DJI Mic 3 Leak Hints at New Hardware as FCC Filings Reveal Upcoming Releases

DJI, a titan in the drone and camera accessory world, is making waves again with a slew of rumored releases. Just six months after the launch of the DJI Mic Mini—a compact, budget-friendly microphone currently retailing for $59 on Amazon—leaks have surfaced about the DJI Mic 3.

This potential third microphone release in two years comes alongside whispers of other DJI products, including the Avata 3, Mini 5 Pro, Neo 2, Osmo Nano, and Osmo Pocket 4. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of speculation, with early details about these drones and Osmo range expansions popping up online, and now the Mic 3 joins the fray, thanks to a revealing FCC Filing.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) document, dated April 25, 2024, for FCC ID 2ANDR-DMR03, confirms the existence of the DJI Mic 3 and offers a glimpse into its hardware. While the FCC typically keeps such filings under wraps, this leak indicates that the Mic 3 package will include a new receiver with a squircle-shaped display and a charging case.

The filing also suggests an official release by late October 2024, aligning with DJI’s pattern of autumn launches. This early reveal is part of a broader trend of FCC leaks that have been surfacing recently, shedding light on DJI’s upcoming portfolio.

FCC Leaks: Why Are We Seeing So Many?

The recent spate of FCC leaks, including the DJI Mic 3 filing, stems from the regulatory body’s confidentiality policies—or lack thereof. According to the FCC document, companies like SZ DJI Osmo Technology Co., Ltd. can request short-term confidentiality for 180 days to protect sensitive information from premature release, which could tip off competitors or disrupt marketing plans.

The document notes that “having the subject information easily available to ‘competition’ would negate the advantage they have achieved by developing this product.” However, exhibits marked as permanently confidential, such as internal photos and schematics, can be withheld indefinitely, while others, like the user’s manual, are released after the confidentiality period.

In practice, this means the FCC often holds documents for at least six months while testing electronic devices, but once that period lapses, the information becomes public. DJI requested permanent confidentiality for critical exhibits like operation descriptions and tune-up procedures, citing trade secrets, but short-term confidential items—like the external photos and user manual—are now fair game.

This explains the recent flood of leaks: as confidentiality periods expire, documents for the Avata 3, Mini 5 Pro, Neo 2, and now the Mic 3 have surfaced, giving enthusiasts an early peek at DJI’s roadmap. It’s a double-edged sword—while it fuels excitement, it also risks giving competitors a head start.

The Legacy of the DJI Mic 2: A Tough Act to Follow

The Mic 2, which the Mic 3 will replace, set the bar high in audio recording. Released as an upscale contender before the Mic Mini (the Mini is a great unit, other than being his battery his biggest weak point), it’s become the standard for videographers and drone pilots everywhere due to its excellent sound, small stature, and handy features.

At a maximum range of 250 meters, noise-cancellation functionality, and battery life of up to 14 hours via its charging case, the Mic 2 has been a must-have tool for capturing crisp sound in challenging conditions, whether windy drone work or crowded urban landscapes. The ability to record in 32-bit float audio ensures that even the most boisterous soundscapes are captured undistorted and is therefore a pro favorite.

The Mic 2’s integration with DJI’s ecosystem, like pairing seamlessly with the Osmo Pocket series, has also been a standout. At two years old, the Mic 2 isn’t outdated, but DJI’s rapid innovation cycle suggests they’re ready to push the envelope further with the Mic 3. I bet that this new mics will connect with all the actual drone ecosystem. The new squircle display on the receiver hints at a possible design refresh, and the inclusion of a new charging case could address user feedback about battery management or portability. While details remain sparse, the Mic 3 has big shoes to fill.

A Documentalist’s Perspective: How the DJI Mic 2 Shines in Weddings and Documentaries

As a documentalist and wedding videographer, I’ve found the DJI Mic 2 to be an indispensable tool in my work, especially when capturing the raw emotion and authenticity of these events. Weddings, with their unpredictable audio challenges—like a sudden cheer during vows or the clinking of glasses during toasts—demand reliable equipment. The Mic 2’s dual-track recording feature, which captures one track at normal sensitivity and a second “safety” track at a lower sensitivity, has been a game-changer. It ensures I never miss a moment due to audio saturation, whether it’s the officiant’s speech in a windy outdoor ceremony or a quiet exchange between the couple that risks being drowned out by background noise.

In documentary work, where I often record in diverse environments—from recording in city streets to remote natural settings—the Mic 2’s long-range transmission and noise-canceling capabilities have been equally vital. I recall a recent project where I was filming a subject in a noisy urban market; the Mic 2 isolated their voice beautifully, saving me hours of audio cleanup in post-production.

I’m hopeful that the Mic 3 will build on these strengths, perhaps with even better noise cancellation or a more intuitive interface for on-the-fly adjustments. Until then, the Mic 2 remains a cornerstone of my kit, delivering the clarity and reliability I need to tell meaningful stories through film.