All GoPros come with built-in microphones. They do a serviceable job for casual use, but the sound quality of the onboard mics frankly isn’t great. That’s especially true of the newer models that have the integrated waterproof case.
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So if audio is important to the video footage you’re shooting, you’ll get much better results by using an external microphone. Adding an external microphone is the single best thing you can do to improve the sound quality of your GoPro videos, whether you’re recording regular knock-around footage or using your GoPro as a webcam for Zoom meetings.
There’s a huge variety of external microphones available on the market. Some are better for recording speaking voices, others for music, and others for ambient sounds. So here’s a rundown of some popular external mics to use with recent GoPros.
The lists below aren’t by any means exhaustive, but they’re a combination of ones that GoPro officially recommends as well as others that are known to work well.
Top Pick
If you just want to cut to the chase, the Rode VideoMicro would be my overall top pick at the moment. It’s very good quality, readily available, and reasonably priced. It’s also simple to use and doesn’t require its own batteries.
You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Compact microphone designed to improve the audio quality of your videos - only 80 millimeter (3") long...
- No battery required (powered by camera plug-in power - min 3V)
Don’t Forget the Mic Adapter!
Don’t forget to pick up the mic adapter that you’ll need to connect the mic to your GoPro. There are a few different versions, depending on which model GoPro you’re using. There’s more detail below, but here’s the quick version.
For the HERO10 and HERO9 Black, the best bet is to get the dedicated Media Mod accessory. Note that this is a dedicated version of the Media Mod for the HERO10/9 Black–it’s not the same as the one for the HERO8 Black. In addition to adding line ins for an external mic, it also has its own built-in directional mic. You can also use GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter instead.
For the HERO8 Black, the best bet is to get the dedicated Media Mod accessory. Note that this is a dedicated version of the Media Mod for the HERO8 Black–it’s not the same as the one for the HERO10/9 Black. In addition to adding line ins for an external mic, it also has its own built-in directional mic.You can also use GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter instead.
For the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO5 Session–all cameras that take a USB-C cable–you’ll need the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
For the HERO4 Black and earlier models, you’ll need the older mini-USB version. You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.
Which GoPros Accept External Microphones?
Not every GoPro is compatible with external microphones. Here’s a quick roundup of the models that do accept external mics. And some models that are compatible with external mics have more compatibility than others; more on that below. So before we get into the microphones themselves, here’s a rundown of the GoPros that are compatible with external microphones:
- HERO10 Black
- HERO9 Black
- HERO8 Black
- HERO7 Black
- HERO6 Black
- HERO5 Black
- HERO5 Session
- HERO4 Black / Silver
- HERO3+ Black
- HERO3 Black
And just to be clear about it, these GoPros will not accept external microphones:
- HERO7 Silver / White
- HERO (2018) / (2014)
- HERO+LCD
- HERO4 Session
- HERO Session
GoPro Microphone Adapters
The first thing you’ll need is a way to attach your microphone to the GoPro. The current and recent generations of GoPros don’t have a dedicated audio input port (the GoPro HERO2 was the last one with a dedicated 3.5mm audio input). So you can’t just plug in a microphone with a standard 3.5mm plug directly.
They do have USB ports; the specific type of port varies between GoPro models. I have a separate post with details on which type of USB port each GoPro model uses.
The newer models have a USB-C port. Older models have either a micro-USB or mini-USB port. So you’ll need an adapter that goes from the microphone’s own connection to the USB port on the camera.
To do that, you’ll need an adapter to go from a 3.5mm plug (or 1/8″) to either mini USB or USB-C, depending on which model of camera you’re using. If your mic uses something other than a 3.5mm plug, such as XLR, you’ll need an adapter to go from that to mini USB or USB-C. A few of the mics below come bundled with an adapter, but most don’t (and make sure it’s the right one for the camera model (see below)).
GoPro makes their official versions. There are also aftermarket versions; the quality of them varies.
For the HERO10/9 Black
Although GoPro changed the internal chip used in the HERO10 from the HERO9, the rest of the camera remains much the same. So the HERO10 and HERO9 use the same accessories such as microphones and Mods.
There are two ways you can go with a mic adapter for the HERO10/9 Black. One is to get the new Media Mod accessory that does offer a mic adapter as well as other features. The other is a simpler approach of just using a mic adapter only.
