Saramonic K9 Dual-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Audio System

1. Introduction

Please read this manual carefully before using the product and strictly operate & store it in accordance with the instructions. Please save the manual for your future reference. If you need further assistance than the user manual, please consult your retailer for help or email us: support@saramonic.com.

1.1 General Introduction

Meet the Saramonic K9, our first digital UHF wireless microphone for professional filmmakers. Featuring an ultra-wide 550-960 MHz UHF spectrum and audio frequency scanning, it resists interference in crowded RF clutter. With digital transmission, a 130 dB dynamic range, and 32-bit float onboard recording, the system captures detail-rich recordings and ensure safe backup. Timecode-enabled, K9 syncs with cameras down to the frame, eliminating manual syncing in post-production. The Ø3 mm ultra-miniature lav mic delivers unmatched durability, and flawless sound in any any environment. With Saramonic System, all info and configurations are taps away on the phone, giving recordists easy full control.

1.2 Features

• Ultra-wide 550-960 MHz UHF for anti-interference performance across the globe.
• High dynamic range (130 dB input & 120 dB analog output) and digital transmission for uncompressed recordings.
• 32-bit float onboard recording with 32 GB storage for secure backup.
• Timecode sync - wirelessly via Saramonic System or wired via 3rd-party TC box.
• Saramonic System - up to 48 devices' control and info hub on your phone.
• IFB allows directors to monitor actor sound in real-time without waiting for playback.

Note: K9 systems sold and operated in the US cannot transmit wirelessly and record simultaneously.

2. What's in the Box

The Saramonic K9 system includes the following components:

Image: All components included in the Saramonic K9 package.

• Receiver (K9RX) ×1
• Transmitter (K9TX) ×2
• Cold Shoe Mount ×1
• Belt Clip for RX ×1
• Belt Clip for TX ×2
• Lavalier Microphone ×2
• SMA Elbow Antenna ×6
• SMA Antenna ×6
• 3.5 mm TRS to XLR Audio Cable ×2
• USB-C to USB-C Data Cable ×1
• 3.5 mm TRS to TRS Audio Cable ×1
• Portable Carrying Case ×1
• Foam Windscreen for Lavalier Microphone ×2
• Fur Windshield for Lavalier Microphone ×2
• Microphone Clip ×2
• Weather-Sealed Carrying Case for Lavalier Microphones ×1
• Lithium Iron Battery Pack ×3
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter ×1
• 32 GB MicroSD Card ×2
• QR Code Card for Instructions ×1
• QR Code Card for APP Installation ×1
• Antenna Length and Frequency Description Card ×1
• Colored Tag for Transmitter ×16
• Colored Tag for Receiver ×16

3. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components and controls of the Saramonic K9 system.

Image: Detailed view of the Receiver (left) and Transmitter (right) with labeled ports and buttons.

3.1 Transmitter (K9TX)

• MIC/LINE IN: Audio input port.
• Antenna Socket: For connecting the SMA antenna.
• Screen: Displays operational information.
• USB-C Port: For charging and data transfer.
• Belt Clip Hole: Attachment point for the belt clip.
• Battery Compartment Switch: Releases the battery compartment cover.
• Battery Compartment Cover: Protects the battery.
• Colored Tag: For device identification.
• Monitor Port: For real-time audio monitoring.
• Belt Clip: For attaching the transmitter to clothing.

3.2 Receiver (K9RX)

• 3.5 mm Audio Output A: Primary audio output.
• 3.5 mm Audio Output B: Secondary audio output.
• Antenna Socket: For connecting the SMA elbow antennas.
• Screen: Displays operational information.
• Colored Tag: For device identification.
• USB-C Port: For charging and data transfer.
• Belt Clip Hole: Attachment point for the belt clip.
• Battery Compartment Switch: Releases the battery compartment cover.
• Battery Compartment Cover: Protects the battery.
• Belt Clip: For attaching the receiver to clothing.
• Cold Shoe Mount: For attaching the receiver to cameras.

3.3 Buttons and LED Information

Transmitter (K9TX)

• REC (RECORDING) LED: Glows solid red when the TX is recording.
• AUDIO (VOLUME) LED: Its brightness and color vary in real time from the current volume level. Blinking blue indicates -40 dB to -10 dB. Blinking red indicates -10 dB to 0 dB. Solid red indicates the microphone is muted.
• POWER LED: Glows solid blue when the battery level is sufficient; glows solid red when the battery is low.
• Up Button: Press once to select relevant settings and adjust values. Press and hold to enter the recording page.
• Down Button: Press once to select relevant settings and adjust values. Press and hold to enter the timecode setting page.
• Power Button / Back Button: Press and hold for 2 seconds to power on or off. On the home screen, press once to enable or disable the mute function. A short press returns to the previous page.
• Menu Button / Confirm Button: Press once to enter menus or confirm selected items.

