Best External Microphones for GoPro Cameras

by Admin | Jun 24, 2021 | Microphones

Are you tired of your GoPro videos sounding muffled or picking up too much background noise? While GoPro cameras are great for capturing stunning visuals, their built-in microphones often struggle with capturing high-quality audio, especially in noisy or outdoor environments. Poor sound can ruin even the best footage, leaving many GoPro users searching for a solution.

External microphones are the answer to this common issue. By upgrading your audio setup, you can ensure crystal-clear sound whether you’re vlogging, filming action-packed adventures, or recording interviews. Choosing the right microphone for your GoPro can make all the difference, offering professional-level sound that complements your high-quality videos.

In this article, we’ll explore the best microphones for GoPro, helping you select the right one for your needs. You’ll discover various types of microphones, learn how to improve your GoPro audio, and find top recommendations that suit every budget and recording style.

Table of Contents

Why Use External Microphones for GoPro?

GoPro cameras are known for their compact size and impressive video quality, but one area where they often fall short is audio performance. The built-in microphones, while sufficient for casual use, struggle to capture clear and crisp sound, especially in challenging environments like windy conditions or crowded places. When recording action shots, interviews, or vlogs, poor audio can undermine the overall quality of your content. External microphones for GoPro provide a significant upgrade by delivering superior sound quality, isolating noise, and offering more control over your audio.

For many GoPro users, the biggest frustration is wind noise or muffled audio that often gets recorded alongside breathtaking visuals. Whether you’re skiing down a mountain, hiking in a forest, or filming in a noisy city, external microphones for GoPro help tackle these issues head-on. They not only minimize background noise but also allow for clearer voice capture and directional sound, making your content more immersive. By integrating an external microphone, you can take your GoPro footage from good to great, ensuring that the audio matches the visual storytelling.

Investing in an external microphone for GoPro also opens up opportunities for more creative audio setups. Whether you want a lavalier mic for interviews or a shotgun mic for action scenes, the flexibility of external mics allows you to cater to different recording environments, enhancing the overall production value of your videos.

Types of Microphones Compatible with GoPro

There are several types of microphones that can be used with GoPro cameras, each offering distinct advantages depending on the recording situation. From hands-free lavalier mics to directional shotgun microphones, selecting the right type of microphone ensures that you capture the best sound for your specific needs. Understanding the strengths of each microphone type allows you to make an informed decision based on the type of content you’re creating, whether it’s travel vlogs, interviews, or action shots.

Lavalier Microphones for GoPro

Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel mics, are small, discreet, and perfect for capturing voice in interviews or presentations. These microphones clip onto clothing and provide hands-free audio recording, making them ideal for vloggers or those recording long sessions. Lavalier microphones for GoPro are especially popular among content creators who need portable, unobtrusive solutions for capturing dialogue.

Shotgun Microphones for GoPro

Shotgun microphones focus on capturing sound from a specific direction, reducing unwanted background noise from the sides and rear. This makes them perfect for action-packed scenes or outdoor shoots where isolating the sound source is crucial. These microphones are often mounted directly onto the GoPro, making them a go-to choice for filmmakers and vloggers who need focused, directional sound without interference.

Wireless Microphones for GoPro

Wireless microphones offer the ultimate freedom of movement while maintaining excellent audio quality. They are particularly useful in situations where the subject is far from the camera or when you need to avoid tangling with cables. Wireless microphones for GoPro are excellent for dynamic shots, such as action sports or outdoor interviews, where distance or movement is a factor.

USB-C Microphones for GoPro

USB-C microphones are easy to connect directly to GoPro cameras with a USB-C port, making them a plug-and-play solution for many users. These microphones are convenient, especially for those who prioritize simplicity and portability. Many USB-C microphones for GoPro offer excellent sound quality in a compact form, suitable for vloggers and travelers alike.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Microphone for GoPro

Selecting the right microphone for GoPro requires considering various factors that affect sound quality and usability. Microphones come in different shapes, sizes, and functionalities, and the best choice depends on your recording environment and goals. By understanding what makes a microphone suitable for your specific needs, you can ensure better audio capture for all your GoPro footage.

