Sony ULT Field 1: Ultimate Outdoor Speaker

The Sony ULT Field 1 is steadily gaining recognition as a top-tier outdoor speaker, edging out competitors like the Marshall Emberton 2 in certain aspects. While Marshall’s sound profile may still appeal to audiophiles for most music genres, the Sony ULT Field 1 brings a combination of rugged durability and enhanced bass that makes it a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most striking features of the Sony ULT Field 1 is its robust design. The speaker has a squared-off cylindrical shape, with significant shockproofing and a distinctive mesh pattern around its midsection. This design is not just for show—it’s built to withstand the elements. Sony claims that the speaker can endure drops from over a meter high without sustaining visible damage, a claim that holds up in real-world scenarios. During testing, the speaker was accidentally dropped from about a meter height, and it emerged unscathed, continuing to function without any issues.

This durability is further enhanced by the speaker’s IP67 rating, which ensures protection against water and dust. While it’s not designed for full submersion in water, the ULT Field 1 can handle splashes, making it suitable for use by the pool or during unexpected rain showers. A rubber cap protects the USB-C charging port from water immersion, a thoughtful feature that underscores the speaker’s outdoor-ready design.

The speaker is also designed with convenience in mind. It features six buttons on the top for easy control: power, Bluetooth pairing, play/pause, volume adjustments, and the ULT button. This straightforward button layout is user-friendly, allowing quick access to essential functions. Additionally, the ULT Field 1 includes an adjustable strap, enabling users to hang the speaker from a backpack during hikes or from a hook while camping, further enhancing its portability and ease of use in outdoor settings.

When it comes to sound quality, the Sony ULT Field 1 offers a mixed but generally positive experience. The speaker supports both AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The real highlight, however, is the ULT mode, which is designed to enhance the lower frequencies, delivering a richer bass experience that is particularly enjoyable for party tracks.

The ULT mode excels in creating a powerful and immersive sound experience, especially in outdoor environments where a strong bass response can make all the difference. Unlike the ULT Wear headphones, where the ULT button felt somewhat redundant, on the Field 1 speaker, it makes perfect sense. It allows users to boost the bass when desired, making it ideal for more intimate outdoor settings, like gatherings with friends at a park or around a campfire.

However, the speaker isn’t without its flaws. When ULT mode is off, the bass becomes less prominent, allowing the mids and highs to shine through more clearly. This setting is particularly well-suited for acoustic tracks, where the clarity of harmonized guitars and vocals can be fully appreciated. Despite the strong bass capabilities in ULT mode, the speaker does not distort even at high volumes, except in rare cases where the music is excessively bass-heavy. Overall, the Sony ULT Field 1 delivers a comfortable listening experience in both modes, catering to different musical preferences and outdoor environments.

The Sony ULT Field 1 also includes a built-in microphone, allowing users to accept and end calls using the play/pause button. This feature adds to the speaker’s versatility, though it lacks support for smart assistants, which may be a drawback for some users.

The speaker pairs with the Sony Music Center app, which is separate from the app used by Sony’s popular WH-1000XM5 or WH-CH720N headphones. This app allows for firmware updates and custom EQ settings, providing users with the ability to tailor the sound to their preferences. However, there’s a catch—when ULT mode is engaged, the speaker doesn’t automatically revert to a customized preset when ULT mode is turned off. This means users have to manually reapply their preferred settings, a minor inconvenience that slightly detracts from the overall user experience.

Battery life is another strong point for the Sony ULT Field 1. It can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, providing ample playback time for extended outdoor activities. Whether you’re heading out on a day-long hike or enjoying a weekend camping trip, the speaker is unlikely to run out of power when you need it most.

Priced at $100 (INR 10,990), the Sony ULT Field 1 offers a compelling package for those in search of a durable, portable speaker designed for outdoor use. While it may not be flawless, particularly in terms of sound quality in both modes, it excels in delivering a rugged, user-friendly experience that makes it well-suited for intimate outdoor settings. Its design is more robust than that of the Marshall Emberton 2, and it arguably offers a better outdoor performance than the JBL Flip 6, thanks to its enhanced durability and thoughtful features like the ULT mode and adjustable strap. For those looking for a reliable Bluetooth speaker for treks, campfires, or poolside hangouts with friends, the Sony ULT Field 1 stands out as a solid choice. Its combination of rugged design, versatile sound options, and user-friendly features make it a worthy investment for outdoor enthusiasts and casual users alike.