What a fantastic in-depth review. Getting info like this from someone with real world experience is always so valuable. Thank you for all the effort to put this together!
Thanks for making this review, ive just picked up a complete kit from ebay for a bargain price, and this review has been very helpful. Very much appreciated still in 2024!
What an absolutely wonderful review! Thank you so much for it. And how gratifying is to watch a RUclips review about mic/sound without distracting background music ! I could concentrate on the sound of the mics used in the review . I listened to your review with a Sony 1000 XM4 wired headphone connected to a Mac. There is a clear and loud buzz in the sound recorded with the audio -technica mic but it was really hard to notice any difference between the Sony ECM 77 and the Saramonic DK 3 A. If anything the sound of the Sony mic was crisper and a little less pleasant than the sound of the Saramonic. The lack of irritating background music between audio tests allowed me to better keep the memory of the sounds so I could compare them. Thanks for that. I worked five years in a row with a Sony ECM 77, using it 3 or 4 times per week. I lost the job because they wanted to replace me by a cameraman half my age and half my salary but that Sony mic was still in pretty good shape when I left. It really was. The TV had sent me three ECM 77. I never needed to use the other two. It tells about the quality of the Sony mic. I don't know if a Saramonic mic would last that long but I am all for 'alternative equipment' nowadays. As a matter of fact, I am determined to use wired clip mics only if it's really, really necessary. My idea is to use those new wireless small mics such as Picogear and Saramonic Blink 500 Pro X. I am really tired of asking people to "could you please pass the cable under your clothes and hook the transmitter somewhere on your clothes?" just to have a result that, as you said, will be no different to the result of using a "lesser" mic unless you listen to an interview using professional equipment instead of just your tv or computer/phone. The most important thing in an interview, more than the kind of mic you are using, is that the interviewee feels comfortable . And wired lapel mics cause discomfort to most people. I bought a UWmic 9S kit but only because I wanted to use its receiver with the Saramonic plug-on XLR transmitter made for the previous kit , the one "without the S". I had no intention of ever using the lapel mic if I could help it , even now that I know it is almost as good if not as good as my old friend Sony ECM 77 ( I first worked with it last century!). Unfortunately, Saramonic has released a new receiver model, the 9S, which is not compatible with the XLR transmitter made for the previous kit. But they didn't stop there. They promised to release a new plug-on XLR transmitter "soon" but that was over a year ago and it will probably never happen. I was surprised because Saramonic preaches the idea of expanding on existing equipment rather than making old kits obsolete. I bought the Blink 500 Pro X and it is compatible with the handheld adaptor for the Blink 500 Pro . The charging contacts match and the 500 Pro X transmitter fits nicely on the 500 Pro handle adaptor. Moreover, the Godox WMic S1 Pro receiver is compatible with Godox's plug on XLR transmitter which was made for the the S1 model . Without the "Pro'. I had the Godox set but returned it because , among other reasons, I have no intention of using mics that need AA batteries if I can help it and the Godox set is AA battery powered. But now I will be sending the Saramonic kit back and will buy again the Godox kit. What a thing ! It was a waste of money (tax and shipping ) but not time because you always learn with your mistakes. I will miss the fantastic case and the built in battery . The Godox also comes with a nice hard case although not as nice as the one from Saramonic but then again I wasn't going to use either of them because they are both too big (especially the Saramonic) to put in a backpack . I put the Godox receiver, transmitter, lavaliere mic and cables in a Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Cable Organizer Travel Pouch. Everything fitted nicely there and the bag fits in my my backpack . One last thing. I bought the Saramonic kit to use with my ENG camera (Blackmagic G2 ) and my iPhone 13 Pro but the kit is not compatible with iPhones unless I buy an interface. The Godox kit is also UHF and is compatible with my iPhone without the need of an interface. I hope the information in this very long comment will be useful to some insomniac reader out there. 😴😴😴
Thanks for taking the time to share your detailed notes. I share your enthusiasm for the ECM 44-77 series (The ECM-55 was the go-to when I started my TV career.) I'm not really fond of wireless mics (they are never as reliable as I'd like) and now primarily use either a Sennheiser shotgun when recording in my studio and a Zoom F2 in other situations.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks for your reply. I shoot news so wireless is the best option for me because of the rush. In addition to that, most reporters want to work with wireless handheld mics. Hand a wired mic to them and you will certainly not be in their call list.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks for your reply. I was referring to the use of the Saramonic receiver with with plug-on XLR transmitters. Unfortunately, Saramonic released the UWMic 9S set without a plug-on XLR transmitter whilst making the 9S receiver incompatible with the plug-on XLR transmitter designed for the previous version, the 9 without the S. It's the reason why I returned my Saramonic set and ordered a Godox WMic S1 Pro which is compatible with the plug-on transmitter designed for Godox's previous S1 kit without the Pro. Godox builts on what they've made. Saramonic made an older XLR transmitter obsolete but so far didn't provide a new one, which they promised to release over a year ago. I gave up on Saramonic as they don't provide a XLR transmitter for their new kit and a plug on transmitter is crucial for my news job . It's a shame because I I liked the kit, the fantastic case, the sound quality.
