DJI Mic Mini vs DJI Mic: Mini is Superior, But There's a Catch
Naila Syifa
Updated December 2024
When comparing the DJI Mic Mini to its predecessor, the DJI Mic, several key differences emerge in terms of features, connectivity, and overall design philosophy.
While as a newer model, the Mic Mini offers a few more advanced features, it also removes some capabilities found in the original DJI Mic. Let's take a closer look at how these two wireless microphone systems stack up against each other.
Key Takeaways
Except for the internal storage and touchscreen display of the DJI Mic, the DJI Mic Mini is the superior choice with its noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, DJI OsmoAudio support, longer range, longer runtime, and better portability.
DJI Mic Mini
Small but Powerful
✓ Two-Level Noise Canceling
✓ Automatic Limiting
✓ DJI OsmoAudio
✓ 48-Hour Battery
DJI Mic
The Original
✓ Omnidirectional Audio
✓ Mono, Stereo, Safety Track
✓ 8 GB Internal Storage
✓ 15-Hour Battery
Design & Control
DJI Mic Mini
DJI Mic Mini retains the original DJI Mic's versatile mounting system to attach the transmitter magnetically or via the back clip to clothing. However, being almost half the size of the DJI Mic, the DJI Mic Mini offers a more discreet appearance that appeals to content creators seeking a low-profile audio solution.
The receivers of both mics are almost the same size, but the DJI Mic manages to integrate a 0.95-inch OLED touchscreen display for easy monitoring and control of audio settings, including volume, gain, battery level, channel selection, input/output settings, and more.
The DJI Mic Mini uses physical buttons and LED indicators instead of a user-friendly display, but it features a dial to quickly adjust gain in 6 dB increments. We can simply turn the dial to choose between -12, -6, 0, +6, and +12.
Both models offer a charging case, which doubles as an all-in-one storage to keep the transmitters, receiver, and mobile phone adapters protected while extending battery life on the go.
Audio Features
DJI Mic
DJI Mic Mini and DJI Mic equally offer 3 recording modes, including Stereo for capturing two transmitters on separate channels, Mono for single-mic recording, and Safety Track for backup recording at a lower gain level.
They come with a windscreen that can be attached to the transmitter to reduce unwanted wind noise, but the DJI Mic Mini also offers an onboard noise-canceling algorithm while the original DJI Mic doesn't.
With the DJI Mic Mini, we can choose between two noise reduction levels — Basic and Strong. The first is ideal for indoor use, while Strong mode works better in noisy outdoor environments. Take note that when the transmitter is directly connected to a smartphone without the receiver, only the Strong level is available.
DJI Mic Mini also offers connectivity to the DJI Mimo app, allowing for easy firmware updates and access to battery status and parameters adjustment through your smartphone.
While the original DJI Mic lacks noise cancellation and Mimo app connectivity, it comes with onboard storage that can record up to 14 hours of high-quality audio. That means standalone recording is possible even without being connected to a receiver or smartphone. It also means a possible audio backup in case of transmission issues or signal interference.
Connectivity & Range
DJI Mic Mini
Using the included adapters or connection cable, both microphones can connect to a variety of devices, including cameras, smartphones, computers, and compatible DJI devices like Osmo Action 3 and Osmo Mobile 6.
Note that the Lightning adapter is sold separately for the Mic Mini while it comes included with the original DJI Mic. However, the DJI Mic Mini has several connectivity advantages over the DJI Mic.
When you connect the Mic Mini to a camera using the camera audio cable, it supports synchronized power on/off with the camera. When you connect it to the phone, external playback is supported without unplugging the receiver, and charging your phone will also charge the receiver. These are not possible with the original DJI Mic.
In addition, the DJI Mic Mini supports Bluetooth connectivity for direct pairing with compatible devices, eliminating the need for adapters. This includes the DJI Neo drone, whose DJI Fly app automatically removes propeller noise and integrates the audio track with the footage.
DJI Mic Mini is also compatible with the DJI OsmoAudio ecosystem, allowing direct connection to Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver.
In terms of transmission range, the DJI Mic Mini is again winning. It allows up to 400 meters of wireless range in an unobstructed environment, a considerable upgrade from the original DJI Mic's 250-meter range.
Battery
DJI Mic
The original DJI Mic can last for up to 5.5 hours for the transmitter and 5 hours for the receiver, with the charging case extending the total runtime to 15 hours.
Compared to that, the DJI Mic Mini is like a marathon runner, offering 11.5 hours for the transmitter and 10.5 hours for the receiver, with the charging case pushing the total runtime to 48 hours.
With that in mind, the Mic Mini is clearly the better choice for extended shooting sessions or long events.
DJI Mic Mini vs DJI Mic
Final Thoughts
DJI Mic Mini
After comparing these two wireless microphone systems, it's clear that the DJI Mic Mini is a significant step forward. While it sacrifices some features like onboard storage and a display screen, it makes up for these with superior battery life, extended range, noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity, and seamless integration with DJI's ecosystem.
Unless you specifically need the internal recording capability of the original DJI Mic, the Mic Mini is the better choice for most users. It is also less expensive than the DJI Mic, making it a compelling choice for content creators who prioritize portability, capabilities, and value for money.
If you like to read more about Wireless Microphone, check out our other relevant guides here:
DJI Mic Mini vs DJI Mic 2
DJI Mic Mini vs Rode Wireless Micro
DJI Mic Mini vs Rode Wireless Go 2
DJI Mic Mini vs Hollyland Lark M2
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
