If you are someone who uses video for content creation, vlogging or interviews then you must have realized that the inbuilt microphones are just not enough. If you want to have professional output, then investing in an external microphone for your action camera is a great investment. Here is our pick of some external microphones which you can attach to your action camera for great output – best action camera microphone.
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Rode Wireless Go II
Specifications
Type: Dual Channel Wireless Microphone
Weight – TX 30g; RX 32 g
Frequency response – 50 to 20kHz
Microphone connector – 3.5 mm
Headphone connector – 3.5 mm
Polar Pattern – Omnidirectional
Pros
Compact and powerful
Intuitive operation
On-board storage
24 bit onboard recorder
Mic options including built-in
Cons
Battery replacement needs to be sent to Rode
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The Rode Wireless Go II stands out in particular because it has two transmitters and one receiver, in contrast to the predecessor’s single transmitter. Although there is a noticeable price increase for this, it is still well within reason given the additional hardware and enhanced capabilities of the entire package. If you only need a single transmitter, the original item is still readily available.
Although most users will likely couple the transmitter with an external lapel or lavalier microphone connected to the transmitter’s input, Rode is known for producing excellent recording quality, and the Rode Wireless Go II is fairly reasonably priced given all that it offers. For a pair of reliable, professional transmitters and receivers that features integrated microphones, rechargeable batteries, on-board storage, and stunning design – it will be an extremely difficult decision for a serious professional not to get one.
DJI Mic
Specifications
Type: Dual Channel Wireless Microphone
Weight – TX 30g; RX 24.9 g
Frequency response – 20 to 20kHz
Microphone connector – NA
Headphone connector – NA
Polar Pattern – Omnidirectional
Pros
Crisp mono and stereo recordings
Dual transmitters have excellent range
Well-designed charging case
Cons
Record and Link buttons are easy to accidentally press
Only records mono audio with iPhone
No low-latency monitoring mode
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There are two transmission units and one receiver in the DJI Mic system. The transmitters have a 3.5-mm microphone jack and a built-in microphone on the top, a power and record button on the side.
The built-in microphones provide omnidirectional audio, making them handy for miking scenarios when you want to catch sounds coming from many directions. You can even use them to record everyone seated at a conference table because they may be paired. They have both a clip for attaching to clothing and a strong magnet for sticking to anything metal.
The system is simple to use and the recordings sound clear, but some design decisions—like the fiddly Record and Link buttons on the transmitters are a bit perplexing. Overall a great option for an action camera microphone attachment.
Synco G2 A2
Specifications
Type: Dual Channel Wireless Microphone
Weight – TX 39g; RX 39 g
Frequency response – 20 to 20kHz
Microphone connector – 3.5mm
Headphone connector – 3.5mm
Polar Pattern – Omnidirectional
Pros
Easy to Operate
3 in 1 charging cable is awesome
Easy to read True-color TFT Display
Real-time monitoring of the audio levels from both the receiver and transmitters
Built-in Mic w/ external Mic capability
USB-C charging ports
Cons
A 1/4″-20 screw mount for the receiver would provide additional and more secure mounting options
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The SYNCO G2 A2 is a dual transmitter, one receiver 2.4GHz Wireless Lavalier Microphone System for smartphones or digital cameras. The two transmitters can be utilized for stereo audio or switched to mono mode if you want to combine the sounds or use just one transmitter.
The devices are instantly paired when the transmitter and receivers are turned on, making it quick and simple to begin recording. A foam windshield and a lapel clip are also included with the lavalier microphone. A common 3.5mm TRS jack is used to connect the lavalier microphone to the transmitter. The transmitters and receivers feature an 8-hour battery life and are incredibly lightweight at just 39g.
The SYNCO G2 A2 system offers outstanding audio quality and is generally simple to use. The system stores well in the included soft case and charges quickly and easily. The color panels show simple-to-read status and level readings without any extraneous information, and the controls are simple to use. A good action camera microphone to consider.
Movo VXR 10 Pro
Specifications
Type: Shotgun
Weight – 60 g
Frequency response – 20 to 18kHz
Microphone connector – 3.5mm
Headphone connector – 3.5mm
Polar Pattern – Supercardioid
Pros
Affordable
Easy to use
Excellent sound quality
Small, compact, lightweight
Lots of accessories including a hardcase and Rycote Lyre shock mount
Cons
Difficult to insert mic into shock mount
Headphone passthrough relies on external devices
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Movo VXR10-Pro is a Shotgun mic with super-cardioid polar pattern. It is extremely portable and simple to attach to almost any camera, including smartphones, DSLRs, and action cameras like the GoPro. The VXR10-Pro has plug-and-play compatibility due to its battery-free design. There is room for improvement in the mounting bracket that is provided and unfortunately, the headphone output does not allow for real-time audio monitoring.
