The official GoPro Hero 12 mic adapter will help you to enhance audio, but there are effective alternatives available.

Opting for an external microphone is a wise choice, considering the limitations of the built-in mic.

In this article, you’ll discover why it’s crucial to have a mic adapter for an external microphone and the options available to you.

To begin with, watch my overview of the GoPro mic adapters:

GoPro Mic Adapters That Work + Best Microphones for Quality GoPro Audio

QUICK TAKE

  • GoPro Hero 12 requires a mic adapter
  • Opt for a Media Mod accessory, that adds a built-in directional mic and 3.5mm audio jack for enhanced audio options
  • Rode Wireless GO II is the top external mic that I use

 

What Is a GoPro Mic Adapter


A GoPro mic adapter is a device that allows you to connect an external microphone to your GoPro camera.

External microphones offer better sound quality, noise reduction, and directional recording than the built-in microphones of the camera.

GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter

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GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for (All HERO Cameras) - Official GoPro Accessory
  • 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

The official GoPro mic adapter is the Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter, which costs around $50 USD. This adapter has a USB-C connector that plugs into the camera, a 3.5mm jack that connects to the microphone, and a USB-C port that allows for charging or data transfer. The adapter also has a 106dB stereo analog-to-digital converter that enables high-quality audio capture.

How To Use a Mic Adapter

To use the GoPro mic adapter, you need to follow these steps:

  • Plug the USB-C connector of the adapter into the USB-C port of the camera.
  • Plug the 3.5mm jack of the adapter into the microphone or its cable.
  • Turn on the camera and go to Preferences > Audio Input > Standard Mic or Standard Mic+ if you are using a powered microphone.
  • Start recording your video with improved audio quality.

 

Why Do You Need a GoPro Hero 12 Mic Adapter


There are some main factors why do you need a mic adapter. In this section, I’ll share them with you.

GoPro Mic Quality is Not The Best

Let’s be honest, gopro mic quality is not the best one. Here I’ll explain you why.

The GoPro Hero 12 has four built-in microphones that can record stereo or surround sound. However, there are some limitations and drawbacks of using the internal microphones, such as:

  • The internal microphones can pick up unwanted noises, such as wind, water, or handling noises.
  • The internal microphones can be affected by the camera settings, such as Protune or Media Mod.
  • The internal microphones can have low sensitivity or volume levels, especially in noisy or distant situations.
  • The internal microphones can have poor sound quality or clarity, especially in low-light or indoor conditions.

mic adapter for hero 12

 

To Connect External Microphone

If you want to overcome these challenges and improve your audio quality, you might need a GoPro mic adapter to connect an external microphone to your camera. An external microphone can offer:

  • Better sound quality and clarity, especially for voice or music recording.
  • Noise reduction and cancellation, especially for windy or underwater situations.
  • Directional recording and focus, especially for interviews or vlogs.
  • More flexibility and control, especially for different scenarios and preferences.

There are different types of external microphones, such as lavalier, shotgun, condenser, and wireless microphones, that suit different purposes and environments.

 

 GoPro Mic Adapter Alternatives


The GoPro Hero 12 does not have a 3.5mm audio jack to plug in an external microphone directly. Instead, you need to use a USB-C port on the side of the camera. However, not all USB-C devices are compatible with the GoPro Hero 12. You need to use a specific GoPro mic adapter that is designed for the camera.

Here are some of the GoPro mic adapters that I’ve tested:

More economic version for the external mic adapter is Ugreen Adapter.

UGREEN USB C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

UGREEN USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter 2 in 1 Type C to Aux Audio Jack with PD 60W Fast Charging Dongle for Headphone Earbud Compatible with Samsung S24/23 Ultra iPad Pro Air
  • Never Miss a Beat: Don't let a dead battery ruin your musical moment. With UGREEN's...
  • PD 60W Super-Fast Charging: Say goodbye to battery anxiety! This adapter supports...
  • Crystal-Clear Sound: Experience high-fidelity audio like never before! With a...

To utilize the Ugreen mic adapter, proceed as follows:

  1. Insert the adapter’s USB-C connector into the camera’s USB-C slot.
  2. Connect the adapter’s 3.5mm jack to the microphone or its corresponding cable.
  3. Power on the camera, navigate to Preferences > Audio Input, and select Standard Mic or Standard Mic+ for powered microphones.
  4. Begin capturing your video, now enhanced with superior audio quality.

GoPro Hero 12 Media Mod

GoPro Media Mod (HERO13 Black/HERO12 Black/HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
  • 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

Alternatively, you can also use the Media Mod, which is an accessory that adds a built-in directional microphone, a 3.5mm audio jack, an HDMI port, and two cold shoe mounts to your GoPro Hero 12. The Media Mod costs around $80 USD and also offers more options for mounting and attaching other accessories.

