11 Must-Have Microphone Attachments for High-Quality Audio

Action cameras like GoPro and DJI have become increasingly popular for capturing action shots and videos. But to record high-quality audio, you need an external microphone input. That's where an Action Camera Microphone Attachment comes in - an adapter with an audio jack that allows you to attach a microphone to your camera. Discover how this attachment can enhance your audio quality and take your action footage to the next level.

How to Choose the Best Action Camera Microphone Attachment?

1. Microphone type

Different types of microphones are available, including built-in microphones, external microphones, and different polar patterns microphones. Let's take a closer look at each type of microphone.

1) Built-in Microphone

Most action cameras come with built-in microphones integrated into the camera body. These microphones are typically small and compact, making them convenient and easy to use. However, built-in microphones may not always provide the best audio quality, as they are usually omnidirectional and may pick up surrounding noise, resulting in poor audio clarity.

2) External Microphones

External microphones are attachments that can be connected to the action camera's external microphone port. There are two common types of external microphones used with action cameras:

• Lavalier Microphone

A lavalier microphone, also known as a lap mic or clip-on microphone, is a small microphone that can be attached to the clothing of the person speaking. Lavalier microphones are ideal for recording interviews, vlogs, or any situation where the subject moves around. They provide hands-free operation and capture clear audio directly from the person's mouth.

• Shotgun Microphone

A shotgun microphone is a directional microphone that captures sound in a narrow, focused area before the microphone. It is commonly used for capturing audio from a specific direction while minimizing background noise. Shotgun microphones are ideal for capturing audio in noisy environments or recording action shots where the camera may be far from the subject.

2. Polar Patterns

Polar patterns refer to the directionality of a microphone, which determines how it picks up sound from different directions. There are three common types of polar patterns:

• Cardioid

A cardioid microphone captures sound from the front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. Cardioid microphones are ideal for capturing audio from a specific direction, making them suitable for vlogging, interviews, and other situations where the subject is in front of the camera.

• Omnidirectional

An omnidirectional microphone captures sound from all directions, providing 360-degree coverage. Omnidirectional microphones are suitable for capturing audio in a controlled environment with minimal background noise or for recording ambient sounds. However, they may pick up unwanted noise from surrounding areas in noisy environments.

• Bi-directional

A bi-directional microphone, also known as

a figure-eight microphone, captures sound from the front and rear of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides. Bi-directional microphones are ideal for capturing audio from two opposite directions, making them suitable for recording interviews or podcasts with two people facing each other.

3. Connectivity

The quality of your microphone and its ability to capture clear audio can be rendered useless if it is not properly connected to your camera. You can choose between wired or wireless microphones. Wired microphones connect directly to the camera through a cable, while wireless microphones use Bluetooth or other wireless technology to transmit audio signals to the camera. Wireless microphones provide more flexibility and freedom of movement but may have interference and signal quality issues.

4. Battery life

You should look for a microphone with long battery life to record long periods. Most action camera microphones will have a battery life of around 5-8 hours, depending on the model. Additionally, some microphones may have a built-in rechargeable battery, which is a great option if you will be recording for extended periods.

5. Compatibility

It's important to ensure the external microphone is compatible with your camera model. Certain action camera microphones have universal compatibility, while others are tailored to work exclusively with specific camera models. Additionally, it's essential to check if your camera has a 3.5mm jack for connecting an external microphone.

If your camera lacks a built-in jack, it's crucial to choose a microphone attachment that includes an adapter to connect to your camera's audio input. This ensures that the microphone attachment will fit and work seamlessly with your action camera, allowing you to capture high-quality audio during your adventures.

Top 7 Camera Microphone Attachments

Here will discuss the seven best action on-camera microphone attachments on the market in 2023. We will look at the specifications of each microphone adapter and how it performs compared to other attachments.

1. Rode VideoMic Pro+

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

• Frequency: 40 Hz to 20 kHz
• Mounting thread size: 3/8 "-16 Female
• Dimension: Diameter 3.94 x Length 6.69
• Sound Field: Mono

Pros

• It has a foam windscreen to reduce handling noise for clear audio.
• 5mm universal jack to allow compatibility with a variety of devices.
• It has a high pass filter to cut out unwanted frequencies.
• It has LED indicators to let you know when the battery's running low.
• Offers professional-grade sound quality
• It comes with a shock mount
• Universal compatibility

Cons

• It is pricey.

