For a long time, the top spot in the wireless microphone segment was reserved for the Australian manufacturer Rode with the Wireless Go and Wireless Go II. But then DJI came along and impressively demonstrated with the Mic that it can also play at the very top. The successor in the form of the DJI Mic 2 improves once again in all respects, as our test reveals.
Technical data
Product: | Mic 2 |
Connection: | USB Type-C; Lightning; Bluetooth |
Sampling rate: | 48 kHz |
Polar pattern: | Omnidirectional |
Dimensions | 54.20 × 28.36 × 22.49 mm (receiver); 116 × 41.5 × 59.72 mm (transmitter) |
Weight: | 28 grams (receiver and transmitter) |
Battery life: | 6 hours (transmitter and receiver); 18 hours total in charging case |
Range: | 250 meters |
Special features: | 32-bit float recording; security audio track; mono/stereo; 14 hours internal recording; touch screen; magnetic attachment |
Price: | € 324.99 * |
DJI Mic 2 Review: A coherent overall package
- Practical bundle with high-quality charging case
- Adapter for USB-C and Lightning
- Magnetic attachment
Anyone interested in the DJI Mic 2 is spoiled for choice. Newcomers to wireless wireless microphones can choose between a set consisting of transmitter and receiver or the complete package, consisting of two transmitters, a receiver and a practical charging case. There is also the option of purchasing additional receivers – either in pearl white or shadow black.
The manufacturer provided us with the complete package for our test. And this comes in a practical carrying case, which, in addition to the charging case, also contains two cables (3.5 mm camera audio cable, USB-A to USB-C charging cable) and two windshields for the two transmitters. All in all, this results in a coherent scope of delivery.
With a weight of 302 grams (including receiver and transmitters) and a size of 115 mm x 60 mm x 42 mm (width x height x depth), the charging cradle is still pleasantly handy, but the package is a little too big for a trouser pocket.
Also practical: the charging case also contains two smartphone adapters, each with a USB-C and Lightning connection. This ensures broad compatibility with smartphones and tablets.
What I also like: The two transmitters are equipped with a clip with which they can be attached to clothing. However, this is not always possible with thicker sweaters or T-shirts. DJI also includes two magnetic clips in the package, which also allow them to be attached.
Design and workmanship
- Robust, high-quality design
- Light and handy transmitter
DJI products stand for quality and a robust design. This is also evident in the DJI Mic 2, which leaves an absolutely elegant and high-quality impression. The rectangular receiver with rounded edges not only has a touchscreen on the front, but also a clickable adjustment wheel, which was missing from the first version of the wireless microphone.
The power button is located on the right-hand side, with two jack connections on the left to connect the receiver to headphones or the camera. At the back, in addition to a USB-C port and the magnetic charging contact, there is a cover to which the respective smartphone adapter is connected.
The microphones or transmitters also come with a pleasant, rounded design that looks quite elegant with the semi-transparent front. They measure 46 x 31 x 22 mm and weigh around 28 grams each – making them slightly larger but somewhat lighter than their predecessors, even though a lot has changed technically.
Among other things, the battery of the new transmitters has been increased to 360 mAh (compared to 320 mAh). In addition, it is now possible to pair them directly (and without the receiver) with smartphones via Bluetooth. However, this currently only works with smartphones and DJI cameras, namely the Osmo Action and Osmo Pocket.
Special features and innovations of the DJI Mic 2
- Stable Bluetooth connection
- Low cut filter; up to 18 hours runtime (combined)
- Transmitter with internal memory for recordings; 250 m range
Compared to its predecessor and the competition, the DJI Mic 2 has a number of special features and innovations. In addition to the already mentioned Bluetooth connection of the transmitters, the new edition features optional intelligent noise suppression, for example, which improves the recording quality when it is very loud in the surroundings.
In addition, the battery life of the Mic 2 has now been increased to a maximum of 18 hours in conjunction with the charging case. That is three hours more than the DJI Mic (1). The transmitters each have a runtime of around 6 hours, half an hour more than its predecessor. Nevertheless, Rode offers another hour more with the Wireless Go II.
In addition, an optional low cut filter can be added, which cuts out low frequencies below 100 Hertz. The maximum sound pressure level increases to 120 dB SPL, while DJI has also reduced the noise.
DJI remains the benchmark for wireless range: according to the manufacturer, distances of up to 250 meters can be covered. In our practical test, there were no sound dropouts even after 200 meters, but beyond that the connection became unstable.
