insta360 X4 with DJI Mic 2 - Is this the best mic?

[@EatSleep360]

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[@videolan]

Of course you weren't comparing like with like as the Rode was not using Bluetooth whereas the DJI was. What about the DJI Mic2 using the DJI receiver rarher than Bluetooth. And you didn't say whether you had wind/noise filtering on or not. Bluetooth mayu be convenient but it's not for quality. If the DJI Mic2 is used in its standard mode (rather than Bluetooth) you get much better qiuality AND you get a backup recording on the mic transmitter as well.

[@EatSleep360]

the main point of this video was looking at the Bluetooth because this is a new camera feature on the new X4. Thanks for the comment

[@nur_johnny8713]

@@EatSleep360 it is not really new, wasn't it there with x3 too? I tried that when dji mic2 came out - worst problem is no automatic reconnect and no backuprecording, from my perspective... BUT it would be close to "target" config - the pocket 3 nailed it, I think - with the real inbuilt wireless connecteor with higher bandwidth - not using "ordinary" bluetooth... DJI Osmo Action has connection out of the box also - even showing the audio level... but I think still using bluetooth. For me however - on the motorcycle this is not an issue ;) as there is plenty of bad backround noise

[@TheManic.5-OH]

Thanks! I'm glad I check the comments often, I didn't know there was a difference, but it makes sense

[@irondadcoaching]

I do beleive Insta360 did an update, because now there is a green line (that starts to turn yellow as you get louder) that goes across the top of the screen showing realtime audio levels bouncing up an down. So glad they added that!

[@JimiCeleste]

The mic works good with the camera, but I am in NYC and there can be a lot of interference and static in the audio at times. The mic worked flawlessly with the X3, though. No interference at all. Hopefully Insta 360 with do a firmware update to fix this problem.

[@RamblinManMoto]

Interesting. I tried pairing mine to the X3 and it sounded terrible. I was testing out in the "country" with really nothing other than my voice. But I love the DJI Mic 2 with it paired to the Osmo Action 4.

[@Ozpeter]

I have the mic but not the camera - yet... but I was again tempted when I saw side by side sharpness setting comparisons in a short section of an end user review. Many reviewers - including you??? - have said they use the low sharpness setting, but in the other guy's comparison the middle or even highest sharpness settings at last made the 8K look like 8K (well, reframed to 2.7K I realise). Quite transformative. So many X4 samples have looked almost soft focus, and not (to my eye) as sharp as the X3 despite the much trumpeted increase in resolution. Would you care to comment, or even produce a short video exploring those settings? Nobody seems to have really done that.

[@EatSleep360]

Hi Peter, I’ve never shot in low sharpness on any of instas cameras but I tell people to shoot in low or medium and to see what they prefer and what looks better for their given scenario. I always shoot in medium sharpness as I felt this was a good compromise between looking soft and looking overly digital. I’ve just done a quick test though and yes low sharpness is awful, really soft, but there’s less difference between medium and high. It maybe that the differences between medium and high are more pronounced in lower light scenarios but I tested in bright sunlight. Hope this helps. Start a new comment if you want to respond as I don’t get notifications for comment replies.

[@pure-sound-rider]

Hey there! Do you think this mic survives a motovlogging? I mean, attached to a bike at high speeds, it would handle the intense wind noises in your opinion? I'm considering a bluetooth mic for that, but I'd rather a wired one, tho all wired options I found so far requires a lot of setup in the camera and that's bad, since my x4 is attached to a stick mount in my bike

[@UltraHossBoss]

I just did a test for this. The main thing you'd need to get right is the mic placement. I had the DJI Mic clipped to my bike's windshield, but next time I'm going to try keeping it clipped to my shirt or tucked away in my bag

[@mwrob]

Thanks for this video, it gave me an idea. I've got a pair of Bose Frame Tempo sunglasses that I use for listening to music when walking or bike riding. I tried pairing them with the X4 and it worked well. I can use the microphone in them to speak to the X4. They also reconnect to the X4 when turning them back on. Sound quality inside seemed good. I will need to test them outside in a noisy environment.

[@RichardOutdoors]

Surely the only way the DJI mic connects is Bluetooth, even if it’s connecting to DJI gear. As such, the internal record function should work? It works with my Pocket 3. I’m obviously missing something….pls explain for me. Thanks.

