X Series: Connecting a Microphone

X Series: Connecting a Microphone

Applicable Models: X2, X3, X4, X4 Air, and X5

This article provides instructions on the compatibility of X series camera models with microphones of various brands, helping you quickly find a suitable external microphone to optimize audio recording.

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Notes on microphone compatibility

Before checking the compatibility tables below, please familiarize yourself with the symbol meanings and important notes to ensure an accurate understanding of the compatibility requirements:

"Supported": Indicates that the microphone is compatible with the camera and requires the use of the Mic Adapter and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable.

"Not Supported": Indicates that the microphone is untested or incompatible, and its compatibility with the camera cannot be guaranteed during use.

"Direct Connection Supported": Indicates that the microphone is compatible with the camera and can be connected directly to the camera's USB-C port using a USB Type-C to Type-C cable.

Please note: The compatibility tables are continuously updated. We recommend checking for camera firmware updates to get the latest compatibility information.

Table 1. Third-party Microphone Compatibility

Microphone Model	X5	X4 Air	X4	X3	X2
RØDE Wireless GO (Omnidirectional), Black, Old Model	Not Supported	Not Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
RØDE Wireless GO II Merged Mode: Combines audio from multiple transmitters into one track, suitable for simple processing Split Mode: Retains independent channels/tracks for post-production	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Supported	Merged Mode Supported Only
RØDE VideoMicro (Cardioid)	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
RØDE VideoMic Pro (Cardioid)	Not Supported	Not Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
RØDE VideoMic Pro+	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Not Supported
RØDE VideoMic Pro 2 (Cardioid)	Not Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported
RØDE Wireless Pro	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported
RØDE Wireless ME	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Supported	Not Supported
DJI Mic	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Supported	Not Supported
DJI Mic 2	Direct Connection Supported (or Bluetooth Connection)	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported
DJI Mic mini	Direct Connection Supported (or Bluetooth Connection)	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported
XFAN D1 (Cardioid)	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
BOYA-MM1 (Cardioid)	Not Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported	Supported	Supported
BOYA-M1 Pro (Omnidirectional)	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
Sony UWP-D21 (Omnidirectional)	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported
Hollyland (Moma) LARK Max	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Not Supported	Supported	Not Supported
Hollyland (Moma) LARK M1	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Supported	Supported	Not Supported
Hollyland (Moma) LARK 150	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Not Supported
Hollyland LARK M2	Direct Connection Supported	Direct Connection Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported	Not Supported
Blink900	Supported	Supported	Supported	Supported	Not Supported

Table 2. Insta360 Microphone Compatibility

Microphone Model	X5	X4	X3	X2
Mic Air	Mic Adapter (with a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable): Supported Connection via a Receiver: Not Supported Bluetooth Connection: Not Supported	Bluetooth Connection: Supported *Camera firmware v1.9.20 or later is required, and the transmitter firmware must be updated to the latest version.	Not Supported	Not Supported

FAQ

1. Do X series cameras support connecting a microphone via Bluetooth?

X5, X4 Air, and X4: Yes.

X3 and X2: No.

2. Does the camera support connecting multiple microphones simultaneously? Can it connect to a Bluetooth device and an external microphone at the same time?

Bluetooth connection: Only supports connection to one Bluetooth device. When connected, the wired external microphone connected will not capture audio (X5 requires enabling dual-track audio recording for the external microphone to work).

Wired connection: To connect two external microphones, you can use the Mic Adapter's 3.5mm port plus a Y-splitter audio cable.

3. When an external microphone is connected, is the output mono or stereo? Does the camera support stereo audio recording?

X5, X4 Air, X4, and X3: Support dual-channel stereo recording, depending on the channel type of the external microphone.

X2: Only supports mono recording. Regardless of whether the external microphone is mono or stereo, the signal is converted to mono by the Mic Adapter.

