This time we are trying out Ulanzi’s AM18, which came to market in the summer of 2023 and has since become a popular entry-level audio system. We wondered how Ulanzi was able to deliver one of the only 16-bit wireless audio systems at this price point.
Concept
The number of 2.4 GHz wireless audio systems has grown exponentially and so have the features. We now have 32-bit float systems, miniaturized mics, included lapel mics, and systems ranging in price from as little as $40 to a few approaching $400. With all the new features, people buying their first system might wonder where to start. Other offerings at the same price point as the Ulanzi AM18 include the Neewer CM28, Godox WEC, and Comica’s BoomX-D PRO D2, but only the Ulanzi and Neewer come with a lightning adapter cable in addition to TRS and USB-C. This is thoughtful since many iPhone users will still be using lightning for a while. Most other systems that provide all those connections are significantly more expensive; so, does the AM18 deliver a good compromise, or are too many important features sacrificed to achieve the low price of $99?
The catch is that the audio is 16-bit quality, which means the audio levels need to be adjusted accurately due to less flexibility in post. This may be appropriate for beginners or those recording in environments with little background noise.
Design and Build
The charging case is rescued from a bulky, budget look and feel by beveled edges and a smooth, black surface. Both the receiver and the transmitters are extremely lightweight and bulkier compared to other systems. All the components are made of light plastics that don’t inspire confidence around potential future impacts, but the charging case deserves credit for surviving, with barely a scratch, at least one forceful drop on concrete during our testing. The components of the belt clip on the receiver, on the other hand, are of such a weak plastic that it will eventually be impossible to reattach it after it pops off, which it often does during use.
Features
The receiver goes 6 hours on one charge. There is a physical mute button for each transmitter, a welcome feature. The touchscreen is reliably responsive and features mono, stereo, and safety track modes, as well as gain adjustment for both transmitters. There aren’t any other audio-related settings beyond the most basic ones like screen brightness or monitoring volume. Noise-canceling was added or improved in a firmware update for the transmitters, but there is no setting in the receiver to control it.
The transmitter battery life is 14 hours or 5 hours of internal recording on one charge via the 8 GB local storage in each transmitter. There are indicator lights for charging, link, mute, and internal recording
Pros and Cons
The AM18 provided quality audio in most environments in which I tested it, and the noise cancellation was able to minimize virtually all loud sounds around me. The incredibly low weight of the unit might be handy for hikers. The clip on the back of the receiver unit snaps off too easily, which over time will make the unit difficult or impossible to attach easily. The flash memory used for internal recording must be an older generation, possibly USB 2.0 because it took a relatively long time to offload the small audio files. The slower offload isn’t a deal breaker as it might be for video files, but it might get annoying for anyone making long recordings.
Use Cases
Vlogging and content creation for beginners and outdoors enthusiasts who need to pack extremely light and need the ability to record with any device.
Conclusion
The AM18 is best suited for beginner vloggers and content creators on a budget because it is easy to use and priced aggressively. The lightning port connector makes this system stand out at its price point as many new comparable systems are leaving it out.
Pricing
As for pricing, the AM18 currently sells for just under $100.
You can check out more LensVid exclusive articles and reviews on the following link.
You can support LensVid by shopping with our affiliate partners
Affiliates: Amazon, B&H, Adorama and E-bay.
Why should you trust us?