Sony ULT Field 1 Review: Ultimate Speaker For Treks And Campfire Vibes

The Sony ULT Field 1 has slowly become my favorite outdoor speaker, replacing my Marshall Emberton 2. While I still prefer Marshall’s sound on most occasions, the new Sony portable speaker is sturdier and bassier.

I wasn’t a fan of the ULT button on the Sony ULT Wear headphones, but it makes more sense on the speaker, making it ideal for more intimate outdoor settings like hanging with friends at the park or when on a trek.

Sony ULT Field 1 Is Rugged

The Sony ULT Field 1 features a squared-off cylindrical design with extensive shockproofing and a mesh pattern around the middle. It looks and feels sturdy. The company claims that the design can handle drops and knocks from over a meter high without any visible damage. I’ve accidentally dropped it from about that height, and the speaker was fine.

The new Sony portable speaker is IP67-rated for water and dust resistance. While it shouldn’t be submerged in a pool, it can withstand splashes. It comes with a rubber cap over the USB-C charging port to prevent water immersion. On the top, there are six buttons: power, Bluetooth, play/pause, volume controls, and the ULT button. I prefer buttons over sliders, and this straightforward system works flawlessly.

You also get an adjustable strap on the top, which allows you to hang the speaker from a bag during a trek or on a hook when outdoors.

The Sound Isn’t Flawless But ULT Mode Is Great

The Sony ULT Field 1 supports AAC and SBC codecs. I’ve used the ULT mode most of the time because it enhances the lower frequencies without overwhelming the sound. The ULT mode is particularly enjoyable for party tracks with a robust experience. I like the tuning here, unlike on the ULT Wear headphones.

When the ULT mode is off, the bass lightens up, but the mids and highs get clearer. I prefer this setting for acoustic tracks, as it highlights harmonized guitars and vocals. The speaker doesn’t distort at the highest volume, except in ULT mode when the music is too bass-heavy. Overall, it remains comfortable to the ears in both modes. The built-in microphone allows you to accept and end calls with the play/pause button, though there’s no support for smart assistants.

The Sony ULT Field 1 pairs with the Sony Music Center app, not the same app used by the WH-1000XM5 or WH-CH720N headphones. This app handles firmware updates and Custom EQ settings, but you have to choose between the EQ preset or the ULT preset. When you turn off ULT mode, the speaker doesn’t automatically revert to your customized preset. It can last up to 12 hours on a single charge.

Sony ULT Field 1 Review: Verdict

At $100/INR 10,990, the Sony ULT Field 1 isn’t flawless in either mode, but it is the perfect portable speaker for intimate settings. The rugged design makes it excellent for outdoor use. It’s more rugged than my better sounding Marshall Emberton 2 and features a better design than the JBL Flip 6.

If you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker for treks, campfires, or poolside hangouts with friends, the Sony ULT Field 1 is a solid choice.