Media Mod for HERO10/9 Black
There’s a Media Mod specifically for the HERO10/9 Black. Feature-wise it’s the same as the one for the HERO8 Black, but it’s built to fit on the larger body of the HERO10/9 Black.
It wraps around the body of the camera, attaches to the USB-C port, and includes a built-in directional mic and a 3.5mm mic port. So it’s the obvious choice if you’re looking to add external mic capabilities to the HERO10/9 Black.
You can get them at GoPro.com.
GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter
If you’d rather not get the Media Mod–or you can’t find it in stock–you can also use GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter instead. It’s a simple adapter that goes from the 3.5mm adapter on the mic to the USB-C port on the HERO10/9 Black.
USB Pass-Through Door for HERO10/9 Black
To access the USB-C port to plug in the mic, you’ll need to open or remove the door (it has a tendency to fly off easily). And that means that the battery can potentially come loose.
To deal with this, GoPro has released an accessory called a USB Pass-Through Door. It goes on in place of the standard door and allows access to the USB port while keeping the battery securely in place. You can find them at GoPro.com. You can also find aftermarket versions at places like Amazon.
For the HERO8 Black
There are two ways you can go with a mic adapter for the HERO8 Black. One is to get the new Media Mod accessory that does offer a mic adapter as well as other features. The other is a simpler approach of just using a mic adapter only.
Media Mod for HERO8 Black
With the HERO8 Black, GoPro has reconfigured their accessory system to make it more vlogging-friendly. And one of the first of their accessories, or Mods, is the Media Mod. It wraps around the body of the camera, attaches to the USB-C port, and includes a built-in directional mic and a 3.5mm mic port. So it’s the obvious choice if you’re looking to add external mic capabilities to the HERO8 Black.
Supplies have been a bit scarce at times, but you can order them from GoPro.com.
GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter
If you’d rather not get the Media Mod–or you can’t find it in stock–you can also use GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter instead. It’s a simple adapter that goes from the 3.5mm adapter on the mic to the USB-C port on the HERO8 Black.
Alternative Side Door for the HERO8 Black
One of the things that changed with the HERO8 Black was a new door design. To access the USB-C port to plug in the mic, you’ll need to open or remove the door (it has a tendency to fly off easily). And that means that the battery can potentially come loose. One good option is to replace the door with one made by a third-party manufacturer that’s specifically designed to allow access to the USB-C port. The one I’ve been using is this one, and I have a more detailed write-up on it here.
For the HERO7 Black, HERO6 Black, HERO5 Black & HERO5 Session
If you’re using one of the newer cameras that has a USB-C port, the same external microphones listed below will work in most cases. But you’ll need a different adapter.
All of these cameras take a USB-C cable and don’t have a direct audio input. So you’ll need the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. You can find get themdirectly from GoPro, B&H Photo, and Amazon.
For the HERO4 Black / Silver, HERO3+ Black, & HERO3 Black
The HERO4 Black, HERO4 Silver, HERO3+ Black, and HERO3 Black have a mini-USB port. GoPro has its own branded adapter, but there are third-party options that are cheaper. Some work well, but many users have found that there are third-party adapters that are marketed for use with the GoPro but that don’t end up working because the camera fails to recognize the microphone when using that cable. Some work well, but a few don’t. If you want to play it safe, stick with the GoPro one.
You can find them at at Amazon and B&H Photo.
Lavalier Mics / Lapel Microphones for GoPro Cameras
Lavalier mics are also known as lapel microphones or tie-clip microphones (or lav mics). They’re small, designed to be hands-free, and usually come with a clip to attach to clothing. They work best for voice at close range and aren’t great for music or ambient sounds.
In general, any lavalier mic should work with the GoPro so long as you have the appropriate adapter. Here are some popular choices.
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Condensor Microphone
While not the cheapest available, Rode makes good-quality mics. And this one can plug in directly to your smartphone as well (if your smartphone still has a 3.5mm port).
You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Lavalier Microphone f Smartphones Tablets with Foam Pop Shield Mounting Clip
- English (Publication Language)
VidPro Lavalier Mic
This is bundled with a foam windscreen and a GoPro 3.5mm to mini USB adapter, so you don’t need to get that separately. It also has a long 20-foot cable.
