Streaming is big business these days to the point that some kids even declare it to be their dream job. And like any other dream job, the reality is that video streaming isn’t as easy or as magical as it sounds, at least if you’re really aiming to go pro and bring in all the views. You will need to invest in quality equipment that not only makes their work more comfortable but also makes the overall experience more enjoyable. These concept products try to do exactly that, assisting streamers to make them feel more alive, whether onscreen or especially offscreen.
Designers: Mariana Aréchiga, Isaac Saldaña, Ricardo Zerón, Adriana Cruz, Jonathan Gonzalez, Alondra Alvarez, Mariana Pedroza, Juan Muciño
It’s admittedly easy to get started in the live streaming industry. All you need is a decent camera, a reliable Internet connection, and content that will capture the attention of the fickle masses. Going viral and staying relevant, however, requires not only hard work but also tools that will help carry you through both the good times as well as the bad. Alive is a series of product design concepts that try to elevate the streaming experience and beyond, focusing on the things that help streamers stay in control all the time.
One example is a wireless streaming mic that frees you from your desk with its detachable design. While it looks like an ordinary studio mic when on its wireless charging stand, you can easily pick it up and move around without missing a beat or dropping out. It has a helpful ring indicator that quickly clues you in on the volume level without having to check your app’s or computer’s controls.
Lighting does more than just illuminate your face during streams, it can also help set the mood or even indicate your own mood. This conical desk lamp concept delivers that kind of emotional lighting but also provides direct physical controls that don’t leave you at the mercy of buggy apps and spotty network connections. Any streamer will testify to the stress and tension that occurs whenever those supposedly smart lights feel rather dumb due to those technical difficulties.
Power strips are designed to expand your wall socket, but most of them seem to still embrace the limitations of those fixed outlets. This streamer-friendly design, however, has sockets you can rotate so that they adjust to your cables and plugs, not the other way around. There’s also a section of the strip that offers battery backup to make sure critical devices stay powered up even during an emergency. These features might sound trivial, but every small thing that gives streamers peace of mind also helps them create better content.
Magnetic attachments allow more freedom where to use the transmitters
Eye-catching touch screens allow for showing brand logos in addition to recording information
Supports both real-time streaming and on-board recording
CONS:
Extra strong magnets can easily pinch the skin if not careful
RATINGS:
AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
EDITOR'S QUOTE:
Magnetic attachments and customizable touch screens add incredible value to an already excellent wireless microphone.
With plenty of focus being lavished on cameras, optics, and image sensors, you’d almost think that all we have on our heads are eyes. While the visual quality of content is definitely important, it’s also easy to demonstrate how poor or even no audio can completely ruin an experience. Audio recording equipment, particularly microphones, sometimes comes as an afterthought, a decision that filmmakers and creators often immediately regret. Finding the right mic can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re forced to choose between small lavaliers with discrete designs but barely passable recording and large mics with studio quality but distracting sizes. The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 promises to save you from that dilemma with the promise of a small yet distinctive design and unbeatable audio recording, so we naturally had to put it through the test to see how it measures up to real-world use.
Designer: Saramonic
Aesthetics
If you were expecting a small clip or some small rectangular box, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that it isn’t the case at all. The entire Saramonic BlinkMe B2 system comes in a rather unique package that is closer to some hi-tech gadget than what you’d normally see in wireless microphones. When joined together, the three parts look like a short square box with two smaller discs at the top and the bottom. You’ll probably be too focused on production to actually appreciate how distinctive the BlinkMe B2 looks, but it definitely puts the product a level higher than its peers.
The wireless mic’s personality, however, really shines the moment you use it, particularly when you separate these three pieces. You’ll immediately discover that they aren’t held down by flimsy locking mechanisms that get in the way but only by the sheer power of very strong magnets. These make it easy to remove the transmitters from the receiver base while still holding them securely when not in use or when charging. Once you pull off the transmitters, however, you immediately see the most visible feature that makes the BlinkMe B2 extra special.
Both transmitters have circular touch screens covering their faces, making them look like smartwatches without straps. In fact, you operate them exactly like smartwatches, swiping and tapping through controls and options. There are, of course, also physical buttons on the side that, unsurprisingly, might also remind you of smartwatch buttons. This is more than just an embellishment, though. While it’s definitely dandy to see the mic’s gain levels from a distance as you record an interview, its real value shines when you realize that you can actually customize what’s shown on the screen.
