Can This Cheap DJI Mic Alternative REALLY Compare?! | DJI Mic vs Ulanzi J12
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- Опубликовано: 8 апр 2023
- If you've been looking for a cheap DJI Mic alternative, but wondering if they're good enough, find out here whether the Ulanzi J12 is actually a viable option.
At £40 and £300, the gulf in price is huge, but is the gulf in quality just as big, or is the Ulanzi a good solution for mobile content creation?
#wirelessmic #dji #ulanzi #djimic #contentcreator #microphone #lavaliermic #microphone #travel #mobilevideography #vlogging #travelvlogging
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Ulanzi J12
amzn.eu/d/0L9SS5i
DJI Mic
amzn.eu/d/1Wxiaby 
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Just a quick comment on the sound of the Ulanzi mic in this video. This was an ‘out of the box’ comparison without adjusting anything in post-production and with both mics positioned in the same place for direct comparison. You can get better results out of either of these mics of course by finding their optimum positioning on your shirt and adjusting levels etc. in editing software.
You get the best results out of the Ulanzi by positioning it higher up around your collar. If you watch any of my previous videos you can hear what it sounds like when positioned there - it sounds great! 👍
It kind of spoils the whole video. I'm listening on my studio headphones and quality DAC, and the difference in quality was crazy. You really need to do a test where you show the best of what this cheap MIC can do.
I had both. The sound quality for the Ulanzi was very thin and nasal sounding, not full body sound. The DJI which i still have, sound is well balanced and far beyond Ulanzi. Hollyland Lark C1 is a better alternative, even though its $179.
Just a tip for you mate. If you're doing tech/camera tips and insist on your dynamic look being that you have two cameras having them so drastically different in terms of lighting and colour is jarring for the viewer. Your side angle is the better look while your head on is hot, washed out, and excessively yellow toned.
Appreciate the feedback. I’d never claim to be a pro videographer so always improving!
@@techmenowofficial , yeah, that's why I phrased it by way of constructive criticism. Hoping to help you, not slam you. Hope you do well with it.
Appreciate this review man!
No worries! Glad to hear it 👍
Can you please match the levels on both mics? This comparison does not work due to different settings :)
Hey, thanks for your feedback.
Yes I’m aware the mic levels differ. The intention here was to show a literally ‘out of the box’ comparison, since the Ulanzi records straight into your phone and you can’t set the levels on the mic itself like you can on the DJI.
I didn’t want to bring editing software into play since a lot of people buying the Ulanzi will do so for its ‘plug and play’ nature.
The levels on the Ulanzi are naturally lower which I think is to account for the fact you can’t set them, so it gives you some leeway.
Of course, that means the Ulanzi doesn’t sound as good as the DJI side by side and nor should it, but despite the levels you can hear it’s a very decent budget option. You can actually get the best results if the mic is placed higher up around your collar and you can see that in use on most of the previous videos on this channel. It’s an excellent sounding mic for the price 👍
you could have at least at the end. but yeah thanks for the video@@techmenowofficial
Is it possible to pair the J12 via bluetooth to another device rather than its receiver, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or can it only transmit to its own receiver?
Hi im starting out trying to make content. Specifically disc golf content outside. Since im new i dont want to spend more than $60 on a mic set up. What would you say is my best option? Thanks!
Hello great video! Im trying to get into making content. Specifically disc golf content outside. I want to get a wireless mic but since im just trying it out for the first time i dont want to spend too much. Preferably $60 or less. Would you say this is my best option?
Good stuff. Nice to find adult reviews...
Thanks for this useful review, it will really help others who wanted to get the J12 to know that the out of the box volume is extremely soft. This is ok if you are doing post processing but it will not work with anything that is real-time on a mobile phone. I tried using it for live streaming on iphone (which has no additional gain) and the volume was so soft even when I clipped it on my collar. Was trying to use the dual mic but ended up placing my first gen Wireless Go in between the 2 persons on the table and that was louder than this J12 clipped on the collar.
If you are going to compare mics in your videos... first you MUST set the levels the same for both mics. You always perceive sound quality very differently when volume is different (favouring the louder one).
And secondly please don't use music underneath, as that stops you being able to hear things like the noise floor of the microphone. Also your video favours the DJI as that is the mic we hear most of.
In this case the Ulanzi is very quiet, and disappears under the music bed. It therefore sounds almost unusable to me.