[@EatSleep360]

Good question- so when you use the Dji transmitter and receiver it uses RF (radio frequency) waves to connect the mic to the receiver and then it gets converted into the camera using the cable - these are usually higher frequency and can work over longer distances. They only use Bluetooth when you are connecting just the mic wirelessly to the camera. Dji doesn’t record internally at the same time as Bluetooth because of processing power as well as possible sync issues recording internally and Bluetooth at the same time. It works with the pocket 3 because the pocket doesn’t use Bluetooth as such it uses DJIs proprietary dedicated wireless system which is optimised for transmission and internal recording. So I think Dji to Dji product ecosystem is fine just not Dji to another brand. Hope this helps.

[@Dan_TheMedic]

Has there been any improvement using the DJI Mic 2 with the latest firmware update? I noticed a huge difference on sound but have not yet tried it on my X4

[@DragonFlying-po7nd]

Rode Wireless Go is a bit dated now. And the DJI Mic 2 clearly has superior audio quality with the added bonus of noise cancellation features! Both have their charm, but DJI is definitely more equipped for today's needs.

[@EatSleep360]

Yes with the receiver unit the Dji is superior, without it it lacks all the features and you have no control. I’ve just updated to the rode wireless pro

[@ziyanmgrvlogs6405]

ARE YOU JOKING BRO IT CANT EVEN COMPETE WITH OLD RODE WIRELESS GO2 ON SOUND QUALITY OFCOURSE DJI IS FEATURE RICH BUT THE SOUND IS SHIT ITS MUDDY . 4-5 DAYS AGO AN UPDATE HAS BEEN DROPPED FOR DJI MIC 2 ITS NOW A BIT BETTER THAN BEFORE BUT NOT UPTO THE LEVEL OF RODE . YOU LOOK LIKE A PR TEAM OF DJI COMPANY.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Great video. Just what I was looking for.

[@Seven-Seven-77]

Looking for a mic for myself, this vid helped. I seen a few videos where KZbinrs are using this mic

[@rivertownrider7126]

Could you use this mic for motoblogging with it mounted in your helmet or is there a better alternative for that?

[@plbyrne]

Another frustrating limitation is you cannot use the Mic with a Insta360 remote. So on a bike you can't remotely start/stop the camera. Bluetooth has only one channel. So you get Remote OR the mic not both.

[@fromdonwithlove]

Because you can’t record internally when using Bluetooth and interference is an issue, I don’t use this. I record separately and sync in post. Also, if you buy a transmitter only, you can’t enable 32-bit float. I find that useful because I’m using these two together in fast action scenarios.

[@joeschmitt]

100% this! I also record with the mic itself for the 32-bit. Much better experience and can be seamless at times. Tons of battery life and recording space on the mic itself so I think this is easier in the long run. 💯

[@EatSleep360]

Yes the lack of control and features is a massive disadvantage with the transmitter only. For 360 use the receiver is too big to get hidden in the camera stitchline with some 360 cameras as well. The X4 has a wider body so this might change things.

[@joeschmitt]

@@EatSleep360Very true. There are options for both basic and advanced users which is great overall. Really loving the X4 so far!

[@TonyPhotoPilot]

Yup. Totally agree. This is the answer! Use the Mic 2 as a stand-alone recorder in 32-bit float. Might be a pain to sync if you shoot multiple clips but the quality - and lack of drop-outs - is totally worth it. Great video!

[@ringrace]

@@TonyPhotoPilotapparently you cannot enable 32bit internal with only the transmitter… you need to buy the kit. Also synching in post with such different audio (in camera vs Mic 2) is a huge pita, I have done with rode go 2 multiple times and I hate it.

[@jayselda0209]

Can work or clear audio also when i used to this for motovloggibg?

[@ToddOgasawara]

First, found your review/demos very informative! IMO, the DJI Mic 2 sound was ok, I haven't bought a Mic 2 yet. But, based on your tests, it is still a candidate. I have a different BT lav that I plan to test with the Insta 360 X4 before making that purchase though

[@EatSleep360]

Yes definitely a candidate and I think it’s down to personal opinion and taste to a certain point

[@SUDAMSHINDE36]

I bought new insta 360x4… can i use it for trekking for better clarity

[@eBoard3R]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I usually find bluetooth usually just isn't good enough for recordin audio, even with wireless mics for phones. Dedicated wireless (non-bluetooth) works great.