In essence, you can upload your studio’s logo or any other graphic (that fits a circle area) from the Saramonic mobile app to the transmitters and have it always on display while shooting. Considering how conspicuous this disc-shaped mic will be on your chest, it’s a great opportunity to do some subtle advertising. Conversely, that also means that the BlinkMe B2 transmitter will always be visible, though not everyone will actually realize that it’s a mic and presume it’s just some sort of fancy LCD badge.
Ergonomics
Saramonic’s use of magnets and touch screens isn’t just for show. They actually make the BlinkMe B2 one of the easiest wireless microphones to use. Need to start recording almost immediately? Simply pop off the transmitters. Need to charge one of the little pucks? Just have them snap back onto the top of the receiver. And since the transmitters can record audio on their own, you don’t even have to worry if you accidentally left the cables that would connect the receiver to a camera. It’s as simple as that.
Operating the three pieces themselves is a piece of cake thanks to the touch screens, though there are also physical buttons for the most important actions you need to have quick access to. What actions would those be? Actually, you get to decide that since you can customize what each button does through the Saramonic mobile app. The distinctive yellow button on the transmitters, however, has a single function, and that’s to toggle Noise Reduction on or off. That color might seem garish, but you won’t miss it even in a dark environment.
The magnets on the transmitters aren’t just a one-trick pony. Thanks to this design, you can easily stick the transmitters anywhere on a shirt, not just the edges. The package comes with four magnetic attachments that let you sandwich clothing between these two discs, though there’s also a magnetic clip in case you do need to go old school. You can even stick it to doors, posts, and any other metallic surface if you want to keep it out of the way. One word of caution, though. The magnets are so strong that you risk pinching the skin of your finger or, worse, certain body parts if you’re not careful how you connect two pieces together.
For all its ease of use, this magnet-based design does have one drawback. To charge the transmitters, you have to attach them to the receiver, which functions as the charging station. You can’t charge them independently using some accessory, so you’ll probably want to keep tabs on their battery levels. Given how the receiver is usually mounted on top of a camera, it also means you can charge only one transmitter at a time. Then again, if you do need to charge both, you’ve probably stopped recording anyway.
Performance
If we stopped at the BlinkMe B2’s unique aesthetic, people would simply pass it off as a pretty face. Fortunately, that is definitely not the case, because Saramonic’s smartest wireless definitely punches above its weight. You get clear and usable audio recordings even when there’s some busy activity around you, as we ourselves experienced on the hectic CES 2024 floor.
Even more impressive is that neither the signal nor the quality actually drops from a distance, even with some obstacle between the transmitter and the receiver, making it an excellent tool for sports or action footage. With the transmitter’s built-in recording functionality and 8GB of storage each, you don’t even have to worry when the stream does get cut off. As a bonus, the transmitter also has a “Safety Track” that’s recording at -6dB that’s meant to buffer against clipping and distortion, ensuring you will always have usable audio no matter the condition.
With wireless mics, battery life becomes just as important as audio quality, and fortunately, the BlinkMe B2 doesn’t skimp in that area either. Of course, Saramonic’s advertised 24 hours for the receiver and 8 hours for the transmitter are a tad too generous, but even hitting 22 hours and 6 hours, respectively is already quite an accomplishment. They charge fast, too, so you can be up and running for an additional hour with just a few minutes charge.
As mentioned earlier, controlling all the pieces of the BlinkMe B2 system is as easy as pie thanks to the sensitive touch screen. The transmitters, in particular, operate almost like smartwatches, with a swipe from the top revealing quick toggles and a swipe from the bottom going back to the main screen. The only slight complication is the smaller screen on the receiver, which is better used for displaying information rather than controlling the device. All in all, the BlinkMe B2 offers an unbeatable experience, not just in the quality of audio it produces but especially in the unique features it offers.
Sustainability
Saramonic introduced many features in the BlinkMe B2 that you won’t find in other wireless microphone systems, and thankfully, they’re all useful and essential to delivering an excellent audio recording experience. Unfortunately, that also makes the design of the device a little bit more complicated, which also means that repairs are going to require more specialized skills and components.
Although a wireless mic such as this is expected to be able to weather different environments, the presence of screens actually puts their durability at more risk. And the use of plastics and less eco-friendly materials are present all around, though not surprising considering it’s still the status quo in consumer electronics. Hopefully, the day will come when Saramonic puts sustainability as a major bullet point on its marketing material, allowing creators to make great content while also feeling good about their positive impact on the planet’s future.
