If you watch videos on YouTube, I'm sure you'll see DJI Mic being used by many popular content producers. We have been using this microphone for the past year because it offers good audio recording, is easy to use, easy to carry and compatible with various devices used in our labs.
A few months ago the DJI Mic 2 was launched with several improvements. I can say at the beginning of this review that many good things solve old issues but at the same time raise some new ones. Here's the full DJI Mic 2 review.
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
DJI Mic 2
Microphone Set Type
Microphone/Transmitter 2x Microphone
GFSK 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps
Bluetooth BR/EDR
1x Receiver
GFSK 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps
Microphone Weight – 28g
Receiver – 28g
Storage pod – 200g
Microphone Battery – 360 mAh (6 hours)
Receiver – 360 mAh (6 hours)
Storage pod – 3250 mAh (12 hours)
USB-C charging
Waterproof ability None
Selling Price RM 1649
DESIGN AND USE
The DJI Mic 2 set I reviewed consists of two transmitter-cum-microphones, a signal receiver unit, and a charging pod-cum-storage case for the transmitter and receiver. The design of the Mic 2 microphone is very stylish because it is transparent. Reminds me of the Nothing Phone (1) which has the same transparent panel on the back.
There is no difference in terms of microphone design Mic 2 with the original Mic. Still shaped like a nut with rounded sides. There is a power button, turn on ANC and even start recording remotely. The microphone has a clip on the back to attach it to a shirt. I'm more comfortable using the included magnetic clip as it hides the mic inside the shirt.
On the top there is a grille for speakers as well as a 3.5mm audio jack that allows a Levalier type microphone to be connected when needed. The same audio jack also doubles as a jack for plugging in furry wind deflectors (two come with purchase). On the original DJI Mic, this wind shield is attached to the microphone using a rubber that is easily removable. On this model the wind shield has two plastic 3.5mm audio jacks which when inserted into the audio jack. It fits more neatly as long as it is not pulled too hard.
The larger battery makes the microphone slightly thicker but shorter. Despite that it now only weighs 28 grams compared to 30 grams on the previous model. I have to say that I can't really feel the weight difference between DJI Mic 2 and DJI Mic when pinned to a shirt.
More significant changes can be seen in the receiver unit which is now equipped with a larger 1.1″ OLED screen and finally has a rotary control knob. The video team told me on the original model, the small screen (0.9″ OLED) made it difficult to change settings on the receiver. With this button, fingers will no longer accidentally press the menu on the screen and also prevent the screen from getting greasy.
The "shoe" part of the receiver can be changed for connection to the camera, USB-C and Lighthing. The process of changing shoes is easy and after changing, I can put them back in the storage pod without them having to be changed first. On the receiver side there is a 3.5mm audio jack to connect it to the camera's audio jack.
This year's charging pod-cum-storage case is bigger and looks more stylish. The metal body has a rough texture that makes it easy to hold. This is necessary because storage containers are now longer and heavier. The battery is improved so that it can charge the microphone and receiver up to twice as compared to only 1.8X on the original DJI Mic. Four LED lights on the front indicate the charging pod's battery level. DJI says that overall, the Mic 2 set can be used for up to 18 hours before needing to be recharged.
Another thing I like about the storage container is that it now has a latch that locks the lid securely. The cover can only be opened if the latch is pressed. My issue with the first model was that the lid would open spilling the contents onto the floor if dropped. With the built-in latch, I don't have to worry about the contents of the charging pod accidentally coming out in the backpack.
USAGE
The Mic 2 microphone finally supports bluetooth tethering directly to smartphones. This is a feature I really wanted. Previously the receiver unit was mounted on the chin of the iPhone and Android device I used to record vlogs. The receiver unit is quite large making it difficult to hold the phone in the hand. The mooring process is also easy without a headache.
Microphone usage time increased to 6 hours compared to 5.5 hours. Normally after use I put it back into the charging pod. During the review period of about a month, I only ever recharged this charging pod twice. The battery used is big enough for my use.
The feature I find most interesting on the DJI Mic 2 is the simultaneous recording of two audio tracks. The second recording will be done at an audio setting -6dB lower. If the audio of the first track breaks, this second track can be used to save the situation. Each microphone also has enough space to store up to 14 hours of audio.
Anyone who has ever recorded a video must have experienced the incident of a video being recorded without audio by accident. If it happens, video recording must be done a second time. The built-in audio recording feature and also the second track on the Mic 2 will be very useful for content producers like me.
There is only one thing that is not good for me and the team, which is the relatively large DJI Mic 2 storage pod. Previously I could store the DJI Mic storage pod in my pants or sweater pocket. This year's pods are too big to fit comfortably in a pocket. Often times after the microphone is removed I have to put the charging pod into the bag.
The process of video recording becomes a little tedious than before, especially if I record outside the studio.
AUDIO QUALITY
The DJI Mic 2 is the microphone used for all videos over the past month replacing the original Mic. The audio is solid, clear, sharp and of high quality. There's nothing negative I can write about the audio quality except that recordings sound better using the receiver than in bluetooth mode. When ANC mode is turned on, however, the audio will sound a little muffled.
This is an issue I have had with other microphones such as the Hollyland Lark M2. For the most stable audio recording, I recommend that the receiver unit be connected to a smartphone. Even so, if it's just for recording TikTok Live, vlogs on social media, Stories and YouTube Shorts, I still feel that the quality of audio recording in Bluetooth mode is still much better than using the built-in microphone on a smartphone.
The audio recording is also good enough that I used it for several podcast episodes and ADR recordings when something went wrong with the commercial script I produced for Amamz. Overall at the worst audio recording quality DJI Mic 2 is still better than recording using a cheap microphone or a microphone on a smartphone.
IN THE BOX
In every purchase, you will receive the following.
2x DJI Mic 2 Microphones.
1x DJI Mic 2 receiver unit.
1x DJI Mic 2 charging pod.
1x TRS Cable.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable
1x USB-C Adapter.
1x Lightning Adapter.
1x Shoe for digital camera.
2x Feather windbreaks.
2x Magnetic clips.
1x Leather storage bag.
CONCLUSION
At a price of RM1649, the DJI Mic 2 falls into the expensive category. It's only a few hundred dollars cheaper than the SteelSeries Alias Pro microphone I reviewed yesterday. What I can say is that the audio quality that can be recorded using this microphone is very satisfactory not only for video content producers on social media but also for those who want to produce podcasts.
The only downside is that the storage pods are getting bigger and heavier. It is difficult for it to be put in a trouser pocket like the previous model. DJI also sells the Mic 2 with only one microphone and one receiver unit at a price of RM989. It's still a bit expensive but if you're looking for a microphone to make your dream of becoming a social media influencer come true, I recommend the DJI Mic 2.
Pro
A complete audio recording system.
Good enough audio recording quality.
Bluetooth support is finally provided.
High quality packaging.
Good battery life.
Cons
The price is less affordable.
The charging pod is larger and heavier than the previous model.