Sony UWP-D21 Review
Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sony UWP-D21. For example, 72% of 44 users who have commented on the Battery life of the Sony UWP-D21 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 25 Reviews
Fast, Adaptable Audio - Worth Every Penny
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Russell on B&H Photo Video
(This is an updated review, after 6 shooting days) Shooting and running audio at the same time is no easy task for me, but that's how I work and the budgets I generally get. I wanted a wireless that works in the background with no babysitting. I film low key situations and I'm on my toes constantly, plus lots of talking heads -- I like Sony's wireless system for the quality but was waiting for the instant search/connect feature now available in the D-21's. I wasn't disappointed -- it was up and running strong in 60 seconds after I put in the batteries, synched and ready for the first shot. The set looks great with prominent contours in the case and stand-up dual antennas; the lower portion pulls out to load batteries, very fast and easy (2 AA). Each unit has a push button power on. Audio so far is pristine, dropout free, no noise at all, and no static at all, in classrooms, kitchens, conference rooms, and outdoors. The process is: Insert batts, push power on receiver and tranny, then the dedicated "Sync" button. There's a bit of vibration confirming the wireless connection as well as a reading in the LED panel. It connected flawlessly first time at 404, later it found 6400 was better and both switched. Sony says the two antennas search independently for the best signal and switch frequency when necessary in milliseconds. It stayed connected the rest of the day. One cool thing was that even after being turned off-between setups, it reconnected by itself for the next setup. It did got fussy in one particular conference room, volume fading unexpectedly, when I got overconfident and messed with the settings on the first shoot. I do not know what I did that caused that, but it was OK on the next take. Otherwise great operation Of the three ways to connect the receiver to my NX-80 Sony camera. I have used the two separate (included) connecting cables:1) Male XLR into camera's female XLR , and 2) 1/8" 3.5mm into an SLR -- both worked fine and I was glad two options are there. They both plug into a 1/8 audio out on the receiver. 3rd method should eliminate analog cabling (and subsequent audio conversion) with the Integrated Hot Shoe adapter sold separately. Cameras need the Sony Integrated Hot Shoe (For instance the a6000, 6400 and 5500 all have them). Plus it eliminates the need for batts in your receiver since it is powered from the camera, but you still need batteries (2 AA) in the transmitter I have not had any rough shoots yet but the year is young; I'm pretty fearless as this set will be a strong addition to the kit, absolutely my first go-to. Since writing the above I have taken the shots through edit and client is thrilled with the audio. One shot, in a commercial kitchen, the wired lady was 71 years old, but she still comes thrioygh clean and clear. Awesome. The included mic works flawlessly and sounded great on a couple talking head interviews too -- (in a busy school with lots of old overhead neon with phones and electrical sources everywhere) and also one run and gun where we moved with talent. I think this set worked great. I do wish there were more segments in the VU bar; there's like, three so not a lot of movement in the VU, but I understand somewhere in the menu there is a dedicated selection for that too. Just need some time to go through the manual, which is a pdf on included disc. The LCD is clear and bright. I ordered these four days before the first shoot and B&H had them here in three, perfect condition and no fuss. They aided in the selection of the region bandwidth, too and made that easy. As I said I broke open the box and they were actually recording right away. The old adage is true - you get what you pay for and these Sony's are awesome for me. ... More
Adding to Above
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Russell on B&H Photo Video
Found an Achilles heel to append my review, above. As I said, we've been shooting steady with these now a little over 2 weeks and they have been great. Two issues came up, one small: During another interior interview shoot at the same old school house, for a short period, the D-21s refused to synch. Receiver kept hunting for the transmitter, often bypassing the same frequenncy its LCD displayed. Switched them off and on; also removed batts; reset the synch, etc, no good. Solution: Walked outside with them off, turned them back on (facing each other) and they paired immediately and stayed locked together and worked awesome the rest of the shoot. Relief to feel that vibration that shows they synched up. The 2nd problem: At yesterday's shoot at a community center, the audio (connected through XLR to Sony NX80 set to manual) exhibited a fade-in fade-out effect that continued through the shoot. The audio dropped subtly then came back up at 10 sec intervals. Not severe, but noticable.The location has tons of phones, computers, flourescent ballast which we turned off. I convinced the client it was fixable in post (it was) and we proceeded. Anyone have any ideas on this? ... More
Great mics, not so great redesign.
