GoPro Media Mod Review // Extensive Testing, Comparisons, Samples

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks for watching! Don't forget to hit up the full written review post, as I've also stashed three other comparison videos in there that I couldn't quite fit into this larger video. That includes some wind test, and some noisier environment tests. Enjoy it here: dcra.in/GoProMediaMod

[@potatophil8432]

Great video! This is what we even waiting for. Were you able to feel an impact on battery life with the media mod?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nothing that stuck out as impacting.

[@newkidflip430]

DC Rainmaker will this media mod fit an off brand action cam as in the akaso v50x 4K camera?

[@areaone3813]

DC Rainmaker some have received the mods too promote and it seems they are not available til later in 2020. But from what I’ve seen they are quite cheap. It’s a complete rip off for the cost. Get a ulanzi

[@NomadicNative]

The deadcat ... the mounting knob has grooves in it that fit the cord. Pull the deadcat up out of the frame, snap the cord into a groove & VIOLA!! No deadcat issues at all. Peace.

[@theknivjocke]

To everyone complaining about the audio quality from the front microphone of the media mod: THIS IS SO IT WILL WORK IN WINDY ENVIRONMENTS. It is because they have put a high pass/low cut filter on it. This will remove lower frequencies, which is done because this is where wind buffeting will ruin the audio. Notice how he makes a comparison on the beach: the built-in microphone is useless in the wind, but the mod's front microphone works beautifully in the wind. This is basically the oldest trick in the book when it comes to professional audio recording. It makes a lot of sense to do this.

[@RatBikerNotts]

For the sake of versatility is that not better addressed with a wind-foam/dead-cat etc?

[@RS.Outdoors]

Note that with the Rode dead cat you can clip the cable into the slots in the hotshoe nut. Those slots allow you to pull the mic down at the back so it sits at an angle and the deadcat will not be in shot. Atb

[@krane15]

Or just use an extender.

[@RockyColaFizz]

I am so confused. Everyone thinks the Shotgun media mic sucks. But I found the sound more isolated and richer, and it did appreciably reduce wind noise and isolate his voice when it was windy. For me this works quite well.

[@JorgeAcostaPesca]

The off sync problem with the hdmi out port is fixed by turning off the stabilization. ( I use my gopro Hero 8 Black as a webcam for streaming and had this dame issue with a elgato camlink before)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, that may be a workaround, it I don’t count that as a fix. Also, this is true even when plugged into a TV.

[@JorgeAcostaPesca]

@@Dcrainmaker yeah you are right... Or at least they should indicate on screen "turn off stabilization" when you plug the mini hdmi cable... Great video by the way... I was excited about that built in shotgun mic... You just saved me 80 bucks, thank you!!

[@NoNonsense316]

@@JorgeAcostaPesca For that matter, if it were able to pop up a message, then they could take it a step further and just let the GoPro turn it off automatically whenever the HDMI is in use. Taking it another bit further, it could check if stabilization is on or off, make sure it's of for HDMI, then restore stabilization to its previous setting when HDMI disconnects. One way or another, it would be good if GoPro fixes this with a firmware update.

[@RichPowellUK]

Actually very disappointed by the quality of the media mod. Found the default audio quality to be much better.

[@JeffBourke]

agree

[@RichPowellUK]

@@JeffBourke I think the only advantage it has is when it's windy. Otherwise, it just sounds lower quality; less satisfying, less bassy than the default, etc. I was kind of hoping for some high quality directional mic that'd sound better than the default one. It is supposed to be an upgrade after all!

[@artworked]

You are kidding right? Or you’re talking abut the external mic attached to the Media Mod and which nobody cares about... I used it as a line in for a DJ mix recoding and Iive streaming and the sound captured is SHOCKINGLY GOOD.

[@RichPowellUK]

@@artworked No, I'm not kidding. I'm talking about the microphone attached to the media mod.

