Action cameras were never designed to capture great audio , they were conceptualized as a video only tool. Though the current generation of action cameras do have built in mics , they are not so good ! .. to say the least . That’s where an action camera microphone attachment comes into picture.
If you want to use action camera for vlogging or just want better audio from it , then you need to use an action camera microphone attachment. It can get quite confusing to attach an external mic to action camera and this post will help you to make the right gear selection.
It can be an action camera microphone adapter or a mod with possibility of attaching an external microphone.
We will see how you can attach an external microphone for all popular action cameras such as GoPro , DJI , Insta360 and some more.
If you are into action cameras then you may want to read our articles on action camera flashlight , action camera body mounts and action camera protectors. These will help to take your action camera videos to next level.
Action camera microphone attachment for GoPro Cameras
There are two main ways to attach an external cameras to a GoPro Hero camera. Both these methods are compatible with Hero 8 / 9 / 10 cameras. But do check your model before purchasing.
The two ways you can connect external mic are ..
- Using the media mod : There two different models one for Hero 9 and 10 and one for older Hero 8.
- Using an action camera microphone adapter : GoPro sells their own external mic adapter. Third party adapters are also available at cheaper price.
Below image explains the use of both these methods ..
Lets look at both these options in detail.
Attaching external mic using official media mod
GoPro sells two different media mods for Hero 8 /9 and 10 series action cameras.
Media mods are little expensive , however they have certain advantages.
- Media mods connect seamlessly with the action camera and no other settings are required
- The mod has bidirectional mics inbuilt into it and these are automatically selected by the camera as soon as you connect the microphoned attachment. The original internal mic of camera is automatically disabled.
- The mod also has provision to attach an external mic , such as a shotgun mic. This is done using the 3.5 mm jack that comes with the mod. Once an external mic is connected , both the internal camera mic and the bidirectional mod mics are disabled and the audio is captured using external mic.
- Basic audio settings within the camera still work without any problem.
Below are the two mods , one for Hero 8 and other one for Hero 9 and Hero 10.
Hero 8 Media Mod
- Built-in directional mic delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient noise
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
- 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio
Hero 10 Media Mod
- Built-in directional mic delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient noise
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
- 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio
Using Action Camera Microphone Adapter
Hero 5 to Hero 10 all cameras are compatible with the official external microphone adapter accessory. This accessory however needs a cage with provision to place this adapter securely and a cold shoe to attach the external microphone.
Using this adapter as it is or a non suitable cage may be a little disappointing as its very difficult to attach and use this adapter.
External Microphone Adapter
- Enables high-quality audio capture when using a pro-level external mic
- USB-C power and data extension with 90° connector
- Connects a wide range of external 3.5mm mics such as Lav mics or shotgun mics
- Enables stereo mic and line input for external audio sources like an audio recorder or mixer
- 106dB stereo analog-to-digital converter
- Works with Hero 5 to Hero 19 all action cameras
Action Camera Cage
- Ulanzi case is specially designed for Gopro Hero 10 9 Black sports cameras. Keeps your camera away from dust, scratches, knocks
- Ulanzi gopro 9 10 cage comes with a 52mm filter adapter on the cage where you can mount filter lens or polarizing lens of diameter 52mm
- With Cold Shoe Mount on Top and Right Side, you can mount microphone or led video light on it, necessary for Gopro Video Shooting.
