Wireless microphones are like the unsung heroes of video production. And when a new player comes to shake things up in a market dominated by big names like Rode and DJI, you have to take notice. Enter the Saramonic Ultra, a sleek contender that promises stellar sound, unique features, and a design that might make you do a double take. So, does it deliver? Let’s find out.
Saramonic Ultra: A touch of tasteful retro
First impressions matter, and the Saramonic Ultra nails it. The charging case, transmitters, and receiver are wrapped in a retro camera-style texture, which makes it look more like a designer gadget than a workhorse audio tool. In the words of “shiny plastic” microphones, it’s refreshing to see something different. (this is not the first time that Saramonic is putting emphasis on looks, their Blink Me, was the first (and AFAIK only) mic that let you upload a photo to the transmitter). You can get the kit in black or white, though we are living in a world where black says pro, so I and this is the color I got.
I did not see any mil specs on the brochure, but I have to say that the case feels sturdy, and so do the actual units. There is a bit of weight to them, which feels nice. This weight, though, means that the mics will sit nicer on thick fabrics and may hang a bit on thin shirts.
One thing I like in particular, and I have only seen on high-end systems like the Senheisser Profile, is dual Android/iPhone adapters. This means that you don’t have to choose which kit to get depending on your phone, as the kit has both connectors. Not only that, but both connectors have dedicated spots inside the hard case, so they are always with you. Each unit locks in quite nicely with a small rotation. If $269 is over your budget, this means it’s a kit that’s easy to share or co-buy.
The Saramonic Ultra comes with a soft case where you can put the hard case and the other accessories. I like this approach. This means that there is one place where you can keep the entire kit. I would have liked it better if the hard case had room for everything, but this is a fair trade-off. The only thing I am really missing is a place for the antenna on the hard case. But even with this caveat, this configuration is better than most brands where you have a hard case for TX and RX, and the rest of the kit is floating in your bag.
Saramonic Ultra key features
Here’s where the Saramonic Ultra flexes its muscles. Sure, it has the essentials—dual transmitters, internal recording, and a solid 32-bit float audio recording capability. and this is would get you a sit at the table in the 2024 wireless mic game, but the Ultra also has some more advanced features where it punches above it’s weight.
Timecode integration
This one’s a game-changer for multi-camera setups or even for a single camera when you use internal recording. If you are using an FX3 (like me), you would (sadly) need to either shell out for an extra cable or “waste” one of your channels for timecode recording.
Saramonic did a great job supplying methods (and matching tutorials) for Mirrorless, pro, and action cameras, but the menus can be a bit confusing, and you have to know what you are doing.
IPX5 Waterproofing
It’s nice to see that audio companies are getting their mics more robust. I do own a few other kits where even a chance of rain would be a big no-no. On the Ultra though, IPX5 generally means that the mic can withstand low-pressure water from any angle. Basically, it is rainproof, though this is not a technical term.
High SPL tolerance
Many mics boast 32-bit float recording capabilities. But the fact that you are recording big files is not worth much if you are not capturing a wide range of sound. Check the samples below to see how the Ultra handles anything from a whisper all the way to me going berserk.
Long range connection
So far, most of the 2.4 systems we tested range at about 100 meters. And this is the default range for the ultra as well. But, the kit also has a small antenna that allows you to extend this range all the way up to 300 meters. When you plug the antenna, you’ll see a short prompt that the antenna is connected (and another one when you take it out). We tested the range to be around 300 meters with a line of sight and 95 meters with my back to the camera.
Saramonic Ultra interfaces and usage
The interface on the Ultra is incredibly intuitive, and you will get along just fine, even if you don’t like reading manuals. The transmitter has three buttons: on/off, record, and notice cancellation; this is it! And the receiver has a nice bright OLED touch screen that gives you indications on the transmitters’ status and also provides full control. So for example, once a transmitter records, the receiver will indicate this with a small red circle. Similarly, you will see a green indication for notice cancellation. The only thing I could not figure out was how to kill the red LED on the transmitter.
For the folks who are afraid of accidental touches, a short press on the power button locks the screen.
One note on the receiver clip, it only attaches one way, which isn’t ideal if you’re a solo creator trying to monitor audio while recording yourself.
Transmission and sound quality
The Ultra doesn’t just look good; it sounds good too. Whether you’re using the built-in mics or the included lavaliers (with the $299 kit), the audio is clean, rich, and comparable to its pricier competitors. The noise cancellation feature works as advertised, cutting out low-frequency hums, though it’s easy to activate accidentally. And while it’s great for isolating your voice, it can feel overly aggressive in environments where ambient noise adds context to your story.
Storage and battery life
Each transmitter has 8GB of internal storage, giving you about 10 hours of 32-bit float recording. It’s decent but not generous, especially when compared to Rode’s 32GB capacity. The lack of data transfer via the charging case is a missed opportunity—you’ll need to connect each transmitter individually to offload files.
Battery life is solid, and the case offers additional charges to keep you going through long shoots. Still, heavier users might need to top up with external power banks.
Saramonic Ultra vs the competition
At $269 (or $299 with two lav mics), the Saramonic Ultra is priced competitively. But with Rode Wireless Pro and DJI Mic 2 in the same ballpark, it’s a tough call. The Rode system offers a more polished ecosystem with better app support, while DJI’s sleek design and extra storage might sway others.
That said, if features like timecode, waterproofing, and high SPL tolerance are on your wish list, the Ultra is a no-brainer.
Final thoughts: A serious contender
The Saramonic Ultra is more than just a pretty face. It’s packed with thoughtful features that cater to both casual users and professionals. While there are a few quirks, like the finicky receiver clip and limited storage, it holds its own against the big names in the market.
If you’re looking for a versatile, stylish, and feature-rich wireless microphone system that doesn’t break the bank, the Ultra is absolutely worth considering.
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