Saramonic Blink 500 B2 Advanced: Two-Person Interview Setup

Quick answer

Connect the Blink 500 B2 receiver to your camera or recorder, clip one transmitter to each speaker with the supplied lavalier, and set both channels to the same gain before you record a test. The system handles two people at once, so your main job is clean mounting and a quick level check.

Step-by-step two-person interview setup

1. Charge and power the kit: Fully charge both transmitters and the receiver before the interview. Power on the receiver first, then each transmitter, and confirm the receiver’s display shows both channels active. Common mistake: assuming the kit is charged from the last shoot—check battery indicators before you leave. A five-minute charge check prevents a dead transmitter mid-interview.
2. Connect the receiver to your camera: Use the appropriate output cable from the receiver to your camera’s mic input. Set the camera’s input to manual and lower the recording level before you raise the transmitter gain. Common mistake: leaving the camera on auto gain, which can pump background noise when someone pauses. Set camera gain manually and start low; you can add level later.
3. Clip the lavaliers correctly: Clip each lavalier about a hand’s width below the chin, centered on the chest, with the cable routed inside clothing or under a lapel to avoid rustle. Use the supplied windscreens outdoors. Common mistake: clipping too high near the collar, which picks up throat and fabric noise. A hand’s width below the chin is a reliable starting point for most clothing.
4. Match channels to speakers: Assign transmitter A to the person on the left and B to the person on the right, or label them clearly. On the receiver, confirm both channels are receiving and set each transmitter’s gain to the same starting point. Common mistake: swapping channels and losing track of who is who in the edit. Label transmitters with tape if you are handing them to interviewees.
5. Run a two-person test recording: Record a 30-second test with both people speaking at their normal volume, then play it back on headphones. Adjust each transmitter’s gain so peaks stay well below clipping. Common mistake: judging levels from the receiver display alone—always listen with headphones. If one speaker is much louder, adjust that transmitter rather than the camera.
6. Lock settings and monitor: Enable any lock function on the transmitters if available, or tape over gain controls to prevent accidental changes. Keep the receiver in sight and monitor with headphones during the interview. Common mistake: not monitoring, which means you miss dropouts or clothing rustle until post. A quick glance at the receiver display during pauses catches most wireless issues.

Product facts

• Saramonic Blink 500 B2 Advanced 2-Person Wireless Clip-On Mic System with Lavaliers: Dual-channel 2.4 GHz wireless system with two transmitters and lavaliers for two-person dialogue. You can mic both interviewees simultaneously without adding a second receiver or syncing separate recordings.