Maono has consistently impressed me. And consistency is key for any company to grow in this market. When the customer can rely on quality, you get repeat business. A lot of the unpronounceable name companies ive seen are horribly inconsistent. Some are good some suck. Every maono mic ive used has been on point. Maybe my experience is not typical, but its been great. Mic sounds great though. A little bright but its that modern sound. For the price though… i mean… dang!
Just bought this mic, it arrived today and I was testing it out but the different EQ modes didn't seem to make a difference haha. Thought I was doing something wrong, but I didn´t really notice a difference in your review as well... anyways great video! And for people thinking of buying this mic, I would definitly recommend, also I would recommend getting the maono AU-MH601 headphones to monitor the audio with, those headphones are crazy good quality for the price I was immediatly obssed.
I still cannot find a decent replacement for my Samson Q2U. I just cant find a mic that cost wise is worth the upgrade. that aside this channel should be the only mic review channel, the quality of the video is awesome
I'm so stuck between this and the Fifine AM8. This one's slightly cheaper in my area but I need to get a boom arm so the price is almost same considering that. The audio quality in both seems to be rivalling. AM8 excels in the design while PD200X has software functionality and handles plosive better.
Get the AM8. I got this maono mic and it's very disappointing. Very resonant when you tap it, it has no touch Mute button. It is an actual push button that makes a noise in the recording. The AM8 is a much better mic.
I can't speak for the PD200X from personal experience, but I can say that I am truly amazed with the sound of the AM8. I have a fairly large collection of XLR mics running from the $37 Fifine K669D to $300 Electro-Voice RE320 to the Neumann TLM103, and I just wanted something I could plug into my computer and make a quick video or jump on a Zoom call and still sound great, and that's what it gives me. It's sensitive to handling noise and typing and such, but if you just stay quiet while it's hot it really sounds impressive.
@@ZeitreisemitKI I prefer the sound of the AM8, but the K688 is a good choice as well. If you're live streaming you might also consider which one looks better to you on camera. To me the K688's weird yoke/collar is really strange looking and is a deal breaker, but others might dig it.
I appreciate all your work in testing so many products, but I seem to have a unique situation and I'm fairly lost. What would you recommend for a usb interfaced Mic that would compliment a deep voice? I currently use the Razer Seiren mini, and I pretty much have to eat it in order for it to pick up my voice. At a Foot away, you can't hear me at all (it may be defective). I was eyeballing the AT2020+ and X, but now I'm second guessing those. Thanks in advance!
I loved the audio quality, but seems that this model is to sensitive, I already have a condenser microphone and I wanted to switch for a dynamic mic that don't capture a lot of ambient reverb. If there's someone who bought this mic, please, give me a feedback if it's a good choice to reject the ambient sound like an average dynamic or not. Thanks
Been looking for a replacement for my blue yeti. Just ordered the pd200x white, since it was actually the only one of the mics i been looking at in this price range, i could find in stock in my local area😟Was initially going for the K688. Also ordered the Elgato wave mic arm LP white, to get a more clean look on my desk😃 And it is actually cheaper atm than the am8 and k688.
A bit late to the party, but I am looking to get something new :). How does it compare to ATR2100X or Rode NT/XCM-USB mics in your opinion? My biggest concern is that my work room is quite untreated.
I have maono pd200x, when it comes to durability and sound quality, definitely pd200x. if you're more on aesthetics, maono pd200x is not bad but IN MY OPINION am8 looks better.
You can… but in USB mode it is a bit limited with dynamic range. In XLR mode, it’s fine. I would go a different route though. A handheld dynamic mic with an interface would be good.
I don't want rgb on anything honestly (sadly my PC case has it lmao) but I ended buying this one due to budget + USB-xlr option so I can still use it without soundcard and possibly using XLR later on
i must say, the fifine is also a good option as it was a slightly more unfair test between those two, as the fifine wasnt being used with an XLR cable like the maono was, but i do like tha maono just as much, great deal!
I am surprised, but also concerned that every single comparison the PD200X sounds way better, even against the SM7B, which is shocking. I'm not sure if it's post processing, or maybe the Maono app is doing some audio boosting, because it shouldn't magically sound better than most well known mics side by side, not to mention it's big brother the PD400x as well. It's uncanny.