Should this ever be the case, the microphones’ internal memory ensures that the recording is not lost. Excellent! Up to 14 hours can be stored internally on the transmitters – the recordings can then be transferred directly to a notebook, PC, etc. thanks to the USB-C connection. The storage space of the transmitters is also generous: 8 gigabytes are available for each one.
Setup and operation
- Easy to use and set up, but…
- … not everything is explained in detail
- Practical operation via touchscreen and rotary dial
Setting up the DJI Mic 2 is very simple. The receiver and transmitter are already linked to each other by default; if this is not the case, you can easily connect them using the touchscreen.
If you wish, you can also pair the transmitters directly with your smartphone via Bluetooth – without the receiver. To do this, press and hold the record button on the transmitters for three seconds, whereupon the status LED changes from green (receiver mode) to blue (Bluetooth mode).
I mention this because it’s not entirely clear from the enclosed quick start guide and a few pictures and I had to go through a YouTube tutorial before I figured it out.
Otherwise, the setup is really simple. Simply connect the receiver to your smartphone or camera and you’re ready to go, which is also indicated by the levels on the touchscreen.
Operation via the touchscreen works flawlessly and seems extremely well thought out. However, it is not immediately clear what the various abbreviations on the display are all about.
The touchscreen is mainly used to adjust the recording settings, for example the transmitter gain, the output volume and much more. The transmitter settings also include the option to make 32-bit float recordings. This provides a higher dynamic range, especially for voice recordings.
You can also specify here whether both transmitters should record a mono sound individually or together in stereo. There is also an additional safety setting, where an additional audio track is recorded at a volume 6 dB lower – handy if you experience unpleasant clipping in your recordings.
You can also quickly mute the receivers with a touch and switch the intelligent noise suppression on and off. However, the latter is also possible if you briefly press the on and off button on the transmitters once.
I also find the status LEDs on the left and right side of the transmitters very practical. This allows you to see at a glance how the devices are currently connected, whether a recording is in progress and the like.
Unlike Rode, however, there is no companion app for the smartphone. You therefore have no option to make additional settings via the app. This is only possible directly via the touchscreen.
Sound quality of the DJI Mic 2
The Mic 1 already made a name for itself in terms of sound quality and DJI has picked up exactly where it left off. The DJI Mic 2 also delivers a convincing and clear sound, especially in quiet environments. Version 1 and version 2 don’t sound much different, so anyone hoping for even better sound quality from the new model might be a little disappointed.
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Even if only briefly, there is absolutely nothing to complain about in terms of sound quality. On closer inspection, however, there is a noticeable difference, as DJI has been able to significantly reduce the background noise of the Mic 2.
This is of course particularly interesting if you want to increase the volume of your recording afterwards. The noise becomes audible much later with the DJI Mic 2 than it was with the Mic 1.
DJI Mic 2 interior recording mono:
DJI Mic 2 interior recording stereo:
The recording is always made with a quality of 48 kHz and leaves a very clear and clean impression. As soon as the ambient noise becomes louder, it is advisable to switch on the noise suppression, which greatly reduces the noise from the environment, but of course also has a minimal effect on the sound.
A nice touch: DJI now also offers a suitable lavalier microphone that can be easily connected to the Mic 2. Until now, you always had to resort to solutions from other manufacturers.
DJI Lavalier Mic test recording:
The Lavalier Mic, as it is called, comes with an angled jack plug and is simply connected to the top of a transmitter. This is of course particularly practical if you don’t feel like placing the large transmitter on your chest. It’s just a shame that the lavalier microphone has to be purchased separately.
However, in combination with the Mic 2, it offers a noticeable improvement in sound, even in louder environments.
DJI Mic 2 Review: Conclusion
With the DJI Mic 2, the manufacturer has created an outstanding wireless radio microphone, but it does come at a price – especially in the bundle with receiver, two transmitters and charging case. On the other hand, the combination impresses from a technical point of view with strong innovations. The 32-bit float recordings and the option of pairing the transmitters directly with smartphones via Bluetooth are particularly impressive.
The DJI Mic 2 is also at the forefront in terms of sound and offers many practical functions. These include the option to record internally on the transmitters, switch between mono and stereo mode or effectively block out ambient noise thanks to the ENC function.
This makes the DJI Mic 2 a highly recommended audio solution for videos, vloggers and anyone who doesn’t want to do without professional sound when on the move. It’s just a shame that there is no dedicated smartphone app that allows you to make more adjustments.
DJI Mic 2
Design & Workmanship
Recording quality
Range
Features
Value For Money
95/100
High-quality and sonically convincing wireless microphone that impresses with its simple handling, flawless operation and practical functions.