Note: When audio output B is set as monitor mode on the receiver, a short press of the up or down button on the transmitter directly adjusts the monitor volume.

Receiver (K9RX)

• TX1 VOLUME LED: Its brightness and color vary in real time from the corresponding transmitter's volume level. Blinking blue indicates -40 dB to -10 dB. Blinking red indicates -10 dB to 0 dB.
• TX2 VOLUME LED: Its brightness and color vary in real time from the corresponding transmitter's volume level. Blinking blue indicates -40 dB to -10 dB. Blinking red indicates -10 dB to 0 dB.
• POWER LED: Glows solid blue when the battery level is sufficient; glows solid red when the battery is low.
• Up Button: Press once to select relevant settings and adjust values. On the home screen, press and hold to set the gain of audio output A.
• Down Button: Press once to select relevant settings or adjust values. On the home screen, press and hold to set the gain of audio output B.
• Power Button / Back Button: Press and hold for 2 seconds to power on or off. A short press returns to the previous page.
• Menu Button / Confirm Button: Press once to enter menus or confirm selected items.

4. Installation and Connection

4.1 Antenna Installation

Screw the SMA antenna into the antenna socket of the TX. Screw the SMA elbow antennas into the antenna sockets of the RX.

Image: Proper installation of antennas on both the Transmitter and Receiver units.

4.2 Belt Clip Installation

Align the belt clip with the holes on both sides of the transmitter and receiver. Insert one end of the belt clip into one hole, then insert the other end into the other hole.

Note: The receiver's belt clip is slightly larger than the transmitter's. Please make sure to distinguish between them when using.

4.3 Battery Installation

Simultaneously press the two switches to open the battery compartment cover and insert the batteries as indicated, observing correct polarity. Close the battery compartment cover until it locks with an audible click.

4.4 Inserting MicroSD Card

Simultaneously press the two switches on the TX to open the battery compartment cover. The SD label indicates the slot location. If the battery has not been installed, you can insert the MicroSD card directly. If the battery is already installed, remove it first.

4.5 Connecting Microphone

Connect the lavalier microphone to the 3.5 mm audio input on the top of the TX. Rotate the locking connector to ensure the microphone is securely attached.

Image: Step-by-step guide for connecting the lavalier microphone to the K9TX.

4.6 Install Cold Shoe Mount

Once the belt clip is installed on the RX, attach the cold shoe mount. Gently press the bottom of the belt clip, align the cold shoe mount, then slide it down until you hear a click.

4.7 Connecting Recording Device

Connect the audio output A or B of the RX to the microphone port of your recording device (camera, recorder, or computer) using the appropriate included audio cable. For real-time audio transmission to a smartphone or computer, use the USB-C to USB-C data cable to connect the RX's USB-C port.

Image: Examples of connecting the K9RX to a camera and a dedicated audio recorder.

Tip: The K9 system includes a USB-C to USB-A adapter for connecting to computers without a USB-C port.

4.8 Antenna Angle

Adjust the RX's SMA elbow antennas for optimal signal reception. Keep them vertical or angled outward. Avoid crossing the antennas or folding them completely against the device.

Image: Guidelines for optimal antenna positioning on the receiver.

Warning: Incorrect antenna positioning may result in signal attenuation or interference. Follow the recommended instructions carefully.

5. Operation Guide

5.1 Device Network Construction (Saramonic System App)

1. Download and install the Saramonic System App on your smartphone.
2. Power on the K9TX and K9RX units.
3. Launch the Saramonic System app, tap the "+" icon, and add the K9TX and K9RX to the device list.
4. The app will assign a legally compliant frequency band based on your smartphone's location.
5. If the K9 device is not found, select "BT Reset" on the device screen, then enable Bluetooth on your mobile device and try adding again.
6. After the device network is established, the app will prompt you to add devices and determine the local legal frequency band.
7. The app will then prompt you to decide whether to assign frequency points automatically or allow manual entry.

Image: Screenshots of the Saramonic System App interface, showing device grouping, timecode sync, and audio level monitoring.

