Are photographers wondering whether the Maono USB/XLR Dynamic Podcast Microphone could assist them with livestreams, YouTube podcasts, vlogging, gaming or communicating with clients? We took a closer look at this microphone so they can gain more knowledge and hear its performance themselves.
Maono PD200X USB/XLR Dynamic Podcast Microphone is an eye-catching dynamic microphone, known for its attractive glowing band of light that either remains solid color or continually changes hue, setting itself apart from most others in terms of appearance and unique feature. This unique look has quickly gained widespread acceptance among gamers and Twitch streamers.
How well does the microphone serve vloggers, photographers and content creators? I used it during several Zoom and Skype calls while testing this microphone to compare with my 2017 iMac 27″ internal microphone and HyperX Quadcast USB Microphone; here are examples of each.
Note: Maono provided us with the Maono USB/XLR Dynamic Podcast Microphone in exchange for our impartial review, but all opinions about this microphone remain entirely our own.
Pros An attractive microphone featuring an eye-catching band of various glowing lights that stands out from other microphones; with an easy gain control dial on its side for volume adjustment; an LED indicator light indicates function and volume adjustment.
Cons: Everything on the microphone is easily accessible and easy to understand; plus it can be controlled through Maono Link app for Windows, Mac, Android and Google Play (windows mobile, Android etc). However, its accessibility could limit usage at certain times of year (fall).
Self-noise can be too loud for quiet or subtle audio productions These technical specifications for the Maono USB/XLR Dynamic Podcast Microphone were taken directly from their official website.
Element Type: Dynamic microphone | Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Connectivity Options: XLR & USB-C | Bit Depth/Sample Rate Options: 24-Bit / 48kHz
Frequency Response (40Hz-16kHz) | Adjustable Gain Range (0 to +42dB)
Sensitivity Ranges (XLR: -52dBV; USB: -10.5dBFS/Pa(Max)), Max SPL is >130dB SPL.
Compatible Devices: Desktop/Laptop/Computer/Mixer/Audio Interface/PS4/PS5/MAC OS/WINDOWS,
It Is Recommened For: Podcasting, Recording, Streaming, Gaming and Video Conference.
What’s Included: Dynamic Microphone, Shock Mount, 2.5m USB-C to A/C Cable (5/8″ to 3/8″, 5/8″ Adapter), User’s Manual & 18 Months Free Warranty. Plus the Maono Link app comes equipped with PDF User’s manual!
Maono USB/XLR Dynamic Podcast Microphone Offers Ergonomics and Build Quality
Easy installation
I used the Maono microphone with my mid-2017 iMac and, upon connecting its USB plug in, it was instantly recognized in System Preferences as well as Zoom, Google Meet and Skype without needing to do anything further – quite an impressive feat for any USB microphone! Though many USB microphones work similarly seamlessly (most are plug-and-play anyway), but it was great knowing this one worked flawlessly too – hopefully using it again for Nightaxians Night Photography YouTube podcasts when we resume recording soon!
Once connected via USB, the band lights up with either dynamically changing colors or one of eight choices you can choose from.
Maono Link App When using the Maono microphone, its functions are easily accessible on its body and through their free app; many functions may even work without being connected to any wireless network at all! With the app comes access to limiters, compressors, volume controls, EQ modes, RGB light customization and one-button mutes.
My installation experience on my iMac was seamless; the app instantly recognized and controlled my microphone, so I made two recordings using Maono microphone before and after installing and using its compression/limiter features. Overall, this app is user friendly with an attractive, clean layout for ease of use.
Build Quality This microphone is intended primarily for vlogging, streaming, video podcasts and podcasts. While its metal body may withstand some wear-and-tear, its shockmount and adapter are plastic – meaning this mic may not withstand the rigorous demands of commercial recording studio environments – however its construction makes it suitable for its intended purposes – vlogging, podcasting streaming and gaming.
The dial and other buttons feel solid but slightly plasticky, with one featuring an ingenious feature: you can choose either multicolor gradients or one of eight static solid color effects by pressing its small button on it.
Notably, I should mention that the included 8.2 foot (2.5 meter) USB cable is very long and feels sturdy.