@@MaartenHeilbronWhen I was typing that I was wondering, do I direct my message to him (you) or the readers? 😊. I ended up buying the Saramonic. Hopefully it does well for me.
Another fine review! I was always fond of Sony's ECM55, as a former Army Filmaker, I put ours through a lot of punishing workouts. Except for having to repaint the outer capsule fairly regularly, it gave us many years of dependable use. I loved the ECM-77 as well, as it was small enough to sneak into the headsets worn in aircraft, armor and other loud places.
Cool! Thanks for sharing those experiences - in a TV studio, we didn't ever wear the paint off. Yes, certainly they were dependable and reliable. Batteries lasted a long time too.
These look like a really good update to the original UWM-9 system from Saramonic. Mine are still working fine, but they eat up batteries, especially the rechargeable ones. Duracells are good. I'm thinking the TX internal recording will become standard for wireless over the next few years. I hope so. I use non-wireless Tascam DR-10L and now Tentacle Sync Track E recorders pretty much all the time now outside and just sync in post. I'll double up with wireless to the camera if the camera is stationary sometimes, as well. Thanks for this review, as always, well done Maarten.
I love your way of presenting and I liked your mic explaining. The advertisement for the Saramonic is well ........ but I can say that I would never go for a transmitter or receiver with build in battery. On every job you have to be sure the battery is fully charged and what if the battery does run out? Even if replacing is possible instead of recharging then still these brand owned batteries are always very very overpriced. I prefer the sennheiser system in which I can put for example Ikea AA Alkaline super cheap heavy duty batteries or for that matter any alkaline AA battery or any brand of choice chargeable batteries if you prefer that.
Thanks for your kind words. While that's an interesting concern, I don't think I can trust anyone who used cheap batteries or rechargeables. Neither of them have been successful for me - they are dead before an hour is up. The only battery that has even worked for me are Duracells. The fact that you can run these from an external battery when needed is a truly appreciated feature. However, it will be interesting to see how long they last.
@@stephenarling1667 I am an avid user of eneloops, but they are neither are long lasting nor as reliable as Duracells when used in wireless mics - at least in my experience wit, Rode and Sennheiser. They seemed to be more usable in Sony.
Love this video. First time seeing your videos and it's great.. Been thinking about getting a better wireless system and your review is well balanced.. Thank you.
amazing insights. i was in online market looking for options for on location sound. lots of people recommend basic equipments that are needed. can we hope to see the rig run down and process of on location sound recording for Film and TV Broadcaster?
Great review. Even though I will probably purchase Rode Wireless Go II which do have the internal recording that these are missing. I learned a lot. From mic placement to why some vloggers would choose a shotgun over a lavalier.
Always nice to hear my videos have been useful. I'm not crazy about the range or reliability of my Rode wireless filmmaker kit, so the Go are less than appealing to me. However, that internal recording thing really got my attention. I would, of course, most definitely use them with an external mic.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you. I do plan on using an external mic but mainly because it is less conspicuous. I haven't heard that much about reliability issues with Rode so I will have to keep an eye on that.
