DJI Osmo Action 4 owners - Watch this BEFORE you buy a microphone!

For the last year, I've praised DJI for how they have implemented USB-C audio inputs in their Action cameras. While the Action 3 had a few minor issues, I was sure that they would all be resolved with the Osmo Action 4... Well, there are definite improvements, BUT there is one big bug that DJI has to fix... not every USB-C audio device is recognized by the camera at start up!
Now, from my initial testing, every USB-C audio device I've tried eventually worked with the Action 4, but a few took some extra measures to ensure the camera recognized them as an external audio device.
So I made this video to provide ‪@DJI‬ hopefully a running list of audio devices that are having issues and with your help, hopefully we can provide enough data for them to solve this bug with a new firmware update! If you have experienced any similar issues, leave a comment below with the microphone you use and let's do our part to help resolve this issue!
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[@AndreasDueck]

I shared your video in the DJI forum to draw attention to this bug and because the information in the video is helpful for a workaround. I also asked that affected microphones and adapters be listed under the post. So DJI should have the best opportunity to solve this problem. Thanks for the info and also your other videos.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks Andreas! Really appreciate your help! It always seems like DJI slips in audio improvements in firmware updates under the radar (I never see them listed in the notes) but hopefully the next FW push resolves these issues!

[@dipen.nisar.autovlogs]

In India, I have tried atleast 5-6 Different Type C Mics (which look like your Sennheiser USB Type C Mic), I have the same issue as you explained. 1. When doing cold starts with quick capture, mic is not recognized sooner, it takes 9-12 seconds. 2. When its already booted and shut down once, and now I try quick capture, the mic is recognized after 2-3 seconds and there is Audio Gap of around 4-5 seconds 3. Also even if I keep the gain to -12 or -15 the audio is a lot distorted. its not at all clear. I sold off my Hero 7 Black and got this OA4 for motovlogging as we have to do away with all the additional set up required in gopro like a adapter, special case etc, thus reducing the weight on the helmet and reducing the strain on neck.

[@RecluseRider]

Struggling with same. Have you found a solution? My voice starts crackling a lot.

[@dipen.nisar.autovlogs]

@@RecluseRider not yet. I plan to make a vlog and share it with DJI support

[@FatBiscuitYT]

Have you had issues with lav mics clipping regardless how low the negative gain is set to? I have a Rode Lavalier II and the gain is set to -8. The ambient noise is barely noticeable (requires gain boost to hear) but the mic still clips when speaking into it. Granted this is for motovlogging and I have the mic right up to my mouth. You mention the Sennheiser XS Lav is good for motovlogging, so I assume the -16 dB FS/Pa sensitivty on the sennheiser compared to the -38 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal sensitivity on the Rode is why? Edit: the Rode mic works perfectly with my GoPro 8 Black with the mic adapter so is it also a case of DJI not compensating for this with a direct USB C connection?

[@techusmaximus7102]

So dope that you respond to all comments! I’m subscribed and watch every video of yours I can! Always good stuff brother. Stay safe

[@WayneRECs]

Lol, thanks! I try my best because I truly appreciate someone taking the time to comment, but some do fall through the cracks! Thanks for the sub!

[@KayakDIY]

@dji have you fixed this yet? Planning on which action camera to get for our channel’s adventures.

[@bankruptpensioner]

I have a simple problem with audio, using the DJI MIC. I test that the mic is working with a 5 sec record. All works well. I then do my vlog and the VU meter appears to respond. I then look at the recorded vlog and all video is missing from the file. Very frustrating. To off set this problem, I now record the audio on the mic - which is not the best solution to this problem. Ant thoughts? Am I doing something wrong?

[@ArenaMobil]

I have a Saramonic Blink 500, what is the Saramonic mic adapter for use on Action Cam 4? Can I use Saramonic SR-C2001? Does the mic icon appear on the screen?

[@gigihanmandarin]

You have become the guru in the niche of "external audio solutions for DJI Action cameras".