No processing on this video at all. The only time the audio is altered in any way is when I am using the Maono app and going through their available settings. A lot of people REALLY love boosted treble frequencies and that is what they quality as “sounding good”. The Maono has a high end that makes other mics sound muffled… because it is quite boosted in the treble frequencies. It isn’t that those other mics are bad, they just have a different sound. The SM7b is a darker sounding mic, much more neutral and not as hyped in the treble frequencies. This is what people want who are going to use post processing, it is a much easier mic to manipulate in post. The Maono is cool with the different tone options in the app and is a fantastic option for people (beginner to intermediate) who want a good sounding mic out of the box with a boosted high end. I don’t know if you know much about photography, but the way I look at it is like RAW photos vs JPG photos. The Maono is a JPG, it can be great without much effort BUT if you want to change it a lot in post it will break apart and not be as good. Also, it might not work for everyone, some people might want more capabilities. The RAW photo (SM7b) can be altered and changed a lot without degrading the quality. It’s also more versatile for different kinds of people (voices) that want different options in post. Bottom line, SM7b is better from an audio production standpoint, but the Maono is great for someone who wants a lot of presence from their mic and they don’t want to make many adjustments in post.
@@AudioHotline Thanks! I guess that is true. I use a SM7dB for podcasts and a Lewitt LCT 540s for VO work. Perhaps the SM7B had lower gain? Because the comparison sounded almost night and day (maybe because I am listening with a DT 1990 Pro that do not sugarcoat anything for the most analytical sound), and i'm sure you can also just EQ the PD200x for more warmth and recess the treble a bit. What surprised me the most was the comparison with the PD400x, being the "better" mic and of the same Maono brand with the Maono app, it's unclear how PD400x sounded less detailed and muffled. Anyways, I agree with what you said, and have a wonderful day.
@Ryu_Yin nice! I still need to review the LCT 540s! I like Lewitt a lot. The comment I like most (and found the funniest 😂) describing the PD200X was “the Maono comes in like a flamethrower to my ears, burning them so that everything sounds dull in comparison.” - @tjzuppe It’s an interesting way of putting it haha but I do think there is some truth to it. The Maono has a good high end, that doesn’t come off too harsh but just adds a lot of clarity. It can make the other mics sound not as clear when they are compared right next to it. Speaking of Lewitt, I actually feel that way a little about the 440 pure and 240 pro. Not a bad thing, some people like the hyped high end, others don’t. The more I listened back to that comparison, the more the PD400X became a head scratcher. It is cool it has some more physical options… but it’s hard to justify the price difference. Thanks for the comment! Have a good one!
The k688 sounds the same in xlr and usb mode, neither offers any additional capabilities so I felt like it wasn’t really necessary. In my dedicated k688 review I switch back and forth between xlr and usb if you want to hear both!
@@AudioHotline I'm listening with AKG K72 headphones and I hear hıss and noticable interference. Maybe hıss acceptable level I dont know. I wanted to ask for make sure.
It’s definitely a better XLR mic. In USB mode the PD200X has that Maono software compatibility where you can go in and change the tone and find what sounds best for your voice. The compressor isn’t very good in that software (could change with updates), but being able to change the gain, headphones, tone, and use the limiter in the software is a nice addition that the FDUCE doesn’t have.
At this price point it will be hard to find any discernible difference, I would suggest the SM57. I mean the SM57 is used on presidential speeches, I think it's good enough for anyone at home.
Amazing Review! I've been sifting through mic reviews all day and yours is by far the best and most comprehensive. Thumbs up 🔊
Thanks so much! I appreciate that!
+1
Kinda crazy how muddy the other usb mics sounded in comparison
explain plz
Maono has consistently impressed me. And consistency is key for any company to grow in this market. When the customer can rely on quality, you get repeat business. A lot of the unpronounceable name companies ive seen are horribly inconsistent. Some are good some suck. Every maono mic ive used has been on point. Maybe my experience is not typical, but its been great. Mic sounds great though. A little bright but its that modern sound. For the price though… i mean… dang!
Absolutely dude! They keep surprising me and I am not mad about it!
Just bought this mic, it arrived today and I was testing it out but the different EQ modes didn't seem to make a difference haha. Thought I was doing something wrong, but I didn´t really notice a difference in your review as well... anyways great video! And for people thinking of buying this mic, I would definitly recommend, also I would recommend getting the maono AU-MH601 headphones to monitor the audio with, those headphones are crazy good quality for the price I was immediatly obssed.
Just got my Maono PD200X today, and was happy with the quality. Found this review the best.
I love the kitty purr test
I am about to buy this mic
and your review seems amazing to me
A comparison with the Samson Q9X would be great since they are in a similar price bracket.
I still cannot find a decent replacement for my Samson Q2U. I just cant find a mic that cost wise is worth the upgrade. that aside this channel should be the only mic review channel, the quality of the video is awesome
tbf, samson q2u is already an amazing mic. To get any kind of any tengible upgrade is probably by going 2 tier up.
I'm so stuck between this and the Fifine AM8. This one's slightly cheaper in my area but I need to get a boom arm so the price is almost same considering that. The audio quality in both seems to be rivalling. AM8 excels in the design while PD200X has software functionality and handles plosive better.
