The Maono PD200x - versus EVERYBODY for the XLR/USB Title!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- The Maono PD200x XLR/USB flirts with perfection for any expectations of a mic at just $72.99 or did we find...a fatal flaw in the noise rejection????? An in-depth mic comparison against many of the popular XLR/USB mics, as we go to extreme lengths to find the weaknesses of this mic!
Maono PD200x - amzn.to/46u1pFD
This video is not sponsored, I was not paid to make this video, and Maono DID NOT provide this mic for this review. I bought the PD200x to review at the request of my viewers to see just how good this mic really is against a loaded competition. Lets have some fun, and put this mic through the ringer!
Vocaster One Interface: amzn.to/3rgXo7l
Zoom Podtrak P8 interface: amzn.to/3D1XphU
other mics in this video:
Samson Q9u: amzn.to/46kG4OH
Shure SM7B: amzn.to/42UsDC3
Shure MV7: amzn.to/3piy93U
Maono PD400X: amzn.to/42ZQfp0
fifine K688: amzn.to/42Q8kpD
fifine AM8: amzn.to/3CGUmLQ
Donner UA-44: amzn.to/3K74jXp
Maono HD300T: amzn.to/3JstqTT
Maono PD100u: amzn.to/3XBIJQ6
Camera used in the video:
Sony ZV-E10 - amzn.to/3MSHSHm
Lenses Used to make this video:
Sigma 16mm F1.4 Sony E-Mount Lens - amzn.to/3V1rJSh
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Sony E-Mount Lens - amzn.to/3L7IW99
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
2:45 - Build & features
3:29 - in XLR mode - default settings/no processing
4:41 - in USB Mode - default settings/original
5:18 - USB mode & Maono Audio app
5:25 - USB mode - with processing/EQ presets
8:41 - USB - FiFine AM8 mic comparison
9:10 - USB - Maono PD100u comparison
9:29 - USB - Donner UA-44 comparison
9:58 - USB - Fifine k688 comparison
10:25 - USB - Maono PD400x comp.
10:55 - USB - Samson Q9U comparison
11:36 - USB - Shure MV7 Comparison
12:52 - First impressions (USB)
13:56 - XLR comparisons - Vocaster/CLEAN with NO EQ!
14:11 - XLR - Fifine k688 comparison
14:24 - XLR - Maono PD400x Comparison
15:01 - XLR - Samson Q9U comparison
15:21 - XLR - Shure MV7 Comparison
16:10 - XLR - Donner UA-44 Comparison
16:41 - XLR - SM7B comparison
17:45 - Final Thoughts (XLR Mode)
17:57 - Found it's Fatal FLAW!!!!
18:27 - likes/dislikes
20:30 - Darth Vader's Microphone?
22:10 - USB vs XLR audio
22:51 - Conclusion - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
It's crazy how good these maono and fifines are getting
Agree, I would declare myself a fan of Maono microphones
We’re getting spoiled!!! Lol.
Yep. Just ordered one of these yesterday. Excited! Plan to use for streaming into my remote ham radio setup. Should be interesting.
amazing video and review, thank you !
Awesome comparison and review. I've been eyeing this one for a while and I think it's time to grab one
Incredible review. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I appreciate it!!
Great, fun and thorough review!
Thank you!!!
by far the most underrated channel. much respect for you sir! keep it going!
Thank you!!! Just trying to have some fun AND have an excuse to tell my wife why I need to have 400 microphones. Lol.
@@levelupwithmikenewman HAHAHAHA yeah man It's a smart idea ngl
My man you got skills! You can sell a cloud back to the sky. Fantastic comparison especially with the Fifine. Upgrading from MXL990 to these. I'd love to send you a review of a podcast with 4 person panel using this recommended Maono PD200x.
That would be great!!! 👍🏻
When is microphone showed up at my house I pulled it out of the box I saw it was really small and lightweight and I thought oh no, I was kind of expecting the worst, but I plugged it into the audio interface in spoken to it with some studio monitor headphones on and I said wait a second this sounds nice.... If you like the broadcast sound you can't beat this when looking at the price at often sells for. Great review
Many thanks for the video. Your voice testing phrase is so funny and practical :)
Thank you! 😃
@levelupwithmikenewman I just received it yesterday.
Your video quality and audio is great, during the whole video I thought I was watching a 1M suscribers youtuber.
Wow, thank you! Hopefully 1M subs would be amazing, but if I can get to 100k someday….ill be dancing in a video! 🤣🤪 thanks for the kind words!!!
great mic!!🥰 I think I buy it a try
It’s a great mic, and the app to use with it to eq the mic in usb mode is great too. You’re gonna love it
The donner sounds really nice... dark but not muddy
Nice video!
