Sony ULT Field 1 Lightning review: Ready for the outdoors

Since Sony launched its official ULT Power Sound audio range in Malaysia in JuneI recently had the chance to gently test the ULT Field 1 wireless Bluetooth speaker and observe exactly what kind of sound and quality it produces.

Apart from other launches like the ULT Field 7 and ULT Field 10, one thing I loved about the ULT Field 1, upon my first impressions, is its sleek and simple design that has a user-friendly feature. And before I forget to mention, the speaker also has access to its own sound equalizer via Sony’s Music Center app, as well as the convenience of portability with its shoelace-like rope as a handle for easy carrying.

What am I looking at?

First things first: Out of the box, you get the wireless speaker, a USB-C charging cable, and a Sony instruction manual that explains how to use it for the first time. The manual is mainly distributed in Asia, so it’s mostly written in multiple languages ​​such as English, Korean, Mandarin, Malay, Thai, and Arabic.

The speaker itself has a very sleek, cylindrical look with an IP67-rated outer shell, and it comes in a lightweight linen bag that hides it away. I should also mention that once the box is opened, there is a screen under the top lid showing a 3-step instruction on how to download Sony’s Music Center app using a QR code.

Additionally, the speaker also supports Bluetooth and wireless calling modules, as well as the brand’s holographic ULT logo. The handle is, I would say, innovative but simple, as it’s not really the conventional, integrated type that you normally see on portable speakers. That said, it also features the traditional volume buttons that respond quite accurately to a device’s volume module, even when switching between different apps.

What’s good about that?

Overall, the soundstage, at least when it comes to playing certain songs, emphasizes two ends of the spectrum: huge bass or high treble. Plus, you can actually hear the instrumentals almost perfectly without having to turn up the volume – although I didn’t notice it at first, the ULT logo on the speaker itself is a feature that lets you switch between two sound modes, offering either deep low-frequency bass or powerful, but high-pitched bass.

The ULT Field 1 speaker has two drums on each side of its body, so when it’s at full volume and placed horizontally, you get a much fuller, more powerful sound with a strong, dominant bass that can overshadow the mids and highs. This is especially noticeable when I listen to my favorite 90s tracks like I Wanna Be Adored by The Stone Roses, When You Sleep by My Bloody Valentine, and 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins.

Stand it up and the mids and highs are decent. Lay it down and the bass comes out.

When the speaker is positioned vertically, the emphasis on its “powerful bass” shifts to a more balanced sound, with higher treble and vocals that stand out more than the bass itself. But even in the vertical position, you can still enjoy monotone but high-pitched vocals from artists such as Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon or even Oasis’ Liam Gallagher with his raspy, petulant Manchester vocals. Overall, regardless of position, you can still hear the joyful highs, mids, and lows, without being overpowered by the song’s deep bass instrumentation or overly robust drums.

It’s also worth mentioning the Field 1’s durability. Sony has advertised it as being waterproof, as well as dustproof with an IP67 rating, and honestly, it lives up to that bill accordingly since I splashed a bit of my water bottle on it and it didn’t affect the music playing or the button modules.

What’s the catch?

I tried using the phone call modules and its features somewhat lived up to expectations as you can hear the voice of the person on the other end of the line quite clearly. However, even though it is advertised as having echo cancellation for a clear call, answering using your phone’s microphone is not entirely smooth as the feedback will affect a degree of your voice on the other end of the line. Although all the other modules seem to work accordingly. IIt’s also stated that it has a 12-hour battery life, but in my experience the battery lasts between nine and ten hours in total.

There’s also Sony’s Music Center equalizer that I should mention. The app itself isn’t as slick in terms of innovation and usability. If there’s one thing I could suggest to Sony, it’s to update the app so that I can navigate through the modules I’m currently on or anything else that’s activated without me noticing.

Should I buy it?

Ultimately, I think this is one of those speakers that offers a more personal touch to the sound quality of music, especially in wide-open spaces. It’s definitely a speaker to enjoy with your friends, but not one to use for sound stages or formal events, which require those big, sturdy speakers, rather than something you bring to the playing field.

The Field 1 is currently available for purchase online at RM629 inclusive of retail price. It comes in four different colour options including orange, off-white, forest grey and black.

Photograph by Haikal Nazri.

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