Saramonic has announced the Blink 500 Pro wireless audio system that builds on the original Blink concept but adds a lot more features. The Blink 500 Pro is available in either single-transmitter or dual-transmitter configurations.
Both configurations offer extended battery life, a better operating range, enhanced audio quality, and a more durable design.
Key features
- Dual-channel stereo receiver for cameras and mobile devices
- Portable charging case for the transmitter and receiver
- Vivid OLED display on both transmitter and receiver
- Selectable Mono/Stereo output mode
- Real time headphone monitor
- Mic input and Line input
- 8 hours battery life on one single charge
- One button easy paring
- Lavalier microphone, windscreen and deadcat included in the package
Both the Blink 500 Pro RX and TX units feature a high-contrast, 128 x 64 pixel OLED display.
The battery life has increased to 8 hours, which is 3 more hours than the original Blink 500.
Blink 500 vs Blink 500 Pro
Saramonic Blink 500 Pro B2 
Saramonic Blink 500 B2
Although it shares the same 2.4 GHz operating frequency and small physical size as the standard Blink 500, the Blink 500 Pro adds quite a few improvements.
- 60% longer battery life
- Double the operating range
- 3-slot charging case for simultaneous fast-charging of the receiver and transmitters
- Crisp, informative OLED screens
- Separate 3.5mm main and headphone receiver outputs
- Selectable mono or stereo receiver output mode
- 3.5mm transmitter input accepts mic- or line-level signal
- Tactile transmitter mute function
- Increased signal-to-noise ratio
- Elevated sensitivity for the transmitter’s built-in microphone
- Furry windscreens for transmitters, ideal for outdoor use
Just like its predecessor, the Blink 500 Pro comes with a lapel mic and a built-in microphone. According to Saramonic, the built-in microphone has higher sensitivity which means it requires less gain to get a decent audio level.
The RX unit features a line-out and headphone output. This allows you to send audio directly from the RX to your camera as well as monitor through headphones. The RX gives you the choice to utilize stereo or mono outputs, so if you are using two TX units you can record two dedicated tracks on your camera.
You can also pair with a Lightning or USB-C dongle (not included) for mobile devices that lack a 3.5mm input.
The TX units provide plug-in power to microphones. You can also attach it to virtually any audio source. You can switch the TX transmitter to line-level and connect it to mixers, music players, or any line-level device output you want to transmit wirelessly to the receiver.
The maximum operating range of the system is 328′ / 100 m (Line of Sight).
Both the single-transmitter and dual-transmitter systems come with a carrying case. You can power the transmitters and receiver with their internal batteries or through USB for longer run times.
Recharging the batteries can be done via USB or by simply dropping the transmitters and receiver into the supplied fast-charging case.
Both kits also include lavalier clips, foam windscreens, charging cables for multiple USB types, and dedicated 3.5mm cables for cameras (TRS) and compatible smartphones (TRS to TRRS).
Price & Availability
Saramonic Blink 500 Pro Specs
System
| Wireless Transmission | Digital 2.4 GHz |
| Number of RF Channels | 18 |
| Included Transmitters | 2 x Clip-On with Microphone |
| Diversity | Non-Diversity |
| RF Frequency Band | 2400 to 2483.5 MHz |
| RF Bandwidth | Up to 83.5 MHz |
| RF Channel Scanning | Auto-Scan |
| Max Operating Range | 328′ / 100 m (Line of Sight) |
| Max Systems per Setup | 18 |
| Sample Rate/Resolution | 44.1 kHz / 24-Bit |
| Latency | 12 ms |
| Encryption | None |
| Modulation | GFSK |
Receiver
| Form Factor | Camera-Mount / Beltpack / Portable |
| Mounting Options | Belt Clip, Shoe-Mount (with Included Hardware) |
| Antenna | 1 x 1/4 Wave Internal |
| Number of Audio Channels | 2 |
| Audio I/O | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Mic Output 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone Output |
| Audio Output Level | -60 to -20 dBV |
| Phantom Power Protection | None |
| Network I/O | None |
| Word Clock I/O | None |
| USB/Lightning Connectivity | 1 x Micro-USB (Bus Power, Charging) |
| Power Requirements | Battery or Bus Power (USB) |
| Battery Type | 1 x Built-In Rechargeable (Included, Not Replaceable) |
| Battery Charging Time | 3 Hours |
| Approx. Battery Life | 8 Hours |
| Display & Indicators | 1 x OLED (Battery Status, Data Transmission, Mute, Power, Recharging, Sync, Transmitter Battery Status) |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 122°F / 0 to 50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -4 to 131°F / -20 to 55°C |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 1.5 x 1.1″ / 5.6 x 3.8 x 2.9 cm |
| Weight | 1.1 oz / 32 g |
Transmitter
| Form Factor | Clip-On with Microphone |
| RF Output Power | 10 mW |
| Audio I/O | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Input |
| Pad | None |
| Muting | Mute Switch |
| Audio Input Level | -42 to -30 dBV (at 0 dB Gain) |
| Auto-Level Control | No |
| Signal Processing | None |
| Sync Method | IR |
| Antenna | 1 x 1/4 Wave Internal |
| Power Requirements | Battery or Bus Power (USB) |
| Battery Type | 1 x Built-In Rechargeable (Included, Not Replaceable) |
| Battery Charging Time | 3 Hours |
| Approx. Battery Life | 8 Hours |
| USB/Lightning Connectivity | 1 x Micro-USB (Bus Power, Charging) |
| Display & Indicators | 1 x OLED (Audio Level, Battery Status, Mute, Power, Signal Strength) |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 122°F / 0 to 50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -4 to 131°F / -20 to 55°C |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 1.5 x 1″ / 5.7 x 3.8 x 2.6 cm |
| Weight | 1.1 oz / 32 g |
