Saramonic has just released an upgraded version of their Blink500 wireless microphone: the Blink500 B2+. This new version has an impressive 20-hour battery life, and it now comes with a battery charging case that has the capacity to charge the two transmitters and receiver once, providing a full recharge from 0 to 100%. Also, it now has built-in noise reduction and a low-pass filter, a 3.5mm audio output, it can connect to a camera or smartphone via the included lightning/USB-C cables, and there is a dedicated monitoring headphone jack. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
Chinese audio manufacturer Saramonic launched the Blink500 wireless microphone system back in 2019. A year later, they launched the Blink 500 Pro that, as its name suggests, was targeted more at professional content creators with bigger transmitters and a charging case.
After nearly five years, a revamp of the popular Blink500 was well overdue, introducing the Blink500 B2+.
Saramonic Blink500 B2+ – features
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ consists of one receiver, two transmitters, a charging case, and a set of connectors/cables. This wireless microphone system uses the popular 2.4GHz bandwidth – similar to other RØDE, Hollyland, and DJI microphones, to list a few – and has a maximum range of 150m/492ft.
According to Saramonic, the Blink500 B2+ has a signal-to-noise ratio of 80dB, a 20 to 20KHz frequency range, and a 48K/24bit sampling and bit rate. On the receiver, you can select the audio output to Mono, Stereo, or a safety track. Please note that the Blink500 B2+ doesn’t record audio internally, so the safety track is only used for streaming.
The Blink500 B2+ receiver. Image credit: Saramonic
Audio receiver
The audio receiver features a built-in clip that doubles as a cold-shoe adapter to mount it on your camera. On the right side, you’ll find a power and menu button, an OLED screen at the front of the unit, and two blue indicators showing how many transmitters are connected to the receiver.
Image credit: Saramonic
On the left side of the receiver, you’ll find a 3.5mm audio output and a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack to monitor your signal if your camera doesn’t have a headphone jack. Also, you can use the receiver’s headphone jack to monitor your sound if the receiver is connected to a smartphone/tablet/computer.
Bottom of the Blink500 B2+ receiver. Image credit: Saramonic
At the bottom of the receiver, you’ll find a USB Type-C port, charging pins, and a proprietary connector.
The Blink500 B2+ receiver can connect to a smartphone or computer via USB-C/lightning adapters. Image credit: Saramonic
This proprietary connector is used to plug the included lightning and USB-C adapters magnetically. This means that you can connect the receiver of the Blink500 B2+ to a smartphone, tablet, or even computer and record audio using the free Saramonic App. When connected to a smartphone or tablet, you can use the USB-C port on the Blink500 B2+ receiver to power your device.
Lastly, the transmitter has a built-in low-cut filter to clean noises in the 75-150Hz spectrum.
Transmitters of the Blink500 B2+. Image credit: Saramonic
Saramonic Blink500 B2+ – transmitters
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ transmitters feature a built-in omnidirectional microphone, a power button, and a new blue noise reduction button. There are two noise reduction levels, but the kit also comes with windshields to further reduce unwanted noises. Please note that the transmitters don’t have any 3.5mm audio input, so your only option is to use the built-in microphone.
Image credit: Saramonic
You’ll find a USB Type-C port on the left side of the transmitters, and there is a built-in magnetic clip at the back of the unit. You can back-clip the transmitter to your shirt or use the magnetic attachment to attach it to a dress or costume, for example.
The charging case. Image credit: Saramonic
Charging case and battery life
As previously mentioned, the Blink500 B2+ comes with a charging case. At the back of the case, you’ll find a USB Type-C port to charge it and charge the transmitters, plus the receiver.
According to Saramonic, the transmitters have a battery life of 16 hours, and the receiver can go up to 20 hours. Also, when the charging case is fully charged, it can supply a single complete recharge for both the transmitters and receiver.
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ kit. Image credit: Saramonic
Price and availability
The Saramonic Blink500 B2+ is available now for $126. In the box, you’ll find the charging case with one receiver and two transmitters, one 3.5mm TRS cable, one 3.5mm TRRS cable, the proprietary USB-C and lightning connectors for the receiver, magnet clips, fur windshields, and a bag.
To me, and if the audio quality is good, this is a solid offering from Saramonic. Indeed, as a direct comparison, the RØDE Wireless Me is $149 with only one transmitter, and the DJI Mic 2 retails for $349 but has a 32-bit float audio recording option.
For more information, please visit Saramonic’s website here.
What do you think about the Blink500 B2+? Did you get the first version and now consider upgrading to this one? What is your go-to wireless microphone system? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!
