6 Best External Microphones for the DJI Osmo Pocket
The DJI Osmo Pocket is a dream come true for vloggers. Not only does it fully utilize DJI’s experience with creating 3-axis gimbal systems that result in remarkably stable videos, but it’s so remarkably small that you can go from shooting videos to socializing in just a snap.
However, in contrast to its 4k video recording capabilities, the audio quality using the built-in internal microphones of the Osmo Pocket leaves a lot to be desired. If you want your videos and vlogs to come out with professional-grade audio, then you are going to have to invest in a high-quality external microphone. In this article, we have listed the very best external microphones that will help you get the most out of your Osmo Pocket.
First things first – get the 3.5mm adapter
Before we even start talking about external microphones, it bears mentioning that the Osmo Pocket does not come with a 3.5mm port. This means that there is no way to connect an external microphone to the Osmo Pocket right out of the box.
The lack of a 3.5mm port was very problematic for the first several months after the release of the Osmo Pocket. Many professional vloggers lamented how they had no choice but to make do with the generally poor audio quality that the internal microphones could produce. Third-party adapters were useless since they were not designed to work with the audio driver of the Osmo Pocket.
Finally, DJI released the official 3.5mm adapter for the Osmo Pocket just a few weeks ago. The adapter connects to the USB-C port located at the bottom of the gimbal handle and features a 3.5mm port compatible with TRS audio jacks. The performance of the adapter has been flawless so far.
With adapter in tow, it’s now worth the time to look at the best external microphones that you can use with the Osmo Pocket. Portability is a key component of the Osmo Pocket, and probably something that most vloggers would like to preserve even with an external microphone. Audio quality and compatibility with the Osmo Pocket are also characteristics that we put a premium on.
What to look for in an external microphone
Not all external microphones are made equal, and different microphone types may be more appropriate depending on how you want to use them. When choosing between microphones, these are the most important factors you need to consider:
1. Sound capture technology
2. Microphone type
3. Connection type
4. Polar patterns
Top 6 external microphones for the Osmo Pocket
1. Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
For the recording of narration, nothing beats the convenience and control of a lapel microphone. If you think that going hands-free is a good idea, then you need to look no further than the Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone. This broadcast-quality microphone is incredibly compact, with its 4.5mm body easily able to clip anywhere in your clothes.
The omnidirectional polar pattern of the smartLav+ allows it to capture sound equally from all directions, turning your Osmo Pocket into a veritable field recorder. If it gets really windy outside, just pop the foam shield that comes with the microphone. Lastly, the Kevlar-reinforced cable ensures that it will not break even in the roughest conditions.
The smarLav+ is a simple and cheap microphone that will feel right at home in any professional vlogger’s arsenal of equipment. It’s unfortunate that you’ll need to use it with the Rode app to really maximize its capabilities, but it works well enough even on its own. Being an omnidirectional mic, the smartLav+ does tend to capture a lot of background noise, so it’s not the best mic for highly noisy environments.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Sound capture technology: Condenser |
| Microphone type: Lavalier |
| Connection type: TRRS |
| Polar pattern: Omnidirectional |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Lightweight and compact |
| Durable Kevlar-reinforced cable |
| Easy to use |
| Excellent for recording narration |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Captures background noise |
| Requires Rode app to access full capabilities |
| Requires TRS to TRRS adapter |
2. Audio Technica ATR-3350IS Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone (Budget)
Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5
If you want a lapel microphone that is similarly low-profile and also much cheaper, then the ATR-3350IS from Audio Technica is a very affordable option that still provides good quality. Like its more expensive counterparts, this lapel mic offers omnidirectional sound capture, a strong and durable tie clip, and a foam windscreen accessory.
The lapel mic does not offer five-start sound quality, which is hardly surprising considering its modest price tag. Its build quality also feels far from being premium, with its thin cable and flimsy-looking microphone. Still, if you’re looking for an entry-level external microphone for the Osmo Pocket or if you don’t have the budget for more expensive alternatives, then the ATR-3350IS is worth a look.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Sound capture technology: Condenser |
| Microphone type: Lavalier |
| Connection type: TRS |
| Polar pattern: Omnidirectional |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Lightweight and compact |
| Cheap |
| Easy to use |
| Compatible with TRS port |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Captures background noise |
| Poor build quality |
| Below-average audio quality |
3. Rode Videomic Pro+ Directional Condenser Microphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Videomic Pro+ from Rode is one of the best external microphones you can get for your Osmo Pocket. However, it’s also one of the most expensive entries in this list. The Videomic Pro+ is designed for the serious vlogger – the type who wants to take the quality of their vlogs to much higher levels.