Hello Maarten Heilbron and thanks for this ridiculous review. May I ask about the "Local mic" of the UwMic9S RX, is that no way to make the local mic with a standalone channel? I just tried it with several settings, it looks like the local mic input must be merged into both A/B channel. I just wonder if it can be one of the channel but not merged into both, I can use the local mic and one wireless mic without an external mixer, since I use a7s3 and no audio terminal with that. Thank you again for your help :)
Thanks for your review. I just bought this set. What kind of USB charger or powerbank would you suggest to use with the UwMic9S? Would the transmitter and receiver internal batteries support PD? and how many amps maximum?
No, you can't. I tried but it didn't work. Then I used the same cables (TRS to TRRS to lightning) to connect my iPhone to a Picogear receiver. It worked. You will need a Saramonic SR-EA2D Audio Adapter with Lightning Connector to connect the UwMic 9S receiver to an iPhone. Or so says Saramonic. If you are looking for a UHF wireless system that easily connects to an iPhone then get the Godox WMic S1 Pro.
What a fantastic in-depth review. Getting info like this from someone with real world experience is always so valuable. Thank you for all the effort to put this together!
Glad you enjoyed it! It's always rewarding to read that my work is appreciated.
Thanks for making this review, ive just picked up a complete kit from ebay for a bargain price, and this review has been very helpful.
Very much appreciated still in 2024!
Always nice to read that my videos are appreciated, thanks for commenting.
What an absolutely wonderful review! Thank you so much for it.
And how gratifying is to watch a RUclips review about mic/sound without distracting background music ! I could concentrate on the sound of the mics used in the review .
I listened to your review with a Sony 1000 XM4 wired headphone connected to a Mac. There is a clear and loud buzz in the sound recorded with the audio -technica mic but it was really hard to notice any difference between the Sony ECM 77 and the Saramonic DK 3 A. If anything the sound of the Sony mic was crisper and a little less pleasant than the sound of the Saramonic. The lack of irritating background music between audio tests allowed me to better keep the memory of the sounds so I could compare them. Thanks for that.
I worked five years in a row with a Sony ECM 77, using it 3 or 4 times per week. I lost the job because they wanted to replace me by a cameraman half my age and half my salary but that Sony mic was still in pretty good shape when I left. It really was. The TV had sent me three ECM 77. I never needed to use the other two. It tells about the quality of the Sony mic. I don't know if a Saramonic mic would last that long but I am all for 'alternative equipment' nowadays.
As a matter of fact, I am determined to use wired clip mics only if it's really, really necessary. My idea is to use those new wireless small mics such as Picogear and Saramonic Blink 500 Pro X. I am really tired of asking people to "could you please pass the cable under your clothes and hook the transmitter somewhere on your clothes?" just to have a result that, as you said, will be no different to the result of using a "lesser" mic unless you listen to an interview using professional equipment instead of just your tv or computer/phone.
The most important thing in an interview, more than the kind of mic you are using, is that the interviewee feels comfortable . And wired lapel mics cause discomfort to most people.
I bought a UWmic 9S kit but only because I wanted to use its receiver with the Saramonic plug-on XLR transmitter made for the previous kit , the one "without the S". I had no intention of ever using the lapel mic if I could help it , even now that I know it is almost as good if not as good as my old friend Sony ECM 77 ( I first worked with it last century!).
Unfortunately, Saramonic has released a new receiver model, the 9S, which is not compatible with the XLR transmitter made for the previous kit. But they didn't stop there. They promised to release a new plug-on XLR transmitter "soon" but that was over a year ago and it will probably never happen. I was surprised because Saramonic preaches the idea of expanding on existing equipment rather than making old kits obsolete. I bought the Blink 500 Pro X and it is compatible with the handheld adaptor for the Blink 500 Pro . The charging contacts match and the 500 Pro X transmitter fits nicely on the 500 Pro handle adaptor.
