DJI Mic 2 Review

We are playing with the DJI Mic 2 right now. And why? Because we would like to try this toy.

If you’re a professional content creator or just a hobbyist and all of your video efforts have failed due to poor quality audio in the background of an otherwise perfect video, it’s time to rethink how you actually capture the audio track in your video.

Whether you’re shooting on your mobile phone, an action camera, or maybe even digital mirror camera, you’ll inevitably at some point consider whether your current setup is at least adequate for you.

And maybe, like us, you’ll be looking for something very versatile, because what if the new Apple iPhone just comes out, or you just want to replace your phone with a professional digital camera or shoot with an action camera. Because your creative thoughts are moving at a furious pace and you just want your gear to keep up with your pace and be just as versatile.

If you go to your local dealer for the DJi Mic 2, you will have many options to choose from, starting with a rather attractive offer of just one DJI Mic Transmitter and ending with a complete set including the receiver and charging case.

Let’s say that only the DJi Mic 2 Transmitter could be enough for you

If possible, ban such an idea straight away if you don’t accept the fact that you only use Bluetooth/analog to pair it with a phone or other device in a very limited way. Many inexperienced users will be misled by the attractive price tag and sobering up will follow. At the same time, we have to defend here that this is a real basis that “works” and that will be enough for some creators. But creators with a mobile phone in hand will often look for such a solution. Let’s briefly summarize in points what you get for less than 2500 CZK/99 USD.

Pros:
+ A separate wireless recording device capable of operating independently, as a recorder
+ Internal memory – 8GB (up to 14 hours of recording at 24 bit 48 kHz), which behaves like a flash drive
+ Able to record via Bluetooth and also backup to internal memory
+ Endurance up to 6 hours per charge
+ Suppression of ambient noise after a short press of the power button
+ Magnetic attachment to clothing or with an integrated clip
+ Wind protection included, with data/power cable and case
+ Connection via 2.5 Ghz with a range of up to 250m to the DJI MIC 2 Receiver
+ Bluetooth connection to DJi OSMO Pocket 3 or Osmo Action 4
+ Connection to a mobile phone or laptop also via Bluetooth
+ Possibility to connect an external microphone via TRS 3.5 mm (Lavalier microphone)
+ Vibration and status LEDs

Cons / Important Notes:
– One DJI Mic 2 Transceiver = Mono Transmitter/Recording Point (1 channel out of two possible)
– It can also record 32 bit float, but cannot be turned on without a DJI Mic 2 receiver
– Zero setting when connected via Bluetooth to a mobile phone
– For example, the Apple iPhone is not even able to recognize what kind of device it is
– Unable to record with default iOS camera app with this external microphone connected via Bluetooth. So you are dependent on external applications, such as DJi Mimo or ProCam.
– Very quiet input (necessity of post-processing, inability to set Gain)

If one mono microphone is enough for you, but the above comments could confuse you, buying a set of one DJi MIC Transmitter together with a Receiver would easily erase the above mentioned negatives and you suddenly get something that is born to work. And even such a connection to a mobile phone is immediately simplier (USB C/Lightning) and in the default configuration when connected via DJI 2.5 Ghz with a range of up to 250 m, this is a full-fledged toy that will surely make you happy for some 5700 CZK / 245 USD . And as far as the Apple iPhone is concerned, in this configuration it is already possible to record videos using the DJi MIC 2 even in the native Camera application. But there is still a very quiet input, which can be fine-tuned by setting Gain +6 on the receiver.

DJi MIC 2 (2x Transmitter, 1x Receiver, charging case)

But what if I want to record in stereo? DJi thought of that as well, and you can buy another Transmitter for the above set. However, here we reach the price level where the complete set including the charging case costs approximately 9000 CZK / 387 USD and the price difference compared to the solution without the case is already negligible. Similar to Apple AirPods, the case also stands as an additional battery/charger and thus extends the recording time up to 18 hours. A big advantage is that you don’t have to charge individual devices separately, but you can easily charge them all at once. What’s more, after opening the set, the microphones are immediately paired with the receiver, and the remaining recording time can be immediately read from the clear OLED touch screen.
Just take it out, place it and start recording.

APC Power Saving Back-UPS Pro 900 Review

To increase system availability, we have purchased a UPS.

We chose the APC Power Saving Back-UPS Pro 900.

This high-quality and compact backup power supply from APC in a modern black design offers an elegant design and an informative LCD display. It features not only automatic voltage regulation but also the ability to communicate with a NAS system via USB. These features make the Back-UPS Pro series the ideal power protection for business or home systems with maximum security for critical data. This model has a power output of 540 W and a capacity of 900 VA.

The UPS has three IEC C13 output sockets that are battery-powered and surge-protected. There are also three additional output sockets with surge protection only, which are suitable for connecting various devices with high power consumption – printers, scanners, etc. In addition, this backup power supply offers protection for phone, modem, DSL, fax (RJ-11) and 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet (RJ-45).

To communicate with the NAS server, we used the USB interface and the software built into the DSM operating system supplied with the Synology NAS that is sufficient enough. In the event of a power failure, the power supply automatically starts to draw power from the battery and the NAS server receives information that the system is running on battery power, including the remaining time for which the connected devices will be available.

We have configured the system so that when the battery level of the UPS is low, the DSM system automatically safely shuts down our Synology NAS, including other connected devices such as the Synology Router WRX560 and 5G Modem. After the power supply is restored from the mains, the systems turn on again by themselves and the UPS starts charging. Interestingly, these currently connected devices have an average power consumption of 50W and the UPS provides battery backup for up to 117 minutes.

The UPS has an LCD display as well as LEDs for status indication such as mains power, battery power, worn battery, overload and sound indication of battery status and overload.

Enhanced Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

Extends battery life and maximizes runtime by correcting low voltage conditions without discharging the battery.

Energy Saving Outlets

Automatically turns off power to idle equipment to save electricity.

Battery and Outlet Surge Protection

Backs up and protects hardware and data during power outages, surges and spikes.

Data Line Surge Protection

Provides surge protection for connected devices on data lines.

Surge-Only Outlets

Protects secondary electronics from surges and spikes without reducing battery performance used for primary electronics during an outage.

The New Logo of INSIMIS

Over the past few days, the spirit of creating the INSIMIS project logo prevailed. The idea of simplicity, clean lines, and timelessness matured in our mind. The resulting combination of simple geometric regular shapes reminiscent of a trio of lying letters ‘I’ that you can see in the project name. The logo can also resemble a trio of exclamation marks, reflects the distinctive landscape in which this project was born. In the realm of imagination, one might even see three solid server disks stacked in the logo, as this project is strongly influenced by information technologies. Or perhaps the logo depicts a shelf full of deliveries for our customers? Regardless, it’s certain that the logo features a beloved color combination that we appreciate. What do you think?