The DJI Mini 2 is a powerful and portable drone that has taken the world of aerial photography and videography by storm. With its 4K camera, 3-axis gimbal, and up to 31 minutes of flight time, it’s no wonder why many creators and enthusiasts have fallen in love with this tiny but mighty drone. However, one of the most common questions asked by DJI Mini 2 users is how to record high-quality audio to complement their stunning visuals. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of audio recording on the DJI Mini 2 and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get the best possible sound.
Understanding the DJI Mini 2’s Audio Capabilities
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of recording audio on the DJI Mini 2, it’s essential to understand the drone’s audio capabilities. The DJI Mini 2 has a built-in microphone that can record audio in sync with your video footage. However, the quality of the audio may not be as good as you expect, especially in windy or noisy environments. This is because the built-in microphone is designed to pick up a wide range of frequencies, which can result in a lot of background noise.
Limitations of the Built-in Microphone
While the built-in microphone on the DJI Mini 2 is convenient, it has some limitations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wind noise: The built-in microphone can pick up a lot of wind noise, which can be distracting and ruin your audio.
- Background noise: The microphone can also pick up background noise, such as traffic, construction, or other ambient sounds.
- Limited frequency range: The built-in microphone may not be able to capture the full range of frequencies, which can result in a lackluster audio experience.
External Microphone Options for the DJI Mini 2
If you want to improve the audio quality of your DJI Mini 2 footage, you’ll need to consider using an external microphone. There are several options available, ranging from simple lavalier microphones to more advanced shotgun microphones.
Lavalier Microphones
Lavalier microphones are small, clip-on microphones that can be attached to your shirt or collar. They’re a great option for recording audio in windy or noisy environments, as they’re designed to pick up your voice and reject background noise. Some popular lavalier microphone options for the DJI Mini 2 include:
- Rode Wireless Go
- Sennheiser G4
- Sennheiser MKE 440
Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun microphones are more advanced microphones that are designed to capture high-quality audio in a variety of environments. They’re often used in film and television production, but can also be used with the DJI Mini 2. Some popular shotgun microphone options include:
- Rode NTG3
- Sennheiser MKH 416
- Audio-Technica AT897
Connecting an External Microphone to the DJI Mini 2
Once you’ve chosen an external microphone, you’ll need to connect it to the DJI Mini 2. The process is relatively straightforward, but it does require some additional equipment.
Adapter Cables
To connect an external microphone to the DJI Mini 2, you’ll need an adapter cable. The type of adapter cable you need will depend on the type of microphone you’re using. For example, if you’re using a lavalier microphone with a 3.5mm connector, you’ll need a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter cable.
Audio Recorders
Another option for recording high-quality audio with the DJI Mini 2 is to use an external audio recorder. These devices can connect to your microphone and record audio separately from your video footage. Some popular audio recorder options include:
- Zoom H5
- Tascam DR-40
- Sound Devices MixPre
Recording Audio with the DJI Mini 2
Now that we’ve covered the basics of external microphones and adapter cables, let’s talk about how to record audio with the DJI Mini 2.
Using the DJI Fly App
The DJI Fly app is a powerful tool that allows you to control your DJI Mini 2 and adjust a variety of settings, including audio. To record audio with the DJI Fly app, follow these steps:
- Connect your external microphone to the DJI Mini 2 using an adapter cable.
- Open the DJI Fly app and navigate to the camera settings.
- Select the “Audio” option and choose your external microphone as the input device.
- Adjust the audio levels as needed to ensure optimal sound quality.
- Start recording your video footage and the DJI Mini 2 will capture high-quality audio in sync with your video.
Using an External Audio Recorder
If you’re using an external audio recorder, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Connect your microphone to the audio recorder.
- Set the audio recorder to the correct input level and format (e.g. WAV or MP3).
- Start recording audio on the audio recorder.
- At the same time, start recording video footage on the DJI Mini 2.
- Once you’ve finished recording, you’ll need to sync the audio and video footage in post-production.
Post-Production Audio Editing
Once you’ve recorded your audio and video footage, it’s time to edit your content in post-production. Here are a few tips for editing audio in post-production:
Syncing Audio and Video
If you’re using an external audio recorder, you’ll need to sync the audio and video footage in post-production. This can be done using video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Adjusting Audio Levels
Once you’ve synced the audio and video footage, you may need to adjust the audio levels to ensure optimal sound quality. This can be done using the audio editing tools in your video editing software.
