Unboxing & Testing the Saramonic Blink 500 ProX B2R: Worth The Hype?
I took the Saramonic Blink 500 ProX B2R with me to CES to get content for Geekazine. I recorded several videos with this dual-transmitter camera microphone. Here are my thoughts.
What is the Saramonic Blink 500 ProX B2R?
This is an over the camera wireless microphone system that uses 2.4 GHz wireless to capture the speakers voices. The transmitters and receiver are held in a case that also recharges the units.
The main feature of the B2R (from the B2 model) is the transmitters will record audio – up to 9 hours. With the flip of the toggle switch, you can record and send the audio to the receiver, which will add to the camera.
Specs of the Blink 500 ProX B2R
Like I said, it does run on the 2.4 GHz wireless system. The receiver can be set to mono, or stereo (transmitter 1 will record Left, 2 records right).
The wireless microphones will stay connected up to 100 meters. Keeping in line-of-sight is important. In crowded areas where a lot of wireless signal is being used, the Blink works best at close ranges.
The transmitters can use the Lavalier microphones (included), or the omnidirectional microphones integrated into the unit.
The unit send audio at 16-bit / 48 kHz digital audio. The microphones range from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Transmitter Recordings
When the recording option is turned on, each transmitter will record up to 9 hours. The audio records in 20 minute increments, and filenames also increment for the unit.
There is no sync option, so it’s best to mute a transmitter when it’s not in use. A red light on the units will indicate recording (Blue light means it’s paired with the receiver).
When ready to retrieve the recordings, simply plug via USB into the computer and download the files. An audio program will be needed to bring the two sets of recordings together.
The Carrying Case
This Saramonic carrying case also recharges the TX and RX units. With recharging, this unit has a 8500 mAh battery inside, and will run for over 11 hours before the whole unit must be recharged.
When seated, the transmitters will still record and send signal to the receiver (unless if you physically turn it off). Blue lights will indicate charging status.
Pros and Cons
Like I mentioned, I did take the unit to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Any trade show can really show the strengths and faults of a device, because of so many using similar units to get their videos and recordings.
In doing initial tests, including one at the hotel, I was able to walk around and get the audio to the camera from a good distance. In testing other 2.4GHz wireless units like the DJI Pocket, I knew most wireless mics work better at under 6 feet.
However, when I was only a foot away from the transmitter, I had connection issues. The audio from the video was thin, and multiple pops and breaks happened.
It really depended on where in the convention center it happened, but if it wasn’t for the recordings on the transmitters, I would have lost a lot of video content.
I did lose one video because the audio didn’t record for some reason. That could have been more user error than anything.
I also noticed downloading the audio took a long time. When I transferred the video, it would usually take about 30 minutes for 2 hours of content. The audio for each transmitter took longer – which is odd because the files are smaller.
Other Pros and Cons
- The case is nice, but I would like to see one that holds the cords and windscreens.
- Pointing the onboard microphones can be tricky. If you are standing in the direction the other’s microphone is pointed, you might find you have to edit the audio due to the echo slapback. Best to put some distance between you and the guest.
- The best part of recording from the transmitters is you don’t needs to use it for video. Audio podcasters might find this very useful for remote shows.
- Because of the longer recording times and battery, you can keep the units turned on and muted ready for the next interview.
Price and Availability
The Saramonic 500 ProX B2R comes in at $229. You can get the B2R here.
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