To use the Media Mod, you need to follow these steps:

  • Remove the battery door and the side door of the camera.
  • Insert the camera into the Media Mod and secure it with the latch.
  • Plug in an external microphone to the 3.5mm audio jack of the Media Mod.
  • Turn on the camera and go to Preferences > Audio Input > Standard Mic or Standard Mic+ if you are using a powered microphone.
  • Start recording your video with improved audio quality.

 

Recommended External Microphones for GoPro Hero 12


Many external microphones are compatible with GoPro Hero 12, as long as they have a 3.5mm plug or cable. However, some microphones might require additional accessories or batteries to work properly.

Here are some examples of popular external microphones for GoPro Hero 12:

Rode VideoMicro

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Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount, Auxiliary, Black
  • Compact microphone designed to improve the audio quality of your videos - only 80...
  • No battery required (powered by camera plug-in power - min 3V)
  • Includes Rycote lyre shock mount and deluxe furry windshield

Introducing a Compact and Lightweight Shotgun Microphone: Crisp, Directional Sound Without the Hassle. This shotgun microphone is a portable audio solution that packs a punch. Designed for exceptional directional sound quality, it ensures your recordings are crystal clear, making it the ideal choice for content creators, vloggers, and filmmakers on the go.

Complete with a shock mount for stable recording, a furry windshield to minimize wind noise in outdoor settings, and a coiled cable for flexibility, this microphone provides versatility in a compact package. What’s more, it’s hassle-free – no need for batteries! Simply plug and play, ensuring uninterrupted recording sessions. 

Rode Wireless GO II

SPECIAL SALE
RØDE Wireless Go II Dual Channel Wireless System with Built-in Microphones with Analogue and Digital USB Outputs, Compatible with Cameras, Windows and MacOS computers, iOS and Android phones
  • Ultra-compact and easy-to-use dual-channel wireless microphone system for filmmaking,...
  • Analogue and digital USB outputs that are compatible with cameras Windows and MacOS...
  • Transmitters have over 40 hours of on-board recording function to ensure flawless...

Unleash Freedom with Our Wireless Microphone System. Experience unparalleled audio versatility with this wireless microphone system, comprising two transmitters and one receiver. Each transmitter boasts a built-in omnidirectional microphone, which can double as a convenient clip-on lavalier microphone, giving you the power to capture pristine sound from any angle.

The receiver, featuring a 3.5mm output, seamlessly connects to your GoPro mic adapter or the Media Mod, ensuring hassle-free integration into your recording setup. With up to 7 hours of continuous battery life, this system ensures that you won’t miss a moment of your important audio recordings. Plus, it supports high-quality 24-bit/48kHz audio, providing exceptional clarity and depth to your sound, making it the ideal choice for content creators, filmmakers, and anyone who demands professional audio quality on the go.

Saramonic SR-XM1

Saramonic SR-XM1 Ultra-Compact Unidirectional Microphone for DSLRs, Mirrorless Cameras, Video Cameras, Action Cameras, Recorders & More
  • Delivers directional, broadcast-quality sound to DSLR, Mirrorless, Video and Action...
  • Unidirectional design focuses on the sound in front of the microphone, while...
  • Built-in swivel provides 180˚ positioning and 360˚ rotation in 3.5mm input, and...

Meet the Mini Omnidirectional Microphone: Simplicity, Flexibility, and Pristine Sound. Simplicity meets superior audio with our mini omnidirectional microphone. Designed to seamlessly plug directly into your GoPro mic adapter or the Media Mod, this tiny powerhouse is your key to impeccable sound quality for all your recordings.

Featuring a flexible gooseneck, it allows for effortless positioning and adjustment, ensuring you capture audio exactly the way you want it. No batteries are needed – just plug and record with ease. Elevate your audio game without the fuss, and enjoy professional-quality sound that complements your GoPro adventures and content creation.

Find all the best microphones in one article: 7 BEST External Microphones for GoPro Hero 12

 

Do You Really Need It?


A GoPro mic adapter allows you to attach an external microphone, which results in improved sound quality, noise reduction, directional recording, and more control over your audio settings.

However, in my opinion, the official GoPro Hero 12 mic adapter isn’t the best choice, as it adds additional cost, bulk, and complexity to your setup.

Personally, I prefer the GoPro Media Mod. While it’s more expensive, it already includes an external mic.

It offers the possibility to use other accessories with your GoPro Hero 12, such as the light mod and display mode.

GoPro Media Mod (HERO13 Black/HERO12 Black/HERO11 Black/HERO10 Black/HERO9 Black) - Official GoPro Accessory
  • 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

Check out more accessories for your camera: BEST GoPro Hero 12 Accessories for Action, Travel, Underwater

 

 

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide helped you learn about the GoPro Hero 12 Mic Adapter – Is It a Must-Have? 🙂

 

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