GoPro has launched its new GoPro Wireless Mic System. The complete kit packs in two transmitters, receivers for just about any device and a charging case to hold it all.
Maximum flexibility
The complete kit ships with two transmitter mics, a TRS receiver for cameras with a 3.5 mm input and a USB-C receiver for smartphones. All four pieces tuck into the charging case, which tops each one off twice on a single charge.
You also get two furry windscreens for the mics, magnets to attach them to your talent, a USB-C to USB-C cable and a TRS to TRS cable.
Transmitter mics
The transmitter mics are tiny, measuring 0.8 inches (20 mm) by 0.7 inches (18 mm) by 1.1 inches (28 mm). At 0.35 ounces (10 g), they’re feather-light too. Each one has a built-in clip on the back as an alternative to the magnets, so popping them onto your subjects is quick.
Battery life runs up to 6.5 hours per charge. You can also pair the mics directly with smartphones and GoPro cameras over Bluetooth, no receiver required.
Receivers
The TRS receiver has a cold shoe mount on the bottom to attach it to your camera or rig. It weighs just 0.8 ounces (23.3 g), so it won’t drag you down on handheld shoots. The footprint is small as well, at 1.7 inches (42 mm) by 1.4 inches (36 mm) by 0.9 inches (22 mm).
It also carries a -12 dB to +12 dB gain dial and indicator lights to confirm the mics are connected. Battery life tops out around 13 hours.
Prefer to shoot on your phone? The USB-C receiver plugs straight in, and at 0.2 ounces (5 g) you’ll forget it’s there.
Using the system
The range stretches to nearly 500 feet (150 meters) on the TRS or USB-C receivers. Over Bluetooth, that drops to 328 feet (100 meters). Audio comes through at a 48kHz sampling rate and 24-bit depth.
Beyond the gain control, there’s a Safety Track mode. It records a backup track 6 dB lower than the standard mono track, which keeps loud moments from clipping. The system also includes Activate Dynamic Noise Reduction to tamp down background noise.
What we think
GoPro’s Wireless Mic System is a strong entry in a crowded field of starter mics for creators. Bundling both TRS and USB-C receivers means you can jump between recording devices in seconds. Direct Bluetooth pairing with GoPro cameras and some phones makes it more flexible still.
One catch worth knowing: this is a mic-only system, with no onboard backup recording. That said, if you bounce between cameras and smartphones to shoot, the complete kit could be exactly what you need.
Pricing and availability
The complete kit is available now at $160. GoPro also plans to sell single transmitters for $50 and a one-transmitter kit with the USB-C receiver for $80.
