DJI is best known for their drones, and more recently its sports action cameras but is quickly getting a name for itself with audio products.
The second generation of their wireless microphone system, the DJI Mic 2, delivers on what a second-gen product should, a marked improvement on the first attempt, largely thanks to responses to user feedback. We first saw the Mic 2 with the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 and the two products work exceptionally well together, but now a product of its own, this is ready for a wide range of content creation.
The challenge of great audio is a significant one, while our smartphones are now delivering amazing quality video, audio has always lagged behind and to deliver crisp, clear audio, you are fighting physics, without the microphone close to the source, there’s lots of opportunity for ambient noise to ruin the audio.
By making a small, lightweight microphone with great battery life and a simple setup process, the product is a compelling choice for videographers, vloggers, and creators of all kinds across Australia and worldwide.
We’ve spent a couple of weeks with the Mic 2 and it’s now time for the full review.
Design: Sleek transparent goodness
The DJI Mic 2 is compact in size and looks great, both important characteristics for a project that’s going to hang off your clothes and likely be on camera.
I love the design of the transmitters, helped by a partially transparent exterior on the black verison, while there appears to be a different design decision made when it comes to the fully opaque matte white which looks great and helps blend in with lighter clothes.
The transmitters are linked to the receiver (max of 2 at a time), enhancing portability. Two transmitters (read: microphones) and the receiver both fit inside the included hard case which latches like it’s keeping the secrets of all secrets inside.
What’s great about the design of the Mic 2 transmitters is the way it attaches to your clothes. Firstly, there’s the regular jaw-style clip, and then there’s the included magnet, which is small, square and can easily hold the weight of the mic without pulling on your clothes.
DJI didn’t stop there, they also gave you the option to place the magnet on a hard surface and have the microphone point upwards, almost like a small desk mic to capture more ambient audio.
When you’re done recording, 2 transmitters and the receiver fit snuggly inside the carry case, which also doubles as a charging case, just connect a USB-C cable and all the devices inside charge, ready for your next shoot.
The transmitter itself features a hotshoe attachment at the bottom and a quick-pin design that allows the lighning or USB-C attachments to be connected, allowing you to have the audio recorded directly to your device (along with a backup).
On the face of the receiver, you’ll find a small touchscreen. For the most part, this is used for an initial configuration and linking, but quickly becomes your monitoring device for levels.
The touchscreens incorporated into the receiver bring a welcome convenience. The navigation is done through a series of swipes and once you’ve spent a few minutes you’ll get the hang of what requires up or down swipes, what requires a turn or press of the dial and the interface feels smooth and responsive.
Features: Great for Demanding Creators
The DJI Mic 2 delivers the ultimate feature – great audio quality and is simple to use. One of the highlights is the dual-channel recording ability. This means you can simultaneously record from two separate transmitters – essential for interviews, podcasts, or any scenario where you need to capture multiple people speaking at once.
The wireless transmission distance has increased and you can now be a remarkable 250 meters from the receiver. I’m not sure I have a use case for this kind of range, but it does give you great confidence to have subjects 30,50 and even 100m away and know the audio will be fine.
The impressive range frees you up to create dynamic shots and setups without constantly worrying about staying within close proximity of your receiver. It allows for far more flexibility when working with moving subjects or navigating busy environments.
For such a small device, the battery life is incredibly generous at 5.5 hours of continuous recording time and when you place the mics back in the charging case they automatically start recharging from the included battery. This will then provide as much as 15 hours of recording before you need to search for a USB-C cable to charge. I also appreciate the transmitters have a USB-C port on the side of them to charge directly if required and to transfer the audio recordings.
Perhaps the most significant new feature in gen 2, is the 32GB of onboard storage within each transmitter. This acts as a failsafe, constantly recording a backup in case of signal dropouts or any other issue during wireless transmission.
DJI is making a big deal of the sound quality option for 32-bit float recording option, which allows you to capture greater dynamic range. If you’ve ever recorded audio only to have it clip as the mic range is exceeded, leaving you with unusable audio (I have), then this option basically makes that impossible. When using this, it offers much more flexibility in post-production audio adjustments.
The mic can be connected to a range of devices, which means the product should appeal to a wide range of content creators.