[@DavidHarryUncut]

Another excellent and very useful video, Wayne. Even if the issue only happens with a small number of mics, it's a massive issue to anyone who only uses those mics. So yes, if the community can make DJI aware of these issues then hopefully it can be resolved. As it happens, both those mics you had the issue with are not only great mics but I'd imagine are very popular as well. Great video 👍 Cheers, Dave.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks Dave! Frustrating for sure when you buy a mic that works great with the Action 3 and then when you upgrade to the Action 4, it doesn't function as intended. The Deity V-Mic D4 is a great little on camera mic. I think Ian has one too. The work around is that the mic also comes with a USB-C to TRRS (smart sensing) cable that works as intended with an adapter (like the BOYA BY-K4) but that totally defeats the purpose of a single USB-C cable lol! It would be one thing if this issue cropped up with budget mics from smaller unknown brands, but Deity and Sennheiser make great products... Fingers crossed DJI comes through in the end!

[@somphonganu]

Thanks for video. I found the same problem with this. Hope the next update DJI will solve this.

[@JTube571]

I just bought a Comica VM10 Pro, mainly to use the USB-C digital output. On cold start it takes as much as 15 seconds to recognize the mic. Every start after that it's only a few seconds but you can see the line at the top of the screen appear for a second at full volume, disappears for a second or two, then comes back completely. 😑

[@PatchedBandit]

Thank you for making this video! I have the same issue with the new Rode Wireless Pro set of microphones. I'm missin audio in a bout 50% of my videos when quickstarting the recording straight from the record button. On way around this bug right now is to use the 3.5mm plug and BY-K4 mic adapter and not a straight usbC to usbC cable. I have reported this on the DJI forums too but not confident DJI will do anything about the issue if enough of us don't report it directly to them.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for your comment! And sorry to hear the new Wireless PROs are experiencing issues with the Action 4! I'm glad you found a workaround, but it must be super frustrating as the whole point of a USB-C audio input is to have a single direct connection! I'm still hopeful that DJI will figure it out especially if popular RODE systems aren't working seamlessly.

[@PatchedBandit]

@@WayneRECs Sadly I recorded 51 Gigs of material yesterday and all of them ruined by clipping audio levels. I suspect that the autogain feature only works with the usbc to usbc connection. Can't be sure but I've gotten 99% clean audio with the autogain using the direct usbc cable. Now almost all my audio from yesterday is ruined when I used the boya adapter and 3.5mm rode cable. Voice understandable but that's not good enough for me. I have been on a mission to get clean vehicle sound + helmet audio in my videos for more than a year now. This RODE set with the autogain is the closest to a plug and play setup I have had so far but these issues are a big problem. I will make a video about this setup after I'm confident that its reliable and works well.

[@drmarcusanthony]

Thanks for the video. I have issues connecting my Rode ME mic to my Osmo Action 4. When it fails it cuts out after 3 seconds. I am about the return the camera as my mic works fine elsewhere.

[@sameerghare]

Sorry for asking if already answered....could not see the comment when I scrolled through Does attaching the microphone to the unit silence the action camera in terms of start and stop recording notification. This is happening with me when I plug in my microphone via a 3.5mm to Type C connector. Thanks

[@MACHIcreations]

yeah, same with mine too, we have to unplug it hear any sound from the cam

[@greinalexandra]

Wow I like your new background and lightning 💪

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks Alex! Always feels like a work in progress but I think I was ready for a change!

[@deanpanmei7531]

Can you pliz make a video on how we can connect action 4 with any studio recording audio interface... I m so confuse and can't get a right answer

[@RedHorseAdventures]

I highly recommend the SmallRig 3495 Wave, never had an issue and for the price, it is a no brainer.

[@KalanardTV]

I'm also looking for whats best mic for motovlogging. I hope the Sennheiser is working without adaptor.

[@MindMetalworks]

this is an excellent video thankyou

[@frostbitevinnie]

I tried my drift mic and initially it was recognized the was dropped. The mic works fine with my drift cam. Great video BTW!

[@Atopper]

I’m currently using the Action 4 with a Sennheiser ME 2 Lav with Saramonic 2003 adapter. It is the best audio I have found for Motovlogging. And yes the locking trs works with the non locking trs adapter. PS thank you for your videos! PSS: I forgot to say Motovloggers need a higher max SPL for the exhaust too which is why it’s worth investing in the mic. 🤘

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for sharing! Great hearing viable motovlogging solutions from those with real use experience!

