BEST Wireless Mic for Creators? | RODE Wireless Pro vs DJI Mic 2

[@xAnnettee]

00:00 🎙️ David compares the RODE Wireless Pro and DJI Mic 2 as top contenders for best wireless mic systems for creators, including price, accessories, user friendliness, design, build quality, range, and audio quality in different scenarios. 00:41 💸 RODE Wireless Pro is priced at $360, while DJI Mic 2 is priced at $349, each with extensive accessory kits. 01:08 🏗️ Both systems are well-built with high-quality transmitters and receivers, but the DJI system is more compact and user-friendly. 02:46 🔋 The RODE transmitters store more data with 32 GB memory, compared to DJI's 8 GB. 03:14 ⌚ Time code capability is a unique feature of the RODE mics, useful for syncing in post. 03:56 🎥 DJI mics integrate with the DJI ecosystem, allowing easy pairing with DJI cameras, beneficial for DJI device users. 04:25 📷 For Sony camera users, DJI offers a wireless receiver-adapter for direct connection without audio cables. 05:07 📡 The range test showed DJI mics performed better than RODE, maintaining connection even with obstacles. 09:28 🔊 Both systems were tested for audio quality, highlighting RODE's superior sound clarity. RODE's audio quality was richer and clearer than DJI, especially noticeable in the mid and high tones. 11:20 🏆 The conclusion: using DJI for casual content and RODE for critical audio projects due to better quality.

[@reneebradshawfit]

hands down i will be buying the DJI Mic 2 after watching this video

[@chesterfieldking]

I saw another video where they said that the low cut filter on the DJI was turned on by default. Did you turn it off for your test?

[@AT-js6py]

Hi David, the one thing that stops me from choosing the mic 2 is the hollow flat sound quality, but the recent update of dji sounds much better. Ur test shows that they both sound very close. Just wanna check is your dji mic 2 updated to the latest firmware ? Tqvm

[@AT-js6py]

Hi David, I just realised from the below comment that DJI is on the latest firmware. I think after the upgrade they are pretty close which to me I'll go for the DJI as the ecosystem is better and also can connect via bluetooth on the black magic cam app on the phone. I find that the rode has a little bit more bass n slightly richer, however when there is low rumbling sound in the background the rode just got a lot more low disturbing rumbling noise. Thanks for all the great video and comparison !

[@DavidZhou]

Hey! Yeah it’s on the latest firmware update-they sound pretty close in a lot of scenarios but in some scenarios it’s definitely noticeably flat. But that’s only obvious when you’re comparing them side by side, the DJI Mic 2s overall sound pretty good and the user experience is just infinitely better.

[@sadudeeung373]

Amazing video! What's your setting like on the DJI mic? It sounds loud and clear.

[@DavidZhou]

Just +9 when recording from the receiver to the camera. Internally, it's just the default settings + 32-bit float enabled!

[@PiBou321]

@@DavidZhou Hi ! Dis you change the gain of the TX when you recorded internally ? Or were you at +0?

[@LaurierLachance]

This was one of the best comparison videos for 2 similar products I've ever seen. Super helpful, easy to follow, and really pleasant to watch. This is gonna get a lot of views over time. Cheers.

[@DavidZhou]

Glad it was helpful!

[@redbengal2864]

Thanks for the review. Did your experience with the DJI Mics quality include all the latest firmware updates? I’m leaning Rode because of sound quality and I want Lavs, but I am a little concerned about the user friendliness of the receiver. Thanks!

[@DavidZhou]

It was based on the latest firmware update that was available during the time of recording. The difference isn't the so drastic that the Mic 2's are unusable, rather, if the project calls for the best possible audio quality, I'd lean towards the RODe Wireless Pros. Similarly, the user experience on the RODE Wireless Pros aren't so poor that using them is a headache, because once you get used to using it, they're fine. It's just when you use the two side-by-side, you can tell just how much more user-friendly the DJI Mic 2s are. You won't be unhappy with either, but if you want the sound quality, go with the RODE Wireless Pros and after learning the product, you'll be rockin' and rollin' :)

[@redbengal2864]

@@DavidZhou Thanks dude!

