MAONO PD100X – The BEST DYNAMIC Microphone for USB/XLR STREAMING
The Maono PD100X microphone presents itself as an economical solution for those looking for a dynamic microphone with a USB-XLR combo option. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly “cheap” structure because under a plastic body we find high-quality performance, while our review will carefully examine its performance, both as an XLR microphone with audio interface and as a USB microphone.
On offer on Amazon
The Maono PD100X box contains everything you need to quickly start your recording experience. Inside, you will find the microphone itself, featuring a sturdy plastic construction, anchored to a stand with a screw attachment for attachment to stands or rods, for example. We then find a support base to complete the stand, solid and well-designed to ensure smooth stability during recording sessions. Completing the package is a foam screen, designed to reduce unwanted noise and improve audio quality, a multilingual user manual and a USB-A/C -USB-C cable necessary for connecting the microphone when using it in USB mode, which allows the use of the RGB LEDs present in the microphone's body and all the accompanying functions.
Ease of installation is one of the strong points of this PD100X, which can be used as a USB microphone in plug-and-play mode. In case there are any difficulties in recognition by the computer, the manual provides detailed instructions to solve any problem, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free setup. Alternatively, we can use this microphone in XLR mode, requiring an interface with preamplifiers to reach adequate recording levels.
On the body of the microphone we find a gain adjustment knob that if pressed also allows you to adjust the volume of the headphones. We then find the button to mute the microphone which is touch-sensitive, convenient because compared to the clickable ones you do not feel the switch in recording. The Maono PD100X is a dynamic microphone that therefore requires a lot of push in the case of use in XLR mode, but you can use it without any dedicated sound card and without letting all the noises of the world enter into the recording. As already anticipated this is a product designed for streamers / gaming, not for those who want professional recordings. Excellent construction but very sensitive, so you do not have to touch it in recording because it echoes, so it is recommended to attach it to an arm or if you use its stand, adjustable in inclination, perhaps help yourself with a support to keep it raised from the desk, in order to avoid any micro vibrations of the PC.
The microphone capsule is located at the end of the mesh: there is not much space between the end of the capsule and the start of the sponge or grid and this means that you have to be slightly away from it to speak, better to point it to the side so that the plosives are not muffled and too present.
On the back of the microphone body, the Maono PD100X offers the XLR input, but also integrates a headphone input so you can hear speech in real time during recording with zero latency. However, we also have the Type-C connection for connecting to a PC and finally a button for controlling the RGB effects. Already just connected with the USB, the recording quality of the cardioid pattern of the PD100X is not only obvious, but so good that it quickly deflates any worries considering the price range in which the product is placed. PD100X also serenely responds to the many needs of multi-compatibility, and it is possible to use it on PC, smartphones and consoles, also thanks to the 2-in-1 cable included in the package.
This dynamic microphone delivers rich, clear voice capture with a frequency response of 40Hz-16KHz and a sampling rate of 24-bit/48KHz. Even in a noisy room, its custom cardioid capsule captures pristine audio, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your gameplay or streams.
The USB-only Maono Link software allows for additional tonal adjustments suitable for users of all skill levels. The interface is simple and easy to use, allowing you to adjust the mic gain or use a custom EQ for a tailored sound, as well as being able to reduce ambient noise, adjust the RGB lighting, apply a compressor, or even a gain limit if you tend to shout.
In the headphones you can hear a slight hiss, which is not captured if connected to a mixer while in USB mode, when we are in silence it is present with a peak of -55db/-60dB, therefore manageable and in any case totally resolvable if anchored to a stand or simply raised on some boxes, or eliminated by applying the Noise filter from the Maono Link software.
On offer on Amazon
The Maono PD100X is available at a price of €64,99 on Amazon or in a super promo on MAONO official website: priced at around $45 including shipping. While it’s not a stunning microphone, it does offer solid construction, excellent built-in EQ, and minimal latency when monitoring in USB mode. It’s aimed at those looking for a versatile microphone with a solid balance of features and price. The PD100X’s small size and light weight make it ideal for podcasters on the go, offering a reliable, portable solution when used as a USB microphone with laptops or mobile devices.