5.2 Frequency Settings

Networking Method I: Simultaneous Pairing

1. K9RX: Enter the K9RX menu, go to "WIRELESS & FREQ > FREQ > MANUAL", and select the channel corresponding to the K9TX you want to pair with (PAIR 1 or PAIR 2). Press the confirm button once.
2. K9TX: Enter the K9TX menu, go to "WIRELESS & FREQ > FREQ > PAIR", and press the confirm button once.
3. The screen will display "SUCCESS" if pairing is successful, or "FAIL" if it fails. Repeat steps if necessary.

Networking Method II: Manual Frequency Point

1. K9RX: Enter the K9RX menu, go to "WIRELESS & FREQ > FREQ > MANUAL", and select the channel (RX 1 or RX 2). Adjust the frequency point in 0.1 MHz increments or decrements using the up/down buttons.
2. K9TX: Enter the K9TX menu, go to "WIRELESS & FREQ > FREQ > MANUAL". Adjust the frequency point to match the RX.
3. Pairing is complete when the frequency values for the corresponding channels on both K9TX and K9RX are the same.

5.3 Transmitter (K9TX) Menu Introduction

The transmitter screen provides quick access to status information. Use the Menu/Confirm, Up/Down, and Back buttons to navigate.

Home Screen

Displays Frequency/Color, Device Name, Mic Reception Status, Mic Gain, Recording Status, Mic Muted, RF Power, Battery, Mic Level, and Timecode. Press and hold the Down button to enter the TC SYNC page.

Shortcut Menu

• Recording: From the home screen, press and hold the Up button to enter the REC page. Press the confirm button to start/stop recording.
• Timecode Sync: From the home screen, press and hold the Down button to enter the TC SYNC page.
• Framerate: Set timecode framerate (23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97DF, 30). Default is 25.
• Modes: OFF (disables timecode), AUTO (auto-recognizes/syncs), ONCE (syncs once), FREE (uses device's time information).
• SYNC: Active when mode is AUTO or ONCE.
• GROUP: Select timecode sync group (A-H). Only devices within the same group can sync.

Operating Menu

Press the Menu button to enter the operating menu.

• Input Mode: Select MIC IN or USB-C IN for timecode input. USB-C IN is recommended to avoid conflicts with MIC IN.
• Audio Gain: Adjust mic gain from 0 dB to +30 dB in 1 dB increments (3 dB per adjustment in Saramonic System app).
• RF Power: Select RF power levels (OFF, 20mW, 50mW, 100mW). Automatically matched to the chosen frequency band.

  Note: In the United States, the RF and recording functions cannot be enabled simultaneously.

• Audio Setting:
• In Signal: Select microphone power supply voltage (MIC-3V, MIC-5V) or switch to LINE input.
• Low Cut: Select low cut value (OFF, 75Hz, 100Hz, 150Hz) or disable.
• Monitor: Enable/disable monitor function. Adjust output volume from level 1 to 11.
• Recording and Files:
• Recording Modes: Set recording bit rate (24-bit or 32F float) and default recording mode (AUTO, MANUAL, SYNC).
• Recorded Files: View and playback recorded .wav files.
• Device Management:
• Battery: Select battery type for accurate level indication (Lithium Iron, Alkaline, 1.5V Lithium, 1.2V NiMH, 3.7V Lithium).
• LED: Turn on/off BT and SYS LED indicators.
• Bluetooth: Enable/disable Bluetooth or reset it.
• System:
• SD Card: View storage usage, format SD card.
• Read: Connect USB-C to computer to transfer recorded files.
• Shortcut: Enable/disable MUTE, REC/TC, GAIN shortcut button functions on the home screen.
• Date & Time: Customize current date and time.
• Language: Set display language (Chinese, English).
• System Reset: Reset device to factory settings (does not erase frequency data).
• Version: View current firmware version, SN, and update date.
• Upgrade: Upgrade firmware via SD card.
• Device Name: Customize the device name.

5.4 Receiver (K9RX) Menu Introduction

The receiver screen provides quick access to vital information. Use the Menu/Confirm, Up/Down, and Back buttons to navigate.

Home Screen

Displays Device Name, Battery, Timecode, Connection Signal Strength, Battery of TX1/TX2, Frequency of TX1/TX2, Recording Status of TX1/TX2, Level of TX1/TX2, and Mic Reception Status of TX1/TX2.

