Who could have guessed that the rise of TikTok could have invigorated a sector of the tech market that had always been something just for professional video makers? It’s another example of how social media is driving the tech market and bringing down the price of equipment that would once have cost a small fortune.
The latest example is the launch by Saramonic 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 with almost any video device.
This upgraded version of Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ is a 4-in-1 wireless mic system that makes it easier for content creators to have professional audio quality and it’s also a more flexible way of recording podcasts.
The Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ comes in a hard plastic storage box that also doubles as a charging station. Inside the box are two clip-on wireless mics and a single receiver, plus connectors for Lightning and USB-C smartphones. The kit also has a protective drawstring pleather bag that can hold the charging case and the audio cables that also ship with the Blink500 B2+ for connecting to DSLRs, videocams or digital recorders.
The receiver unit of the Blink500 B2+ has a handy little OLED display that shows gain levels, battery life of the receiver and both mics, plus reception strength so you know when you are pushing the reception limits. Settings can be changed on the receiver using a combination of push buttons on the side of the receiver. It’s a bit fiddly 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 fiddly menus on the receiver.
The Blink500 B2+ is aimed specifically at live streamers, content creators, and broadcasters and it can record audio on two devices at the same time. This makes it ideal if you are live streaming on two platforms or need to capture backup recordings if you want more flexibility and convenience.
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 mics and receiver, plus there’s another 20 hours of backup charge in the storage case. That’s a useful amount of time for a day’s worth of shooting and you can top the levels up overnight with another charge while you sleep. Having that much power is particularly handy when shooting in remote areas where there is no electricity. The charging case can also be replenished using a power bank.
The Blink500 B2+ has two levels of noise reduction as well as a low-cut filter for a clean audio capture without too many unwanted distractions. The flexibility of the system is it can be used to record mono, stereo and safety track output modes. In addition, the 2.4GHz wireless system provides clean connectivity that’s reliable and free from interference. The sound can be monitored or played back in real time, ensuring that what’s being captured is at the correct level.
The build quality of this wireless kit is impressive although I am not sure how well the charging case would withstand a drop onto concrete so maybe something with a bit more padding, such as the fabric case of the RØDE Wireless PRO would be worth considering.
The mics are small enough to not be too noticeable if clipped inside clothing. There’s no input jack for connecting a Lavalier mic so do bear that in mind. To get good sound the mic will have to be clipped inside a sweater or jacket lapel to keep it out of vision but close enough to the speaker’s mouth. Lavalier mics are a lot easier to conceal but there are a faff to set up. It’s swings and roundabouts here.
I like the way the Saramonic’s Blink500 B2+ connects to almost anything. Tew receiver can plug directly into a smartphone and, at the same time, you can take an analog feed from it for a digital audio recorder or a video camera. You can also set up the system for a stereo feed or leave things in mono and use the spare track for recording a second stream at a lower level for backup purposes.
Verdict: If you want a super affordable wireless microphone system that will work with almost anything, then the 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 the sound of your videos and social media content without breaking the bank. Recommended.
Pricing & Availability: The Saramonic Blink 500B2+ wireless microphone kit is available now and costs $129/ £135.95 / €121.88.
More info: saramonicusa.com
