Sony ULT FIELD 5

Hardware

The Sony ULT FIELD 5 comes with a carrying strap in a plastic-free box and surprises upon unboxing with its substantial 3.3-kilogram weight – quite hefty for a speaker measuring 32 x 14.4 x 12.5 cm. As the cylindrical form isn’t ideal for carrying by hand, it’s recommended to attach the strap to the two recessed mounting points and sling it over your shoulder.

The Sony ULT FIELD 5 is wrapped entirely in coarse acoustic fabric. Inside, Sony’s X-Balanced Speaker Unit includes a 7.9 x 10.4 cm racetrack-style woofer and two 4.6 cm tweeters. These are flanked by two passive radiators on the sides to enhance bass performance.

Integrated into the edges where the housing meets the side frames are the LED light strips for the party lighting – more subtle glow than bright dazzle. On the rubberised top panel, you’ll find the main controls: power, Bluetooth pairing, Party Connect, play/pause/skip, volume, and the ULT button for activating bass boost. On the back, behind a sturdy rubber flap, are the AUX input, USB-C port for charging or power out (powerbank function), and two buttons – one for lighting effects and one to announce battery level.

To ensure durability in the face of rain, water, and dust, the Sony ULT FIELD 5 meets both IP66 and IP67 ratings – meaning it can survive submersion in up to one metre of water for 30 minutes, shrug off fine dust for up to eight hours, and even endure saltwater spray. Sony also claims the speaker is rust-resistant.

Technical Features

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the Sony ULT FIELD 5 supports Google Fast Pair for quick and easy connection – including with two devices at once (multipoint). Supported audio codecs include SBC, AAC and LDAC (with compatible hardware). Two identical speakers can be paired for true stereo sound, and up to 100 compatible speakers can be linked via Party Connect for the ultimate sound wall.

With the “Sound Connect” app, users get access to a 10-band equalizer and two bass-enhancing presets. The app also displays battery level and active codec, manages multipoint connections, toggles inputs, handles firmware updates, and provides features like Sound Field Optimisation (dynamic EQ based on ambient volume), connection quality settings, and Stamina mode (power-saving).

The app’s “DJ Control” and “Party Light” modes add extra fun. DJ Control lets you trigger effects and samples (scratches, horns, cheers) using a touchscreen – a great way to hype up a party.

Party Light allows customisation of the built-in lighting, including choosing a favourite colour – though in practice, the lights are so subtly integrated that changes are barely visible. You’ll need to look closely to see the effect of your input.

Some control inconsistencies are worth noting: EQ settings can be changed via DJ Control but not reset from there – only from the main EQ menu. Similarly, lighting can be reset in Party Light, but full deactivation or mode changes are only possible under System > Device Settings or via the rear panel. Still, these are nice extras to enhance the party atmosphere with the ULT FIELD 5.

Sound

The Sony ULT FIELD 5 sounds absolutely solid. The strong bass – adjustable using the ULT button or one of two presets – supports a well-detailed midrange where vocals and instruments can shine. Clear and transparent highs add freshness and precision, maintaining a wide and cohesive sound image even at higher volumes.

The two ULT presets boost bass effectively and offer distinct base tunings suitable for many genres. Pop hits pump with power, rock sounds rich and warm, and jazz comes across clean and crisp. At max volume, the sound image holds together impressively well. For optimal results at high levels, it’s best to disable ULT presets and fine-tune via EQ to manage bass levels and prevent mid/high smearing. Whether positioned upright or lying down, the speaker’s sound remains consistent.

Conclusion

With the Sony ULT FIELD 5, the manufacturer delivers a highly rugged and well-equipped wireless speaker that resists weather, water and dust with ease, sounds great at any volume, and adds entertainment value with its DJ and lighting features. Priced around €300, this heavyweight is a true party beast.