Introducing DJI’s newest wi-fi audio system, the Mic 3, a wiser and extra compact improve to its predecessor. DJI has taken what creators liked concerning the earlier technology mic and refined it with improved connectivity, longer battery life, and smarter options packed right into a modern design. This new system guarantees to ship professional-grade sound whereas staying light-weight and versatile, making it an interesting possibility for filmmakers, vloggers, and content material creators who demand reliability on the go. Let’s discover out if this modern, compact system actually lives as much as its promise of delivering smarter audio for creators, or if it’s simply one other incremental improve.
Construct High quality
At first look, it carries the identical design DNA you’d count on from a DJI product, however this time the main focus is on elevating its usability with a lighter kind issue. Each the receiver and transmitter are produced from strong plastic that feels sturdy, although I can’t touch upon long-term put on and tear but, as I’ve not used it for that lengthy.
The Mic 3 receiver is compact, measuring 53.85 × 28.69 × 22.00 mm and weighing solely 25.1 g. Regardless of its small measurement, it’s filled with considerate bodily controls: an on/off button that doubles as a again key, a clickable and rotatable knob for navigating menus and fast audio acquire adjustment, and a 1.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen for fast entry to deeper settings. The touchscreen can be locked by long-pressing the adjustment knob to forestall unintended adjustments whereas taking pictures, which is very helpful when engaged on the go. Powering all of it is a 275 mAh Li-ion battery, rated for as much as 10 hours of use with noise cancellation and inner recording turned off, although real-world outcomes will probably be barely decrease.
On the backside, the receiver incorporates a mounting clip that doubles as a chilly shoe mount for attaching to your digicam, together with contact factors that help USB-C or Lightning telephone adapters for cell use and firmware updates instantly out of your telephone. For cameras that help audio enter through the new shoe, it’s also possible to go for the devoted mic digicam adapter. When it comes to connectivity, there are two 3.5 mm enter and output jacks on the aspect of the receiver for audio recording and monitoring, plus a USB-C port that expands its versatility, letting you employ the system with a pc, digicam, or smartphone. Altogether, it’s a well-built hub that balances portability with skilled flexibility.
If you’re impressed by the Mic 3 receiver measurement, you may be much more impressed by its transmitter. Measuring 28.77 × 28.34 × 16.35 mm and weighing solely 16 g (with magnet attachment), it homes a 137 mAh Li-ion battery rated for as much as 8 hours of operation with noise cancellation and inner recording disabled, and audio fed right into a digicam through the three.5 mm cable. In sensible phrases, this permits a full day of recording with no need a recharge—except you’re recording repeatedly for a complete day.
Design-wise, it retains issues minimal and discreet. The semi-transparent physique options solely two buttons—a pairing button and an motion button (used for each activating inner recording and noise cancellation)—together with two LED indicators. There’s no 3.5 mm enter or USB-C port, which implies you may’t pair it with a lavalier mic. Whereas this limits hiding choices, the transmitter itself remains to be sufficiently small to stay delicate behind collars—although not skinny sufficient to cover utterly behind a traditional shirt with out a bump. DJI additionally presents non-obligatory multi-color windscreens so the mic can higher mix with expertise apparel, a considerate contact for creators involved about visibility.
Audio recording from numerous purposes turns into very straightforward due to its intelligent two-level magnetic attachment mechanism, giving it three versatile methods to connect creatively. By itself, the mic can snap instantly onto any steel floor. For extra flexibility, it can be paired with both a slim magnetic strip for a low-profile setup or a rotatable magnetic clip that permits you to fine-tune the mic’s course for higher audio seize. Do needless to say since this two-level magnetic attachment design permits the normal clip to be removable, it’s best to solely use both the magnetic clip or the magnet strip by itself, as stacking them collectively weakens the maintain and gained’t hold your mic securely in place.
The Mic 3 transmitter additionally comes with versatile management choices that make it straightforward to function even with out trying. For many who need the mic to remain much more discreet, the LED indicators will be switched off solely to assist conceal the unit when mounted instantly. Each inner audio recording and noise cancellation will be triggered through the motion button, with clear haptic suggestions to substantiate every command: a single press with one vibration begins and stops inner recording, indicated by a relentless crimson LED on the other aspect, whereas a fast double press toggles noise cancellation on or off. This sturdy haptic suggestions makes the transmitter significantly dependable when used with out the receiver, as you don’t have to continually examine the LED indicators to know what’s occurring. It’s a easy but efficient design alternative that matches effectively into real-world workflows the place velocity and confidence matter.
