DJI has officially released its all-new magnetic and modular Action 2 camera, and along with that came another versatile product called DJI Mic, which has the potential to change the game for video creators. And, if the Action 2 cam is DJI’s answer to GoPro, then the new DJI Mic is here to beat the market’s popular Rode Wireless Go 2, a go-to for wireless audio recording. Do you think a company that has established itself as a king in the drone industry can also position itself as a leader in the microphone market? In this article, we will try to compare the Rode Wireless Go 2 with the new DJI Mic and tell you which one is better for you.
Rode Wireless Go 2 vs DJI Mic
Before we jump into the main comparison, let’s start with some similarities first. The Rode Wireless Go 2 and the new DJI Mic feature Dual-Channel Recording, Omnidirectional Microphone, and three main parts, including two transmitters and a receiver. But compared to the Rode Wireless Go 2, the new DJI Mic system comes with a charging case with a built-in 2600mAh battery that can charge the two Transmitters and the Receiver twice.
Rode Wireless Go 2 vs DJI Mic
| Specs | Rode Wireless Go 2 | DJI Mic |
| Microphone Directions | Omnidirectional | All direction |
| Frequency Range | 50Hz – 20kHz | 2400-2483.5 MHz |
| Operating Time | 7 hours | 5 hours |
| Transmission Range | 200m | 250m |
| Max Input Level | -20dBV | -17 dBV |
| Equivalent Noise Level | 22 dBA | 23dBA |
| Connector Type | USB Type-C | 3.5 mm Jack, USB |
Receiver
Looking at the receiver, the DJI Mic comes with a convenient touch screen from which all of the functions of both the receiver and the transmitter can be controlled. But that’s not the case with Rode Wireless Go 2, which is partially controlled via 3 Buttons. And to access full control of the receiver and transmitters, you need to use the RØDE Central app.
Another win for DJI Mic is its dedicated 3.5mm headphone monitoring jack. The Road receiver does have a 3.5mm output that can be used for headphone monitoring, but it’s likely to be occupied with your camera in the first place. However, if you use the USB Type-C cable to your computer or a smartphone, it will free up the headphone jack for monitoring.
DJI also made some serious innovations with their DJI Mic, particularly in terms of smartphone connectivity. It has both Lightning and USB-C clicking adapters that go into the receiver to connect your smartphone. Whereas on the RODE, to connect your iPhone to the receiver, you have to buy an additional MFD-certified USB-C to Lightning Cable.
For battery backup, the Rode Wireless 2 receiver can give you a total of 7 hours of battery life. In comparison, The DJI Mic receiver lasts for 5 Hours only, but considering the touchscreen display and an extra charging case, we don’t think it would be an issue.
Transmitter
Moving on to the transmitter, while both of them weigh around the same, the DJI is significantly smaller, which makes it easier to hide inside your pocket or upon a shirt collar. DJI also provides a little magnet to make the mounting options more robust. In terms of the Windshields, both transmitters employ a twist mechanism to ensure they don’t fall off. The ROD system comes with three windshields whereas the DJI comes with two only.
As for storage, the DJI transmitter can capture 14 Hours of uncompressed 24-bit audio. By comparison, the Rode transmitter can capture 7 Hours of uncompressed audio. However, unlike the DJI, the Road transmitter supports compressed audio for a whopping 40 hours of recording time.
To transfer those recorded files you have to make a USB connection first and then go to the Rode Central app. There you can choose those files one by one and export them with your chosen settings. By comparison, the DJI transmitter makes it much easier where you can bulk export your recorded files. But the ROD transmitter wins in battery life as it has a stated battery life of 7 Hours versus 5.5 Hours on the DJI.
Connectivity & Range
Now let’s talk about connectivity and range. Both of these microphones use a 2.4GHz wireless connection for seamless connectivity. However, the DJI Mic is capable of recording crisp audio at distances of up to 250 meters while the Rode Wireless Go 2 tops out at 200 meters only.
Price & Availability
While the Rode Wireless Go 2 is available for $299 the newly launched DJI Mic will be released in January 2022 with a price tag of $329. And, you can pre-order it now from DJI’s official website. While you can say that DJI Mic is priced a bit higher, considering the added features like a charging case, touchscreen display, multi-level gain control, smartphone connectivity, and bulk export, it’s a steal!
Final Words
It’s clear that DJI didn’t stop at drones only, and nor did it stop at action and cinema cameras either. Although there was already a wireless mic for the DJI Pocket 2, DJI Mic is their first standalone wireless microphone kit that is compatible with other devices.
“While comparing DJI Mic with the Rode Wireless Go 2, it’s safe to say that we think both of them are pretty similar in terms of basic features and audio quality we think both of them are pretty similar. But when it comes to utility and convenience, DJI Mic is a clear winner.“
Then again you have to keep in mind that considering the new DJI Mic, Rode Wireless Go 2 released earlier. And, we won’t be surprised if their upcoming microphone offers better specs. For now, the new DJI Mic seems like a better deal. What do you think?
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