DJI has always been known for its elite drones and gimbals. Although, the company recently released a new DJI microphone system and it doesn’t disappoint. This system is compact, durable, and well designed in every way. It’s easy to use right out of the box and is versatile enough to be used for vlogging, or as lapel mic or shotgun mic. Over the past month of testing it out, I have used it for voiceover, interviews, and to record SFX sounds while in the field. The DJI Dual-Channel Wireless Microphone System is one of the most impressive products to come from DJI, and here’s why…
Key Features of the DJI Microphone System
- Wireless dual transmitters
- Records at distances of up to 200m
- Effective wind protection
- Charging case
- 15 hours of battery life
- 14 hours of built-in memory
Charging Case
Arguably my favorite feature of this mic is how portable it is. It weighs less than six ounces and is the size of a deck of cards. You are able to fit two mics, two adapters and a receiver inside, which also charges them when docked. The kit comes with a storage bag but — more often than not — I found myself putting the case in my pocket. The box itself charges via USB-C.
As far as battery life goes, this device does not fall short. Each transmitter will last about 5.5 hours and the receiver will last about six hours. The case itself holds an additional ten hours. You’ll also find a USB-C and TRS 3.5mm cable to connect to either your phone or most cameras.
Transmitters
The two wireless transmitters each have a power and record button on the side. Since these are wireless, they are much easier to use than your typical lapel microphone. Each transmitter has a clip and a magnet that can be used to attach them to cloth, easily turning them into lapel mics. The magnets are strong, so much so that DJI recommends keeping them away from SSD and other storage devices. I have noticed that if you aren’t careful, it is pretty easy to accidentally hit the record/stop record button. DJI says a lock function is on the way via firmware update.
One of the most impressive features of the DJI mic system is actually how fast the transmitters seem to pair to the receiver — or any device I have connected them to. They are able to connect within five seconds of me pulling them from the case. The process has been easy and seamless every single time. Not only that, they are rated to receive reception at 250 meters from the receiver.
The kit also comes with two windscreens that seem to work very well on a typical beach day. I am interested to see how well they work in a more extreme environment. Internally, the mics offer 14 hours of storage. This is more than enough to last me a couple months of internal recording.
Sound Quality
As far as sound goes, the DJI microphones do not disappoint. They sound equally as good as a Rode or Tascam models when used for interviews — or even as a boom mic. On a recent trip to Kauai, I ended up using the system for voiceover as well as recording external sounds for b-roll. The mics do an excellent job of picking up sounds that are a great distance away, while also capturing the sound of my voice from just a couple inches away.
When recording directly to an iPhone, the playback would only work after disconnecting from the receiver. This is an issue I’m sure can be resolved with a firmware update. But, when I was able to listen to the playback, the sound was crisp especially when recording vocals. Being able to record in Stereo mode cut back on vibrations and wind noise. My hope is that you will be able to record in Stereo mode when using an iPhone in the future. As of right now, you can only record directly to an iPhone in Mono.
If you’re looking for more on smartphone content creation, check out How to Capture High Quality iPhone Videography.
My Take
This microphone in a box is perfect for vloggers and on-the-go creators who need something small that can still keep up with competitor mics on the market. I believe the DJI mic system is at just the right price — if not a bit on the cheaper side for everything you get. Being compatible with almost any product, chargeable, and provide amazing sound quality, DJI outdid themselves with this system. It’s versatility seems unmatched.