DJI’s charging case is well considered one of my favourite equipment to maintain issues neat for these at all times on the go. Constructed from plastic, it feels surprisingly strong within the hand. The hinge can also be sturdy, and opening the lid wakes the transmitters and receiver virtually immediately. Measuring 106.30 × 42.50 × 59.20 mm and weighing 164.1 g, it’s compact sufficient to slide into your bag, but thoughtfully designed to hold all the pieces you want in a single place.
Inside, the all-in-one format has devoted slots that may home one receiver, two transmitters with windscreens and magnetic clips hooked up, two telephone adapters (USB-C and Lightning), two magnets, and a 3.5 mm TRS to TRS audio cable. The receiver can be saved with the telephone adapter nonetheless hooked up, saving time when transferring between setups. To maintain all the pieces safe, DJI has additionally magnetized the slots so the transmitters and receiver snap neatly into place.
The case itself isn’t only for storage—it doubles as an influence financial institution for the mic. With a 1,950 mAh built-in battery that absolutely fees in about 1.5 hours, it might recharge two transmitters and one receiver roughly 2.4 instances, making it a dependable backup for lengthy taking pictures days. A fast five-minute cost provides the mics an additional hour of runtime—good for creators at all times on the go. On the surface, you’ll additionally discover a USB-C port that handles each charging and information switch for inner recordings, turning the case right into a compact hub for energy and file administration.
Options
The DJI Mic 3 isn’t simply one other refresh—it’s in all probability DJI’s most superior mini wi-fi mic but, aiming to ship extra versatile use past audio receiving whereas sustaining portability. With 32-bit dual-file inner recording, timecode help, adaptive acquire management, a wi-fi system that scales as much as eight receivers with 4 transmitters, and a 400 m recording vary (meant much less for excessive distance and extra for making certain rock-solid connection in interference-heavy environments), the Mic 3 is designed with sufficient flexibility to deal with filmmaking manufacturing that scales past solo creators.
Receiver Options
Past performing as the primary management hub for the Mic 3, the receiver presents as much as three recording modes:
Mono Mode: Combines all transmitters right into a single channel.
Stereo Mode: Separates the audio from two transmitters into left and proper channels.
Quadraphonic Mode: Information every of the 4 transmitters to separate channels for superior mixing.
Do notice that at the moment, the quadraphonic mode doesn’t work absolutely with all cameras. To get the 4 separate tracks, you’ll want to make use of the DJI Mic Sequence Digicam Adapter that works with sure Sony cameras’ scorching footwear or to attach the receiver to the pc through USB. Audio output from the three.5mm output port will stay stereo with TX1 and TX3 mixed because the left channel and TX2 and TX4 as the best channel. Go to DJI’s official website for extra data.
Audio will be captured in lossless mode at 48 kHz, 24-bit for uncompromised readability. For added comfort, the receiver helps auto on/off with the digicam through the three.5 mm cable or adapter. There may be additionally computerized frequency hopping between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with devoted indoor and outside modes to maximise wi-fi connection stability. Lastly, for multi-camera shooters, the receiver additionally has a timecode characteristic that retains sync tight with lower than 1-frame deviation over a 24-hour interval—an enormous benefit on bigger units and doubtless probably the most anticipated characteristic on the Mic 3.
Transmitter Options
Regardless of being small, the transmitters pack simply as many clever options, if no more. The Mic 3 receiver helps 32-bit float recording, permitting audio to be captured with a large dynamic vary—in picture phrases, consider it as recording in RAW as a substitute of JPEG format. Twin-file mode saves each the untouched authentic and an “edited” model with all audio presets, providing you with flexibility to decide on later. Every transmitter additionally comes with 32 GB of inner storage, permitting as much as 57.3 hours of recording in single 24-bit mode or 43 hours in 32-bit float. A Low Energy Audio Recording perform acts as an additional security web, making certain the transmitter continues recording internally if the receiver or digicam runs low on energy.
The transmitters additionally characteristic Adaptive Acquire Management with two clever modes:
Automated Mode: Finest for environments with unpredictable loudness adjustments.
Dynamic Mode: Easily adjusts output for quieter, managed settings like studios.
Different instruments embrace a Low-Minimize Filter (100 Hz) to scrub up rumbles and two-level noise cancellation (Primary for low hums, Robust for loud environments). Attaching the included windscreen additional cuts wind and background noise. There are additionally three voice tone presets (Common, Wealthy, Brilliant) to adapt to completely different voice traits.
