DJI Mic Mini 2 review: The tiny wireless mic is colorful and much cheaper
Source: Engadget
Overview
Not long ago, high‑quality wireless mic systems cost over $500 and required a bulky transmitter and lav mic wire tucked under the subject’s shirt. DJI’s Mic Mini showed how unnecessary all of that was, combining mic and transmitter into a 0.35‑ounce device that delivered high‑quality sound for under $100.
Now, DJI has released the Mic Mini 2 (around $100) as a mild update to the original at a much lower price. It’s more fashion‑forward thanks to the colorful new magnetic covers and offers an audio upgrade via new voice‑tone presets. Those changes make it the best budget wireless mic for new buyers, but it’s not worth the upgrade if you already have a Mic Mini — and DJI’s flagship Mic 3 is better if you can afford it. However, beware that the Mic Mini 2 isn’t currently on sale in the US as it hasn’t yet been certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Design and features
The Mic Mini 2 now comes in two packages for smartphone and camera users.
| Package | Receiver output | Included accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone kit | USB‑C port | Mobile receiver, charging case, 1 or 2 transmitters (mics), magnetic mount, clip mount, black & white magnetic front covers, windscreen for each mic, smartphone adapter |
| Camera kit | 3.5 mm mic output (for mirrorless cameras) | Receiver, charging case, 1 or 2 transmitters, magnetic mount, clip mount, black & white magnetic front covers, windscreen for each mic, 10 rainbow‑colored mic covers |
- The rainbow mic covers are reminiscent of ‘90s iMac hues, letting you match a subject’s clothing or add a pop of color.
- All covers feature a large DJI logo, which many creators cover with tape.
- Optional designer front covers (four abstract ‘90s‑style patterns in pastel shades) are sold separately for around $45.
Physical updates
- Transmitter shape: flatter than the previous faceted design to accommodate the new magnetic covers.
- Weight: each mic now weighs 0.39 oz (slightly heavier).
- Battery life:
- Transmitters – up to 11.5 h on a charge.
- Receiver – about 10.5 h with noise cancellation disabled (longer in continuous‑recording tests).
- Compared to rivals: Rode Wireless Go III (≈ 7 h), Hollyland Lark M2 (≈ 10 h).
Charging & storage
- Transmitters and receiver snap magnetically into the charging case.
- Mobile case – fits in a pants pocket.
- Camera case – fits in a jacket pocket or bag.
- The case can recharge the three devices 3.6 times, providing up to 48 h of use without a wall outlet.
- Charging times: ~2 h for all three devices in the camera case; ~1 h for the smaller receiver and single transmitter in the mobile case.
Connectivity
- Transmitters pair directly with smartphones via Bluetooth.
- They also connect to DJI cameras (Osmo Action 6, Osmo 360, Osmo Pocket 4) via DJI’s OsmoAudio system.
Audio quality
Basic operation
- Attach the mics (transmitters) to your subject using the clip or magnetic mount and turn them on.
- Power the receiver and connect it:
- Camera – 3.5 mm cable.
- Smartphone – USB‑C port.
- Pairing is automatic.
- Adjust the gain between ‑12 dB and +12 dB with the side dial (camera receiver only).
- Set noise reduction:
- Switch on the mobile receiver, or
- Use the Mimo app for the camera receiver.
Comparison with the flagship Mic 3
| Feature | Mic 3 | Mic Mini 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Internal recording | 32‑bit float, 32 GB storage (eliminates clipping) | None (no backup if camera/smartphone fails) |
| Dynamic gain control | Yes (balances volume for variable speech) | No |
| Audio level display | Yes | No |
| Limiting | Automatic limiting only (prevents clipping but can affect quality) | Same |
| Sample rate / depth | 48 kHz / 24‑bit (same as Mini 2) | 48 kHz / 24‑bit |
Voice‑tone presets
- Rich – emphasizes low tones; works well without post‑EQ.
- Regular – neutral, balanced sound; best for users who prefer to EQ themselves.
- Bright – adds clarity in noisy environments.
Test results
- Recorded voice using all three presets; the “rich” mode delivered a full low‑end without additional EQ.
- Frequency‑sweep test (maxing EQ in narrow bands) showed only minor distortion at a single frequency for the Mic Mini 2, which was easily corrected by lowering gain.
- Noise cancellation:
- Low setting – reduces background noise with slight distortion.
- High setting – noticeably distorts audio; use only when noise is excessive.
- Wireless range – successfully recorded from 450 yards away, matching DJI’s claim, though the device disconnected once at that distance.
Wrap‑up
The Mic Mini 2 is now available in Europe and elsewhere but not yet in the US due to a lack of certification. Pricing (almost half of the original Mic Mini launch price) is:
- Camera kit (two transmitters + receiver): €89 / £89
- Mobile kit (one transmitter + receiver): €49 / £54
Given the features and price, the Mic Mini 2 doesn’t have a lot of competition. Its main rival is the Rode Wireless Go III, which is roughly double the price and lacks noise cancellation (though it offers slightly better audio quality). Other options in the same price range—from Hollyland, Boya, and others—either can’t connect to both a camera and a smartphone or don’t match the Mic Mini 2 in sound quality and features.
Overall, the Mic Mini 2 offers a great combination of range, audio quality, and noise cancellation. It isn’t a necessary upgrade for current Mic Mini owners, but if you’re buying your first wireless mic and don’t want to spend on a bundle, it’s a solid choice.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/dji-mic-mini-2-review-the-tiny-wireless-mic-is-colorful-and-much-cheaper-120046171.html?src=rss