Action cameras have certainly changed over the years. This is thanks to their small, portable size, mount-ability, front-facing screens, and improved video and audio performance. Action cameras aren’t just used for “action” anymore. They are now perfect options for vlogging and filmmaking. Because of this, action camera accessories have also changed and improved to cater to a run-and-gun creator that needs quality video and audio. One of the most essential accessories to invest in is an action camera microphone attachment.
What is an Action Camera Microphone Attachment?
An action camera microphone attachment is an on-camera portable audio solution for your action camera that amplifies and improves audio quality. These small-but-mighty action camera accessories might not seem too important, but they can take your vlogging and video footage to the next level.
In this article, we cover everything related to buying an action camera microphone attachment. This includes why you should use an action camera microphone attachment, how to add and attach it to your action camera, and how to choose from the different types of action camera microphone attachments.
Why You Should Use an External Microphone Attachment with Your Action Camera
As stated above, an action camera microphone attachment is easily one of the most essential accessories for your action camera. While action camera audio and in-body microphones have improved over the years, they still struggle to pick up quality audio, especially from a distance or in windy, noisy conditions. Adding an on-camera microphone attachment allows your camera to record much better audio for your action camera video footage.
From vlogging to interviewing, there are several fantastic options for your action camera. They range from portable, directional shotgun mics with deadcats that reduce wind or background noise, to omnidirectional microphone systems with USB-C/Lighting Adapter plug-in transmitters. You can even have the ability to record audio hundreds of meters away from your camera. This is perfect for high-quality interviews, narration, and more. These action camera microphone attachments seriously improve your video’s audio and are a must for any on-the-go creator.
The Best Action Camera Microphone Attachments
We’ve covered why action camera microphone attachments are so important to your creative workflow and video content. Now, let’s discuss some top options on the market today.
Turnstile Audio Station Series TASC500 Cardioid Mini Condenser Shotgun Microphone
The Turnstile Audio Station Series TASC500 Mini Condenser Shotgun Microphone is designed for mobile content creators in mind. It’s a lightweight, wired shotgun mic option that records premium sound quality for how-to tutorials, live events, vlogs, and more.
Features:
- Lightweight, compact build weighing only 35 grams (without the windcat)
- No battery required – just plug in to your camera and it starts recording when your camera does
- Portable condenser mic with -15dB sensitivity and 111 dB dynamic range
- Audio can be sent directly to your action camera or through an analog out
- Step-less gain control lets you dial in your audio levels quickly and easily
- Cardioid polar pattern that captures what’s directly in front of the camera
- Includes fuzzy windcat for recording in windy, noisy conditions
Rode VideoMic GO II Lightweight On-Camera Microphone
The Rode VideoMic GO II Lightweight On-Camera Microphone is another lightweight, compact wired shotgun microphone that provides quality sound in a small package. Its ability to connect via a 3.5mm TRS plus a digital USB output means you can use the microphone on cameras, mobile devices, computers, and more. Meanwhile, it delivers crisp, professional-level directional sound that takes your video content to the next level.
Features:
- Lightweight, compact build, weighing only 33 grams (without the windcat)
- Broadcast quality microphone
- No battery required – just plug in to your camera and it starts recording when your camera does
- 5mm TRS output for cameras and USB output for use on mobile devices and computers, for ultimate versatility
- Cardioid polar pattern that captures what’s directly in front of the camera
- Includes foam windcat for recording in windy, noisy conditions
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
The Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone is another fantastic, compact, wired, shotgun-style mic from Rode. It delivers fantastic audio quality in a durable, all-metal, package that can go wherever you go. They even offer a bundle with adapter for GoPro action cameras, making it a great GoPro wireless mic.
Features:
- Lightweight, compact build, weighing only 42 grams (without the windcat) and only 3 inches long
- High-quality on-camera condenser microphone
- Ideal for use with compact cameras and smartphones
- Integrated Rycote®Lyre® shock mounting for handling vibration and exterior noise
- No battery required – just plug in to your camera and it starts recording when your camera does
- Includes furry windcat for recording in windy, noisy conditions
Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Shotgun Microphone
The Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Shotgun Microphone is premium, portable directional, wired on-comera shotgun microphone that offers build-in wind protection and shock absorption. It also has audio recording features like a low-cut filter, three-step gain sensitivity switch, and the ability to record up to 100 hours of continuous audio capture, powered with two triple-A batteries.
Features:
- Lightweight, compact build
- Built-in wind protection and internal suspension mount to reduce handling and exterior noise
- Headphone output jacket with volume adjustment for audio monitoring
- Interchangeable 3.5mm TRS and TRRS connectivity for cameras and mobile devices
- Strong battery life, with the ability to record up to 100 hours of continuous audio capture with two triple-A batteries
- Automatically powers on and off when connected to a mirrorless or DSLR camera
- Low-cut filter and 3-step gain sensitivity switch for distortion-free sound in any enviornment
Rode Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System
The Rode Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System is an extremely versatile and ultra-compact wireless microphone system that has been trusted by professional content creators since its release. Its system includes a single transmitter and dual receivers, featuring high-quality microphones built-in with a series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption. This allows for microphone use up to 200 meters away, making it one of the most versatile and reliable wireless mic systems you can buy.
Features:
- Ultra-compact, wireless microphone system
- Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption delivers 200m range (line of sight)
- 5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS compatible digital audio output
- In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery – up to 7 hours battery life
- On-board recording – over 40 hours of internal memory
- RODE Central including safety channel, flexible gain control (three-stage pad, expandable to 10-stage) and more
- Includes furry windcats for receiver recording in windy, noisy conditions
DJI Dual-Channel Wireless Microphone System for Action 2 Camera
The DJI Dual-Channel Wireless Microphone System is new to the wireless microphone market this year. It delivers as one of the top wireless microphone systems you can buy. It’s lightweight, compact design and carrying case delivers exceptional sound and performance, with the ability to record professional-level sound up to 250 meters away. Add on its long 15-hour battery life and 14-hours of built-in recording storage to really make this a winner.
