Impressive new DJI Mic Mini announced: Wireless audio just got even less expensive

DJI has announced an impressive looking new wireless microphone that aims to reduce both the size and the cost of wireless audio.

It's easy to forget that only a few years ago, owning a reliable wireless mic system was expensive and often involved needing a license. Sure, you could use some narrow frequencies between 173.8 - 175 MHz, 863 - 865Mhz, and 2400 - 2483.5 MHz but you run the risk of interference, particularly if you use the mic in a busy city like London. If you want to use the more flexible frequencies, such as Channel 38 (606 - 614MHz) or the interleaved frequencies, you still need a radio license.

As a result, even now it's restrictive for people on lower budgets to use a traditional UHF/VHF wireless audio system reliably. However, once 2.4GHz systems became available it was finally possible for those without deep pockets to own a reliable wireless mic system.

Now, 2.4GHz mic systems don't offer the distances that are available with traditional UHF and VHF mic systems, but they serve the purposes of most use cases very well. We've previously seen the RØDE Go series of mics, and more recently DJI's Mic and Mic 2 systems, which all work very reliably and at comparatively little cost, and the latest announcement from DJI attempts to make wireless audio even more affordable and convenient.

The DJI Mic Mini microphone/transmitter

The DJI Mic Mini

The DJI Mic Mini has been introduced as a 'starter microphone', but its design might make it a good product even for those who already have the Mic 2. First of all, the price. For $169/£145/€169 you can own a kit that includes two microphone transmitters (TX), a receiver (RX) and a charging case. For comparison, to own the same Mic 2 kit would set you back twice that.

The system can transmit at up to 400 metres with 48KHz 24-bit fidelity using DJI's own 2.4Ghz transmission protocol, and is directly compatible with products such as the Pocket 3, Action 4 and Action 5 Pro without the need for a separate transmitter. If you're using the Mic Mini with a non-compatible DJI camera, the separate receiver will interface via either a 3.5mm cable or via USB. A Lightning adaptor is also available for older iPhones, and standard Bluetooth audio transmission is also available, albeit with the restrictive quality of that protocol.

The Mic Mini's transmitter is, as the name would suggest, much smaller than the Mic 2, making it easier to attach to lightweight clothing via its built in clip or magnetic button. Gain on the receiver can be adjusted in hard steps of +/- 6db up to 12db. DJI claims that despite its small size, users can expect around 11.5 hours of continuous use before charging is needed, with the charge case allowing up to 48 hours of power. If you need a quick charge, the case can put enough juice into the system for an hour of use with just five minutes charge time.

The Mic Mini in use, showing how small the combined microphone/transmitter actually is

If the Mic Mini is plugged into a smartphone via USB, the phone can charge the receiver as it goes. It's also possible to charge both the receiver and the smartphone simultaneously without removing the device from the phone.

Via compatible DJI cameras or via the DJI Mimo app, the Mic Mini can be set to record two microphones as a single mono track or separated out into an individual stereo track. The Mimo app can also record a backup audio track at a lower gain level for safety.

Lastly, the Mic Mini can be set with three levels of noise reduction. Strong, which can eliminate most environmental sounds, such as heavy traffic in cities at the expense of some voice fidelity. Basic, which applies mild noise reduction and suppression to reduce background noise in quiet environments, as well as eliminating room reverb. Noise reduction can also be turned off completely.

The DJI Mic Mini receiver

The Mic Mini is compatible with the DJI Fly app with the Neo drone so that users can record realtime audio commentary to overlay over their aerial shots. Lastly, if users have connected the receiver to their camera via a 3.5mm TRS cable, it will automatically power on and off in synchronisation with the camera.

The lower price of the Mic Mini means that it does lack the onboard 32-bit float recording of the Mic 2, as well as the 3.5mm jack in the mic transmitter for traditional lavalier use. The receiver also lacks the onboard display of the Mic 2 system. One further note for audiophiles is that although the system doesn't use automatic gain, it does have automatic limiting that can't be turned off.

Price and availability

The Mic Mini would appear to represent incredible value. With a two mic system available for $169, and a single mic and transmitter priced at just $59, it almost seems like a no-brainer. Shipping begins immediately in a colour choice of Infinity Black or White. Along with the recent announcement of RØDE's Wireless Micro system, it appears the battle for affordable high quality wireless audio is hotting up again.

Find out more about the Mic Mini on the DJI website.

tl;dr

•  The DJI Mic Mini offers an accessible price point of £145/€169 for a kit that includes two microphone transmitters, a receiver, and a charging case, contrasting sharply with the £309 cost of the Mic 2 kit.
• The system allows wireless transmission up to 400 meters with 48KHz 24-bit audio quality using DJI's proprietary 2.4GHz protocol, making it a reliable option for various recording scenarios.
• The receiver can be charged via USB from a smartphone, allowing simultaneous charging of both the receiver and the phone—as well as a quick 5-minute charge for an hour of use.
• Users can select from three noise reduction levels (Strong, Basic, Off) to enhance audio capture in different environments, catering to various recording needs.