Hey, thanks for the feedback. You make some good points which are well noted!
It’s meant to be an ‘out of the box’ audio test in this case - i.e. how do they compare without delving into editing software and adjusting anything, and yes the DJI does sound a lot better, which it should.
The way to get better results out of the Ulanzi without doing that is by placing it higher up on your chest around your collar (you can see it in use on most of my other videos), So yes you do hear a bigger difference in audio in this video than you’d hear using each mic in isolation positioned optimally. The Ulanzi really is excellent for the price.
Yes it is unusable if you don't do any post processing. I tried using it for live streaming on iphone (which has no additional gain) and the volume is so soft when I clip it on my collar. Was trying to use the dual mic but ended up placing my first gen Wireless Go in between the 2 persons on the table and that was louder than this trash clipped on the collar.
i had to subscribe because someday you will get 1Milliom subs! Don't forget us, small youtuber! 😊
Long way to go but really appreciate your support and the nice comment. It won’t be forgotten!
I don't know what you're doing wrong on the J12 but my audio is far louder than what you presented. I am recording onto an Osmo action 3 and 4 with decibels at + 6, maybe that's the difference. I use it on my motorbike at around 35kph and it's about 6 to 8 inches from my mouth. It is under my t shirt as well and stops all the wind noise.
Is it possible to pair the J12 via bluetooth to another device rather than its receiver, like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 or can it only transmit to its own receiver?
Hi!
How to connect this to iphone?
The way you turn to the 2nd cam is kinda creepy... Could also match the color grading on the cams.
Have you experienced one mic is significantly louder than the other? I’ve tried resets, turning noise reduction and reverb off. Still one mic is louder than the other
No that’s not something I’ve experienced. I’d try getting in touch with Ulanzi as that sounds like you might have a faulty unit…
@@techmenowofficial gotcha will do. Thank you!
I bought the ulanzi after watching another video. Initial impressions are it's totally garbage unless I'm doing something wrong. My phone's built in mic was far better. I can't understand why there is a charging port in the side of the receiver if it doesn't have a battery in it. Any recommendations would be welcome 👍
The charging port on the side is used to charge the phone while the receiver is still plugged in.
Which one would you choose?
Great video!!!
Thanks for the video
I have the Ulsan I mic and it’s awesome sounding. You just need to put the mic closer to you knock instead of cliping it half way down the shirt
Yeah I normally clip it to or near my collar. You can actually see it in use on most of my previous videos on the channel. I think it’s great. But for the purposes of fair comparison I kept it clipped in a similar position to the DJI here.
from all the reviews this was far the worst , if the levels or placement are not good and solid its not a comparison in the first place i think :)
my audio is far louder than what you presented. I am recording onto an Osmo action 3 and 4 with decibels at + 6, maybe that's the difference. I use it on my motorbike at around 35kph and it's about 6 to 8 inches from my mouth. It is under my t shirt as well and stops all the wind noise.
@8:00 the Ulanzi sound like is not activated on the phone just saying or i'm wrong ..
No that’s the Ulanzi. This test was done with both mics clipped in an identical place on my shirt and no settings changed or editing done. It does highlight that there’s a difference between the two. But if you used the Ulanzi on its own you get very respectable results.
You can get optimum results out of the Ulanzi by positioning it higher up around the collar area. You can hear what that sounds like on any of the previous videos on this channel where I used it as my main mic.
Ulanzi - can you plug a lav into it, plus can the receiver work on a DSLR hotshoe or is it just for phones
No support for an additional lav unfortunately and no it won’t work on a DSLR hotshoe. It’s very much aimed at smartphone creators.
1! gettin' both I guess :-) thx for sharing
No problem 👍
Hello nice informative video. It might be even better if u could compare the voice samples or the two side by side for much longer and do that at the start, instead of towards the end. It's also ok to keep switching between the two for sound comparison when you are talking abt it.
Instead of holding yr devices up maybe it's ok to show short clips of the zoom in on the devices longer.
Not a pro here. Just sharing. Nice voice and information :)
Massive difference in audio quality! The DJI sounds far superior to the Ulanzi, repositioning the mic may improve things, it appears the Ulanzi is only useable with a phone or tablet, only having a lighting or USB-C connector, no 3.5mm mini jack connection? But at that price the Ulanzi is an absolute bargain for those who it works for.
