Saramonic Blink 500 Vs. Rode Wireless Go | Singapore’s Ultra-Compact Wireless Microphone Systems

If you’re a newcomer to the filmmaking industry, you might wonder: how do these top-performing content creators on YouTube, Facebook, and other online video sharing platforms have movie-quality audio? The answer is simple; they’re using ultra-compact wireless microphones. And in this article, we’re going to compare two of the best and most trusted ones in Singapore — Saramonic Blink 500 and Rode Wireless Go.

Saramonic Blink 500 Overview

Buy It Here: Saramonic Blink 500

Let’s first inspect the Saramonic Blink 500. Out of the box, you will get a receiver, an omnidirectional lavalier mic, and two transmitters. And, of course, these come with their necessary accessories and cables.

For starters, the Blink 500 is convenient. All of the units are USB rechargeable and last up to 5 hours on a single charge. And even though they use WiFi as their primary source for transferring files, you can still use the good-ol’ Bluetooth connection.

Blink 500 Lavalier

One of the Blink 500’s core strengths is its lavaliers. They are superb and can pick up crystal clear sounds even in a noisy environment. Also, it’s effortless to set up — plug and play. If you have your preferred microphone, you can quickly connect it to the 3.5mm port on the transmitter.

Can the Transmitters Work Without a Lav?

Yes. Another feature that we love about the Blink 500 is, again, its convenience. The transmitters have a built-in mic that can pick up sound immediately once activated. Plus, the range is respectable, as well as its filtering.

If So, Why Use the Lavalier? 

Well, the Blink 500 Lavaliers are exceptional when it comes to recording sound. The quality is just better compared to using the transmitter’s built-in system.

Ideally, if you feel like your scene is taking place in a quiet environment, you can ditch the lav. However, if you’re in busy streets or areas with too many people, the lav will be your lifesaver.

Core Features:

• Ideal for run-and-gun videography due to its durable clip-on and versatile wireless system
• Two impressive lavaliers (on par with more expensive mics on the market)
• Transmitter has a built-in mic (you can ditch the lav if you just want a simple, carefree audio recorder)
• Two transmitters connect to one receiver
• It comes with complete cables
• Saramonic Blink 500 price under SGD 330
• Effortless 2.4 GHz connectivity
• No complicated setup; plug and play experience
• Compact but durable
• Works with other Blink systems
• Five-hour battery life

Rode Wireless Go Overview

Buy It Here: Rode Wireless Go

Now that we know what the Blink 500 is all about — let us delve into the Rode Wireless Go (Singapore’s favorite wireless microphone system).

The Rode Wireless GO system works on the 2.4GHz frequency band like the Blink 500. However, what makes this a better option when it comes to coverage is its incredible range: 75 meters! Out of the box, you will get one transmitter and a receiver, both a sturdy clip-on.

Another core advantage that we like about this system is its battery life. On a single charge, you can expect around seven hours of continuous recording. And, lastly, it has a color LCD screen that allows you to adjust your settings on the go, a feature not available on the Blink 500.

Rode Wireless Go True Plug and Play

Although the Rode Wireless Go does not come with its lavalier, its built-in microphone is impressive. Not as good as Blink 500’s lav, but it comes pretty close. Now, if you do connect a lav to it, the results become even better.

The volume it can pick up is high without a lav. The sound quality is a balance of crisp and bass; it’s in the sweet spot. Plus, you can adjust everything while doing the shoot. With an LCD screen available for customization, you can record crystal clear audio.

Core Features:

• Simple one-to-one transmitter to receiver compact wireless microphone
• Reliable without lav and even in noisy environments
• Works without issue up to 75 meters
• Its transmitter works with any lav or headset microphone
• Seven-hour battery life
• Three-stage output pad (0dB, -6dB, -12dB) for optimal audio levels when recording
• Rode Wireless Go Price at SGD 247.14
• Can work with up to eight other Wireless Go Systems simultaneously

Saramonic Blink 500 and Rode Wireless Go Summary Comparison

Both devices are exceptional products on their own. The primary differences are battery life, which Rode wins by two hours, and the extra transmitter, which Saramonic has.

When it comes to sound quality, they are almost on par. It also depends on the lav you connect to the transmitter. However, if you want to compare just the transmitters’ built-in mics, we have to say that Rode has the upper hand. Is it that significant? Not really.

You may feel that the audio recording is more precise on Rode, even in congested environments. When using all the components together, you can’t tell the difference.

On all other things, we can say that both are pretty desirable products to have for those who enjoy run-and-gun videography and filmmakers who are into documentaries or YouTubers who run a podcast channel.

Our Verdict

As mentioned above, both devices are incredible, making it difficult to give you a solid answer. However, we strongly feel that if you want the highest audio quality possible, higher capacity, and complete pre-production control, the Rode Wireless Go should be your first choice. However, if you want a simple solution, easy configuration, and still great-quality audio, you should opt for the Saramonic’s Blink 500.