[@Tano]

same problem with my wireless lavalier microphones, I personally solved it by using the line out of my receiver with a trs/usbc adapter, for some reason it always works like this. Thanks for the video, I thought it was my problem 😅

[@WayneRECs]

Glad to hear you figured out a solution! What wireless set are you using? It took me a while to figure out how to consistently replicate the bug consistently and figured it would help others who might be having the same frustrations for what seems like random mic recognition issues. Hopefully, DJI can address this in the next firmware update!

[@Notmex1x]

So i have Comica Vimo C3 microphone with ( TRS - TRRS ) and ( TRS - TRS ) i wanna pair this with Osmo Action 4. And my question is what should i buy? the By-K2 or By-K4? and if i buy the BY-K2 can i pair to Action 4 directly to the recievers microphone? ( YES OR NO ) And if i buy the BY-K4 i should use TRS-TRS? or TRS-TRRS? Hope this getting replied. Thank you!

[@estebansegovia1268]

i have the BY-K7 and doest recognize the mic pls help I have lavalier II

[@HafizShariff101]

Hi Wayne, thanks for the great video. May I know what usb-c wired lavalier mic you’re using to connect directly to the OA4? Though I have the BY-K4, I’m thinking of simplifying the connections even further by using a direct connection.

[@WayneRECs]

I have the Sennheiser XS lav which now seems to work fine with the latest Action 4 update.

[@HafizShariff101]

@@WayneRECs Great, will try that out. Thanks Wayne, and keep up making these wonderful videos!

[@raczyk]

What mic are you currently using with the BY-K4? Any recommendation for a mic, for creatiing e-biking videos with a OA4 with a chest mount and a lav mic? Be it in the city or nature. What lav mic would you recommend? I'm a beginner to audio, but looking for some street ambience and a clear voice recording.

[@dentaltv]

Interesting information. Never thought of using an Action 4 for audio recording 😎

[@WayneRECs]

Ha, sounds like a video I'll have to sneak in!

[@MT_20_24]

Hey question. I Just hooked up the rode videomic go ii on my dji osmo action 4 and the mic indicator is not showing but it shows a green bar and when i talk,the green bar indicator level goes up and down is that correct or does it still needs to show the mic indicator to know if its working properly ?

[@WayneRECs]

Hey there! DJI has updated the Action 4 firmware since launch and replaced the Mic Icon with the Green Bar that now indicates the audio level when an external mic is connected. Activating the PRO mode will allow you to adjust the Gain level of that mic.

[@MT_20_24]

@@WayneRECsthank you 👍👍👍👍

[@UmbertoUderzo]

Hi Wayne. I have this issue with Rode Wireless Go II connected through USB. Your video was helpful to understand the behaviour and at least workaround until (hopefully) DJI fixes that.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks for sharing! Good to know that you're having this issue with the Wireless GO II in usb output! Here's hoping DJI and solve this for everyone!

[@RedNinja]

looks like mic with power buttons is not affected, jsut need to restart the mic.

[@neekonsaadat2532]

JJC AD-OA1 Adapter does not recognize period. I have bought two and neither can recognize on the camera. The GoPro USB-C adapter also does not work.

[@ishanbhatvlogs]

Really struggling with the same issues, ordered the Sennheiser mic but looking at this video, im going with a Boya by K4 TRS and Sony ECM-LV1 for my motovlogs

[@zekd]

Have you tried out this setup yet? I'm interested in doing the same.

[@graphguy]

Others may have made the oa4 external mic, your vids are always my go to source. Ya, that is definitely a fixable firmware fix.

[@WayneRECs]

Thanks! Like they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease! I hope other OA4 folks find this so 1) it's validating if they are having an issue and 2) they can contribute their experience so there's a wider understanding of how it can be fixed. I'm confident DJI will address this, though it might be a fix that they don't docu in their firmware notes (as I find they rarely include any audio related updates lol)

[@prisonguardgus]

I had the problem with my DJI Wireless Mic until the firmware update that added the green bar for audio.

[@Jomiguelff]

how do you adapt the microphone to the action 4. in the case that came with the camera i dont see an option to attach it

[@WayneRECs]

Hi! If you're looking to attach a mic to an Action 4 using the included stock plastic cage, check out the Ulanzi OA-19. I did a video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIivdnyljrOdi68

[@vvlad78]

Thanks for the info, bro! Does Comica VM10 has this issue?