Available from Amazon.
- All-in-one solution for recording hands-free audio For GoPro HD Hero, Hero2, Hero3, Hero3+, GoPro HERO4...
- Action Camera Includes Professional Lavalier (lapel) Omni-directional Condenser Microphone - 20 foot...
Sony ECMCS3 Clip style Omnidirectional Stereo Microphone
This is a small, stereo lavalier mic. It’s a simple and inexpensive way to improve voice recordings. You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.
Vidpro XM-L Wired Lavalier Microphone
Similar to the mic above, this version has a slicker power control but doesn’t come with the GoPro mic adapter.
Available from Amazon.
- Vidpro XM-L Wired Lavalier microphone - 20' Audio Cable
- Includes lapel clip and foam windscreen
Neewer Mini Lapel Microphone
This is a very simple and very inexpensive option that’s not going to give the same quality the more expensive mics but will still perform well in many situations where you need to improve the recording of spoken voice. So it’s good for things like interviews or general use.
You can pick them up at Amazon where they’re also available in multipacks.
- Cable length: approx. 59"/150cm
- Supported Windows XP, 2000, 98, ME, and Vista
Shotgun and Condensor External Mics for GoPros
Many of these are shotgun mics, which are often used for video recording because they have a very focused, directional range, which helps reduce the background noise drowning out the main audio.
Rode VideoMicro
As I said above, this would be my overall top pick at the moment. It’s very good-quality, compact, readily available, and reasonably priced.
You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Compact microphone designed to improve the audio quality of your videos - only 80 millimeter (3") long...
- No battery required (powered by camera plug-in power - min 3V)
Rode VideoMic
Rode VMGO Video Mic GO Lightweight On-Camera Microphone Super-Cardio, is cost-effective, straightforward to use, and overall a good option for using with a GoPro.
- Supercardioid Shotgun Microphone with Windshield
- Integrated Rycote Lyre Shockmount
There’s also a compact condenser mic, the Rode VideoMic Pro Compact VMP Shotgun Microphone, that’s a also a good choice if your budget stretches a little further. Here are some more configurations.
There are other a number of other mics in Rode’s VideoMic series–they’ll also work well with GoPro cameras.
But note that some Rode mics will require a TRRS to TRS adapter to work properly. You can find details on that here.
Sennheiser MKE 2 Elements (for HERO4 Black / Silver)
This only works with the HERO4 Black and Silver. The headline feature of this omnidirectional mic from Sennheiser is that it’s waterproof and designed to go places that more fragile mics can’t handle.
It attaches to a dedicated back door for the waterproof housing of the HERO4 Black and Silver and makes the whole package submersible to at least 1 meter for at least half an hour (ie. it’s rated to IPX7). It comes with a windscreen. It’s only compatible with the HERO4 cameras and own’t work with the other models.
This is an old model for an old camera, so it’s hard to find them in stores these days. If you’re looking for it, don’t forget the “Elements” bit in the model name–confusingly, there’s are also MKE 2 and MKE 2 Digital models, both of which are quite different mics.
Sennheiser MKE 400
Solidly made, powered by a single AAA battery, and with an integrated shock mount, the Sennheiser MKE 400 is a compact shotgun mic designed for video cameras and DSLRs.
It uses the 3.5mm plug, so you’ll need to pick up an adapter to make it work with a GoPro.
Find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Rugged all-metal housing
- Integral shock mount for rejection of handling noise
There’s also a higher-end (and larger) model, the MKE 440, that also works well with GoPros.
Opteka VM-100 Video Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Designed to mount on the hotshoe of a DSLR, this is a condenser shotgun mic that comes with its own shock mount and fuzzy windscreen. It doesn’t come with the GoPro adapter, so you’ll need to get that separately.
Find them at Amazon.
- Directional shotgun mic, 3.5mm mini jack
- Noise Reducing Suspension System (NRS)
Shure VP83 LensHopper
Another condenser mic that’s built to sit in a camera’s hotshoe, this one is from one of the market leaders in microphones. GoPros obviously don’t have a hotshoe built in, but you can add one by putting the camera in a cage housing.
You can find them at Amazon.
- Detailed, high-definition audio with full low-end response for professional results every time.
