Wireless microphones have long since become something like the small multitools of content production. They are meant to be unobtrusive, run for a long time, produce as little noise as possible, communicate cleanly with cameras, smartphones and computers, and ideally still deliver usable audio even when the person in front of the camera is not working like a sound engineer. This is exactly where the new Insta360 Mic Pro comes in, only now not as a pure vlogging accessory, but as a noticeably more ambitious system for interviews, trade show videos, livestreams, multi-camera productions and all situations in which one would rather have too much audio safety than too little. Why I subjected myself to today’s test with two rather colorful microphones is also quickly explained. Anyone who knows my videos from Computex knows that mobile audio there is not just a nice side note, but often decides whether it is usable or unusable. Reverberant exhibition halls, loud booths, spontaneous conversations, changing distances, running cameras and people who generally start talking exactly when someone nearby is demonstrating an industrial fan are a good real-world test. A microphone that does not completely lose its nerve there may also present itself with a little more confidence in the studio or during a normal shoot.
The Insta360 Mic Pro brings several new approaches that go beyond the usual “small transmitter, small receiver, somehow Bluetooth and 3.5 mm cable” setup. Particularly striking are the round E-Ink displays on the transmitters, which can be customized with their own graphics, logos or small motifs. This is not strictly necessary, but it makes the microphones more visible and more personal in front of the camera. Technically more interesting, however, are the inner values. Insta360 relies on a three-microphone array, different polar patterns, NPU-assisted noise suppression, automatic level control, internal 32-bit float recording, stereo recording in the transmitter, timecode support and flexible combinations of multiple transmitters and receivers. In addition, there is a direct connection to compatible Insta360 cameras, for which a receiver is not necessarily required. On paper, the system is therefore aimed not only at classic vloggers, but also at small production teams, journalists, trade fair reporters, podcasters, streamers and video makers who want to cover as many scenarios as possible with as little equipment as possible.
That brings us to the price, however. With an MSRP of 329 euros, the Insta360 Mic Pro is certainly not a cheap fun gadget for occasional vacation clips, but a significantly more premium wireless microphone system. However, it is also not more expensive than the Boya system I have been using so far, which I bought in Taipei four years ago. The price must therefore be justified not only by a few attractive displays, but above all by reliability, usability, sound quality, useful additional functions and practical everyday value. That is exactly what this test is about. Not whether a microphone smiles friendly in the product image, but whether it still sounds friendly in real use when the environment has long since decided to do everything except behave acoustically.
When unpacking the Insta360 Mic Pro, the first impression is of a neatly arranged set that clearly focuses more on presentation than on pure functional packaging. The black outer box, the internal cardboard insert and the separately presented transmitters look high-quality, but also a little like a small stage set for two very eye-catching microphones. The two round transmitters sit prominently in the insert, one with an Insta360 logo, the other with a smiley face, and this is exactly where the product’s small dilemma begins. On the one hand, that is nice, likeable and quite clever for on-camera video use; on the other hand, one immediately wishes for interchangeable front plates or at least an official set with alternative motifs. The E-Ink display can be personalized digitally, but the tinkerer in the back of one’s mind still quietly asks why there is not simply a small accessory drawer with interchangeable faces. One does not have to explain every business idea to the manufacturer for free, but here it really is right there on the table.
Less charming is the first contact with the many protective films. The glossy charging case in particular is heavily covered, in addition to the usual films, protective strips and labels on the individual parts. Of course, this reliably protects against scratches during transport and ensures that everything looks immaculate when first removed. At the same time, however, it also feels like quite a lot of plastic and film effort for a product that in everyday use will anyway end up in bags, on cameras, on jackets, shirt collars and, occasionally, probably also in trade fair bags between USB cables and old business cards. Protection yes, material excess rather no. Here, a little less packaging ceremony would probably also have been enough without the first impression suffering as a result. The actual scope of delivery of the tested set is pleasingly complete. According to the documentation, the kit with two transmitters and one receiver includes two transmitters, one receiver, a charging case, a USB-C smartphone adapter, two button magnets, two clips, two windshields, a carrying pouch, a 3.5 mm camera cable, a USB-C cable as well as a quick start guide, safety instructions and warranty card. In addition, Insta360 lists separately available accessories such as a Lightning adapter, a camera adapter, a lavalier microphone and a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter.
The accessory image makes it easy to see that Insta360 does not understand the Mic Pro only as a classic clip-on microphone. The two windshields are rather large and sit in their own frame, which is sensible for outdoor use and trade fair operation, even if visually it immediately turns the small round transmitter into a furry little creature. The magnetic mounts and clips cover the usual wearing options, while the 3.5 mm cable handles the connection to classic cameras. The USB-C adapter is intended for smartphone or computer operation, although the actual practicality naturally depends later on how cleanly the respective end device accepts external audio sources. Especially on Android devices, experience shows that this is not always plug-and-play, but sometimes more like plug-and-pray.
The mechanical implementation of the mounting system is also interesting. It is good that the clip is removable and has a locking mechanism so that transmitter and clip remain securely connected. For magnetic mounting, however, the clip must first be removed, which is important in everyday use because otherwise one quickly tries to turn two mounting concepts into one impractical one. The transmitter can also be used together with the receiver on the camera, making it work more like a small on-camera microphone. This flexibility is exactly one of the points that makes the scope of delivery seem better than a simple count of individual parts. Small downside: the stickers often adhere so strongly that they cannot be removed without damage. Please improve this!
