DJI’s new wireless mics skip a few features to get smaller and lighter

DJI has announced its next wireless microphone system, the Mic Mini, which shrinks all the hardware while improving battery life. The new microphones weigh less than half of what the more expensive DJI Mic 2’s transmitters do, but the new system sacrifices useful features like built-in backup recording and the option to connect an even smaller lav mic in the name of improving portability.

Although the DJI Mic Mini seems like an improvement over the DJI Mic 2 system in many ways, it’s not a replacement. The Mic Mini transmitters lack the ability to record backup audio on their own. If that’s a concern, you’ll need to rely on your recording software, such as DJI’s Mimo app, which can capture a second safety track at a lower volume to avoid clipping and distortion.

You also can’t attach your lav mics to the transmitters and hide them away (meaning DJI’s logo will always be prominently displayed in your videos), and the wireless receiver lacks a screen for monitoring audio levels — this won’t cut it for many pros, even if they’re cheaper than the $349 Mic 2.

The DJI Mic Mini is now available from the company’s online store and other “authorized retail partners,” with shipping starting today. It’s available as part of a kit with two microphone transmitters, a wireless receiver, a charging case, and other accessories for $169. A cheaper $89 bundle skips the charging case and only includes a single mic transmitter and the wireless receiver, plus accessories like charging cables and docks. On their own, the mic transmitters are $59 each, while the charging case is $49.

Although the microphone transmitters included in DJI’s Mic 2 system were already small at 28 grams each, the Mic Mini’s weigh just 10 grams and are physically smaller, so they’re more discreet when clipped to clothing or worn using magnets or a lanyard. That’s lighter than the mic transmitters used in the Sennheiser’s Profile Wireless system (28 grams) and the Rode Wireless GO II system (30 grams) but just a bit heavier than Shure’s 8.2-gram MoveMic.

What isn’t smaller is the Mic Mini’s battery life. DJI says the mic transmitter will work for up to 11.5 hours on a full charge, while the wireless receiver can run up to 10.5 hours. When paired with the charging case that “provides an additional 3.6 full charges,” the Mic Mini system can be used for up to 48 hours without needing access to power. The transmitter and receiver in DJI’s Mic 2 system maxed out at six hours of battery life each.

The mic transmitters can connect directly to smartphones and mobile devices over Bluetooth or to DJI devices, including the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, and Osmo Pocket 3. Two of them can also be simultaneously connected to the Mic Mini wireless receiver to boost transmission ranges to up to 400 meters. The receiver connects to other devices over USB-C, Lightning, or a 3.5mm audio cable and features a dial with five gain settings to adjust the level of incoming sound.