[@WayneRECs]

My Comica VM10 Pro seems to be working fine when connect vis USB-C

[@rawbsworld6604]

Interesting but is it either or both? Firmware or mic/ cable? The two you called out did you try a different cable or mic ifing you had back ups 🤷‍♂️ just curious ✌️🤙

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Rawb! So I think it's a camera/firmware issue. Swapping USB-C cables with the Deity still produces the same behavior and my XS lav functions as expected with my Action 3. The one workaround is to connect the Deity V-Mic D4 (using the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable) to an adapter like the BOYA BY-K4 then into the Action 4. In this set up, everything starts up and works like you'd expect, except now there are additional cables and connections which kinda defeats the purpose of a USB-C input lol!

[@rawbsworld6604]

Ya 👍 wasn’t Didn’t recall if you mentioned using a different mic/cable of the same brand, thanks for the clarification 👍🤗

[@DaDarthShow]

Very useful video ill try on my saramonic usb c to trs and boya lav

[@DaDarthShow]

Saramonic usb c to trs with rode videomic go 2 seems to be fine

[@WayneRECs]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@christomo]

Nice video good information 👍 I don't have the A4 but have been considering. However I have this same annoying problem with gopro 10 and 11 while using the media mod and jack imput I have to check external mic is working before recording every time . I don't know how many times I have forgot and ruined it lol. Thanks for sharing 👍 have a great weekend 😊

[@rawbsworld6604]

🤔 I assume that’s why musicians and and film sets do an audio check Pryor to to the show or filming, but I could be wrong 🤷‍♂️😝✌️

[@WayneRECs]

Chris! Thanks for stopping by! Reliability issues are frustrating for sure across the board! Especially in situations where there is little to no time prior to shooting (which is how I think a lot of Action Cams are used)!

[@christomo]

@@WayneRECs yes all run and gun 🔫 situations shame when mic stops randomly

[@christomo]

@rawbsworld6604 haha yes good habits are helpfull I just do run and gun stuff messing around with kites I'm just a kook learning what I can

[@rawbsworld6604]

@@christomo hahaha ain’t we all, 👍

[@HeyyItsJhay]

Have you tried the OAC4 into FULAIM X5 Wireless System??

[@WayneRECs]

Hey Jhay! Unfortunately, I don't have a FULAIM X5 system.

[@HeyyItsJhay]

@@WayneRECs i've recently bought Osmo Action Camera 4.. thinking to buy this Fulaim X5 on amazon.. i'm from philippines by the way :)

[@WayneRECs]

@ItsSKYYo just released a video testing out the Fulaim X5 for the Action 4. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqLcdYB6e7N1abMsi=fOswClJ0kV59WeI8

[@ariesworld7]

I bought one mic from Amazon and it's working without any issues.

[@ericBcreator]

Has anyone tried the Zoom Am7 MS with the Action 4, does it work?

[@WayneRECs]

I've tried the ZOOM AM7 and it works but... The fit isn't good if you're looking to plug it directly into the Action 4. I had to use a small USB-C dongle extension. But more importantly, IMO the AM7 doesn't sound great. While the form factor seems like it would be ideal for a streamlined Action 4 stereo recording set up, it just doesn't work out as they weren't designed to go together. You might be better off with an H1essential and running the USB-C out to the Action 4 while recording on the device itself.

[@ericBcreator]

@@WayneRECs Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it! I already own an older H2 which also can do 360 and MS recordings and sounds great but was hoping a plugin USB mic would be a more compact solution. Checking some more videos, I was starting to the think the AM7 doesn't live up to the Zoom quality. I bought the Q2n-4k a while ago: it sounds very decent and so is the video quality - if you bought it 10 years ago! Not up to par with 2024 anymore. So I decided to get the Action 4 and a separate mic. The smaller cardioid action/USB-C mics seem quite hit and miss though. I was also checking out the Sennheiser MKE200 and just replied to another vid that after hearing several sound comparisons, I don't care for the sound: too hollow and shrill to me. The cheap Boya EUR/USD 30 on Amazon even sounded better to me. I can edit in post but prefer the best material to start with. Do you happen to have a better recommendation?

[@freefree2021]

I have a Movo ACM400 lav mic into a Movo usb c adapter and when I cold start record the mic is not recognized for about 5-12 seconds after pushing record. sometimes no audio at all.