[@artworked]

Rich Powell fair point... but you do realise that most wouldn’t care about that mic... it’s like replacing GoPro mic with another... but the Jack input is really on point 👌🏻

[@RealTechnoPanda]

GoPro should just add support for Bluetooth mics. No media mods, no dongles, no cables!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Don't be gettin' logical now!

[@bryanbuff]

They will be forced to now that Insta360 has. These mods will be obsolete less than a year from now. Over-engineering and over-charging by GoPro.

[@SilverfoxJB]

No money, that's not the Go Pro way. Nick needs a new yacht

[@cadaddydave8303]

Sure would help me. I have the GoPro mounted to the front of my Shoei helmet, with the mic adapter and a mic mounted inside the chin bar. I also have a Sena Bluetooth mic/speakers mounted inside. If I could Bluetooth the Sena to the Go Pro it would eliminate a bunch of junk.

[@CavenInToTheWorld]

Garmin action cameras supports bluetooth. I've tried it with jabra headset.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

That tip about the baseplace changing sides is really good information. They most likely changed it because it's nearly impossible to open the battery door when mounted. The door swings into the the thumb screw. Mounted on the the other side, that wouldn't happen. I've been getting frustrated with my H8 because of this but it's good to know there's a solution. I'll have to pay attention to which side the screw is on for my mounts.

[@imranshareef4754]

Probably the only content with such details of the mod. thx.

[@Naufal4zhar]

Wow..this guy is great..his explanation is very in depth..educational in the same time..lot is examples and comparisons for different set up used which allows viewer to understand it well.well done brother..hope to see u keep doing this video for the next GoPro 9 this year. Bravo.

[@stefanck]

I have the media mod myself and you can actually set the audio as "RAW", and I found it to be better (than the sample we have in this video) when using the shotgun mic.

[@SimonHollandfilms]

thank you....just what i wanted to know before purchase

[@Mattykuch]

This helped so much, I appreciate how you broke literally EVERYTHING down Thank you! for all details and links

[@quatro2732]

finally a good review for the media mod. God i have been click bait for multiple times and they are not even giving a final verdict of the mod and they have more views than your video. thank you for a straight up review!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it! I try and keep it to the things people want to know, good an bad.

[@LionheartSJZ]

Wow that's what I call a review!! In-depth comparison and covering ALL the options! Love it, good job!!

[@KarlRock]

Thanks Mate. I was waiting for this 🙏🏻 I guess I'll buy it. Shotgun did handle a the wind quite nicely... Useful when I'm vlogging in windier parts

[@Dcrainmaker]

Cheers - glad it was helpful!

[@DaddyM7MD]

@@Dcrainmaker why did you delete my comment?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I didn't delete your comment. I don't have any record (according to KZbin) of you ever making a comment here. :-/ What was the comment?

[@DaddyM7MD]

@@Dcrainmaker i saw karl's comment and i was like "yo whats good" and then i couldnt find it any more Edit! : i just checked and turns i commented this on a diffrent video not this one 😳 sorry man for false accussations. =

[@DaddyM7MD]

@@Dcrainmaker yo thank you so much for replying you really do care about your subscribers! Unlike some other channel..., also can you make a video about best gopro accessories for 30 dollars. Not like one of those cheap amazon kits that give you alotta random stuff. Just some good quality accessoriez u know what im sayin

[@tuberides.official]

I see Glenelg! Visited this place about a year ago :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup - always a favorite spot of mine!

[@natmonee]

Thorough video showing all options even years later as I think about getting this thing for the hero 10 black. Thanks for posting.

[@shifty277]

Loving the thoroughness and examples for your content. Watching from the UK. Thumbs up.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!!!

