Action Camera Microphone Attachment. It’s been said many times, but we have to repeat it. Poor sound quality is more like a video turn-off than poor video quality. If you’re relying on your camera’s mic for audio, you’re likely to be disappointed at some point. Regarding action cameras, the solution isn’t as simple as buying an external microphone.
Action camera microphone attachment required. It is because most action cams do not have a microphone input. Looking to improve your sound quality and take your sound quality to the next level? Then read our review of the best mic attachments for action cams.
Attaching an Outer Microphone
The first hurdle to overcome is the lack of an audio jack. It will help if you input the audio signal to the action cam. Action cameras do not have an external microphone input. It means you need a mic adapter to use an external mic. However, some older or cheaper action cameras may not have the option.
This test assumes compact usability is a priority for action cameras. Of course, all these external microphones are connected to the audio recorder, but that’s not the point. (As an aside, using an audio recorder improves the sound quality.
The best product for HERO8, HERO9, and HERO10 is GoPro’s Camera Media Mod (similar, but HERO8 Media Mod does not fit his two other action cameras). The Media Mod is a housecoat adapter that plugs into a USB socket. Connection for an action camera. Adds a directional mic, dual cold shoe mounts, 3.5mm, USB-C, and mini HDMI ports. The integrated external mic is better than the mic on the action camera itself. Brackets and his 3.5 mm jack open up a whole lot of possibilities.
7 Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment
Action Camera Microphone Attachment-Rode Wireless Go IIRode
It is a reputable manufacturer of audio products. And the Wireless Go II is a good example of why it’s so popular. He comes in two versions with one or two transmitters.
It’s compact and square, so it’s convenient to carry. The transmitter is attached to the subject’s clothing, and the receiver is attached to the cold or hot shoe. You also need to connect the receiver to the 3.55 input port on the adapter of your choice.
The WLAN has a transmission range of 660 feet (200 m). So anything closer than 330 feet (100 m) doesn’t matter. In addition, the transmitter offers onboard recording. It means that no audio is lost even if the transmission fails.
The Wireless Go II uses Rode’s security mode. It will record the second audio track at -20dB. The transmitter saves audio at a lower volume without clipping, even if you’re overly excited about falling out of a plane. The Rode phone app allows you to control security modes and other features. The receiver also features a clear color LCD screen for monitoring multiple parameters.
Action Camera Microphone Attachment-DJI Microphone
The DJI Microphone is specially developed for the DJI Osmo Action. Comes with a cold shoe adapter for other cameras, including action cams. There are two mic/transmitter units and one receiver. And they can all be carefully stored in a sturdy carrying case. It makes the unit easy to carry, pair and charge.
The transmitter can be attached to clothing. If that’s not possible, there are also magnetic mounts. It is a convenient solution for things like T-shirts and shirts without buttons.
The battery life is 15 hours, far more than the action camera recording time. In addition, the included dead cat reduces wind noise. The Rode Wireless Go II, the DJI Mic, has built-in recording capabilities and a safety track (-6dB). It also features adjustable gain levels so you can tailor the receiver’s output to suit your action camera’s needs.
Action Camera Microphone Attachment-Synco G2
Take this as a candidate for a budget external microphone. The Synco G2 works according to the same principles as previous microphone systems. What’s missing is onboard recording. So when the audio drops out, you lose that section of the recording. Also, there are no security trails. Synco G2 and Rode Wireless Go II side by side, Rode sounds better.
There is little noise, and the sound is thick. Rode offers better audio quality than the Synco G2. But all things are relative. The Synco picks up audio from farther away than the action cam’s built-in mic. So if you don’t want to spend money on Rode (or even more expensive DJI), Synco is worth considering.
Action Camera Microphone Attachment-Shotgun Mic
A shotgun mic is more directional than a lavalier mic. Designed to pick up sound from the direction you are pointing. It reduces unwanted external noise and improves audio quality. The Shock Absorber Mount reduces noise transmitted from the action camera body. And dead cats help fight wind noise. It is a convenient function when considering how to use the action camera.
If you’ve ever gone the GoPro Media Mod route, you already have a shotgun mic (sort of). It is the smallest option and allows you to switch back and forth. In most cases, it provides better sound quality than the built-in microphone. The foam windscreen helps with wind noise, but not as much as a dead cat.
Action Camera Microphone Attachment-Move VXR10 Pro.
The Movo VXR10 Pro Microphone is a compact shotgun microphone with a shock mount. The mic comes with a cable to connect to your action camera or smartphone. Unfortunately, it also comes with a holdall and a dead cat windshield.
The Movo VXR10 Pro has less high-frequency response than the Rode and delivers a richer sound. The downside is that the Movo tends to pick up too much wind noise in very windy conditions. It is also true if Deadcat is installed. It can be a problem as the action camera spends much time in the wild. At this price point, it’s no surprise that there’s no high-pass filter or gain control. However, there is a headphone jack so you can monitor your recordings.
Action Camera Microphone Attachment-Siren VM-Q1
I recently encountered a siren. However, the VM-Q1 mic has garnered some positive reviews. Microphones are available at very reasonable prices. Very compact, the shock the mounts, deadcat, foam the front glass.
Sound quality is mixed, as at least one reviewer found the cable that came with the mic very noisy. However, with cable upgrades, the sound is impressive for the price point.
And don’t forget that even with such a cheap mic, the audio quality of your video recordings will greatly improve. Unfortunately, the Siren VM-Q1 doesn’t have a headphone jack, so you can’t monitor audio on the go.
Rode VideoMicro
Rode is a controlling force in the world of blogging and YouTube. One reason is that it has a wide variety of microphones. Rode’s “sound” seems to meet the expectations of content creators and consumers. The
VideoMicro can sound a little weak at low frequencies compared to others. It is because the frequency response almost eliminates his range below 100Hz. However, it is great for blocking out traffic noise. The mic is very effective even in windy conditions. It is especially true when using the included Deadcat windscreen. The human voice also relies heavily on high frequencies. Perhaps this brand love is due to Rode’s clear grasp of the language. It can also cut through background clutter.
Boya BY-MM1
In terms of sound quality, there is almost no difference between Rode VideoMicro and Boya BY-MM1. The latter is about half the price so wallets will notice the difference. The BY-MM1 has the extra features you’d expect from a mic of this type.
Comes with a dead cat, shock mount, cable, and carrying bag. The BY-MM1 is a hard performer, and I prefer the Boya sound over the Rode. But its slightly worse performance in the wind could be the deciding factor for you.
Conclusion
Let’s remember why we deal with external microphones. Using an external microphone greatly improves the sound quality of your video recordings. It applies to almost all situations. You need to consider the type of recordings you want to make, the conditions under which you will be shooting, and your budget. It will determine which of these external mics is right for you. The
Rode Wireless Go II is the perfect lavalier mic due to its simplicity and ease of use. The DJI Mic is a very attractive option if you have surplus funds. The charging travel case and magnetic attachment options are great features. Regarding the Shotgun Mic, you must choose between performance and personal preference. My own choice is the Boya BY-MM1 for Sonority.