Adding Music or Sound Effects
Finally, you may want to add music or sound effects to your video footage to enhance the overall audio experience. This can be done using the audio editing tools in your video editing software.
Conclusion
Recording high-quality audio on the DJI Mini 2 requires some additional equipment and planning, but the results are well worth the effort. By using an external microphone and following the tips outlined in this article, you can capture stunning audio to complement your beautiful video footage. Whether you’re a creator, enthusiast, or just starting out with the DJI Mini 2, we hope this article has provided you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to take your audio to the next level.
What are the system requirements for recording audio on DJI Mini 2?
To record audio on DJI Mini 2, you’ll need a few essential items. First, ensure your DJI Mini 2 drone is updated with the latest firmware. You’ll also need a smartphone or tablet with the DJI Fly app installed. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, but make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements. For iOS devices, you’ll need at least an iPhone 11 or later, while for Android devices, you’ll need a device with at least Android 6.0 or later.
Additionally, you’ll need a pair of headphones or earbuds to monitor the audio in real-time. It’s also recommended to use a windscreen or a pop filter to reduce wind noise and plosive sounds. If you’re planning to record high-quality audio, consider investing in an external microphone, such as the DJI Mic or a third-party lavalier microphone.
How do I connect my DJI Mini 2 to the DJI Fly app?
To connect your DJI Mini 2 to the DJI Fly app, start by turning on your drone and remote controller. Then, open the DJI Fly app on your smartphone or tablet. The app will automatically detect your drone and prompt you to connect. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection process. Make sure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your drone.
Once connected, you’ll see a live feed from your drone’s camera on the app’s screen. You can then access various settings and features, including the audio recording settings. If you’re having trouble connecting, try restarting your drone, remote controller, and device, or refer to the DJI Fly app’s user manual for troubleshooting tips.
What are the different audio recording modes on DJI Mini 2?
The DJI Mini 2 offers two main audio recording modes: Wind Noise Reduction and External Microphone. The Wind Noise Reduction mode uses the drone’s built-in microphones to capture audio while reducing wind noise. This mode is suitable for casual recordings or when you don’t have an external microphone.
The External Microphone mode allows you to connect an external microphone, such as the DJI Mic or a third-party lavalier microphone, to capture high-quality audio. This mode is ideal for professional recordings, such as filmmaking or live streaming. You can switch between these modes in the DJI Fly app’s settings menu.
How do I record audio on DJI Mini 2 using the DJI Fly app?
To record audio on DJI Mini 2 using the DJI Fly app, start by accessing the app’s settings menu. Then, select the “Audio” option and choose your desired audio recording mode. If you’re using an external microphone, make sure it’s connected to your drone or remote controller.
Once you’ve selected your audio recording mode, start recording your video as you normally would. The DJI Fly app will capture audio simultaneously with the video. You can monitor the audio in real-time using your headphones or earbuds. When you’re finished recording, stop the video and review your footage to ensure the audio is clear and of good quality.
Can I record audio on DJI Mini 2 without the DJI Fly app?
While the DJI Fly app is the recommended method for recording audio on DJI Mini 2, you can also record audio without the app. One way to do this is by using a third-party app, such as a camera or video recording app, on your smartphone or tablet. However, keep in mind that these apps may not offer the same level of control or features as the DJI Fly app.
Another way to record audio without the DJI Fly app is by using an external audio recorder, such as a portable recorder or a lavalier microphone with a built-in recorder. This method allows you to capture high-quality audio separately from your video footage. However, you’ll need to sync the audio with your video footage in post-production.
How do I improve the audio quality on my DJI Mini 2 recordings?
To improve the audio quality on your DJI Mini 2 recordings, start by using an external microphone, such as the DJI Mic or a third-party lavalier microphone. These microphones are designed to capture high-quality audio and reduce wind noise.
Additionally, consider using a windscreen or a pop filter to reduce wind noise and plosive sounds. You can also experiment with different audio recording modes, such as the Wind Noise Reduction mode, to find the best setting for your recording environment. Finally, make sure to monitor your audio in real-time using your headphones or earbuds to catch any issues before they become a problem.
Can I edit the audio on my DJI Mini 2 recordings?
Yes, you can edit the audio on your DJI Mini 2 recordings using various video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. These software programs allow you to adjust the audio levels, EQ, and compression to improve the overall sound quality.
You can also add music, sound effects, or voiceovers to your recordings to enhance the audio. If you’re using a third-party app or software to record audio, you may need to sync the audio with your video footage in post-production. Additionally, consider using noise reduction software or plugins to remove background noise or hiss from your recordings.