[@asad272]

Finally after all these years hunting down to decide what to buy, the rainmaker helped me to choose what I want to buy. Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@FlytPath]

Great in depth video. Pains me to hear $80 to add a 3.5 while making the rig larger. Not to mention more for the screen and on top not be weatherproof. Having a hard time justifying the mods. Thanks Ray.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I feel like I'd have been super happy with a $49 Media Mod sans-the shotgun mic parts. That'd have thinned it up slightly, and would have been a wash price-wise between the cost of a typical USB-C to 3.5mm adapter + external frame case for cold-shoes. Or, I suppose just stick a 3.5mm port on there straight-up.

[@johnwrycza]

​@@Dcrainmaker for aviation; $49 for the 3.5mm adapter, and it just dangles in free air gopro.com/en/us/shop/accessories/pro-3.5mm-mic-adapter/AAMIC-001.html

[@lkm5462]

Love how you present the info. Teach others ,for money ,how to present . Your “a rare breed of cat”. You don’t waste my time . Like on the tv show Dragnet, “ The facts mam,nothing but the facts”. Thanks

[@InternationalBigshot]

The 'Powered mic' selection is for condenser mics not for the Rode. The Rode Wireless is a dynamic mic, yes it has to be powered (because it's wireless) but it's not powered in the sense that a condenser mic is. The voltage on the Rode is less than 5 v, a real 'powered mic' uses a much higher voltage (24 to 48). The GoPro should be set to standard mic when using the Rode wireless.

[@drivetrainfitness434]

Love how thorough the video reviews are on your channel. Nice work.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@Loagz_Beatz]

I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to do this video. I have been studying it for about a week, I picked up the mod for the hero 8 and just today got the rhode mic thanks to you. I plan to get the clip on mic eventually buy for what I'm filming right now it isn't so necessary, would just be good to have. :) Once again thanks man these videos really help out much more than anything a manufacture puts out 🙏

[@jimthegameguru8021]

I was on the fence about using this camera for vlog cuz i thought it was purely for action. Looks like it works well for vlog and this mod works for viewing your shots on large screens. I like how you stay you in this video and dont jump around in fake over the top excitement like most youtubers.

[@genericmike7361]

Wanted to get this for filming my hiking journeys and the GoPro on its own sounds best, I love how it was able to pick your voice and surroundings like birds chirping compared to all the other setups with the media mod which didn’t even make the audio better

[@agomodern]

This is the second video where the media mod microphone sucks. I saw someone put little dead cats on the built-in GoPro mics and it sounded great with just enough ambiance to feel like you were there.

[@flyovercountry8817]

This is a great review. We just purchased our first GoPro Hero 8 and we are researching what mods do and do not work well. Thank you!

[@MeditationVacation]

Great review, I was thinking of getting it but probably won't now, I will be staying with the wireless go and the mic adapter. Oh well! Thanks

[@JeffBourke]

The "shotgun" is worse than the built in mic.

[@Sam-sy7ev]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqvPk6WCgJJ1fsU

[@jeffmcc93]

Well that particular microphone is crap. Essentially useless.

[@jeffmcc93]

@Alex Taylor Are you ok?

[@DeurysMusic]

thought the same thing LOL

[@GreatEgret]

@Alex Taylor Wow dude, chill. He played the audio in many differnt setups for you to decide. That's the whole point of the video.

[@bdogfilms]

Finally some cold shoes! Made a mod myself back in 2017 with a Hero 4 Silver by drilling a cold shoe into the top clip of the housing for a Rode Video Micro. Only expensive (and hard to find) part was the GoPro USB to mic adapter, but it worked.

[@penboyasgod6103]

If you just need a cold shoe (and a 1/4" screw mount), then you can get a replacement door that has a cold shoe on it and an opening for the USB-C port for charging (but, of course, it won't be waterproof with it on). Mine is by Ulanzi.

[@TrevorJonescreator]

Great review, thank you!

[@YariGhidone]

Thanks for the review. Nice video!

[@abdallahzeid2966]

thanks for your honest review , what i learn now that all this accessories are useless , the built-in mic in the gopro is good enough

[@aaronyoder9253]

Thank you for the thorough review! Was just about to purchase this as it's on sale, not worth it after your unbiased review. Thanks again

[@LifeinYellowknife]

Again, thank you so much for these easy to understand, indepth reviews!

