The new, cheaper DJI Mic is missing just one aspect of the original (that you might not miss anyway)

DJI added a high-quality sound recording system to its ecosystem of aerial and on-the-ground video products in spring 2022 with the launch of its DJI Mic. For $329, you got mono and stereo recording at distances of up to 250 m, collecting via two transmitters that support omnidirectional audio and each have built-in microphones. But now, there’s a new, cheaper DJI Mic.

The difference? This cheaper DJI Mic has a single transmitter versus the original that contained two. If you’re willing to opt for just one microphone versus two, the savings are fairly significant, as the new version of the DJI Mic, which launched in January 2023, is going for just $219 — a roughly 33% savings over the original system.

The new, cheaper DJI Mic with a single transmitter was launched with minimal fanfare, but it could be an ultra-popular choice for content creators, vloggers or other people who just have a single, on-camera talent. In short, this new DJI Mic 1-Person Wireless Microphone System pares the originally-launched system down to a single clip-on transmitter and mic for a far cheaper price point.

What to know about the new, cheaper DJI Mic

This newly-launched version is almost entirely the same as the original DJI Mic that launched in 2022 except that you get one transmitter instead of two.

Compared with DJI Mic (which gets you two transmitters, one receiver and one charging case), thhe cheaper DJI Mic gets you just one transmitter and one receiver. It also does not include the charging case, and the storage bag and charging cable are slightly different.

• Buy 2-person DJI Mic for $329 or Single-person DJI Mic for just $219 from Amazon
• Buy 2-person DJI Mic for $329 or Single-person DJI Mic for just $219 from Adorama
• Buy 2-person DJI Mic for $329 or Single-person DJI Mic for just $219 from B&H Photo

Single Transmitter versus Two Transmitter DJI Mic

Here’s a comparison of the new configuration (right) versus the original one (left):

No mater which configuration you get, the DJI Mic is easy to use for on-camera interviews, video podcast recordings or for making higher-quality social media videos. Unlike those big bulky mics you have to hold, or the annoying, wired tiny mics that you have to run under your clothing, this one is cordless and easily clips onto shirts or dresses.

That’s all possible thanks to the DJI Mic’s best selling point: wireless transmission (it’s all wirelessly connected via a 2.4GHz frequency band). Encryption technology enables recording as far as 250 meters away. And powerful, anti-interference tech ensures a stable stream of audio, even when recording in busy or loud areas such as train stations, shopping malls, or offices. Though, that 250 meter range does diminish with busier environments that have more interference.

DJI Mic is compatible with DJI cameras (of course), as well as many other cameras, including most smartphones, cameras and laptops that connect via USB-C, Lightning, or 3.5mm TRS ports. There’s also a hot shoe adapter, so you can attach the receiver to your DSLR camera, mirrorless camera, or smartphone bracket.

Other features and accessories of note on the DJI Mic are:

• A furry wind muff to reduce wind noise or heavy breathing
• A rechargeable battery that powers the Mic for up to 5.5. hours
• 8 GBs of internal memory (that’s enough to record up to 14 hours of audio)

When should you spring for the original DJI Mic versus the single transmitter version?

The new, cheaper DJI Mic continues a recent trend of late where DJI sells similar (or almost identical) versions of its existing products, save for a few, small reductions in technology. For example, the DJI Mini 3 (which launched in December 2022) is a cheaper version of the older DJI Mini 3 Pro. And in November 2022, DJI launched the Mavic 3 Classic, which is a cheaper version of the Mavic 3.

It all signals that DJI is trying to get its tech in the hands of as many folks as possible. It seems that upon initially launch, it’s offering products with all the bells and whistles. But once the dust has settled, DJI lately has been developing newer versions that it can offer at a lower price.

So should you go for the original DJI Mic or this new single transmitter version of DJI Mic?

When to opt for the two transmitter version:

If there’s a chance you’ll need two microphones, then you should almost always spring for the original two transmitter kit. That’s good for folks who are recording interviews or who might just have two people on one camera. The two transmitters can record at the same time. With the charging case, the operating time extends to 15 hours, which can be a relief for long filming periods or if you simply don’t want to stress about charing it all the time.

When to opt for the single-transmitter version

But if you’re a sole creator — perhaps you have a YouTube channel where it’s just you talking at the camera, then this gets the DJI Mic in your hands at a far more accessible price point. And for what it’s worth, the reduced operating time of 5 hours per charge is likely still far more than enough for any filming project.

• Buy 2-person DJI Mic for $329 or Single-person DJI Mic for just $219 from Amazon
• Buy 2-person DJI Mic for $329 or Single-person DJI Mic for just $219 from Adorama
• Buy 2-person DJI Mic for $329 or Single-person DJI Mic for just $219 from B&H Photo

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