[@EatSleep360]

Yes I much prefer the Rode and like to see the audio levels on the display

[@Matt.Bogosian]

It's so weird because the Mic 2 sounds amazing when paired with my Pocket 3. I tried it with my Ace Pro and My X4 and those didn't sound good at all. I think there needs to be a firmware update or something to help correct this. As of right now it's just not useable.

[@EatSleep360]

Yeah it’s like it’s flattened the sound - shame there’s no control at all in camera. The levels are actually good it’s just the quality of the sound

[@Matt.Bogosian]

@@EatSleep360 I also got that interference you got when you were in your car. Too bad. Maybe they will fix it in the future.

[@ZanderRound]

I’ve done some testing with this and i found out it’s actually DJI restricting the quality with non DJI cameras, you can only record in 16ghz on any other camera, it’s a great mic so I would record internally and then link in post production for the best quality with every camera

[@Matt.Bogosian]

@@ZanderRound ahh that's interesting. Yes I was thinking the same thing. Record internally and then sync it up later.

[@RamblinManMoto]

Thanks for the video. New viewer. Subscribed. I've moved away from GoPro and I'm using the DJI Mic 2 for motovlogging inside my helmet.

[@EatSleep360]

Thanks for subscribing, much appreciated

[@willyboy420]

Super envious that you've got your hands on both of these latest gadgets. In my opinion, the DJI Mic 2 offers better sound quality and convenience compared to Rode, making it the perfect microphone to pair with the Insta X4

[@Disposalist]

The convenience is undeniable, but I'm not sure how you can find the quality better? What setup are you using? For example, I have found a direct BT connection to a DJI Osmo Action 4 I have found is very good, but direct to the X4 it's pretty bad in comparison to using a setup with a receiver, as this video shows.

[@TheVlogCoupleUK]

The big issue I have is that when your turn off the X4 the connection is forgotten - restart camera and you have to re-pair the DJI Mic - that makes it totally useless in my opinion, better off not pairing and just record audio directly to the DJI Mic 2 (or DJI Mic 1) and sync afterwards in post - far better sound quality too.

[@officialsimonharris]

I bought the Rode Wireless PRO and returned it, I was hearing some distortion in the background whenever I spoke and this distortion was on the 32 bit float internally recorded audio and also the to the RX unit. Apart from that crackling it sounded good but I returned it anyway and plan on getting the DJI Mic 2 instead, especially since they have now updated the firmware and improved the audio a bit.

[@EatSleep360]

I love the pro but haven’t used the internal recording so that’s interesting to read your comment ~ hopefully it was a faulty unit. Thanks for the comment

[@officialsimonharris]

@@EatSleep360 I'm rather fussy about audio and can definitely hear that little distortion in the background, I returned them and today ordered the DJI Mic 2

[@stilmotionpicture]

The problem also… is it doesnt connect automatically when turning the x4 back on again.

[@EatSleep360]

Yes you have to go back into the settings which is annoying

[@stilmotionpicture]

@@EatSleep360 hopefully it can be addressed on a firmware update?

[@Disposalist]

Nice vid thanks. The BT quality issue appears to be a compatibility problem as well as the limitations of BT. I have found if you use the Mic2 via direct BT with a DJI Osmo Action 4, the quality is almost indistinguishable from using the Mic2 receiver. Perhaps you simply get better results with DJI-to-DJI BT connections, but I wonder if maybe firmware/software updates might help in the future? Fingers crossed. So, the option to use a minimalistic setup with the direct BT is handy, but I'm going to use the X4 _and even_ the Action4 with an adapter and the receiver, because it ensures the very best quality and I want to plug in a power pack so I'll have wires wrapped around my selfie stick anyway.

[@EatSleep360]

Thanks for the insights, yes I’m considering getting the full setup and using an adaptor. The biggest thing for me is not seeing any levels as well - I like to have a visual reference.

[@JimiCeleste]

Great video . . . Good enough for vlogging. I attached to my 360 X3 and it sounds great. The Ace Pro just did a firmware update and you can connect the mic to it again. Thank you! BTW: I never use the wind muff. I always use the DJI lav mic. I don't like the fluffy mic hanging off of me. The DJI lav is relatively inexpensive and sounds great,

[@ringrace]

Title should be almost unusable😂 But the review is great and honest. Imo the only solution is that insta360 gets is Bluetooth stack together and DJI enables onboard recording while connected to bluetooth, currently is just a waste of money.

