In the ever-evolving world of content creation, having reliable and high-quality audio is paramount. DJI offers two popular wireless microphone systems, the DJI Mic Mini and the DJI Mic 2, each designed to cater to different creator needs. But with similar names, how do you choose? This blog post will break down their features, differences and help you decide which microphone system is the perfect fit for you.
What’s Included in the Box?
Both the DJI Mic Mini and DJI Mic 2 come with a convenient charging case, two wireless microphones (transmitters), a receiver, a USB-C cable and a 3.5mm audio cable for connecting to cameras. Let’s take a look what’s inside each box:
DJI Mic 2 Kit:
1. Carrying case.
2. USB-C cable and audio cable.
3. Two fluffy windscreens.
4. Charging case with built-in battery.
5. Two wireless microphones (transmitters) and one receiver.
6. Two adapters:
a Lightning port adapter and
b USB Type-C adapter for connecting to phones or computers.
DJI Mic Mini Kit:
1. Carrying case.
2. USB-C cable and audio cable.
3. Four fluffy windscreens, offering more options.
4. Charging case with built-in battery.
5. Two wireless microphones (transmitters) and one receiver.
6. One USB Type-C adapter. If you need a Lightning port adapter, it must be purchased separately.
Key Similarities: Versatility and Core Functionality
Despite their differences, both microphone systems share several crucial features that make them excellent choices for creators:
- Broad Compatibility: Both mics are highly versatile and can plug into cameras using the audio cable, connect to smartphones via USB-C or Lightning adapters, and even plug into computers. This means you can start creating with your phone and easily transition to a camera later.
- Osmo Product Integration: Both the DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini can wirelessly connect directly to some of DJI’s action cameras, like the Osmo Pocket 3, Osmo Action 4, and Action 5 Pro, without needing the receiver module.
- Magnetic Clip Design: Both transmitters feature a magnetic clip design, allowing them to be securely attached to clothing or other surfaces, with an additional magnet for slipping under clothing for a discreet look.
- Noise Cancellation: Both systems include built-in noise cancellation capabilities in their transmitters. While the DJI Mic 2’s noise cancellation is considered “okay,” the Mic Mini’s noise cancellation has shown significant improvement, effectively removing background noise without making the audio sound artificial.
- Automatic Limiter: Both microphones have an automatic limiter to help prevent audio clipping, ensuring cleaner sound levels. The Mic Mini also automatically adjusts volume levels to prevent clipping.
- Charging Case: Both systems come with charging cases that have their own built-in batteries, allowing the mics and receivers to charge automatically when placed inside. This is a very convenient feature, saving you from having to plug in individual components.
Key Differences: Where They Diverge
The main distinctions between the DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini lie in their price, features, and physical size.
- Price: This is perhaps the most significant difference. The DJI Mic Mini combo kit is priced at $169, while the DJI Mic 2 combo kit costs $350. This $180 difference is substantial for many creators. Cheaper kits are available for both if you only need one microphone and no charging case.
- Size and Portability: The DJ Mic Mini is significantly smaller and lighter than the Mic 2, often described as literally half the size. This makes the Mic Mini more comfortable to wear on lightweight clothing, where the Mic 2 can feel heavier and sometimes sag or pull on a t-shirt. The Mic Mini’s compact charging case is also designed to fit all accessories, making it more convenient for travel and being lightweight.
- Internal Recording: The DJI Mic 2 features 32-bit float internal recording with up to 14 hours of built-in storage. This is a crucial “pro-level” feature, acting as a backup in case of connection issues or signal drops, and offering greater flexibility in post-production for recovering clipped audio or boosting quiet sections without distortion. The Mic Mini, on the other hand, does not have any internal storage or backup recording; it only records audio to the device its receiver is plugged into.
- External Microphone Input: The Mic 2 includes an audio jack for connecting external microphones (like a lav mic), effectively turning the transmitter into a wireless transmission system for any microphone you plug into it. The Mic Mini does not have this option.
- Receiver Display and Controls: The Mic 2 receiver boasts a tiny touchscreen that displays battery levels, audio volume, and allows access to microphone and receiver settings, plus it has an additional audio jack for monitoring headphones. The Mic Mini receiver is much simpler, lacking a display or a headphone jack, with its only control being a gain adjustment dial. While simpler, the Mini’s receiver design is noted to fit most phone cases better.
- Transmission Distance: Surprisingly, the Mic Mini boasts a longer transmission distance of 400 meters line of sight, compared to the Mic 2’s 250 meters. While extended range might not always be necessary for typical content creation, it indicates a strong signal.
- Battery Life: The Mic Mini offers nearly twice the operating time with an impressive 11.5 hours of battery life per transmitter, compared to the Mic 2’s 6 hours. With its charging case, the Mic Mini can provide up to 48 hours of battery life, while the Mic 2 offers up to 18 hours.
- Receiver Mount: The Mic Mini’s receiver has a spring-loaded clip on the back designed to securely fit on hot or cold shoe mounts. The Mic 2’s mount is not spring-loaded, making it less secure on cold shoes.
- Accessories Availability: The DJI Mic 2 has more accessories available, such as a multi-interface adapter for Sony cameras (though not compatible with the Mic Mini). The Mic Mini has fewer accessory options. The Sony hot shoe adapter for the Mic 2, which allows for automatic gain adjustment presets for Sony cameras, is an additional purchase.
- Build Quality: The DJI Mic 2 generally feels more robust and solid compared to the Mic Mini, which can feel a bit more plasticky.
Audio Quality Verdict
Both the DJI Mic 2 and Mic Mini are described as “great quality microphones” with excellent sound. While you might not hear a significant difference, some listeners find the DJI Mic 2 to sound slightly “brighter” or “more clear on the high-end,” while the Mic Mini has a “pretty neutral response”. Ultimately, the preferred sound quality can be subjective based on individual voice and listening preferences.
Which Microphone Should You Buy?
The choice between the DJI Mic Mini and DJI Mic 2 largely depends on your specific needs, budget, and creative workflow.
Choose the DJI Mic Mini if you are:
- A solo creator, beginner or on a tight budget.
- A vlogger or someone needing casual use.
- Primarily using your smartphone for content creation, as it’s more compact and its receiver fits more phone cases seamlessly.
- Looking for maximum portability and a lightweight setup that’s comfortable to wear for extended periods.
- Prioritizing longer battery life and range.
- Content with not having internal backup recording or an external microphone input.
Choose the DJI Mic 2 if you are:
- A professional or someone needing advanced features for high-end video production.
- Conducting interviews or podcasts, where features like 32-bit float internal recording and the ability to plug in a lavalier microphone are beneficial.
- Requiring onboard backup recording as a critical peace of mind feature.
- Needing the flexibility to connect external microphones.
- Valuing a touchscreen receiver for easy adjustment of audio settings and a headphone jack for monitoring.
- Working in situations where robust build quality is a priority.
Neither microphone is objectively “better” than the other; they are designed for different users and use cases. Consider your specific requirements and budget to make the best choice for your content creation journey.
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