If you're looking for a wireless microphone for your iPhone, there's no shortage of options, from cheap and cheerful to fancy. The Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ aims to fill the gap between these two models – and in my opinion, it succeeds.
For about half the price of similar systems from Røde and DJI, you get a dual-mic setup that connects to standalone cameras, Mac computers, iPad, iPhone iPolder with Lightning connector and modern iPhone with USB-C port …
Appearance
The two best-known wireless microphone systems for iPhone are the Røde Wireless Go II and DJI Mic, which cost $299 and $249, respectively. Each comes with a receiver that can be connected to a separate camera or iPhone, and two wireless microphone transmitters.
DJI's system has proven particularly popular since its launch, as everything fits into a wireless charging case. This provides both hard case protection and mobile charging, and it's the form factor Saramonic has copied, giving it the look of a small Bluetooth speaker.
The receiver has a detailed OLED screen showing the status of each of the two microphones. The microphones themselves are compact units with a blue power ring, built-in tie clip, magnetic base plate and windshields.
Everything looks sleek and modern, with a matte black plastic and metal combination.
Compatibility
The receiver is equipped with a standard 3.5mm TRS cable for connection to most stand-alone cameras, as well as one TRS-TRRS for use with smartphones, tablets and computers with headphone/microphone combo jacks.
It also features a snap-on Lightning connector for use with older iPhones. and similar USB-C connectors for use with current models.
This combination means you can use the microphones in any setup I can think of.
Dual recording
As a bonus, the receiver can simultaneously output a signal to both USB and cable ports, so you can You have the ability to record on two devices simultaneously.
This is a definite bonus for those like me who prefer the “belts and suspenders” approach to filmmaking.
Setup and Use
First When using the system, you need to connect each of the transmitters to the receiver, which I found a little inconvenient. However, this is a one-time step; the microphones are then connected automatically.
When using a standalone camera, the receiver is installed on the camera's hot shoe and the 3.5mm cable is connected to the microphone jack.
When using it with an iPhone, you simply remove the protective port cover, snap on the appropriate connector (in my case, USB-C for my iPhone 15 Pro Max), and then connect it to the iPhone. It mounts securely and quite neatly to the bottom of the iPhone.
I use a screw clamp to secure my iPhone to a tripod without the microphone getting in the way.
The iPhone automatically detects the receiver as USB- microphone, so there are no extra steps when recording – just record as usual and the audio will come from the microphone(s).
Performance
Saramonic claims a range of 150m, and while I've never needed anything approaching that, it worked great in all the standard camera and interview settings I tested.
The receiver has a battery life of 16 hours, which is a limiting factor considering the transmitters claim 20 hours of battery life. Again, I can't think of any scenario that would require anything more than this. The charging case provides an additional full charge for all three devices and is itself charged via USB-C.
One design compromise is that you can only use the built-in microphones—there's no option to connect an external lavalier microphone. But given that the transmitters themselves are compact, hiding them if desired is not difficult.
There are two levels of noise reduction: weak and strong. The first option works well, but the second results in muffled sound, so it is not recommended.
The sound quality is excellent. I really didn't find any noticeable difference between this device and the lavalier voice recorder.
To provide realistic examples for both professional and amateur installations, I have used two extremes. First, a demonstration with a separate camera, two light sources and a tripod:
Price and conclusions
If you're looking for a reliable and flexible system that allows you to switch between a standalone camera and an iPhone, I don't think you can beat this type of hybrid setup
Røde or DJI would be common here. win-win options, but I found no compromise using the Saramonic setup, which costs $129 and seems like a great choice for amateur filmmakers and anyone looking to up their audio game with iPhone video.
Dual wireless microphones. The Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ system can be purchased on the company's website for $129.00.