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Like you, I'm considering it for the no-fuss approach and 3mm jack input. Annoyingly costly solution (given the other features are 'useless') for something so simple, but it is what it is!

[@coryjeffreys5146]

So glad you explained how the mod connected to the Go Pro.

[@BeckersReviews]

I was looking forward to this=)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - enjoy!!!

[@DavidUtke]

I have the Sony FDR X3000. I bought it a month ago. Comes with a little monitor, bought a cheap tripod designed for it that allows me to attach the monitor to the tripod so I can see what I'm recording while holding the camera. I'm still surprised no one has made a better X3000 year after all these years.

[@SALVAGENATION]

Great vid still s few months on, its helped me in choosing the correct equipment for a first timer setting up my rebuild channel. Full thumbs up!!

[@pomonr]

Thank you for this! Very nice to know going in what my options are.

[@ChupacabraOffroad]

Great videos as always, I like your product breakdowns, mainly the fact that you mountainbike, I also shoot outdoors stuff so your feedback is appreciated. Keep up the good work!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - I appreciate it! Mountain biking is awesome...wish I could do even more.

[@OldLadyAngler]

Thanks Ray. Appreciated!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@TechnMoto]

Thanks for the review. Been thinking about upgrading to the GoPro 10 with mod. Thanks to you I have made a decision.

[@easyheimer]

At 9:32 it says that you're using the Rode mic but no media mod. Is this a typo? I though a wireless mic couldn't be used without the media mod.

[@DoronBond]

Superb review. Thanks for taking the time to showing us the various samples.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@bradley-ward]

Useful information. I'm looking forward to picking up a media mod for my channel.

[@HDFoxra]

Sorry but.... wtf was GoPro thinking with this? Every single video I've seen of it so far, just reveals how HORRID the microphone quality is.... like.... the GoPro by itself was legit just better hands down. When the audio sample stuff first started, and I heard the audio, I honestly went "wow, that sounds insanely good computer to all the other Media Mod videos I've seen!" and then I read the text at the bottom and realized it was the stock GoPro mics................ why release a 'Media Mod' that doesn't actually do anything good? They really should have just released the 'case' which plugged into the USB port, and at the verrrrrrrrry top of the case, where the Cold Shoe is, simply have a tiny little raised bump or a cut out or something, which housed the 3.5mm jack.... make it as slim and stream lined as possible! That way no matter what sort of situation you are in, an external mic could be plugged in no problem. No one would have to deal with a "well it sticks out straight from the back so now i can't mount the camera on the front of my helmet cause it just doesn't fit" and no one would have to deal with "well it sticks out really far from the side of the camera so now I gotta worry about it snagging on stuff".... OH! WAIT! BETTER YET!......... just fucking let ANY FREAKING USB TYPE C ADAPTER WORK!.... Its honestly not that difficult of a thing to do... the freaking Type C jack has contacts SPECIFICALLY for that! Just let the freaking audio be an analog input and PRESTO DONE!... But nah, GoPro just wants everyone's wallet... That's all they really care about. Tiny, almost meaningless updates to their hardware, but still expecting a huge price tag....... smh

[@DmitriiRevenko]

+++

[@a2honda120]

What a rant

[@kavinsp]

or atleast bluetooth audio support

[@CanalSHAWBE]

a consumer dream for me

[@ononewheel7]

I had high hopes for this media mod w the mic 😫 I honestly still use my 7s more vs my new hero 8! This was a great video man so at least there is some options w other mic’s that wireless one is pretty cool!

[@CHEFPKR]

Just got mine in the mail and it works really, really nicely with the Wireless Go set up for my cooking videos. It even fell straight into a batch of ice cream base and survived! I'm sad to see about using it for camlink recording... That had me excited.