Portability and Size
When using GoPro cameras, portability is key. Large, cumbersome microphones can weigh down your setup and interfere with the ease of use that GoPros are known for. Compact microphones are ideal for action shots, travel vlogs, and on-the-go shooting, as they maintain the lightweight, mobile nature of the GoPro.

Audio Quality
The quality of the microphone plays a crucial role in delivering clear and accurate sound. Look for microphones with high sensitivity, low noise levels, and the ability to reduce unwanted background noise. Directional microphones, like shotgun mics, are perfect for capturing focused audio in busy environments, while lavalier microphones are great for clear voice capture in interviews.

Durability and Compatibility
GoPro cameras are often used in extreme conditions, so the durability of the microphone is essential. Waterproof and shock-resistant microphones are ideal for action sports or outdoor activities. Additionally, ensure that the microphone is compatible with your specific GoPro model, especially if you’re using older or specialized GoPro versions that may require adapters.

Battery Life and Power Source
If you’re using wireless microphones or those with internal batteries, consider how long they can last on a single charge. Long battery life ensures that your microphone won’t die in the middle of a recording, especially during long shoots or while traveling. Wired microphones, which draw power from the camera or other sources, can be more reliable for extended recording sessions.

Best Microphones for GoPro: Top Recommendations

Choosing the right microphone for GoPro can significantly enhance your content by improving audio quality and ensuring that sound matches the visual excellence of your footage. Whether you’re an action sports enthusiast, a vlogger, or a filmmaker, there are microphones that cater to every recording need. Below, we dive into some of the best microphones for GoPro, offering detailed insights on their features, performance, and why they stand out for specific use cases.

1. Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone

The Rode VideoMicro is a favorite among GoPro users for its compact design and excellent audio performance. This lightweight shotgun microphone is designed to minimize background noise, making it ideal for capturing clear audio in dynamic environments.

Features: The VideoMicro has a directional sound capture pattern, which focuses on the sound directly in front of the microphone while reducing unwanted ambient noise from the sides and rear. It includes a furry windshield, which is particularly useful for outdoor recording, as it helps to reduce wind noise.

Pros: The microphone’s small size and lightweight build make it perfect for on-the-go shooting. It’s easy to mount on a GoPro camera, and its robust build ensures it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Cons: One limitation is that it requires a 3.5mm adapter to connect to a GoPro camera, which adds an additional cost and a slight inconvenience.

Best For: This microphone is ideal for vloggers and travelers who need a reliable microphone that can handle various recording environments, particularly outdoors.

2. Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone

The Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact shotgun microphone that excels in capturing directional sound, making it perfect for isolating audio from the desired source while minimizing background noise.

Features: The MKE 400 features a highly directional pickup pattern, which focuses the audio capture on the subject in front of the camera. It comes with an integrated shock mount to reduce handling noise and vibrations, ensuring that the audio remains clear and crisp.

Pros: The microphone offers superior sound isolation, making it ideal for environments where you want to focus on a specific audio source without interference. The build quality is excellent, with a durable construction that can handle rough use.

Cons: It is relatively more expensive than some other options on the market, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Best For: Professional content creators and filmmakers who require high-quality, focused audio capture, especially in challenging environments with a lot of ambient noise.

3. Shure VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mounted Microphone

The Shure VP83 LensHopper is designed for capturing high-definition audio with exceptional clarity. It’s a premium choice for those who want the best possible sound quality from their GoPro setup.

Features: This microphone has a super-cardioid/lobar pattern, which means it’s highly directional, focusing on sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. It also boasts a rugged metal construction, ensuring durability.

Pros: The VP83 delivers exceptional sound quality, capturing detailed and rich audio. It’s built to withstand tough conditions, making it suitable for use in various environments.

