Advanced GoPro users whose hobbies and work include making videos often doubt the quality of the sound recording in GoPro cameras. If you are not satisfied with that, you can always consider buying an additional mic. Below, we’ve reviewed the most popular microphones compatible with GoPro cameras. Any of them can considerably increase the quality of the sound recording, but they all have different fastening systems and operation principles – that’s what we’re going to talk about in the reviews.
Best GoPro microphones 2022
Saramonic G-Mic Stereo Ball Microphone
The Saramonic GoMic (G-Mic) is an excellent addition to your GoPro camera. It allows you to record pure professional-quality stereo sound.
GoMic device is compact in size and lightweight, so you can take it with you on any trip or just use it for everyday shooting.
GoMic operation is carried out directly through GoPro HERO3, HERO3 HERO4 cameras to which it is connected via a USB port – you don’t need any adapters or additional power sources. Due to the fact that GoMic is lightweight and compact, it can be used with most electronic Steadicams. By using the Saramonic GoMic, you will get a completely new sound on your records! The mic is protected by a steam-proof windshield.
Main parameters:
- Microphone type: Electret Condenser.
- Dual X/Y stereo capacitor capsule.
- Dynamic range: 35 Hz – 20 kHz.
- Signal to noise ratio: 80 dB.
- Sensitivity: -24dB +/- 3dB/0dB=1V Pa, 1kHz
- Connector: mini USB of GoPro camera.
Rode VMGO Video Mic GO
The Rode VideoMic Go device is made specially for digital video cameras of various levels and classes.
Rode VideoMic Go surpasses the original VideoMic Rode in that it brings together high-quality sound transmission and a very compact, ultra-light, handy design.
Along with high quality, VideoMic Go develops other peculiarities that made it so popular in the past.
Disturbances that can occur during transportation are minimized, thanks to a modified, more elegant antivibration design and a lightweight cable.
Rode VideoMic Go is great in situations when you want to hear what you say – rather than be content with offscreen sounds on the sides and from behind.
Properties:
- Compact size.
- Super Light (73 g).
- 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack connector (dual mono signal).
- The battery is not required – power from the camera (min. 2.5 V).
- Built-in anti-vibration mount Rycote “Lyre”.
- Wind protection is included.
- Maximum acoustic pressure: 120 dB (@ 1 kHz, 1% THD at 1 k).
- Dynamic range: 96 dB.
- Signal to noise ratio: 60 dB.
Purple Panda Lavalier Lapel Microphone
The mic itself is lightweight and durable. Its most prominent peculiarity is that you don’t need to fine-tune settings or download additional software – just plug and play! – meaning as soon as you connect the mic to your device, it will start to operate.
Many reviewers of the mic say that it has a very long cord, which is, in our opinion, very convenient because it means you can use it in many different circumstances.
What’s inside the bag?
- 9.8ft (3m) extension cord;
- mini USB adapter;
- trs (2 ring) adapter;
- fuzzy windscreen;
- extra clip;
- a pouch.
Main characteristics:
- an omnidirectional Lav Mic with a metal capsule for clear stereo audio;
- 3.5mm stereo jack for ultimate compatibility;
- compatible with GoPro HERO2, HERO3, HERO3+, HERO4, HERO5*, HERO6*, HERO 7;
- compatible with devices running on iOS and Android;
- compatible with laptops, desktops, DSLR, Camcorder, and many more;
- ultra-thin plug;
- extra long cord.
BOYA BY-MM1
The microphone housing BY-MM1 is made of aluminum with a special coating that improves acoustic properties. The microphone does not require a battery or external power.
A simple condenser microphone will surprise you with
- high sensitivity;
- high-quality sound recording;
- protection against extraneous sounds;
- good wind protection.
The BOYA BY-MM1 has no batteries, no indicators, no buttons, and switches. The microphone is ready to work at any time in the 24/7 mode.
Sennheiser MKE 2 elements
Do you want the sound of proper quality in every clip that you produce with your GoPro? Action-microphone MKE 2 elements for GoPro® HERO4 will record everything in a proper manner. Anytime and anywhere! Even in those very difficult moments, which are not rare in the life of a true extremist.