[@vasilyboyechko4688]

Awesome info. Was thinking about getting the go Pro media mod, for sure going to get it now. Thanks man

[@francisantony12]

Very useful. Helped me to decide that I need a Media Mod

[@photocreativity]

Very good explanation of the GoPro and accessories. Thank you.

[@H_A_F_GAMING]

One thing I noticed is the rubbing sound the GoPro makes when your moving the camera around . Well at least for me . It’s so annoying.. in my videos it drives me insane. But I’m thinking that road mic will probably eliminate that for good 👍🏾

[@KnightDriveTV]

Answers my questions for sure. I wanted it to run and gun trade shows and car races, as well as random events with good light. Gopro gets pretty nasty as the light goes away, or in a scenario like CES where the trade show floor is darker. For out and about vlogging, with a lav...seems reliable and simple with a good stabilized picture and is mega compact and light. Hero8's smooth stabilized image is definitely a big plus for it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I've had pretty good luck with a GoPro on the CES trade show floor in most areas. Perhaps less so in some car booths - but for the majority of CES I'm able to use it just fine.

[@darrens1701]

Can you just use the regular mic from the go pro instead of the “shotgun” mic while also using the media mod for the other stuff?

[@MaisMikeKaribyan]

Thanks for great information

[@paulbeckmann]

Brilliant info as always! Very helpful! Thanks!

[@RadReelingFishing]

The cheap directly plugged in lav mic sounded the best.

[@MikeFyxdt]

GoPro should build a receiver into the base camera that can use the signal from the Rode Video Go transmitter directly.

[@LillySchwartz]

Yep, still happy that I got the Hero 7 Black instead of the 8. Looks like they’ve made downgrading their mission. That media mod sounds worse than onboard audio! I just use the audio adapter in an ulanzi case for talking stuff and a wind breaker on the regular mount for POV photography stuff. Just the windbreaker makes such a huge difference already.

[@ronfoy9618]

A friend has this GoPro Setup not extremely happy. I went with Rode Wireless Go - PGYTech Cage - Cynova 3.5mm - OSMO Action. I also my other Rode mic as you did and because I mount on side, no dead cat in frame. I hate that GoPro raced through this one. Awesome Video as always 🤘🏽

[@fatheadbiker-stuff9722]

Excellent video! Lots to learn. Thank you.

[@ThePlacesWhereWeGo]

Useful overview - thanks

[@BushcraftMo]

Hi Could you point me in direction of how set up my Hero8 media mod to live stream mobile should i buy the Cam link and hdmi micro cable to do live streaming and what kind of data or connection would you recommend to stream it with

[@DeltaBravoProductions]

Just Waked that like button... Nows lets continue to watch...

[@brighamyates]

Great review. How would that squid mic do with mountain biking connected just to the media mod. I’m so sick of the wind in my videos. I just want a better audio solution.

[@UncleSajjad]

Excellent demonstration

[@JohnBaxendale]

Built-in Mic sounds way better than the media-mod, thanks, you saved me a few quid there! :)

[@gatecrashermedia1921]

Great video. You are a great presenter. It was concise, well paced and very informative. Thank you

[@RStrobosch]

I have a question regarding the Media Mod. Once I take off the battery clip in order to use the Media Mod, the camera is no longer waterproof. Does that mean that once I remove the battery clip the GoPro will NEVER again be waterproof? Or if I put back in the battery clip (if that's at all possible), it will be waterproof again?

[@taekim6074]

Yes.

[@ArkansasVanlife]

Great review. Thanks for all of the information. I ordered the media mod yesterday.

[@johndavis659]

I use a DJI Osmo Action with a SmallRig cage, Rode Video Micro with deadcat mount to the bottom right side out of frame, and a Lume Cube (if needed) as a back-up for my regular vlogging set up.

[@AVweb]

Outstanding review. But then they all are.

[@richardatkinson6031]

very good video and explanation. I like watching videos like yours. good luck.