Yes if you have the Ulanzi higher up in the collar area it improves it. Price and use case are obviously a big factor. I used the Ulanzi on most previous videos on this channel before upgrading to the DJI and got very decent results.
Yes you’re right about it not having a 3.5mm connection. Lighting or USB C only so very much smartphone focused.
Disclaimer, I bought for testing even cheaper option that costed 19 € + VAT + shipping, making it costing 25 €
Recording Ulanzi in uncompressed WAV gives you plenty of editing latitude.
There are multiple variants of that cheap microphone set. And it is worth more than DJI for majority of the people, like who want to do interviews, documentary, RUclips videos etc. There is no sense to hunt a perfect audio device, as there is none. One can get a optimal that requires little editing, but it is not a problem to be doing something that offers good starting point.
This is not for a studio quality (obvious) but let's say someone wants to interview their senior family members for their life experiences etc, and it does totally fine.
The best part really is that it is so light weight and small, that you can just grab them with you, without the case, and then when you go somewhere with the person just clip them in place and hit record on the phone.
But the true downside is that it isn't stereo. That really is. Because in the interviews with dual-mics, you would be able to set the left/right channel slightly (10-15%) to their side, so it is easier and more pleasant to listen the discussion than it being mono. It would have allowed to make some home videos or similar where you have people separated slightly and record their voices, and then cancel other out from the another. That is just not possible now. The one this video has, doesn't come with windshield like some others does, like model I have.
If there would have been stereo feature, it would have been best budget option you can have. But for about 25 € you can still buy two, and record audio on two phones and still come way cheaper than other options. LOL. (unless the devices start to interfere each others... that is possibility).
Yeah the ease of use of these kits really is brilliant. Lack of stereo on the cheaper variants is a downside definitely, but for something you can just chuck in a pocket and set up in seconds they’re great.
Like you say, a professional would be disappointed by them but for most casual users they’re so handy to have!
I chose DJI no doubt . Now my issue is picking a niche for RUclips videos since I’m not great at one specific thing :/
I know what you mean about finding a niche. Think it’s just a case of making videos you enjoy making and then seeing which ones work best 👍
@@techmenowofficial thats what I will do then, I’ll experiment. Thank you for your reply sir 🙏
Thought I heard a huge difference between the Ulanzi and the DJI in the levels during your demo. I have the Ulanzi and for the price, it's hard to beat.
It’s the mic placement. The Ulanzi actually works a bit better clipped higher up on the chest in practice. Definitely agree on it being hard to beat for the price
@@techmenowofficialYou know the settings how do you know which setting to set it too on the DJI and what's yours set too? I'm gonna be using it with my smartphone for outdoor recordings and interviews outdoors.
Thank you for saving me the $. The Ulanzi is stew meat to the DJI's Kobe beef.
Thanks for the great video. Does the ulanzi have pass through charging?
No problem! Yes both mics have their own USB C ports and can be charged outside the case
@@techmenowofficial I mean can I use pass through charging and charge my phone while using them?
Because dji mic can't be used like that, but I believe the ulanzi one can!
Ah sorry. The receiver will plug into the charging port on your phone (either lightning or USB C) and it doesn’t have its own port, so no, unless you bought a multi adapter.
yes it is possible with phone,no with osmo action3
@@lutzmix thanks mate.
i am using the ulanzi J12. it is great and cheap. and i put the mic at the collar on my shirt , +8db on my dji OA3. works great now when i vlog with it.
my audio is far louder than what you presented. I am recording onto an Osmo action 3 and 4 with decibels at + 6, maybe that's the difference. I use it on my motorbike at around 35kph and it's about 6 to 8 inches from my mouth. It is under my t shirt as well and stops all the wind noise.
There is a lag between audio and video.
The Ulanzi mics sound like they are not working at all. Where the off?
No that’s the Ulanzi. In a direct side by side comparison with the DJI with both mics having identical placement and no editing done that’s what the difference sounds like.
You can get optimum results from the Ulanzi by placing it higher up on your collar (if you want to hear how that sounds it’s in use on any of the previous videos on this channel). But in a direct side by side with the DJI it does highlight the difference.
Thank you for this review. Very useful, as it shows how limited this microphone set is... saving me lots of money. For the best way to save money is to buy the absolute best item (for the time being) right from the start.