Moreover, the Godox WMic S1 Pro receiver is compatible with Godox's plug on XLR transmitter which was made for the the S1 model . Without the "Pro'. I had the Godox set but returned it because , among other reasons, I have no intention of using mics that need AA batteries if I can help it and the Godox set is AA battery powered.
But now I will be sending the Saramonic kit back and will buy again the Godox kit. What a thing !
It was a waste of money (tax and shipping ) but not time because you always learn with your mistakes. I will miss the fantastic case and the built in battery . The Godox also comes with a nice hard case although not as nice as the one from Saramonic but then again I wasn't going to use either of them because they are both too big (especially the Saramonic) to put in a backpack . I put the Godox receiver, transmitter, lavaliere mic and cables in a Spigen Rugged Armor Pro Cable Organizer Travel Pouch. Everything fitted nicely there and the bag fits in my my backpack .
One last thing. I bought the Saramonic kit to use with my ENG camera (Blackmagic G2 ) and my iPhone 13 Pro but the kit is not compatible with iPhones unless I buy an interface. The Godox kit is also UHF and is compatible with my iPhone without the need of an interface.
I hope the information in this very long comment will be useful to some insomniac reader out there. 😴😴😴
Thanks for taking the time to share your detailed notes. I share your enthusiasm for the ECM 44-77 series (The ECM-55 was the go-to when I started my TV career.)
I'm not really fond of wireless mics (they are never as reliable as I'd like) and now primarily use either a Sennheiser shotgun when recording in my studio and a Zoom F2 in other situations.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks for your reply. I shoot news so wireless is the best option for me because of the rush. In addition to that, most reporters want to work with wireless handheld mics. Hand a wired mic to them and you will certainly not be in their call list.
These mics are not designed to be handheld.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks for your reply. I was referring to the use of the Saramonic receiver with with plug-on XLR transmitters. Unfortunately, Saramonic released the UWMic 9S set without a plug-on XLR transmitter whilst making the 9S receiver incompatible with the plug-on XLR transmitter designed for the previous version, the 9 without the S. It's the reason why I returned my Saramonic set and ordered a Godox WMic S1 Pro which is compatible with the plug-on transmitter designed for Godox's previous S1 kit without the Pro.
Godox builts on what they've made. Saramonic made an older XLR transmitter obsolete but so far didn't provide a new one, which they promised to release over a year ago.
I gave up on Saramonic as they don't provide a XLR transmitter for their new kit and a plug on transmitter is crucial for my news job . It's a shame because I I liked the kit, the fantastic case, the sound quality.
Thanks for adding these additional notes.
This guy is really good at presenting. Well spoken.
This guy was thankful after reading your kind words.
@@MaartenHeilbronWhen I was typing that I was wondering, do I direct my message to him (you) or the readers? 😊. I ended up buying the Saramonic. Hopefully it does well for me.
Another fine review! I was always fond of Sony's ECM55, as a former Army Filmaker, I put ours through a lot of punishing workouts. Except for having to repaint the outer capsule fairly regularly, it gave us many years of dependable use. I loved the ECM-77 as well, as it was small enough to sneak into the headsets worn in aircraft, armor and other loud places.
Cool! Thanks for sharing those experiences - in a TV studio, we didn't ever wear the paint off. Yes, certainly they were dependable and reliable. Batteries lasted a long time too.
Always learn a lot from your video! Thank you~
That's very kind, thanks for taking the time to comment, appreciated.
These look like a really good update to the original UWM-9 system from Saramonic. Mine are still working fine, but they eat up batteries, especially the rechargeable ones. Duracells are good. I'm thinking the TX internal recording will become standard for wireless over the next few years. I hope so. I use non-wireless Tascam DR-10L and now Tentacle Sync Track E recorders pretty much all the time now outside and just sync in post. I'll double up with wireless to the camera if the camera is stationary sometimes, as well. Thanks for this review, as always, well done Maarten.
Thanks, I hope so too. I hadn't seen the Tentacle before, thanks for drawing that to my attention.
I just bought these and I have to say, this was an amazing review! You just earned a new subscriber! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the sub! A pleasure to read your kind words.
