resistance.

There’s also an external antenna for the receiver to boost reception, which quickly snaps on and off the side of the device.

Everything feels rock-solid and dependable, with a handy drawstring bag that stores the Ultra’s charging case and accessories in one place.

Performance and Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Saramonic Ultra lives up to its impressive specs, delivering crisp and resonant audio performance.

Recording onto the onboard transmitter storage in a quiet environment showcases its quality, particularly when Vocal Boost is engaged.

This feature enhances an already crisp recording by adding low-end frequencies, which can be further refined in post-production.

In the field, the noise cancellation feature comes into play, and while it’s perhaps not industry-leading, it nevertheless delivers solid results.

Ambient background noise from nearby traffic is reduced, if not entirely cut out, with ample scope for tweaking results using the three-level noise-canceling mode.

The Saramonic Ultra also includes automatic gain control, which is a valuable feature when shooting in variable environments on the fly.

Thanks to the wide dynamic range afforded by the 32-bit float onboard recording, clipping is essentially a non-issue when using the Ultras.

Overall, sound quality and performance are both consistently solid, with timecode elevating its suitability for professional projects.

It’s one of a handful of wireless mics to incorporate this feature, making the Saramonic Ultra a compelling stepping-stone from amateur to professional work.

Wireless Connectivity and Range

The Ultra’s transmitters and receivers provide ample signal strength for location shoots and plenty of customization settings and accessories.

The Saramonic Ultra operates within the standard 2.4GHz frequency band, commonly used for similar wireless microphone systems, with a latency of 25ms.

Hooking the transmitters to the receiver takes seconds, with automatic connectivity when the devices are switched on.

The manufacturer claims a range of up to 300 meters with the included external antenna attached, dropping to 250 meters without the booster.

While range claims are generally taken with a pinch of salt and reflect best-case scenarios, the Ultra’s range is nevertheless impressive.

It’s doubtful that the full range will ever be required, and distance tests performed did not suffer from a loss of signal in direct line of sight.

Indoor tests to check for obstacle interference and signal loss from walls also performed well, and again bear little relation to practical shooting scenarios.

Battery Life and Power Options

The transmitters and receivers’ battery life is up to six hours on a single charge, with extended power through the charging case up to 24 hours.

This represents an improvement and a tradeoff compared to alternatives, with slightly shorter unit battery life than the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro.

Conversely, the 24 hours of extended power through the charging case outperforms the DJI Mic, but overall, the differences are negligible.

Recharging the case is performed through a USB-C connection, which brings the case back to a full charge in as little as two hours.

Throw in a power bank when shooting on location, and there’s enough power here to cover a multi-day shoot in the wilderness with ease.

Ease of Use and Setup

The Saramonic Ultra features intuitive setup and operation, making it incredibly easy to work with.

The Saramonic Ultra has been designed to eliminate as many pain points as possible, ensuring an uninterrupted workflow.

Automatic pairing between transmitters and the receiver removes the need for a complex setup, with intuitive controls for customizing settings.

On the receiver, functions are adjusted via a responsive pressable dial, with a small but bright OLED touchscreen displaying the options.

Thanks to the receiver’s hot shoe, it’s easy to mount it onto a camera rig and monitor gain levels, allowing for instant tweaks when needed.

The transmitters are also streamlined in their functionality, with a button to start and stop recordings and another for activating noise cancellation.

Additional options for audio output modes and auto gain control are accessible in a few simple steps when a more refined approach is needed.

The Ultra is also operable via the Saramonic App (available in iOS and Android), with Bluetooth pairing enabling access to a range of system settings via a smartphone.

Price and Value for Money

Saramonic’s product range is known for its highly competitive pricing, with models like the Ultra and K9 outperforming rivals in cost.

The Ultra retails for approximately $269, which sits roughly in the ballpark between the DJI Mix 2 and the more expensive Rode Wireless Pro.

What sets it apart from these competitors is the inclusion of timecode syncing, which the DJI lacks, and a water resistance rating that beats both competitors.

Increased range, broader connectivity, and equal if not better audio quality all enhance the Ultra’s appeal and value for money.

In general, the Saramonic Ultra successfully hits the sweet spot, blending strong audio performance and pro-level features at an accessible price.

How I Tested the Saramonic Ultra

I tested the Ultra in various settings, including indoor audio tests and run-and-gun location shooting.

When testing the Saramonic Ultra, several recordings were made indoors and in a selection of outdoor locations.

Tests were conducted using the onboard 32-bit float internal recording, including range and obstacle tests to evaluate signal strength and reliability.

This included background noise tests near busy roads and background conversations to compare the different noise-cancellation settings.

The Ultra’s transmitter and receiver mounts were tested on clothing of varying thicknesses to assess the reliability of their grip.

When shooting on location, the Ultra’s receiver was also tested with a Sony a7III camera using the included 3.5mm TRS cable.

Audio quality and range all held up well to range and obstacle tests, with signal loss typically beyond the point of practical shooting requirements.

Alternatives to the Saramonic Ultra

The Saramonic Ultra delivers an impressive balance between the core features of its two closest rivals, the DJI Mic 2 and Rode Wireless Pro.

Comparisons with the DJI setup are exceptionally favorable, with the Ultra lacking the receiver drop-out issues reported by Mic 2 users.

It’s also a compelling, albeit more expensive, alternative to the Hollyland Lark M25, another wireless mic system used by YouTubers and content creators.

Saramonic’s Air and BlinkMe are popular, budget-friendly models for those who want a pocket-sized system but don’t need the Ultra’s pro-level features.

There’s also the Sennheiser Profile Wireless, which is similar in price and delivers improved vlogging audio, if not as feature-rich as the Ultra.

Saramonic Ultra Review | Conclusion

With content creation more popular than ever before, the market for high-quality wireless microphone systems has become saturated with options.

Thankfully, the Saramonic Ultra’s arrival is welcome, delivering pristine 32-bit float audio recording with consistently reliable signal performance.

Ample battery life allows for long shoots, while the waterproof transmitters, clear display, and intuitive UI make it a breeze to use in most conditions.

With timecode synchronization available for professional productions, the Saramonic Ultra delivers the complete package at a highly competitive price.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Saramonic Ultra Wireless Mic

Crisp audio, reliable signal performance and an intuitive UI make this mic system perfect for creators.