How to Connect a Mic to DJI Action 2

[@EvgeniyWorld]

Hi. Do it work with power combo or only with display combo?

[@TechTravelBeyond]

The power module has a USB-C port and you can use a mic with it!

[@EvgeniyWorld]

@@TechTravelBeyond thank to you! i try some, but they dont work. And i have doubt about it. I try Comica Vimo C adapter. Its normaly works with phone. But here dont works.

[@The_GreenMachine]

i hate that everyone does these reviews with the screen add-on.. what about for the camera itself, no screen add-on. will we ever be able to attach external mics to that? i use it as a stand-alone action cam for mountain biking, and the wind noise is out of control on this thing and i need other options without needing to attach the screen add-on to the camera.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

No mics for the camera unit itself and as for external sound, only from USB-c on the Screen module because the camera unit only has circuitry for the front facing mic. Perhaps the DJI forums may be of help. Thanks for watching!

[@Fell_Wanderer]

Thank you sir, just the video I was looking for.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Glad it helped!

[@UncleLongbeard]

That is really weird. I was totally unsuccessful with the adapters. I was able to connect every single cheap usb-c earphones/mic mobile set, also via various usbc2trrs adapters I am able to connect again every single cheap earphones/mic set, but when it comes to lav mic... nothing works. Nor trrs mic, nor trs via adapter (which is tested and working on other devices). I would buy one of those adapters you have to check it but no one is selling those in the UK. However I suspect it's not that. I am on the newest firmware and I kinda suspect that they brought some sort of electric testing routine to the camera. So it checks the impedance or so, and then allowing things to work or not. I have similar problem with my Huawei phone, which is not recognizing some accessories, but DJI is much worse than Huawei...

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Wow. Perhaps Amazon UK is selling the adapters I have linked. DJI finally made it work via USB-C standard for cellphones and tablets and I can’t imagine why it won’t work for you. Perhaps going to Dixons with your Action 2 to test?

[@UncleLongbeard]

@@TechTravelBeyond 1. Amazon is not selling those exact adapters unfortunately. We also have no Dixons here, we have Currys but they are not helpful at all ;) Anyway my adapter clearly works; as when I connect trrs earphone/mic set to that - it records sound well, and also plays sounds in the earphones. So, the connection is great. I checked 3 cheap adapters, same with each. Then trrs or trs microphones alone won't work. I will talk with dji support on Monday, but this camera is so annoying with that. Do you still have that cam? Could you check if on the new firmware 1.03 it all still works for you?

[@Webrisernl]

Do i need to activate the external mic function in the dji action 2 first? As the dji mic not work 😮

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Have you connected the DJI Mic receiver to the USB-C port? If you did, activate Pro Mode in settings and you’ll see the Audio tab when you swipe from the right side settings icon on the main screen.

[@ranikusumawati1158]

Can action 2 use osmo action 1 mic adapter? If its work, we can use mic and power supply together

[@TechTravelBeyond]

No. Watch the video after the USB-C mics and I show you the proper adapter. It’s also in the links. Thanks for watching!

[@WiscoPaddler]

@@TechTravelBeyond sorry but I didn't see where you mention how to utilize power and an external mic, is that possible with the action 2?

[@Semih.siratas]

hello i have dji pocket 2 i want to use this product with both its internal microphone and external microphone connected at the same time if there is such a setting option please help me thank you very much

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Unfortunately, the Pocket is small and like most cameras, is not an audio mixer. You can only use one of its options as a sound source. The options are the onboard mics, or the Do it All handle’s wireless mic, or an external mic plugged in to the 3.5mm jack of the Do it All handle. If you need 2 mics, you can plug a system like the Rode Wireless Go 2 into the 3.5mm jack and use that to mix the sound going into the Pocket as you record.