Value
The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 is hardly a cheap kit, setting you back at about $249. There are definitely more accessible streaming mics in the market right now, with some of the popular ones just under $200. That said, those also have plenty of flaws of their own, like taking the form of a traditional mic that you need to place on a table. If you need something that can go the distance, literally, there are few that can outdo the BlinkMe B2.
The audio clarity and volume are just impressive, especially considering how crazy it always is at CES in Las Vegas. The fact that it can deliver more than just decent recordings at great distances is a huge boon for those who want to record more dramatic footage from a safe distance. Magnets make using and placing the transmitter easier and more hassle-free, and the ability to turn these recording devices into advertisements is definitely a great help for creators and studios. Even better, that price includes an entire kit, from four magnetic attachments to two magnetic clips to even a handy carrying case that lets you bring your precious equipment with security and convenience.
Verdict
It’s almost too easy to take the importance of quality audio for granted until that dreaded moment when you realize you barely recorded anything intelligible. Reliable audio that you can use is even more critical for those moments that will never come to pass again, including interviews you might not be able to retake. It’s in those moments that you’ll wish you had an audio recorder you could also rely on, just like your camera or smartphone.
The Saramonic BlinkMe B2 smart wireless microphone system is definitely ready to step up to the challenge. It breaks away from mic design conventions to deliver a product that has just enough tech to deliver convenience and a unique aesthetic without overburdening the user with inessential details and options. It’s powerful, a little bit quirky, and, most importantly, reliable, delivering quality audio recordings even in the most trying conditions. Yes, it’s also a bit pricey, but it’s an investment that will pay for itself throughout the coming years of creating high-quality audiovisual content.
There are a lot of changes and trends that the pandemic brought to us and two of those things are virtual meetings and podcasts. And even though some parts of the world are getting back to normal, we think that online meetings and webinars as well as people producing podcasts will remain at least for the next couple of years. This means also that products and equipment that can make life easier for those doing these things will be thriving in the market.
Designer: Yifeeling Design Lab
MoMo is a product concept for a wireless Bluetooth microphone that looks more like an air purifier that looks like a mushroom than an actual microphone. But that just means you’ll have a unique device on your table that can become a conversation piece when someone sees you using it. The design is actually inspired by mushrooms as their principle is that design inspiration can come from various natural forms. And despite it being weird at first glance, this is actually an interestingly designed device.
The mushroom-shaped head is the main part of the device of course and the grill-like vents under serve some sort of audio purpose or so we assume. There isn’t a lot of information about the technical specifications since it’s still a concept but hopefully the quality of the microphone, if it becomes an actual product, will be pretty good aside from its interesting design. What most people are looking for now is the quality of the mic for their virtual meetings or podcast recordings, so this is a pretty important aspect.
Underneath the mushroom head, there are various controls for the volume and some pre-sets, probably for various circumstances. Underneath is a USB port and also a headphone jack in case you need headphones or earphones for your meeting or your recording, which you most likely will need (unless you’re using wireless headsets). When you see MoMo for the first time, you would be forgiven for thinking it’s an air purifier or even a portable fan. But once you get that it’s a microphone, the design will make sense.
Enough pretending that your roller hairbrush is a mic when you can have a real one. But hey, the classic microphone design may be intimidating but not this Hand Desk Mic.
What you see is a mic you can use on your desk for whatever purpose. It works with your computer, smartphone, or tablet for when you want to make calls or do video chats. It’s something you can hold in the same way you’re holding an actual mic or if you’re really conservative—like a hairbrush.
Designer: Hélène Bert
The Hand Desk Mic is designed for fun. You can say it’s a novelty item that can make things at home or in the office more fun and exciting. It is shaped like a hairbrush with its thick head. There are horizontal slots The part where you hold the mic is where you can also find the record button and a knob for volume control and power.
This Hand Desk Mic comes in two colors: Dark Gray and Light Gray. However, we think it will look great in other fun colors that kids can also use it. Designed by Hélène Bert, this desk microphone is from someone whose background is industrial design.
Notice the simplicity of the form and the lines. It’s minimalist, although we wish it has some sort of a stand. We understand it’s meant to be held, but it will be better if it has a place to rest when not in use. We’re not sure if this is rechargeable, but there’s an image with a cable, so it may be good for charging.
