Saramonic Ultra review: a feature-packed alternative to Rode and DJI’s wireless mics
Saramonic Ultra: One Minute Review
The Saramonic Ultra is a portable wireless microphone system that is popular with DJI microphone and Microphone 2. Mainly aimed at people who need to create audio and video content on the go – Vlogger, Podcasters and Remists- Ultra works as a package that contains two wearable transmitters, a receiver and a portable charging case to keep everything in hand.
The kit allows for single and dual channels of audio, and the receiver can be connected to a variety of devices to add high-quality 24-bit sound to the recording. iPhone, iPad, USB-C smartphones and computers, 3.5mm camera input and even Sony’s multi-interface shoes include an adapter, but thanks to the 8GB of onboard space, the transmitter can also record audio by itself. When recorded directly to this memory, users can even record 32-bit Float Audio, a high dynamic range format rich in the data range that audio professionals have precious.
The build quality of Saramonic is not as rock solid as some alternatives, but the transmitter’s waterproofness to IPX5 levels shows that the company is doing the right thing. And, while noise cancellation is far from the most effective noise I have encountered in wireless microphones, audio quality is usually excellent in a variety of environments.
Saramonic Ultra: Price and Issuance Date
- $249/£259/au $449 for 2 channel setup with receiver, two transmitters and charging case
- Also included in Lavalier microphone include
- Now available in black and white finishes
Can be found in a collection including two transmitters, a receiver, a charging box, adapter for lightning, USB-C and Sony multi-interfaces, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, two windshields and a suspender bag Buy Saramonic Ultra everything. The packaging comes in black or white finishes and costs around $249/£259/au $449. Just spend a little more money and you can buy the same package, which includes two wired Lavalier microphones ($299/£289).
As far as I know, it is impossible to buy separate components alone, or just a transmitter and receiver package (for example, for those who want to save money on DJI MIC 2, it can be used).
That being said, the price is lower than the price of quality competitors like the DJI MIC 2 and RODE Wireless Pro, or even the relatively affordable ones Sennheiser profile wirelessSaramonic can claim to be one of the most affordable high-end wireless microphones.
Saramonic Ultra: Specifications
| aspect | 45.5 x 33.5 x 15mm (transmitter); 117 x 48.5 x 62.4mm (charging box) |
| weight | 35G (transmitter); 210.5g (charging case) |
| Transmission range | 300m (W/antenna)/250m |
| Connectivity | Receiver: USB-C, USB-C/Lightning, input 3.5mm; transmitter: USB-C, 3.5mm input |
| Battery | 6 hours plus extra cost of the case |
| Voice | 16, 24 and 32 bits |
| Noise reduction | Yes |
Saramonic Ultra: Design
- Most element slots are used for shipping charging cases
- Whole packaging weighs 210.5G / 7.4 oz
- Adapters including USB-C, Lightning and Sony multi-interface shoes
Like most wireless microphone setups, the Saramonic Ultra revolves around two main elements: a small wearable transmitter and a nearly small wearable receiver. The transmitter (two provided here) has a clip and a strong magnet that attaches it to clothes, and the magnet is best suited for thin clothes like T-shirts. It has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer purposes, and, if needed, a 3.5mm jack for connecting the Lavalier Mic. The transmitters are also IPX5 certified, making them waterproof against rainwater-I have never seen a competitor’s microphone.
The receiver will connect wirelessly to one or both transmitters, and also has a clip, which is the mounting option for sliding into the camera’s cold shoes. It also comes with an adapter for lightning and USB-C devices, and something I didn’t see on the competition: the optional antenna increases its wireless range to 300m (the range of 250m is claimed by Saramonic). The receiver also has an OLED touchscreen and comes with a pressurized dial that adjusts settings and views gain levels, although both are small, there are few problems with use. However, those with the persuasiveness of larger fingers may find them a little trouble.
The charging boxes provided have room for transmitters, receivers and lightning and USB-C adapters. Unfortunately, there is no room for extra space such as the windshield of the transmitter or any cable. Still, the case has a leather-effect texture on the top and a nice lit logo to indicate the remaining battery life, which is a neat way to carry (and charge) the core elements of this setup. Its construction is a bit squeaky compared to the case with the DJI MIC 2, but I don’t care that it will crash.
Saramonic Ultra: Performance
- Select 16, 24 and 32-bit records
- The launcher can be solo
- Noise reduction, sound boost and low clipping modes
Like the DJI MIC 2 and RODE Wireless Pro, the Saramonic Ultra has the option to record high-quality 32-bit floating audio directly to the transmitter’s 8GB of onboard memory. 32-bit Float is the original photo of jpegs for standard 16 or 24-bit audio – larger file size with more data, allowing for more post-production operations on the sound. I think that while it is a useful option, especially for professional users, is a smaller file size for 24-bit audio, and the fact that it can be transferred wirelessly means I will use 24-bit audio 9 times to use one tenth of the 10th of the time .
It’s not 24-bit audio nor is it bad either. In fact, it’s nice and crisp, and turning on the vocal cord enhancement mode can make the speech a little real weight and body. If you want your voice to sound deeper and more authoritative, it may switch in most cases. The microphone can also be set to record 16-bit audio, probably included as a space-saving option.
Another optional mode is Low Cut, which eliminates some of the lower frequency noise in the recording, while the third-level cancellation mode does reduce background sound – though not exceeding the level of efficient noise reduction employed by the DJI MIC 2. For example, in my test recordings, traffic noise was still very high, even if the Saramonic noise cancelled to dial to its highest level.
Even in relatively calm conditions, my outdoor recordings are obvious, which is why you rarely leave the launcher if you use a furry windshield outside – they do a great job of reducing it.
Gain can be set manually, while the receiver’s screen can provide both real-time indication of the level and means of adjustment, but automatic gain settings can also be used in trickier and variable environments. It will adjust the gain instantly to compensate for background noise or changes in the subject distance microphone, so it is ideal for non-staff settings.
There is no backup recording mode here, so there is no protection against signal reduction. That being said, with the antenna attached you should get a consistently strong wireless signal. I wouldn’t rely on it to work perfectly in the highest range of the 300m maximum range claimed by Saramonic (I took the range claims from all manufacturers as the best scenario), but for the vast majority of users, it will never be tested. Although the walls and floors may get in the way of you, I personally don’t have the signal problem with using the microphone.
Another very friendly feature you find here is timing support, allowing users who take multi-camera shots to easily synchronize their microphone and camera in post-production. Few people will use it, but very convenient – in the recent wireless microphone release, this and the Rode Wireless Pro are the only two models that offer it.
The battery life is great, with each transmitter and receiver operating time of about 6 hours plus 12 or so (or two charging cycles). In theory, you can record a total of about 18 hours before you can find the power outlet to charge.
Should I buy saramonic Ultra?
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Saramonic Ultra: Consider it too
How do I test Saramonic Ultra
- Use regularly for a week in a quiet and noisy environment
- Paired with iPhone 13 and Panasonic Lumix GH6
I tested the Saramonic Ultra Mic indoors and outdoors and physically connected to the device with the receiver (My Apple iPhone 13 Smartphone and Panasonic Lumix GH6 camera) and separate mode. I make sure to record records in various environments to understand how the microphone handles different background noise and weather conditions.