[@EatSleep360]

😂

[@iamnotapoet]

Thanks SOOOO much for this video. I still will be ordering one of these because of the convenience in certain situations. But, as your demo showed, I will use Rode Wireless Pro any time it REALLY matters. I thought the DJI mic2 samples you showed were VERY GOOD, but the RWP Differences was SHOCKING. And, here is to hoping that DJI and/or Insta360 can fix the NO RECORDING issue with Bluetooth. That needs to be a TOP priority for BOTH companies to work on. After your sobering video , sweetie & I are going to have a couple beers. - Eric ZORK Alan & Sweetie [ 🤣Professional🤣Poets & Bed 🛏️ & Beer🍺 Vloggers ]

[@Sir-Kay]

When hard-wired into the cam(receiver-transmitter) how do I simultaneously record internally into the DJI? does one button do that? if yes, which button? how do I know I'm recording into the cam and internally at the same time?

[@EatSleep360]

Unfortunately when you use just the transmitter as in this video you can’t record internally as well for some reason

[@Sir-Kay]

@@EatSleep360 So, it's one or the other. I swear I've heard someone said you can record two ways and internally as a back up.

[@MrPacoArespacochaga]

Does it record internally to the DJI mic2 as well?

[@EatSleep360]

No because this feature is disabled when using Bluetooth

[@f1pitpass]

good stuff Rich!

[@NiclasLinden]

So do you mean that the sound from the DJI mic is bad all together, or just when it is connected by bluetooth?

[@EatSleep360]

No I was only testing the Bluetooth with the x4 - if you use the mic with the receiver as well it’s meant to be very good with a lot of controls over the audio level in the edit.

[@mntlvo]

do you have any issues with audio and video sync getting out of hand after export with insta360 video file??

[@mugwhy]

Hi, I use the Insta360 One RS but Im thinking much of the internal design from a user persoective will be similar. My question is.. with that configuration that you demonstrate... Will the mic automatically reconnect after a powerdown and powerup? Will Im driving and for safety reasons Im currently stopping on the side of the road each time to reestablish connection which really is a pain. How are these motorcyclist youtubers getting around this one wonders. Im currently using a cheap bluetooth device but happy to upgrade if I can get auto reconnect. Thank you

[@EatSleep360]

It doesn’t auto reconnect unfortunately- some moto bloggers might record the sound on the mic itself and then sync it later. You can do this with this mic if you are using the Dji camera as well. For driving you could plug into the 12v outlet to avoid powering down and maybe use loop record to avoid recording too much footage.

[@mugwhy]

@@EatSleep360 Thanks.. something to think about..

[@hurtighansen1]

Have mic1 set. The transmission sound way better. I know, from my garmin virbs, that every Bluetooth mic or system i did try, did sound like that. Just bad. Glad i did see this. Record using bt is a dealbreaker. Not worth it.

[@thjacksonhuang]

Thanks for this Rich. Is there are delay in the audio when connecting by bluetooth? I've been using the X3 and the DJI Mic 2 and there is a delay that I must resync in post. Wondering if the X4 has the same issue?

[@EatSleep360]

All the sound in the video is Bluetooth and I can’t see any delay - it was only past 20 metres that a delay started to happen

[@photographerjonathan]

So does the road wireless go mic work good with the X4 ? and Ace Pro ? I need to look more into my mic options. I just bought an X4 and an Ace Pro and love the new tec. but I'm in the learning process of how to use them and edit them. my last action camera was a Go Pro Hero 3 that I bought 11 years ago.

[@EatSleep360]

The rode wireless go will work well with both cameras / you’ll probably have to get the wireless go2 now instead

[@อานนท์หาญธนานนท์-ณ3ฆ]

Saramonic Blink 500 B2+ can use ?

[@anything7087]

One x2 able to do bluetooth connection?

[@Disposalist]

Re. that interference in your car, I had similar with my motorbike. Horrible clicking and popping.

[@muzikmanable]

hi there can i turn down the volume on the 360 x4 please

[@EatSleep360]

Yes swipe down from the top and you’ll see a volume icon which turns down or off the beep sounds

[@eekdestroy5329]

I was getting that crackling interference too but it seems to have stopped with the X4 firmware update.

