Thinking of taking your GoPro Hero 7 Black footage to the next level? While the Hero 7 Black captures stunning visuals, its built-in microphone, like most action cameras, can often leave your audio sounding, well, a little flat. Whether you’re vlogging, capturing adventures, or filming interviews, clear, crisp sound is absolutely crucial. That’s where an external microphone comes in!
Adding the best external mic for GoPro Hero 7 Black can dramatically improve your content, making your videos more engaging and professional. You see, the Hero 7 Black doesn’t have a direct 3.5mm mic input, so you’ll need the official GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter to connect any external microphone. But trust us, it’s a game-changer!
We’ve scoured the market to bring you a hand-picked list of 7 top external mic solutions that can vastly upgrade your GoPro Hero 7 Black’s audio capabilities. Let’s dive in!
1. Vipxyc Mini Microphone, 3.5mm External Microphone Clip On…
This tiny yet mighty clip-on microphone is designed for straightforward audio capture. Its electret condenser cartridge promises high sensitivity and anti-noise capabilities, making it a decent option for basic recording needs. While specifically listed as suitable for older GoPro models like the Hero 3/3+/4, its standard 3.5mm jack means it could technically connect to your Hero 7 Black via the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. However, official Hero 7 Black compatibility isn’t stated, so it’s essential to manage expectations regarding seamless integration. It’s super lightweight and designed to be easily placed, even stuck to surfaces, offering versatile mounting options for discreet audio capture.
- Key Features:
- Electret condenser cartridge for high sensitivity and anti-noise.
- Compact, lightweight, and stylish design.
- Can be affixed with a sticker to various surfaces.
- Features a 3.5mm plug.
- Pros:
- Very compact and portable.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Affordable entry-level option.
- Cons:
- Officially listed compatibility is for older GoPro models (Hero 3/3+/4), not Hero 7 Black.
- May require additional testing to ensure optimal performance with Hero 7 Black and the adapter.
- Sound quality might be basic compared to professional options.
- User Impressions: Users often appreciate its small size and ease of use for quick audio capture, especially for its price point. However, those seeking professional-grade audio for newer GoPros might find its capabilities limited and its compatibility unclear.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Movo Lavalier Microphone for GoPro – Compatible with GoPro…
The Movo Lavalier Microphone is a fantastic choice for anyone serious about clear voice audio on their GoPro. While it highlights compatibility with newer GoPro models and the Media Mod, crucially, it also emphasizes seamless integration with the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter – which is exactly what your Hero 7 Black needs! This omnidirectional condenser microphone excels at capturing sound from all directions, minimizing noise and delivering a clearer, more sensitive voice pickup. The durable build, including a gold-plated TRS plug and a quality windscreen, ensures reliable performance, making it a standout option for vlogging, interviews, and general content creation with your GoPro.
- Key Features:
- Designed for seamless integration with GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
- Omnidirectional condenser mic for clear, sensitive voice capture.
- Premium build with 3.5mm (1/8″) male plug and gold-plated tip.
- Includes a high-quality windscreen foam cover.
- 6ft cable with a durable metal lavalier mic clip for flexible positioning.
- Pros:
- Excellent sound quality for voice.
- Good build quality and connectivity.
- Long cable provides versatility for placement.
- Effectively reduces wind and handling noise.
- Works great with the required GoPro mic adapter.
- Cons:
- Requires the official GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for Hero 7 Black.
- Lavalier style might not suit all shooting scenarios (e.g., extreme action).
- User Impressions: Reviewers consistently praise its sound clarity and reliability, especially for vlogging and interview setups. Many appreciate its robust construction and the effectiveness of the included windscreen, making it a popular choice for improving GoPro audio.
- See it on Amazon here
3. SmallRig Hero 13 / Hero12 / Hero11 / Hero 10… Cage
Alright, so this isn’t a microphone itself, but it’s an absolute must-have accessory if you’re looking to elevate your best external mic for GoPro Hero 7 Black setup! The SmallRig Cage 3083C (or similar models for Hero 7 Black, as this one is for newer cameras) provides a robust framework for mounting external microphones and other accessories. While this specific model is for Hero 9-13, SmallRig offers similar cages for older GoPros. What makes this relevant is its dual cold shoe mounts and dedicated space for the original microphone adapter. This means you can securely attach your chosen external mic, an LED light, and your essential GoPro mic adapter all at once, creating a streamlined vlogging rig. It’s all about making your audio setup stable and convenient.
- Key Features:
- Designed to be compatible with GoPro Hero series (ensure model-specific cage for Hero 7 Black).
- Dual cold shoe mounts for mic and light attachment.
- Moulded design for camera fit without blocking screen/buttons/ports.
- Compatible with original GoPro microphone adapter (features bottom bracket for it).
- Quick installation and removal.