Thanks !!
Hey, what if I connect both the Xlr to my soundboard. And the usb to my PC. So for the mic pick up which quality does it broadcast? The xlr or usb?
Finally released it. Glad you considered it !
Just love it! Great unique sound,
@levelupwithmikenewman what gain do you think is appropriate for this mic when doing voiceovers or product reviews, like what you're dojng
@@F01L I try to keep my DB levels consistent at -12db with my peaks at -6 db in davinci Resolve to be just under the clip level for your highs and my background music I try to keep at -30db.
@levelupwithmikenewman I mean in the maono link software, do you recommend turning the compressor and limiter on? If so at what decibel and what mic gain on the app do you think sounds the best?
@@F01L software app I had my gain set to 40, limiter activated, but at zero and compressor I like to leave at 5. I think anything more than five and it affects your audio in a negative way.
Between the PD200x, PD400x, and the Samson Q9U? Which one do you prefer for streaming, voice over, singing if you can only buy 1 microphone?
18:13 Hi Mike, I know you're busy, but could you please suggest microphones that can effectively eliminate background noise using USB or XLR out of the box? I live in a city with a lot of noise from a nearby mall and highway, and it's a constant challenge when recording audio. Despite being used to the city noise, it becomes a significant issue during recordings, and even at night, the background noise is high. I've been relying on multiple noise compression filters and audio plugins, but before investing in a new dynamic microphone, I want to ensure it's worth the money. Your opinion or a guide video on this topic would be greatly appreciated. If there's already a video I missed, could you share the link? Thanks!
The best in my opinion at rejecting background noise and city noises that is in your price range that is xlr & usb is the Samson Q9u. It pulls from a lot of the traits of the $400 microphones with build quality, plosives, and off axis rejection and has a mute button right on the mic that works in both USB and XLR mode which is great.
I will say for noise rejection, on noisy days in my studio where I have neighbors cutting grass, kids out front and the fire department sounding alarms while trying to get a video done
My go to mics in the order-
1.Earthworks Ethos
2. Earthworks SR117
3. SM7B
4. LS-208
5 shure sm57 with is hyper-cardiod polar pattern.
These are all xlr mics, price aside - but if it’s noisy out I would go with these or wait to record at night when everybody goes to bed and the city gets quiet.
The Fifine AM8 in USB mode sounds VERY similar to the Maono PD400X in XLR mode. Strange anomaly, but awesome for anyone looking for a great value dynamic mic!
What about the PD 200 X versus the NZXT capsule mini. I haven’t seen anyone compare those and i am wondering which to get.
Does the dual output (USB & XLR) of PD200X operate alternately or can they be used simultaneously? If they can be used simultaneously, is it possible as a backup in case one of them encounters an issue? How about AM8? Can the USB & XLR be used simultaneously? I appreciate your assistance.
Both work simultaniously, and without unwanted noise like some other mics with this feature can give you.
i want to put forth this question and hope you answer it, how do you record your voice after plugging the microphone into the computer. I mean to ask what software do you use to record the audio? and if you hse any enhancements pre-or-post processing, what are they? hope you answer.
I use OBS, with noise suppression filter and limiter adjusted to 2db
What's your thoughts on the PD100u in comparison to this PD200x? Thanks!
If you really like the dark- broadcast - sound out of your mic, I think the PD 100u gets you there, but it’s more sensitive to handling sounds and more susceptible to plosives. So I would mount it on a boom arm or a mic, stand straight off the floor and throw a pop filter on it and you’re golden. The PD 200 X won’t require as much attention for clean audio and it also gives you headphone monitoring which the other does not.
thanks very much. So many budget options. I'm planning to upgrade from my old audio technica ATR2500. Can you recommend one for my podcast/voice over need? PD200x/ PD400x/ K688/ AM8/ or any other mics? @@levelupwithmikenewman
MAAAN I LOVE THE RGB TAKE. SAME!
If this mic didn't have that big gain knob on it would have been an instant buy for me
Im with ya! - the "Almost" - in "almost perfect".....is the Gain knob !!! but at least they made it not as in your face with it as some other mics. So close to being perfect for what I want out of a mic. SO CLOSE!
If they ever make a strictly XLR version like the MV7x or Q9Ux I'm all in! Take my kidney..first born kid, take it all! Just make it happen Maono!
I currently have the zingyou zy-ua2 microphone for a online radio station, and I am rather disappointed with how it sounds, however have been eyeing the Maono PD200x, I am not knowledgeable enough to run it in XLR mode, but the usb and that deep rich sound, think it is time I upgrade myself.
