Saramonic K9 microphone system review – Dual-channel digital UHF wireless audio system for filmmakers

REVIEW – I am so deep into the world of content creation, and I create a variety of videos. Solid microphones with great audio and reception are a critical part of my process. Lately, I have been working hard at building myself a new studio in my home, and I want to make sure that I equip it with the gear that can elevate the quality of the videos I produce. Enter the Saramonic K9 Dual-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Audio System for Filmmakers.

⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $999.99
Where to buy: Saramonic website, B&H Photo

What is it?

The Saramonic K9 Dual-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Audio System for Filmmakers is designed for recording clear dialogue, interviews, and speech with up to two subjects. The system comprises a camera-mount Receiver, two beltpack Transmitters, and two miniature lavalier microphones that communicate via UHF frequencies. It can simultaneously accommodate up to 20 wireless systems without issue. The 3.5mm TRS and USB-C connectivity allow the system to be used with devices like cameras, mixers, recorders, mobile devices, and computers.

What’s included?

• 1 x K9RX-US Receiver
• 2 x K9TX-US Transmitter
• 2 x Miniature Lavalier Microphones with 3.5mm TRS Connector
• 2 x Lavalier Microphone Clip
• 2 x Furry Windscreen
• 2 x microSD Card (32GB)
• 6 x SMA Antenna for Receiver
• 6 x SMA Elbow Antenna for Transmitter
• 3 x Belt Clip
• Cold Shoe Mount
• 2 x 3.5mm TRS to XLR Output Cable
• 2 x 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS Output Cable
• USB-C Data Cable
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter
• 3 x Lithium-Ion AA Battery
• Colored Tag Set
• Carrying Case

Tech specs

Design and features

• Ultra-wide 550-960 MHz UHF for anti-interference performance across the globe
• High dynamic range (130 dB input & 120 dB analog output) and digital transmission for uncompressed recordings
• 32-bit float onboard recording* with 32 GB storage for secure backup
• Timecode sync – wirelessly via Saramonic System or wired via 3rd-party TC box
• Saramonic System – up to 48 devices’ control and info hub on your phone
• IFB allows directors to monitor actor sound in real-time without waiting for playback

The Saramonic K9 Transmitters and the Receiver are compact, portable, and durable. The Transmitters feature a lightweight aluminum alloy body, which opens to reveal the hidden control buttons and the battery compartment that holds 2 AA batteries. There is a micro-SD card slot right above the battery compartment that facilitates onboard recording. There is a headphone jack on one side, a USB-C port on the other side that can work for external power instead of the AA batteries. On top of the front, there is an LED display screen, and on top are the antenna and lavalier mic connections.

The Receiver is slightly larger and heavier than the Transmitter. It features two display screens that allow for convenient monitoring, and it is equipped to accommodate antennas for optimal signal reception. The Receiver also features dual locking 3.5mm analog outputs and a USB-C port for digital output or external power.

Both the Transmitters and the Receivers have IPX5 water resistance.

Performance

IMHO, the Saramonic K9 Dual-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Audio System for Filmmakers is another great audio product/microphone system. According to Saramonic, the system is optimized for Broadcasters, Filmmakers, etc., and I agree. I would add that it also works well for  Podcasters and Social Media Content Creators.  I use it successfully for podcast recording and for creating content for Social media.

The Saramonic K9 is well built, and the buttons and access are thoughtfully designed and placed for easy access. The Transmitters are designed to be clipped on the belt, and they both accept micro-SD cards for onboard recording. They also have buttons that control power, channel selection, gain, etc. On top, they have easily reachable connections to accommodate the quite small IP67-rated lavalier mic, and the removable antenna. The Transmitter has the same design without the micro-SD card slot but with additional connectivity on top. It also has a secondary display screen that is on top and part of a thoughtful design for using it mounted to a camera.

The Saramonic K9 has a 130 dB input range and 120 dB analog output, which makes capturing and processing sound effortless, and the quality is great. However, while the system captures everything from the faintest whispers to the loudest shouts without distortion, it also picks up low-frequency ambient sounds relatively easily, even with the windscreen installed. The 32-bit float onboard recording ensures that audio spikes are handled properly to eliminate things like clipping.

The transmitter utilizes a wide frequency range of 550-960 MHz UHF. This frequency range, along with the ability to select RF power levels and use multiple antennas, gives it a great range of up to 200 meters.

Saramonic states that the robust wireless performance allows users to run up to 20 systems in the same area without signal conflicts, making it ideal for large-scale productions, live events, and multi-camera setups.

The only issue I experienced each time was that after using the Receiver for about 30 minutes, it became quite warm, and it was warm enough to be somewhat alarming.

Saramonic also has an app that provides control for monitoring and changing settings. It connects easily and works well.

App:

The following is an unedited audio recording using the Saramonic K9 Dual-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Audio System via my Mackie DLZ Creator audio mixer:

Final thoughts

The Saramonic K9 Dual-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Audio System for Filmmakers meets and accommodates my needs and expectations for a professional wireless audio system. The combination of great audio quality, flexibility/versatility, and nice recording features, including onboard recording, makes it a winner.

What I like about the Saramonic K9 Dual-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Audio System for Filmmakers

• The kit includes everything that I need
• The build quality is good
• The design and layout of the controls are good
• The dual screens on the Transmitter are an awesome feature
• The transmission range is good
• The battery life
• The audio recording quality
• The versatility of use
• The onboard recording to a micro SD card

What needs to be improved?

• The Receiver gets quite warm
• The devices are fingerprint magnets
• The clips that attach the lavalier mic to your clothing detach too easily from the wire.

Price: $999.99
Where to buy: Saramonic website, B&H Photo
Source: Saramonic provided a free sample for this review. Saramonic did not have a final say on the review and did not preview it before it was published.

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• Saramonic Ultra Wireless Mic System review
• Godox MAGIC XT1 Wireless Microphone System review