DJI has released the Mic 2 wireless microphone system with 32 – bit floating point recording and Bluetooth connectivity. This kit is perhaps one of the few that gives a worthy answer to the Australian RØDE Wireless Pro with 32-bit recording on board. Today RØDE has a serious competitor, and it’s $50 cheaper – the price of a complete set is $349.
DJI Mic 2 Kit
The DJI Mic 2 wireless kit operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the maximum set includes two transmitters, one receiver and a charging case, and this case is metal. Each of the two transmitters is equipped with 8 GB of internal memory and provides floating point audio recording up to 32-bit or 24-bit with a safe -6 dB track.
The transmitters can also connect to select DJI devices via Bluetooth—the company calls the DJI Osmo Action 4, Osmo Pocket 3, and DJI smartphones—without the need for a receiver. And to work without Bluetooth, you will need a receiver; it is equipped with USB-C and Lightning ports, and there is a 3.5 mm TRS analog output.
DJI Mic 2 transmitter with stylish translucent housing
As has become customary for devices of this class, the receiver is equipped with a 1.1-inch OLED touch screen, and such a screen is really easy to use. There is a 3.5 mm headphone output.
Each transmitter has a built-in omnidirectional microphone, recording function and intelligent noise reduction technology. When connected via Bluetooth, the noise reduction does not work, it would be interesting to know why. The kit includes windshields for microphones; you can optionally connect external 3.5 mm lavaliers. Each transmitter measures 46 x 31 x 22 mm and weighs 28 g.
The DJI Mic 2 receiver resembles a similar one from Hollyland LARK MAX
Of course, DJI Mic 2 allows stereo recording, meaning each transmitter can be recorded on its own channel. Each transmitter is also equipped with 8 GB of internal memory, which can accommodate up to 14 hours of 24-bit recording at 48 kHz.
However, if we use internal 32-bit floating point recording, the -6dB safe track is not needed, since in this mode we are not afraid of any overload. The manufacturer warns that when working via Bluetooth, internal recording will not work. In general, this Bluetooth introduces some limitations, although it will probably be useful to someone, since it was included in this device. I noticed that Chinese developers have recently been very fond of adding some controversial functions to professional devices, without which these same devices work great.
About 32-bit recording, it should be emphasized that it only works when recording to the internal memory of the transmitters. For example, when working with a camera, the camera’s ADC will digitize the signal, and this signal will be generated according to the camera’s specifications. In my work I do not use recording to the internal memory of WGII transmitters, although this is possible, I find it inconvenient during editing. However, having 32 bits may change my workflow, moving to modern technologies in the future is inevitable.
DJI offers kits not only with a black, but also with a white body design, which many wedding operators will appreciate, and the white transmitter can also be given to an actor who is wearing light-colored clothes, and this does not necessarily mean a wedding.
DJI Mic 2 looks great on clothes
But what is very convenient to use is the charging case. Firstly, it is charging :), and, secondly, it serves as a cover for the entire set, which is also excellent. The operating time of each transmitter with a built-in 360 mAh lithium-ion battery can reach up to 6 hours, of course, without turning on the built-in recording function, and with the case you can get up to 18 hours of battery life.
The range is 250 m, and here my comments will be as follows: I constantly use my radio system in my work and have repeatedly tested various other microphone radio systems, and I went further than 20 meters from the camera solely for the sake of this very test. In addition, if you want to have a clear signal at some distance from the camera, and sometimes turn sideways or with your back to the audience, you can easily use the internal memory, for these cases it is provided here.
DJI Mic 2 Kit
What about the prices?
- The DJI Mic 2 includes 2 transmitters, 1 receiver and a charging case. Also included is a 3.5mm camera audio cable, USB-C and Lightning adapters, windshields, magnetic clips, a USB-C charging cable, and a carrying case. This set costs $349.
- The DJI Mic 2 kit with 1 transmitter and 1 receiver costs $219.
- The DJI Mic 2 transmitter in black or white sells for $99.
- DJI Lavalier Microphone – $39.
- DJI Mic 2 Charging Case – $69.