- Highly directional super cardioid/lobar polar pattern rejects unwanted off-axis audio while clearly...
Polar Pro Promic GoPro Microphone Kit
A straightforward stereo mic kit that’s designed to mount on the side of the camera. It comes with a wind shield and a right-angle 3.5mm to mini USB adapter, so you don’t need to get the adapter separately. The mic is light, but all its weight is on the mini USB port, so it’s not ideal in situations where the camera is moving and potentially agitating that port and wobbling about (adding noise and potentially damaging the port).
Available at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Microphone Kit Includes: ProMic, Right-Angle Adaptor, Windscreen, and wired Lavalier Microphone
- Direct plug into Hero2, Hero3, Hero3 plus, and Hero4
External Mics for the HERO4 Black
Some, but not all GoPro also support studio mics. For example, these mics will work with the HERO4 Black, HERO5 Black, and HERO5 Session, but not with the HERO4 Silver.
In many cases, a studio mic is probably overkill for connecting directly to a GoPro. Once you’re stepping up to the world of studio mics where audio is so important to your capture that you need the extra quality and control of a studio mic, a more conventional setup would involve connecting the mic to a separate audio recording with a dedicated external sound recorder or field recorder.
The camera, of course, is primarily a video and photo device, and although its audio capabilities are improving with each generation, it’s still not going to give you the quality or control you have with a dedicated sound recorder setup, no matter how good the microphone is that you stick on it.
Studio mics are also often quite big and aren’t designed for mobility. But perhaps you want to keep things simple in post-production, maybe you already have the mics on hand, or maybe you want to keep the separate pieces to a minimum. So if you want to use a studio mic with your GoPro, here are the ones that GoPro officially supports as being compatible with the HERO4 Black.
XLR to USB Adapter
But again, first you’ll need a way to plug the mic into the camera. Studio mics typically use an XLR connector rather than a 3.5mm plug. So to connect a studio mic to a GoPro you’ll probably need another adapter to go from XLR to USB. It not only adapts the plug but also converts the signal. Shure has one, as does Senal and Blue Microphones.
- Plug and Play USB Connectivity allows the convenience of digital recording
- Provides +48V Phantom power for use with condenser microphones
Shure SM57
One of the best-selling microphones for half a century, the Shure SM57 is available by itself but is now also available in a kit with Shure’s own XLR-to-USB adapter.
The adapter is also available separately.
Available at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Dynamic microphone cartridge with tailored frequency response delivers clear reproduction of amplified...
- Uniform cardioid polar pattern isolates the sound source while minimizing background noise
Shure SM58
For nearly half a century, the Shure SM58 has been one of the most widely-used microphones for live vocals. They’re everywhere and still going strong.
It’s available as the mic only, but Shure has packaged a version with their own XLR-to-USB adapter. The adapter is also available separately.
Available from Amazon and B&H Photo.
- EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM58S delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored...
- INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone...
Sennheiser MD421 II
This is an updated version of a microphone that’s been a staple of music recording for decades.
You can find them at Amazon.
- Rugged professional microphone with clear sound reproduction, excellent for most recording conditions and...
- Large diaphragm, dynamic element handles high sound pressure levels, making it a natural for recording...
Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7BA is a favorite for studio vocal recording and features a clean, natural response.
Available at Amazon.
- ONE MICROPHONE FOR EVERYTHING - Studio Recording, Home Recording, Podcasting and Streaming. The SM7B Is...
- STUDIO VOCAL RECORDING - The SM7B’s Dynamic Cartridge With Smooth, Flat, Wide-range Frequency Response...
Electro-Voice RE20
It looks like something that NASA would have designed in the 1960s, but the Electro-Voice RE20 has long been a favorite for broadcast radio and voiceover work. It also costs as much as the camera.
You can find them at Amazon and B&H Photo.
Wireless Mic Systems for GoPros
Just as with regular mics, it is possible to connect them via a wireless setup. But you’ll need an extra piece of gear–or more precisely, two: a receiver and a transmitter to relay the sound from a mic to the camera. Add a system like this does add more moving parts–and more things to keep charged–but it can be very convenient to have the extra flexibility of not being tethered by a cable to the camera.
