Products
Published on 15 Apr 2025
Jamie Collier
Review: DJI Zenmuse S1 and V1 drone payloads
DJI launches Zenmuse S1 spotlight and V1 speaker for DJI M350/M300 RTK. Ideal for public safety, search and rescue, and other commercial drone operations.
DJI has launched two new payloads for the DJI M350 and M300 RTK: The Zenmuse S1 spotlight and Zenmuse V1 loudspeaker.
Must be used with the DJI RC Plus.
The Zenmuse S1 features four light modes—low beam, high beam, both-on, and strobe—for flexible lighting in dark or complex environments.
The Zenmuse V1 delivers voice messages up to 500 metres with a maximum output of 127 dB SPL—ideal for clear aerial communication.
The payloads are designed to enhance visibility and communication in critical operations.
Ideal for search and rescue, infrastructure inspections, emergency response, and public event management.
Contact the heliguy™ team to learn how to integrate these payloads into your drone operations.
DJI has released its first spotlight and loudspeaker payloads for the DJI M350 RTK and M300 RTK—the Zenmuse S1 and Zenmuse V1.
Designed to support missions such as search and rescue, industrial inspections, and event security, these payloads expand what your M350 and M300 RTK can do in the field. At launch, they are only compatible with the DJI RC Plus.
In this blog, we’ll cover their key features and typical applications.
Key features at a glance
Take a look at the table below for a quick overview of the Zenmuse S1 and V1’s key features, or watch DJI's video for a visual summary.
Payload | Overview |
|---|---|
Zenmuse S1, Searchlight. | Multiple light modes for different scenarios. High brightness with low power consumption. Compact design and flexible installation. Designed for durability and ease of use. |
Zenmuse V1, Voicespeaker. | Multiple voice broadcasting modes. High volume with long-range coverage. Directional audio capture with noise reduction. Accurate control with targeted voice output. |
DJI’s first loudspeaker for multi-payload drones: A deeper dive
The DJI Zenmuse V1 is the brand’s first dedicated loudspeaker payload for the Matrice 300 and 350 RTK Series, designed to deliver clear, powerful audio over long distances.
Whether you're managing public events, enhancing emergency response, or boosting safety awareness, the V1 ensures your message is heard—clearly and precisely.
Core Functions
Powerful Audio Delivery:
Broadcasts voice messages up to 500 metres away.
Delivers sound at 127 dB SPL, equivalent to a jet engine at take-off.
Ideal for search and rescue, crowd control, and public safety operations.
Multiple Broadcasting Modes:
Record messages and play them instantly via the remote controller.
Import and play pre-recorded files (MP3, AAC, WAV).
Supports TTS (Text-to-Speech) with adjustable tone and speech rate.
Clear, Directional Sound:
Directional audio capture with noise reduction for crystal-clear recordings.
Supports gimbal following and pitch synchronisation to aim sound precisely at the target area.
Great for delivering messages in focused zones during missions.
Flexible and Reliable Operation:
Lightweight (690g), compact, and easy to install on any gimbal port of the M300/M350 (upward or downward).
Built-in protections for overheating, overcurrent, and load temperature.
Includes hearing protection notifications for ground teams when the volume exceeds 40% during pre-flight.
User-Friendly Design:
Remote controller shortcut keys for quick recording and playback.
Compatible with H30 Series gimbals for seamless integration.
The Zenmuse V1 gives operators reliable, real-time communication in the field, improving efficiency and safety across demanding environments.
It’s a major upgrade for missions requiring clear voice projection—especially when working in challenging terrain or remote locations.
DJI’s first spotlight for multi-payload drones: A closer look
The DJI Zenmuse S1 is the brand’s first dedicated payload-level spotlight for the M300 and M350 RTK Series, designed to dramatically improve visibility during low-light operations.
With a range of light modes, impressive brightness, and seamless integration with camera systems, it’s a powerful tool for search and rescue, public safety, and inspection missions.
Lighting Performance & Modes
The Zenmuse S1 offers four distinct light modes to suit a range of tasks.
Mode | Overview | Impact |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 15° field of view (FOV), and 13 lux at 100 metres. | Ideal for short-range search and inspection, as it covers the camera’s 5× or higher zoom view. |
High Beam | Laser Excited Phosphor (LEP) technology. 4° FOV and 30 lux at 100 metres. | Strong penetration and extended range. Covers the camera’s 15× or higher zoom view. |
Both-on | Combines low and high beams. | Covers both near and far fields with improved centre brightness Illumination distance up to 500 metres. |
Strobe | 5Hz flashing light. | Designed for emergency and safety scenarios that require attention. |
Key Functional Advantages
Powerful Illumination:
Max centre brightness of 35 lux at 100 metres.
Effective support for long-range visual operations.
Rated power is 68W; high beam uses just 17W.
Smart Gimbal Integration:
Supports gimbal follow and camera linking.
Tracks the field of view of compatible camera payloads (like the H30 series).
Automatically follows objects, maintaining continuous light coverage.
Operational Safety:
Eye safety features include brightness limiting before take-off.
Plastic casing keeps surface temperature under 50°C.
Low-risk (IEC 62471 Risk Group 1) for ground personnel.
Installation and Compatibility
Can be mounted on any gimbal port of the M300 or M350.
Works alongside other payloads like camera sensors and the Zenmuse V1 speaker.
Compact and lightweight: 125 × 152 × 171 mm, 760g.
The Zenmuse S1 combines powerful lighting, low power consumption, and integrated control to improve mission visibility, efficiency, and safety—especially in challenging environments.
For operations in low light, it’s a key tool to elevate the capability of your M300 or M350 drone setup.
Night Vision mode displayed on DJI RC Plus.
Industry applications: Voice and light support for critical missions
The Zenmuse V1 loudspeaker and S1 spotlight enhance the capability of the M300 and M350 RTK drones, enabling effective support for missions in public safety, emergency response, inspections, and security operations.
Together, they deliver clear communication and powerful illumination—improving situational awareness, operational safety, and overall mission success across a range of professional applications.
Search & rescue missions
In search and rescue scenarios, drones equipped with both payloads can illuminate wide areas at night and broadcast clear instructions to missing or stranded individuals.
This combination enhances visibility and ensures timely, accurate communication—critical in low-light or high-stress environments.
Public event management
During public events or traffic incidents, the loudspeaker helps manage crowds, deliver real-time updates, and issue safety messages from above, while the spotlight improves scene visibility for emergency crews or security teams.
Industrial inspections
For infrastructure inspections and utility repairs, especially at night, the spotlight allows for precise lighting of powerlines or hard-to-reach areas, while the speaker can be used to coordinate ground teams. In routine patrols across industrial zones or restricted areas, drones can use the spotlight for visual monitoring and the loudspeaker to issue warnings or deter unwanted activity.
Summary
The Zenmuse V1 loudspeaker and S1 spotlight bring powerful new capabilities to the M300 and M350 RTK platforms—enhancing visibility, communication, and mission efficiency across a wide range of industries.
Whether you're managing a public event, conducting a night-time search and rescue, or inspecting critical infrastructure, these payloads are designed to support your operation with clarity and control.
To learn more or to order your speaker and searchlight, contact the heliguy™ team today for expert advice and tailored support.
