DJI has announced its new DJI Mic 2, a follow-up to the original DJI Mic wireless audio transmission system that was unveiled last January.
Key features
- 32-bit Float Recording
- Intelligent noise-canceling technology
- 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen on RX unit
- Lightweight & compact
- Scrolling adjustment dial on the RX unit
- Safety Track
- 6-hour operating time
- 250 meters / 820 ft line of sight operating range
The biggest new additions are the ability to do internal 32-bit float recording in the TX units, a scrolling adjustment dial on the RX unit, and Bluetooth connectivity with devices such as action cameras and phones.
The DJI Mic 2 is equipped with omnidirectional recording capabilities sand it also features intelligent noise-canceling technology. The intelligent noise-canceling technology is claimed to effectively reduces environmental noise, to deliver clear vocals.
DJI also includes windjammers to help when working in windy outdoor scenarios.
The DJI Mic 2 RX comes with a 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen paired with a dial that gives you quick access to critical information and the ability to adjust volume, gain, brightness, etc.
It also has a headphone out jack for monitoring audio.
The TX unit has a built in clip that you can also use to attach to a cold shoe on a camera.
Weight & Size
We have started to see some new affordable wireless audio systems coming to market that are getting smaller and smaller. Recently, Hollyland announced the LARK M2 which features tiny, round TX units. DJI hasn’t gone down this route and the TX and RX units still share the same rectangular design as their predecessors. You could argue that DJI hasn’t really innovated with the design of the DJI Mic 2, however, if you are going to include internal recording you can only make the TX units so small.
DJI Mic 2 
DJI Mic
Above you can see the difference between the original DJI Mic and the new DJI Mic 2.
I personally don’t like these giant sized TX units hanging off someones clothing as they are extremely distracting. However, if you buy the optional Lavalier microphones you can avoid having to do this.
The DJI Mic 2 TX units weigh 28g / 0.98 oz and they have physical dimensions of 46.06 x 30.96 × 21.83 mm / 1.8 x 1.21 x 0.85″ (L×W×H). The RX unit also weighs 28g / 0.98 oz and it has physical dimensions of 54.20 × 28.36 × 22.49 mm (L×W×H).
How does the weight and size of TX unit compare to some other 2.4GHz systems on the market? Well, below you can see.
| WEIGHT | SIZE | |
| DJI Mic 2 | 28g / 0.98 oz | 1.8 x 1.21 x 0.85″ |
| Hollyland LARK M2 | 9g / 0.32 oz | 1.0 x 0.4″ |
| PicoGear PicoMic 2 Pro | 8g / 0.28 oz | 1.7″ x 0.7″ x 0.28″ |
| RODE Wireless PRO | 35g / 1.2 oz | 1.8 x 1.7 x 0.8″ |
| RODE Wireless GO II | 30g / 1.1 oz | 1.7 x 1.8 x 0.7″ |
| Synco WAir-G1-A2 | 35g / 1.2 oz | 2 x 1.7 x 0.6″ |
| Hollyland LARK 150 | 20.5g / 0.7 oz | 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.7″ |
| Ulanzi U-Mic AM18 | 23g / 0.8 oz | 1.4 x 1.8 x 0.6″ |
| Comica Audio BoomX-D D2 | 29g / 1 oz | 1.5 x 0.9 x 2.2″ |
| Godox MoveLink Mini UC | 12g / 0.4 oz | 2.1 x 0.8 x 0.7″ |
| Comica Audio Vimo C3 Mini | 13g / 0.5 oz | 0.6 x 0.8 x 2″ |
| Moza WE10 Pro | 34g / 1.2 oz | 1.7 x 2.4 x 0.8″ |
Safety Track
The Mic has a Safety Track that allows users to record a second track at -6dB alongside the primary audio track, which gives you a safety net against unexpected audio level spikes. The DJI Mic 2 also offers dual-channel recording, allowing you to capture audio from two sources simultaneously,
32-bit Float Internal Recording
The system is equipped with 8GB of internal storage per transmitter, offering up to 14 hours of uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio recording. It is also capable of 32-bit float internal recording. This is hardly revolutionary as we have seen quite a few systems come to market that are able to do this. It saying that, it is good to see DJI including 32-bit float internal recording as its always good to have a back up, especially when you are working with wireless audio systems that operate in the 2.4GHz frequency range. What you clearly need to remember with 32-bit float is that the microphone you are using can still clip and distort if the sound level becomes too high.
You can also attach headphones to the TX units to monitor audio.
Operating Range
The claimed operating range of the system is up to 250 meters / 820 ft line of sight, which is exactly the same as its predessessor. According to DJI, this range caters to common scenarios such as live streaming, studio recording, and outdoor recording. What you clearly need to remember when working with affordable wireless audio systems is that they are very susceptible to interference and the range can also be greatly compromised depending on where you use them.
Run Time & Battery Life
Each transmitter and receiver has a 6-hour operating time, which is 1 hour longer than its predecessor. The included charging case can give you up to 18 hours of operation and recharging. 6 hours isn’t a lot and I would have preferred to have seen an operating time of at least 8 hours.
The charging case is made out of metal and it now features a locking latch to help protect the system if it happens to get accidentally dropped.
