If you’re an advanced user who is looking to create professional videos or vlogs using your GoPro camera, you may be disappointed by the sound quality provided by the on-board GoPro mic. Therefore, you need to use a good quality external microphone paired with GoPro audio adapter.
In this article, you are going to learn what are the best GoPro audio adapters, why do you need them, and which mics do I recommend.
GoPro Audio Adapters
Here are official audio adapters for GoPro cameras:
GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter
Compatibility: Hero 12 Black, Hero 11 Black, Hero 10 Black, Hero 8 Black, Hero 8 Black, Hero 7 Black, Hero 6 Black, Hero 5 Black
- Enables high-quality audio capture when using a pro-level external mic.Mounting Type:...
- USB-C power and data extension with 90° connector
- Connects a wide range of external 3.5mm mics
Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter is a 106dB stereo analog-to-digital converter from GoPro which goes from the 3.5mm adapter on the mic to the USB-C port on the compatible GoPro cameras. With this audio adapter, you can capture high-quality audio with your GoPro camera as it lets you connect a good quality external microphone to your GoPro.
GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter also features an additional 90° connector for USB-C power and data extension. It is very convenient-to-use. So, you can quickly connect a wide range of 3.5mm microphones to your GoPro with this adapter.
GoPro Media Mod for Hero 12, 11, 10, 9 Black
- Built-in directional mic highlights voice audio and reduces ambient noise
- Tough, weather-resistant construction withstands the elements
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
Apart from its audio and video connectivity options, the Media Mod provides two cold shoe mounts for attaching accessories such as LED lights or additional microphones, expanding the possibilities for content creation. A USB-C port allows for charging the camera or connecting other USB-C accessories while the mod is in use, ensuring continuous power and seamless connectivity during extended shooting sessions.
Designed to be weather-resistant, the Media Mod can withstand light rain and splashes, making it suitable for various environments. However, it’s important to note that it’s not waterproof and should not be used for underwater or extreme weather conditions. Overall, the GoPro Media Mod transforms Hero 12, 11, 10 and 9 action cameras into powerful content creation tools that cater to the needs of vloggers, live streamers, and professional video producers alike.
In addition to being a nice mic adapter for GoPro, the Media Mod performs several other functions. You can use its HDMI-out port for easy playback on your TV. It also has two cold-shoe mounts to attach lights, mics or LCD screens.
Note: The Media Mods for Hero 9 Black and Hero 8 Black are two different products.
GoPro Media Mod for Hero 8 Black
- Built-in directional mic delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient...
- 2 cold-shoe mounts to attach your favorite lights, mics or LCD screens
- 3.5mm mic port lets you add an external mic for enhanced audio
The Hero 8 Black is a vlogging-friendly camera made by the company. It has a dedicated GoPro Media Mod (to be purchased separately) that can, literally, turn your action camera into a production powerhouse! The Media Mod wraps around the body of the camera and attaches to its USB-C port. It features an incredible built-in directional mic that delivers crystal-clear audio and reduces wind and ambient noise, and a 3.5mm mic port for your favorite external mics. Overall, it’s a great choice if you’re looking to add an external mic to your compatible GoPro camera.
10-Pin Mini USB to 3.5mm GoPro Mic Adapter
Compatibility: Hero 4 Black, Hero 3 Black, Hero 3+ Black
- The cable is not suitable for Canon cameras and GoPro Hero 7
- Note: The cable is not suitable for Canon cameras and GoPro Hero 7,GoPro Hero5/Hero5...
- Mini 10 Pin Usb to 3.5mm mic adapter cable
This 10-Pin Mini USB to 3.5mm Mic Adapter by GuangMaoBo is a high quality product that connects to the mini-USB port of your compatible GoPro camera on one end, and to your favorite external microphone on the other. This plug & play GoPro audio adapter is pretty easy-to-use and is durable too.
GoPro Mic Adapters That Work + Best Microphones for Quality GoPro Audio
Why Do You Need a GoPro Audio Adapter
All GoPro models until the GoPro Hero 2 had a dedicated audio input port where you could directly connect the external microphone. But this changed after the arrival of Hero 3. All the latest GoPros including the most recent GoPro Hero 8 and 9 Black cameras don’t have a dedicated audio input port. So, you won’t be able to plug in an external microphone with a standard 3.5mm plug directly.
Therefore, an adapter is required to connect the external 3.5mm jack microphones to the GoPro camera. The kind of adapter you need varies with the GoPro models. Since the GoPro Hero 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5 Black models have USB-C port, you need a USB-C to 3.5mm mic adapter with them. The earlier models including Hero 3, 3+ and 4 Black, on the other hand, feature a mini-USB port. So, to connect external mic to these models, you need a Mini USB to 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best audio adapters for all GoPro cameras. Read on to know more about them.