[@0Oo..oO0]

Does it show the microphone meter level in the display when using the adapters? I tried the Apple USB-C to 3.5 (as others claim it works) but I get nothing. The USB-C mic does work correctly, but the it clips too easily and the dB adjustment in PRO mode only goes upwards ... so frustrating.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

I wouldn't use Apple adapters because they're usually proprietary to their products, and not always universal in specs. When you plug a USB-C mic in, there is a mic symbol on the display on the top right. It has 3 levels (bottom, mid and full), and when it peaks, the mic symbol turns red. As far as adjustments it's 0db to 20db. Remember, like most of the DJI cameras, this is not a mixer nor a full-fledged camera with all audio capabilities. They could only fit so much into the smaller form factor, and the original Osmo Action did not have any controls for audio levels. I've found I just watch the audio levels and ensure they don't peak red, and it's worked quite well for what I do. As always, your mileage may vary depending on what your production needs are.

[@SOUVIK1914581]

Hi, does the Power module USB C port support microphone input?

[@TechTravelBeyond]

According to DJI's instructions for the power module, it does! Happy Filming!

[@stevenmeyer1382]

Pictures and sound were amazing. Thank you for the review.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobfiore8]

I’m having an issue using the Saramonic USB-C port. When I connect the microphone indicator blinks on and off red. The gain is turned low and I’m not in a noisy environment. Have you come across this? Ty

[@TechTravelBeyond]

I've not had a problem with the Saramonic Smartmic Mini. Perhaps you might try exchanging it. I've had a similar one for the Osmo Action, and once I exchanged it, it worked.

[@bobfiore8]

@@TechTravelBeyond thank you and I appreciate the quick response

[@bobfiore8]

@@TechTravelBeyond when you use it with the Saramonic usb-c, what do you have the gain set on?

[@michaelgan9190]

hi does Ulanzi J12 mic work with DJI Action 2? Thank you.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

As long as it’s made for USB-C input for cellphones and tablets, yes.

[@GroupIII]

Amazing! You should be sponsored. Great job and so informative. I'm curious if Action 2 will pair with a BT mic. Just curious if you tried. Thank you in advance.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Unfortunately, no. The Bluetooth is reserved for only working with the Mimo app, and so if you need wireless mics, you’ll need to connect via the USB-C port using the ways I show you in this video. The new DJI wireless mics coming this month are wireless, and use the USB-C port for the mic receiver. I have the Pocket 2 Creator Combo, and wished the wireless mic worked for the Action 2, but that uses a different receiver on the Do It All Handle. Thanks for watching!

[@gdzillagamer3893]

Can u suggest me a mic for dji action 2 for motovlogging to stepup in my helmet

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Here’s a question: is there a helmet mic you can connect using a 3.5mm plug? That might be a way.

[@woowoooooo]

why would I need all these adaptors when rode wireless connects with usb c cable with much better sound quality.. so does any other usb c mic

[@TechTravelBeyond]

And that is the key. DJI finally made the Action 2 work with any USB-C analog mic made for use with tablets and cell phones. While you can use the USB-C of some Rode Wireless mics, the digital audio connection of some may not give you the gain control in camera as analog mics. When you look at the documentation for the digital audio connection for the Rode mics via USB-C, it is meant for processing and mixing on a computer using the Rode mixing software.. Aside from that, DJI didn’t clearly document in its manuals what connections work with the Action 2 when it was first released. It was unclear whether or not you’d have to by a proprietary connector as they did with the original Osmo Action. Thanks for watching!

[@allena3430]

Does this work with the power module and not the screen module? Thank you

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Hi Allen! The USB-C port on both the power module and the screen module give you the ability to attach an external mic. This is great because if you only have the power module, you don't have the 3 additional on-board mics the screen module has. Just make sure you use the right USB-C mic or adapters for your mics.