It is a great value purchase, especially now that the price has dropped! The companion app that you can use in usb mode is great entry level way to change up the tone of the mic too!
which is better upgrade from fifine k658? maono pd200x or fifine k688 or am8?
Personally I put the pD200x ahead of the other two. K688 is great but a little muddy, AM8 sounds great out of the box, but EXTREMELY sensitive to desk bumps/noises from boom arm, touching
In your opinion between the fifine k688 and the maono pd200x which one is actually better for streaming and recording?
The I like the PD200x better personally, especially with better plosive rejection, and not as sensitive to handling noise.
@@levelupwithmikenewman Thanks 👍
Great video! 😊
By the way! Any idea about how good it is for singing?
Not a vocalist, but I love the low end it brings, and people who sing higher keys it could see it doing well. Darker voices I think so better with condenser mics that are brighter and less muddy.
@@levelupwithmikenewman thank you for the information 😊 subed!
@@sempopo THANKS! WELCOME TO THE FAM!!!!
@@levelupwithmikenewman 🙇♂️
Great review Mike! My only thing is,..like so many of these types of reviews....the praises will be sung but in about 2 weeks I bet I will see you back using the Shure SM7B and the Maono will be long since forgotten. lol. It's just a sad fact. It seems to be the way it is.
I am curious,...I have a Maono PD400X that is quite nice and I use it for mainly work calls etc....as my podcast mic is done with an RE20.....can you honestly tell me that you prefer the Maono PD200X over the 400X??????????? That seems odd since Maono charges double for the 400X (aka 200X's big brother). I'm just curious. I thought the 200x sounded good on you just as the 400x did but had to laugh since the 400x seems to have vanished into obscurity in favor for your Shure SM7B. See what I mean?
On a side note,....I get that you are doing reviews and just because you sing high praises about some particular mic doesn't mean that you are locked in with having to use it as your forever mic. Trust me,...I get it. I just would LOVE to one day see ANY reviewer on TH-cam test out a mic and love it so much that they actually DO replace their previous mic with it moving forward.
Also,...I'm not one to get too high and mighty either as I admittedly have been eyeing an ETHOS mic and yet I already have what I consider to be my forever mic in the RE20. It's a sickness.
I see your point will all these mic reviewers out there. I will say this, my favorite mic to use, is the Lewitt LCT 240 pro. OMG that is my precious baby! I really want an RE20 mic because that crisp clear sounds is what I REALLY love, and nobody can do it like the RE20. But my budget on this channel isn't quite there yet to justify the purchase since rarely do people ever ask what a mic sounds like compared to a RE20. When I do live streams on facebook/youtube for my facebook channel, or other content that doesn't involve tech, the Lewitt (Video Podcasts as a guest on other channels, commercials, etc) and the K688d (audio only faith-based podcasts) are my two go-to mic. I have avoided using the Shure Sm7b in any of my videos on this channel until recently (finally caving in with the the last two) because viewers always wanting to hear whatever mic you review sounds like when compared to it. So I make it a point to have it in a video now at some point during the review just so people can hear the two, and hopefully, use the video as proof that you do not need it to start a podcast with it to sound good. It is more of a:
"see...., choosing a budget mic over a SM7B inst what you think.... you don't go from great audio to bad audio by selecting a budget mic, you just go a crazy expensive mic to an affordable one and 98% of your audience will never care or even know what mic you are using if they can't see it on the screen. So as long as your video are informative and entertaining."
Trust me when I say I get more excited about using a mic that nobody really knows over a SM7b everyday. I love the sound of the PD400x, I just don't like the look of the "whack-a-mole" knob on my mics unless the microphone finds a way to hide it within the design. (In my opinion ) I think it is the second-most articulate and clear mic behind my Lewitt LCT 240 Pro. Just brings home the bacon when you need crisp clear audio out of a dynamic mic when it is too noisy for a condenser Mic. I think the new Rode Podmic USB might give the PD400x a run for its money as the most clear dynamic mic that I have tested, but it is down to personal preference when they are that close.
As far as mics on my videos, I always change them up, I don't stick with any mic too long because I have GAS issues...(Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and enjoy using different mics more than I enjoy any specific mic. I have 5 mics in my rotation for videos as of now:
1. Lewitt LCT 240 Pro, 2. Fifine k669D, 3. Shure MV7, 4. Maono PD400x,
and Now the PD200x will get thrown into my video intro rotation for sure. The others I use just for mic reviews, but never podcasts, or livestreams.
