2023-04-16 13:30:00
Virtual events, content creation, remote work… the list of scenarios that require quality audio capture today is huge and it is exactly for this reason that Maono created the PD200Xa dynamic microphone with USB-C and XLR connections, suitable for a variety of needs.
I had the opportunity to test it in the last few weeks and I bring my impressions below.
unidirectional dynamic microphone
A dynamic microphone works like an inverted speaker, transforming the signal by moving a metal coil wound around a permanent magnet affixed to a diaphragm that vibrates when sound hits it. And that is the case of the model in question. As it is unidirectional/cardioid, it is important to know that it is more sensitive to sounds picked up frontally and directly, thus reducing parallel ambient noise.
With an ultra-wide frequency response of 40Hz-16kHz, the built-in microphone capsule aims to help capture the deep bass, delicate highs and crisp mid-range that we’ll get to in a moment.
Unboxing
The compact box presents the microphone and its features. Inside, protecting the microphone, we have a kind of foam cocoon.
The microphone is already mounted on your shock mount. The rest of the contents include the USB-C to USB-A/C cable, the 5/8” to 3/8” adapter (for the stand) and the manual.
manual is available [PDF] in English, German, Chinese and Japanese. Maono also sent an articulated arm and an XLR cable that are sold separately or in kit format on its website.
Construction
Made of metal, the microphone has three buttons: a multifunctional one that adjusts the microphone gain (green light) or the audio of the headphone (blue), which can be connected to it; and a microphone mute button (the light around the multi-function button will turn red when activated).
At the bottom, where the USB-C/XLR cable is connected, there is a P2 output for headphones (which allows you to get a return, that is, follow what is being recorded without latency) and the third button, used to turn on On/off and custom LED available — press and hold for two seconds to activate color swapping and change with each new press between white, RGB, or a constantly changing pattern.
The microphone is beautiful, modern and brings a sober profile, and can be changed according to your color selection, thanks to the RGB lights – which can be activated / deactivated and customized with a touch of a button or through the Maono Link application.
Vision Link
The free downloadable Maono Link app can be used to turn on/off and customize one of the nine available lighting colors. The app also has an audio utility, equalizer, limiter and compressor for adjustments when used digitally, with the USB cable.
For now, unfortunately, Maono has no plans to release a mobile version of the utility.
audio quality
To test the quality, I made three QuickTime recordings on my Mac. All three excerpts were made without any improvement or effect, and the recordings were made in the same room, with the air conditioning on.
The results were quite significant in the tests carried out. Oh, and if you followed the MacMagazine no Ar #521, my audio recording was done with it.
Conclusion
The Maono PD200X microphone is available on the Maono website and costs US$79; on AliExpress, it leaves for R$434. In addition to the black version, which I received, it also has a white one.
Considering the quality of the microphone, including its construction, ease of use, the software that complements its use, and its price, we found it to be good value for money.
As always, it is worth remembering that the quality of the captured audio may vary depending on the environment and the acoustic treatment performed (or not) on the recorded material.
If you are looking for a microphone for the purpose presented by the manufacturer with its product — virtual events, content creation, remote work, games… —, the PD200X is an excellent option!
Did you already know Maono? Interested in this model? Be sure to participate in the comments! ????️
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