Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ is a complete wireless microphone kit for video creation and … [+]
Who would have guessed that the rise of TikTok could have revitalized a sector of the tech market that was always something only for professional video makers? It’s another example of how social media is driving the technology market and driving down the price of equipment that would once cost a small fortune.
The latest example is Saramonic’s release of the Blink500 B2+ wireless microphone system. With connectivity options for USB-C, Apple Lightning, 3.5mm TRS and 3.5mm TRRS, the Blink500 B2+ can connect to almost any video device.
This upgraded version of Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ is a 4-in-1 wireless microphone system that makes it easy for content creators to have professional audio quality and is also a more versatile way to record podcasts.
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ is small but includes some speakers for monitoring the download.
Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ comes in a hard plastic storage case that doubles as a charging station. Inside the box are two wireless clip-on microphones and a single receiver, as well as Lightning and USB-C smartphone ports. The kit also comes with a protective drawstring bag that can hold the charging case and audio cables that also come with the Blink500 B2+ for connecting to DSLRs, camcorders or digital recorders.
The Blink500 B2+’s receiver unit has a handy little OLED display that shows gain levels, the battery life of the receiver and both microphones, as well as the receive power, so you know when you’re exceeding your reception limits. Settings can be changed on the receiver using a combination of buttons on the side of the receiver. It’s a little strange, but if you use the Saramonic smartphone app, you can record audio or video on your phone and control all the settings instead of using the receiver’s awkward menus.
Aimed specifically at live streamers, content creators and broadcasters, the Blink500 B2+ can record audio to two devices simultaneously. This makes it ideal if you’re live streaming on two platforms or need to pull backup recordings if you want more flexibility and convenience.
At the base of the Saramonic receiver unit is a docking station for Lightning or USB-C adapters.
For me, the standout feature of this wireless mic kit is its impressive battery life. You can record up to 20 hours on a single charge of the microphones and receiver, plus another 20 hours of spare charge in the storage case. This is a useful time for a day’s download and you can top up overnight with another charge while you sleep. Having that much power is especially handy when shooting in remote areas where there is no power. The charging case can also be topped up using a power bank.
The Blink500 B2+ features two levels of noise reduction as well as a low-cut filter for a clear audio reception without too many unwanted distractions. The versatility of the system is that it can be used to record mono, stereo and backup track output modes. In addition, the 2.4GHz wireless system provides clear connectivity that is reliable and interference-free. Audio can be monitored or played back in real time, ensuring that what is being recorded is at the correct level.
The build quality of this wireless kit is impressive, although I’m not sure how well the charging case would hold up to a drop on concrete, so perhaps something with a bit more padding, like the RØDE Wireless PRO fabric case, would be worth considering.
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ has two TX microphone units.
The microphones are small enough that they are not very noticeable if they are cut into clothing. There is no input jack for connecting a lavalier microphone, so keep that in mind. To get good sound, the microphone should be tucked inside a sweater or jacket lapel so that it is not visible but close enough to the speaker’s mouth. Lavalier microphones are much easier to hide, but there is a lot to adjust. It’s swings and roundabouts here.
I love the way Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ connects to almost anything. The Tew receiver can be connected directly to a smartphone and, at the same time, you can get an analog feed from it for a digital audio recorder or a video camera. You can also set the system for a stereo feed or leave things in mono and use the backup track to record a second stream at a lower level for backup purposes.
Verdict: If you want an extremely affordable wireless microphone system that will work with just about anything, then Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ could be the one for you. It offers tremendous value for money and is well worth it if you want to upgrade your video audio and social media content without breaking the bank. Recommended.
Prices & Availability: The Saramonic Blink 500B2+ Wireless Microphone Kit is available now and costs $129 / £135.95 / €121.88.
More information: saramonicusa.com