[@zulmomen]

The same goes for me when motovloging. I use Boya BY-K4 adapter + my trs lav mic. Yesterday i had updated the firmware. Still got a problem with quick capture video. You need to turn on the camera first, then record. Very frustrated.

[@freefree2021]

@momengadget yea and tech support suggests using the dji wireless mic, but can't understand why it won't work on a helmet. Basically dji is not acknowledging the issue.

[@zulmomen]

Maybe we need the original audio adapter from DJI itself. Who has tried it?. Please share the outcome. Thanks.

[@VishalNehra]

@@zulmomen I have tried with official audio adapter as well. The audio clips at startup after few seconds using quick start. I'll try with turning on the camera first, but this seem to be very frustrating. Why tf aren't they fixing this. Their QA is absolute joke.

[@JeffBourke]

My advice, record externally before fumbling around with cables and adapters etc etc. step 1, mic close to the sound. Step 2, sync with crappy onboard sound. Step 3, profit.

[@WayneRECs]

Ha! One of my personal favorite workflows!

[@pushpdeeppandey]

This would definitely work if I'm not motovlogging. But if I'm, then one of my biggest problems with this workflows is that on longer rides, I may not record for hours at end, and then if audio recorder is within my helmet, turning off the audio recording each time gets super frustrating and takes my attention and focus away from the joy of riding. If I keep recording, well I may have 12 hours of continuous audio to sync with barely 60 minutes of fragmented video. And if I don't have the device on my helmet and rather go for the recorder/controller outside of my helmet, then on each stop, there are cables to manage before taking off the helmet and parking the bike.

[@uncle-english]

This is pretty bad. Definitely need to be fixed. Really a surprising bug.

[@WayneRECs]

With my limited sample size, I don't really know how many mics are affected, but the bug is super frustrating for sure. Especially if you have no clue as to why your mic works sometimes but not others.

[@TravelThailand8]

I think it's an absolute joke that DJI wireless microphones don't connect to the action 4 . DJI is just ripping us off. Plain and simple.

[@przemowczarski]

Shure MV7

[@tsdmoto]

Did DJI ever fix this bug?

[@WayneRECs]

I think as of the latest firmware released 3/27/24, yes, these bugs are fixed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJypfJarpZ10nq8

[@tsdmoto]

Thanks! I'm going to give it a shot!!!@@WayneRECs

[@Andkisextreme]

No, i have that problem still after instaling new firmware, and im right now comunicating with dji support for that issue

[@Howel79]

@@WayneRECs Love this action cam, and use recent firmware, however I hate that everytime I plug in external mic (I used Rode Videomicro) I need to boost Gain more than +8 to get decent sound without modifying at post edit, which resulting a bit crack compared to DJI internal mic. And a bit different than your post in connector, I found a cheap type C DAC converter (mine is showing as AB13X in windows) perform better than Jcally JM6T (w Connexant CX31993), Hollyland Type C to TRS, and Generic Type C to TRS with HD sound. The different between Jcally JM6T and this cheap type C DAC, is sound can be hear more clearly without having to boost gain, +12 in Jcally JM6T is still lower than +8 in cheap DAC. Jcally sound is more subtle, but need to crank gain to the max in the cam and in post to hear decent sound, which overall makes a bit crackling sound. I think it might be related to the ohm specification of the DAC. While for the Hollyland type C to TRS vs Generic Type C to TRS with HD sound, they both pretty similar, barely can hear them eventhough its +12 in the DJI, while the generic one to have a bit higher gain than the Hollyland. So I assumed its DJI internal issue with external mic. Luckily its internal mic is good enough for everything, its just not focus since I think it is an unidirectional mic.

[@pushpdeeppandey]

Hi Wayne! You may remember me from my other channel, @2kPhotography. I can't believe they put out a firmware and still XS-Lav isn't supported. I was quite happy I got the OA4 instead of OA3 and this bug is really making it useless for me for motovlogging. The list that DJI emailed to me, does say that BY-K4 is supported so good to know using that adapter at least I can do away with this issue.

[@WayneRECs]

Our conversation prompted me to make this video! I too was hoping it would have been resolved with the 9/7 firmware update, but here's hoping DJI figures it out on the next one! Glad you found an alternative in the meantime!

[@ArenaMobil]

I have a Saramonic Blink 500, what is the Saramonic mic adapter for use on Action Cam 4? Can I use Saramonic SR-C2001?