[@kuriseon]

I’ve been working with the Rode wireless 2 for quite a while in semi-professional settings, and the one thing that MEGA annoyed me was the fact that I needed to be SUPER vigilant about the gain levels, and be constantly adjusting them (but only being able to do so in one direction on-device) The fact that 32-bit float is now a thing in combination with timecode, makes this as good a ‘set-and-forget’ option as we'll get for a few years 😊

[@AdrenalineJunkieProd]

Really enjoyed the video! Well done man. Very informative.

[@DavidZhou]

Thank you!

[@MarioSoMedia]

Thanks for the great review David! I haven't used the DJI Mic 2 so it's good to see how it compares the the rode wireless pro.

[@khanceptbelal]

The charging case that comes with the rode- does it actually have its own battery built into it like an airpod case or does the case itself have to be plugged in in order to charge the microphone? Also, when it comes to pulling the audio files off of the road- do you need any special app or can you just plug it in via USBC and copy the files directly?

[@DavidZhou]

1) the case is just a charging bay, no internal battery and 2) you must plug the transmitters into the case and the case connected via USB-C to your computer for the computer to recognize the transmitters as a storage drive

[@aboudhd]

can i use it on my camera with vlogging?? or hook it up on top on camera instead on me while vlogging?

[@strongopinionsongear]

Thanks got the great comparison! It sounded to me like the windscreen was substantially more effective on the DJI but you didn’t really discuss that. Any thoughts? And were you able to easily get similar quality in post out of the RODE when it came to noisy environments? I assume the DJI built in noise reduction isn’t doing anything that can’t be done in post…

[@DavidZhou]

Thank you! I think the difference is negligible, more of a different sound profile than anything (the DJI sounds less “hissy” because the highs are a little more muted), I think they’re both fantastic at wind reduction with the windscreen IMO because the fan was at FULL speed haha And yeah I think with a quick noise reduction effect or just using Premiere’s voice enhance will get you pretty close, it’s an extra step but unless you need it all the time, it’s not moving the needle for me on making a decision between the two.

[@dream.lifestyle]

Rode is made for professionals and DJI is made for consumers and social media content creators🎼🎵🎶🎹

[@GrenlandUnderVann]

A bonus for Røde is that the system also supports the Røde Interview PRO wireless hand held mic. A big bonus for the DJI transmitters are the connection to the DJI Pocket 3 and Action 4 and 5, as well as the new GoPro Hero13 and phones. The Røde doesn't connect to anything but their own receiver. A big downside with the DJI is the fact that you have to remove the wind fur to be able to fit the mics in the charging case. Not very thought out IMO. There are idiosyncrasys to both system, but yes, DJI Mic2 is much easier to use.

[@DavidZhou]

All good points!

[@LauraTryUK]

@@GrenlandUnderVann I didn’t know that about connecting to GoPros. Helpful! Thanks.

[@EatingWithKirby]

Amazing video! Was looking to purchase either of these and you made it very easy - I'm planning to make content for IG, TT, ir KZbin so I think the DJI one is good enough for me!

[@DavidZhou]

Glad it helped! 😊

[@harkeofficial]

Thanks for this well thought review! While I do prefer the audio quality of the Rode, I decided to go with the DJI Mic 2 because of the features I need (connecting to phone, wireless adapter for my FX3, connection to DJI Pocket 3, etc) and the user experience. I am *hoping* that with a couple EQ tweaks in post that I might be able to crisp up the highs.

[@ltshinta]

What handle are you you using at @7:00 for the DJI mic? Affiliate link or any link?

