The Sony ULT Field 1 has emerged as a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts, gradually replacing the Marshall Emberton 2 as a favourite among users who value durability and bass-heavy sound.
The ULT button, a feature some found less useful on Sony’s ULT Wear headphones, serves a clearer purpose on the ULT Field 1, enhancing the listening experience in intimate outdoor settings like park outings or hiking trips.
The Sony ULT Field 1 boasts a robust, squared-off cylindrical shape with shock-proofing and a stylish mesh wrap around the middle. This speaker not only looks sturdy but also delivers on that promise. Sony claims the speaker can survive drops from over a meter without sustaining visible damage, and user tests have confirmed its durability.
With an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, the ULT Field 1 can handle splashes but isn’t designed for full submersion. A rubber cap protects the USB-C charging port from moisture, enhancing its suitability for outdoor use. Six buttons on the top, power, Bluetooth, play/pause, volume, and the ULT button, offer simple, user-friendly control. This straightforward button design has been noted as preferable to sliders for ease of use.
An adjustable strap is included on the top, allowing the speaker to be hung from a bag or hook, adding to its convenience for travel.
The ULT Field 1 supports both AAC and SBC audio codecs, delivering a balanced and versatile sound profile. Many users opt to keep ULT mode on, as it emphasizes bass for a fuller, party-ready sound. This enhanced bass is deep yet controlled, giving an immersive experience without overpowering the mix.
When ULT mode is off, the bass presence softens, allowing the mids and highs to take centre stage, ideal for acoustic tracks that highlight instrumental details and vocals. The speaker holds up well even at maximum volume, with minimal distortion except when playing bass-heavy music in ULT mode. Both modes are easy on the ears, and the built-in microphone allows for easy call management with a press of the play/pause button, although it does not support voice assistants.
The ULT Field 1 connects with Sony’s Music Center app, which is different from the app used for other Sony headphones like the WH-1000XM5. Through this app, users can manage firmware updates and apply custom EQ settings. However, a user can only choose between the Custom EQ or ULT mode, and turning off ULT mode doesn’t automatically revert to saved EQ preferences. The battery life is substantial, lasting up to 12 hours on a single charge.
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