Video: More detail on the noise levels of the DJI Mavic Pro Platinum vs DJI Mavic Pro

At the beginning of the month, we reported on the lower noise levels of the new Mavic Pro Platinum compared to the old Mavic Pro. At the IFA event in Berlin we were able to capture this video, that, regardless of all the background noise, showed the decrease in noise levels between the two DJI drones. Now another video has surfaced on YouTube offering a more detailed comparison of the noise levels between the two drones. For instance, comparing the old 8330 propellers vs. the new 8331 propellers on the Mavic Pro Platinum. The Mavic Pro Platinum is quieter than its predecessor not only because of the newly designed 8331 propellers but also in large part because of the new electronic speed controllers (ESC’s). Let’s dive in.

DJI Mavic Pro Platinum vs DJI Mavic Pro compared in detail

1. The Mavic Pro Platinum with the new 8331 Propellers (68 dB) vs. the Mavic Pro with the old 8330 Propellers (74 dB). A difference of 6dB. This is more than DJI promised us in their press release but as you can see in the video, depending on the revs of the ESC’s and maybe also on the angle of the microphone compared to the drone these decibel numbers fluctuate a bit. Either way, we are happy to see that is may be more than what DJI promised us.
2. The Mavic Pro Platinum with the new 8331 Propellers (68 dB) vs. the Mavic Pro Platinum with the old 8330 Propellers (73 dB). A difference of 5dB. Obviously, the new aerodynamic design where the wingtips of the propellers are tapered somewhat makes a big difference in noise levels.
3. The Mavic Pro with the new 8331 Propellers (71 dB) vs. the Mavic Pro with the old 8330 Propellers (74 dB). A difference of 3 dB. This is the comparison that many owners of the original Mavic Pro will be interested in. The new 8331 propellers offer a 3dB noise reduction for only $10. That is not a bad deal. You can buy the new 8331 propellers from DJI here.
4. The Mavic Pro Platinum without propellers – 62 dB vs. Mavic Pro without propellers – 73 dB. A difference of 11 dB. This goes to show how much more quiet the new electronic speed controllers (ESC’s) are compared to the old ones.

Design of the new DJI 8331 propellers compared to the old 8330 propellers. Photo by James Dumbrill

Why does less noise matter?

That is a good question. You as the operator of the drone will appreciate the fact that your drone now makes less noise but the real advantage is for the other people around you. Your drone will be less obtrusive and be less of an annoyance to others, which is great for everyday flying. However especially filmmakers who use the Mavic Pro Platinum will surely appreciate the reduced noise levels. TofuSan explains it best in the comments on YouTube:

Actually 3-4 db noise reduction or 60% energy decrease means 30% decrease in detection radius (sound energy is inversely proportional to the square of distance from the source). For illustration, assuming you previously need to fly 150m away from a person to avoid being heard by him, now with 3-4db decrease, you can close in to 100m from him and he still won’t hear you. That’s a big deal in terms of flying discretely.

You can check the math here.

Conclusion

If you are in the market for a new drone and the new DJI Mavic Pro Platinum fits your budget then go ahead and buy one. The Mavic Pro Platinum is an amazing drone and the reduced noise levels as well as the increased flight time of 30 minutes vs. the 27 minutes of the old Mavic Pro, make it a very attractive offering. If on the other hand you already own a Mavic Pro and are wondering if the new props would be a good upgrade, then the answer is yes. A 3dB noise reduction for only $10 is in our view a heck of a deal. You can buy them directly from DJI here. I just did the same. ;-)

Gallery

Photos by James Dumbrill