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

In-Depth Review: dcra.in/GoProMediaMod (with more sample footage!!!)
Media Mod: amzn.to/2LS0oPv
Rode Wireless setup: amzn.to/2uQ4ySx
The Lav Mic (which I also use with Rode Wireless setup): amzn.to/31aYUXf
Rode VideoMicro: amzn.to/2U9oNFv
GoPro Hero 8: amzn.to/38YKbkV
(links helps support channel, thanks!)
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Here's your complete in-depth review of the GoPro Media Mod for the GoPro Hero 8. In this review I dive into the dedicated shotgun microphone, including how both the front and back portions sound, as well as connectivity with external mics and the 3.5mm audio input port. This includes the Rode Wireless Go mic, the Rode VideoMicro mic, and the Giant Squid mic. I compare it to a native GoPro Hero 8 Black without any attachments in both calm and windy conditions.
Finally, I dive into the HDMI connectivity via the micro-HDMI port, and how well that does (or doesn't) work. Plus of course all the basic details like mounting, the case design, waterproofing and more.
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#GoPro #GoProMediaMod #GoProHero8

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@Mattykuch]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@LionheartSJZ]

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

[@imranshareef4754]

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

[@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.

[@YariGhidone]

Thanks for the review. Nice video!

[@ProfSimonHolland]

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

[@natmonee]

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

[@paulbeckmann]

Brilliant info as always! Very helpful! Thanks!

[@pomonr]

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

[@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 🙏

[@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 👌🏻

[@photocreativity]

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

[@shifty277]

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

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!!!

[@fatheadbiker-stuff9722]

Excellent video! Lots to learn. 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

[@ArkansasVanlife]

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

[@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!

[@gmcmods9769]

Thanks for the great review. Right to the point!

[@LifeinYellowknife]

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

[@TechnMoto]

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

[@johnlawrence8000]

Really great review. Thanks very much.

[@francisantony12]

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

[@drivetrainfitness434]

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

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@TrevorJonescreator]

Great review, thank you!

[@UncleSajjad]

Excellent demonstration

[@traxstarz9313]

Amazing review super helpful 100%

[@richardatkinson6031]

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

[@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.

[@johnbris5]

Very detailed and well explained. Thanks!

[@vasilyboyechko4688]

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

[@mail-delivery-subsystem]

This was a great informational video. I think the stock mic works great and it's versatile especially when vlogging because you won't know when you might need to be in front or behind the camera. Thanks for the review!

[@ThePlacesWhereWeGo]

Useful overview - thanks

[@bradward4150]

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

[@flo13boe]

Thanks, I was also eyeing with the gopro+media mod for my Motorsport vlogs. Should be great. Looking forward to try it at the racetrack! 🔥🚀

[@Sal4Ro]

Great review, TY for sharing!

[@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.

[@joebyrd77]

Very informative! Well done. 👏🏽👏🏽

[@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!!

[@handylandlord]

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

[@DoronBond]

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

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@AndyKongTravel]

Thank you for the thorough review!

[@Matteusus]

Great stuff, thanks for the video!

[@goal7779]

Thanx for the comprehensive review!

[@gatecrashermedia1921]

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

[@KeepItABeancom]

Great review really loved your break down.

[@tuberides.official]

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

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup - always a favorite spot of mine!

[@EugenioTrainer]

great review!! thanks

[@findaustralia8097]

Very helpful mate thank you

[@campilottv]

very good description - thx - following your channel now

[@stevensonrf]

Good and very helpful review. Thanks! Really like the Rhode wireless mic.

[@ej3304]

Interesting product, thanks for the overview

[@coryjeffreys5146]

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

[@kfcfighter46]

Thinking about buying one thanks!!

[@mereclander]

Very good vídeo and explanations.

[@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

[@FirstClassFloorCare]

Thanks for all the info, great video :D

[@BrianClunie]

Awesome review I just subscribed!

[@HotCarTrack]

Great review mate👍

[@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.

[@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

[@DaviddoesStuff]

Thanks for the nice overview. 👍🏻

[@RhettBrownatRetroWreck]

Excellent explanations ! Thanks!

[@schankam]

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.

[@dmanalang9037]

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

[@MaisMikeKaribyan]

Thanks for great information

[@Onlyrealpans]

Absolutely great review!! Thank you so much! I’m on hero 6 with adapter and same mics as you - works ok 👌🏾 😊😊 cheers from Finland 🇫🇮

[@BeckersReviews]

I was looking forward to this=)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - enjoy!!!

[@TheFcepeda]

Thank you for the info. It helped.

[@koreanroots]

Super useful. Thanks

[@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.

[@turenvtp]

Thx for this! Thumbs up!

[@OldLadyAngler]

Thanks Ray. Appreciated!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@johnreese3762]

Great info! Thanks!

[@Warren3carpentry]

Great info thanks!!

[@AzmanIsmail]

Thank you for your review.

[@gsgcarreviews]

Very thorough 👍

[@gvbalajee]

Excellent explanation my friend👍👌

[@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.

[@MAR-fk8mu]

thanks for the video, still planning to buy gopro 8

Very nice test bro... Thanks... 👍🏻

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@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

[@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!

[@superkaf]

Thanks. Very clear.

[@onezero6748]

Great review

[@TheProCut17]

that is a sweet set up

[@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.

[@DU1MIJ]

Thanks for the video, it helped me decide to get the Media Mod. By the way, I already realized you were into bikes at the beginning of the video (Park Tool tool box) and later confirmed because of the Wahoo snippets and the footage of the bikes. :) Ride safe!

[@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

[@luxuryanddrive]

Nice presentation 👏

[@RyanSchwartz51o]

Thanks so much for making this video! I am learning how to Moto-Vlog on my motorcycles and wasnt sure what i needed or how to set it up so I can use a external mic in my helmet to prevent wind noise and hear me talking better. Also did not want to edit voice and visuals separate what a nightmare and extra work haha.

[@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.

[@Vimlendukvlogs]

Good and informative

[@FourDRanch]

thanks for the video. I am trying out various mics to make my videos sound better.

[@beautyofthailand7393]

Great video - I sometimes use GoPro for my photoshoots - the HDR on GoPro is amazing