The original GoPro is a pretty good camera, but it has some audio limitations that make it less than ideal for certain situations.
Choosing the best external microphone for your GoPro camera can be tricky. Not only does the quality of sound matter, but also its size and portability.
What to look for in a GoPro Microphone
The first thing you should consider when choosing an external mic for a GoPro is how much noise you will be capturing in the environment where you’re shooting.
You don’t want to have to turn down the volume on your recording because of ambient noise. This can be especially problematic if you’re using the camera underwater or in windy conditions.
When it comes to buying microphones, there are two main types: omnidirectional mics and directional mics. Omnidirectional mics capture sound equally well in all directions. They’re great for capturing sounds from far away, like voices coming from speakers or music playing through headphones.
Directional mics focus their sound directly into a specific direction. These are better suited for capturing sounds that come from close by.
Sennheiser MKE 440 microphone?
The Sennheiser MKE 440 has a cardioid polar pattern and is perfect for recording vocals, instruments, speech, conferences and more. The microphone has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and is well suited for both professional studios as well as home studio use.
PROS:
• Cardioid Polar Pattern • Well Suited For Both Studio And Home Recording Use • Good Sound Quality With A Wide Dynamic Range • Easy To Set Up & Operate CONS:
• Noisy When Used In Loud Environments • Not Ideal For High-End Audio Applications
Countryman Lapel on a GoPro?
The Countryman Lapel is a directional microphone that can be mounted on the top of the camera, held in hand, or clipped on a shirt collar. The mic has four polar patterns to choose from and a -10dB pad. You can adjust the sensitivity by turning the dial at the back of the mic.
PROS:
Can mount anywhere you want it – Adjustable sensitivity
CONS:
Not as good for windy conditions
Sound Professionals SP-TFB-2 microphone
Sound Professionals SP-TFB-2 microphone is an affordable option for the budget-conscious producer. This microphone is perfect for podcasts, voice overs, or any type of recording where a sensitive front microphone is needed. It has a low mass diaphragm with an aluminum voice coil that produces a warm sound signature with a wide frequency range.
PROS:
• Low Mass Diaphragm • Aluminum Voice Coil CONS:
• No EQ control (only gain)
CONS:
• Poor Wind Protection
Opteka VM-100 Video Condenser Shotgun microphone on a GoPro
Opteka VM-100 Video Condenser Shotgun video condenser shotgun mic is the perfect way to up your video quality. With this device, you will be able to record crystal clear audio with minimal interference. This mic connects to the 3.5mm, so you can plug it in to your GoPro and start recording.
PROS:
- The Opteka VM 100 has an omnidirectional pattern which allows for more natural sound than other directional mics. It also features a cardioid polar pattern that reduces background noise while capturing voice or music.
- Its frequency response of 20Hz -20kHz makes it ideal for use as a vocal mic.
- You can connect it directly to your camera via its 3.5 mm input jack.
CONS:
- It’s quite expensive compared to some other options available.
Sony ECMCS3 clip style omnidirectional stereo microphone
The Sony ECMCS3 clip-on style omnidirectional stereo mic has been designed to fit any GoPro camera. It features a strong, yet flexible gooseneck that rotates 360 degrees and a clip to attach the microphone to your clothes.
After testing the GoPro Hero7 with other mics as well as built in mic I have found this mic under stereo settings produces the best audio recording. The over all sound quality in my application (POV Recording) is warm and in the meduum range. The overall reach was surprisingly wide. I was able to make out conversations clearly both in front and behind me within 15′ to 20′ while clearly hearing the crisp trail sounds happening around me while riding.
PROS:
- Strong, flexible gooseneck for easy mounting of the microphone onto clothing or equipment.
- Clips easily into place with no tools required.
- Easy to use – just slide it over the top of the camera lens.
- No need to remove the battery from the camera before attaching the microphone.
CONS:
- The microphone is not waterproof so you will have to be careful when using in wet conditions
- If you are wearing gloves while filming then this may cause problems as the microphone
Shure VP83 LensHopper
The Shure VP83 is a lens-mounting microphone that can be used with the Shure VX Series, Sennheiser MD421 and AKG C414 microphones. The VP83 is an omnidirectional condenser microphone that provides high-quality sound at a great price.
It’s made of durable plastic and comes with a shock mount that attaches to the side of the camera. It includes a 1/4″ tripod socket and a 6′ cable with a standard XLR connector. It is also waterproof.
PROS:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Low profile design keeps the microphone away from the lens.
- Lightweight and portable.
CONS:
- Not suitable for handheld shooting.
- Can’t be mounted on a helmet.
What GoPro Cameras Accept External Mics?
When your camera is at the end of a 3 foot selfie stick, your mic is going to pick up lots of nearby sounds. Remember: When you’re using an external mic, your GoPro will no longer be waterproof. What GoPro Cameras Accept External Mics?
If you own any of these cameras, they will work with most external microphones.
- Hero2/HERO+
- Black Edition HERO4 Session
- HERO5 Black Edition
- HERO6 Silver Edition
- HERO7 Black Edition
- HERO8 White Edition
- HERO9 Black Edition
- HERO10 Black Edition
- HERO11 Black Edition
- HERO12 Black Edition
- HERO13 Black Edition
- HERO14 Black Edition
- HERO15 Black Edition
Which GoPro models don’t accept external mics?
- Hero7 Silver / White
- Hero (2018) / (2014)
- Hero+LCD
- Hero4 Session
- Hero Session
TRRS or TRS Jack for GoPro Mics?
The TRRS jack has been around since the early 2000s when Sony introduced its line of camcorders. It allows you to attach microphones directly to the body of the device without having to run wires through the housing.
However, if you want to buy a microphone specifically designed for mounting onto a GoPro, then you should look for a TRRS compatible product.
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