MKE2 elements is the world’s only compact, a secure mic that is certified by the GoPro company. More than that, it is recommended by the company for the use with the HERO4 GoPro series.
The MKE2 elements system is incredibly simple. It includes a
To plug the mic, you should remove and replace the regular rear case cover on the MKE2 elements. The installing procedure the device takes a few seconds and is done without any additional tools or materials.
With MKE2 elements, your HERO4 will record sound in the Sennheiser brand quality without reducing the protection level of the camera. In any circumstances – in dust, mud, snow, wind, and even underwater. So, think about more important things and forget about the mic – it will not let you down!
BRIEF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION of MKE 2 ELEMENTS:
- Dimensions: approx. 125 x 70 x 60 mm (with installed windshield, the diameter of the windproof head is 62 mm);
- Weight: approx. 45 g (with wind protection);
- Characteristics of the direction of the device: omnidirectional;
- Frequency range of the microphone: 20-20000 Hz;
- Connectors: standard GoPro audio connector (for HERO4 Black and Silver cameras);
- Degree of protection: IPX7, water resistance at a pressure of no more than 1 bar (equivalent to immersion at a depth of 1 meter for a period of up to 30 minutes);
- Permissible ambient temperature range;
for storage of the device: -20 C 70 C;
for operation: -10 C to 50 C.
PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone
The main purpose of the lapel microphone is to improve the sound recording quality of your videos or interviews compared to the built-in microphone. If your device is at arm’s length when taking a selfie, the volume and sound recording quality may still satisfy you. But if there is a need to capture sound from a distance, it’s extremely difficult to do without the PowerDeWise lapel.
Microphone wind protection allows you to use a microphone on the street without loss of sound recording quality; prevents sudden blows of airwaves; protects the microphone from dust.
The convenient and reliable clip on the microphone allows you to attach a mic to clothes or interior items.
This microphone has proven itself as a high-quality and reliable device for recording pure sound with professional quality among tens of thousands of US residents.
Movo VXR10
The microphone has a metal base which makes it feel premium. It also includes a sturdy integrated shock mount which provides sturdy support and minimizes handling noise.
It includes:
- Furry “Deadcat” Windscreen,
- No battery required,
- Soft Case,
- 3.5mm TRS Output Cable (For DSLR Cameras, Camcorders, Recorders),
- 3.5mm TRRS Output Cable (For Smartphones, Tablets, and Mac),
- Compatible with the GoPro Hero4, Hero3+, and Hero3.
VXR10 is ideal for GoPro. It is lightweight and has a compact design. The microphone itself is great for the money.
Movo GM100 Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Microphone
The microphone is lightweight and portable. Its omnidirectional pickup pattern is able to catch a wide range of sounds. More than that, there is a stereo recording. You can view other geeky characteristics below. There are two types of design – silver and black. No additional batteries are required, but if you always need some extra operation time, you can choose a ‘battery double’ option.
Characteristics:
- compatibility: GoPro HERO3, HERO3+ & HERO4;
- omnidirectional pickup pattern;
- foam windscreen;
- metal lapel clip;
- frequency response: 35 Hz to 18 kHz;
- sensitivity: -30 dB +/- 3 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa @ 1 kHz);
- impedance: 1 k Ohm +/-30% @ 1 kHz;
- 3.5mm Male with female 3.5mm to GoPro USB adapter;
- 1.2m (47″) cable;
- signal/noise ratio: 74dB SPL.
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone
World-renowned Australian microphone maker Rode has unveiled an updated series of on-camera microphones called VideoMicro. The novelty has compact dimensions (80 mm in length) and low body weight (only 42 grams). It is made entirely of metal.
The capsule has a diameter of 0.5 inches, so it is safe to say that the manufacturer didn’t save on sound quality. The microphone has the most optimal focus for these tasks – a cardioid, which on the one hand will provide a rich sound picture in comparison with the shotgun, and at the same time cut off unnecessary noise.
