For videographers using DJI’s on-the-ground products including the DJI Action 2 and DJI OM 5 (as well as non-DJI camera products), it might be time to upgrade your audio quality. And now there’s a DJI-made way, thanks to the DJI Mic.
The DJI Mic was announced way back in October 2021 as part of the Action 2 camera launch, positioned as one of the ultimate external accessories to upgrade the tiny action cam. It was originally set to ship in January 2022, but kept getting delayed. It’s now April, but the DJI Mic is finally here.
It goes for $329, and it offers mono and stereo recording compatible with some DJI products (plus other cameras) at distances of up to 250 m. With it, you get two transmitters that support omnidirectional audio and each have built-in microphones. And it doesn’t look like a traditional, big bulky mic. It can clip onto shirts (it weighs just one ounce) and easily tuck away to hide during interviews or film recordings.
Here are some of the highlights:
- 250m transmission range.
- Dual-channel recording.
- Up to 14 hours of onboard memory (built in 8 GB storage).
- Compatibility with non-DJI cameras, too.
- 15-hour battery life (5.5 hours of battery life from the transmitters, 5 hours from the receiver, and up to 15 hours with the charging case).
A big selling point of this is the wireless transmission. It uses new, encryption technology to be able to record as far as 250 meters away. And because it has a wireless transmission system, DJI claims it has powerful, anti-interference that still ensures a stable stream of audio, even in busy areas such as train stations, shopping malls, or offices. It’s all wirelessly connected via a 2.4GHz frequency band. Though note that the 250 meter range is in open environments free of interference.
It also as better tech than the built-in mic to allow for custom audio settings (you can adjust input and output sensitivity between -12dB ~ 12dB). There’s also a furry windscreen, and a secondary audio track recorded as a backup with a volume of -6 dB, which is intended to safeguard your audio in the event o sound loss caused by problems such as distortion or clipping.
Choose to record in either Mono or Stereo mode. In the former, audio is recorded via just one channel, which the latter records audio via two transmitters that are recorded via separate channels.
What is DJI Mic compatible with?
A lot! And not just DJI cameras. There are multiple input adapters to connect with many cameras, including most smartphones, cameras and laptops. Those include:
- USB-C.
- Lightning.
- 3.5mm TRS ports.
And as far as how the Mic literally connects, there are clips, which are handy for connecting to your shirt. Perhaps even neater are magnets, incorporating similar, neat magnetic technology that wowed us with the Action 2.
There’s also a hot shoe adapter, so you can attach the receiver to your DSLR camera, mirrorless camera, or smartphone bracket.
And you don’t actually need a camera to use the DJI Mic. DJI Mic transmitters support standalone recording, so you can easily record audio alone just by pressing the recording button on the side of the transmitters. When you record as audio-only, audio is saved as one file for every 30 minutes. When internal storage space runs out, new audio will replace the earliest ones (with new files saved every 30 minutes) so just have a plan for recordings longer than that.
How to order a DJI Mic
DJI Mic is available now through major retailers including Adorama, Amazon and B&H Photo. It’s going for $329 from all major retailers, though you may be able to nab additional discounts such as earning Adorama Rewards Points (points tied to your spending to earn toward future purchases), or by earning cash back such as spending on the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card, which earns 5% back on Amazon purchases.
- Buy DJI Mic from Amazon for $329
- Buy DJI Mic from Adorama for $329
- Buy DJI Mic from B&H Photo for $329
Here’s what’s in the box:
- DJI Mic Transmitter ×2
- DJI Mic Receiver ×1
- DJI Mic Charging Case ×1 (Weight: 242g; LWH: 103×61×41 cm)
- DJI Mic Camera Cable (3.5mm TRS) ×1
- DJI Mic Smartphone Connector (Type-C) ×1
- DJI Mic Smartphone Connector (Lightning) ×1
- Charging Cable ×1
- DJI Mic Windscreen ×2
- DJI Mic Magnetic Plate ×2
- DJI Mic Carrying Bag ×1
If you’re interested in a DJI Mic, it might make sense to try to get your hands on one now. On top of all the shipping delays, DJI is still capping orders to three units per customer, suggestion and ongoing supply shortage.
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