DJI Mic Mini review
Price when reviewed
$169
Once again, DJI muscles in on another market. They already disrupted the wireless microphone arena with the DJI Mic 2, which we reviewed a while ago and were extremely impressed with, both for build and audio quality. Now comes the DJI Mic Mini, an ultra-compact version of the Mic 2. It’s not just smaller and even simpler but also comes in at a far lower price tag, and this is something that’s going to worry the market.
What DJI have essentially done is given an extremely high-quality mic system a simple makeover. You get the same build quality as the Mic 2, just without the ability to plug in lavalier mics. The actual transmitter mics are far smaller—just like small buttons—and they will fit discreetly onto whoever you’re interviewing.
The kit arrives in a nice little carry bag with the charging mic case inside, containing the two wireless mics and the transmitter. The transmitter looks much like the one on the DJI Mic 2, just far simpler and without an LCD. The two transmitting mics are really just very simple little buttons; they can be either clipped in place or held in place using two small magnets.
In use, it really is just a case of plugging in and off you go. There is some adjustment available, but ultimately, what you have is a direct wireless audio system for up to two interviews. The simple setup is extremely versatile, whether plugged directly into your mobile phone or into a more traditional camera or camcorder.
What really makes this set stand out above the competition is the audio quality. DJI obviously have a decent history already with the DJI Mic 2, and they seem to have carried over that audio quality to the Mini system. What’s really nice here is that you have a clear differential between the Mic 2 and the Mic Mini. Essentially, one is now very clearly aimed at the high-end enthusiast and pro market, whilst the Mic Mini is for everybody else.
The DJI Mic Mini is extremely good at what it does. While it’s not cheap for what it is, it’s still well over 50% more than what you would pay for comparable systems when it comes to design and function. However, when it comes to the actual audio and build quality, this pricing is perfectly balanced.
The DJI Mic essentially disrupted a market that for years was dominated by RODE. Then came the DJI Mic 2, which was even better. Now there’s the DJI Mic Mini, which is essentially a smaller, ultra-lightweight version. Each of the small mics weighs just 10g and offers omnidirectional audio recording, noise cancellation, and a charging case, making it a great solution if you just want high-quality audio and simplicity.
Unlike the Mic 2, which is aimed at enthusiasts and professionals, the DJI Mic Mini is an ideal option for beginners, enthusiasts, as well as professionals looking for a simple and discreet wireless mic system. While the smaller size indicates this is aimed at the entry level, the near £150/$150 price point highlights that even with its simplicity, it’s still aimed at those who want the best possible quality and audio for their projects.
As with all these compact mic systems, they’re ideal for interviews between two people, direct-to-camera interviews, or any situation where you have vocals you want to record. This makes them perfect for vlogging, interviews, documentary making, and event coverage. However, it’s worth noting that simplicity and audio quality are key to the Mic Mini, so there is no wired lavalier option. Essentially, what you see is what you get—well, almost.
When it comes to who these mics are aimed at, it has to be the entry level, but not the absolute basics. The price and quality elevate these slightly, so yes, they’re aimed at beginners, but beginners who are serious about what they need them for, rather than someone who just thinks wireless mics would be a great idea. These are, after all, almost double the price of the Godox Cube wireless mic system and a good third more than other entry-level options.
However, being from DJI, there’s plenty that makes them stand out—most notably, the ultra-lightweight design that enables them to be clipped or held in place with small magnets. Then there are the audio recording options, with noise cancellation and auto volume limiting. You can also record in mono or stereo with a safety track for the mono option.
The battery life, at 48 hours, is one of the longest-lasting of any mic system around. While the small transmitter mics are quite contained, the system offers wide compatibility and connects through cables to most devices or directly to many cameras, smartphones, tablets, and DJI products like drones without the need for a receiver.
Another big feature of the mics is the transmission range, which is up to 400 meters. This definitely highlights the potential use for professionals, especially with DJI’s drones and action cameras.
DJI have approached the design and build of the Mic Mini with the same design flair that they have for all their other products. As such, while these units might be small and at the entry level, DJI have not cut back on the build quality or design.
For starters, the charging case and all the cables come in a small washbag-style case. It’s very nicely finished and reveals all the components of the wireless mic system inside. As standard, you get the charging case, two transmitters, and the receiver, alongside a USB Type-A to Type-C cable for charging, a standard 3.5mm audio jack for direct connection to your camera, and a couple of windjammers—one black set and one grey set.
Opening up the charging case reveals two very small wireless transmitter mics, which are really nicely designed with a relatively discreet DJI logo. As these are designed to be button mics, there is no 3.5mm audio input; these work solely in isolation. The receiver is simple and functional, featuring indicator LEDs to show everything is working, a 3.5mm audio output to connect to your camera, and a small dial to adjust the audio input volume. Additionally, there’s a USB Type-C adapter that allows you to plug the unit directly into the base of your mobile phone, which is handy.
Other than that, the DJI Mic Minis are extremely straightforward to use. As soon as you take them out of the case, they automatically pair. If for any reason they don’t, there is a pairing button on the side. Once paired, the indicator lights show that everything is set and ready to go. All you need to do is attach the mics to your subjects, either using the clips or the two small magnets (which can attach through material), and connect the receiver via the 3.5mm cable to the camera or utilise the USB Type-C adapter to plug directly into the base of your mobile phone.
Of course, being DJI, there is excellent compatibility with DJI products. If you own a DJI Osmo Action 5 or other latest DJI products, you can pair the mics directly with those devices.