Now, unlike its predecessor, a battery is not required to power the microphone, since it is powered by camera plug-in power – min 3V.
The rich equipment deserves special attention. In addition to the microphone itself, in the box, you can find the proprietary Rycote Lyre shock mount, a 3.5 mm TRS cable for connecting to the camera, and, most importantly, deluxe furry windshield. For those who want to expand the functionality and capabilities of VideoMicro, the manufacturer offers a wide variety of accessories.
Smith-Victor Lavalier Microphone
You can read a technical description below. Just a few words worth saying: lavalier doesn’t mean bad quality – what it means is convenience; the clip-on feature is great in situations when you are really active; foam windscreen helps to get rid of unpleasant noises. Now you know the basic stuff, just check the price and see if this mic suits you.
Characteristics:
- omnidirectional pickup pattern;
- 3.5mm-to-mini USB Adapter;
- frequency response: 65Hz to 18kHz;
- LR44 Alkaline Battery;
- foam windscreen;
- lapel clip;
- compatible with GoPro cameras, HDSLR cameras, Smartphones, and Camcorders;
- weight: 0.8 ounces
EDUTIGE ETM-001 Microphone
What else? The portability of this device is quite obvious – you can see this in the picture. The mic can be used for recording all types of videos – lectures, vlogs, nature observations; it will be wonderful even for podcasts where the voice means much more than pictures. If you are looking for a convenient model, you have found one.
Characteristics:
- omnidirectional electret condenser microphone;
- metallic body with gold-plated 3.5mm 3-pole plug;
- high sensitivity (-23dB);
- compatible with action cameras (GoPro), DLSR, mirrorless cameras (Canon, Sony), digital audio recorders (Zoom, Tascam), PC or Laptop;
- frequency response: 50 – 18000Hz;
- dimensions: 9.3 x 19.8mm;
- weight: 5.9 grams;
- no batteries required;
- operating conditions: 0°C – 40°C.
Sennheiser MKE 400
The microphone has a metal structure, 2 sensitivity functions, and a high-pass filter. Powered by one AAA battery. The microphone can be attached to the camera’s hot shoe. The plug for connection is also compatible with the 5D MkII.
The length of the microphone is ideal for continuous use with a camera. On the Sennheiser MKE 400 microphone, there is a special coating that reduces noise caused by the roar of the wind.
If you want to make a major investment in buying an external microphone for your GoPro cam, this microphone must be your first priority.
Comica CVM-VM10
Comica CVM-VM10 can be used for high-quality sound recording on DSLR, video cameras, as well as smartphones or tablets operation on iOS or Android. A special shock mount is provided. The microphone has a metal construction.
The Comica CVM-VM10 doesn’t require additional power – just plug it into your camera, smartphone or tablet and get the good quality audio material.
Comica CVM-VM10 microphone characteristics:
- Microphone Type: Condenser;
- Housing material: aluminum alloy;
- Maximum SPL: 100 dB;
- Frequency range: 80 Hz ~ 16000 Hz;
- Output resistance: 2.2 ± 30% kΩ;
- Dynamic range: 100 dB;
- Sensitivity: -34 ± 3db;
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥58 dB.
Saramonic SR-GMX1
Microphone Saramonic SR-GMX1 is an excellent solution for active people because it is designed for use with action cameras GoPro HERO3, HERO3 + and HERO4. The high-quality microphone is ideal for recording video.
The holder of the mic stabilizes the removable screen (nozzle). SR-LMX1 is a sensitive omnidirectional microphone with 120 dB. It has a dynamic range and a wider frequency response than built-in microphones for smartphones. In addition, a microphone is compatible with applications for recording and can be connected to your phone or any other device with a standard 1/8 “microphone input.
- Directivity – Omnidirectional;
- Sensitivity -30 ± 3 dB (0 dB = 1 V / Pa at 1 kHz);
- The weight – 22 grams;
- Frequency range – 30 Hz to 18 kHz;
- Resistance – 2200 Ω.