Get the AM8. I got this maono mic and it's very disappointing. Very resonant when you tap it, it has no touch Mute button. It is an actual push button that makes a noise in the recording. The AM8 is a much better mic.
I can't speak for the PD200X from personal experience, but I can say that I am truly amazed with the sound of the AM8. I have a fairly large collection of XLR mics running from the $37 Fifine K669D to $300 Electro-Voice RE320 to the Neumann TLM103, and I just wanted something I could plug into my computer and make a quick video or jump on a Zoom call and still sound great, and that's what it gives me. It's sensitive to handling noise and typing and such, but if you just stay quiet while it's hot it really sounds impressive.
I'm also thinking about getting the am8. what about the k688? I only need it for TH-cam live streaming and want to use it without an interface
@@ZeitreisemitKI K688 is great sounding but has a lot of resonant noise. You can watch the last section of Podcastage review of K688 for that.
@@ZeitreisemitKI I prefer the sound of the AM8, but the K688 is a good choice as well. If you're live streaming you might also consider which one looks better to you on camera. To me the K688's weird yoke/collar is really strange looking and is a deal breaker, but others might dig it.
I appreciate all your work in testing so many products, but I seem to have a unique situation and I'm fairly lost.
What would you recommend for a usb interfaced Mic that would compliment a deep voice?
I currently use the Razer Seiren mini, and I pretty much have to eat it in order for it to pick up my voice. At a Foot away, you can't hear me at all (it may be defective).
I was eyeballing the AT2020+ and X, but now I'm second guessing those.
Thanks in advance!
I loved the audio quality, but seems that this model is to sensitive, I already have a condenser microphone and I wanted to switch for a dynamic mic that don't capture a lot of ambient reverb. If there's someone who bought this mic, please, give me a feedback if it's a good choice to reject the ambient sound like an average dynamic or not. Thanks
Been looking for a replacement for my blue yeti. Just ordered the pd200x white, since it was actually the only one of the mics i been looking at in this price range, i could find in stock in my local area😟Was initially going for the K688. Also ordered the Elgato wave mic arm LP white, to get a more clean look on my desk😃
And it is actually cheaper atm than the am8 and k688.
Another solid review! Would you mind doing a review for the Boya BY 58 microphone? It seems like a pretty good sm58 alternative.
Absolutely great. Can you tell me how much gain for the M track Solo to get this level on the XM8500
Great review i just grabbed both from ebay for under $80
Thanks for awesome videos ❤️🔥
I think this sounds pretty dang solid for $80
I AGREE!!! I think they even dropped it down to $70 now haha
A bit late to the party, but I am looking to get something new :). How does it compare to ATR2100X or Rode NT/XCM-USB mics in your opinion? My biggest concern is that my work room is quite untreated.
Fifine Am8 or Maono Pd 200x which one will be better option for durability and for gaming livestream plss reply❤❤
I have maono pd200x, when it comes to durability and sound quality, definitely pd200x. if you're more on aesthetics, maono pd200x is not bad but IN MY OPINION am8 looks better.
Maono is the king of usb/xlr mic, followed by tonor and fifine
is it just me or did anyone hear that really high around 14000 Hz on the Xm8500 mic?
That Maono comes in like a flamethrower for my ears, burning them so that everything sounds dull in comparison 😂
That’s funny!!! I like that
can i singing with this mic ? Plz help
You can… but in USB mode it is a bit limited with dynamic range. In XLR mode, it’s fine. I would go a different route though. A handheld dynamic mic with an interface would be good.
I don't want rgb on anything honestly (sadly my PC case has it lmao) but I ended buying this one due to budget + USB-xlr option so I can still use it without soundcard and possibly using XLR later on
Brother what software would be best to use for laptop to record from two pd200x mics at same time via USB for podcast purpose
i must say, the fifine is also a good option as it was a slightly more unfair test between those two, as the fifine wasnt being used with an XLR cable like the maono was, but i do like tha maono just as much, great deal!
Does your fifine sound different from xlr to usb? In addition, does yours sound better as an xlr mic?
I am surprised, but also concerned that every single comparison the PD200X sounds way better, even against the SM7B, which is shocking. I'm not sure if it's post processing, or maybe the Maono app is doing some audio boosting, because it shouldn't magically sound better than most well known mics side by side, not to mention it's big brother the PD400x as well. It's uncanny.
No processing on this video at all. The only time the audio is altered in any way is when I am using the Maono app and going through their available settings.
A lot of people REALLY love boosted treble frequencies and that is what they quality as “sounding good”. The Maono has a high end that makes other mics sound muffled… because it is quite boosted in the treble frequencies. It isn’t that those other mics are bad, they just have a different sound. The SM7b is a darker sounding mic, much more neutral and not as hyped in the treble frequencies. This is what people want who are going to use post processing, it is a much easier mic to manipulate in post. The Maono is cool with the different tone options in the app and is a fantastic option for people (beginner to intermediate) who want a good sounding mic out of the box with a boosted high end.