[@DavidZhou]

This is the one I used! amzn.to/3NBn5Hv They’re all pretty similar but I can confirm this one fit both mics perfectly! 😁

[@dorythomas1816]

Did you upgrade the DJI to the latest firmware? Because DJI are aware that people are complaining about the sound quality of their system so they tweaked the EQ in the latest firmware update and it sounds much better than before now.

[@DavidZhou]

I did upgrade the firmware to the latest available from this month (because I was personally hoping I could choose the DJI Mic 2 as the all around winner because I just like the product more lol), but ultimately the RODE Wireless Pros still produces more clarity in the highs and mids. It’s not so drastic that the DJI Mics are “bad” by any objective means, but the RODEs still sound better imo based on all of the test recordings I showed in this video.

[@dorythomas1816]

Yeah it’s unfortunate that it doesn’t sound as good as the rode even after the EQ update. I noticed the rode sounded better that’s why I suspected the earlier firmware. Anyway you did a great job buddy And you have a new subscriber now

[@baomichael]

Most awesome 👏 comparison knowledge breakdowns is impeccable if I could have this in-depth comparison in everything I buy life is so much simpler😂

[@DavidZhou]

I’m trying to do my part haha, thank you!

[@dannydubs085]

Hey can you do a review comparing it with the new senheiser profile please.

[@dillontom1568]

im thinking of having the R Pro as run n gun and sennheiser mke 600 as my at home mic. Is this overkill or is it the right balance? Also, what mic are you using in the studio?

[@DavidZhou]

That’s a good setup! I’m currently using the Sennheiser MKH416 + Zoom F3 and the DJI Mic 2/Rode Pro/Sony ECM-B1M for on the go shooting!

[@agambhasin]

@@dillontom1568 I have the MKE600 and its one hell of a great mic!

[@dillontom1568]

@@agambhasin awesome! do you use it indoors?

[@agambhasin]

@@dillontom1568 Yes I do!! And its actually better than the Rode NTG4+, however the videomic NTG gives it tough competition, but the overall sennheiser sound signature is very pleasant, its got a good balance of lows and highs. Personally speaking, for indoors, shotgun mics are the real deal, these omni directional lavs or wireless mics can only sound good indoors if you have atleast some absorption otherwise the reverb on them is terrible

[@dillontom1568]

@@agambhasin wow, i expected the mke 600 to be a bit worse indoors since it's shotgun. I have no sound pads so im hoping it will perform well

[@enriquemartin8655]

Thank you for your presentation.

[@DavidZhou]

Glad to help!!

[@promedianz]

Are you on the latest DJI firmware David? There was quite a big change on that...

[@DavidZhou]

I am! I made sure both were up to date when filming last week.

[@moorememoriesvideo7070]

@@promedianz what was the change? Was this a recent update?

[@Niko1aus]

How does the Rode compare to the Zoom F1 or F2?

[@markanthonyramirez]

Excellent work! Very informative

[@DavidZhou]

Thanks 😁

[@DexterMediaPlus]

Random question, what font did he use in the intro? (Overview section)

[@creightonholub]

I'm looking for audio editing apps, which one do you show at 3:02 ?

[@DavidZhou]

That was Adobe Audition!

[@MonicaElleRose]

i want to like the dji but the mic makes the audio sound like a chipmunk and i cant unhear it, but i do like the rode.

[@noahzollinger9448]

@@MonicaElleRose haha same! Once you hear it, you cannot unhear.

[@LivinginPhuYen]

Thank you for sharing, I also researched many DJI products I wish I had income from youtube to upgrade my equipment 😴

[@bneil4059]

Does the recent Mic2 update close the quality gap?

[@DavidZhou]

I haven't done any tests with the latest firmware version, so I don't have an answer for you, sorry!

[@lcr_sports]

Great video

[@DavidZhou]

Thanks!