Cons: The microphone is larger and bulkier than some other options, which may not be ideal for all GoPro setups, especially if portability is a key concern.

Best For: Filmmakers and advanced content creators who prioritize high-quality, directional audio capture for professional video projects.

4. Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone

The Movo VXR10 is a versatile and budget-friendly microphone that’s compatible with a range of devices, including GoPro cameras. It offers good sound quality without breaking the bank.

Features: The VXR10 comes with a shock mount and furry windshield, which helps to reduce wind noise and vibrations. It is lightweight and easy to mount on a GoPro, making it a convenient choice for various recording situations.

Pros: It’s an affordable option that still provides good sound quality. The microphone is easy to use and compatible with multiple devices, adding to its versatility.

Cons: In very noisy environments, the microphone may pick up some background noise, which could affect the clarity of the audio.

Best For: Beginners and casual users looking for a cost-effective solution to improve their GoPro audio quality without a significant investment.

5. Edutige ETM-001 Microphone

The Edutige ETM-001 is a small but powerful omnidirectional microphone that provides clear and detailed audio, despite its compact size.

Features: This microphone has an omnidirectional pickup pattern, capturing sound from all directions. Its compact size makes it highly portable, perfect for on-the-go recording.

Pros: The ETM-001 is very discreet and easy to carry, making it an excellent choice for users who need a low-profile microphone. It delivers clear and crisp audio, enhancing the sound quality of GoPro recordings.

Cons: Because it captures sound from all directions, it may not isolate the subject’s audio as well as a directional microphone would, which could be a drawback in noisy environments.

Best For: Users who want a small, low-profile microphone that is easy to use and provides good audio quality for everyday recording.

6. Tascam TM-2X Stereo X-Y Microphone

The Tascam TM-2X is a stereo condenser microphone designed to capture detailed and immersive audio, making it a great choice for those who want to add depth to their recordings.

Features: The TM-2X utilizes a stereo X-Y configuration, which captures a wide sound field, providing a natural and immersive audio experience. It also comes with a windscreen and shock mount, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Pros: This microphone captures a wide, natural sound field, making it ideal for recording environmental sounds and music. It has a sturdy build, ensuring it can withstand outdoor recording conditions.

Cons: The larger size may not be ideal for all GoPro setups, particularly those where space and weight are a concern.

Best For: Users looking to capture stereo sound and add a sense of space and depth to their recordings, such as nature or ambient sounds.

7. Sony ECM-CS3 Clip-Style Omnidirectional Stereo Microphone

The Sony ECM-CS3 is a compact clip-style microphone that offers high-quality stereo sound, perfect for a variety of recording scenarios.

Features: This microphone has an omnidirectional stereo pickup pattern, which provides clear and consistent audio capture. It can be clipped onto clothing or mounted near the GoPro camera for convenience.

Pros: The ECM-CS3 is versatile and easy to use, with a compact design that makes it highly portable. It delivers good sound quality for its size and price.

Cons: The clip design might limit the flexibility of positioning, which could be a drawback in some recording scenarios.

Best For: Interviewers and vloggers who need a portable and discreet microphone solution that provides clear audio.

8. Rode Wireless GO II Compact Wireless Microphone System

The Rode Wireless GO II offers unparalleled wireless convenience, allowing you to capture high-quality audio without the constraints of a wired connection.

Features: This microphone system includes two transmitters and one receiver, allowing for dual-channel recording. It’s compact and easy to use, with a range of up to 200 meters, making it ideal for interviews and vlogs.

Pros: The wireless functionality provides great flexibility in recording, especially for multi-person interviews or situations where mobility is essential. The audio quality is high, and the system is simple to set up and use.

Cons: The advanced features come at a higher price point, which might not be suitable for all budgets.

Best For: Content creators who need a reliable and high-quality wireless recording solution, particularly for interviews, vlogs, or multi-person recordings.