There are now some small, quite simple, and cost-effective options. While they’re not designed exclusively for GoPros–they’ll work with any other camera with a mic input–their small size and attracting pricing makes them logical options to use with GoPro cameras. They’re especially effective for using with lavaliere mics to capture voices.
- 【UHF Wireless Microphone】The frequencies of it operate on 570-606 Mhz，You can mount the receiver to...
- 【36 UHF Select-able Channels】This Wireless Lavalier Microphone features 36 channels to choose from,...
Rode has come out with an ultra-compact wireless mic system, and their gear typically offers a step up in quality. It’s the Wireless GO.
- Quick run and gun in the world of wireless audio
- Compact true wireless microphone system
Field Recorders
The GoPro has reasonable sound capabilities built in—at least, with an external mic—but if you really want to increase the sound quality a lot more you’ll probably want to move to a dedicated sound recorder like a mobile field recorder. Of course, that makes for a more complicated setup that isn’t quite as portable. It also means you’ll have to put the audio back with the video in post-production.
These separate out the audio and video recording, so they’re not specific to GoPros–they’ll work with any camera because they work independently of the camera. The sky’s the limit when it comes to mobile field recorders–if you have a spare $43,000 dollars burning a hole in your pocket you can pick up this cinema-quality recorder from Sony–but here are some much more affordable options that provide very good quality.
Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digital Recorder
With XLR inputs, 24bit/96kHz Linear PCM, and stereo X-Y microphones built in, this is a battery-powered mobile recording studio that’s almost pocket-sized.
Available at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Built-in X/Y stereo mic record at either 90 Degree or 120 Degree
- Four channel simultaneous recording using built-in and external mic
TASCAM DR-40 4-Track Portable Digital Recorder
By using the 2 built-in mics and the 2 external mic input simultaneously, this becomes a 4-track recorder that fits in the palm of your hand from one of the most respected names in studio recording equipment.
Available at Amazon and B&H Photo.
- Discontinued Model Replaced by New & Improved DR-40X
- Switchable microphone position from X-Y to a-b. Os - Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
Microphone-Friendly Housings (HERO4 and Earlier)
New GoPro models don’t come with an external housing by default. So if you’re using a camera since the HERO5 models, you probably won’t be using an external housing under normal shooting conditions.
But if you’re using a HERO4 or earlier model that is typically used with the standard housing, there’s no way to access the mini-USB port without taking the camera out of the housing. So you’ll be wanting to either use the camera naked (that is, without a housing) or, more likely, use one of the alternative housings that allow access to the ports during use.
Using a housing means that you can still make use of the mounting systems that are attached to them. But these housings with cutouts, obviously, aren’t waterproof or weatherproof. If you’re up for a DIY project, it is possible to modify a waterproof housing to allow access to the mini USB port, but you run the risk of creating a leak that definitely isn’t covered by the warranty. And most microphones aren’t waterproof.
The most common approach is to go with the official GoPro skeleton housing. They’re made of the same kind of plastic as the regular waterproof housing, so they provide a reasonable amount of protection, but they have cutouts to allow access to the ports (so they’re obviously not waterproof). They also have cutouts in the back door.
There are also third-party ones, like this one that do the same thing but are significantly cheaper.
There is also an exception: a microphone that’s also waterproof. One for the HERO4 Black is the Sennheiser MKE 2 Elements (this model is now discontinued and wasn’t replaced).
Another approach is to go with a minimalist frame. They don’t provide much in the way of protection, but they do allow you to use the regular GoPro mounting system.
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Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-09-25 at 22:52. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
New Model: GoPro HERO12 Black
Released in September 2023, the HERO12 Black is GoPro's newest model.
- 5.3K60 / 4K120 / 2.7K240 Video
- 27MP Photos
- Waterproof to 33ft/10m
- HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization
- Shoot 5.3K60 & 4K120 video at up to 120Mbps bitrate
- HDR video up to 5.3K30
- Horizon Lock keeps level even during movement
- Take 27MP photos (5568 x 4872 pixels)
- 1/1.9" CMOS sensor
- Waterproof to 33ft / 10m, so you can take it swimming, paddling, surfing, or snorkeling without a separate housing
- Built-in mount point
- HyperSmooth 6.0 In-camera Video Stabilization creates smooth video without a gimbal
- Shoot up to 8x slow motion
Hi there. I have recently purchased the GoPro 8 and media mod. I have a mixer (ZED10i) and a wireless sennheiser mic that I use for my online fitness classes. How do I interface from the mixer to the GoPro? Would I use a XLR to 1/8 cable? If so would this come from the output of the earphone output in the mixer. Essentially what I want to do is record my online fitness classes via the go pro and have audio and music playing as well as the GoPro recording the session. This would then be uploaded to my PC and then website for viewing. Any help would be great as I have tried everywhere to get an answer ?