Sensible Utilization Notes
In follow, DJI has a listing of particular audio acquire suggestions that adjust by digicam model on their tutorial websites. For instance, Sony customers ought to set the recording degree to “1,” Canon works finest on the fourth notch from the left, Nikon cameras at degree 3, Panasonic cameras at -12 dB, and Fujifilm cameras at round -28.5 dB. In case your digicam isn’t listed, the dwell monitoring and receiver acquire slider will assist fine-tune ranges shortly. As soon as Adaptive Acquire Management is enabled, guide acquire turns into disabled.
Actual-World Utilization
On paper, the DJI Mic 3 is fairly spectacular, however what issues most is the way it holds up in precise shoots. I examined it throughout a latest lodge photoshoot to create a video explaining how I deal with location challenges. To maintain my equipment mild and unobtrusive, I paired the Mic 3 instantly with the DJI Osmo 360 through Bluetooth, tapping into the DJI OsmoAudio™ ecosystem. The expertise was seamless, with no messy cables or adapters—precisely the sort of comfort I needed when transferring between rooms. However as with most issues, that comfort comes with trade-offs.
The most important limitation of Bluetooth pairing is the shortage of dwell monitoring. Since you may’t join AirPods and the mic to the Osmo 360 on the similar time, there’s no strategy to monitor what’s being recorded in actual time. This isn’t an enormous concern for informal vlog classes. I additionally observed energy drain was barely increased than rated—round 20% battery drop in 1.5 hours of steady recording with noise cancellation and Bluetooth enabled, which works out to about 7.5 hours as a substitute of the rated 8.
Then there’s the charging case dilemma. On one hand, it’s good at protecting all the pieces neatly collectively, together with energy and information administration. Then again, it turns into a crutch. Since there isn’t a USB-C port on the transmitters themselves, you can’t simply cost or offload recordings with out the case. Meaning for those who carry just one transmitter to make use of with a small DJI digicam just like the Pocket 3 or Osmo 360, you gained’t be capable to cost it when low on energy. Not so unhealthy for those who simply want entry to the interior recordings, as you may obtain them wirelessly into your telephone through the DJI Mimo app. In the intervening time, DJI doesn’t promote the single-transmitter dock individually, except you purchase an additional transmitter that comes with one.
Pairing the mic with one gadget mechanically disconnects it from the beforehand linked gadget, so for those who transfer between cameras, you’ll should reconnect every time. That is probably a security characteristic to forestall duplication when a number of linked units are in use. Fortunately, the reconnection course of is fast and painless.
Now for the great elements. The consumer interface is effectively thought out, with recording-related controls within the fast menu and deeper transmitter settings tucked away to keep away from muddle. The interior 32-bit float recording is a wonderful security web, giving me peace of thoughts after I can’t monitor audio dwell. And in follow, it’s additionally useful for shortly pulling clear audio straight into modifying.
Bonus tip: When paired wirelessly, the Mic 3 may even double as a distant set off for beginning or stopping video recording on the Osmo 360 by clicking the pairing button.
For this video, I saved issues easy: all the pieces on auto, with solely the transmitter acquire manually adjusted. I recorded utilizing the Brilliant voice tone preset to provide extra readability to my naturally muddy voice and saved noise discount on the low setting to absorb some ambient sound. The windscreen was additionally hooked up to scrub up wind and outside noise.
Right here’s a video of how I dealt with one of many challenges throughout my latest lodge shoot:
Abstract
What I Appreciated
32-bit inner recording for versatile post-production
DJI OsmoAudio™ ecosystem integration (wi-fi audio recording and set off management)
Clever Adaptive Acquire Management
Timecode help for exact syncing
Compatibility with as much as eight receivers for larger-scale tasks
Stable battery life throughout the receiver and transmitters
Compact, light-weight design
Secure wi-fi efficiency with dependable vary
32 GB of built-in reminiscence for prolonged inner recording
Versatile magnetic attachment system with a number of mounting choices
Properly-designed charging case that retains all the pieces organized
What Might Be Improved
No 3.5 mm enter, limiting use with exterior lav mics
Lack of wi-fi dwell audio monitoring help
May benefit from a slimmer profile for simpler concealment with out a lav mic
Closing Closing Ideas
The DJI Mic 3 doesn’t really feel like a direct improve to its predecessor, however slightly a shift into a brand new product phase. It’s constructed not simply as a wi-fi mic, however as a flexible and fashionable audio resolution that expands past easy audio receiving. With options like timecode help, adaptive acquire, and the power to scale throughout a number of cameras and receivers, it’s clear that DJI designed this method for creators who need extra than simply clear sound. That is the right mic for somebody who goals to begin incorporating it into a bigger, extra complicated manufacturing workflow. Get yours at this time ranging from $99 (Single Transmitter), $219 (Single Transmitter and Receiver) or $329 (Two Transmitters and One Receiver Combo).