[@EatSleep360]

Oh interesting as I thought I was on the latest update - thanks I’ll check that

[@eekdestroy5329]

@@EatSleep360 hey mate, hope you’re well. Did you find out anything more about the crackling sound on the DJI mic2? Mine has started up again. It only happens here and there but it’s very noticeable. I’m using it with the X4 and I’ve got a V30 SD card. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[@jedempleo5833]

I assume since it's Bluetooth, the GPS remote will not be working? Or can't have both devices connected at the same time?

[@EatSleep360]

I havent tried it but I assume you can only connect one Bluetooth device at a time

[@jedempleo5833]

@@EatSleep360 That's what I figured. Thank you!

[@noteincontact]

I hated the rodes also..love the dji mic but As audio on insta 360 have any signs beside the airpods 😅sign i am very sceptical this will work in the bush and australia has such a bad internet also...so l am thinking to wait a bit for the next insta 360x5 as i have x3 so i may wait and see what they come up with. Not to say that if outsude rains and i use the wire rode setup 😅 lets say not waterproof anymore. I need to buy and action camera as gopro is so behind but l may just wait for the next insta 😅 finger cross better audio setup the rest is very well done

[@EatSleep360]

You have got audio levels on the camera screen as well for external plug in mic. I dont think audio will improve much with x5.

[@noteincontact]

@EatSleep360 you are saying that when using dji mic with insta 360x3 you have levels on the camera? Just looking for a clarification as I can't test the dji with my insta as I've sent it to repair..also they should be able to make a better connection with the dji mic or any mics and remove the wire part is ugly and not needed in 2024

[@pwpawlowski]

I have the same interference when riding motorcycle 🙁 so should I record audio separately and syncing it later? 🤔

[@EatSleep360]

You could if you don’t mind the extra work. You could try a dedicated helmet mount to see if it has the same issues or the rode wireless go range

[@TheManic.5-OH]

It sounds like you have the wind and that lowpass filter turned on with the dji

[@EatSleep360]

When you use just use the transmitter via Bluetooth you can’t change the lowpass filter or any other settings. The filter is off by default. I wish DJI would allow more configuration options when using Bluetooth.

[@LFS_rebelliousNL]

Can you only connect is with 1 or 2

[@LFS_rebelliousNL]

Like 2 at the same time

[@EatSleep360]

Only one via Bluetooth- if you have the proper transmitter AND receiver then you can have two transmitters at once I think.

[@garyt123]

Yeah, a bluetooth mic that _costs almost 50% of the price of the Insta360 X4 camera itself!!!_ What a crazy world we live in!

[@IanTed]

No it doesn’t, you can buy the mic as a standalone item for £89, that’s all I have as I already had the Mic 1 which I still use in other situations.

[@garyt123]

@IanTed So that must be a fake. The Mic 2 (as refereced in the video) on Dji's _own store_ is €219. So _like I said, almost half the price_ of the X4 camera itself.

[@EatSleep360]

Dji mic 2 transmitter is £89 from DJI retail or any other main supplier - you don’t need the reviver with this set-up

[@hugogamelas]

Dji mic 2 on bluetooth sounds like crap on insta360 cameras...

[@EatSleep360]

Audio has never been instas strong point but they have got better over the years

[@hugogamelas]

@@EatSleep360 Yes, but the bluetooth audio is reaaly bad. On the Ace Pro i tried several BT earbuds, and most of the time it wouldnt work, and then when it did, the audio was out of sync. Their implementation of BT audio is really lacking, even comparing with the hero 12, where my BT earbuds sound really decent, even better than the Mic2 sounds on the ace pro or x4...

[@JayJankulovski]

I used this setup for a motovlog today and was planning on syncing the 32 bit float internal audio with the Bluetooth audio from the DJI mic 2 to the X4 but didn't realise doing this disables the 32 bit float internal recording 😭 wish i tested it or saw this video literally 4 hours earlier, great video though. Thank you!

[@EatSleep360]

Hi Jay, yes the 32bit float and internal record is gold yet they take it away with the Bluetooth setup, annoying!

[@DroseMr]

Crap. Thank You

[@mavicprah8063]

Packtalk edge is the best Bluetooth mic ❤

[@volkangezgic9016]

After wirelwss go, the design of go2 and gopro changed. There is no way the wind filter can be removed anymore. In fact, the design of Rode is now more robust than DJI Mic 2. There is no point in comparing Rode's first microphone with DJI's last micron in terms of design. However, the sound quality will be better than DJI even if Rode has any old microphone. DJI's wireless nature is of course very practical, but as you said, cameras now pair with all headphones via Bluetooth.