The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 stands out in a sea of wireless microphone systems with its touchscreen displays, but that’s not the only feature worthy of highlighting. After spending time testing the product both at home and in tough recording conditions, I’m ready to give my verdict on this more premium-priced option. Is it worth the investment?
OLED is here
Let’s start with the screens, as they are big and bold and one of the main reasons to consider the BlinkMe B2. There are two transmitters included in the box, each equipped with an OLED screen. This can be used to display a unique wallpaper, loaded through the Saramonic app. Having a business logo showing as you speak will add some flair to the overall presentation. Of course, it can also be used to show a fun meme or a name tag.
Both transmitters feature 8 GB of storage, allowing for 14-15 hours of 48 KHz 24-bit audio. That’s a big chunk of recording space that should be suitable for multiple sessions. The BlinkMe B2’s 3.5 mm and USB-C ports allow users to output the audio to another device.
Keep recording
When not in use, the transmitters are placed on the receiver which recharges them. Battery life is good, but some sacrifice is made for the OLED screen. With that said, I was able to comfortably record non-stop for over four hours before battery life became a concern. That means the BlinkMe B2 should be suitable for all but the longest marathon recording sessions. If you’ve got a podcast that goes over four hours, then you may need to look elsewhere. Otherwise, you’re good.
When it’s time to start recording, the transmitter attaches via a magnet, which is very easy to set up and looks very clean. While I’m not confident enough to trust the magnetic grip for more intense activities like sports, it has worked well to stay on during lighter workouts like jogging.
A tricky setup
Setting up the BlinkMe B2 to record for the first time can take a little time, as there are a number of options that users may or may not want to take advantage of. The Safety Track is worthy of mention, which provides an additional recording at a lower gain. This can save the day if your primary audio is clipping.
Noise reduction is also worth mentioning. While it’s good to see that it’s present and makes some impact, it can fail during more challenging conditions. While it’s fine, users may have to rely more on post-production noise removal to tidy up any critically important audio.
Once you have the settings dialed in, it’s time to start recording. Happily, the BlinkMe B2’s audio quality is great, especially if you can keep the noise pollution to a minimum. If you’re on a controlled set indoors, the mic sounds fantastic. I can also depend on it for outdoor use, but just be wary of any high-noise areas.
Final Verdict
At $249.99, the Saramonic BlinkMe B2 isn’t cheap, but its impressive OLED touchscreen displays, 8 GB storage per transmitter, and versatile connectivity make it stand out. Overall, the BlinkMe B2 delivers high-quality audio and unique features that help to justify its premium price.
Positives and Negatives
Disclosure: Review sample provided by Saramonic.