[@allena3430]

@@TechTravelBeyond Thank you, I have the wireless go 2 and want to use it. Any idea if an audio recorder like zoom f6 output to the action 2 via usb c will work? Overkill but wondering if it would ever work haha

[@TechTravelBeyond]

@@allena3430 It depends on if the Zoom is outputting a digital output via USB-C for computers and mixers. For my KZbin short about audio in stereo, I used the 3.5mm outputs of my Zoom H1n, and had control of the audio levels in the Action 2. The Rodewireless Go2 has been said to work via USB-C, but you cannot control the audio levels like you can with the 3.5mm outputs into your camera. The manual for Rode says it's for digital input into a computer using the Rode Mixing Software. Check the manual for the F6.

[@allena3430]

@@TechTravelBeyond Awesome! Thank you, will give it a go! Appreciate your help!

[@apiarioautore1393]

Hello is it possible to combine DJI mic with DJI Actions 2?

[@TechTravelBeyond]

The DJI Mic was promoted along with the Action 2 and works without an adapter on the Action 2. I did a sound test in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aneVf6NmZsqMh6M

[@apiarioautore1393]

@@TechTravelBeyond Thank you so much ;)

[@ScottsReviews]

Very nice review. How would you rate the Saramonic mic usbc? Basicly is it dramactivly better than the internal mics? Thx New Sub!

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Hi Scott! I’m actually in Paris and was going to do another video about it but it’s literally raining sideways! Guess I have to do it at home on Monday, but the mic works as well as the Saraminc SR-XM1. It works slightly better than the front mic on the Action 2, and I have the deadcat for it. I’ll drop the KZbin short on Monday! Thanks for watching and joining the channel!

[@moonface222]

Hi, I have the Action 2 camera and like to use it with an external mic to record when I am using my car on a circuit. I bought a USBc to Jack plug adaptor but it doesn’t work. Having watched your video, I perhaps understand why now. I must have bought the wrong one. It was a JXMOX. I live in the UK but can’t find the two adaptors that you recommend. Can I add also that I use long wires to extend the mics to the engine bay and to the exhaust at the rear of the car. These wires have 3.5mm Jack plugs. Will this make any difference. I add a splitter too to pick up on two mics. Thanks, Neil

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Perhaps Dixon’s may have a USB-C to 3.5 mm that works for smartphones and tablets? Just make sure it’s for mics and one that connects to your mic plug. If the mic plug has two black bands on the tip, it’s TRS. If it has four black bands, it’s TRRS. You may have gotten the wrong uSB-C adapter for your mic plug, and they may have one in store or to order online.

[@moonface222]

@@TechTravelBeyond Thank you for your help. Neil

[@satishchennagoni]

great stuff, subscribed. quick question : when you connect an external type -c Lavalier mic, i have observed that it will only have mono/stereo and gain options available, other options are disabled in the display module 4 mics. i suppose this is expected when we connect a single microphone. is there a possibility or any mic that can give multi mic option. just trying to explore more options.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Hi Satish! The onboard mic options are only available when you're not using an external USB-C mic. When you plug in a lavalier mic or any USB-C mic, that becomes the audio option. There are no options to mix the audio sources of the onboard mics along with a USB-C mic. If you want to mix audio sources, plug in a USB-C audio adapter, and from there, you can plug in an external mixer. Once you do that, you can mix audio from multiple sources. Unfortunately, this would make your small, portable set-up much, much bigger. Thanks for watching!

[@satishchennagoni]

@@TechTravelBeyond yup, defeats the purpose of having plug and play setup and you can’t go riding looking like Ultron with all wires and electronics dangling over your helmet 😄, I did test usb type c mic and it’s amazing how easy it has become to record audio without any issues, Dji definitely nailed with this one!

[@TechTravelBeyond]

@@satishchennagoni they did! Now you don’t have to buy a proprietary mic adapter that only records a dual-mono track like they did with the original Osmo Action.

[@LandHoLando]

@techtravelbeyond what if my little icon doesn’t come on the screen on my dji action 2?? It’s like it’s not recognizing it Both are updated to the latest firmware, have you had this issue?

[@TechTravelBeyond]

@@LandHoLando Did you turn on Pro Mode?

[@LandHoLando]

@@TechTravelBeyond no, how do you do that??

[@spirittravels.]

