Insta360 Mic Air: Tiny Wireless Mic Rivals Apple AirTag Size
▼ Summary
– Insta360 has launched its first wireless microphone, the Mic Air, challenging competitors like DJI, Shure, and Rode with its compact size (comparable to an Apple AirTag) and 10-hour battery life.
– The Mic Air is priced at $49.99 standalone or $69.99 in a bundle with a USB-C receiver, which is required for wireless connectivity to smartphones and Insta360 gimbals.
– Weighing just 7.9 grams, the Mic Air is lighter than competitors and offers versatile wearing options, including clipping, magnetic attachment, or a pendant strap, along with onboard controls for noise canceling and recording.
– The microphone provides up to 10 hours of battery life and a 300-meter range in ideal conditions, but Bluetooth connectivity to Insta360 cameras reduces battery life to 7.5 hours and range to 30–50 meters.
– While Bluetooth is included, the Mic Air requires the USB-C receiver for smartphone use, potentially necessitating an adapter for older iPhones with Lightning ports.
The Insta360 Mic Air redefines portability in wireless audio, packing professional-grade features into a device barely larger than an Apple AirTag. This featherweight microphone weighs just 7.9 grams, lighter than competitors from DJI, Rode, and Shure, while delivering up to 10 hours of recording time. Priced at $49.99 standalone or $69.99 with a USB-C receiver bundle, it’s positioned as an affordable option for content creators who prioritize mobility without sacrificing functionality.
Designed for versatility, the Mic Air offers multiple mounting options including a clothing clip, magnetic backing, or pendant-style neck strap. Its onboard controls allow users to toggle noise cancellation, manage recordings, and mute audio instantly, a rare feature in microphones this compact. The accompanying USB-C receiver adds physical volume adjustment, though smartphone compatibility requires this accessory, potentially necessitating an adapter for older iPhones with Lightning ports.
Performance specs impress given the size: 300-meter wireless range in ideal conditions when paired with the receiver, though this drops to 30-50 meters via Bluetooth connections to compatible Insta360 cameras like the Ace Pro 2. Battery life similarly adjusts from 10 hours to 7.5 hours depending on the connection method. While the noise-canceling feature impacts both range and runtime, it provides crucial audio clarity for vloggers filming in busy environments.
What sets this system apart is its direct integration with Insta360’s ecosystem, eliminating the need for additional receivers when used with select cameras. The company plans to expand compatibility across more devices, suggesting this microphone could become a central tool for creators invested in Insta360’s growing lineup of action cams and 360-degree cameras. For those needing smartphone connectivity, the receiver’s pass-through charging port ensures continuous power during extended shoots.
(Source: The Verge)