However, the sound quality is outstanding and noticeably superior to that of the majority of cameras and smartphones’ built-in microphones. It is reasonably priced, small, light, and has a ton of extras. The Movo VXR10-Pro is an excellent option for recording audio if you want a reliable shotgun mic that won’t break the bank and at the same time doesn’t sacrifice audio quality. An action camera microphone to consider.
PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone
Specifications
Type: Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Weight – 96 g
Frequency response – 50 to 16kHz
Microphone connector – 3.5mm
Headphone connector – NA
Polar Pattern – Omnidirectional
Pros
Plug and Play Moc
Extremely versatile
Best for intermediate users
Cons
Not an on body lavalier mic
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The omnidirectional PowerDeWise Professional is a lavalier (or lapel) microphone designed for on-the-go sound recording. Additionally, because it is an electric corded microphone, it doesn’t require batteries to operate. If there’s one microphone you absolutely must bring when you’re short on room in your backpack, it’s this one. It is compatible with a wide range of recording devices, including mirrorless cameras and the iPad Pro, thanks to the universal connector. Although the audio quality is often excellent regardless of connection, we discovered that cameras are the best for using it.
There is no doubt that PowerDeWise created this tool for content creators who want to turn their passion into a profession. It provides incredible value when you consider its quality, universal compatibility, and reasonable price. Unlike more expensive professional microphones, this one won’t break the bank while yet providing excellent quality.
Rode Video Micro
Specifications
Type: Shotgun
Weight – 0.3lb
Frequency response – 100 to 20kHz
Microphone connector – 3.5mm
Headphone connector – NA
Polar Pattern – Cardioid
Pros
Durable and solid construction
Does not require a separate battery
Portable and compact
Affordable cost
The package includes a windshield and shock mount
Compatible with all smartphones & cameras
Cons
A separate cable needs to be bought for smartphones
Cannot record well from a distance
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The Rode VideoMicro is made entirely of metal, which gives it a really solid and well-crafted overall construction and design. A grill facing the audio source is located at the front, and a 3.5mm jack that plugs directly into the camera is located at the end. This microphone has a cardioid or unidirectional polar pattern. It can be categorized as among of the most active mics on the market at -33.0 dB. This microphone is powered by a smartphone or camera, so it does not require a separate battery.
The VideoMicro is obviously well-made with its aluminum body, and its small size makes it a fantastic travel companion. It does a good job of focusing on sounds in front of the camera and is considerably less prone to picking up operational noises during recording than built-in mics. Additionally, the audio quality is excellent. Overall, it’s challenging to imagine anything better for the money.
Sennheiser MKE 400
Specifications
Type: Shotgun
Weight – 93.5 gm
Frequency response – 50 to 20kHz
Microphone connector – 3.5 mm
Headphone connector – 3.5 mm
Polar Pattern – Super Cardioid
Pros
Crisp, clean, directional shotgun signal
Onboard headphone jack and volume controls
Built-in gain and low-cut filters
Cons
- The headphone jack works only during active recordings
- The gain switch has just three positions
- Requires AAA batteries for power
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A convenient, portable audio solution is provided by the Sennheiser MKE 400 direction shot-gun mic. Everything seems robust and well-made, and the build quality is excellent. The outside case doesn’t have a plasticky feel to it. The MKE 400 is an example of the superior construction used in Sennheiser’s professional microphones. The sound is crystal clear and distinct, and features like the low-cut filter and density adjustment provide the user with a lot of control over the capture quality.
Sennheiser appears to be targeting this mic toward vloggers, but semi-professionals and amateurs can also benefit from the exceptional audio capture quality. Additionally, it has some characteristics that set it apart from many of its competitors – like the 3.5mm connection for headphone monitoring. Overall the MKE 400 will work well for most people who need a good mic for their DSLR or Mirrorless camera, and the combination of price and functionality makes it hard to beat.
Which ones do we recommend?
All the microphones listed in this article are great for action cameras, but if we were to choose 2 then it would be the Rode Wireless Go II and the DJI Mic. The reason why we like these 2 are the value they bring at their respective price points. Excellent sound quality, wireless technology, and reliable connectivity all coming at a great price that is difficult to beat.
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Conclusion
Investing in a microphone for your action camera setup is a great step towards having quality professional-grade audio. However when buying, please ensure that the model you buy is compatible with your action camera. If you are interested to learn more about sound and recording, do check out these articles on microphones and headphones. They might help you in your journey to choosing the right ones when the need arises.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API