4. Can I select audio modes on the camera when an external microphone is connected?

When an external microphone is connected, the camera's built-in microphone settings are disabled, and only the external microphone captures audio. However, external microphones typically have their own audio mode options, allowing you to adjust them directly on the microphone for better recording results.

5. What is the recommended operating distance for an external microphone?

It is recommended to use an external microphone within 33ft (10m) to ensure audio quality.

6. Will the Mic Adapter or microphone adapter be visible in the frame during video recording?

The Mic Adapter will not be visible in the frame, but the microphone and adapter cable might. We recommend adjusting the shooting angle to avoid this.

7. Will vibrations from motorcycle riding affect the Mic Adapter?

Excessive vibration could potentially cause the Adapter to become loose. We recommend securing the Adapter properly before use.

8. Does the "External Mic Gain" setting in X5, X4 Air, and X4 cameras affect Bluetooth-connected microphones?

X5 and X4 Air: Yes. This setting affects external microphones connected via the TRS 3.5mm Mic Adapter, as well as Bluetooth-connected headsets or microphones. Steps to adjust: After connecting an external device, swipe down from the top of the camera screen to access the "Shortcut" menu > tap "Audio Settings" (the microphone-shaped icon) > find "Advanced Settings" > Enable "Gain Adjustment" to adjust the Bluetooth headset or microphone gain, ranging from -9dB to +9dB.

X4: No. This setting only affects external microphones connected via the TRS 3.5mm Mic Adapter.

9. Does the camera support dual-track audio recording?

X5: Yes

X4 Air, X4, X3, and X2: No

10. What is the logic behind the dual-track audio recording feature of X5? Does it create two separate audio files when used?

X5's dual-track audio recording feature can only be enabled when a Bluetooth device is connected. Once enabled, it records audio on two tracks simultaneously:

• One track captures audio from the Bluetooth device.
• The other track captures audio using the camera's built-in microphone.

This results in a single video file containing two audio tracks, not separate audio files. To extract the individual tracks, you can use third-party editing software like CapCut or ocenaudio.

11. What is the camera's audio source priority and volume display logic for audio recording?

Audio source priority: Bluetooth device > wired microphone > camera's built-in microphone, regardless of single or dual-track audio recording.

The table below explains the audio source and volume display for different connection scenarios:

Connected Device	Audio Source	Content of Top Volume Display Bar	Applicable Audio Mode
Bluetooth device only	Bluetooth device	Audio status of Bluetooth device	Single-track
Wired device only	Wired device	Audio status of wired device	Single-track
Wired + Bluetooth devices	Bluetooth device	Audio status of Bluetooth device	Single-track
Wired + Bluetooth devices	Built-in microphone + Bluetooth device	Audio status of Bluetooth device	Dual-track (X5 only)

12. What is the colored bar at the top of the preview page on X5 when an external microphone is connected?

This colored bar is the "Volume Level Display Bar" and it indicates the real-time audio volume level (the bar gets longer as the volume increases).

Please note: This bar is only displayed when an external audio recording device is connected. It will not appear if only the Mic Adapter is connected.

13. Why does X4 Air need to be reconnected to DJI Mic 2 after restarting?

Due to performance limitations of DJI Mic 2, the camera requires a manual reconnection to this microphone after a restart.

14. After a video is recorded with the "QuickCapture" Mode while dual-track audio recording is enabled on X5, can the dual-track audio be extracted in Insta360 Studio?

Currently, it is not possible to extract dual-track audio in this scenario.

The recording logic of the "QuickCapture" mode is to start recording first and then reconnect to the wireless microphone. This process can only generate single-track audio. Furthermore, the camera does not support switching from single-track format to dual-track format in real-time during recording. Therefore, already recorded audio data cannot be converted to dual-track data in post-production, and the final file saved will remain as a single-track file.

If you need to record dual-track audio, we recommend you power on the camera first, allowing it to complete the pairing and reconnection process with the wireless microphone. Ensure the connection is successful before starting the recording.