I love mics too much to not change them up. Mics are like t-shirts, travel coffee mugs, and fishing poles, or dinner. I love to pick something different every time!
I don't do this for the money, I spend more than I bring in, so I only like to make videos for mics I am excited about, and don't make them for the mics that don't move the needle in some way for me.
Thanks for the comment! I appreciate the convo! Great stuff! The RE20 and the PD400x - MONEY baby!
@@levelupwithmikenewmanso if we ignore the knobs and lights is the pd400x a proper step up from the pd200x? Also, I know the 400 has the dsp doing the processing in the mic, had the 200 got the same, or is it doing it on the pc?
@@45KevinR absolutely the PD400x is a dynamic mic that performs like a condenser mic, brighter and more clear. Honestly, it is definitely a quality mic in the next tier. The knob is the only thing that bugs me…love how it resembles the Rode Podmic USB, with bright clear sound. If you are ok with the price…it’s a great buy!!!
@@45KevinR also,
DSP in on both mics
@@levelupwithmikenewman I just bought pd200x few days ago, and I like it, but after seeing this video and watching your review of 400x I found 400x with good discount and bought it. because in this video, especially in xlr mode, it sound great! bit too sibilant, yes, but when I saw in your review that it comes with thick windscreen I was sold! It really does sound smoother than 200x on your voice, I hope i'll work as good for mine. Thanks for great video!
How you feelin about this mic the PD200X VS The PD400X? Which do you prefer and is it an upgrade goin from the PD200X or is it just wasting extra money?
The both have egual value to me but for different reasons. The PD400x is more bright/crisp clear out of the box, better build quality. The maono PD200x has more of the radio/broadcast profile, and a better price but that is because of the build quality not being on the level of the PD400x.
If you like a darker sound - pD200x , brighter more articulate sound pd400x. I do not have a deep voice so I personally would go PD200x if I wanted some help, if I had a deeper voice I would go PD400x because it will complement your natural lows with its great high mid and high end.
Hope this helps.
I will tell you this, which ever make you get you can easily EQ the way you want it. You’re going to be very happy with either one.
@@levelupwithmikenewman solid reply thanks man appreciate it, also love the vids
@@ExOhz thank you! Welcome to the Level Up family!!
What XLR interface would you recommend to record a Podcast with two PD 200X mics? Using a Mac Book Pro as the computer
Depends on your budget. I am a huge fan of the Vocaster one and Duo for its ease of use and built in gain. Vocaster one is $99 the duo I think has come down to $149. They are great and you use any mic regardless of how gain hungry it is.
The Duo would be a better option if there will be two mics on the podcast correct?@@levelupwithmikenewman
@@korrdelljiles5513 the duo will give you two mics. If you need 3-4 mics I would get one of these
1. Tascam Mixer (affordable and reliable)
2. Podtrak P8 is great ( I had one myself for 2 years) for audio only podcasts, it struggled with audio that would stay synched with my video when recording both into OBS in 4k, but worked fine in just 1080p workflows.
3. Rodecaster Pro 2 - the best, but also most expensive.
Thank you so much for the help!
@@levelupwithmikenewman
what would be your pref settings for having a higher pitched voice?
I love the neutral, flatter sound. Gives higher pitched voices some cover. The warmer tone helps too, but it will give you a broadcasting, authoritative sound more than a personal, “hey you’re missing out on what I say if you don’t stay” type sound.
@@levelupwithmikenewman Nice i'm going to be using this mainly for discord upgrading from a snowball ice after 6y so hopefully the software and everything works smoothly with discord haha and lets hope it lasts aslong first time buying maono.
@@Raeraeiscooleri’m not trying to sound like i’m bursting your bubble here, but for discord this mic will sound perfectly fine. Not because of the mic itself, but discord tends to not have the best sound quality so most mics around this price range and even a bit more expensive will sound similar. Basically you are going to be so happy with this mic if the reason you got it was for price and mainly discord. srry for the paragraph lmao
This vs the k688 I can’t decide
They are both great for spoken word. You won’t be disappointed with either. The Maono has an app you can download to EQ your sound in USB mode, but you can always use the OBS filters to do that too. I like the Maono PD200x on my voice better, but my son who is 20, LOVES the k688 more. I feel the pD200x is a touch better with handling sensitivity as well.
Does the mic comes with the software?
You download the free app from the maono website. Then when you open the software, plug in the mic and it pops up as the mic you want to use and you are off and running.
