Enhance your action camera videos with high-quality audio using top-rated microphone attachments. Explore our comprehensive guide to find the best options featuring noise reduction, wind cancellation, and compatibility with popular action camera models.

It’s been mentioned a lot that it’s true, but it’s worth not being forgotten. Poor sound quality is the biggest turn-off in the video.

If you rely on the camera’s microphone to provide the best audio quality, you’ll most likely be disappointed. The solution may not be as easy with an action camera as it is with an additional microphone.

You’ll need an accessory for your camera’s microphone. This is because most action cameras don’t come with microphone input.

Do you want to take your audio performance to the highest level by enhancing the quality of your audio? Read our review of the Best Action Camera microphone attachments for better sound.

How do you connect a camera and microphone?

The first hurdle to conquer is the absence of an audio connector. Connecting your audio signal through the camera’s action mode is best. Action cameras lack an external microphone input port.

This means that you’ll require an adapter for your microphone to connect it from an outside source. With some older or less expensive action cameras, this alternative might not be offered.

The review presumes that compact size is the primary goal of action cameras. Most of these external microphones are connected to an audio recording device, but this isn’t the main focus.

(As an aside, an audio recorder can take you to a higher level of superior sound quality. (It is primarily because it enhances the pre-amplifier for your microphone tremendously.)

If this isn’t the case for you, let’s move on.

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External Microphone Adapters GoPro Cameras

If you are using a GoPro HERO3 or HERO4 action camera, you’ll need a 3.5mm connector for USB Mini B to connect the microphone to an outside source. It may be an uninspiring dongle. It will allow users access to an extra microphone that they can relate to their GoPro.

In the case of the GoPro Hero 5 and later, things get somewhat simpler. GoPro creates an adapter for a USB C socket. USB C socket and provides a 3.5mm USB C socket. This is the most straightforward solution to connect to the HERO5 and HERO7 Action cameras.

The best device for those with the Hero 8, Hero 9, and Hero 10 is GoPro’s Camera Media Mod. (Although similar to this, HERO8 Media Mod does not work with the other two camera models.)

Media Mod Media Mod is a wraparound adapter connecting to the camera’s USB socket. It also includes a directional microphone, two mounts for cold shoes, and 3.5mm, USB C, and mini HDMI ports.

The external microphone built into the camera is already superior to the microphone built into the action camera. The size and 3.5mm socket offer a massive variety of possibilities.

However, there are two drawbacks. It’s not waterproof and could affect the waterproofing of the camera. Using it is not recommended when you are concerned that the camera could be submerged.

It adds another layer of complexity when changing the battery since it needs to be removed entirely from the camera to accomplish this.

A different option could be one of the Ulanzi collections of GoPro housings for action cameras. They don’t come with the external microphone in Media Mod. Media Mod. They do, however, offer more options for mounting accessories.

The mounts allow easy access to both the battery and SD card. They also provide tripod screws as well as GoPro finger mounting alternatives. However, you’ll still require a USB for a 3.5mm adapter.

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External Microphone Adapters to DJI Osmo Action and Action 2

Dongles from generic brands connected via USB C to 3.5mm should be compatible with DJI Osmo Action and Action 2 cameras. It’s best to verify compatibility before purchasing.

This CYNOVA Osmo Action Dual provides an improved modular look and includes a USB C port. Like other GoPro media mods, the GoPro Media Mod, using this adapter, will compromise waterproofing.

We’ve solved the adapter issue. The next step is to select an external microphone to capture your camera action footage.

What is the most effective action camera microphone?

In this article, we’ll examine two significant kinds of microphones that you can use with your action camera: lavalier and shotgun. The needs of your camera will determine which one is best for you.

Microphones gather audio in similar ways. However, they are made for different uses. A microphone for action cameras will be omnidirectional. This means that it collects the sound of all sources.

In reality, however, these microphones can capture the sound of a 180-degree field. A shotgun microphone gives you better sound direction. It also provides better sound quality and superior wind noise cancellation.

It will eliminate or minimize the sound from the sides and rear and concentrate on the sound just in front of a microphone.

A lavalier microphone can collect sounds like an action camera microphone. Its advantage is that it lets you easily record interviews or narrations. This helps reduce ambient noise.

When you have an action camera, it’s not a good idea to tie yourself up to wires, so let’s simply look at wireless options.

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What to Look for in a Lavalier Microphone

The lavalier microphone can be known as a tie-clip or lapel microphone. We are all familiar with it, everyone who watches television.

It’s not always clear that they’re utilized in films and dramas and are hidden from the public’s view. Audio professionals appreciate them since they can be placed near the sound source.

The lav microphones used in action cameras chosen for this review appear different from TV mics. They include the transmitter and microphone on one device.

It’s not ideal for watching TV, but fantastic for those travelling. It also means there aren’t cables that trail, which is crucial for users of action cameras.

7 Best Action Camera Microphone Attachments

Make sure to keep your action camera footage intact. Invest in a top-notch microphone attachment that captures every sound detail, from thrilling outdoor activities to underwater adventures.

Check out our recommended options to elevate your action camera microphone attachment to the next level.

#1. Rode Wireless Go II

Rode is a well-known producer of audio-related products. Wireless Go II is an outstanding illustration of why they’re so famous. Two variants come with two or more transmitters.

They’re small and square. They are also easily transportable. The transmitter is attached to the wearer’s clothing, and the receiver is mounted on a hot or cold shoe. You’ll also have to connect the receiver’s port to the 3.55 connector of your adapter.

The wireless transmission range is 660′ (200 m). Therefore, anything less than 330′ (100 m) should not be an issue. The transmitter can record onboard. It means you won’t lose your audio, even if your transmission is interrupted.

