Sony ULT Field 7 Review: Bass-ically the Best!

PROS

• Exceptional Bass
• Durable and Weatherproof (IPX7 and IP67 Rated)
• Versatile Features: Karaoke and Jamming
• Portable Design

CONS

• Surfaces act as magnets for dust
• Clunky and Inefficient App

"Ain't No Thing as Too Much Bass", from the moment I hit play, the Sony ULT Field 7 grabbed my attention. The sound on this is so wild, that it makes you want to jam. The rich bass and plethora of connectivity options make it clear that Sony means business with this speaker. So, let's get straight to it!

Design and Build

The Sony ULT Field 7 is designed to replace the older XG500, which has been my go-to outdoor speaker particularly for alfresco and pool parties. The Sony ULT Field 7 is a larger speaker but remains portable with built-in carrying handles on both sides.

The ULT Field 7 is slightly wider than the XG500, thanks to the added flanges that create space for handles, allowing it to stand on its side. This feature is a significant improvement, providing better stability and convenience. The speaker has four handles in total which makes it easier to carry it around, and is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Weighing just under 6.3kgs, it's easy to take this speaker on the go. However, I wish it included a shoulder strap, as it would be simple to add one to the carrying handles. The speaker has a mostly fabric-wrapped body, making it resistant to constant bumps and scrapes.The four handles and the ability to stand it up vertically add to its versatility. This design consideration makes it practical for various uses, whether at home or on the go.

The rubber finish allows it to stand upright, and it has an IPX7 rating, so dust and water won't be an issue. The built-in light feature, controlled via Sony's app, offers various lighting modes. It is an added layer to the entertainment but for longer listening sessions, personally, I don't use the light feature due to its impact on battery life, preferring to enjoy the improved battery life with it turned off.

Naturally, people will compare it to the JBL Boombox 3. I won't spoil anything, but let's just say the ULT Field 7 has quickly become my new favorite pool-side buddy. This speaker is solid and robust, standing up well to competition.

It's IP67 rated, meaning it's water, dust, and rust-proof. This makes it perfect for outdoor use, especially if you want to record yourself doing the "Step Up 2" final dance showdown. The button layout is large and intuitive, making it easy to control the speaker even when you're busy with other activities.

Bass Modes: Connectivity and Controls

One of the standout features is the two low-frequency modes, ULT1 and ULT2. ULT1 provides deeper bass, while ULT2 takes it to another level, offering more pressure and thump. These modes are designed to enhance your listening experience, whether indoors or outdoors.

The speaker has a comprehensive set of controls and inputs. It includes options for light control, battery care mode, and even a guitar amp function. You can plug in a microphone, making it versatile for impromptu karaoke/jam sessions and not to forget, the AC input for power eliminates the need for a charging brick, simplifying the setup.

App Integration

Using the app, you can access additional settings and sound customization. It features a seven-band EQ, a step up from Sony's usual three-band EQ. This allows for greater control over the sound profile, letting you tweak it to your preference. The app also includes DJ effects, karaoke functions, and light control, enhancing the overall experience.

Sound Test

I was chilling on my terrace in the evening and decided to play the Boiler Room: London set by Fred again.. followed by Zokova's single "Untitled" from Sofar Delhi and the delivery of the ULT7 was surreal. I closed my eyes and was instantly transported. However, to truly appreciate the sound quality, you need to hear it in action. I took the speaker outside to test its performance, and it did not disappoint. The audio was clear, powerful, and full of rich bass, making it perfect for any outdoor gathering.

The ULT Field 7 is designed with versatility in mind. It has rubber padding to ensure stability when stood on its side, and its robust design means it can handle being bumped around a bit. Whether you place it horizontally or vertically, the speaker delivers pristine audio quality.

The X-Balanced Speaker Unit delivers rich vocal clarity even on maximum volume and the high-efficiency tweeter provides crisp and spacious sound for high frequencies while the passive radiators optimize the bass frequencies in the background.

The real punch of the bass kicks in when you turn the Mode to ULT2, especially if it's an electronic dance track with some serious 808s or a Hip Hop record. If you're a basshead like me and you've got a smaller sized study/bedroom, you are in for a ride! Try turning on the ULT2 Mode for Bass and keep it facing towards the corner of the room with a gap of 1 Meter, it is not only going to blow your mind but also your windowpane away.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sony ULT Field 7 is a well-designed, powerful portable speaker that offers excellent sound quality and a host of features. Its robust build, combined with versatile handling and impressive bass modes, makes it a top choice for anyone looking for a high-performance speaker. Whether for personal use, parties, or outdoor activities, this speaker is ready to deliver. So, If you are looking for something that's durable and portable, the Sony ULT Field 7 is the way to go.