DJI Mic 3 review – Rather poor despite timecode and 32-bit float
DJI MIC 3 review: Why we rate it poorly. Because 32-bit float, adaptive noise reduction, timecode, and compact design are not enough.
Our Rating:
★★★★★
The transmitters sound absolutely clean, internal 32-bit recordings ensure good quality.
★★★★☆
There is little to complain about in terms of connectivity, but the $19 Lightning adapter is a downside.
★★★★☆
The workmanship is absolutely on par with DJI standards, so it's good. The only thing missing is a connection for an external microphone.
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DJI Mic 3: First impressions and what's included
As usual, the first impression is good: the bag that comes with the charging case is identical to previous models, the charging case looks high-quality, and there is a new system with magnets (what was wrong with the “old” system?). So far, so good.
But then… Why don’t the €19 Lightning adapters from Mic Mini or Mic 2 fit? Do we have to spend another €19 on a €300 product? Yes, we do. And then we notice something else: we can’t connect an external lavalier microphone at all? Is this supposed to be a professional model?
Apart from these two points, we try to continue the test in a neutral manner. But our first impression is that we are disappointed.
Timecode, multichannel recording, and 32-bit float
The three new core features are really practical! But somehow nothing new. The DJI Mic 1 was a pioneer, the DJI Mic 2 an absolutely worthy successor! The Mini impressed us all—finally, a more affordable solution! And the third generation? It disappointed us.
32-bit float recording was already available in the DJI Mic 2, and the Røde Wireless Pro had timecode for a long time. And multi-channel without an external microphone?
For us, that’s a combination that doesn’t work. Because if you really need multi-channel, it’s in scenes where multiple actors are being recorded in a professional setting. In this type of recording, you don’t want to see DJI logos on the actors’ clothes. Right?
At most, I can imagine this scenario in a podcast setting with four guests or a hobby theater. But even for podcasts, there are better podcast microphones.
Somewhere between the DJI Mic Mini and the DJI Mic 2
Actually, the second generation was absolutely top-notch. And honestly, it still is today. The microphone can do everything (except for the timecode issue) that Røde’s Wireless Pro can do. This made it DJI’s premium audio product.
The DJI Mic Mini was almost a competitor to the Mic 2, as it produces similarly good recordings and offers camera compatibility in addition to smartphone compatibility (which is standard in this price range). At the time of its launch, the Røde Wireless Micro couldn’t do that either. Røde has caught up (there is now always a free camera receiver included) and is thus back on the same level as the Mic Mini. Incidentally, neither has a 3.5mm microphone connection, as they are “mini” products and are designed for content creation.
Then there’s the DJI Mic 3, which could surpass both the Mic 2 and the Wireless Pro, but in our opinion, it doesn’t. The third generation feels like it falls between the Mini and the 2. It has somehow become more Mini than it has become more Pro.
Good compatibility, multiple transmitters and receivers
Compatibility is the only thing that has really improved, because according to DJI, seamless connection with more DJI cameras is possible, especially the Osmo Pocket 3 and the Osmo Action 5 Pro. This is definitely a plus if you’re part of the DJI ecosystem! You can connect a total of four transmitters to one receiver. Unfortunately, only third-generation transmitters are compatible. Since we had the package with two transmitters and one receiver, we cannot test this. According to DJI, fully charged transmitters can have up to 28 hours of battery life. The sound quality has improved compared to the DJI Mic 2, as it has become more neutral. Noise reduction is available in two levels, mild and st
Maybe your reason to buy the DJI Mic 3 after all
If you love timecode and prefer to record with your own TC system, then the DJI Mic 3 could be just the thing for you. Why? Because it has a slight advantage over the Wireless Pro: not only can it use the integrated timecode, but it can also be paired with external timecode. So if you record internally, never use external microphones, and appreciate the compact design of the Mic 3, then there’s no reason not to invest in the new model. Of course, if you have a smartphone with USB-C, that’s another negative point that doesn’t apply to you.
Timecode is, of course, an absolute game changer for your workflow.
Conclusion: DJI Mic 3 Review
We were really excited, but we’re still bummed about the missing connection on the transmitter. The Mic 3 had a lot of potential to be way better than the competition! If you have the Mic 2, we don’t think you should update (unless timecode is super important to you). If you want a real pro model, check out the Rode Wireless Pro. And if you really want to record multiple channels, the Lark Max 2 also offers 4 tracks. It even has the option of hiding the transmitters thanks to its 3.5 mm connection.
You can find more wireless microphones from other brands here: Wireless Microphones
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