There are plenty of desktop mics available, and we remember some interesting designs. The Desk Microphone Concept can save space in your work area. There’s another one that takes on the classic shape of a radio.
That Pac Man-inspired USB Mic looks cool as its rests snugly on top of your monitor. We also love that Portable Podcasting Microphone that folds up into a baton. During the early days of the pandemic, we thought the Rode NT USB was really cool and could be the best budget mic for podcasting.
Perhaps the Mike 226 can be another winner for better visuals and audio. There’s also that Logitech Streamcam-inspired Podcast Mic that we thought can be a must-have for every influencer’s desk setup. And like these mics previously listed, the Hand Desk Mic’s design is straightforward so we know this can be a bestseller if it finally hits production and the market.
I’ve been planning to have an audio recording and virtual meeting set up at my home work station since we’re probably still working remotely for the next few years. But since I have limited space on my desk, I won’t be able to get any of those big-ass microphones that podcasters and online event hosts have. I think a lot of people like me are on the lookout for smaller alternatives to those mics but with the same audio quality.
This is probably the same need that the designer was thinking of when he was creating a desk microphone concept. The idea is to have a tool on your desk that is not as intrusive as the ones that we see that podcasters and audio talents use. The one that he came up with will definitely not take up space, although the shape is a bit unseemly and may not be to everyone’s taste if the consideration is to have your work area look good.
At first glance, it looks like you may have accidentally brought your pumice from your bathroom to your work area. It can also look like you’ve left your smartphone inside its case so you won’t have to look at it while you’re working on your computer. So design-wise it does not really appeal that much or we’re just not used to having a speaker that actually looks like a speaker. But it does fulfill the need to have less space taken up by your devices.
In terms of the functionality of this concept design, it’s not actually just a desk microphone but it’s also a wireless hand-held microphone. It even has a recording functionality so you don’t need external recording equipment in case your computer or laptop is not what you’ll use to record the audio from the mic. There’s a slider on the side for you to turn the mic on or off and the record button is located right on top of that. At the back is the leg handle to prop up the device and the power and reset buttons are also there.
As to whether this desk microphone concept would work, the biggest consideration would be the actual sound quality, both of the mic and the recording functionality. Of course, this is still a design concept so we have no way of knowing what it will sound like, or rather what you would sound like when you use the mic. But if the problem it wants to solve is to not have such a huge mic in your work area, then at least it brings that. Even if it may look like a bathroom accessory at first glance, the important thing would be if it does its job as a space-saving microphone and recording device.
With virtual work in full swing thanks to COVID-19, practically half of our workdays depend on functional audio systems. Treating patients on Zoom can get difficult when a laptop’s built-in microphone doesn’t quite catch the diagnosis. Teachers sometimes have no other choice but to raise their voices when addressing a full classroom on Zoom since everyone’s using the same quality mic and the louder you speak, the more likely you’ll be heard. Fortunately, Anthony Mattana, the designer behind Hooke Lav, a wireless, wearable microphone that transmits professional-grade sound, has a solution.
In our world, where content is money, professionals of all ages need a microphone with which we can always rely upon. Hooke Lav, from Hooke audio, is a wearable microphone that has a 24-bit-depth, records in 48kHz with low latency, and is compatible with iPhones, Androids, DSLR’s, GoPro’s, various field recorders, and Mac/PC. Through Bluetooth 5.0, this mic allows users to record anything, anywhere, but since Bluetooth isn’t always reliable, Hooke Lav has 8GB worth of internal storage so that each and every audio recording is backed up in real-time, making capturing audio seamlessly foolproof.
To get started, just slip the mic on wherever with the light facing inside and press record – simple as that, no bulky hardware necessary. The designers with Hooke Audio know that sound matters above all else. With built-in microphones, our voices are constantly challenged to compete against background noises, spotty service, and far distances, but with Hooke Lav, pro-grade audio can be recorded from any distance to any device. Since the need for microphones changes from day to day, Hooke Lav incorporates some mutable features. In solo mode, only one mic records audio and transmits it to your device. In duet mode, two microphones can capture two separate streams of audio so that every voice is heard crystal clear, which makes it the perfect microphone for podcasts, interviews, or YouTube videos.