Do you know how to set things up so I can use voice commands for the GoPro through the microphone. Or is there a particular feature on a microphone I need to find. Currently attempting to use a generic 3.5 mm microphone that I used to use with an older Iphone.
Trying to use GoPro 7 black mounted on top of a motorcycle helmet. I have the appropriate adapter, and a housing that holds the whole set up together, and it’s mounted on my helmet. But it as soon as I plug in the microphone I lose the voice control. Also, does the adapter need to be powered, or does it drain the power from the camera battery. Tried googling and got tons of conflicting information and I’m not technical. So simple instructions or suggestions only. :) Please and thank you.
Ideally I’d like to just put my camera up there, close my shield and ride along, and when I see something interesting tell it to take a picture. But all the engine noise and wind prevent this, from happening. Was hoping I could route an external mic inside my helmet where it’s quiet and use the commands through the mic. Any help or suggestions appreciated.
Good question. It’s not something I’ve tried. My hunch is that the audio channel and the voice command channel aren’t the same thing, so it probably won’t work. That said, I haven’t personally tried it.
Another option that might be worth looking at is using the REMO remote. That’s a small button-type remote. It’s an older model now, and I’ve sometimes been underwhelmed by its reliability, but the key feature that’s relevant here is that it allows voice commands remotely. It’s pretty small, so I’m assuming will fit comfortable inside the helmet with a bit of DIY mounting (eg. something as simple as duct tape, maybe). And having the REMO and the camera so physically close might help reduce reliability issues. I have a little more information on it here.
Thanks, I too thought the remo was the perfect solution, however, I got a bad one that wouldn’t charge. (known issue) so GoPro sent me a regular remote in exchange. Fine in normal circumstances, but just one more button to push, when my hands should be on the handlebars.
Hi David,
Great article, thank you very much.
Could you please tell us if Gopro 8 with the media mod will work with any binaural microphone/headphone with a 3.5mm jack? I am thinking of the Kinden or Roland CS-10EM
Typo report….
In your section regarding the type of USB connector you mention the following:
“The HERO4 Black, HERO4 Silver, HERO3+ Black, and HERO3 Black have a micro-USB port.”
I cannot speak for the Hero 3 cameras but the Hero 4 has only two ports… HDMI and a Mini USB. In your previous section regarding Microphone Friendly Housings you aso indicate that the Hero 4 has Mini USB.
Question: I have verified that my stereo Pannovo mic is indeed recording in stereo, by lightly tapping/scraping on the windscreen on each side, and hearing the result clearly in headphones as discrete L and R channels when I play back the MP4. However, when dropping the resulting MP4 into a video editor, the audio file is always displayed as mono and the recorded stereo positional sound is only heard dead center when monitoring during editing. Is this a problem or “feature” of the video editor (NCH VideoPad) or is there something else I need to do with the GoPro settings when recording?
Thanks.
Thanks for catching that–fixed. Mini-USB and micro-HDMI. If only they could keep it simple. :)
I haven’t tried that combination–or NCH VideoPad, although I’ve used some of their audio apps for years–but the first thing that comes to mind is to check the settings when setting up the new project in the video editor. You should be able to specify the audio track type along with resolution and framerate, etc. If that’s set to single-track mono, it won’t matter what you feed into it–it only matters what the editing stage is set to. If it’s not that, I’m not sure.
Please advise as to the best way to block the wind with my Hero 7 silver…I am sad to learn too late that we cannot attach an external mic to it. What are some tips to help with the wind while using it? Is there perhaps a mouse house for the go pros with out wind screens?
There are some windslayers available, but I haven’t tried them to see whether they work with the shorter lens barrel of the HERO7 Silver and White. GoPro used to have an official version. They’ve discontinued it, but you can find aftermarket versions like this.
