Simplicity has an undeniable charm, especially when it comes to setting up for filming. This new, thoughtfully designed wireless microphone from Saramonic offers exactly that.
For anyone who creates video content — whether for personal use or for commercial purposes — beyond any of the technicalities of audio, a microphone's convenience features can make a world of difference. Wireless microphones have literally come in all shapes and sizes in recent years, and most have pretty much assured more than decent audio quality. With all of that aside, the best way to improve the creative process is to make things efficient and foolproof. The Saramonic Air SE offers just that with its features both inside and out.
The Saramonic Air SE
The most striking thing about this tiny wireless mic system is the fact that you have everything ready in such a small package. It comes as a single 76 x 28 mm piece with the two transmitters and one receiver magnetically connected to the charging case. On either end of the charging case are the transmitters, which come as a small 28 mm capsule-shaped mic that weighs only 5 grams. Each already comes with a magnetic clip attached for placing on any piece of clothing.
On the rear part of the charging case is where the receiver is stored. With the flick of a thumb, it releases the receiver that can come either with a USB-C or Lightning interface. This connects to a smartphone or any other USB-C compatible compact camera such as Insta360 or DJI devices.
Along with the mic and charging case, included in the box is a USB-C charging cable, magnetic clips, windscreens, and a carry bag.
Technical Specifications
- Battery life per transmitter: approximately 6 hours
- Receiver: powered by the connected device
- Total battery life with charging case: approximately 24–28 hours (charging case replenishes transmitter batteries approximately three times)
- Operating range: up to 200 meters line of sight
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Dynamic range: >120 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: >80 dB
- Built-in limiter: yes
- App control: available via the Saramonic app (smartphone only)
Application and User Experience
The most striking thing about this wireless mic is that it can be carried as one piece and function perfectly. Though it might be a minor factor, most creators have at least once forgotten to bring a cable or the receiver itself. However, since this is only for mobile devices, one can't help but wish that such convenience could also be available for users with mirrorless cameras using the standard 3.5 mm TRS ports. Perhaps if a bigger version could be made with a receiver with a retractable TRS cable, that would be a huge convenience.
Another notable use case for the Saramonic Air SE is that the transmitters can be used while connected to the charging case, which makes it a small handheld mic. Though every brand that makes wireless mics has made it easy for the transmitters to be magnetically clipped to clothing, a lot of creators still prefer having something to hold. This simple feature — which probably didn't even require much engineering changes — gives users that option, which is, more than anything, quite thoughtful.
While this wireless mic system is compatible with any camera that allows USB-C audio input, it is still more optimized for smartphones, simply because only smartphones can run the Saramonic app. The app offers a fully digital user interface that enables the user to adjust the gain on the mics, switch between mono, stereo, and a convenient safety track option, switch between noise cancellation modes, and even turn off the light indicators on the transmitters if preferred. While the straightforward plug-and-play use with compact cameras is already convenient and gives good, controlled output, using this with a smartphone can take it even further.
All things considered, the Saramonic Air SE offers convenience, quality, and customizability in a simple form. Smartphone and compact camera users will find that the benefits of this have a real impact on how they set up for filming. On the other hand, we shall wait and see if Saramonic can also offer such convenience for mirrorless camera users.
What I Liked
- Small, handy microphone
- Built-in limiter
- Clipped lav or handheld options
- Added controls using the Saramonic app
What Can Be Improved
- Functionality and connectivity with 3.5mm TRS ports
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