Saramonic UwMic15B
Review for the Saramonic UwMic15B wireless system
GEAR REVIEW
Introduction:
For a long time, my on-set sound recording kit was missing a wireless XLR transmitter and receiver system for my boom and shotgun microphones. I wanted something with 48V phantom power, compatibility with standard AA batteries, and UHF frequency operation.
There were two main reasons I held off on buying one. First, these systems tend to be quite expensive, and second, I didn’t need wireless capabilities often. My coiled cable has always done the job for most setups. However, when using two boom or shotgun mics on set, having a wireless option becomes indispensable. After waiting patiently, I finally came across a great deal on an older Saramonic model through AliExpress.
Saramonic:
This time, I don’t think Saramonic needs much of an introduction. As one of the most well-known Chinese brands in the audio and video gear industry, their reputation speaks for itself. While they may not compete directly with high-end brands, Saramonic is recognized for delivering affordable, feature-packed products that cater to both professionals and hobbyists.
Their wireless microphone systems, in particular, have gained popularity for their reliability and value, making them a solid choice for those looking to balance functionality and cost. Although there are occasional concerns about build quality and customer support, Saramonic continues to be a trusted option for budget-conscious users.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Packaging:
Since Saramonic is a well-established brand, their products are easy to find both online and in local shops. They even have partnerships with retailers in my country. As usual, I opted to buy through AliExpress, which is the most convenient for me, and I managed to snag a better price using some coupons.
The product arrived without any issues, well-packaged and securely delivered to my door. Inside the box, the transmitter and receiver were neatly secured in EVA foam to keep them safe during transit. The packaging looked good, featuring the standard Saramonic branding and a brief overview of the product. Additionally, the box included two nice Saramonic stickers, along with some connection cables and adapters.
Overall usability, build quality, and performance:
Appearance, Build Quality, and Functionality
Let’s start with the appearance. Both the receiver and transmitter come in a sleek satin black finish that looks clean and professional. The transmitter has a modern design that feels sturdy and well-crafted, while the receiver has a slightly outdated aesthetic that I personally don’t prefer. That said, it’s refreshing that Saramonic didn’t simply copy the look of their competitors. Overall, both units project a professional image, which is always a plus when working on high-budget projects or professional sets.
When it comes to build quality, the receiver and transmitter differ significantly. The receiver is primarily made of lightweight plastic, which feels a bit cheap in hand. However, despite the initial impression, it has proven to be durable in my experience, withstanding regular use and even some accidental abuse without showing signs of wear. Since the receiver usually stays safely tucked away in my bag next to the recorder, I don’t mind the lighter build, as it’s not exposed to harsh conditions.
The transmitter, on the other hand, is constructed from a mix of metal and plastic, giving it a more robust and durable feel. It’s heavier, weighing in at 144 grams without batteries, which might be a consideration for those using it on a boom pole where added weight can be a concern. The sturdy build and reinforced design inspire confidence, making it well-suited for demanding environments.
Receiver Design and Functionality
The receiver’s design is straightforward and practical for its price range. It features a small but functional screen that displays all the essential information. While I prefer screens positioned on the top for easier monitoring in a bag, the front placement here is acceptable given the cost. Below the screen, there’s an unusual but functional power button, along with three tactile menu buttons labeled +, -, and Set. These buttons are responsive and feel durable, which is a pleasant surprise, as buttons are often a weak point in similar systems.
The receiver includes a standard plastic AA battery compartment, which feels solid. The springs inside provide just the right amount of tension—not too strong to risk breaking the compartment over time, but secure enough to hold the batteries firmly in place.
The unit also features a non-removable antenna, which is a minor drawback for me as it limits replacement options. However, this is typical at this price point. Additionally, two LED indicators—Power and RF/IR—offer helpful status updates, such as low battery warnings and signal loss, which are thoughtful design touches.
For outputs, the receiver includes a headphone jack for signal monitoring (though I rarely use it) and a 3.5mm locking connector for sending the signal to a recorder or camera. A nice detail is the reinforced metal slots for the belt clip, which enhance durability. The clip itself is standard wire but looks easily replaceable if needed.
The menu is simple to navigate and offers all the essential settings: channel selection, volume adjustment (0 to 18 levels), power key lock, IR matching, backlight timer, reset to default, and firmware info. It’s efficient and covers everything you’d expect in a system like this.
Transmitter Design and Functionality
The transmitter stands out with its modern design and sturdy build. While heavier than the receiver, the added weight is justified by its reinforced metal construction, which feels extremely durable. It’s built to handle tough environments and won’t feel out of place on demanding sets.
