Do mid-range wireless mic kits hold up against high-end pro gear? In a side-by-side test, the Saramonic K9, Deity THEOS, and Sound Devices Astral were run through the same setup to find out. The focus: high-frequency clarity, artifacts, and real-world usability.
Key Findings
- Sound Devices Astral had the cleanest high end—no filtering, no digital shimmer.
- Deity THEOS showed strong high-frequency filtering and minor digital artifacts.
- Saramonic K9 had mild filtering, with less aggressive artifacts than THEOS.
- A 16 kHz low-pass filter cleans up both budget mics nicely for most users.
Real-World Use
All three were recorded simultaneously into a Sound Devices 888 using matched lav mics. No processing beyond loudness matching. What you hear is what each mic delivers natively.
Even if you detect a difference on studio monitors, most people watching content on YouTube or learning platforms likely won’t. For creators, educators, and indie filmmakers, the K9 and THEOS are more than serviceable—with a simple EQ tweak.
Bottom Line
- On a budget? Grab the Saramonic K9 or Deity THEOS, and add a low-pass filter if needed.
- Want pro-tier audio? The Astral kit is expensive, but it delivers pristine results with zero fuss.
Audio purists might nitpick—but if it sounds good to your ears, it’s good enough.
