REVIEW – Here we go again with me and my obsession with wireless mic systems. I have now tested and even used several for various recording scenarios. I always look for the next one that could produce even better audio with similar or better portability and versatility. Let’s see what this Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic system can do.
What is it?
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic is designed to be used with an iPhone, Android Type-C Smartphone, or camera. It features a 492ft Range, 20h Battery Life, and 2 wireless clip-on micro transmitters with built-in omnidirectional mics with universal compatibility for Live Streaming and recording. It also features 2-stage active noise-cancelling, remote gain control, mute, and furry windshields for high-wind protection. The Receiver can be mounted to your camera shoe or directly to your device’s USB-C or Lightning port.
What’s included?
- 1 x Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic Receiver
- 2 x Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic Transmitter
- 1 x Charging Case
- 1 x USB-C Adapter
- 1 x Lightning Adapter
- 1 x USB-A to USB-C Cable
- 1 x 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRS Audio Cable
- 1 x 3.5mm TRS to 3.5mm TRRS Audio Cable
- 2 x Windscreen
- 2 x Magnets
- 1 x Carry Case
- 1 x User Manual
Here is a quick unboxing video:
Tech specs
Click to expand Specs
Design and features
- IDEAL WIRELESS MIC SYSTEM: Incredibly Easy-to-Use 2-person wireless clip-on mic system that is ideal for Content Creation, Interviews, Vlogging, Mobile Journalism, Live Streaming, Podcasts, Virtual Meetings & More
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: 3.5mm TRS & TRRS, USB-C, and Lightning Outputs connect to Cameras, iPhones, iPads, Android Devices, Computers, Action Cameras, Recorders, & Any Devices with an Audio Input
- POWERFUL TRANSMITTERS: 2x Clip-On Transmitters with built-in Omnidirectional Mics, 2-stage Noise Cancelling for Ultra-Clean Audio, 17-step Remote Gain Control, Furry Windscreens, Mute, & Magnetic Mounts
- FEATURE PACKED RECEIVER: Ultra-Light & Compact 2-Ch Receiver with OLED Display, Mono/Stereo/Safety Output Settings, 75/150Hz Low Cut Filter, Headphone Output, & Mobile Device Speaker Enable
- LONG RANGE & POWER: Up to 492.1′ (150m) Range with Remarkable Runtime of 20-Hrs Transmitters & 16-hrs Receiver with Auto On/Off, 1250mAh Charging Case provides an additional 1.6x charges of system
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic system consists of 2 Transmitters, one Receiver, and 2 Smartphone dongles, one Android and one iOS. All the components fit into a plastic storage/charging case with a USB-C charging port on the back, charge-level LED indicators on the front, and rubber feet on the bottom. The Receiver has an LED display on the top. On the bottom, are connector pins for charging and connectivity with the USB-C or Lightning dongles. There is also a USB-C port. The Transmitter is a simple design with a mic on top, a power button, and a USB-C charging port on the sides, There is a clip on the back of each component to attach to your clothing or similar surfaces.
Setup
Before testing the Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic system, I charged everything via the USB-C port on the charging/storage case. There are 4 charge indicator LEDs on the front of the case representing 25% charge for each LED.
Performance
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic performs very well. I started by charging the case which in turn charged the Transmitters and Receivers in the case. I tested this mic using the dongles for both my Android Smartphone and my iPhone and they performed flawlessly. I also tested the system by connecting the Receiver to my Macke DLZ XS board via a 3.5mm to XLR cable and again I was very happy with the audio that was produced. The LED screen on the Receiver is easy to see and it is easy to navigate and make setting choices. The noise cancellation on the Transmitters works well. The windscreens are easily attached to the Receivers, but I record indoors and never really use them. However, I did test the windscreen by standing close to a fan and it works.
The bottom of the Receiver has a “slot” with contact where the selected phone dongle slides in. The Receiver with the dongle connected then plugs into the phone. This connection is somewhat bulky and requires care not to avoid accidentally breaking something while it is attached.
App:
The Saramonic companion app allows you to customize recording settings and update the firmware.
Here is a comparison audio test:
This next video shows my use of the mic with my Android phone during my tours in Washington DC, and also a simple test with my iPhone:
What I like about the Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic
- The set comes with all of the accessories that I need
- The build quality is great.
- The audio quality is great
- The kit recharges relatively quickly and the charge lasts for a long time
- The settings are easy to access and use
- The included charging case
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing so far. It works for me.
Final thoughts
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ Wireless Mic is a great quality mic system that provides portability, versatility, and great audio whenever I need it. I have several similar Transmitter/Receiver sets and this Saramonic is one of my favorites.
Price: $129
Where to buy: Saramonic website, B&H Photo, Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Saramonic. Saramonic did not have a say in the review and did not preview this review before it was published.