Hi there I think this is a really informative video I just want to ask you a question about the dual screen combo that you have, and whether you think the screen is any use for vlogging because it is quite small ? I'm asking this because they now offer the power combo but without a front facing screen and I'm tempted to pay less but the trouble is that you miss out on the three extra inbuilt microphones of the other option but then again do you use the internal microphone? or do you prefer to use an external microphone? Thank you

[@TechTravelBeyond]

The dual screen combo is worth it. Not only do you get the front screen which is great for framing yourself in vlog type scenes, you get additional battery power and the onboard mics for matrix sound is a bonus. The front screen also displays icons for your mic levels if you use a mic instead of the onboard mics, and when you playback footage for review, there’s also an onboard speaker too. I use the DJI mic (see my review) the onboard mics, or attach a wired lavalier mic, depending on the situation. Dual screen combo is well worth it for all its additional features. Thanks for watching!

[@spirittravels.]

@@TechTravelBeyond Thanks for the response. Much appreciated 👍

[@spirittravels.]

@@TechTravelBeyond so you would definitely recommend the dual screen over the power combo? The reason I was thinking about just the power combo on its own was simply because of the fact that it is more economical. I figured that if I was going to be using a plug-in microphone it doesn't matter having these three extra microphones, neither doesn't really matter about the front facing screen if it has such a wide view anyway. It's cheaper and it offers slightly longer battery life. But despite these facts you would still recommend the dual screen over the power combo? Sorry about the questions it's just that I'm seriously thinking about buying one of these I've got it right firsthand. Cheers 👍

[@jnrmack]

DJI needs to have a battery with wireless built in to receive the pocket 2 mic.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

I wished it worked with the Pocket 2 mic also! This weekend I’ll be testing the DJI Wireless Mics which work with USB-C and the Action 2. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@joerivanderwell7176]

Thanks for a great video, it helped me out a lot! I'm new to video and audio and I'm gonna use the action2 and osmo pocket2 to film outdoor soccer practice sessions. Can you provide some hints how to capture decent audio (with the waterproof) action2 when it's actually raining? Have a great weekend!

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Hi Joeri! In rain, I'd only recommend using the smaller camera module since it's waterproof. Since battery life is important, film in 1080p at 30fps to get the most battery life, and film short segments of what you intend to film. You have to be very intentional, but this will also help your edits. If you're planning longer sessions, then the best bet is to be stationary under a covered area or under an umbrella with the screen module and mic attached to the USB-C port. Even with that module, you'll get more battery life and less overheating at 1080p. Filming at 1080p will make editing faster too, even on your phone. When you get better, you can try 2.7k but remember 4k and 2k require more power and file space as file sizes are bigger. File transfers and editing may also take longer depending on your computer. It will take time to get good at filming with both cameras, but practice to get the most out of them. Happy Filming!

[@joerivanderwell7176]

@@TechTravelBeyond Copy that loud and clear, thank you!

[@bernhtp]

Thanks for the video. My application is motovlogging: the camera mounted on the chin of a motorcycle helmet with a short connection wire to a mic inside the helmet cheek pad near the mouth. This provides simple audio integrated with the video in one device. A problem is the very wide dynamic range of the audio in as speed and wind noise vary, which causes overloaded/garbled audio in most cameras. Separate audio recorders (e.g., Tascam) are often used because they do smart AGC, wind noise filtering, etc., but this dramatically complicates everything by needing an extra device to keep in your jacket, wire up, charge, and sync/merge to video in post. I want a simple and effective audio solution integrated within the camera. Thanks for pointing out that the Action 2 has configurable audio gain. This is part of the solution. Does it also have decent AGC? Wind noise filtering? Anything else I should know?