Other Features
The DJI Mic 2 system was designed to be quick and easy to use. Users can just open the charging case, and the DJI Mic 2 will turn on automatically. The charging case pairs the receiver and transmitters while charging them.
DJI includes a magnetic attachment for concealment, and the transmitters feature a clip-on design for attaching them to clothing.
There is also a rope necklace that you can use to attach a TX unit.
To further expand the creative horizons of the user, DJI offers practical accessories such as the DJI Lavalier Mic and DJI Mic 2 Charging Case.
Branding
The DJI Mic 2 does have branding on it like just about every other similar system on the market. The branding is maybe even more prevalent than what is found on a RØDE Wireless GO II/PRO. I think a lot of people would have preferred to have seen no logos at all.
I am also not a fan of the pattern design on the TX units.
Nobody wants giant company logos over a product that is designed to be seen in shot. I am not sure why some companies don”t listen to the end consumer. DJI could have at least included some black/white stickers in the kit to cover over the DJI logos on the TX devices. This is something that Hollyland has done with their LARK M2 system.
Setting Levels
Above you can see the recommended RX gain and camera gain settings for various mirrorless hybrids on the market. It is nice that DJI includes a list like this as they have done all the hard work for you.
You can also set the RX unit to the brand and model of camera you are using.
Connectivity
The DJI Mic 2 can be connected to DJI Osmo Action 4, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and smartphone devices via Bluetooth, while also offering compatibility with various recording devices through USB-C, Lightning Adapters, as well as 3.5mm TRS analog output.
Above you can see the full list of compatible mobile phones that can be used with the DJI Mic 2.
Above you can see full list of third-party apps that can be used with the DJI Mic 2. What is a little odd is that the Blackmagic camera app seems to be missing from this list, however, I would imagine it would work without any issues.
Price & Availability
The DJI Mic 2 is now available to order and it starts shipping starting today, in the following configurations:
DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $349 USD– includes a DJI Mic 2 Receiver, two DJI Mic 2 Transmitters (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Charging Case, DJI Mic 2 Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Lightning), two DJI Mic 2 Windscreens, two DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnets, a DJI Mic USB-C Charging Cable and a DJI Mic 2 Carrying Bag.
DJI Mic 2 (1 TX + 1 RX) $219 USD– includes a DJI Mic 2 Receiver, a DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Lightning), a DJI Mic 2 Windscreen, a DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnet, a DJI Mic Splitter Charging Cable, and a DJI Mic 2 Carrying Pouch.
At $349 USD the DJI Mic 2 is $100 USD more than the original DJI Mic 2-Person Compact Digital Wireless Microphone System/Recorder for Camera & Smartphone (2.4 GHz). Yes, it has some new features, but this is certainly a big price increase.
The DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black) and DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Pearl White) can also be purchased separately at $99 USD each. The DJI Lavalier Mic retails at $39 USD and DJI Mic 2 Charging Case retails at $69 USD.
The DJI Mic 2 is available in two transmitter colors: Shadow Black and Pearl White.
Competition
There is lots of competition in the 2.4GHz wireless audio space and the feature sets and capabilities tend to differ from system to system. Arguably the main competition comes from the RODE Wireless PRO 2-Person Clip-On Wireless Microphone System/Recorder with Lavaliers that retails for $399 USD. The RODE is $50 USD more, but it comes with two Lavalier microphones, while the DJI Mic 2 doesn’t come with any.
Below are just some of the available systems that could be considered competition:
- RODE Wireless PRO 2-Person Clip-On Wireless Microphone System/Recorder with Lavaliers (2.4 GHz) $399 USD
- RODE Wireless GO II 2-Person Compact Digital Wireless Microphone System/Recorder $223.95 USD
- PicoMic 2 Pro & Receiver Kit $305.15 USD
- Synco WAir-G1-A2 Ultracompact 2-Person Digital Wireless Microphone System for Mirrorless/DSLR Cameras (2.4 GHz) $69 USD
- Holyland LARK M2 Combo Version $179 USD
- Hollyland LARK 150 Wireless Dual Microphone System (2.4 GHz) $199 USD
- Ulanzi U-Mic AM18 Wireless Pro Microphone $99.95 USD
- Comica Audio BoomX-D D2 Ultracompact 2-Person Digital Wireless Micro phone System for Mirrorless/DSLR Cameras (2.4 GHz) $179 USD
- Samson Go Mic Mobile Dual Channel Lavalier System Kit $249.95 USD
- Godox MoveLink Mini UC 2-Person Wireless Microphone System for Cameras & Mobile Devices $119 USD
- Comica Audio Vimo C3 Mini 2-Person Wireless Microphone System for Cameras Smartphones with 3.5mm (2.4 GHz) $103 USD
- Moza WE10 Pro Dual Transmitter Wireless Microphone System (2.4 GHz) $249.99 USD
Specifications
Thoughts
The DJI Mic 2 looks like a decent upgrade from its predecessor, with the inclusion of 32-bit float recording and Bluetooth connectivity to mobile devices and action cameras. The design and form factor hasn’t changed that much, and the operating range, battery time, etc. hasn’t really changed that much.
What always concerns me about DJI is that they bring out new models of products almost as frequently as Apple.