9. Lavalier Microphone by PowerDeWise

The Lavalier Microphone by PowerDeWise is a popular choice for those seeking a discreet and convenient microphone option for their GoPro camera.

Features: This microphone features an omnidirectional pickup pattern, ensuring consistent audio quality regardless of positioning. It’s small and easy to conceal, making it ideal for interviews or presentations.

Pros: The microphone is easy to use and provides clear, high-quality audio. It’s also one of the more affordable options on this list, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Cons: It requires an adapter to connect to a GoPro, which may add to the overall cost and setup complexity.

Best For: Users who need a low-profile microphone for discreet recording, such as interviews or presentations, where appearance and mobility are key.

10. GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter

While not a microphone itself, the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter is an essential accessory for anyone looking to connect an external microphone to their GoPro camera.

Features: This adapter provides a 3.5mm audio input, allowing users to connect a variety of external microphones to their GoPro. It’s compatible with several GoPro models, including the HERO5, HERO6, HERO7, HERO8, and HERO9.

Pros: The adapter enables the use of high-quality external microphones, significantly enhancing the GoPro’s audio recording capabilities. It’s straightforward to use and provides a secure connection for reliable audio capture.

Cons: The adapter adds a bit of bulk to the camera setup, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Best For: All GoPro users who want to elevate their camera’s audio quality by connecting external microphones.

How to Attach a Microphone to Your GoPro

Attaching an external microphone to your GoPro is a straightforward process but requires the right accessories, such as adapters and mounts, to ensure a secure fit. Depending on your GoPro model, you may need a USB-C adapter or GoPro’s official microphone adapter to connect an external mic. Once connected, microphones can be mounted using standard GoPro mounts or cold shoe adapters.

For lavalier microphones, clip the mic securely to your clothing and ensure the cable is properly routed to avoid tangling or interference. Shotgun microphones are typically mounted on top of the GoPro or attached via a cold shoe mount, providing a stable and focused sound setup. Wireless microphones are even simpler, with just a receiver connected to the GoPro and the microphone worn or handheld by the subject.

Tips for Improving GoPro Audio with Microphones

Capturing great audio with a GoPro often involves more than just attaching a microphone. Wind noise, background chatter, and echo can all degrade the sound quality of your recordings. Using a deadcat windscreen is one of the easiest ways to reduce wind noise, especially in outdoor environments. Additionally, adjusting the microphone’s positioning can help capture clearer sound, particularly when using a directional microphone like a shotgun mic.

For wireless microphones, ensure that there’s a clear line of sight between the receiver and transmitter to avoid interference. You can also use external audio recorders like the Zoom H1n to capture high-quality sound separately, which can be synced with your GoPro footage in post-production for even greater control over the final audio.

Conclusion

Achieving high-quality audio with your GoPro is entirely possible by using the right external microphone. As discussed, the built-in microphone often struggles with issues like wind noise or muffled sound, but the good news is that a wide range of microphones for GoPro can dramatically improve your sound quality. Whether you’re vlogging, capturing action shots, or creating professional-level videos, the right microphone ensures that your audio complements your visuals perfectly.

Throughout this article, we explored various types of microphones compatible with GoPro, from lavalier and shotgun microphones to wireless and USB-C options. We also discussed key factors to consider when choosing a microphone, such as portability, durability, and audio quality. Additionally, the top recommendations provided—like the Rode Wireless GO II, Sennheiser MKE 400, and Deity V-Mic D3 Pro—offer solutions for different recording needs, ensuring there’s an option for every type of GoPro user.

Now that you’re equipped with all the information, it’s time to take action and choose the best microphone for your GoPro. Enhancing your audio will not only improve the quality of your content but also create a more immersive experience for your audience. Don’t let poor sound hold back your amazing visuals—upgrade your setup with a microphone for GoPro and start capturing clear, professional audio today.

I hope this article helped you to learn about the best external microphones for GoPro cameras. If you liked it then please subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and the latest blog posts.

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