I was waiting for the PD200x, so the main question K668 or PD200x? I just don't like the mute button on the PD200x, because I think that causes "clicks" over the sound, instead of the PD400x/K668 mute button that is kind of touch, am I right? The PD200x specs are similar, but Maono microphones have better sample rate, I like that, but not sure if that worths the choice over a K668. What do you think?
Yes. The mute on the pD200x is “clicky”. That is why I love the maono app. You can click the mute button on the app. But if you prefer to mute your mics with the physical button, that click will be there. Other than that, the PD200X just runs away from the k688 in the areas that I value the most in a mic. The PD400x is really nice with its clarity, and the ability to use the app as well, just doesn’t have the low end that the PD200X has. But that can be EQ’ed in if you really value that touch-to-mute sensor/buttons 👍🏻
@@levelupwithmikenewman Other things I noticed:
- Seems like PD100u sounds better than the PD200x, but not sure if more like a samsung Q9 sound.
- Donner UA-44 and FDUCE SL40 are the same? Tonor seems to be using same components on TD510
- K668 sounds clear, PD200x has better mids, but I'm still surprised by PD100u.
Great review, as usual. I really like your content.
@@levelupwithmikenewman Can I bind mic off button in maono software?
@@x7ite143 not that I know of…
@@levelupwithmikenewman ok, thanks ;
Great video. Have you ever tried the fduce sl40 usb/xlr?
Now but can't wait though....it's developed quite an underground following! I just ordered it yesterday...its on the way for a Tonor UA-44 vs Fduce battle!
@@levelupwithmikenewman a FDUCE vs Tonor TD510 battle please!
@@RoverWire oh man…the Tonor 510 - amazing build quality and the love the look, but it seems so basey and USB needs SOOOOO much work! Lol.
The I just watched a new video by Bandrew yesterday from podcastage and he absolutely destroyed it lol.
I think the FDuce would wipe the floor with it. Lol.
I think the Mackie EM99B is much better than the FDuce. But again that's just my own opinion based on my own ears.
@@ToddDolce I don’t know how the em99b works but the fduce’s price is still an incredible “pro”. The fduce has 2 different sounds one with the xlr cable another one with the usb connection. It’s like having 2 mics. I really like it but my voice needs the fduce usb “warm and bass” touch.
What model headphones are you wearing?
The Rode NTH-100. Great quality, neutral profile. Extremely comfortable
@@levelupwithmikenewman Thank you!
What EQ you using for the mic?
In default -no eq, on eq/processing was on the Vocaster hub in Radio, Clean, warm, and bright for preset EQ’ing.
I have been working on finding a go-to EQ setting for this mic, haven’t got it exact to where I like it, but I boost my high mid like 3 db, lower my highs 3db, and my low mids are lowered 2db. I leave my lows alone so far. I will post here again when I get my set-up dialed in. I will see I simply try to make the mic a tad brighter to grab some clarity in my mid high end. Here is the sound with this EQ so far in the beginning of my Mackie EM99B review
th-cam.com/video/02EpHomeOZ4/w-d-xo.html
I don't know why but my DAW can't read it. via USB is useless for me.
..also it is ambient noise friendly which I didn't expect for a cardioid polar pattern microphone.
I just bought this mic tbh, first one for me
Even 'budget' ones are expensive when you live in developing nations 😢😢
Its amazing value when you consider the performance and companion app! Glad to hear that you snagged one!!! You're going to love it!
How to enhance voice quality of Maono pd 200x mic
In usb mode you can use the Maono app and it gives you settings to adjust the audio in both beginner and intermediate levels, and you can go to the Filters in the audio input of OBS and use a 3 band equalizer to adjust the sound there as well if you have an audio interface that doesn’t have processing available
@@levelupwithmikenewman it's not connecting with phone, how to connect with phone
Which one is best for use K688 or PD200x
For me the PD200x. Less muddy, plus you have the Maono app as an audio interface to use in USB mode, FiFine is great for spoken spoken word, but I give the PD200x the edge there too.
I didn't know young Steve Buscemi was doing microphone reviews LOL
He was a legend in Armageddon!!!! 🤣😎🤣
@@levelupwithmikenewman lmao yeah, he was!
To be fair..... Heard you clearly over the lawnmower 🤷
I know!! I was really upset. I worked so hard setting up that rig for that shot, and my neighbor (who is my father in law) was watching me do it from his deck with a quizzical look on his face. Lol. You were n’t supposed to hear me at all and yet it STILL did really good at picking out my voice over the lawnmower. 😂🤣🤪
Just bought my PD200x on sale for 50 dollars, for the price it wins for me
Can’t argue the steal you’re getting at $50 for it, awesome value for the performance!