Pairing with Phones (Android & iOS)
- USB-C / Lightning: Select the right adapter from the charging case and connect it to your phone, DJI include both USB-C and Lightning. This simply clips into the receiver.
- Automatic recognition: Modern smartphones generally detect the DJI Mic 2 as an external audio input for your camera apps, video chats, or voice recording software.
- DJI Mimo App: DJI’s Mimo app also officially recognizes the Mic 2, and some recording features become available, enhancing video capture when using your phone in a vlogging style setup.
Pairing with Cameras
DSLR and mirrorless cameras are also a simple setup process:
- 3.5mm Cable: Utilize the included 3.5mm audio cable to connect the receiver’s audio output to your camera’s 3.5mm microphone input.
- Camera Settings: You may need to adjust your camera’s audio input settings to switch from its internal microphone to the external source.
Pairing via Bluetooth
There are plenty of other devices (like laptops) that you can connect to the DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth.
Important Notes
- Signal Strength: Always be mindful of your surroundings when using the DJI Mic 2 wirelessly. Physical obstructions, interference, and exceeding its 250-meter range can cause potential disruptions to the signal.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly checking for firmware updates for the DJI Mic 2 can maintain optimal performance and compatibility with the latest devices. DJI has already released an update to the Mic 2 firmware since its release.
Audio Performance: Where the DJI Mic 2 Truly Shines
This product offers excellent audio quality is ultimately what elevates a wireless microphone system. The omnidirectional capsules do a wonderful job capturing rich, full-bodied sound. Vocal recordings sound warm and natural, while environmental sounds retain their detail.
The inclusion of noise cancellation in the Mic 2 is a boon when filming in less-than-ideal environments. Whether it’s minimizing distractions from a busy cafe or taming the roar of wind, the intelligent noise-cancellation filters can deliver noticeable improvements for cleaner audio.
Issues and Opportunities
Despite excelling in many areas, DJI should consider the following when planning the Mic 3 to make a great product even better. Here are a few key areas where I’d like to see more focus and potential enhancement:
- Weatherproofing: With many creators often in the field battling the elements, some degree of resistance to dust, rain, or light splashes would add much-needed ruggedness.
- More transmitters: The receiver currently supports two microphones linked to it. With the review of the Mic 2, DJI also sent a third transmitter in white, and to use this, I needed to unlink one of the two black transmitters before adding it. While there’ll be many solo creators that buy this, many will leverage the dual mics for one-on-one interviews to capture two audio channels. It is also quite common to have a panel of 4 participants and to support this, you’d have to buy two sets. Perhaps there’s scope here to create a DJI Mic 3 Pro that includes a larger display to monitor all 4 mic inputs.
- Pro-Focused Adapters: An official USB-C to XLR adapter compatible with the system would broaden the appeal for filmmakers needing to seamlessly integrate traditional boom mics or studio setups into their workflow.
Price and Availability
The DJI Mic 2 has seen a moderate price increase compared to its predecessor, the DJI Mic 2 (inc 2x transmitters and 1 Reciever and the charging case) priced at A$389.00. You can buy a single mic and receiver (1 TX + 1 RX) for A$279. The single mic in white costs $169.00.
While a more budget-conscious audience might need to think twice, the improved feature set and a noticeable increase in overall quality justify the investment for serious content creators.
You can now readily find the DJI Mic 2 at DJI’s online store and authorized retailers across Australia. As expected, stock and availability are robust within major cities and readily available for online shipping.
Overview
Undoubtedly, the DJI Mic 2 is an impressive contender in the wireless microphone market. The balance of portability, advanced features, reliable performance, and superb audio quality make it a worthy tool in any content creator’s arsenal.
Of course, like most gadgets, it’s not entirely without its shortcomings. Those needing advanced audio shaping might prefer more in-built controls like gain management, and budget-focused creators might have to weigh priorities considering the higher price point.
If you’re looking to streamline your filming process and want exceptional audio without excessive compromise, the DJI Mic 2 absolutely rises to the occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned videographer, just starting your YouTube journey, or capturing important live events, the DJI Mic 2 will undeniably help you produce content that sounds as compelling as it looks.