The DJI Mic Mini is an ultra-light, compact wireless microphone designed to provide high-quality audio at an affordable price. It’s essentially the smaller sibling to the DJI Mic 2. Each of the small mics weighs just 10g, making it discreet—even with the logo—and easy to wear. As is common with this style of mic, there are also multiple attachment options, such as clips, magnets, or lanyards, ensuring minimal impact on you or your interviewees’ appearance during recordings.
The Mic Mini, while small, still includes a good range of features, such as two-level noise cancelling, which adapts to quiet indoor environments or loud, busy settings, helping to reduce unwanted noise while maintaining vocal clarity. Automatic limiting prevents audio clipping, and there’s a quick-access gain dial on the receiver, which enables you to adjust input levels across five settings from +12 to -12dB.
Audio is picked up with omnidirectional recording and dual-channel capability, supporting both mono and stereo formats, which is great to see. This enables you to record two sources—such as voices—at once, or you have the option to combine them into a single track. A safety track recorded 6dB lower than the primary track is another excellent feature, ensuring reliable backups in fluctuating conditions.
What really marks these small wireless mics out is the 400-metre transmission range and anti-interference technology. This is truly a feature that only a company like DJI could include, with the normal range for this style of mic—before you reach pro ranges—typically being between 100-200 meters at the absolute max.
Alongside the mics comes the charging case, which offers up to 48 hours of extended use, while quick charging ensures an hour of recording time from just five minutes of charging.
Compatibility is what really draws you—or at least me—to the DJI Mic Mini. With support for cameras, smartphones, tablets, and computers, the DJI Mic Mini integrates directly with DJI’s ecosystem, such as the Osmo Action and Pocket devices, and connects to smartphones via Bluetooth.
So often, a product can appear incredibly simple yet feature technology and quality that you initially don’t realise. The DJI Mic Mini is a perfect example. Arriving in what looks like a mini washbag with a few cables and, admittedly, an extremely high-quality charging case, it contains some of the smallest wireless mics on the market. Likewise, the small transmitter is incredibly compact, especially when you consider the range this system has.
But then, this is the smallest sibling of the DJI Mic 2, a system of wireless microphones that has essentially changed the industry. It not only managed to catch up with but pretty much took over from the hugely popular RODE Wireless Go Mics. What you have with the Mic Mini is essentially a simplified version of the Mic 2.
There’s very little setup required. All you need to do is take out the two button-sized mics, attach windjammers if needed, and then clip them to a lapel or use the magnets to attach them through material to your subject. When you take the mics out of the charging case, the small button mic will automatically pair with the receiver. If not, there’s a small pairing button on the side. Just below that is the power button.
This power button doubles as a function button, and a quick push activates the noise cancelling. The quality of this feature is extremely high—it effectively removes background noise without adding the slightly underwater or processed sound you sometimes get with other systems.
Once the mics are in place, there’s little else to adjust on the units themselves. There’s no port to plug in additional wireless mics; they are designed to be used as they are—lightweight and simple. Likewise, the small receiver can slot directly into your camera’s hot shoe. If that’s already occupied, the receiver is small and light enough to simply clip onto a cable or another part of your setup without adding too much bulk. The receiver is also very simple. It includes a pairing button and an optional adapter to connect to a USB Type-C port. If you’re plugging it into your camera, there’s a 3.5mm cable that connects directly to your camera’s audio input.
For adjustments, the receiver has a volume control dial on the side. The dial is clearly marked, although the grey used for the volume markings is quite dark and not easy to see. However, the centrepoint (zero) is highlighted in bright orange, making it intuitive—just two clicks to increase the volume or two clicks to decrease.
And yes, these really are simple to use. You simply attach the mics, ensure everything is plugged in, monitor the audio through your camera or mobile phone, and you’re set to go. There’s nothing more to it. However, the audio quality is absolutely superb, and paying a little more for this level of quality in a small wireless microphone system is, in my opinion, worth it.
The audio quality is excellent, matched by superb build quality. This is a system that will last you a long time. They are simple, which may not appeal to everyone, but for those who want more complexity, you can step up to the DJI Mic 2, which we reviewed earlier in the year.
Another standout feature is that these wireless microphones are part of the DJI ecosystem. As long as you update the firmware, they are fully compatible with devices like the DJI Osmo Action 5. You can pair them directly with that small camera without needing to attach any receiver. The small button mics connect directly, making them perfect for lightweight travel setups.
As a small, compact, and complete solution for vlogging or various video applications, the DJI Mic Mini is simple yet highly effective.
The DJI Mic Mini is a superbly designed, ultra-compact wireless microphone system that combines simplicity and high-quality performance. It offers a straightforward solution for anyone seeking to capture professional-grade audio in a lightweight and portable format. Whether you’re a beginner, an enthusiast, or even a professional looking for a streamlined and easy-to-use system, the Mic Mini delivers excellent sound quality with minimal setup and effort.
Its compact size, ease of use, and features like noise cancellation, omnidirectional recording, and a 400-metre transmission range make it ideal for a variety of applications, including vlogging, interviews, and event coverage. While it lacks the option for wired lavalier inputs, its robust build and compatibility with DJI’s ecosystem ensure it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of devices, from smartphones to DJI cameras which essentially makes it an obvious choice for many.
The Mic Mini is particularly impressive for its audio clarity and build quality, rivaling more expensive options in the market. It simplifies the process of capturing high-quality sound, making it a valuable tool for anyone needing a reliable and efficient wireless mic system.