[@nathboz]

DJI for me for sure

[@DavidZhou]

I feel like there's no wrong choice in this matter, just whichever one suits you better! I basically go back and forth between using these two haha

[@Tanner_Teves]

Wish the DJI Mic 2 sounded better, out of the box even with the firmware update it still sounds a little muddy to me.

[@DavidZhou]

Agreeeed--maybe the DJI Mic 3?

[@ni7suj]

I agree with your conclusion and I also chose the RODE simply because of audio quality. Bells and whistles are nice but the quality was just better to my ears when I made the choice. Nice video. 👍

[@skopixthewise]

Great video, but your bike forks are on backwards o.0

[@DavidZhou]

Wait, I NEVER noticed this! Thanks for letting me know lol

[@skopixthewise]

@@DavidZhou Haha, no problem 🤙

[@reneebradshawfit]

Wait so what if you're in a large crowd, would that totally obstruct the transmission?

[@DavidZhou]

Honestly, proooobably. Not only would there be bodies, but there might be other devices signals to compete with. In those scenarios, I always record internally on top of using the receiver. This way if it does dropout, I still have a perfectly clean internal recording that I can quickly sync up. If it doesn’t drop out, then I never have to touch the internal recording file. Hope that helps!

[@redletterdayspnw]

Thank you for this! I've been on the fence with these options and this just answered all my questions. Extremely well done!

[@ICUNURSE]

@@redletterdayspnw So which will you buy ?

[@redletterdayspnw]

@@ICUNURSE I’ll be buying the RODE Wireless Pro because I’ll be using it for client work.

[@DavidZhou]

​@@redletterdayspnw You won't be disappointed with either, but the RODE Wireless Pros will be a nice buy if best audio quality is your primary concern!

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

Is it possible for the rode to start recording audio when you start recording video on a go pro

[@DavidZhou]

Negative, not internally. If you have the receiver plugged into your GoPro via 3.5mm audio in, that’d work but you’d need a cage on your GoPro that gives you a cold shoe mount.

[@คิงคอร์ดี้]

Dji mic2 New firmware ?

[@jussodope1]

you forgot hollyland

[@MosesMind]

W vid

[@DavidZhou]

Thank you!

[@skyglidestudios3443]

The rode is a wireless lav mic that comes with a lav mic and it wasn't tested with a lav mic. To me its not a valid test and defeats the point of buying a lav mic. Test it fully please if you have time Thanks for the test though.

[@jorgeconsulting]

@@skyglidestudios3443 he did? 9:05

[@martinXY]

DJI was looking pretty good for a while there, but you mentioned the Røde comes with 2 lavalier mics. They're worth about US$100 each. Røde is a microphone company so you know they are going to be good. Makes the choice a bit harder, but if you do any sort of pro work with clients, you'll need the lavs. I might hold off until the Røde Wireless Pro II comes out...

[@ni7suj]

I just dove in and it has been great. My thinking is I will just sell the Wireless Pro for a new version or other options when the time comes. I approach all my gear this way. I think of the money hit for selling used is way cheaper than renting. 👊

[@martinXY]

@@ni7suj Yep, at some point have to jump into the stream.

[@NikoBols]

I prefer the DJI Mic 2 because the Tx is smaller and I rarely use a lav mic with the Tx. And to be honest, they're so close in quality when it comes to audio for KZbin, which is what I mainly do. But for pro work, definitely go for the Rode. Great comparison video David!

[@DavidZhou]

Which microphone do you think sounded better?? 👀

[@facshow1822]

Wireless go pro has higher quality sound

[@Zbigniew87]

The sound of the rode is fuller no doubt. Nice review

[@DavidZhou]

No doubt!

[@sudeepraj4378]

DJI be like - This man said everything positive about me till the end and while final verdict RODE sounds better 😂.. but yeah thats true - Rode little superior than Dji.

[@KoteGreen]

David, this was one of the best reviews of any product I've ever seen! Super comprehensive my man! Thank you!

[@DavidZhou]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!