Saramonic Ultra Introduced – 2-Channel Wireless Microphone System with Timecode and 32bit Recording Capabilities

Wireless Audio

by Heath McKnightYesterday

The Saramonic Ultra 2-channel wireless microphone system has been unveiled. It’s an affordable wireless mic system and features timecode, 32-bit float REC, IPX5 waterproof, and a rugged, durable design. It is ideal for productions of any size – podcasters, Vloggers, YouTubers, and more. Let’s take a look!

We recently had a chat at IBC with Saramonic on their WiTalk 9, which you can read up on here, in case you missed it. Now, the company has announced the Saramonic Ultra – a completely new product, joining the Blink500 and BlinkMe series of wireless mics. The company has been providing professional audio gear for years, with everything from wireless microphones to wireless intercom systems. These are affordable systems that are built to last.

Saramonic Ultra – features

One of the biggest features of the Saramonic Ultra is the advanced timecode synchronization support, making it easy to sync timecode accurately with multiple cameras. This makes editing much easier, knowing the audio and video are in sync. It also works with different frame rates, from 23.98 fps to 30 fps. If you’re filming in 60p, you’ll set it up for 30 fps, for example.

Additionally, the wireless mic system features 32-bit float REC and ClearVoice technology, which helps with noise cancellation. There are Video Boost and Low-Cut modes, as well as automatic gain control, plus audio remains clear even in high-SPL environments (concert venues, airplanes flying overhead, etc.). Filming outdoors, where you often can’t always control the sound, won’t be an issue.

The Saramonic Ultra features a transmitter, receiver, charging case, external antenna, fur windshield, magnet clip, carrying bag, and several cables and adapters. Two Lavaliers can be bought separately, but the price is very reasonable.

The construction of the Saramonic Ultra is similar to their other products: durable and built to last. If filming is done outdoors, the IPX5 waterproof and weather-resistant feature will go a long way to help protect the wireless microphone system if bad weather persists.

The full feature list includes:

• Advanced timecode synchronization.
• External antenna provides stable transmission up to 300m. The antenna can also be detached.
• 32-bit float REC.
• 48 kHz 24-bit and 48 kHz 32-bit.
• Frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 Hz.
• Premium MEMS Mic (built-in); two Lavaliers sold separately.
• ClearVoice with intelligent noise cancellation, Voice Boost / Low-Cut modes, and automatic gain control.
• 130 dB SPL with anti-distortion protection.
• 25 ms of latency.
• Supports 23.98 fps, 24 fps, 25 fps, 29.97 fps DF (drop frame), 29.97 fps, 30 fps. Select the closest match, i.e., 23.98 fps for 47.96 fps.
• Rugged and durable design.
• Cutting-edge IPX5 weather resistance
• Circular ‘totem’ design, similar to the Blink500 series.
• Detachable external antenna for enhanced signal range and stability (up to 300m)
• Internal recording in the transmitters with 8GB of internal storage (auto-overwrites oldest audio).
• 1.1″ Touchscreen and Knob.
• 6 hours of battery life.
• Comes in black or white.

The Saramonic Ultra is compatible with cameras, smartphones (via USB-C and Lightning), and some action cameras, including the DJI Action 4 and DJI OSMO Pocket 3.

Why 32-bit float and timecode are important for audio

32-bit float recording is an important feature of the Saramonic Ultra, giving more options and flexibility with audio recording. In scenarios involving run-and-gun filming, for example, there are times when audio levels can fluctuate and end up with a sound that is clipping and distorted. In the case of recording at lower bit rates, such as 16-bit or 24-bit, that audio will be difficult to work on and clean up.

With 32-bit float, a higher number of audio values can be recorded than 16-bit and 24-bit, giving more ‘latitude’ to the sound being recorded, much like shooting in RAW. 16-bit records with a dynamic range of up to 96.3 dB, 24-bit up to 144.5 dB, and 32-bit float up to an astounding 1,528 dB. That higher number allows for better recording of soft sounds (dialogue) or something very loud (a concert) without distortion or other problems. The audio is easier to work with in post, again, like shooting in RAW.

Additionally, the Saramonic Ultra’s ClearVoice technology will help with intelligent noise cancellation, plus its Voice Boost and Low-Cut modes will ensure audio is clean and not clipping.

With the Saramonic Ultra’s timecode synchronization capabilities, multiple cameras and multiple microphone and recorder shoots won’t be a chore to sync up the audio in post (even with multi-cam functionality). Regardless of whether the mics, recorders, and cameras start and stop at different times, the timecode sync tags the start time accurately, down to the frame.

Price and availability 

The Saramonic Ultra is available now and retails for $269 for the receiver, and adding Lavalier microphones brings the price to only $299. This is an affordable price and takes on similar products like the RØDE Wireless Pro ($399), DJI Mic 2 ($399), and Hollyland Lark MAX ($249). While the features of competing mics are very similar, some have longer battery life and larger storage (the RØDE Wireless Pro).

The combination of advanced timecode synchronization, 32-bit float REC, and its rugged, weather-resistant design makes the Saramonic Ultra 2-channel wireless microphone system a nice option for productions, YouTubers, podcasters, those working in the news, and others. Plus, the price of $299 fits nearly every budget. Learn more at Saramonic’s website.

What do you think of the new Saramonic Ultra 2-channel wireless microphone system? What wireless mics are you currently using? Let us know in the comments below!