- Pros:
- Provides a secure and organized mounting solution for external mics and other accessories.
- Essential for professional vlogging and filming setups.
- Keeps the mic adapter neatly integrated.
- Protects your GoPro while adding utility.
- Cons:
- This specific model is for newer GoPros (Hero 9-13); you’d need to find the equivalent SmallRig cage for Hero 7 Black.
- It’s an additional accessory, not the microphone itself.
- User Impressions: Users love SmallRig cages for their durability, precise fit, and the sheer versatility they add to their action camera setups. The ability to easily mount a microphone and other gear transforms the GoPro into a more professional content creation tool.
- See it on Amazon here
4. Movo GM100 Clip-on Lavalier Microphone for Compatible with…
The Movo GM100 is another clip-on lavalier mic aiming to deliver clearer audio for your adventures. With its omnidirectional pickup pattern, it’s designed to be a significant upgrade over your GoPro’s built-in microphone. It boasts a “plug and play” setup, requiring no batteries, which is super convenient for on-the-go recording. However, similar to the Vipxyc mic, this model explicitly states compatibility with the GoPro mic adapter for Hero 3 up to Hero 4. While it uses a standard 3.5mm jack, making it physically connectable to a Hero 7 Black via the official GoPro adapter, its optimal performance with newer models is not guaranteed. It’s a compact and portable option, great for those who value convenience and a budget-friendly way to reduce wind noise for field interviews or travel vlogs.
- Key Features:
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern for clear audio.
- Plug and play design, no batteries required.
- Includes a mic windscreen for noise reduction.
- Compact and portable components.
- Pros:
- Improves audio clarity over internal mic.
- Extremely portable and easy to use.
- No external power needed.
- Effective at reducing wind noise.
- Cons:
- Officially listed compatibility is for older GoPro models (Hero 3-4), not Hero 7 Black.
- May not offer the same premium sound quality as higher-end mics.
- Requires the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for Hero 7 Black connection.
- User Impressions: Users appreciate the GM100 for its simplicity and the noticeable improvement it offers for casual recording. Its battery-free operation is a definite plus for many, though some wish for broader official compatibility.
- See it on Amazon here
5. weishan Media Mod Mic for GoPro HERO11 10 9 Black…
This weishan external microphone offers a direct answer to improving your GoPro’s audio, especially if you’re using the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter with your Hero 7 Black. While its title emphasizes compatibility with newer Media Mod-enabled GoPros, the product description clearly states it works with the official 3.5mm Mic Adapter. This omnidirectional condenser microphone is designed for superior voice clarity and sensitivity, picking up sound flexibly with less noise. Its gold-plated 3.5mm TRS plug ensures a solid connection, and the included high-quality windscreen protects the mic while reducing wind noise. With a 5-foot cable and a durable clip, it’s perfect for vlogging, extreme sports, or any scenario requiring hands-free, clear audio capture.
- Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (essential for Hero 7 Black).
- Omnidirectional condenser microphone for voice clarity and high sensitivity.
- 3.5mm / 1/8″ male plug with gold-plated tip.
- Includes high-quality windscreen foam cover.
- 5ft cable with metal lavalier mic clip.
- Pros:
- Great audio sensitivity and clarity for voice.
- Robust build quality with gold-plated connector.
- Windscreen effectively reduces unwanted noise.
- Good cable length for versatile placement.
- Cons:
- Still requires the GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for Hero 7 Black users.
- Primarily designed for voice recording; not ideal for ambient soundscapes.
- User Impressions: Customers often highlight the weishan mic’s effectiveness in improving dialogue and voiceovers. Its robust build and consistent performance make it a reliable choice for content creators who need dependable audio for their GoPro footage.
- See it on Amazon here
6. V2 Housing Case Vlogging Frame with Microphone Cold Shoe…
Here’s another non-microphone item that is absolutely indispensable if you want to use the best external mic for GoPro Hero 7 Black effectively: the V2 Housing Case. This vlogging frame is explicitly designed for GoPro Hero 7, 6, and 5 action cameras, making it a perfect fit for your setup. Its standout feature is the standard cold shoe mount on top, allowing you to easily attach your chosen external microphone or an LED light. Crucially, it has a specially reserved space for the GoPro mic adapter, neatly solving the common problem of where to put that essential accessory. This housing transforms your GoPro into a true vlogging powerhouse, providing stability, protection, and vital mounting points for your audio gear.
- Key Features:
- Full compatibility with GoPro Hero 7, 6, and 5 action cameras.
- Standard cold shoe mount on top for microphones or LED lights.
- Specially designed reserved space for the GoPro mic adapter.
- Easy to install and widely applicable (tripods, monopods, etc.).
- Made from high-quality, lightweight ABS material.
- Pros:
- Perfectly suited for GoPro Hero 7 Black.