Auxiliary Screen

Allows quick glance at connection signal strength and battery status. Automatically powers on/off with the RX. Brightness (1, 2, 3) and auto screen-off time (Never, 30s) can be adjusted.

Shortcut Menu

• Gain: Long press Up for Audio Output A gain adjustment (-20 dB to +10 dB). Long press Down for Audio Output B gain adjustment (-20 dB to +10 dB).
• Monitor: If Audio Output B is set to monitor mode, Up/Down buttons adjust monitor volume (12 levels).

Operating Menu

Press the Menu button to enter the operating menu.

• Wireless and Frequency:
• Automatic Frequency Scanning: Scans for available wireless frequency points.
• Preferred Frequency: Lists 10 clean frequency points with signal quality indicators (1-3 thumbs up).
• Manual Set: Manually adjust frequency to match TX.
• Band Range: Select appropriate frequency band.
• Color: Choose a color label and synchronize it to the paired TX for easier device distinction.
• Reception: Enable/disable RX2 RF channels to reduce power consumption.
• Audio:
• Out Signal: Set gain parameters for audio output. Monitor volume adjustable when output B is monitor mode.
• Out Modes: Adjust audio output settings for the current channel. Channel A can output its own audio or dual-channel (left A, right B). Channel B can output its own audio, dual-channel, or monitor mode.
• Device Management:
• Battery: Select battery type for accurate level indication.
• Sleep: Set sleep function for connected TX (maintains Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, timecode).
• Bluetooth: Enable/disable Bluetooth or reset it.
• System:
• Brightness: Adjust screen brightness across 5 levels.
• Language: Set display language (Chinese, English).
• System Reset: Reset device to factory settings (does not erase frequency data).
• Upgrade: Upgrade firmware via internal storage.
• Version: View current firmware version, SN, and update date.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Clean the unit only with a soft, dry cloth.
• Storage: When using and storing, please keep away from dust and moisture.
• Battery Care: When not using the device for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent them from leaking. Always use sets of the same type of battery. Do not use batteries of different types or batteries with different charge levels together.
• Handling: For the best pick-up pattern, do not hold your hand against the microphone capsule cover.

7. Troubleshooting

• Device Not Found in App: If you cannot search for the K9 device while adding it to the Saramonic System app, select "BT Reset" on the device screen, and press the confirm button to reset its Bluetooth. Then re-enable Bluetooth on your mobile device and try connecting again.
• Pairing Failure: If pairing fails, repeat the pairing steps or check whether the antenna is installed correctly on both the transmitter and receiver.
• Signal Attenuation/Interference: Ensure correct antenna positioning. Incorrect antenna angles (e.g., crossed or folded against the device) can lead to signal issues.
• Onboard Recording & Wireless Transmission (US): Due to U.S. compliance requirements, wireless transmission will be disabled when the transmitter's onboard recording is enabled. The RF and recording functions cannot be enabled simultaneously.
• Cannot Access Audio Files on Computer: When connecting the TX to a computer via USB-C, ensure the TX is in the "Read" menu. Otherwise, the USB-C port will only power the device, not allow file access.
• Firmware Upgrade Issues: If a "NO FIRMWARE" prompt appears during an upgrade, check that the SD card is properly inserted into the device and that the upgrade files are complete and placed in the required location (root directory of the SD card).
• Inaccurate Battery Level Display: Ensure you have selected the correct battery type in both the transmitter and receiver settings for accurate battery level indication.
• Unit Malfunction: Non-professionals are strictly prohibited from disassembling this unit on their own. Keep the unit away from heat sources such as radiators or spotlights. Do not remove the battery without professional help.

8. Specifications

8.1 Transmitter

8.2 Receiver

8.3 Lavalier Microphone

8.4 Frequency Response

Image: Graph showing the frequency response characteristics of the Saramonic K9 system.

9. User Tips

• App Integration: For the best recording experience and full control over settings, utilize the Saramonic System application on your smartphone. It provides an intuitive interface for managing multiple devices and configurations.
• Battery Management: Always ensure you select the correct battery type in the device settings for accurate power level readings. For prolonged storage, remove batteries to prevent leakage and damage.
• Signal Optimization: Pay attention to antenna positioning. Keeping antennas vertical or angled outwards can significantly improve signal reception and reduce interference.

10. Support and Contact Information

For further assistance or inquiries, please contact:

A detailed user manual in PDF format is also available for download: Saramonic K9 User Manual (PDF)