The shotgun design of the Videomic Pro+ provides excellent directional control while blocking out all other surrounding sounds. The result is audio that is crisp and noise-free. Since the sound is already excellent as recorded, you can save a ton of time in editing and post-processing.
Despite the premium quality of the Videomic Pro+, some users have reported encountering problems with static noise particularly as a result of radio interference. This can be a huge concern, especially if you tend to record vlogs with your smartphone or other devices nearby.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Sound capture technology: Condenser |
| Microphone type: Shotgun |
| Connection type: Minijack |
| Polar pattern: Supercardioid |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Excellent audio quality |
| Better directional control |
| Blocks low-end noise |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Huge |
| Very expensive |
| Requires Minijack to TRS adapter |
| Vulnerable to radio interference |
4. Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone (Best Value)
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
The Snowball Microphone from Blue is one of the more unique-looking microphones you can get. It’s also one of the few microphones that are capable of switching between omnidirectional or cardioid polar patterns. This capability is aided by the Snowball’s unique “capsule” shape.
The versatility of the Snowball is further complemented by the crystal-clear audio that it can record. It can capture speech clearly while doing a good job of blocking out any background sounds. Its affordable price tag drives home how much of a value-for-money product the Snowball microphone is.
However, the capsule shape of the Snowball may also be one of its biggest limitations. Since it is neither a lapel or a shotgun mic, there isn’t really an option to clip or to mount this mic to yourself or to the Osmo Pocket. If you’re going to record videos while walking around, carrying the Snowball with you will be awkward and inconvenient.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Sound capture technology: Condenser |
| Microphone type: Capsule |
| Connection type: USB-B |
| Polar pattern: Cardioid or omnidirectional |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Plug-and-play, no apps needed |
| Affordable |
| Multiple polar patterns |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Huge |
| Does not mount or clip |
| Needs a USB-B adapter |
5. Rode Videomic Go (Best Overall)
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
The VideoMic Go from Rode can be considered to be the smaller and lighter version of the VideoMic Pro+. Like its bigger brother, it features a shotgun design and a supercardioid polar pattern which offers a slightly larger scope than standard cardioid. Unlike the Pro+, the VideoMic Go feels right at home with the ultra-compact Osmo Pocket.
The directional recording scope of the VideoMic Go means you can accurately point it to the subject you are recording while blocking out all other ambient sounds. It even features a shock mount that prevents bumps and vibrations from interfering with the quality of your recording.
Despite the sophisticated features of the VideoMic Go, it is one of the easiest external microphones to use. It requires no app compatibility, has no complicated switches or settings, and is powered by the external microphone input. This combination of ease of use and quality of recording in a small and affordable package has made the VideoMic Go our top pick for an external microphone for the Osmo Pocket.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Sound capture technology: Condenser |
| Microphone type: Shotgun |
| Connection type: Mini-jack |
| Polar pattern: Supercardioid |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Smaller and cheaper than the Pro+ |
| Excellent recording quality and noise elimination |
| Shock mount reduces the effects of bumps and vibrations |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Requires a cold shoe mount |
6. Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun Microphone
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
It can be a rough world out there for vloggers, which is why you might appreciate the ruggedness of the Sennheiser MKE 400. This shotgun microphone features an all-metal housing and a shock mount that helps in blocking out the noise. Its all-around build design is completed by a foam windshield accessory and a durable coiled cable.
The MKE 400 excels in long-distance audio recording, although sensitivity adjustment makes it perfectly capable of recording up close. Its TRS jack slips right into the Osmo Pocket. A unique characteristic of the MKE 400 is that it is battery-operated – it can run up to 300 hours on a single AAA battery. This is great for preserving the battery of your Osmo Pocket.
The professional look of the MKE 400 fits well with its superior audio recording quality. Its noise removal feature works great as expected of a shotgun microphone. However, the MKE 400 is not a cheap microphone. This product is recommended for buyers who have the budget for a long-lasting and high-quality product.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Sound capture technology: Condenser |
| Microphone type: Shotgun |
| Connection type: TRS |
| Polar pattern: Supercardioid |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Rugged, all-around design |
| Compatible TRS jack |
| Battery-operated |
| Excels at long-distance recording |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Expensive |
Final thoughts
The Osmo Pocket is an excellent product all on its own. After all, what other handheld recording device can offer 4k recording and 3-axis mechanical stabilization? However, DJI has still left room for improvement by way of providing a way to hook up an external microphone to the Osmo Pocket. By using an external microphone, your vlogs can enjoy higher quality audio and less noise.
Fortunately, we are spoiled with choices when it comes to external microphones. The products we have listed above are some of the best ones we have encountered, and they work really well with the Osmo Pocket. Depending on your budget and the types of videos that you’d like to shoot, you’re bound to find the external microphone that is perfect for you.
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