- Provides a stable platform for external mics and lights.
- Neatly integrates the GoPro mic adapter.
- Protects the camera.
- Enhances overall vlogging and filmmaking setup.
- Cons:
- It’s a housing, not a microphone itself – you’ll still need to buy a mic.
- Adds a bit of bulk to the camera.
- User Impressions: Users frequently commend this housing for its perfect fit and clever design, especially the dedicated slot for the mic adapter. It’s seen as an essential accessory for anyone serious about improving their GoPro vlogging setup, offering convenience and a professional feel.
- See it on Amazon here
7. PDEEY Lav Mic for GoPro Hero 9 10 11 Media…
The PDEEY Lav Mic offers another excellent solution for capturing clear, high-quality audio with your GoPro Hero 7 Black. Like some of the other top contenders, this microphone is designed to work seamlessly with the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter, which is key for your Hero 7 Black. It features an omnidirectional design, high sensitivity, and noise cancellation capabilities, ensuring your stereo sounds come through crystal clear. The gold-plated 3.5mm TRS plug guarantees a solid, low-resistance connection, and the durable metal clip allows for secure attachment. With its 5-foot long cable, you have plenty of flexibility for mic placement, making it suitable for vlogging, interviews, podcasts, and general video recording where clear voice is paramount.
- Key Features:
- Compatible with GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter (for Hero 7 Black).
- Omnidirectional mic with high sensitivity and noise cancellation.
- Gold-plated 3.5mm TRS plug and durable metal clip.
- 5 feet long cable for flexible positioning.
- Comes with 1pcs 3.5mm TRS lav mic and 1pcs foam cover.
- Pros:
- Delivers clear, high-quality stereo audio.
- Effective noise cancellation.
- Robust build with gold-plated connector.
- Long cable and metal clip offer convenience.
- Great for a variety of content creation needs.
- Cons:
- Requires the official GoPro 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
- May not be the best choice for capturing expansive ambient sound.
- User Impressions: Customers often praise the PDEEY Lav Mic for its audio fidelity and the significant upgrade it provides over internal GoPro mics. Its ease of use and consistent performance make it a favored pick for those needing reliable voice audio for their videos.
- See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do I need an external mic for my GoPro Hero 7 Black?
A1: While the GoPro Hero 7 Black captures stunning video, its built-in microphone is small and prone to picking up wind noise, camera handling sounds, and often produces muffled audio, especially in outdoor or noisy environments. An external mic dramatically improves audio clarity, richness, and professionalism, making your videos much more engaging.
Q2: Does the GoPro Hero 7 Black have a 3.5mm audio jack?
A2: No, the GoPro Hero 7 Black does not have a native 3.5mm audio jack. To connect any external microphone, you will need the official GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. This adapter plugs into the camera’s USB-C port and provides the necessary 3.5mm input.
Q3: What kind of microphone adapter do I need for my GoPro Hero 7 Black?
A3: You absolutely need the official GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter. Third-party adapters may not work correctly or at all, potentially causing frustration or damage. This adapter ensures proper compatibility and optimal audio passthrough.
Q4: What are the different types of external mics I can use with my GoPro Hero 7 Black?
A4: Common types include:
* Lavalier (Lapel) Mics: Small, clip-on mics ideal for vlogging, interviews, or capturing clear dialogue.
* Shotgun Mics: Directional mics that capture sound from the front, reducing background noise, great for specific sound sources.
* Wireless Mics: Offer freedom of movement, useful for action sports or when the mic needs to be far from the camera.
Each type has its own benefits depending on your recording needs.
Q5: How can I reduce wind noise when recording with an external mic on my GoPro?
A5: Most external microphones come with a foam windscreen, which is great for light breezes. For stronger winds, consider using a “dead cat” or “wind muff” – a furry cover that slips over the mic to significantly reduce wind noise. Proper mic placement (e.g., shielding it with your body) can also help.
Q6: Can I use any 3.5mm microphone with my GoPro Hero 7 Black and the adapter?
A6: While the GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter technically provides a 3.5mm input, not all microphones are optimized for GoPro use. Mics specifically designed for action cameras or those with omnidirectional patterns often perform best. Always check product compatibility listings and user reviews.
Q7: Is the GoPro Media Mod compatible with the Hero 7 Black?
A7: No, the GoPro Media Mod was introduced with the Hero 8 Black and is not compatible with the Hero 7 Black. For Hero 7 Black, the only way to connect an external mic is via the separate GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter.
Upgrading your GoPro Hero 7 Black’s audio with an external microphone is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a content creator. Whether you opt for a simple lavalier for clear dialogue or a more elaborate setup with a cage for mounting options, the difference in your final product will be night and day. Choose the best external mic for GoPro Hero 7 Black that fits your filming style, and get ready to capture some truly epic moments with pristine sound!
