Saramonic has revealed its latest wireless microphone system. The two-channel Saramonic Ultra offers onboard 32-bit float recording and timecode synchronization. 32-bit float audio has such a large dynamic range that you don’t need to set a recording level. No matter how loud your audio gets, the signal won’t clip.
Two-channel recording
The Saramonic Ultra is a two-channel wireless microphone system with two transmitters and a single receiver. It also includes a charging case for all three units. The system has a wireless transmission range of up to 270 yards (250 meters). You can increase this to 328 yards (300 meters) if you use attach the included external antenna to the receiver unit. In addition, the system can capture audio without clipping in environments up to 130 dB SPL. Saramonic says that this makes it ideal for concerts, motor races and other loud settings.
Transmitters
Each Saramonic Ultra transmitter has a built-in microphone and a 3.5 mm socket for adding an external microphone. There’s also a magnetic clip on the back of each transmitter so you can attach it to your subject’s clothing. The transmitters include 8GB of internal storage for recording up to 15 hours of 24-bit audio, and up to 10 hours of 32-bit float audio. In addition, there are buttons on the transmitters to start or stop recording and to activate or deactivate noise cancellation.
Receiver
The Saramonic Ultra receiver has a 1.1-inch HD AMOLED high-resolution color touchscreen. This displays information including battery levels, timecode, audio levels and wireless signal strength. You can connect the receiver to a camera or recorder via the 3.5 mm output. There’s also a port for a Lightning or USB-C connector so you can attach the receiver to a smartphone. In addition, the clip on the back of the receiver can be used to attach the device to your camera’s cold shoe.
Audio recording
Saramonic says that the Ultra delivers high quality audio with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and high-sensitivity microphones with a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The system also features built-in timecode to make it easy to sync your audio with your video in post-production. In addition, you can use the ClearVoice Intelligent Noise Cancellation technology to reduce background noise with Vocal Boost, low-cut modes and Auto Gain Control.
Other features
The Saramonic Ultra transmitters and receiver have a battery life of up to six hours. The system also comes with a charging case to store and recharge your devices. To help improve recordings in windy conditions, you get clip-on fur windshields for the built-in microphones on the transmitters. In addition, the transmitters feature an IPX5-rated waterproof design, so you don’t need to worry about using them when the weather turns bad.
What we think
The Saramonic Ultra two-channel wireless microphone system is ideal for content creation, film production, and covering live events. With 32-bit float recording, you don’t need to worry about sudden changes in sound levels. The onboard recording means that you also have a backup to your camera audio if the wireless signal gets interrupted. In addition, the timecode synchronization and IPX5 weatherproofing are great to see at this price point. The Saramonic Ultra wireless microphone system is a great alternative to the DJI Mic 2 and RODE Wireless Pro. It also comes in quite a bit cheaper than those other brands as well, which is great if you are on a budget.
Pricing and availability
The Saramonic Ultra two-channel wireless microphone system will retail at $269. You can also get a version which adds two Lavalier microphones for $299. Saramonic says that you can preorder from November 7, ahead of the official launch on November 21.