And this thing won't split channels/capsules, won't record internally, won't allow adjustments, won't accept any external microphone connexion, won't display anything, etc. All this won't make it, and your test was perfect to show this. Thank you !
No problem. Glad it helped you make a decision. I think some tests I’ve seen do use a few editing tricks to try and make up for some shortcomings. The Ulanzi is genuinely great if you want something simple for casual use, but if you’re likely to want to upgrade soon after (as I did) then probably not worth it 👍
I don't know what you're doing wrong on the J12 but my audio is far louder than what you presented. I am recording onto an Osmo action 3 and 4 with decibels at + 6, maybe that's the difference. I use it on my motorbike at around 35kph and it's about 6 to 8 inches from my mouth. It is under my t shirt as well and stops all the wind noise.
One angle would have been perfectly fine two angles and messing with me for some reason
How to connect usb C version to iPhone?
If you have the USB C version you should be able to connect it with a USB C to lightning adapter. There are loads on Amazon. This is not verified though as I haven’t tried the USB C version myself
@@techmenowofficial adapter not working
I cry foul. Levels are different. Equalize the levels and let's see how they really compare. And if you want a true comparison you should have selected the Ulanzi wifi version instead of bluetooth and onboard recording as well.
I bought the ulanzi but haven't used them yet. Seems I need to throw them out
my audio is far louder than what you presented. I am recording onto an Osmo action 3 and 4 with decibels at + 6, maybe that's the difference. I use it on my motorbike at around 35kph and it's about 6 to 8 inches from my mouth. It is under my t shirt as well and stops all the wind noise. GREAT!
Nice bro
nope.,, cheaper one has terrible audio. Great infomative video. thank you
It’s actually very good for the price but side by side with the DJI highlights some of its shortcomings. However you can get better audio out of it by clipping it higher up on your collar. In the previous videos on this channel I’m using the Ulanzi mic and you can hear it’s pretty capable.
That's not what your video shows, you should watch it again. Anyone who would spend even 1$ for the Ulanzi after seeing this video would be crazy, Ulanzi should pay you to remove it from youtube 🤣, I've rarely seen a video that completely destroys a product as you did and still say "it's a good product" ! You should have put the mic at the right place to show what we can expect from it (very good quality for the price)
It can only be a joke, saying too many good things about DJI and simply ignoring the dozen problems that most buyers are having with this product. I just don't believe it!
I’d seen people having certain issues with it (main one I’ve seen is getting some background hiss when using it with a Canon camera). Tbh I don’t use a Canon camera and can only speak about my own experience. It’s been very good both recording directly into my iPhone and also into my camera (Sony ZV-1), as well as the internal recording on the transmitters. Genuinely very little negative I can say from my own use.
That ulanzi sound was pretty unusable to be honest.. gopro built in mic is better than that. You should do a little bit more testing.. closer to your mouth etc.. only one 3 second sample was just too short for a comparison video.
You remind me of Lionel Messi. 🎉
The comments are funny. MAke the shitty mic sound like the good one! lol. If the ulanzi let you plug a mic in and also recorded, it wouldnt matter. lol.
It sounded like a sound coming from a bathroom
If you talk to loudly the Ulanzi will clip the sound and you can't do nothing about it...
Yep very true. Not being able to adjust the gain on the mic is a definite negative compared to something like the DJI. Depends how you’re using it how much of a problem that might be…
qualität wie bei drachenlord
Very well done video
Thanks, glad you liked it 👍
By what Ulanzi sounds definitely i am not getting one! Sound worst than my iPhone itself.. No point to buy a microphone to make my sound worst!
my audio is far louder than what you presented. I am recording onto an Osmo action 3 and 4 with decibels at + 6, maybe that's the difference. I use it on my motorbike at around 35kph and it's about 6 to 8 inches from my mouth. It is under my t shirt as well and stops all the wind noise. GREAT
There is no comparison! This was a bad comparison.
messiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Not at all
branding... ulazi sounds good... how did you set it up and make it sound awfull... the buttons is not 3 settings for noise cancellation... try using it properly.
There is no set up on the Ulanzi! That’s how it sounds clipped in that position. To get the best out of it you need to clip it around the neckline, but the aim of this video was a direct comparison with both mics positioned identically, which does simply highlight the Ulanzi’s shortcomings. The button does indeed toggle 3 levels of noise reduction so not sure what you mean by that…
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