The New Mic 2 from DJI
DJI Mic 2. No More Wires, No More Noise
While noise canceling technology and 32-bit float recording are welcome additions to the DJI Mic 2, the little things make all the difference. An improved transmitter layout, stronger windscreen and magnet clip attachments, and the addition of a physical control wheel and larger touchscreen to the receiver make for refined and functional updates that will continue to make the DJI Mic 2 a go-to for content creators.
Updated design adds welcome physical controls
The DJI Mic 2 is a portable wireless mic system that delivers high-quality sound – especially clear vocals – without the fuss that often comes with complicated pro-level audio gear.
Succeeding the DJI Mic, which is our favorite, for those creating video content on the go, this second-gen model is a big upgrade in a familiar package and boasts smart pro-level features, namely 32-bit float audio and AI-powered ‘intelligent noise reduction’.
One of our favorite upgrades found in the DJI Mic 2 is the inclusion of new wind noise blockers. These fuzzy blobs are noticeably superior to other such wind blockers we've used. They're robust, visually appealing, and easy to attach and detach quickly, thanks to a socket that doubles as a 3.5mm input jack. That jack can be used for attaching a lav mic, such as the one we tested, which is sold separately by DJI.
The 820-foot range of the DJI Mic 2 is equally as impressive, and we fully tested the extent of this range, a task that required walking across a large bog to achieve a sufficiently long line of sight. Going behind sufficiently dense objects will interrupt the signal, but it's instantly reacquired upon reestablishing its line of sight. It's hard to imagine a scenario where the range and strength of the DJI Mic 2 would be insufficient.
If need be, the DJI Mic 2 can be plugged into your device via included USB-C and Lightning port adapters. These attach to the Mic 2 receiver unit via an onboard hotshoe, which then may be plugged directly into your phone or computer.
With reliable magnetic mounts for quick mic setup with your subjects, and instant sync between mic and receiver, plus optional lav mics available, you can start recording audio in the DJI Mic 2's auto mode, even in complex environments, without worrying about clipping, or unpredictable distracting.
I'd definitely opt for the complete kit, which includes two transmitters (mics, with windshields) for dual-channel audio, and one receiver that attaches to your camera of choice. Two transmitters can cover two subjects, or a single subject with stereo sound, whatever your camera. These components come in a charging case that auto syncs what's inside, plus the necessary connectors, and it all squeezes into a tiny carry case.
You can buy a single transmitter with receiver, or any of the individual components, but at 359,00 Euros for the complete kit the DJI Mic 2 is a dream bit of gear for solo content creators and small video productions lacking a dedicated audio specialist on set.
A versatile audio recording system
The DJI Mic 2 isn't just a microphone that you plug into a camera – there are a lot of other ways to put the system to use. For one, you don't necessarily need another device to record into. Each transmitter unit of the DJI Mic 2 is equipped with 8GB of internal storage, enough to store up to 18 hours of recordings.
Another cool trick is the ability of the DJI Mic 2 to connect to your smartphone or certain DJI cameras via Bluetooth. Being able to connect a wireless microphone directly to your smartphone has numerous and obvious advantages, but it's the ability to connect directly to a camera that we find compelling. Both the DJI Osmo Action 4 and the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 are compatible with the DJI Mic 2, and pairing the microphone to these devices is remarkably quick, reliable, and seamless. It's part of what makes the Osmo Action 3 arguably the best camera for vlogging, and the combination of microphone and camera is incredibly compelling for creators.
In a spaced, stereo configuration, the DJI Mic 2 is also really good at recording ambient sounds. However, when using the microphone in this way, some odd audio effects did appear, particularly when we tried to record instruments and vocals. This wasn't an issue we encountered when using the microphones to mic sources individually.
Let's unpack the headline feature: 32-bit float. This is all the rage in the video production world, and rightly so, as it affords great flexibility for small crews that need a mic that simply captures sound clearly, even when the volume gets super-loud all of a sudden, or if your main subject is painfully quiet.
In technical speak, 32-bit has a dynamic range of 192db, but it's not a fixed frequency point, and can encode wider values with a potential range that covers up to 1,528dB. That's the flexibility I was just talking about.
If your interviewee shouts into the mic, the audio won't clip; if they speak very quietly, you can raise the volume without introducing audio noise. Put simply, vocals should remain clear in any situation. Speaking from experience working on high-stress shoots with low resources, 32-bit float has been a lifesaver.
By contrast, the highly capable first-gen DJI Mic 2 records 24-bit audio with a range up to 144.5dB, while mics that record in 16-bit only cover 96.3dB. If you set audio gain correctly from the start, 24-bit should sufficiently capture the required range of audio frequencies. However, the reality for many video productions is that audio simply cannot be monitored easily on set, where anything can happen, including sudden high-frequency incidents (loud noises).
The DJI Mic 2 may be quite expensive, but it's also the best wireless microphone for most content creators, particularly if you're filming in challenging conditions where its intelligent noise cancellation, 32-bit float recording, and backup track capability could be the difference that makes the audio you capture usable. The original DJI Mic earned a permanent place in our camera bag ever since it launched, and the DJI Mic 2 is a worthy successor.
For YouTube creators who record in the outdoors or other unpredictable environments, the DJI Mic 2 is extremely compelling. Its portability, simplicity, and reliability combine to speed up workflow in the field. Throughout testing this microphone, we've come to rely on it to always deliver great audio even in the most hostile circumstances. In one instance we used it for an all-day solo video shoot where we recorded in sub-freezing temperatures and near-blizzard conditions, yet not once did the DJI Mic 2 falter from the cold or the snow, nor did we even come close to running out of battery life. Despite at times howling winds, all audio came through loud and clear without distracting wind noise.
With all of this in mind, it's easy to recommend the DJI Mic 2. You can purchase the DJI Mic 2 from myhelis.com 229,00 Euros (1 TX + 1 RX), or 359,00 Euros (2 TX + 1 RX + charging case).