I don’t know if you know much about photography, but the way I look at it is like RAW photos vs JPG photos. The Maono is a JPG, it can be great without much effort BUT if you want to change it a lot in post it will break apart and not be as good. Also, it might not work for everyone, some people might want more capabilities. The RAW photo (SM7b) can be altered and changed a lot without degrading the quality. It’s also more versatile for different kinds of people (voices) that want different options in post.
Bottom line, SM7b is better from an audio production standpoint, but the Maono is great for someone who wants a lot of presence from their mic and they don’t want to make many adjustments in post.
@@AudioHotline Thanks! I guess that is true. I use a SM7dB for podcasts and a Lewitt LCT 540s for VO work. Perhaps the SM7B had lower gain? Because the comparison sounded almost night and day (maybe because I am listening with a DT 1990 Pro that do not sugarcoat anything for the most analytical sound), and i'm sure you can also just EQ the PD200x for more warmth and recess the treble a bit. What surprised me the most was the comparison with the PD400x, being the "better" mic and of the same Maono brand with the Maono app, it's unclear how PD400x sounded less detailed and muffled. Anyways, I agree with what you said, and have a wonderful day.
@Ryu_Yin nice! I still need to review the LCT 540s! I like Lewitt a lot.
The comment I like most (and found the funniest 😂) describing the PD200X was “the Maono comes in like a flamethrower to my ears, burning them so that everything sounds dull in comparison.” - @tjzuppe
It’s an interesting way of putting it haha but I do think there is some truth to it. The Maono has a good high end, that doesn’t come off too harsh but just adds a lot of clarity. It can make the other mics sound not as clear when they are compared right next to it. Speaking of Lewitt, I actually feel that way a little about the 440 pure and 240 pro. Not a bad thing, some people like the hyped high end, others don’t.
The more I listened back to that comparison, the more the PD400X became a head scratcher. It is cool it has some more physical options… but it’s hard to justify the price difference.
Thanks for the comment! Have a good one!
SUOERB REVIEW,THATS TALENT
What is the audio interface you use?
Is this the best sounding usb dynamic mic ever made yet?
Maybe u can check fifine am8
naah am8 has no chance
@@chipmanggs9765
got this on sale for 50 dollars on amazon yesterday
Is it good for recording vocals?
so guys what you will recommend for podcast and vocals as usb mic? in this price point
Is there a reason you didn’t have the K688 on XLR mode when comparing the two or?
The k688 sounds the same in xlr and usb mode, neither offers any additional capabilities so I felt like it wasn’t really necessary.
In my dedicated k688 review I switch back and forth between xlr and usb if you want to hear both!
Which is better xlr or usb
Xlr
A lot of noise when using usb or is it just me?
200x or K688 ?
I hear interference and preamp noise, does it sound like that to you?
No preamp noise at all. What are you listening on?
@@AudioHotline I'm listening with AKG K72 headphones and I hear hıss and noticable interference. Maybe hıss acceptable level I dont know. I wanted to ask for make sure.
Pd200x vs fduce SL40 which one is better option?
I prefer the PD200X
@@AudioHotlineI think pd200x is better in xlr mode
It’s definitely a better XLR mic. In USB mode the PD200X has that Maono software compatibility where you can go in and change the tone and find what sounds best for your voice. The compressor isn’t very good in that software (could change with updates), but being able to change the gain, headphones, tone, and use the limiter in the software is a nice addition that the FDUCE doesn’t have.
@@AudioHotlinecan you tell me which effects you apply on pd200x because it's not raw voice or using Maono software
Will you suggest this over Behringer XM8500 + M-Track Solo?
At this price point it will be hard to find any discernible difference, I would suggest the SM57. I mean the SM57 is used on presidential speeches, I think it's good enough for anyone at home.
@@thenetpagan but i think for online calls or discussions, XM8500 is more than enough.
Why does pd200x sounds better on your voice than the 400x
Different mics suit or enhanced different type of voices~
BLOOOOGHHHHHH!!
xm8500 sounds way better than pd200x, pd200x super bright and harsh ,couldnt listen to long to it without my ears bleeding
They sound exactly the same
What are you listening on?
WHY DOES RGB HAVE TO BE ADDED TO EVERYTHING?! IT MAKES THE MIC LOOK SO TACKY!
Agreed. I am happy you can at least turn it off in this one
wtf...this is a cardioid mic? I thought this was dynamic.
Us
are you using a pre-amp for the mic?
How does your PD400x sound so much better than mine? Mine sounds like 5$ mic....
Are you recording on a computer? What software are you using?
Also, how far away are you from the mic?