The undisputed players in the wireless Lav mics, all vying for the lucrative market that uses these types of mic such as public speakers, “influencers”, podcasters, action camera users and so on are Sennheiser, RØDE and DJI.
Tonight, DJI has upped the ante with the announcement and release of the DJI Mic 3.
The company describes the Mic 3 as “an ultralight wireless microphone offering powerful performance and unmatched versatility”, adding “Mic 3 features 4TX + 8RX capability, along with four transmitters and eight receivers. It is also the first in the series to feature an adaptive gain control that automatically prevents clipping or dynamically balances the volume, along with three voice tone presets and two-level noise cancelling. Another first is the dual-file 32-bit float internal recording with 32 GB of storage”.
So let’s look a bit closer – and I’ll have a full review of the Mic 3 very shortly. I am also planning to run a head-to-head comparison between it and comparable Sennheiser and RØDE models in the near future.
Lightweight, Versatile, and Ready to Go
The DJI Mic 3 Transmitter is compact weighing just 16 grams. The microphone angle can be flexibly adjusted with the detachable, rotating clip, ensuring optimal audio capture no matter how it’s attached. It can be worn with either a magnetic or a clip-on attachment. If fashion is your thing the DJI Mic 3 windscreens can also be purchased in five different colours to easily match clothing or the environment.
Creators can easily bring Mic 3 along from location to location for multi-scene shooting while recharging on the go. The all-in-one charging case neatly holds two transmitters and one receiver. The transmitters can be stored without needing to remove the windscreen and magnetic clip. There is also space for the magnets and locking cables.
An Upleveled, Premium Audio Experience
DJI Mic 3 is equipped with intelligent features that enable dynamic, high-quality sound. It is the first DJI microphone to feature two Adaptive Gain Control modes. For outdoor environments with dramatic volume, such as sporting events, Automatic mode suppresses sudden volume spikes and prevents clipping. Meanwhile, Dynamic mode automatically adjusts gain in response to volume changes, ensuring consistent loudness – ideal for quiet indoor settings like studios.
Mic 3 is the first DJI microphone to offer three voice tone presets: Regular, Rich, and Bright. Ideal for interviews with multiple people with different vocal characteristics, this feature professionally tunes voices, boosting low frequencies to reduce muddiness or enhancing high frequencies to improve clarity.
Simultaneously, two-level active noise cancelling reduces background sounds such as air conditioning to deliver crisp and clear audio. With the windscreen attached, wind noise can be further reduced. Finally, the Lossless Audio feature enables the transmitter to deliver uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio directly to the receiver, capturing audio in stunning, high-fidelity detail.
Flexibility Made for Collaboration, Versatility and Reliability
DJI say the Mic 3 is the only mini wireless microphone that can support up to four transmitters and eight receivers at once (additional transmitters and receivers are sold separately). Whether it’s a group interview or multi-camera production, you’ll get crystal-clear audio on every device, making post-production a breeze. When set to Quadraphonic mode, the DJI Mic 3 Receiver—paired with select Sony cameras or computer software—supports independent output of four audio tracks. This enables precise track separation and flexible mixing, giving you greater creative freedom in post-production.
For complex, large environments such as trade shows or sporting events, Mic 3 features an impressive range of 400 metres and strong resistance to interference1, with automatic frequency hopping between2.4GHz and 5GHz bands ensuring rock-solid transmission.
I have to say 400 metres is bloody impressive and something I am looking forward to testing.
Offers Dual-File 32-bit Float Internal Recording and Timecode Support for Easier Post-production
Internal recording protects material from wireless interference or device issues, ensuring users never need to worry about lost audio. The Mic 3’s dual-file internal recording saves both the original track and the algorithm-enhanced version. This allows for creative flexibility and simplifies post-production processing. With two internal recording specifications – either 24-bit or 32-bit floating point – Mic 3 provides a dynamic range that adapts better to complex sound environments, able to capture every nuance of a voice from a whisper to a shout. The transmitter offers high-precision timecode functionality, embedding timecode data during internal recording. Within a 24 hour period, the timecode won’t deviate for more than one frame1, guaranteeing precise synchronisation across multiple cameras and allowing effortless alignment of footage in post-production.
Powering All-Day Creation
A fully charged Mic 3 transmitter lasts up to eight hours1, and the receiver lasts up to 10 hours1. The charging case provides 2.4 full charges, achieving 28 hours of extended use. A five-minute quick-charge can power the DJI Mic 3 for two hours1, while just 50 minutes is needed for a full charge1. The Mic 3 also offers multiple power-saving features to prevent the need for recharging. For example, Auto
Power-Savings puts the receiver and transmitter to sleep if not in use, while Auto Power-Off turns them off after a period of inactivity.
Simple, Straightforward Connection within DJI Ecosystem and Beyond
With a direct connection to the DJI OsmoAudio™ ecosystem, DJI Mic 3 pairs with Osmo 360, Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, delivering premium audio while minimising the amount of gear needed and simplifying a creator’s workflow. To connect with other devices, Mic 3 features a locking 3.5mm TRS output port, a 3.5mm TRRS monitoring port, and a USB-C port. It can also connect directly to smartphones via Bluetooth without a receiver.
It appears DJI is intent on building an entire environment a la Apple. What I would like to see is an option that allows something like the DJI Mic to also interact with a DJI drone allowing voice commentary while in flight..
Price and Availability
The DJI Mic 3 is available to order from store.dji.com/au in the following configurations:
- DJI Mic 3 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case): $569 AUD
- DJI Mic 3 (1 TX + 1 RX): $369 AUD
The DJI Mic 3 Receiver and DJI Mic 3 Transmitter can also be purchased separately at $219 AUD and $189 AUD each respectively. The DJI Mic 3 Charging Case retails at $129.
DJI Mic 3 accessories include:
- DJI Mic Series Camera Adapter: $49 AUD
- DJI Mic 3 Multi-Color Windscreens: $39 AUD
- DJI Mic 3 Mobile Phone Adapter: $39 AUD
For more information about DJI Mic 3 and its remarkable features, please visit: https://www.dji.com/mic-3