Sony ULT Field 1 Review: Handy Bluetooth speaker with powerful sound

Rich sound in a handy format: In addition to the huge and heavy ULT Field 7, Sony is also offering a more compact Bluetooth speaker in the new model range, which goes by the name of Sony ULT Field 1. It aims to combine a handy size, comparable to the JBL Flip or soundcore Motion 300 (our test), with a full and detailed sound. Our test clarifies whether it succeeds.

Technical data

Sony ULT Field 1 test: Stylish and robust

• handy and lightweight
• elegant, simple design
• impeccable workmanship

With its pill shape, the Sony ULT Field 1 is visually similar to many other compact Bluetooth speakers. However, Sony has chosen slightly rounded corners so that the speaker also rests horizontally without wobbling and does not slip thanks to the rubberized ends.

The body is made of high-quality fabric, which gives the speaker a high-quality look. The Sony logo is emblazoned in the middle of the front, while the controls are located on the top.

The USB-C port for charging is located on the back of the IP67 water-resistant speaker, concealed under a sealed flap. Sony has not given the ULT Field 1 a carrying handle, but there is a double drawstring that fulfills exactly this function – but can also be easily removed if desired.

Thanks to its handy dimensions of 206 mm x 77 mm x 76 mm, the Bluetooth speaker fits comfortably in your backpack and, with a weight of around 651 grams, won’t cause back pain when you’re on the move.

The design is kept pleasantly simple and does not look too playful. The speaker feels very robust and high-quality and should survive the odd fall without any problems.

Operation, battery life and range

• simple, precise operation
• Up to 12 hours of battery life…
• … but only 5-6 hours at high volume

The Sony ULT Field 1 shares its controls with its larger sibling, the ULT Field 7. On the left you’ll find the power button with status and charging LED, next to it the Bluetooth button, while play/pause and the volume buttons round off the elements.

The colorful and light-reflecting ULT button forms the end of the control panel on the right. This is where the eponymous sound profile can be activated or deactivated, but more on that later.

The system is also operated via Sony’s Music Center app, although this does not really allow many settings. Here it is only possible to control playback, adjust the sound with a simple custom equalizer or prefer sound quality or stability for the Bluetooth connection. The app’s range of functions and design are a little disappointing, but it serves its purpose.

The battery life is good at up to 12 hours, but the soundcore Motion 300 lasts another hour longer. However, this quickly runs out. If you increase the volume or turn the speaker up to the maximum, the runtime can be reduced by half.

5-6 hours is then a bit meagre. On the other hand, the wireless range is also impressive: 12 meters to the source is no problem.

Sound quality of the Sony ULT Field 1

• full, lively sound
• rich, detailed bass
• somewhat flat in normal mode

The greatest strength of the Sony ULT Field 1 is undoubtedly the sound, even if the handy Bluetooth speaker only offers SBC and AAC as codecs compared to its bigger brother.

Especially with ULT mode activated, this handy speaker provides an enormously rich, full and lively sound without the bass becoming too prominent. The bass segment is pleasantly voluminous and rich in detail without overpowering the detailed mids and airy highs.

The ULT Field 1 reproduces even fine acoustic details pleasantly clearly and audibly. Of course, it feels particularly at home in the hip-hop and dance genres, where the deep, rich bass is particularly effective. But it also cuts a fine figure across all genres.

Compared to the ULT Field 7, the bass does not overdrive in active mode, making it the perfect choice. In normal mode, however, the handy speaker sounds a little weak on the chest, which usually makes ULT a must. Quieter, quieter songs in particular can lose a little detail as a result, so trial and error is a must.

If you like, you can even pair the speaker with a second model to create a stereo stage and noticeably expand the sound image.

Sony ULT Field 1 test: Conclusion

With the Sony ULT Field 1, the manufacturer delivers a handy and stylish Bluetooth speaker that is particularly pleasing in terms of sound. Especially when ULT mode is activated, it delivers a full and detailed sound with sufficient volume reserves that is really fun to listen to.

However, the features are somewhat meagre and high-resolution Bluetooth codecs are unfortunately conspicuous by their absence. The battery life is also somewhat disappointing at high volumes, and for the price, some competitors offer a more rounded overall package.

Nevertheless, the Sony ULT Field 1 is a convincing, lightweight and robust Bluetooth speaker that can show its full potential, especially in bass-heavy songs.