It is not just about there being a lot in the box, but about it actually resulting in several possible use cases. More on mounting and application areas in a moment. Let us move on to the charging case. The charging case itself makes a solid first impression, but due to its glossy surface it is also a good fingerprint collector. It is still practical, though, because the transmitters and receiver do not have to rattle around loosely in a pouch and can be recharged while on the move.
The included fabric pouch is rather simple, but does its job if you want to throw the entire set, including cables and windshield, into a larger camera bag. For sustained rough outdoor use, a harder case would have been more appealing, especially since the Mic Pro is no longer priced in the “it will somehow arrive” category. Overall, the unboxing is therefore a mixed but mostly positive start. The scope of delivery fits the system’s positioning, the workmanship appears clean at first glance, and the accessories cover the most important use scenarios. The packaging itself is attractively staged, but due to the many films and protective parts it is not exactly restrained. Anyone who just wants to get started quickly is nonetheless well equipped after unpacking. Anyone looking for sustainable packaging minimalism must be patient at this point and can console themselves with the fact that the two colorful microphone faces will still smile back friendly after the last film has been removed.
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wieder so ein typischer Mist. Man soll die Firmware aktualisieren, weil die es nicht auf die Reihe bekommen es mit der letzten Software auszuliefern.
2026 und wir haben die Probleme von 1996, der Benutzer muss herumfrickeln mit jedem Endgerät und jedes Endgerät braucht eine neue Firmware.
Warum ist die ucontroller Firmware nicht abwärts komptatibel? hat man Mist programmiert oder Studenten ran gelsassen die keine Ahnung haben von einem Arbeitsprozess und Standardisierung?
Insta360 weist im Guide ausdrücklich darauf hin, dass für die Direktverbindung zu kompatiblen Insta360-Kameras passende Firmware-Versionen notwendig sind. Das betrifft unter anderem X5, X4 Air, Ace Pro 2, GO Ultra und die dort ebenfalls genannte Luna. Eine Verbindung kann zwar unter Umständen auch mit falscher oder älterer Firmware zustande kommen, dann aber nicht zwingend mit der vorgesehenen Audioqualität oder mit vollständiger Bedienintegration. Für den Testbetrieb heißt das ganz praktisch, dass man zuerst Kamera, Empfänger und Sender aktualisieren sollte, bevor man Klang, Reichweite oder Bedienkomfort bewertet.
So etwas ist nur akzeptabel für den Preisbereich für bis zu 22€ inklusive Versand, aber nicht für 200€ Hardware
Muss man dass wirklich mit einem Toddler Symbol ausliefern? Wo der Urheber dieser Symbole nachweislich nie viel Geld erhalten hat. Das ist im Grunde moralisch verwerflich. Wenn man sich schon am Eigentum von anderen bedient dann erwarte ich mir auch ein Lizenzabkommen zu diesem Grafiker von den Smileys. Da gab es eine BBC doku dazu wo es klar rausgekommen ist.
Besonders auffällig sind natürlich die runden E-Ink-Displays auf den Sendern, die sich mit eigenen Grafiken, Logos oder kleinen Motiven belegen lassen.
Ich hätte das Display neutral in Schwarz gehalten mit einem Beipackzettel man kann es ändern. Tapete klingt als haette ein Lehrling oder Student husch pfusch die Anwendung geschrieben.
Wie bist Du denn drauf? Die anderen, älteren Geräte müssen angepasst werden, das ist nun mal so, wenn neue Codecs implementiert werden. Wenn ich überlege, dass mein Auto, das ein Vielfaches gekostet hat, seit dem letzten Jahr, als es auf dem Markt kam, schon 5 Software-Updates bekommen hat, dazu neue Dämmmatten für die Türen hinten und bessere Dämpfer, dann sind die Firmware-Updates, wenn jemand ein älteres Gerät mit einem neuen verbinden will, doch eigentlich vertretbar…
In den von Dir aufgeführten Einsatzszenarien, sind diese Mikrofone eine interessante Alternative.
Sehr viel personalisierbarer Hirsch für eine überschaubare Investition 🙂
Bin sehr gespannt auf die ersten Messe-Videos. Vielleicht wären diese in der Gimbal-Tasche gut aufgehoben ?
Man Roman was ist dein Problem?Ist doch üblich das Hardware neue Firm-und Software benötigt. Nichts ist 100% perfekt. Meine letzte gekaufte Elektronik SSD, Kamera,TV brauchten alle ein Update. Man konnte alles benutzen aber Verbesserungen sind doch gut. Wird halt alles komplexer. Wenn dir das nicht gefällt mußt du ja nicht kaufen.
Sehr interessant, aber für meine deutlich begrenztere Einsätze preislich zu sehr im "Profi Bereich".
Das auffällige E-Ink Display und die für solche Mikrofone unübliche (runde) Form könnte neben dem Branding noch einen weiteren Vorteil haben: wenn Gesprächspartner aufs Mikrofon Display gucken hat man gleich den "Aufmacher" ("was ist denn das?").
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Editor-in-chief and name-giver of igor’sLAB as the content successor of Tom’s Hardware Germany, whose license was returned in June 2019 in order to better meet the qualitative demands of web content and challenges of new media such as YouTube with its own channel.
Computer nerd since 1983, audio freak since 1979 and pretty much open to anything with a plug or battery for over 50 years.
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