Features:
- Ultra-compact wireless microphone system
- Impressive recording range of 250 meters
- 5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS compatible digital audio output
- In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery up to 15-hour battery life
- On-board recording – over 14 hours of internal memory
- Smart design features like magnetic attachments on receivers and OLED touchscreen display on the transmitter, for easy access to recording controls
- Includes furry windcats for receiver recording in windy, noisy conditions
Synco Audio G2-A1 Digital Wireless Microphone System
The Synco Audio G2-A1 Digital Wireless Microphone System is aimed to be a more cost-effective alternative to Rode and DJI, but that doesn’t mean its not a fantastic wireless microphone system. This one receiver-to-transmitter bundle includes a new SYNCO 2.4 GHz system and upgrade algorithm for stable, safe transmission, long-range recording.
Features:
- Ultra-compact wireless microphone system
- A brand new TFT Display
- Strong Boost to SYNCO 2.4 GHz System
- Upgraded algorithm for a more stable, safe transmission
- Integrated signal processing for latency sound production
- Quick Charging for continuous recording
Movo Photo GM100 Clip-On Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone
The Movo Photo GM100 Clip-On Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone is a ultra-compact, cost-effective lavalier microphone that weighs only 1.6 ounces. It delivers quality audio for action cameras, for those who need a lavalier mic for interviews or how-to videos.
Features:
- Ultra-compact, lightweight lavalier microphone, weighing only 1.6 oz
- Great for action cameras
- Omni Pickup Pattern
- Includes Windscreen and Wind Muff
- No battery required – just plug in to your camera and it starts recording when your camera does
Saramonic SR-XM1 3.5mm TRS Omnidirectional Microphone
Saramonic SR-XM1 3.5mm TRS Omnidirectional Microphone in an ultraportable, unobtrusive, directional mic combines the size advantage of a lavalier with direct input of a shotgun mic. Plug it in directly into your action camera via 3.5mm TRS input. It provides quality audio in a portable package that is hard to beat for on-the-go creative needs.
Features:
- Ultra-compact, lightweight lavalier microphone, weighing only 0.74 oz
- Integrated shock-mount
- Directional 90 degree mic capsule
- Limits background noise
- Includes foam windshield for recording in windy, noisy conditions
GoPro Media Mod
If you are a GoPro user and want an GoPro wireless mic that plugs directly into your GoPro via USB-C connection, the GoPro Media Mod is for you. With a built-in directional mind wind-suppressor, 3.5mm mic port for additional mic attachments, HDMI-out, two cold-shoe mounts, and a tough, weather-resistant construction, the GoPro Media is designed to go where your GoPro was designed to go.
Features:
- Ultra-compact, lightweight design that goes around your entire GoPro
- Built-in directional mic with wind-suppression
- 5mm mic and HDMI-out ports
- Two cold-shoe mounts for additional attachments
- Tough, weather-resistant construction
How to Choose the Right Microphone Attachment for Your Action Camera
So now that you know about options, how do you know what action camera audio option is best for you? Here are two easy ways to determine the best on-camera microphone attachment for you:
Use
If you’re planning to film only vlog content — or content where you or your subject is directly in front of the camera at a closer proximity — choose an wired, directional, shotgun-style microphone, like these options:
- Turnstile Cardioid Mini Condenser Shotgun Microphone
- Rode VideoMic GO II Lightweight On-Camera Microphone
- Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
- Sennheiser MKE 400 Compact Shotgun Microphone
If you’re strictly doing only interview-style content, use an omnidirectional, wired, lavalier microphone that can pick up sound on all sides on the microphone, no matter how its positioned, like the Movo Photo GM100 Clip-On Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone.
Finally, if you want more versatility and are looking for a microphone system that can do it all, from vlog content to interviews and more, choose a wireless, omnidirectional microphone system like these options:
- Rode Wireless GO II Compact Microphone System
- DJI Dual-Channel Wireless Microphone System
- Synco Audio G2-A1 Digital Wireless Microphone System.
Compatibility
Look to see if your action camera has the ability to connect the microphone you’re considering. If it doesn’t have the audio-in ports that you need, see if the camera manufacturer makes an audio-in adapter that works with your desired microphone. There are some microphones that aren’t compatible with certain action cameras, so do your research to find out the most suitable option for your camera.
How to Attach a Microphone to an Action Camera
Typically, there are two ways that an action camera microphone attachment can connect to an action camera.
For microphones, like shotgun mics or lavalier mics, the standard connection is a typically a 3.5mm audio-out plug connection. For wireless microphone systems, the standard connection is a USB-C or Lightning port.
In the last few years, most action cameras have been designed with a USB-C connection but still lack a 3.5mm audio out plug connection. If you’re looking at a microphone for your action camera and it requires this connection, here are some 3.5mm audio adapters that will work to marry the two together.
- For GoPro action cameras
- For Insta360 action cameras
- For the DJI Osmo Pocket
- For the DJI Osmo Action
Conclusion
Action cameras are the new “everyday camera.” The size, performance, and rugged designs make them a great choice for creators who want to create high quality video anywhere. If you’re a creator that constantly uses action cameras for vlogging, interviews, how-to videos and more, pair that quality footage with high quality audio and invest in an action camera microphone attachment that can take your content to the next level.