Wireless Go II Wireless Go II uses Rode’s safety mode. This record is an additional audio track with a dB of -20. The transmitter keeps your sound at a lower volume and does not clip, even if you’re overexcited after a fall from an aeroplane.

Its Rode phone app permits the control of safety mode and other functions. The receiver also has an LCD with transparent colour to track various variables.

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#2. DJI Mic

It is the DJI Mic that is specifically designed to work with the DJI Osmo Action. It includes an adapter for a cold shoe that allows users to connect it alongside other cameras, including the action cameras you own.

There are two microphone/transmitter units and a receiver. All of them can be kept in a sturdy charging case. This makes transportation pairing, charging, and charging the devices easy.

It is possible to clip the transmitters to your clothing. If this isn’t possible, the transmitters also come with magnetic mounts. This is an excellent solution for unbuttoned T-shirts. Shirts, for example.

The battery’s life span is 15 hours and will last longer than the recording time of every action camera. The dead cats included can lessen the sound of the wind.

Like the Rode Wireless Go II, the DJI Mic has onboard recording and an emergency track (6 dB). It also has a variable gain level, which allows you to adjust its output to the requirements of your camera.

#3. Synco G2

I’m using this as a potential contender in the low-cost external microphone field. Synco G2 Synco G2 operates on the same basic principle as previous microphones.

It doesn’t have the recording onboard, so you’ll lose that part of the recording if your audio gets dropped in a particular area. Also, it does not come with a safety track.

The Rode has superior audio quality when you listen to the Synco G2 and Rode Wireless Go II one-to-one. There’s less background noise, and the music is better. The Rode has excellent audio quality compared to the Synco G2.

All things are relative, however. The Synco can offer superior voice recording from an extended distance than the built-in microphone of the action camera.

If you’re not planning to shell out the cash for the Road (or the DJI one, which is more expensive), if you’re looking for a better option, the Synco is worth a glance.

#4. Movo VXR10 Pro

This Movo VXR10 Pro shotgun microphone is a compact, shock-mounted shotgun microphone. The microphone is equipped with cables that join an action camera or smartphone. The mic also includes a travel bag and a dirty cat windshield.

Its Movo VXR10 Pro has a better sound but less high-frequency response than Rode. However, the downside of this model is that Movo is more likely to pick up excessive sound from the wind in highly turbulent conditions. This is even when the dead system is installed.

This could be a concern because action cameras can spend large portions of their time outdoors. With this price, it’s not a surprise the camera doesn’t have a high-pass filter or gain control. However, there’s a headphone socket, so you can listen to your recordings.

#5. Siren VM-Q1

I’ve only recently discovered Siren. The VM-Q1 microphone has been getting favourable reviews. It is priced at a reasonable cost. It’s compact and comes with a spring mount and foam-filled windshields.

The quality of the sound isn’t the best. One reviewer reported that the cables supplied with the microphone were extremely loud. However, after an upgrade to the line, the sound quality is impressive, considering the price range.

Remember, even a low-cost mic like this will dramatically improve the quality of the audio in the video you record. The Siren VM-Q1 isn’t equipped with an audio jack for headphones, which means it cannot hear the sound while in the field.

#6. Rode Video Micro

Rode is a significant influencer on the internet through blogs and YouTube. This is due to their variety of microphones. They also have a wide range of microphones. Rode “sound” appears to be in line with the needs of both content creators and users.

The VideoMicro could sound less evident in the lower frequencies compared to others. This is because the frequency response virtually removes the sub-100 Hz frequency range. This is fantastic for reducing traffic noise. The mic is also highly effective in windy conditions. This is particularly true with the dead cat windshield.

The human voice is heavily dependent on higher frequencies as well. The reason why people love this brand stems from the fact that Rode can clearly record speech. It also lets it get through the background noise.

#7. Boya BY-MM1

Concerning the audio quality, it’s difficult to distinguish the differences in sound quality between the Rode VideoMicro and the Boya BY MM1. But you’ll be able to tell the difference since the latter is only one-third the cost.

The BY-MM1 comes with the features you would expect from this microphone. It includes a dead cat cable, a shock mount, and a carrying pouch. The BY-MM1 is a great performer. I personally prefer the sound of the Boya over the Rode. However, the slightly less impressive performance when it comes to wind may be a factor that decides you.

How to Select the Right Shotgun Microphone

A shotgun microphone has a more directional design than lavalier microphones. It is designed to capture the sound from the direction in which it’s pointed. This enhances the quality of audio by reducing noise from outside.

A shock mount reduces the amount of noise transmitted through the camera’s housing. A dead cat can aid in tackling wind noise. These are helpful features, given how to make use of your action camera.

If you’ve taken the Media Mod method and have a shotgun microphone (of some kind),. It’s the most minor choice that can switch between front and rear-facing.

In most cases, it’ll offer better sound quality than built-in microphones. But it’s not as excellent as an external one. The foam windshield included will aid in reducing wind noise, but not as much as dead cats.

Conclusion

We should remember why we’re interested in external microphones. An external microphone can significantly enhance the quality of your video recordings. This is applicable in almost every situation.

It is essential to consider the kind of recording you make, the environment you record it in, and the budget you have set. This will help you decide which of these microphones is best for you.

It is a great choice to make it simple and easy to use for simplicity and convenience. Rode Wireless Go II is the ideal option for a lavalier mic. The DJI Mic is an attractive option if you have more cash. The charging case for travel and the magnetic mount options are fantastic options.

Finding a balance between sound quality and your personal preferences is possible when using a shotgun mic. My preference would be the Boya BY-MM1 due to its good quality.

The ideal action camera microphone for your requirements will have an appropriate balance of performance, cost, quality, and your personal preferences.