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Nick on B&H Photo Video
These mics are awesome. They just work. They put up with abuse and have great battery life. My only criticism is with the new re-design, the RF and power lights have been moved to the top. If the mics are mounted on a tripod mounted camera, you have to pull either the camera off or the mic off to check if you have RF connection or power. The older design had an led that could be seen from the top or side view.
good for its price
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Albert on B&H Photo Video
this unit is fine if you change its capsule (i did to a dpa) the menu is clear and simple (too simple) the range is just fine and the batteries last for a long day of ussage ( i used lithium) it is all metal built and feels good, the size of transmitter is not too big for an actor to have all day on him. too bad antenna dies not come of for storage of folds like the ones on receiver. it is a good buy i have about 5 of them and never had any problems. definitely a good buy for its price. ... More
Only works with Sony mics.
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Aaron on B&H Photo Video
I owned a previous version of the Sony wireless kit (URX-P2 UTX-B2) and had a decade of reliable performance. I purchased two sets of this new series. Everything works great if you use the mic that comes with it. All my Countryman and Senal mics (wired for Sony transmitters) would crackle and drop out if the 1/8" connector was brushed with the slightest touch. These same mics worked perfectly on my older Sony transmitters. Both UWP-D21 sets had this issue. Don't let this poor quality control destroy your next shoot.
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Sony RX100M7 Uwp-D2 wrks Great
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Larry on B&H Photo Video
I have added this to URX-P03D with 3 UTX-B40 wireless microphones so the camera man is not tied to the camera microphone on the URX-P03D. The URX-P40 is tied to the URX-P03D headphone out via your 35db attenuator cable to the URX-P03D mic in for the 3rd wireless mic. I can now leave the camera position and join the scene. The Sony RX100M7 is a great way to shoot 4K Videos with great sound while being very small and portable.
If you do events or shoot in populated areas; this is a must
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Nathan on B&H Photo Video
The UC90 avoided the interference issues I've had with shooting in these RF saturated areas and the sound quality was great too. Battery life lasted more than all day. Also, the fact I can get it to bring the audio in the Sony cameras I own without a cord is just icing on the audio cake. Only knitpick, I haven't been able to charge my rechargeable batteries through the USB-C port on the side of the unit. I'm probably just missing something here.
Nice Little System
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Robert on B&H Photo Video
I like it. It works great, especially when paired with a compatible Sony camera with the multi-use interface shoe and the adapter (sold separately). The microphone is not the best, but you can easily upgrade to a better quality 3rd party option as needed.
Excellent
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Chris on B&H Photo Video
I bought this to replace a dated Sennheiser EW100ENGG3-G wireless and to go into the smart shoe of the Sony Fx9. Sooo much easier to sync, no cables and the signal has been flawless so far. I'm very happy with this purchase.
Easiest to find frequency
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video
These are by far are the easiest to set up in the field and work great. They find the open frequency with a touch of a button and it is quick. My only complaints are that I wish the display was a little easier to read and sometimes the battery compartment is difficult to slide on.
Great
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Jacob on B&H Photo Video
Using this for a few months now, and I must say these work amazing. Easy to navigate through the menu for setup. The Lavalier microphone performs better than expected. Overall, I'm glad I made this purchase.
Sony Quality
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Douglas on B&H Photo Video
These are rock-solid. Love the diversity receiver and operating range. The (download) menu is kinda wonky, had to go to YouTube and find a tutorial; aside from that no problems.
Best wireless microphone at this price range
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Atuel on B&H Photo Video
I've used older Sony uwp models and also the Sennheisser ones. I've had problems with the Sennheissers, but never the Sonys. That is why I bought them. When I received this, I found out the new model is lighter and smaller than the previous ones. I like that.
really a great wireless mic
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Martia on B&H Photo Video
the dual antenna are great and pic up any drop-offs that I've experienced w/ other on the go mics. I'm using this to record yoga and movement... Ive needed to a quality mic for a while and feel I've found it for sure in this Sony.
It's okay
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Jorge on B&H Photo Video
I prefer some things from the old reference like the battery module, It takes longer to change the batterys. I really like the RF stability
THE GO TO AUDIO SOURCE
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Timothy on B&H Photo Video
This is exactly the thing I need for a wireless pack. Just did a interview type video recently and it did exactly what it was suppose to do.
Excellent for my wedding events!
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Jorge on B&H Photo Video
The audio quality is amazing! I'm very happy with this purchase. I decided to upgrade from my Rode wireless microphones. They are so worth it!
Love 'em
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Marco on B&H Photo Video
I picked up this set to broadcast through a camcorder into a switcher and into a laptop to zoom. Sound quality was excellent, signal to noise floor not bad, range and battery life were top notch.
Great improvement
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by Baylen on B&H Photo Video
Mics are way better than last model. They don't cut out, don't have static/white noise, and work far away
Get up and go.
Sony UWP-D21 Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (UC14: 470 to 542 MHz)
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
Easy to set up and clean sound. Love this for being able to listen to directors' around my monitors while I'm onset and know exactly what to do while listening in.p