Will Any Mic Adapter Work on GoPro?
Not every mic adapter will work with your GoPro. To ensure compatibility and proper functionality, it’s essential to use the official GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. This adapter is specifically designed for GoPro cameras and enables the connection of external microphones with a 3.5mm audio plug.
Using the official GoPro mic adapter ensures that you’ll experience optimal audio quality and compatibility with your GoPro camera. Using third-party mic adapters might result in compatibility issues, poor audio quality, or even damage to your camera. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to use the official GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for the best results. Find its price in the paragraph below.
GoPro Media Mod
Apart form Mic adapter, you can use a Media Mod. The GoPro Media Mod is a versatile accessory specifically designed for GoPro Hero 12, 11, 10, 9 and 8 Black action cameras, enhancing their multimedia capabilities for content creators. The Media Mod equips these cameras with a high-quality built-in directional microphone that captures crisp and clear audio while minimizing background noise. It also features a 3.5mm mic input, enabling users to connect external microphones for even better sound quality. Additionally, the Media Mod offers HDMI output for live streaming, playback, or real-time monitoring of your footage on external monitors or TVs.
Find more info on live streaming with GoPro in the following article: GoPro Live Stream EASY Guide (Youtube, Facebook, Twitch).
Top 3 Best Microphones For You GoPro
Here are top 3 microphones that I recommend to use:
Rode Lightweight Directional On-Camera Microphone VideoMic GO II
- Instantly improve the audio quality of your camera, smartphone, tablet, and computer
- Incredibly simple to use
- Compact and lightweight enough to take with you anywhere
The Rode VideoMic GO II is a lightweight directional on-camera microphone that offers an exceptional audio experience for video enthusiasts and content creators alike. Designed with a compact form factor, this microphone seamlessly integrates with your camera setup without adding significant weight or bulk.
The VideoMic GO II features a high-quality cardioid condenser capsule, which provides excellent directionality, effectively capturing audio from your subjects while minimizing unwanted background noise. The integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount ensures that the microphone remains isolated from handling and mechanical noise, delivering smooth and stable audio performance.
Sony Lavalier Microphone
- Omni-directional for high-qualitiy stereo sound pick up
- Included wind-screen to reduce wind noise
- 360-degree rotation Clip for freedom of attacment angle
The Sony Lavalier Microphone is a highly regarded and popular choice among GoPro users, boasting over 1,200 positive Amazon reviews and a strong recommendation from GoPro itself. This easy-to-use clip microphone is specifically designed for interviews and other situations where hands-free recording is essential. The compact design allows it to be quickly and securely attached to a shirt or collar, ensuring that it stays in place throughout the recording session.
The high-quality audio capture provided by this microphone makes it ideal for both amateur and professional content creators seeking a reliable and convenient solution for their audio recording needs. Whether you’re conducting interviews, hosting a podcast, or capturing the audio for a vlog, the Sony Lavalier Microphone is a fantastic choice for achieving clear and crisp sound quality.
REMOVU Wireless Microphone
- This device fits GoPro HERO3, HERO3 plus and HERO4 only. NOT for HERO 5 and later...
- Maximum distance is about 40 Yards depending on environment
- Powered by included Lithium battery, and runs more than 6 hours
Affordable and user-friendly, this wireless microphone kit is specifically designed for GoPro HERO3, HERO3+, and HERO4 cameras (not compatible with HERO5 or later models). The kit comprises a receiver that conveniently attaches to the back of your GoPro and a microphone featuring an integrated transmitter.
Find more microphones in the article below: 12 Best GoPro Microphones + Mic Adapters
Word of Advice
All the above-mentioned mic adapters work perfectly with the compatible GoPro cameras. If you’re specifically looking for just an audio adapter for your GoPro, then you should go for the Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter or the 10-Pin Mini USB to 3.5mm Mic Adapter (depending upon the GoPro model you own).
However, if you own one of the latest GoPro Hero 12 Black or Hero 11 Black, and you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for a wonderful vlogging experience, I would highly recommend the compatible GoPro Media Mod for you. In addition to being a great mic adapter, it’s also a full-fledged vlogging accessory that enables your GoPro to become a pro in vlogging.
Learn more on vlogging with a GoPro: GoPro Vlog Setup: 5 Best Vlogging Kits + Vlog Tips.
To conclude, please beware of the cheaper third-party alternatives available, both online and offline! They are notorious for not working well with the GoPro camera.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you learn about GoPro Audio Adapters🙂
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