As a video production company based in Prague, Czech Republic, we handle a wide range of projects, including corporate videos, live-streamed events, promotional content and commercials.
In this line of work, communication is key, especially when you’re working with a full crew spread out over different locations.
Whether it’s coordinating cameramen during live events or keeping the team synced on a corporate shoot, having a reliable wireless intercom system is essential.
For years, we relied on traditional walkie-talkies from brands like Motorola. While they worked well in basic situations, they had their limitations—bulky design, tangled cables and the constant need to adjust channels.
It wasn’t the most efficient way to communicate during fast-paced shoots, so we eventually transitioned to the Hollyland Solidcom C1 about 2-3 years ago.
We liked the Solidcom C1 for its lightweight design and ease of use, which worked perfectly for most of our shoots. However, one issue we consistently faced was the lack of effective noise cancellation, especially in louder environments like concerts and live events.
Given that challenge, we decided to try out the Saramonic WiTalk9, a new wireless intercom system designed for professional use, operating on the 1.9 GHz frequency.
We’ve tested it extensively during several corporate shoots, live events, and concerts to see how it compares to the Solidcom C1, and if it could address the noise cancellation issues we were facing.
Build Quality and Design: Robust Yet Comfortable
The first thing you notice when you unbox the Saramonic WiTalk9 is the solid build quality. The unit is mostly plastic, but it feels incredibly durable and as a videographer who spends long hours on set, that’s a huge plus.
While it’s a bit on the heavier side compared to other intercoms we’ve used, such as the Hollyland Solidcom C1, the weight seems justified by its durability. We’ve put it through the wringer during long, hectic shoots and it held up without any signs of wear or tear.
The system is entirely wireless, which means you won’t be dealing with cables or bulky attachments—a feature that’s invaluable when you’re running around on set trying to get the perfect shot.
We’ve been through the frustration of dealing with wired systems or having walkie-talkies attached to our belts. With the WiTalk9, you just slip on the headset and you’re ready to go.
The headsets pair automatically right out of the box, which saved us time and headaches during setup. This is a crucial feature when you’re on a tight shooting schedule.
From a design standpoint, the WiTalk9 looks professional. When you’re working with corporate clients or at high-profile events, presentation matters.
The sleek, modern design of the headsets fits right into those environments.
Performance: Noise Cancellation That Works
One of the standout features of the Saramonic WiTalk9 is its ClearTalk™ noise-cancellation technology. As a camera crew working in diverse environments—from quiet conference rooms to loud concert venues—we need a system that can handle it all.
The WiTalk9 did not disappoint. It uses a 3-mic array that actively cancels out background noise, ensuring that communication is clear even when things get loud.
For example, during a live concert we were shooting in Prague, the ambient noise was overwhelming. With previous systems, we would often struggle to hear each other, especially during the busiest parts of the event. However, with the WiTalk9, we had no issues.
Everyone on the crew could hear instructions clearly, even as the music blared through the venue’s speakers. This is where the WiTalk9 really outshined the Hollyland Solidcom C1, which performed well but didn’t have the same depth of noise cancellation.
That being said, there is one slight drawback. The WiTalk9’s noise cancellation is so effective that it can sometimes make whispering or quiet communication a bit challenging.
For example, if you’re trying to give instructions quietly during a more intimate setting, the system might cut off some of your words.
It’s something we noticed during a corporate shoot, where subtle, quiet communication was necessary. In contrast, the Hollyland Solidcom C1 handled whispering a bit better.
So, if your team needs to communicate quietly, the Solidcom C1 might have an edge there. However, if you’re working in a louder environment, the WiTalk9 is the superior option.
Battery Life: Long Enough for Full-Day Shoots
Battery life is another area where the WiTalk9 excels. For us, working in video production means long hours. A typical shoot day can easily stretch to 10-12 hours and the last thing we need is to worry about the batteries in our communication system dying in the middle of the action.
The master headset for the WiTalk9 runs for about 10 hours, while the remote headsets can last up to 15 hours. This is significantly longer than the Hollyland Solidcom C1, whose main unit lasts about 6-7 hours, with remote headsets lasting around 8 hours.
During our recent corporate shoot in Prague, we used the WiTalk9 system for an entire day without needing to swap out batteries.
In contrast, the Solidcom C1 would require battery changes or additional backup batteries, which can be inconvenient when you’re trying to focus on filming. For full-day shoots, the WiTalk9’s superior battery life is a massive advantage.
Usability of WiTalk9: Designed for Professionals
One thing I really appreciated about the WiTalk9 is how user-friendly it is. The volume control is particularly intuitive compared to the Solidcom C1.
Adjusting the volume on the WiTalk9 is as simple as turning a dial, which is much easier to manage on the fly during a shoot. This is one of those small features that you don’t realize makes a difference until you’re in the thick of a project.
The Saramonic app is another feature worth mentioning.
The system connects wirelessly to the app, allowing you to monitor battery levels, adjust settings and manage communication through your phone.
We used the app during a corporate live stream event to monitor battery life and even mute some of the headsets remotely.
This level of control isn’t available on the Hollyland Solidcom C1, making the WiTalk9 a bit more versatile in certain scenarios.
Real-World Experience: Pros and Cons
Pros of Saramonic WiTalk9:
- Build Quality: The headsets feel durable and well-made, suitable for professional video production environments.
- Noise Cancellation: The ClearTalk™ noise cancellation works incredibly well in loud environments like concerts, allowing the crew to communicate clearly.
- Battery Life: With up to 15 hours of battery life, the system can handle even the longest of shoot days without needing a recharge.
- Professional Appearance: The sleek design adds a professional touch, making it suitable for corporate and high-end event shoots.
- Easy to Use: From volume control to automatic pairing, the WiTalk9 is designed with ease of use in mind.
Cons:
- Weight: The headsets are a bit heavier than other options, such as the Solidcom C1, which could be a concern during long shoots. After an 8-hour shoot, you’ll definitely feel the weight when you take it off.
- Whispering Communication: The aggressive noise cancellation makes whispering difficult, with some words potentially being lost. If your work involves a lot of quiet communication, this might be a drawback. However, we tested a pre-production unit and this could improve with future firmware updates.
Conclusion: A Reliable Addition to Our Video Production Arsenal
Overall, the Saramonic WiTalk9 has quickly become a go-to tool for our video production company in Prague.
Whether we’re coordinating during a live concert or managing a corporate video shoot, the system offers the reliability and clarity we need to keep things running smoothly.
While the weight and whispering issue might be small drawbacks, the durability, superior noise cancellation and extended battery life more than make up for it.
In comparison to the Hollyland Solidcom C1, we found the WiTalk9 to be a better fit for environments with a lot of background noise.
If you’re working in quieter settings or need to communicate discreetly, the Solidcom C1 might be a better option, but for most professional video productions—especially where sound levels fluctuate—the WiTalk9 offers unmatched performance.
That said, since I’m testing an early unit, there’s a possibility that Saramonic may update the firmware in the future, improving its ability to pick up quieter voices and whispers, making it even more versatile for a wider range of shooting environments.
For any videographer or camera crew working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, we highly recommend the Saramonic WiTalk9.
It has earned a permanent spot in our gear lineup and we’re excited to continue using it for our upcoming shoots.