DJI’s Rode-rival Mic Mini is an excellent wireless microphone for smartphone content creators, and it works for cameras too
DJI has unveiled its smallest wireless microphone, the Mic Mini, which weighs just 0.35oz/10g and easily pairs with smartphones and cameras for better in-flight audio quality.
Competing with the recently announced smartphone-only Rode Wireless Micro, DJI has taken a different approach by creating a Bluetooth microphone that also works with cameras, even if the receiver is larger (see the image below where it’s connected on a smartphone).
The microphones, also called transmitters, can be easily attached with a clip or magnetic holder, and resemble a scaled-down version of DJI’s Mic 2, which we crowned best camera accessory at the 2024 Ny Breaking Choice Awards.
@techradar
♬ Storytelling – Adriel
DJI sells the components separately and also as kits, with the transmitters (microphones) available in Infinity Black or Arctic White. One transmitter costs $59 / £49 / AU$69, a transmitter and receiver costs $89 / £79 / $AU125, and a set with two transmitters, a receiver and a charging case costs $169 / £145 / AU$245. The complete kit is probably the best choice if you’re starting from scratch.
The receiver has a USB-C connector, but if you’re using an iPhone with Lightning port you’ll need to purchase the adapter separately ($19 / £19 / AU$39). The list price for the kit is comparable to the Rode Wireless Micro, despite the Mic Mini’s greater versatility, while costing about half of DJI’s Mic 2.
DJI Mic Mini versus DJI Mic 2: which one is right for you?
Both the Mic Mini and Mic 2 work with smartphones and cameras. They connect to your phone via Bluetooth, or to a phone or camera via a wireless receiver that connects directly via USB-C.
Where DJI’s wireless microphones differ is that the more expensive Mic 2 features 32-bit float audio that can better prevent clipping when your audio suddenly gets loud, and internal storage for direct recording, so you can use it independently of a camera or as can use backup. while the receiver has a display to monitor audio levels.
The Mic Mini is a much simpler device, with a receiver offering ±12db audio level control, but otherwise it’s a simple experience and, crucially, a reliable microphone system. We have been testing the Mic Mini for several weeks and will publish our review soon. Spoiler alert: DJI has knocked it out of the park again with a slick, interference-free and well-built microphone.
So which model suits you best? I would recommend the Mic Mini to those who need a simple experience and use their phone mainly for content creation. It’s half the price and twice as easy to use.
The Mic 2, on the other hand, offers seriously powerful audio features and would hands down be the better option for serious makers who care about audio quality. Both are excellent options for use with the best mirrorless cameras, and make a perfect pairing with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a top-rated vlogging camera.
It’s a tougher decision between the Rode Wireless Micro and Mic Mini. If you are only If you shoot video with a smartphone, then Rode’s offering makes more sense, as the receiver is much smaller and fits right into your USB-C charging port, while the Mic Mini’s receiver sticks out and can get in the way. However, you won’t have the option to use the Rode Wireless Micro with a camera if you ever take it a step further.