Young content creators know which equipment works best for their channels so, in addition to Hooke Lav’s compatibility with several different operating systems, when the mic is set to receiver mode, audio is transmitted from the mic onto a smartphone or other content-creating hardware, overriding any built-in microphone in the process. This means that you can live stream from Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube without the worry of your mic picking up on any other voice but your own. Alternatively, when Hooke Lav is set to island mode, the mic works like a recorder, so any sound you record can be stored for later use.
With an app to pair with its hardware and seven hours of continuous battery life, Hooke Audio seems to have considered any potential roadblock. Thanks to its wireless capabilities, the absolute commitment to zero-bulk hardware, and its user-friendliness, Hooke Lav beats out the competition and rises to every occasion, exactly how it will record your voice.
Hooke Lav: A Sleek Wireless Mic With Pro-Grade Sound
A wearable microphone with studio-quality sound that captures dropout-free audio with one click.
Hooke Lav is a wireless microphone that captures pro-grade sound with no wires, no dropouts, and no hassle. The Bluetooth lav has 8GB of internal storage and connects to any device with the click of a button. This slick, minimalist microphone maximizes your freedom to record with no setup necessary!
It’s the first truly wireless device to send high-quality audio over Bluetooth at low latency. The stylish, clip-on gives you professional quality audio recording in the studio, on the go, and out in the wild. It eliminates wind noise, cuts the cord and, thanks to its internal storage, picks up every second of audio even if Bluetooth cuts out.
Give your phone or camera a mega upgrade
Smartphone cameras have been upgraded year after year, but their mics still don’t measure up, leaving you with subpar sound on crystal-clear videos. The same goes for mics on DSLR cameras and laptops—the quality isn’t there!
The only way to improve sound quality is upgrading to a better microphone, but that often requires sizable funds, technical know-how, and a learning curve. And on top of that, most “quality” lavalier microphones on the market have messy cords or bulky design.
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to record something meaningful with your smartphone, only to realize that you should have just done the sensible thing and bought a mic. I can’t say that I’ve had the fortune of researching the world of mics too frequently, but the Mikme is easily the most fun mic out there at the minute. Mikme is the world’s first Wireless Microphone & Audio Recorder. Recording studio-quality sound at the touch of a button. What’s even better is the Mikme accompanying app – capture a video with your smartphone and audio will be automatically synced with your video. Albeit the Mikme does have a cool design, ergonomically this product is questionable. Holding it in hand appears to be awkward but placed on a table it is seemingly gorgeous. It does look very durable and something of a great need for anyone getting started with audio and visual recording. Calling all musicians, vloggers, journalists and all those who demand exceptional audio on the go, Mikme will make your life a lot easier.
What may look at first as a gadget for the hearing-impaired is actually a device that helps people filter unwanted noises in order to focus only on what they want to hear.
Enhancing the signal to noise ratio has become a very sought-after thing nowadays. There are many unwanted sounds that surround us, from car traffic and loud dogs to noisy neighbors and annoying muzak. Soundhawk developed a little gadget that could help us get rid of the unwanted bangs and booms, so all we’re left with is specifically the sound we’re looking for.
In an interview with Mashable, Soundhawk CEO Michael Kisch spoke about the target audience for this device: “It’s typically someone in their late 30′s to mid-60′s… what’s exacerbating the problem for them is they are experiencing really noisy environments throughout the day. As the environments get nosier our biology, our hearing, isn’t able to keep up with it.”
The entire kit includes only three pieces: the Scoop, a wireless microphone and a charging case. The Scoop’s ability to filter the noises is uncanny, as Kisch explained: “The sensation is you can get 35 feet away from someone, have 100 decibels of noise but it will feel like someone sitting next to you whispering in your ear.”
Best of all, the kit comes with an app that enables people to pinpoint the direction of the sound that should be picked up by the Scoop. The app even comes with four presets that refer to possible environments where the Scoop could prove useful. Bass level, pitch and frequency can be furthermore adjusted, in order to accommodate the preferences of the wearer. The customization degree of this device is really incredible, and it makes me wonder if some gadget could be invented for seeing only the things that we want to see. Or maybe in the Scoop’s case we could filter out the voice of the annoying people so that when they talk all we see is their mouth moving with absolutely no sounds coming out.
The device is currently available for pre-order on Soundhawk‘s website, and getting it will cost you $279. The recommended retail price is of $299, so if you think the Scoop is what you need to hear what interests you, you should probably pre-order it now.
The following video should give you an idea about how the Scoop and the wireless microphone work in real life:
