The GoPro Hero7 Black is a vast improvement over previous GoPro’s when it comes to audio. But it’s still not great. If you want to shoot video with seriously good GoPro sound, then you’re going to need an external microphone. Here’s the best GoPro external microphone solution for you.
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The Ultimate GoPro Vlogging Rig
Let me introduce you to the ultimate GoPro Vlogging Rig. For this you will need the following equipment:
- GoPro Action Camera
- The mounting frame (the case which comes with your GoPro
- GorillaPod (small)
- Rode VideoMicro external microphone
- Dead cat for your Rode VideoMicro external microphone
- GoPro Audio Adaptor
- Elastic Hair Tie
This rig is versatile and will enable you to do some pro vlogger YouTube-worthy clips. And your audio will be sensational, even in windy conditions!
How to Build Your GoPro Pro Audio Rig
Building your Pro Audio rig is so simple it will take you about 5 minutes. And it will cost you not much more than 100 dollars, above the cost your camera that is. Here’s how to do it with a GoPro Hero5, Hero6 or Hero7.
- Put Your GoPro into the mounting frame (comes with the GoPro).
- Attach the mounting frame to the Gorilla Pod using the GoPro thumbscrew (comes with the GoPro)
- Attach the Dead Cat to the VideoMicro external microphone.
- Use the elastic hair tie to attach the VideoMicro to one of the Gorilla Pod legs.
- Remove the little door which hides the external microphone port. Put it somewhere safe where it won’t get lost.
- Plug the GoPro external mic adaptor into the GoPro.
- Plug the 3.5mm Rode microphone jack into the GoPro external mic adaptor.
GoPro External Microphone Adaptor
These adaptors are a little bulky and kind of expensive. I recommend you purchase a genuine adaptor from GoPro. I tried buying GoPro Hero7 adaptors from China for 1/10th of the price of a genuine adaptor, and they sent me the old GoPro Hero4 adaptors instead. These don’t fit the Hero5, Hero6 or Hero7 because they have a different size plug, and won’t fit the GoPro Audio-in port.
As you would expect from GoPro, the genuine GoPro microphone adaptors are seriously rugged. Just like the camera, you are paying for the best quality on the market. And when it comes to pro-quality sound, you should not be taking shortcuts.
Here’s a video to show you what the GoPro External Mic Adaptor looks (and sounds) like.
Why Use a Dead Cat
The dead cat is a windshield, which all the Pros use. It’s designed to minimise the noise when you’re shooting video in windy conditions. But it’s actually suitable for just walking around in a light wind.
Basically, you end up with studio-quality audio, even when you’re outside in the wind. Believe me, it will improve your GoPro audio immensely.
Is GoPro Waterproof?
The downside with this rig is that you lose the waterproof rating of your GoPro camera. As soon as you remove the little door that houses the microphone port, your GoPro becomes non-waterproof. That’s why you have to be super careful not to lose that small sealed door.
How Good is the Sound of the GoPro External Microphone
Let me say that Rode is the best on the market, without paying ridiculous prices. Not only do Rode have a vast range of options, but these are also what Pro Vloggers use all the time They are moderately priced yet Pro quality.
No joke, you will have sound just as good as the best YouTubers with this rig. These little fellas really are the best GoPro external mic on the market. And they’re super compact, just like your GoPro. Don’t just take my word for it, check out this review by RichardTech.
GoPro External Microphone Options
Another great thing about this rig is the versatility. It’s so easy to change that you can simply do so ‘out on the road’. Very handy is you’re using your GoPro for travel videos.
Walking Commentary
If you want to commentate your video while walking along, it’s simple. Just flip the flexible leg of the Gorilla Pod 180 degrees, and the Rode VideoMicro external microphone will be pointed directly at you. The result will be a fantastic studio-quality sound, with your voice as the main attraction.
Lapel Microphone
A great option with this rig is to use a Rode SmartLav+ as your GoPro microphone. This is a tiny lapel style microphone, the type that you clip onto your shirt collar. If you are planning to do all the talking during your video, this will give you the best GoPro Audio possible.
Once again, this is what Pro YouTubers use all the time, you will definitely have pro-quality audio. The downside? You will be attached to your action camera via a wire. And once again your GoPro will not be waterproof.
Easy GoPro Audio Improvements
Improving your GoPro sound quality does not need to be complicated. These methods are simple, reasonably inexpensive, and a lot of fun. And you will have a fantastic external GoPro microphone sound quality, every bit as good as Casey Neistat.
Parts For Your GoPro Audio Rig
Here are all the items described in the above GoPro external mic rig.
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