The transmitter’s screen is smaller than the receiver’s but equally functional, providing all the necessary information at a glance. Below it, the buttons mirror the receiver’s layout and tactile quality, ensuring consistency across the system.
On the top, there are three LED indicators: Power, Audio/IR, and one specifically for the 48V phantom power feature. This transmitter’s ability to supply phantom power is a significant advantage for professional microphones that require it. The battery compartment matches the receiver’s design, though the springs here feel slightly stronger, providing a more secure fit for the batteries.
The XLR output is well-designed, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of microphones. It feels solid and secure when connected, leaving no concerns about accidental disconnections.
The transmitter’s menu is similar to the receiver’s but includes two additional tabs: one for controlling the 48V phantom power and another for muting options.
Saramonic has done an excellent job balancing functionality, build quality, and affordability in this wireless system. While the receiver’s plastic build might feel less premium, it’s surprisingly durable and fit for purpose, especially since it often stays safely in a bag. The transmitter, with its robust design and added features like phantom power, shines as the star of the system. Both units are thoughtfully designed, with menus and controls that are intuitive and practical for on-set use.
Functionality and Performance
When it comes to functionality and performance in a movie set environment, the Saramonic wireless system delivers as expected. It’s neither disappointing nor exceptional, but it gets the job done. The system offers 16 selectable UHF channels, which should be sufficient for most movie sets, though it might fall short in extremely crowded RF environments.
As with any UHF wireless system, the nature of analog transmission introduces certain limitations. The frequency range is capped around 18,000 Hz, which isn’t ideal for high-end professional film production. This is perhaps the system’s most significant drawback. However, when using shotgun or boom microphones at a distance from the sound source, frequencies above 18,000 Hz often contribute minimally to the overall audio quality. While the signal may be slightly altered or compressed, the difference isn’t dramatically noticeable or detrimental to the final output. The audio quality remains usable, especially considering the price point, though it doesn’t quite match that of high-end professional units.
Signal stability is another critical factor for wireless systems, and the Saramonic performed reliably in this regard. In my experience, I encountered no signal drops or interruptions, even with walls obstructing the line of sight or when working at moderate distances. This consistency makes it a dependable option for smaller to mid-sized productions.
Battery consumption is reasonable for this type of system. Using lithium rechargeable batteries, I didn’t notice any unusual drain. However, enabling phantom power on the transmitter noticeably increases battery usage, consuming almost twice as much energy compared to standard operation. This is something to consider when planning for longer shoots, especially in colder environments where battery life tends to decrease.
Conclusion
While I primarily rely on coiled cables for most setups, this wireless system has proven to be a valuable tool in specific scenarios, such as deploying a second boom or shotgun microphone or discreetly planting or hiding microphones. Though these situations are relatively rare for me, having a dependable wireless option adds crucial flexibility on set.
The transmitter stands out with its robust metal construction and the inclusion of 48V phantom power, accommodating a wide range of professional microphones. The receiver, despite its lightweight plastic build, has demonstrated durability and provides all the essential features.
In terms of performance, the system delivers audio quality that is more than sufficient for on-set use, especially in cases where capturing ultra-high frequencies isn’t critical. Signal stability has been consistently reliable, even in moderately obstructed conditions. Battery consumption is reasonable, though enabling phantom power understandably increases the drain, a factor to consider during extended shoots.
Overall, the Saramonic UHF wireless system strikes a commendable balance between affordability, functionality, and reliability. While it may not match the premium standards of high-end systems, it is a dependable choice for smaller productions or as a supplementary tool in professional workflows. Its practicality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking cost-effective wireless solutions on set.
Pros
Robust Transmitter Construction: Sturdy metal build with a modern design, well-suited for demanding environments.
48V Phantom Power: Supports professional microphones requiring phantom power, adding versatility.
Reliable Signal Stability: Performs consistently, even in moderately obstructed or mid-range environments.
Intuitive Controls: Simple, easy-to-navigate menu system with essential settings for on-set adjustments.
Affordable and Practical: A cost-effective solution for smaller productions or as a backup system in professional workflows.
Cons
Limited Frequency Range: Capped at 18,000 Hz, which may fall short for high-end professional audio needs.
Plastic Receiver Build: Feels less premium, though functional and durable for typical use.
Non-Removable Antenna: Limits replacement options, reducing long-term flexibility.
Basic Channel Selection: Limited to 16 UHF channels, which may not suffice in highly congested RF environments.
Disclaimer:
This review is based on my personal experience with the Saramonic UHF wireless system, which I purchased with my own funds. I am not affiliated with Saramonic or any related brands, and this review reflects my independent and unbiased opinions. Performance may vary depending on individual use cases and environmental factors.