I have a hero 5 black and an evo ss gimbal, I need better wound quality and have been looking at external mics. My concern is how will the extra weight of the microphone affect the gimbal. What would you recommend for a good set up?
PLEASE HELP!
I have Gopro Hero black 5, Shure x2u and sm57 mic, but when i connect mic to the camera it doesnt seem to power up the x2u addaptor? and it just record through integrated mic… Is there anything i should do in settings of gopro ? Let me know how to correctly set this up please.
Looking foward to reply.
Is there any external mic (wired or wireless / Bluetooth) that works on the GoPro Hero 4 Session?
I’ve seen yes & no, but cannot believe that there is not a solution out there…. Every GoPro in the world can have an external mic – except for the one I got – ARE YOU EVEN FREAKIN KIDDING ME ???
You can’t use external mics with the HERO, HERO+LCD or HERO4 Session.
I am about to buy the Sennheiser MKE 2 Elements. Does anyone know if it is really protects against wind of 50 km/h and all the rattling from mountain bike ? I am so bored about all the GoPro films with just music overlayed.
The external microphone is not on. The offer GoPro not turn off the microphone internally. interni still sound spoils.
I bought a Rode microphone which works great on my dslr, but it makes a crazy static noise on the gopro. Anybody else out there who has the same problem? I have a hero 4 silver, with a gopro conversion cable and I’ve switched off the wifi and the screen to try and get rid of the noise to no avail… please help!!!
I’m not crazy. For excellent sounds recording in stereo with no adapter google immortal mics’ “monkey nuts.”
They are niche, but at fifty bucks the quality and radio of use is hard to beat.
Would any of the studio Microphones be good for using in live shows, as fan ? From what i see from them, they can get a really nice sound from the ambient of a show, but they don’t seem to be very portable to attache on the camera and just put on your chest and start filming. The first ones, looks good for that but I don’t know if they have the same quality.
Can I have anyone’s opinion ?
I tried connecting my Blue Snowball to my GoPro Hero 4 via a USB cable through the charging port…aaand I wasn’t able to get it working. Can anyone help me find what the problem is?
blue mics are usb mics. odds are the camera doesn’t have any drivers to use that. It sends a completely different signal than the 3.5 imput that the camera is used to.
When i connect the mic to the gorpo silver my LCD screen turns off, and when i unplug it the touch screen is off too. Anyone have the same problem? is there a fix?
Have you solved the problem? My camera also turns off LCD screen when I plug in the microphone :(
mine too
I had that problem with my hero 4 sliver.
I was using an aftermarket 3.5mm to usb adapter. I purchased the original Gopro adapter and all is well.
Do they make a wireless lapel mic for the go pro or one that is compatible with it?
I am trying to get a recommendation for the best external mic to use with the Go Pro Hero 4 Silver/Music camera for the sole purpose of recording live music. I am looking for something that will capture a full, ambient sound with nice clarity and separation of the instruments. Anybody have some good advice? Thank you.
I’d also like to know the answer to this question, please!
I assume a live music event has an actual sound system/mixer. If this is the case, consider plugging right into the mixer. You call all the music w/o the background noise. With a good voice recorder on a phone or tablet you can get high frequency and high bitrate recording.
Good tip–thanks.
What is the mount that you have in the picture for the Rode video mic go lightweight and the go pro?
Good question. That’s a Rode product shot, but here’s a higher res version, if that helps.
Here is what I use for my GoPro Hero 4 Black: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UR2F6UA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have a RODE VideoMic GO Lightweight attached to the hotshoe on the Hero 4 Black case mentioned above Here is the microphone – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQDORA4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Do you need an additional adapter to connect the iGoMic Mini Shotgun? It looks like it plugs directly into the GoPro Hero. Is that right?
Can you run a line input (from soundboard or mobile recorder like a tascam dr-40) into the hero4 silver?
what would you use if you were cycle vloging..ie in about 20 mph of wind
First thing I’d try is a lavalier mike with a windsock.
How do you connect the Shure XLR to USB adapter to the GoPro?
With a usb cable?
Has anyone had success connecting the Shure X2u to a GoPro Hero4? I have a mini USB to USB adapter>USB cord supplied with the X2u>SM57. Does anyone know if the Hero4 provides power output to run the X2u?