2. Rode VideoMic GO

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

• Frequency: 100Hz - 16kHz
• Connector: 3.5 mm
• Dimension: 79 x 73 x 167 mm
• Weight: 73 g
• Maximum SPL: 20 dB
• Warranty: Yes (1 year with free extension to 2 years)

Pros

• Has a high-quality windshield for outdoor recording.
• It does not require a battery.
• Lightweight making it easy to work with

Cons

• Expensive

3. Rode Video Micro

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

• Frequency: 100Hz - 20kHz
• Connector: 3.5 mm
• Dimension: 21 x 21 x 80
• Maximum SPL: 140dB
• Power Requirements: 2V-5V DC

Pros

• It is a high-quality mic
• Compact and lightweight
• Easy to use
• Suitable for outdoor recording

Cons

• The windscreen may be too big for some cameras
• It can feel wobbly on some action cameras

4. Sennheiser MKE 400

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

• Type: Shotgun
• Frequency: 50 - 20000 Hz
• Connector: 3.5 mm
• Dimension: Diameter: 126 x 67 x 37 mm
• Inbuilt filter
• Max Sound: 132 dB

Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Super-cardioid pickup pattern
• Switchable low-cut filter

Cons

• It may be too small and light for some applications.

5. Rode Wireless GO II Microphone System

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

• Frequency: 50Hz – 20kHz
• Mounting thread size:
• Connector size: 3.5mm
• Dimension: L 44 x W 45.5 x H 18.3

Pros

• It offers great sound quality
• Can record two sound sources simultaneously
• Internal memory can hold upto 40hrs of recording

Cons

• It is expensive

6. Zoom H4n

Image Resource: amazon.com

The Zoom H4n is an all-black, battery-powered recording device perfect for musicians, podcasters, and videographers. With its ability to record in stereo or multitrack modes, the Zoom H4n can capture high-quality audio. What sets the Zoom H4n Pro apart from other portable recorders is its ability to record up to four tracks simultaneously.

Specifications

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: -37 dB (12.7 mV/Pa)
• Max SPL: 132 dB
• Impedance: 100 ohms
• Connector: XLR
• Power requirements: 48V phantom power
• Type: Shotgun
• Compatibility: Universal
• Mounting Options: 1/4" inch Female
• Dimensions: 71.1 x 157.5 x 35.6 mm

Pros

• Its handheld design makes it versatile
• Built-in preamp and low-noise circuit
• Excellent sound quality

Cons

• Requires 48V phantom power

7. Audio-Technica ATR-6550

Image Resource: amazon.com

The Audio-Technica ATR-6550 is a highly directional shotgun microphone that captures sound primarily from the front. It also reduces background noise from the sides and rear. The microphone comes with a camera mount that fits most cameras and camcorders, and a single AA battery powers it.

Specifications

• Frequency: 70 - 1800Hz
• Connector size: 3.5 mm
• Dimension: Diameter
• Element: Condenser
• Shotgun mic

Pros

• It works well when the subject is far and also near the microphone.
• Unidirectional pickup pattern
• Excellent sound quality

Cons

• It is expensive.

8. GoPro Media Mod

The GoPro Media Mod is a versatile camera microphone attachment designed to enhance the audio capabilities of GoPro cameras. This makes it an essential accessory for content creators, vloggers, and filmmakers. The Media Mod includes an HDMI video playback output and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

Pros

Cons

9. Movo VXR10 Pro

The Movo VXR10-PRO is highly directional, effectively capturing sound from a targeted area while rejecting ambient noise. Its advanced Rycote Lyre shock mount system further enhances its performance by isolating the microphone from handling and mechanical vibrations, resulting in a cleaner and clearer sound.

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

Pros

Cons

10. BOYA BY-MM1

The BOYA BY-MM1 Video Microphone is a highly versatile and affordable solution for anyone looking to enhance the audio quality of their videos, whether it's for YouTube, Facebook livestream, or any other platform. The BY-MM1 has a Rycote lyre shock mount, which helps isolate the microphone from noise or vibrations.

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

Pros

Cons

11. Sennheiser Professional MKE 200

The MKE 200 compact design and convenient cold shoe mount make it an excellent option for on-the-go video creators. It is also ideal for vloggers, podcasters, and content creators looking for an auxiliary or action camera microphone attachment. Moreover, the MKE 200 is designed with a built-in transmitter, delivering crisp and clear audio for a more professional sound experience.

Image Resource: amazon.com

Specifications

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

Getting an action on-camera microphone attachment is a great way to improve the sound quality of your recordings. There are many different types of attachments available, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with your action camera and offers the features you need.

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