GoPro Selfie Stick With Inner Mic Space

thingiverse

This is a custom-designed GoPro handle/selfie stick created specifically for recording trail/running sessions. It features a hollow handle engineered to securely hold the cord of a microphone with four precision-drilled holes that optimize sound pickup while managing the cord's path to the GoPro. The design prioritizes compactness, as it needs to be easily inserted and removed from a hydration pack during runs without catching or tearing off. In 2018, this custom handle successfully recorded clear and crisp audio during my participation in the Little Rock Marathon. I utilized a $15 microphone available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N0EA3NC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1), which provided significantly better sound quality than the GoPro's built-in microphones, especially when running in rainy conditions that require protecting the camera with a case. To address potential water ingress issues during light rainfall, I drilled a hole in a spare waterproof case and applied soft wax to seal it. However, this approach may not be effective against heavy rain or immersion, and users should exercise caution when drilling holes in their cases. One major issue arises when using the built-in microphone without proper sound dampening – the sound of calluses on the print lines can bleed into the audio. To mitigate this, I employed a DIY solution by suspending a mic in foam within the handle and applying smooth tape to cover the handle. For a more polished look, I plan to replace the gorilla tape with plastidip. Additionally, I created a DIY pop filter using a pair of hoses to cover the mic holes, which effectively eliminated wind noise without compromising sound quality. Always test your audio before using it for production purposes.