Helmet microphone ?

[larry31]

Any suggestions for a motorcycle helmet microphone that can be used with a GoPro Hero 2 camera?

 

[Lee Martin]

If you find one then please let me know bud. I have seen some You Tube vids of cases that have been drilled and dont quote me but apparently the mic has to be powered with a battery and of course the case is then no longer waterproof. There looks to be some good advice on here so someone should have the answer.

Cheers, Lee.

 

[fishycomics]

the Hero 2 has a 3.5mm jack all you need to do is get a mic wit ha jack done. you can not use your smartphone earplug due to the extra rin on it

 

[larry31]

I drilled a small hole in my case inline with the Hero-2's audio in connector. It was just big enough to insert the mike's plug, with a snug fit.
I then tapped it for a set screw for when I don't use the mike. It's not waterproof, but snug enough fit to be used in moderate rain if need be.


image post

I tried it, and it did work OK. There was quite a bit of wind noise while riding, as I had my mike in an open face helmet.
Here's a video I made of how I "wired" my helmet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnGWH1b9Dqo

The mike from Amazon... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00THG8SFC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[RebelPro]

I'm curious, what is the helmet mic for? Is it to record the wind noise, the motorcycle sound, or is the mic going to be inside the helmet to record your voice audio if you talk while recording the video?

 

[fishycomics]

if you do use a mic you can always tuck it inside the neck of your shirt.

 

[larry31]

I'm curious, what is the helmet mic for? Is it to record the wind noise, the motorcycle sound, or is the mic going to be inside the helmet to record your voice audio if you talk while recording the video?

I have been experimenting with both. Engine sound, and talking.
Engine sound requires a different placement of the mike. (Best place I've been able to put it is, just inside side faring on my KLR. Out of the wind, and close to the engine.) It still has some road noise component even there.

Voice in helmet did pick up wind noise. (A full face helmet may be better, but I use an open face. It picks up wind, and sounds muffled.)

Not wanting to use a full face, I guess I'll have to be contented with text in my videos, or insert voice while doing my editing on the computer.

 

[RebelPro]

[MENTION=3603]larry31[/MENTION] I guess you would probably need a noise canceling microphone. Of course, how expensive it is will dictate how much noise will eliminate. Also, the microphone will be unidirectional, so it only picks the sound coming from the direction is pointing at, and they usually come with a special foam that helps reduce wind noise as well.

Since you won't know how well it will work with a motorcycle, I guess buying one from Amazon to try it, and having the possibility to return it if it doesn't work can always be a good option. Unless of course, you find a forum or online post with someone reviewing microphones and their quality when using it with a motorcycle.

 

[4wd]

It's often best to keep onboard talking to a minimum - apart from the wind problem it's way to easy to lose your thread and talk rubbish and that spoils the main soundtrack too.
Better to have a reasonable bike sound or use music if that's your thing - add any voice afterwards at editing stage with controlled conditions.

 

[fishycomics]

my ;ast tip
you place a windsock over the mic, and you also use a lil deflector.

 

[larry31]

Update:
I bought one of these mics. Unidirectional, and I'm able to plug it into my Hero-2 directly. Unidirectional External Microphone for GoPro Hero4 & DSLR

Link to details... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J4vP1YtPYI

I use a 90 deg stereo adaptor to point the mic toward my mouth. Works well enough, but still picks up engine sound, and some wind noise if riding with out wind shield. Better with windshield!
Guess a full face helmet would be better. I'm going to try putting the mic inside my jacket. will test that arrangement next.