I love your way of presenting and I liked your mic explaining. The advertisement for the Saramonic is well ........ but I can say that I would never go for a transmitter or receiver with build in battery. On every job you have to be sure the battery is fully charged and what if the battery does run out? Even if replacing is possible instead of recharging then still these brand owned batteries are always very very overpriced. I prefer the sennheiser system in which I can put for example Ikea AA Alkaline super cheap heavy duty batteries or for that matter any alkaline AA battery or any brand of choice chargeable batteries if you prefer that.
Thanks for your kind words.
While that's an interesting concern, I don't think I can trust anyone who used cheap batteries or rechargeables. Neither of them have been successful for me - they are dead before an hour is up.
The only battery that has even worked for me are Duracells. The fact that you can run these from an external battery when needed is a truly appreciated feature. However, it will be interesting to see how long they last.
Eneloop NiMH cells are excellent for reliability. Some chargers can verify their usable energy capacity and impedance.
@@stephenarling1667 I am an avid user of eneloops, but they are neither are long lasting nor as reliable as Duracells when used in wireless mics - at least in my experience wit, Rode and Sennheiser. They seemed to be more usable in Sony.
Excellent review! Thank you.
Phew! Always nice to know my work is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
OMG 1:31
@@anirbanbiswas3990 blast from the past
Love this video. First time seeing your videos and it's great.. Been thinking about getting a better wireless system and your review is well balanced.. Thank you.
It's always a pleasure to hear from a viewer who appreciates my work, thanks for commenting.
amazing insights. i was in online market looking for options for on location sound. lots of people recommend basic equipments that are needed. can we hope to see the rig run down and process of on location sound recording for Film and TV Broadcaster?
Thanks for your kind words. After the lack of interest for this video, I'm not planning to do more - but I won't promise that.
thumbs up!!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Great review. Even though I will probably purchase Rode Wireless Go II which do have the internal recording that these are missing. I learned a lot. From mic placement to why some vloggers would choose a shotgun over a lavalier.
Always nice to hear my videos have been useful. I'm not crazy about the range or reliability of my Rode wireless filmmaker kit, so the Go are less than appealing to me. However, that internal recording thing really got my attention. I would, of course, most definitely use them with an external mic.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you. I do plan on using an external mic but mainly because it is less conspicuous. I haven't heard that much about reliability issues with Rode so I will have to keep an eye on that.
@@steveschroeder1670 They're just new, so we're all waiting for news.
Hello Maarten Heilbron and thanks for this ridiculous review. May I ask about the "Local mic" of the UwMic9S RX, is that no way to make the local mic with a standalone channel? I just tried it with several settings, it looks like the local mic input must be merged into both A/B channel. I just wonder if it can be one of the channel but not merged into both, I can use the local mic and one wireless mic without an external mixer, since I use a7s3 and no audio terminal with that.
Thank you again for your help :)
Thought I mentioned that limitation in the review. And I don’t have a workaround for it. Thanks for your kind words though!
Thanks for your review. I just bought this set. What kind of USB charger or powerbank would you suggest to use with the UwMic9S? Would the transmitter and receiver internal batteries support PD? and how many amps maximum?
Wow. Sorry, no idea.
Hey if you don't mind me asking how is your experience so far with Saramonic?
@@andreyosipov6153 I have not continued to use it, as I have other mics I prefer and don't often use wireless.
This one needs a plug on TX, then I’d buy like a shot.
A plug for?
@@MaartenHeilbron plug on transmitter
That was my mistake, it does have a slot to mount it on the flash shoe.
Can you connect it with an iphone via TRS to Lightning cable??
I haven't tried, but if that works for other mics with TRS connectors, it should work here.
No, you can't. I tried but it didn't work. Then I used the same cables (TRS to TRRS to lightning) to connect my iPhone to a Picogear receiver. It worked. You will need a Saramonic SR-EA2D Audio Adapter with Lightning Connector to connect the UwMic 9S receiver to an iPhone. Or so says Saramonic.
If you are looking for a UHF wireless system that easily connects to an iPhone then get the Godox WMic S1 Pro.