[@Blue-im2fz]

Sounds like that HDMI port makes it into a nice cam for streaming without having to get a capture card.

[@milohenry1233]

What is a capture card ? :)

[@dagg497]

@Rick Dolishny I had It connected to an ATEM mini pro. mikro HDMI port broke by the weight of a 2meter cable. Now I'm looking inte using a metal cage from CAMVATE for the a6300 just so I can mount a Smallrig micro hdmi->hdmi adapter to that cage to save the Media mods ports from breaking 😮‍💨😮‍💨 Could also use a top handle from CAMVATE with 1/4-20 mounting points, I'll see what works best..

[@dmanalang9037]

Thanks Rainmaker! Its very informational. 2 thumbs up sir.

[@TopRelaxMusic]

When I use my GoPro 8 camera without Media Mod, I cannot turn on the power bank. It just doesn't work in the active "video recording" mode. When I stop the "video recording", the battery starts working. Is this the case when using the GoPro Media Mod?

[@NoFate247]

Great Video - For the audio jack - will it record both options (shotgun media mod and your rode lapel mic) at the same time?

[@gmcmods9769]

Thanks for the great review. Right to the point!

[@campilottv]

very good description - thx - following your channel now

[@GroarkBoysBBQ]

I’m looking to get great sound for food prep asmr videos with my gopro8. What mic configuration would you recommend!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Check out the links in the description for a few of the mics I use day to day.

[@ArvindVallabh]

Great info, by the way the Rodes Mic and cat sound fur can be mounted to the side of the camera thus keeping it out of the LENs.

[@koreanroots]

Super useful. Thanks

[@traxstarz9313]

Amazing review super helpful 100%

[@SternLX]

Only got the Media mod for 2 things. External Mic Jack and the ability to use an external power source on the external USB-C(which I noticed you didn't mention in this video). I primarily use my Hero8(with 512GB memory card) as a Dash Cam(I drive a large delivery truck for a living) or to share my e-Bike rides with Friends and Family. I need that extended run time and the ability to run an external wireless lav Mic like you do here.

[@GearMashers]

Great review Ray. I picked up the Shure MV88+. I think it is better than the videomicro.

[@keithdear6069]

Nicely done, but if I understand you correctly, you said that the 'stereo' setting was designed to activate the front and rear mics simultaneously. Surely this isn't stereo. I would suggest that one chooses stereo if the 3.5mm jack input is used for a stereo mic (att. to the top cold shoe). I've yet to try out my existing, quality Sony stereo mic - as I haven't got the shoe adaptor, but I wonder if a line level attenuator cable LN2Mic-ZoomMH4N will improve the sound quality. We'll see in a few days when I get the shoe adaptor!

[@johnlawrence8000]

Really great review. Thanks very much.

Very nice test bro... Thanks... 👍🏻

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@handylandlord]

I'm looking into the mods for my hero 8. Great Review! Thanks

[@TomTuT]

That was helpful. i bought the Hero 8 for my Videos - small Camera, great stabilisation and 4K! All in my pocket. i decided for GoPro instead for the Osmo-Action (Rock-Steady is great, also) because of the 3,5mm Plug. i had to wait until March 2020 to receive this Mod but this setup is great! The next is going to be the Rode Wireless Go - then, as you say, the setup is great! Thank you for the video - and sorry for my german-english :D

[@Forbeszy1]

I just want to try it for easy use. Quality can be tweaked in editing. Looking into the Mic Mod, light, and screen for traveling.

[@gvbalajee]

Excellent explanation my friend👍👌

[@buckettraveler8398]

I see tons of GoPro users use rode mics. Rode should just make their own media mod for for the GoPro, the exact same thing but will work for their wireless lav setup. I always thought GoPro themselves should have done their own wireless audio but instead we got the pointless portrait mode when they tried to sell to the vlogging community. . .

[@thewurldz]

So it's a bit risky if I'm using media mode on rainy day right?

[@HotCarTrack]

Great review mate👍