[@TechTravelBeyond]

If you have a TRS mic for your helmet , that might work attached to a USB-C to TRS mic adapter. If the mic is TRRS, then use a USB-C to TRRS adapter for mics. The gain control in the Action 2 is in the audio settings once you enable pro mode. Unfortunately, there is no wind reduction setting for external mics, only when the onboard mics of the pocket 2 are used. They wouldn't be sufficient for your particular use, so a deadcat type of windmuff for your helmet mic may work. I don't motovlog, but when I've been on a regular bike, I've used a deadcat on a lav mic inside my cycling jersey and it did pretty well. Thanks for watching!

[@bernhtp]

@@TechTravelBeyond Thanks. The motovlog application really needs AGC to compress the dynamic range, and wind noise filtering to boost the voice signal to wind noise ratio. Dedicated pro-level recorders do this. The first camera manufacturer that does this well will capture this enormous market. The camera that came closest to fulfilling the capability was the Sony FDR-X3000, which had both 3.5mm audio in and decent AGC. Unfortunately Sony left the market around 4 years ago.

[@Motoward17]

Thanks for this bro! il buy the purple panda you put in the link of your description, good for small motovlogger like me! 😁 I have a question bro dont need adapter right?

[@TechTravelBeyond]

As long as you have the USB-C adapter that comes with the Purple Panda set up I highlight, it will work. Otherwise, you can get a USB-C to TRS mic adapter and use any mic with it! Thanks for watching and happy moto-vlogging!

[@Motoward17]

@@TechTravelBeyond Thanks sir already sub 👌

[@hanglooserecluse]

Damn I wish this thing would allow charging while using external mics. I notice as soon as I plug in a power cable to charge with a dual adaptor, the mic disappears and reverts back to onboard mic

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Yes, unfortunately. They didn't design the USB-C port to do multiple things like other devices.

[@romanianperspective7520]

Thanks so much 😁😁, I need the BY-K4. Only one store has it on stock in my area. So lucky

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Yay! Nice option and I have used it with a lavalier for a quick project. Happy filming!

[@romanianperspective7520]

@@TechTravelBeyond haha I will keep that in mind, good idea. I intend to use it with a direct audio source, in order to record a DJ Mix 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@Rattlebone]

This was so helpful, thank you :)

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@JEANMTB]

This is exactly what was looking for, thank you!

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Glad you found this video! Thanks for watching!

[@day1tech]

Awesome information just discovered your channel

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Thanks for watching!

[@nyrubin]

The rode usb type C microphone does not work with my dji action smh. Paid 70 bucks for it and does not work smh

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Yeah, that mic has mixed reviews and says it works for most Android devices with USB-C. I just use the adapters I have in the description with my TRS mics like the Wireless Go or the lavalier I linked because the USB-C specs with the Action2 are not consistent for every USB-C mic.

[@nyrubin]

@@TechTravelBeyond I see 😥 I think going to get the dji new wireless mics because I also use the dongle with rode wireless mic but it would be so kuch easier to just clip in place no extra Douglas 💪✌️

[@MomentsInTheSky]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Glad this helps. Happy filming, and thanks for watching!

[@RudyGardea]

Good stuff, thank you for the info.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Thanks for watching!

[@KaioshinAemi]

I have the Rode Wireless GO but it’s not convenient because you have 3 things now, the camera, power module, and Rode Receiver. It’s big and bulky can’t really do vlogging. Your arm will be tire. What I really want is Action 2 can do Bluetooth mic. Of course, it’s 2021 no camera company can do that.

[@TechTravelBeyond]

They did it with the DJI Pocket 2. Try that! The Action 2 is light and small, and this really is pretty fun. Thanks for watching!

[@KaioshinAemi]

@@TechTravelBeyond no, no pocket for me. It’s not rugged. I hope Insta360 360 GO 3 will have 2.7K or 4K with Bluetooth mic features.

[@PassionCentreCanada]

needs a de esser filter :)

[@TechTravelBeyond]

🙂

[@noelrogeliosupetran486]

Tnx man

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Thanks for watching! Do you want to see more Action 2 tutorials? Let me know what you want to learn!

[@Ruiyixin]

thanks!

[@TechTravelBeyond]

Thanks for watching!